dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-07--How grandparents are stepping in to help with remote learning

Christine Radogno would indulge her grandkids and her inner child in arts and crafts , playing cards , watching movies and not a whole lot of house rules .
But while their schools are closed , a visit with Grandma and Grandpa is n't all fun and games anymore .
`` Now you 've got to sit down and do four workbook pages , '' the former state lawmaker said .
Harried working families are becoming increasingly reliant on grandparents to help with virtual learning in the age of COVID-19 .
As virus cases rise in Illinois , more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the fall , or nearly 31 % of the 848 school districts surveyed by the state board of education .
The shift has forced grandparents to supervise full-on digital learning while their adult children manage professional obligations .
For a generation taught with blackboards and chalk , retirees and empty nesters find themselves troubleshooting technical glitches , navigating a head-spinning array of learning platforms and trying to recreate a structured learning environment from their kitchen table .
It 's been a big adjustment for Radogno , a former state Senate Republican leader @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her time between Lemont and Arizona .
`` That change in the relationship , I find , is the most challenging thing , '' she said .
With her interest in education policy and the chance to spend more time with her three grandkids in Arizona , Radogno , 67 , gladly volunteered to ease the burden on her daughter , Becky , a nurse , and her son-in-law , who works at a car dealership .
But about a month into the school year , learning through a screen remains a challenge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ granddaughters , who are still developing computer skills .
`` Just watching them try to do a drag-and-drop movement or create a text box , it 's painful , '' she said .
`` They just do n't have the physical skill to do that on a laptop . ''
Radogno oversees virtual learning with the twins , Sloane and Reese .
Her husband , Nunzio , 68 , a retired attorney , hovers over the computer with their grandson , Knox , a third-grader .
`` My understanding is there 's a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resources , but getting to them is not seamless , '' Radogno said .
`` It takes a lot of clicking and new passwords .
It is cumbersome to say the very least . ''
But `` the inequity of the situation '' is what worries her the most .
She 's keenly aware of families who ca n't afford day care or struggle to provide the individual attention to keep students engaged in online materials .
`` I am looking at the difficulty of pulling this off , both in terms of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Anybody that does n't have tremendous supports is going to be in a very difficult situation , and we talk about equity in education , if we do n't get these kids back , that is going to become an insurmountable gulf , in my opinion . ''
Connie Landwehr , a retired teacher from Arlington Heights , knows the new dynamic well .
Two to three days a week , she sits side-by-side with her grandson -- an outgoing , talkative and strong-willed child -- while he does virtual classroom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I do n't go far away because if I do , he 's off in another planet , '' Landwehr said .
`` He 's a typical kindergartner . ''
He 's in a dual language kindergarten class in Palatine Township Elementary School District 15 .
The 5-year-old has virtual face-to-face time with his teacher from 7:50 until 11:30 a.m. , and then after lunch , he has assignments on the Seesaw learning app .
Since school started on Aug. 19 , sometimes they ca n't access links or run into other technical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have two hours worth of activities in the afternoon , but it does n't usually last that long , Landwehr said .
As backups , Landwehr has ordered flash cards , and her daughter-in-law , a human resources professional , purchased workbooks .
`` You just have to be flexible and you have to be willing to figure out what to do , '' she said .
Their mantra ?
`` We do what we can . ''
`` Hopefully , he and I will develop even a better relationship , and we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Landwehr said .
Suzanne Hlotke and her family in Carol Stream made the `` hard decision '' to send her granddaughter , 5 , to a day care center supervising her remote learning while Hlotke awaits hip surgery and her daughter goes to work .
`` Those people are saints , '' she said .
But Hlotke still has to know how to connect to the Seesaw platform , a digital library and a parent portal on top of keeping track of all the school emails .
Radogno reassures her grandkids their new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with their teacher virtually less than two hours a day , but the rest of the time is spent with Radogno on math , reading and phonics .
`` At least we know the material , '' she said .
`` Thank goodness I 'm not doing high school algebra . ''

How grandparents are stepping in to help with remote learning
"It's almost too much to ask a third-grader to sit all day at a computer," former state Sen. Christine Radogno says of her grandson, Knox, who is learning remotely in Arizona. Courtesy of Christine Radogno
Her grandson, Knox, has more screen time during the school day than his younger siblings, Christine Radogno says. Her husband, Nunzio, oversees his virtual learning. Courtesy of Christine Radogno
Former state Sen. Christine Radogno of Lemont supervises remote learning for her twin granddaughters while her daughter and son-in-law work. "I would say they are extremely grateful." Courtesy of Christine Radogno
Christine Radogno would indulge her grandkids and her inner child in arts and crafts, playing cards, watching movies and not a whole lot of house rules.
But while their schools are closed, a visit with Grandma and Grandpa isn't all fun and games anymore.
"Now you've got to sit down and do four workbook pages," the former state lawmaker said.
Harried working families are becoming increasingly reliant on grandparents to help with virtual learning in the age of COVID-19. As virus cases rise in Illinois, more than 2,200 schools have moved to remote instruction for the fall, or nearly 31% of the 848 school districts surveyed by the state board of education.
The shift has forced grandparents to supervise full-on digital learning while their adult children manage professional obligations.
For a generation taught with blackboards and chalk, retirees and empty nesters find themselves troubleshooting technical glitches, navigating a head-spinning array of learning platforms and trying to recreate a structured learning environment from their kitchen table.
It's been a big adjustment for Radogno, a former state Senate Republican leader who stepped down in 2017 and splits her time between Lemont and Arizona.
"That change in the relationship, I find, is the most challenging thing," she said.
With her interest in education policy and the chance to spend more time with her three grandkids in Arizona, Radogno, 67, gladly volunteered to ease the burden on her daughter, Becky, a nurse, and her son-in-law, who works at a car dealership.
But about a month into the school year, learning through a screen remains a challenge, particularly for Radogno's twin 6-year-old granddaughters, who are still developing computer skills.
"Just watching them try to do a drag-and-drop movement or create a text box, it's painful," she said. "They just don't have the physical skill to do that on a laptop."
Radogno oversees virtual learning with the twins, Sloane and Reese. Her husband, Nunzio, 68, a retired attorney, hovers over the computer with their grandson, Knox, a third-grader.
"My understanding is there's a lot of resources out there, wonderful resources, but getting to them is not seamless," Radogno said. "It takes a lot of clicking and new passwords. It is cumbersome to say the very least."
But "the inequity of the situation" is what worries her the most. She's keenly aware of families who can't afford day care or struggle to provide the individual attention to keep students engaged in online materials.
"I am looking at the difficulty of pulling this off, both in terms of time and technology," Radogno said. "Anybody that doesn't have tremendous supports is going to be in a very difficult situation, and we talk about equity in education, if we don't get these kids back, that is going to become an insurmountable gulf, in my opinion."
Connie Landwehr, a retired teacher from Arlington Heights, knows the new dynamic well. Two to three days a week, she sits side-by-side with her grandson -- an outgoing, talkative and strong-willed child -- while he does virtual classroom work at her kitchen table.
"I don't go far away because if I do, he's off in another planet," Landwehr said. "He's a typical kindergartner."
He's in a dual language kindergarten class in Palatine Township Elementary School District 15. The 5-year-old has virtual face-to-face time with his teacher from 7:50 until 11:30 a.m., and then after lunch, he has assignments on the Seesaw learning app.
Since school started on Aug. 19, sometimes they can't access links or run into other technical hiccups. He's also supposed to have two hours worth of activities in the afternoon, but it doesn't usually last that long, Landwehr said.
As backups, Landwehr has ordered flash cards, and her daughter-in-law, a human resources professional, purchased workbooks.
"You just have to be flexible and you have to be willing to figure out what to do," she said.
Their mantra? "We do what we can."
"Hopefully, he and I will develop even a better relationship, and we'll get through it together," Landwehr said.
Suzanne Hlotke and her family in Carol Stream made the "hard decision" to send her granddaughter, 5, to a day care center supervising her remote learning while Hlotke awaits hip surgery and her daughter goes to work.
"Those people are saints," she said.
But Hlotke still has to know how to connect to the Seesaw platform, a digital library and a parent portal on top of keeping track of all the school emails.
Radogno reassures her grandkids their new routine is temporary. The twins are with their teacher virtually less than two hours a day, but the rest of the time is spent with Radogno on math, reading and phonics.
"At least we know the material," she said. "Thank goodness I'm not doing high school algebra."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-06--Pace driver and his Route 604 passengers are safely riding out the pandemic

When the occasional maskless passenger ignores rules about face coverings on Pace Bus 604 , driver operator Mike Jozwiak does n't have to tackle the problem alone .
He 's got back up .
Sure , there 's a dispatcher to offer advice , but Jozwiak also has a coterie of familiar faces , riders who 've endured the tribulations of COVID-19 with him , willing to speak up and mask-shame any scofflaw .
`` That 's the advantage to driving the same bus route any length of time , '' Jozwiak said .
`` You get to know the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you .
Your passengers will basically stick up for you . ''
Jozwiak , a 48-year Pace veteran , and Bus 604 's route between the Northwest Transit Center near Woodfield Mall and Buffalo Grove remain the same amid countless changes since Sept. 7 , 2019 .
Pace ridership plummeted by 70 % this spring during Illinois ' stay-at-home order and is still at 50 % .
Destinations such as Buffalo Grove High School are closed temporarily .
`` A year ago , we 'd have people going into Woodfield and coming out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all the little strip malls and shopping centers along the route .
Now with the pandemic , everyone 's working from home or out of a job , '' Wozniak said .
During the spring , it was just him and two or three passengers a trip .
As of the fall , ridership is slowly creeping up .
Commuters boarding 604 will see Jozwiak masked and gloved , separated by a clear plastic shield .
There 's a gallon-size jug of hand sanitizer available and some seats are blocked off to promote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drill now .
`` They either have the mask on before they get on the bus , '' Jozwiak said , `` then look around to see which seats give them social distancing . ''
Jozwiak , 70 , is married with eight children -- the youngest is 19 and heading to college .
As an essential worker , he continued driving through Illinois ' stay-at-home order but never worried about being infected .
Instead he 's thankful `` while thousands of people have been losing their jobs every day , I continued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
But before he steers 604 out of the garage , `` I wipe down every possible thing I will be touching . ''
After six months of abnormal , `` I 'd like to see a vaccine , simply for the reason it could pull us out of what we 're going through ... all the businesses and people who 've lost their livelihoods , '' Jozwiak said .
`` Pace has taken an unbelievable hit . ''
Jozwiak previously received Pace 's Two Million Miler award for driving accident-free , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Three Million Miler honor in six months .
He gives everyone a friendly salutation .
`` How you interact with someone who gets on the bus in the first 15 to 30 seconds will determine if they have a really lousy day or a really good day , '' he said .
That does n't mean he 's naive .
One freezing week last winter , a man boarded the 604 and told Jozwiak he had `` 'no money . '
I told him , 'you picked a bad day to play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The rider then `` went into his pocket and pulled out a wad of cash big enough to choke a horse . ''
You should know What 's happening with O'Hare International Airport 's people-mover train that takes passengers between terminals and parking lots ?
`` The ATS modernization project is in the testing and systems integration phase and will return to service as soon as the system is operating safely and reliably , '' a Chicago Department of Aviation spokesman said .
`` Work is progressing , but the COVID-19 pandemic has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ personnel from the responsible project contractor subject to travel restrictions between the U.S. and Canada and between states , as well as various closures to manufacturing facilities that supply necessary parts for the system .
While we 're eager to return the ATS to service , current passenger demand is low and the airport 's supplemental shuttle busing system has been able to get passengers between terminals and to-and-from the Multimodal Facility effectively . ''
Expect delays as IDOT crews resurface a stretch of Route 60 between Belvidere Road in Volo and Route @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lane closures are planned during the project that wraps up next summer .
Taking the train downtown one day this week ?
Metra is offering a $ 10 all-day-pass that provides unlimited rides on every train line though 3 a.m. the morning after your purchase .
The pass is available through October on the Ventra app .

Pace driver and his Route 604 passengers are safely riding out the pandemic
When the occasional maskless passenger ignores rules about face coverings on Pace Bus 604, driver operator Mike Jozwiak doesn't have to tackle the problem alone. He's got back up.
Sure, there's a dispatcher to offer advice, but Jozwiak also has a coterie of familiar faces, riders who've endured the tribulations of COVID-19 with him, willing to speak up and mask-shame any scofflaw.
"That's the advantage to driving the same bus route any length of time," Jozwiak said. "You get to know the passengers and the passengers get to know you. Your passengers will basically stick up for you."
Jozwiak, a 48-year Pace veteran, and Bus 604's route between the Northwest Transit Center near Woodfield Mall and Buffalo Grove remain the same amid countless changes since Sept. 7, 2019.
Pace ridership plummeted by 70% this spring during Illinois' stay-at-home order and is still at 50%. Destinations such as Buffalo Grove High School are closed temporarily.
"A year ago, we'd have people going into Woodfield and coming out of Woodfield. We'd be hitting all the little strip malls and shopping centers along the route. Now with the pandemic, everyone's working from home or out of a job," Wozniak said.
During the spring, it was just him and two or three passengers a trip.
As of the fall, ridership is slowly creeping up. Commuters boarding 604 will see Jozwiak masked and gloved, separated by a clear plastic shield. There's a gallon-size jug of hand sanitizer available and some seats are blocked off to promote social distancing.
Most passengers know the drill now. "They either have the mask on before they get on the bus," Jozwiak said, "then look around to see which seats give them social distancing."
Jozwiak, 70, is married with eight children -- the youngest is 19 and heading to college. As an essential worker, he continued driving through Illinois' stay-at-home order but never worried about being infected.
Instead he's thankful "while thousands of people have been losing their jobs every day, I continued to work and draw a pay check."
But before he steers 604 out of the garage, "I wipe down every possible thing I will be touching."
After six months of abnormal, "I'd like to see a vaccine, simply for the reason it could pull us out of what we're going through ... all the businesses and people who've lost their livelihoods," Jozwiak said. "Pace has taken an unbelievable hit."
One more thing
Jozwiak previously received Pace's Two Million Miler award for driving accident-free, and he's on track to hit a Three Million Miler honor in six months.
He gives everyone a friendly salutation. "How you interact with someone who gets on the bus in the first 15 to 30 seconds will determine if they have a really lousy day or a really good day," he said.
That doesn't mean he's naive. One freezing week last winter, a man boarded the 604 and told Jozwiak he had "'no money.' I told him, 'you picked a bad day to play me,'" Jozwiak recalled.
The rider then "went into his pocket and pulled out a wad of cash big enough to choke a horse."
You should know
What's happening with O'Hare International Airport's people-mover train that takes passengers between terminals and parking lots? "The ATS modernization project is in the testing and systems integration phase and will return to service as soon as the system is operating safely and reliably," a Chicago Department of Aviation spokesman said.
"Work is progressing, but the COVID-19 pandemic has had an unforeseen impact, with key personnel from the responsible project contractor subject to travel restrictions between the U.S. and Canada and between states, as well as various closures to manufacturing facilities that supply necessary parts for the system. While we're eager to return the ATS to service, current passenger demand is low and the airport's supplemental shuttle busing system has been able to get passengers between terminals and to-and-from the Multimodal Facility effectively."
Gridlock alert
Expect delays as IDOT crews resurface a stretch of Route 60 between Belvidere Road in Volo and Route 83 in Mundelein starting Sept. 14. Lane closures are planned during the project that wraps up next summer.
Deal for a day
Taking the train downtown one day this week? Metra is offering a $10 all-day-pass that provides unlimited rides on every train line though 3 a.m. the morning after your purchase. The pass is available through October on the Ventra app.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-07--Carpentersville bride planned around the pandemic for the wedding she always imagined

The bride wore white and all her guests wore masks and sat in their cars .
Proving that you ca n't stop love even in a pandemic , Leslie Perez of Carpentersville planned around the strict COVID-19 protocols and married her sweetheart Dakota Sineni of Round Lake in front of their friends and families in a drive-in style outdoor ceremony that was simulcast online Monday from Randall Oaks Park in West Dundee .
`` The days we are living in currently has made me realize it 's truly so important to be with the person you love , '' Perez @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Herald .
`` Just seeing other statistics of the virus has reinforced in my mind that we are making the right decision . ''
About 40 cars full of loved ones watched from their spot in a semicircle of vehicles around the couple at the edge of a parking lot while a live broadcast of the ceremony was available to anyone else who could n't make the drive to West Dundee .
`` We did n't want to encourage anyone to travel , in order to keep everyone safe , '' Leslie said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ absolutely heartbroken that our grandmas wo n't be able to attend the ceremony . ''
Both the bride and groom have a grandmother living in the southern United States .
`` It 's very upsetting how we always imagined our family being here for such a special moment in our lives and they simply ca n't be here .
Thankfully we found a reliable app called Lovecast that will help us share this special moment with them . ''
The couple started dating shortly before the pandemic caused a shutdown of everything social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on March 21 .
They obediently followed the order to protect themselves and their families from the possibility of contracting or spreading COVID-19 .
When the order was lifted more than two months later and they again found themselves in each other 's arms , Dakota confessed he could n't imagine being without Leslie if another lockdown took effect .
She agreed and immediately started planning a socially-distanced and safe wedding .
After the ceremony , horns honked and the bride cried and those in attendance took home a single serving-sized , individually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the end of the day we have enjoyed planning this wedding in such a way so that our friends can feel comfortable , '' said the bride .

Carpentersville bride planned around the pandemic for the wedding she always imagined
The bride wore white, and all her guests wore masks and sat in their cars.
Proving that you can't stop love even in a pandemic, Leslie Perez of Carpentersville planned around the strict COVID-19 protocols and married her sweetheart Dakota Sineni of Round Lake in front of their friends and families in a drive-in style outdoor ceremony that was simulcast online Monday from Randall Oaks Park in West Dundee.
- John Starks | Staff Photographer Leslie Perez is walked down the isle in Randall Oaks Park by her father, Florencio Perez, to her waiting husband-to-be Dakota Sineni in West Dundee Monday.
"The days we are living in currently has made me realize it's truly so important to be with the person you love," Perez explained in an email to the Daily Herald. "Just seeing other statistics of the virus has reinforced in my mind that we are making the right decision."
About 40 cars full of loved ones watched from their spot in a semicircle of vehicles around the couple at the edge of a parking lot while a live broadcast of the ceremony was available to anyone else who couldn't make the drive to West Dundee.
- John Starks | Staff Photographer Friends and family watch from their parked cars while watching a video simulcast of the wedding of Leslie Perez and Dakota Sineni.
"We didn't want to encourage anyone to travel, in order to keep everyone safe," Leslie said of out-of-town relatives. "We are absolutely heartbroken that our grandmas won't be able to attend the ceremony."
Both the bride and groom have a grandmother living in the southern United States.
"It's very upsetting how we always imagined our family being here for such a special moment in our lives and they simply can't be here. Thankfully we found a reliable app called Lovecast that will help us share this special moment with them."
- John Starks | Staff Photographer Leslie Perez and Dakota Sineni seal their vows with a kiss at their drive-in style wedding at Randall Oaks Park in West Dundee on Monday.
The couple started dating shortly before the pandemic caused a shutdown of everything social and a stay-at-home order went into effect on March 21. They obediently followed the order to protect themselves and their families from the possibility of contracting or spreading COVID-19. When the order was lifted more than two months later and they again found themselves in each other's arms, Dakota confessed he couldn't imagine being without Leslie if another lockdown took effect.
She agreed and immediately started planning a socially-distanced and safe wedding.
- John Starks | Staff Photographer A guest waves from their car as Leslie and Dakota Sineni stand in front of a simulcast camera to thank friends and family for watching from their cars in a drive-in style wedding at Randall Oaks Park in West Dundee on Monday.
After the ceremony, horns honked and the bride cried, and those in attendance took home a single serving-sized, individually wrapped piece of cake.
"At the end of the day we have enjoyed planning this wedding in such a way so that our friends can feel comfortable," said the bride.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-07--Gurnee Police investigating reports of shots fired near Gurnee Mills

Gurnee Police are investigating a possible shooting that happened near Gurnee Mills mall Monday afternoon .
Gurnee police crime prevention @ @ @ @ @ one was injured in the shooting .
She said the department received 911 calls reporting @ @ @ @ @ 1 p.m. near the intersection of Grand Avenue and Tri-State Parkway , which is one @ @ @ @ @ to the mall .
Gaylor said witnesses told police the shots may have been fired @ @ @ @ @ Ford Mustang .
The man was last seen driving west on I-94 , Gaylor said @ @ @ @ @ is n't believed to be connected to the several small fights that broke out at @ @ @ @ @ said the shooting remains under investigation .

Gurnee police investigating reports of shots fired near Gurnee Mills
Gurnee police are investigating a possible shooting that happened near Gurnee Mills mall Monday afternoon.
Gurnee police crime prevention officer Shawn Gaylor said no one was injured in the shooting. She said the department received 911 calls reporting possible gunshots fired at around 1 p.m. near the intersection of Grand Avenue and Tri-State Parkway, which is one of the roads that leads to the mall.
Gaylor said witnesses told police the shots may have been fired by a man in black Ford Mustang. The man was last seen driving west on I-94, Gaylor said.
Gaylor said the shooting isn't believed to be connected to the several small fights that broke out at the mall Friday night but said the shooting remains under investigation.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-07--18-year-old killed by gunfire in North Chicago

An 18-year-old North Chicago man who was playing basketball in the roadway with others was shot and killed Sunday evening @ @ @ @ @ Greenfield Avenue in North Chicago .
A 77-year-old woman who was gardening in her yard @ @ @ @ @ leg by a stray bullet , according to Lake County Major Crime Task Force spokesman @ @ @ @ @ expected to recover .
North Chicago police officers responded to the scene of the shooting @ @ @ @ @ shots fired at about 7:15 p.m. Sunday .
The department requested the assistance of the @ @ @ @ @ Force in its ongoing investigation .
The preliminary investigation determined that a person arrived in @ @ @ @ @ shots , re-entered the vehicle and fled the scene .
Investigators did not immediately identify @ @ @ @ @ not have anyone in custody Monday , Covelli said .
The Lake County Coroner 's @ @ @ @ @ has scheduled an autopsy for Wednesday .

18-year-old killed by gunfire in North Chicago
An 18-year-old North Chicago man who was playing basketball in the roadway with others was shot and killed Sunday evening on the 2000 block of Greenfield Avenue in North Chicago. A 77-year-old woman who was gardening in her yard nearby was struck in the leg by a stray bullet, according to Lake County Major Crime Task Force spokesman Christopher Covelli.
She is expected to recover.
North Chicago police officers responded to the scene of the shooting after receiving a report of shots fired at about 7:15 p.m. Sunday. The department requested the assistance of the Lake County Major Crimes Task Force in its ongoing investigation.
The preliminary investigation determined that a person arrived in a vehicle, fired several shots, re-entered the vehicle and fled the scene.
Investigators did not immediately identify the deceased 18-year-old and did not have anyone in custody Monday, Covelli said.
The Lake County Coroner's Office is also investigating and has scheduled an autopsy for Wednesday.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-07--Cubs claim Hamilton off waivers, add Vargas to active roster

The Cubs claimed veteran outfielder Billy Hamilton off waivers from the Mets on Monday , perhaps an effort to add some speed to the lineup down the stretch .
Hamilton has yet to report and may be asked to join the Cubs ' alternate site camp in South Bend .
Hamilton , who turns 30 on Wednesday , was a regular for the Cincinnati Reds from 2013-18 , stealing more than 50 bases four years in a row .
After playing in Kansas City and Atlanta last season , he appeared in 17 games for the Mets this year , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is .241 .
Meanwhile , Ildemaro Vargas joined the Cubs ' active roster on Monday after being claimed off waivers from Minnesota on Saturday .
He is expected to fill a utility role .
To make room on the 40-man roster , the Cubs designated left-handed pitcher Matt Dermody for assignment .
Dermody made his Cubs debut with a perfect inning on Sunday against St. Louis and could end up back at South Bend if he clears waivers .
The Cubs officially signed veteran reliever Pedro Strop to a minor league deal and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They also added right-handed pitcher Duncan Robinson to the 60-man player pool and released catcher Jose Lobaton .
Robinson was already in the Cubs organization , a ninth-round draft pick in 2016 out of Dartmouth .
In recovering pitcher news , manager David Ros said Tyler Chatwood ( right forearm strain ) will begin his throwing program Monday , while Jose Quintana ( left lat inflammation ) will start Tuesday .

Cubs claim Hamilton off waivers, add Vargas to active roster
In this 2017 file photo. Billy Hamilton, then playing for the Cincinnati Reds, slides into third base. The Cubs claimed Hamilton off waivers on Monday. He had been playing for the Mets. Associated Press
The Cubs claimed veteran outfielder Billy Hamilton off waivers from the Mets on Monday, perhaps an effort to add some speed to the lineup down the stretch. Hamilton has yet to report and may be asked to join the Cubs' alternate site camp in South Bend.
Hamilton, who turns 30 on Wednesday, was a regular for the Cincinnati Reds from 2013-18, stealing more than 50 bases four years in a row. After playing in Kansas City and Atlanta last season, he appeared in 17 games for the Mets this year, hitting .045. His career batting average is .241.
Meanwhile, Ildemaro Vargas joined the Cubs' active roster on Monday after being claimed off waivers from Minnesota on Saturday. He is expected to fill a utility role.
To make room on the 40-man roster, the Cubs designated left-handed pitcher Matt Dermody for assignment. Dermody made his Cubs debut with a perfect inning on Sunday against St. Louis and could end up back at South Bend if he clears waivers.
The Cubs officially signed veteran reliever Pedro Strop to a minor league deal and he'll report to South Bend. They also added right-handed pitcher Duncan Robinson to the 60-man player pool and released catcher Jose Lobaton. Robinson was already in the Cubs organization, a ninth-round draft pick in 2016 out of Dartmouth.
In recovering pitcher news, manager David Ros said Tyler Chatwood (right forearm strain) will begin his throwing program Monday, while Jose Quintana (left lat inflammation) will start Tuesday.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-07--Abreu pushing White Sox toward playoffs while making MVP run

With a big boost from so many new players , looking at you Luis Robert , Dallas Keuchel , Yasmani Grandal and Nick Madrigal , the White Sox are sitting pretty in the AL Central and a near lock to make the playoffs for the first time in 12 years .
They 've also gotten solid production from holdovers like Tim Anderson , Lucas Giolito and Eloy Jimenez .
But one player in particular -- the current favorite to capture MVP honors -- is the major reason the Sox have finally turned the corner .
`` He 's our heart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first baseman Jose Abreu .
`` It seems like he 's getting that clutch hit like every single game .
Runners in scoring position , two outs , when we need to get those runs across he gets the job done .
He 's an amazing person even more so than a player .
`` What he provides for us on a daily basis , leading by example , leading vocally when he needs to .
Pretty much Gold Glove caliber first base this year , too .
He does it all .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been a very good player since joining the White Sox on a six-year , $ 68 million contract before the 2014 season .
Playing on Sox teams with losing records for all six seasons made him a bit of a mystery outside of the South Side , but that has changed in 2020 .
With a .315/.361/.619 hitting line and 12 doubles , 13 home runs and 40 RBI through 41 games , Abreu is making a strong bid to become the first White Sox player to win MVP honors since Hall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I have individual goals set for the season , '' Abreu said through a translator .
`` I probably will let you know what those goals are at the end of the season .
In the meantime , we just have to keep working .
I have to keep working to get the results that we want every single day and to help the team and just keep working with the other guys , with Luis , with Eloy , with ( Nomar ) Mazara .
We 're working with him to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feels comfortable and he can produce as we know he can do , and same with Edwin ( Encarnacion ) .
`` As a team , we need to keep working and keep helping each other to get better as a team .
We 're going to be able to see the results at the end of the season .
We have goals .
I have my personal goals but I will wait until the season ends to let you know . ''
Abreu has always put team success over personal achievement , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contender this year .
He 's also got strong protection in the lineup for the first time , with Jimenez , Robert and Encarnacion forcing opposing pitchers to give him something to hit .
Abreu really took advantage of the White Sox 's deep , dangerous lineup in August , when he slashed .330/.374/.687 with 11 homers and 29 home runs .
`` What can I say ?
Abreu is one of the best hitters I 've ever seen , '' Jimenez said .
`` He 's a super clutch hitter .
Every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I learn something .
He tries to show us something to learn every night , every at-bat . ''
A free agent at the end of the 2019 season , Abreu made it very clear the Sox were the only team he wanted to play for .
A deal got done on Nov. 22 , when the 33-year-old Cuba native signed a three-year , $ 50 million contract .
Critics thought the White Sox should have given a one- or two-year deal , but it 's looking like a bargain now while also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` After last season , there were a lot of people that did n't think I was able to do what I 'm doing right now , '' Abreu said .
`` That because I 'm 33 years old , I did n't , I would n't have enough to do the things that I was doing or do the things I 'm doing right now .
`` I told myself after the off-season , I 'm going to prove them wrong , I 'm going to keep working hard , I 'm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing to have success .
That 's it .
That 's what I 'm doing right now . ''

Abreu pushing White Sox toward playoffs while making MVP run
Chicago White Sox's Jose Abreu points as he celebrates after hitting a solo home run during the second inning of a game against the Cleveland Indians on Aug. 9, 2020. Associated Press
With a big boost from so many new players, looking at you Luis Robert, Dallas Keuchel, Yasmani Grandal and Nick Madrigal, the White Sox are sitting pretty in the AL Central and a near lock to make the playoffs for the first time in 12 years.
They've also gotten solid production from holdovers like Tim Anderson, Lucas Giolito and Eloy Jimenez.
But one player in particular -- the current favorite to capture MVP honors -- is the major reason the Sox have finally turned the corner.
"He's our heart and soul," Giolito said of first baseman Jose Abreu. "It seems like he's getting that clutch hit like every single game. Runners in scoring position, two outs, when we need to get those runs across he gets the job done. He's an amazing person even more so than a player.
"What he provides for us on a daily basis, leading by example, leading vocally when he needs to. Pretty much Gold Glove caliber first base this year, too. He does it all. Such a great player."
Abreu has been a very good player since joining the White Sox on a six-year, $68 million contract before the 2014 season.
Playing on Sox teams with losing records for all six seasons made him a bit of a mystery outside of the South Side, but that has changed in 2020.
With a .315/.361/.619 hitting line and 12 doubles, 13 home runs and 40 RBI through 41 games, Abreu is making a strong bid to become the first White Sox player to win MVP honors since Hall of Famer Frank Thomas in 1994.
"I have individual goals set for the season," Abreu said through a translator. "I probably will let you know what those goals are at the end of the season. In the meantime, we just have to keep working. I have to keep working to get the results that we want every single day and to help the team and just keep working with the other guys, with Luis, with Eloy, with (Nomar) Mazara. We're working with him to get him to the point where he feels comfortable and he can produce as we know he can do, and same with Edwin (Encarnacion).
"As a team, we need to keep working and keep helping each other to get better as a team. We're going to be able to see the results at the end of the season. We have goals. I have my personal goals but I will wait until the season ends to let you know."
Abreu has always put team success over personal achievement, and he's finally on a playoff contender this year.
He's also got strong protection in the lineup for the first time, with Jimenez, Robert and Encarnacion forcing opposing pitchers to give him something to hit.
Abreu really took advantage of the White Sox's deep, dangerous lineup in August, when he slashed .330/.374/.687 with 11 homers and 29 RBI.
"What can I say? Abreu is one of the best hitters I've ever seen," Jimenez said. "He's a super clutch hitter. Every time he's at the plate, I learn something. He tries to show us something to learn every night, every at-bat."
A free agent at the end of the 2019 season, Abreu made it very clear the Sox were the only team he wanted to play for.
A deal got done on Nov. 22, when the 33-year-old Cuba native signed a three-year, $50 million contract.
Critics thought the White Sox should have given a one- or two-year deal, but it's looking like a bargain now while also providing the right-handed slugger more motivation.
"After last season, there were a lot of people that didn't think I was able to do what I'm doing right now," Abreu said. "That because I'm 33 years old, I didn't, I wouldn't have enough to do the things that I was doing or do the things I'm doing right now.
"I told myself after the off-season, I'm going to prove them wrong, I'm going to keep working hard, I'm going to keep doing what I'm doing to have success. That's it. That's what I'm doing right now."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-07--The Latest: Andrey Rublev gets better of US Open rematch

NEW YORK -- The Latest on the U.S. Open tennis tournament ( all times EDT ) : Serena Williams has @ @ @ @ @ her U.S. Open fourth-round match against Maria Sakkari by a 6-3 score .
Serena Williams @ @ @ @ @ court in Arthur Ashe Stadium to warm up for their fourth-round meeting at the U.S. @ @ @ @ @ rematch of a contest Sakkari won less than two weeks ago at the Western & @ @ @ @ @ tournament played this year at Flushing Meadows .
Williams owns six U.S. Open titles and @ @ @ @ @ in all .
Sakkari , a 25-year-old from Greece , is trying to reach her @ @ @ @ @ The winner will face Alize Cornet or Tsvetana Pironkova next .

The Latest: Andrey Rublev gets better of US Open rematch
Alex de Minaur, of Australia, returns a shot to Vasek Pospisil, of Canada, during the quarterfinals of the US Open tennis championships, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in New York. Associated Press
Maria Sakkari, of Greece, returns a shot to Serena Williams, of the United States, during the quarterfinals of the US Open tennis championships, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in New York. Associated Press
Serena Williams, of the United States, returns a shot to Maria Sakkari, of Greece, during the quarterfinals of the US Open tennis championships, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in New York. Associated Press
Serena Williams, of the United States, returns a shot to Maria Sakkari, of Greece, during the quarterfinals of the US Open tennis championships, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in New York. Associated Press
Alize Cornet, of France, reacts during a match against Tsvetana Pironkova, of Bulgaria, during the fourth round of the US Open tennis championships, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in New York. Associated Press
Tsvetana Pironkova, of Bulgaria, reacts during match against Alize Cornet, of France, during the fourth round of the US Open tennis championships, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in New York. Associated Press
Felix Auger-Aliassime, of Canada, returns a shot to Dominic Thiem, of Austria, during the fourth round of the US Open tennis championships, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in New York. Associated Press
Dominic Thiem, of Austria, reacts during a match against Felix Auger-Aliassime, of Canada, during the fourth round of the US Open tennis championships, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in New York. Associated Press
Novak Djokovic, of Serbia, checks a linesman after hitting her with a ball in reaction to losing a point to Pablo Carreno Busta, of Spain, during the fourth round of the US Open tennis championships, Sunday, Sept. 6, 2020, in New York. Djokovic defaulted the match. Associated Press
Matteo Berrettini, of Italy, serves to Andrey Rublev, of Russia, during the fourth round of the US Open tennis championships, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in New York. Associated Press
Andrey Rublev, of Russia, reacts after winning a point against Matteo Berrettini, of Italy, during the fourth round of the US Open tennis championships, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in New York. Associated Press
NEW YORK -- The Latest on the U.S. Open tennis tournament (all times EDT):
7:55 p.m.
No. 10 Andrey Rublev got the better of a U.S. Open rematch and advanced to the quarterfinals with a 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 6-3 win over No. 6 Matteo Berrettini.
They also played in the fourth round of the U.S. Open last year, with Berrettini winning in straight sets. This time, the 22-year-old Russian played much steadier in a matchup of players who had not lost a set in the first three rounds.
Rublev also reached the quarterfinals at Flushing Meadows in 2017.
Berrettini held serve all 45 times in his first three matches. Rublev broke him four times while pulling away. He'll face either Frances Tiafoe or third-seeded Daniil Medvedev, who was the U.S. Open runner-up last year to Rafael Nadal.
___
6:20 p.m.
The total financial penalty for Novak Djokovic's U.S. Open disqualification: $267,500.
Djokovic has been docked an additional $7,500 for skipping the mandatory post-match news conference after being defaulted in the fourth round at Flushing Meadows for accidentally hitting a line judge in the throat with a ball after dropping a game.
The maximum fine for that infraction is listed as $20,000 in the Grand Slam rule book.
That is also the most someone can be fined for unsportsmanlike conduct; Djokovic earlier was told to pay $10,000 for that violation.
Those two fines are in addition to losing his $250,000 in prize money for making it to the fourth round at the U.S. Open.
To put the money in context: Djokovic has earned more than $140 million in prize money over his career, aside from millions more in endorsement deals.
___
5:25 p.m.
Second-seeded Dominic Thiem eased into the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open with a straight-sets win over Felix Auger-Aliassime.
Thiem's 7-6 (4), 6-1, 6-1 victory put him in the quarterfinals at Flushing Meadows for the second time - he also did it in 2018. With top-ranked Novak Djokovic gone, the Austrian is the highest-seeded man left.
Thiem has reached three Grand Slam finals and gone 0-3, including a five-set loss to Djokovic at this year's Australian Open.
He beat a 20-year-old Canadian who had been broken only once during the tournament and broke him five times in three sets. He will face Alex de Minaur in the quarterfinals.
___
4:40 p.m.
Tsvetana Pironkova sent Alize Cornet to yet another Grand Slam heartbreak.
Pironkova rallied for a 6-4, 7-6 (5), 6-3 victory that put her in the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open for the first time.
It is Pironkova's first tournament since Wimbledon in 2017, when she took off to give birth and raise her son, Alexander. The 32-year-old from Bulgaria will face third-seeded Serena Williams, who advanced in three sets earlier in the day.
The 30-year-old Cornet was again denied her first career appearance in a Grand slam. She was playing in her 57th Grand Slam overall and her 54th in a row, the longest active streak and tied for the fourth-longest in the Open era. Japan's Ai Sugiyama played in 62 consecutive majors.
___
3:30 p.m.
Novak Djokovic has been fined $10,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct at the U.S. Open, where he was defaulted for accidentally hitting a line judge in the throat with a ball after losing a game.
That amount is half the $20,000 that a player can be docked for violating the unsportsmanlike conduct clause of the Grand Slam rule book.
The $10,000 is in addition to the $250,000 in prize money the U.S. Tennis Association said Djokovic would forfeit after being disqualified in the first set of his fourth-round match Sunday.
___
2:40 p.m.
Serena Williams is into the quarterfinals at the U.S. Open for a 12th consecutive appearance.
It wasn't easy, though.
Williams needed to come from behind in the third set before taking another step closer to Grand Slam title No. 24 by edging Maria Sakkari 6-3, 6-7 (6), 6-3 on Monday.
This was a rematch from less than two weeks ago at the Western & Southern Open. That one was won by Sakkari, also in three sets, when Williams dealt with leg cramps and faded down the stretch.
This time, Williams was two points from victory at 6-all in the tiebreaker but dropped the next two points and the set. Then she trailed 2-0 in the third before turning things around.
Williams, who turns 39 in less than three weeks, will face an unseeded opponent - either Alize Cornet or Tsvetana Pironkova - for a semifinal berth.
The American has won six of her 23 major singles championships at the U.S. Open.
___
2 p.m.
Serena Williams has been pushed to a third set by Maria Sakkari in the fourth round of the U.S. Open.
Williams won the first set 6-3, but Sakkari took the second in a tiebreaker, converting her fifth set point when Williams missed a forehand.
Sakkari beat Williams in three sets less than two weeks ago in the Western & Southern Open.
___
1:35 p.m.
Alex de Minaur has moved into his first Grand Slam quarterfinal by beating Vasek Pospisil 7-6 (6), 6-3, 6-2 at the U.S. Open.
The key to the match in Louis Armstrong Stadium on Monday was the opening-set tiebreaker. Pospisil held four set points at 6-2 but failed to convert any.
De Minaur took a half-dozen points in a row to take the set and was in control from there.
He is a 21-year-old from Australia who is seeded 21st at Flushing Meadows.
In the quarterfinals, de Minaur will face No. 2 seed Dominic Thiem or No. 15 Felix Auger-Aliassime.
___
12:50 p.m.
Serena Williams has taken the first set of her U.S. Open fourth-round match against Maria Sakkari by a 6-3 score.
___
12:05 p.m.
Serena Williams and Maria Sakkari are on court in Arthur Ashe Stadium to warm up for their fourth-round meeting at the U.S. Open.
It is a rematch of a contest Sakkari won less than two weeks ago at the Western & Southern Open, a hard-court tournament played this year at Flushing Meadows.
Williams owns six U.S. Open titles and 23 Grand Slam singles championships in all.
Sakkari, a 25-year-old from Greece, is trying to reach her first Grand Slam quarterfinal.
The winner will face Alize Cornet or Tsvetana Pironkova next.
___
More AP tennis: https://apnews.com/apf-Tennis and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-07--Is Trubisky winning Bears QB job another loss? Nagy, Foles don't think so

Visiting with Matt Nagy , Mitch Trubisky and Nick Foles on the day after Trubisky was named the starting quarterback for the 2020 season most of the questions were about why Trubisky had won , what he 'd have to do to fail , and how likely he was to lose the job .
What exactly has Trubisky done to be so continually pounded by such a significant portion of the Bears media and fan base ?
After becoming the least experienced college quarterback in NFL history to be drafted in the first round and forced onto the field Week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the worst teams in the league , over the last two seasons he 's gone 19-10 , thrown 41 touchdowns vs. 22 interceptions , rushed the ball 116 times for 614 yards , a 5.3 average , and 5 TDs and gone to the playoffs and Pro Bowl once each .
Yes , Trubisky was much better in 2018 than he was in 2019 but playing with no running game , a below average offensive line , the worst tight end play in the league and only one top receiver can make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still has much to prove but the only thing Trubisky is truly guilty of today is not being Patrick Mahomes or Deshaun Watson , and while he may never be , he was always going to take longer from the day he was drafted .
Nagy points out there is more .
`` Mitchell 's been through some stuff now , '' Nagy said .
`` He 's had an interesting first three years of his career and at the end of the year you know it was a tough year for us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sudden then , 'Hey by the way , we 're going to make a trade for a quarterback that happened to be a Super Bowl MVP . '
`` And then , 'By the way we 're not going to do your fifth year option , right ? '
Still Trubisky can still grin and say , 'What , me worry ? '
`` I feel like I got a fresh , new clean slate , '' Trubisky said .
`` And that 's how every year should feel .
`` And after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ competition like that , it 's got that sort of feel to it -- that it 's a new year and we all have a clean slate , and we 're not looking back at the past .
I 'm not looking over my shoulder . ''
He also could n't feel more comfortable with Foles .
`` I ca n't say enough about Nick and how he handled it , '' Trubisky said .
`` He came out of coach Nagy 's office and he gave me a call to congratulate me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people would do that .
So I think that just speaks volumes about him and his character and what he wants to bring to this team . ''
For his part Foles like what he sees in Trubisky .
`` The thing I 've been really impressed , just watching him from a physical standpoint , is his ability to throw the ball on the run , '' Foles said .
`` I think he does a really nice job .
In person , he 's one of the better quarterbacks I 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ run . ''
Not insignificantly that was one of the main traits GM Ryan Pace offered for drafting him .
Can Trubisky still become the Bears franchise quarterback ?
If he does not take a big step forward this season reading defenses and in his accuracy inside the pocket he will fail , but Nagy seems to believe .
`` He 's in a really good place right now .
I do n't know how to explain it , '' Nagy said .
`` He just , I think , I do n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but he knows that he played well in camp .
... '' He 's kind of got this laser focus going on right now .
We 're just in such a really good spot as a team .
There 's a lot of negativity out there .
I think to me like you know , you have an opportunity here to have a really , really cool story .
`` Is it going to happen , I do n't know ?
But you have somebody that 's been through a lot .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , then that 's your own opinion '' Whether or not this story has a happy , or shall we say cool , ending remains to be seen but this much should be clear .
There should be at least as many reasons to believe that it will , as there are to keep beating up the kid .

Is Trubisky winning Bears QB job another loss? Nagy, Foles don't think so
Chicago Bears quarterback Mitch Trubisky, seen here during a practice last month at Halas Hall, says he feels like he has a "new clean slate" heading into this season. Associated Press
Visiting with Matt Nagy, Mitch Trubisky and Nick Foles on the day after Trubisky was named the starting quarterback for the 2020 season most of the questions were about why Trubisky had won, what he'd have to do to fail, and how likely he was to lose the job.
What exactly has Trubisky done to be so continually pounded by such a significant portion of the Bears media and fan base?
After becoming the least experienced college quarterback in NFL history to be drafted in the first round and forced onto the field Week 5 of his rookie year with one of the worst teams in the league, over the last two seasons he's gone 19-10, thrown 41 touchdowns vs. 22 interceptions, rushed the ball 116 times for 614 yards, a 5.3 average, and 5 TDs and gone to the playoffs and Pro Bowl once each.
Yes, Trubisky was much better in 2018 than he was in 2019 but playing with no running game, a below average offensive line, the worst tight end play in the league and only one top receiver can make life a little tough.
Certainly he still has much to prove but the only thing Trubisky is truly guilty of today is not being Patrick Mahomes or Deshaun Watson, and while he may never be, he was always going to take longer from the day he was drafted.
Nagy points out there is more.
"Mitchell's been through some stuff now," Nagy said. "He's had an interesting first three years of his career and at the end of the year you know it was a tough year for us this year and then all of a sudden then, 'Hey by the way, we're going to make a trade for a quarterback that happened to be a Super Bowl MVP.'
"And then, 'By the way we're not going to do your fifth year option, right?'
Still Trubisky can still grin and say, 'What, me worry?'
"I feel like I got a fresh, new clean slate," Trubisky said. "And that's how every year should feel.
"And after winning, after coming out of a competition like that, it's got that sort of feel to it -- that it's a new year and we all have a clean slate, and we're not looking back at the past. I'm not looking over my shoulder."
He also couldn't feel more comfortable with Foles.
"I can't say enough about Nick and how he handled it," Trubisky said. "He came out of coach Nagy's office and he gave me a call to congratulate me, and I don't think many people would do that. So I think that just speaks volumes about him and his character and what he wants to bring to this team."
For his part Foles like what he sees in Trubisky.
"The thing I've been really impressed, just watching him from a physical standpoint, is his ability to throw the ball on the run," Foles said. "I think he does a really nice job. In person, he's one of the better quarterbacks I've seen with his accuracy throwing on the run."
Not insignificantly that was one of the main traits GM Ryan Pace offered for drafting him.
Can Trubisky still become the Bears franchise quarterback?
If he does not take a big step forward this season reading defenses and in his accuracy inside the pocket he will fail, but Nagy seems to believe.
"He's in a really good place right now. I don't know how to explain it," Nagy said. "He just, I think, I don't want to use the word expected, but he knows that he played well in camp. ...
"He's kind of got this laser focus going on right now. We're just in such a really good spot as a team. There's a lot of negativity out there. I think to me like you know, you have an opportunity here to have a really, really cool story.
"Is it going to happen, I don't know? But you have somebody that's been through a lot. If you struggle seeing that and understanding that, then that's your own opinion"
Whether or not this story has a happy, or shall we say cool, ending remains to be seen but this much should be clear.
There should be at least as many reasons to believe that it will, as there are to keep beating up the kid.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-08--Mundelein sisters helping others with mask-decorating business

Two young Mundelein sisters have turned an artistic activity designed to beat the tedium of their COVID-19 quarantine into a business that ultimately helps people in need .
Ten-year-old Jaina Bartusch and her 11-year-old sister , Olivia , are the brains and brawn behind 2 Little Mask Makers .
Using a Cricut crafting machine , the girls decorate and sell fabric protective masks adorned with iron-on designs .
They 've donated all money after expenses to the Northern Illinois Food Bank or bought backpacks and other school supplies that are , in turn , given to needy Mundelein Elementary District @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in August , they 've decorated and sold more than 280 masks , donated $ 300 to the food bank and purchased $ 455 worth of supplies for the school district .
`` It feels like I 'm helping a lot of people , '' said Jaina , a fifth-grader at Mechanics Grove Elementary School in Mundelein .
`` It feels good to give things to people who need them . ''
Jaina and Olivia started decorating masks this summer after their mother , Amy Bartusch , received the crafting machine as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see what they could do with it .
`` We were bored and had nothing else to do , '' Jaina recalled .
Jaina and Olivia first decorated some masks for an aunt who received so many compliments that she suggested the sisters start selling them .
The girls buy masks at retail stores and then decorate them with images of dogs , cats , flowers , superhero emblems , athletic logos , stars and many other designs .
They 've added phrases like `` Happy Holidays '' and `` Cat person '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others .
The ones with initials and images are Olivia 's favorites because they 're so personalized .
`` It 's fun to do , '' said Olivia , a sixth-grader at Mundelein 's Carl Sandburg Middle School .
The sisters came up with the idea of donating profits to the food bank .
As for the school district , they 've donated 15 backpacks , including five stuffed with supplies .
Amy Bartusch and her husband , Jeremy , are understandably proud of their daughters ' ingenuity , work and philanthropy .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the girls about giving back to the community and to those less fortunate , '' Amy Bartusch said .
`` When they came to us and said 'We want to donate the profits , ' I was very touched . ''
`` Our student-created school mission statement is 'Inspiring kind leaders ; preparing for bright futures , ' '' Fergus said .
`` Jaina and Olivia have a very bright future ahead of them . ''
Jaina and Olivia advertise and sell their products on social media , with help from their parents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facebook.com/2MaskMakers and at instagram.com/2_little_mask_makers .
The masks cost $ 5 each , plus shipping if needed .
Of that price , $ 2 is donated to one of the two benefiting organizations .
Although the business is fun , Jaina admitted it can be challenging .
`` Our biggest order was 14 masks , and it was kind of stressful , '' she said .
Olivia said the operation was especially nice to run while the family was holed up this summer because of the pandemic .
Now that school has started , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said -- but they 're continuing to take orders .
Maeven Sipes , vice president of philanthropy for the Geneva-based food bank , said the sisters ' donation `` exemplifies the good we can all do when we come together to address issues impacting our community .
Northern Illinois Food Bank is fortunate to have so many compassionate donors in the communities we serve . ''

Mundelein sisters helping others with mask-decorating business
Two young Mundelein sisters have turned an artistic activity designed to beat the tedium of their COVID-19 quarantine into a business that ultimately helps people in need.
Ten-year-old Jaina Bartusch and her 11-year-old sister, Olivia, are the brains and brawn behind 2 Little Mask Makers. Using a Cricut crafting machine, the girls decorate and sell fabric protective masks adorned with iron-on designs.
- John Starks | Staff Photographer Olivia Bartusch works on a computerized design while her sister, Jaina, waits to print the design into a patch that'll be ironed onto a mask.
They've donated all money after expenses to the Northern Illinois Food Bank or bought backpacks and other school supplies that are, in turn, given to needy Mundelein Elementary District 75 students.
Since launching the enterprise in August, they've decorated and sold more than 280 masks, donated $300 to the food bank and purchased $455 worth of supplies for the school district.
"It feels like I'm helping a lot of people," said Jaina, a fifth-grader at Mechanics Grove Elementary School in Mundelein. "It feels good to give things to people who need them."
Jaina and Olivia started decorating masks this summer after their mother, Amy Bartusch, received the crafting machine as a birthday gift. The girls wanted to see what they could do with it.
- John Starks | Staff Photographer Sisters Jaina, 10, and Olivia Bartusch, 11, are decorating and selling face masks.
"We were bored and had nothing else to do," Jaina recalled.
Jaina and Olivia first decorated some masks for an aunt who received so many compliments that she suggested the sisters start selling them.
The girls buy masks at retail stores and then decorate them with images of dogs, cats, flowers, superhero emblems, athletic logos, stars and many other designs. They've added phrases like "Happy Holidays" and "Cat person" to some and people's initials to others.
The ones with initials and images are Olivia's favorites because they're so personalized.
"It's fun to do," said Olivia, a sixth-grader at Mundelein's Carl Sandburg Middle School.
The sisters came up with the idea of donating profits to the food bank. As for the school district, they've donated 15 backpacks, including five stuffed with supplies.
- John Starks | Staff Photographer Sisters Jaina and Olivia Bartusch decorate and sell face masks from their Mundelein home. Profits go to help people in need through two suburban organizations.
Amy Bartusch and her husband, Jeremy, are understandably proud of their daughters' ingenuity, work and philanthropy.
"We are always trying to teach the girls about giving back to the community and to those less fortunate," Amy Bartusch said. "When they came to us and said 'We want to donate the profits,' I was very touched."
Mechanics Grove Principal Tanya Fergus called the girls "true leaders."
"Our student-created school mission statement is 'Inspiring kind leaders; preparing for bright futures,'" Fergus said. "Jaina and Olivia have a very bright future ahead of them."
Jaina and Olivia advertise and sell their products on social media, with help from their parents. Their pages can be found at facebook.com/2MaskMakers and at instagram.com/2_little_mask_makers.
The masks cost $5 each, plus shipping if needed. Of that price, $2 is donated to one of the two benefiting organizations.
Although the business is fun, Jaina admitted it can be challenging.
"Our biggest order was 14 masks, and it was kind of stressful," she said.
Olivia said the operation was especially nice to run while the family was holed up this summer because of the pandemic. Now that school has started, their classwork is a priority, she said -- but they're continuing to take orders.
Maeven Sipes, vice president of philanthropy for the Geneva-based food bank, said the sisters' donation "exemplifies the good we can all do when we come together to address issues impacting our community. Northern Illinois Food Bank is fortunate to have so many compassionate donors in the communities we serve."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-08--Carpentersville bride planned around the pandemic for the wedding she always imagined

The bride wore white , and all her guests wore masks and sat in their cars .
Proving that you ca n't stop love even in a pandemic , Leslie Perez of Carpentersville planned around the strict COVID-19 protocols and married her sweetheart Dakota Sineni of Round Lake in front of their friends and families in a drive-in style outdoor ceremony that was simulcast online Monday from Randall Oaks Park in West Dundee .
`` The days we are living in currently has made me realize it 's truly so important to be with the person you love , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Daily Herald .
`` Just seeing other statistics of the virus has reinforced in my mind that we are making the right decision . ''
About 40 cars full of loved ones watched from their spot in a semicircle of vehicles around the couple at the edge of a parking lot while a live broadcast of the ceremony was available to anyone else who could n't make the drive to West Dundee .
`` We did n't want to encourage anyone to travel , in order to keep everyone safe , '' Leslie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are absolutely heartbroken that our grandmas wo n't be able to attend the ceremony . ''
Both the bride and groom have a grandmother living in the southern United States .
`` It 's very upsetting how we always imagined our family being here for such a special moment in our lives and they simply ca n't be here .
Thankfully we found a reliable app called Lovecast that will help us share this special moment with them . ''
The couple started dating shortly before the pandemic caused a shutdown of everything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effect on March 21 .
They obediently followed the order to protect themselves and their families from the possibility of contracting or spreading COVID-19 .
When the order was lifted more than two months later and they again found themselves in each other 's arms , Dakota confessed he could n't imagine being without Leslie if another lockdown took effect .
She agreed and immediately started planning a socially-distanced and safe wedding .
After the ceremony , horns honked and the bride cried , and those in attendance took home a single serving-sized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` At the end of the day we have enjoyed planning this wedding in such a way so that our friends can feel comfortable , '' said the bride .


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-07--Suburban colleges report huge enrollment declines among Latino, Black and adult learners

The coronavirus pandemic 's disproportionate impact on racial and ethnic minorities extends beyond higher rates of infection and deaths statewide .
Its economic fallout also is hurting their educational progress , say leaders at suburban community colleges seeing huge declines in student enrollment , particularly among adult learners , Black , Latino and other disadvantaged student populations .
Among the factors contributing to enrollment declines are students ' reservations with returning to in-person instruction amid a pandemic , limited access to technology -- such as laptops , internet and Wi-Fi hot spots for remote learning -- job loss and challenges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their children 's virtual schooling .
`` It 's just too hard , '' said Arlene Santos-George , dean of adult education and English as a Second Language ( ESL ) for College of Lake County in Grayslake .
The college has 10,493 students enrolled this fall .
Its adult learner population -- students seeking to earn their high school equivalency and English literacy skills -- is down nearly 42 % compared to last fall .
The percentage of new students enrolled is down 69 % , students returning from more than a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continuing students are down 22 % from last fall .
College officials have been reaching out to adult learners and Latino students through mailings , phone calls , social media and online and radio advertising .
`` We also have flyers in the whole community where there are immigrant populations , grocery stores , laundromats , public spaces , '' Santos-George said .
`` It 's unlike any other semester . ''
CLC has distributed $ 2.4 million in CARES Act funds for students in need due to COVID-19 .
Yet , some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Students are choosing to forgo going to school , because they do n't have the financial resources or they are choosing to support their family , '' said Erin Fowles , CLC dean of enrollment .
Enrollment in for-credit college courses is down nearly 12 % for Latino students .
`` Of all our ethnic and racial categories , that is the worst , '' Fowles said .
`` We 're helping students through continuous disbursement ... about $ 500 per term that they are enrolled .
For someone who has food , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not enough .
We have seen more students saying we 're going to wait and see what next semester is like or take an entire year off . ''
Oakton Community College in Des Plaines has seen a 51 % decline in student enrollment in for-credit ESL courses compared to last fall .
To help students overcome barriers to access , the college is providing transportation and technological and financial aid through the Oakton CARES Program and the Oakton Educational Foundation 's Student Success Fund .
`` While these resources are available to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is often low-income students and those from minority groups that experience the greatest technology and resource gaps , '' spokesman Stephen Butera said .
For the first time in seven years , Harper College in Palatine is seeing a dip in Latino student enrollment -- its second-largest racial/ethnic population at 29 % .
Enrollment of Black students and adult learners also has been hard hit .
`` There 's just perhaps an element of families rallying together to keep the lights on and rent paid , '' said Bob Parzy , Harper interim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A lot of students are still trying to decide whether they can fit college in . ''
Harper has 10,600 students enrolled in credit-bearing courses this fall -- a 5 % decline overall .
Its new and continuing student enrollment is down between 18 % and 25 % .
Among Latinos , new student enrollment is down about 18 % and 4 % overall for new and continuing .
Among Blacks , new student enrollment is down about 30 % and 12 % overall .
The college has created wraparound services to help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ learning through tutoring and technological support .
Its PASO ( Project Achieve Surpassing Obstacles ) program specifically targets Latino families providing a parent university that has `` taken on even a larger role because of the pandemic , '' Parzy said .
`` It 's been a struggle for community colleges .
We 're part of the community , '' Parzy said .
`` It 's tough when you see a lot of families hurt and you see students hurting .
We 've also really tried to be empathetic to what is going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be accessible , to be present in the moment . ''
Yet , while students might be focusing on other priorities now , educators are hopeful losing them in this climate does n't mean they are lost forever .
`` We 've done our best , '' said Elizabeth Hobson , dean of adult education at Elgin Community College , which has nearly 7,900 students enrolled this fall .
The college is seeing an 80 % decline in ESL students , 40 % drop in adult learners and about 13 % dip @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fall .
`` It might not be immediate .
It might take a little time for them to come back , but I do think they will , '' Hobson said .

Suburban colleges report huge enrollment declines among Latino, Black and adult learners
The coronavirus pandemic's disproportionate impact on racial and ethnic minorities extends beyond higher rates of infection and deaths statewide.
Its economic fallout also is hurting their educational progress, say leaders at suburban community colleges seeing huge declines in student enrollment, particularly among adult learners, Black, Latino and other disadvantaged student populations.
Among the factors contributing to enrollment declines are students' reservations with returning to in-person instruction amid a pandemic, limited access to technology -- such as laptops, internet and Wi-Fi hot spots for remote learning -- job loss and challenges balancing family and work obligations with supporting their children's virtual schooling.
"It's just too hard," said Arlene Santos-George, dean of adult education and English as a Second Language (ESL) for College of Lake County in Grayslake.
The college has 10,493 students enrolled this fall. Its adult learner population -- students seeking to earn their high school equivalency and English literacy skills -- is down nearly 42% compared to last fall. The percentage of new students enrolled is down 69%, students returning from more than a year ago is down 39% and continuing students are down 22% from last fall.
- Rick West | Staff Photographer Students sit one to a table during a physical therapist assistant clinical practicum course at Elgin Community College.
College officials have been reaching out to adult learners and Latino students through mailings, phone calls, social media and online and radio advertising.
"We also have flyers in the whole community where there are immigrant populations, grocery stores, laundromats, public spaces," Santos-George said. "It's unlike any other semester."
CLC has distributed $2.4 million in CARES Act funds for students in need due to COVID-19. Yet, some challenges are harder to overcome.
"Students are choosing to forgo going to school, because they don't have the financial resources or they are choosing to support their family," said Erin Fowles, CLC dean of enrollment.
Enrollment in for-credit college courses is down nearly 12% for Latino students.
"Of all our ethnic and racial categories, that is the worst," Fowles said. "We're helping students through continuous disbursement ... about $500 per term that they are enrolled. For someone who has food, rent, transportation needs, that is not enough. We have seen more students saying we're going to wait and see what next semester is like or take an entire year off."
Oakton Community College in Des Plaines has seen a 51% decline in student enrollment in for-credit ESL courses compared to last fall. To help students overcome barriers to access, the college is providing transportation and technological and financial aid through the Oakton CARES Program and the Oakton Educational Foundation's Student Success Fund.
"While these resources are available to all students impacted by COVID-19, it is often low-income students and those from minority groups that experience the greatest technology and resource gaps," spokesman Stephen Butera said.
- Paul Valade | Staff Photographer College of Lake County student Cesar Alvarez, of Fox Lake, works on a project in class at the Grayslake campus.
For the first time in seven years, Harper College in Palatine is seeing a dip in Latino student enrollment -- its second-largest racial/ethnic population at 29%. Enrollment of Black students and adult learners also has been hard hit.
"There's just perhaps an element of families rallying together to keep the lights on and rent paid," said Bob Parzy, Harper interim associate provost of enrollment services. "A lot of students are still trying to decide whether they can fit college in."
Harper has 10,600 students enrolled in credit-bearing courses this fall -- a 5% decline overall. Its new and continuing student enrollment is down between 18% and 25%. Among Latinos, new student enrollment is down about 18% and 4% overall for new and continuing. Among Blacks, new student enrollment is down about 30% and 12% overall.
The college has created wraparound services to help students who are not comfortable with online learning through tutoring and technological support. Its PASO (Project Achieve Surpassing Obstacles) program specifically targets Latino families providing a parent university that has "taken on even a larger role because of the pandemic," Parzy said.
"It's been a struggle for community colleges. We're part of the community," Parzy said. "It's tough when you see a lot of families hurt and you see students hurting. We've also really tried to be empathetic to what is going on with our students and just trying to be accessible, to be present in the moment."
Yet, while students might be focusing on other priorities now, educators are hopeful losing them in this climate doesn't mean they are lost forever.
"We've done our best," said Elizabeth Hobson, dean of adult education at Elgin Community College, which has nearly 7,900 students enrolled this fall.
The college is seeing an 80% decline in ESL students, 40% drop in adult learners and about 13% dip in the overall student population from last fall.
"It might not be immediate. It might take a little time for them to come back, but I do think they will," Hobson said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-31--What suburban nature centers are planning for the fall

Planning for fall has been an unusual process for suburban nature centers amid the restrictions and uncertainty of the coronavirus pandemic .
But as they navigate social distancing regulations , programming and facility leaders say they have one key advantage : Many of their best and most educational autumn activities take place outdoors .
Some organizers have opted to transition entirely to online or take-home formats .
Others are offering a blend of in-person and remote options while using the natural environment as their greatest resource .
And they all recognize their plans can change rapidly as COVID-19 case numbers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the plans nine suburban nature centers have in place for this fall : The Glass Pumpkin Patch , pictured here in pre-pandemic days , is being adapted to a virtual event , where visitors can purchase products online and pick them up in person at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle .
Morton Arboretum , Lisle As the Morton Arboretum prepares for fall , leaders have opted to make some of its signature annual events virtual to adhere to COVID-19 restrictions .
The tree campus ' major fundraiser , Evergreen : The Gala , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ YouTube livestream .
Scheduled for Sept. 26 , the 45-minute event is expected to support the arboretum 's ability to advance leading-edge tree science in the Chicago area and address threatened species globally , leaders said .
The Glass Pumpkin Patch also is being adapted to a remote format Oct. 14-18 , when handblown glass pumpkins will be available to purchase online and pick up in person .
The 10th annual celebration will offer opportunities to interact with artists online .
Some in-person events are still expected , including the popular Illumination : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The arboretum is committed to providing exceptional experiences regardless of adjustments that must be made , '' spokeswoman Tari Marshall said .
Leaders also are continuing to plan for a full list of virtual and on-site classes , from aerial yoga to horticulture .
Forest preserve leaders have been working out the details of in-person and virtual programming for the fall -- a slower planning process than normal due to the coronavirus , said Jacqui Ulrich , deputy director of conservation and experiential programming .
Topics will likely include the fall foliage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ animals , hibernation and the county 's cultural history .
`` We 're looking for many different ways to connect people with nature , '' she said .
`` We think being out in nature is a good way to relax and make sense of what 's going on in the world . ''
Regardless of how the schedule looks , Ulrich says , the grounds of facilities such as the Crabtree Nature Center in Barrington Hills and the River Trail Nature Center in Northbrook remain open for visitors to explore the flora @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year-round staples are expected to continue throughout the season , such as an animal feeding program every weekend at River Trail .
Patrons also are encouraged to hike along forest preserve trails , go camping at sites such as Camp Reinberg in Palatine , or play disc golf at Rolling Knolls Forest Preserve in Elgin , she said .
Info : Visit fpdcc.com for updated information about programming , hours and availability .
Daily Tram Tours held through October , a Butterflies & Blooms exhibit offered through Sept. 20 , and a Model @ @ @ @ @ @ @ among the in-person festivities planned at the Chicago Botanic Garden this fall .
Other upcoming events include Harvest Weekend Sept. 26 and 27 ; the Fall Bulb Festival Oct. 10 and 11 ; and Night of 1,000 Jack-o'-lanterns Oct. 14-18 and 21-25 .
Programs and events will operate at reduced capacities with social distancing guidelines in place , said Harriet Resnick , vice president of visitor experience & business development .
For general admission , advance registration for a timed entry will be required until further notice .
The COVID-19 crisis has forced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Autumn Brews tasting event in October , as well as several flower shows , she said .
Other programs and exhibitions have had to be modified or postponed .
A number of online classes , ranging from yoga to photography , are expected to continue through fall .
Limited programming will be offered this fall at the Knoch Knolls Nature Center in Naperville .
Knoch Knolls Nature Center , Naperville Family camp outs , hikes and nature play programs are some of the activities the Naperville Park District may offer at Knoch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manager Angelique Harshman .
The nature center opened its indoor services in July with limited hours and capacity restrictions -- and without its interactive and tactile displays , she said .
Visitors can still enjoy signage and live animals at the facility , which may expand its hours into the fall .
For now , Harshman said , outdoor programming is the way to go , including `` Owl Prowl '' for adults and families and mobile tours .
Major events such as the Creepy Critters Day , which draws hundreds of people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ canceled due to COVID-19 crowd restrictions , she said .
The park district still plans to host its annual post-Halloween pumpkin smashing event at the Ron Ory Community Garden Plots , 811 S. West St .
Though some sites and trails remain open , Lake County Forest Preserves leaders have opted to keep facilities shut down and move all programming online for the fall , Education Director Nan Buckardt said .
Staff members from her department have adapted the forest preserve district 's popular field trips into 15 different virtual experiences for schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ranging from plants and animals to geology to Native American life in Lake County , she said .
Family and adult programming also will continue virtually , exploring what happens in nature during the fall , Buckardt said .
`` Ask an Educator '' sessions are presented biweekly through Zoom and Facebook Live .
A long-standing hiking program will take place again this year , encouraging participants to walk along marked trails at 12 different preserves .
The St. Charles Park District is preparing to offer various programs and events at its Hickory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ though some activities are being adapted or downsized to comply with restrictions .
An annual Butterfly Ball , for example , is being scaled back and transformed into a Mom & Son Nature Night on Nov. 13 and a Daddy & Daughter Nature Night on Nov. 14 .
Both will include snacks , games and meeting critters , said Laura McCoy , nature programs supervisor .
From 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 26 , a family-oriented nature service project will be organized at the discovery center -- as well as two other park @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in celebration of National Public Lands Day , she said .
An `` outside explorers '' series is available three times a month for young children , and a `` Not too Creepy Campfire '' is planned for Oct. 22 .
Virtual programming and nature-themed take-home kits will be available for families who prefer to learn from home , McCoy said .
The Hickory Knolls facility and nature playground also remain open to the public as long as state guidelines allow .
The Tyner Interpretive Center recently reopened at the Kent Fuller Air @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Interpretive Center recently reopened at the Kent Fuller Air Station Prairie in Glenview .
Glenview Park District Though visitors were able to use the trails and grounds in earlier phases of the Restore Illinois plan , the Glenview Park District 's nature center facilities at the Historic Wagner Farm , The Grove and the Kent Fuller Air Station Prairie have recently reopened to the public with reduced hours , said Jena Johnson , director of brand strategies and community engagement .
Large harvest-themed events have been canceled so far , she said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opportunities are being developed for the fall months , though details have not yet been finalized .
`` We 're living in a world where we 're not able to plan as far in advance as we 're used to planning , '' Johnson said .
At The Grove , an app will lead visitors through self-guided tours , providing information about different landmarks throughout the site , she said .
Virtual field trips also are being created for schools .
The forest preserve district has organized several outdoor programs as the seasons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mayslake Peabody Estate in Oak Brook : a Centering Meditation Walk from 8 to 9 a.m. Sept. 25 and 9 to 10 a.m. Sept. 26 , and a tour of the gardens and grounds surrounding the Mayslake Hall from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 18 .
At Kline Creek Farm in West Chicago , visitors can register ahead of time to collect eggs from the chicken coop to take home while learning about the role chickens played on an 1890s farm .
The opportunity is offered from 2:30 to 3 p.m. Sept. 17 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ educational session about monarch butterflies are planned for St. James Farm in Warrenville .
Bird walks , forest hikes and a guided 45-minute nature walk are being offered on select days at Fullersburg Woods in Oak Brook , though the nature education center is expected to remain closed through Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois plan , spokeswoman Deb Humiston said .
Most of DuPage County forest preserves are open for hiking , fishing , golfing and picnicking , she said , and the Blackwell family campground in West Chicago is open on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wildlife Center and its surrounding grounds are shut down so employees can safely care for the animals .
Registration , masks and social distancing restrictions are required for most events .
The Schaumburg Park District is not planning any indoor events this fall at the Spring Valley Nature Center .
But with about 135 acres of fields , forests , marshes and streams , as well as more than three miles of hiking trails , facility manager Dave Brooks says there 's plenty of space for outdoor activities .
Larger-scale events are likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be offered with lower-than-normal class sizes , he said .
Activities from September through November could include a sunset hike , campfires , nature play dates and virtual field trips .
Walking paths will remain open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. '' Our focus has been , as we 've tried to redevelop and reintroduce programming , to keep it all outside as much as possible , '' Brooks said , noting social distancing regulations and mask requirements will be implemented .
`` The safety of our patrons and staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ''

Looking for fall outdoor fun? Suburban nature centers have it covered
Virtual programming. Scaled-back events. Socially distanced hikes.
Planning for fall has been an unusual process for suburban nature centers amid the restrictions and uncertainty of the coronavirus pandemic. But as they navigate social distancing regulations, programming and facility leaders say they have one key advantage: Many of their best and most educational autumn activities take place outdoors.
Some organizers have opted to transition entirely to online or take-home formats. Others are offering a blend of in-person and remote options while using the natural environment as their greatest resource. And they all recognize their plans can change rapidly as COVID-19 case numbers and state guidelines evolve.
Here are the plans nine suburban nature centers have in place for this fall:
The Glass Pumpkin Patch, pictured here in pre-pandemic days, is being adapted to a virtual event, where visitors can purchase products online and pick them up in person at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle. - Daily Herald file photo
As the Morton Arboretum prepares for fall, leaders have opted to make some of its signature annual events virtual to adhere to COVID-19 restrictions.
The tree campus' major fundraiser, Evergreen: The Gala, will be free to attend via a YouTube livestream. Scheduled for Sept. 26, the 45-minute event is expected to support the arboretum's ability to advance leading-edge tree science in the Chicago area and address threatened species globally, leaders said.
The Glass Pumpkin Patch also is being adapted to a remote format Oct. 14-18, when handblown glass pumpkins will be available to purchase online and pick up in person. The 10th annual celebration will offer opportunities to interact with artists online.
Some in-person events are still expected, including the popular Illumination: Tree Lights, starting Nov. 21.
"The arboretum is committed to providing exceptional experiences regardless of adjustments that must be made," spokeswoman Tari Marshall said.
Leaders also are continuing to plan for a full list of virtual and on-site classes, from aerial yoga to horticulture.
Info: 4100 Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074. Visit www.mortonarb.org or the arboretum's social media pages.
Forest Preserves of Cook County
Forest preserve leaders have been working out the details of in-person and virtual programming for the fall -- a slower planning process than normal due to the coronavirus, said Jacqui Ulrich, deputy director of conservation and experiential programming. Topics will likely include the fall foliage, seasonal gardening, native plants and animals, hibernation and the county's cultural history.
"We're looking for many different ways to connect people with nature," she said. "We think being out in nature is a good way to relax and make sense of what's going on in the world."
Regardless of how the schedule looks, Ulrich says, the grounds of facilities such as the Crabtree Nature Center in Barrington Hills and the River Trail Nature Center in Northbrook remain open for visitors to explore the flora and fauna of Cook County.
Some year-round staples are expected to continue throughout the season, such as an animal feeding program every weekend at River Trail. Patrons also are encouraged to hike along forest preserve trails, go camping at sites such as Camp Reinberg in Palatine, or play disc golf at Rolling Knolls Forest Preserve in Elgin, she said.
Info: Visit fpdcc.com for updated information about programming, hours and availability.
Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe
Daily Tram Tours held through October, a Butterflies & Blooms exhibit offered through Sept. 20, and a Model Railroad Garden open through Oct. 11 are among the in-person festivities planned at the Chicago Botanic Garden this fall.
Other upcoming events include Harvest Weekend Sept. 26 and 27; the Fall Bulb Festival Oct. 10 and 11; and Night of 1,000 Jack-o'-lanterns Oct. 14-18 and 21-25.
Programs and events will operate at reduced capacities with social distancing guidelines in place, said Harriet Resnick, vice president of visitor experience & business development. For general admission, advance registration for a timed entry will be required until further notice.
The COVID-19 crisis has forced the cancellation of the American Craft Exposition and Autumn Brews tasting event in October, as well as several flower shows, she said. Other programs and exhibitions have had to be modified or postponed.
A number of online classes, ranging from yoga to photography, are expected to continue through fall.
Info: 1000 Lake-Cook Road. Visit chicagobotanic.org.
Limited programming will be offered this fall at the Knoch Knolls Nature Center in Naperville. - Courtesy of the Naperville Park District
Family camp outs, hikes and nature play programs are some of the activities the Naperville Park District may offer at Knoch Knolls Nature Center this fall, said manager Angelique Harshman.
The nature center opened its indoor services in July with limited hours and capacity restrictions -- and without its interactive and tactile displays, she said. Visitors can still enjoy signage and live animals at the facility, which may expand its hours into the fall.
For now, Harshman said, outdoor programming is the way to go, including "Owl Prowl" for adults and families and mobile tours.
Major events such as the Creepy Critters Day, which draws hundreds of people in a three-hour period, have been canceled due to COVID-19 crowd restrictions, she said. The park district still plans to host its annual post-Halloween pumpkin smashing event at the Ron Ory Community Garden Plots, 811 S. West St.
Info: 320 Knoch Knolls Road. (630) 864-3964. Visit napervilleparks.org/knochknolls.
Lake County Forest Preserves
Though some sites and trails remain open, Lake County Forest Preserves leaders have opted to keep facilities shut down and move all programming online for the fall, Education Director Nan Buckardt said.
Staff members from her department have adapted the forest preserve district's popular field trips into 15 different virtual experiences for schools, allowing students to learn about topics ranging from plants and animals to geology to Native American life in Lake County, she said.
Family and adult programming also will continue virtually, exploring what happens in nature during the fall, Buckardt said. "Ask an Educator" sessions are presented biweekly through Zoom and Facebook Live.
A long-standing hiking program will take place again this year, encouraging participants to walk along marked trails at 12 different preserves.
Info: Visit www.lcfpd.org.
Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, St. Charles
The St. Charles Park District is preparing to offer various programs and events at its Hickory Knolls Discovery Center in the fall, though some activities are being adapted or downsized to comply with restrictions.
An annual Butterfly Ball, for example, is being scaled back and transformed into a Mom & Son Nature Night on Nov. 13 and a Daddy & Daughter Nature Night on Nov. 14. Both will include snacks, games and meeting critters, said Laura McCoy, nature programs supervisor.
From 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 26, a family-oriented nature service project will be organized at the discovery center -- as well as two other park district sites to encourage social distancing -- in celebration of National Public Lands Day, she said. An "outside explorers" series is available three times a month for young children, and a "Not too Creepy Campfire" is planned for Oct. 22.
Virtual programming and nature-themed take-home kits will be available for families who prefer to learn from home, McCoy said.
The Hickory Knolls facility and nature playground also remain open to the public as long as state guidelines allow.
Info: 3795 Campton Hills Drive. (630) 513-4399. Visit stcnature.org.
- Joe Lewnard | Staff Photographer The Tyner Interpretive Center recently reopened at the Kent Fuller Air Station Prairie in Glenview.
Though visitors were able to use the trails and grounds in earlier phases of the Restore Illinois plan, the Glenview Park District's nature center facilities at the Historic Wagner Farm, The Grove and the Kent Fuller Air Station Prairie have recently reopened to the public with reduced hours, said Jena Johnson, director of brand strategies and community engagement.
Large harvest-themed events have been canceled so far, she said, and both remote and limited in-person programming opportunities are being developed for the fall months, though details have not yet been finalized.
"We're living in a world where we're not able to plan as far in advance as we're used to planning," Johnson said.
At The Grove, an app will lead visitors through self-guided tours, providing information about different landmarks throughout the site, she said. Virtual field trips also are being created for schools.
Info: The Grove, 1421 Milwaukee Ave.; Historic Wagner Farm, 1510 Wagner Road; Kent Fuller Air Station Prairie, 2400 Compass Road. Visit www.glenviewparks.org.
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
The forest preserve district has organized several outdoor programs as the seasons change, including two activities at the Mayslake Peabody Estate in Oak Brook: a Centering Meditation Walk from 8 to 9 a.m. Sept. 25 and 9 to 10 a.m. Sept. 26, and a tour of the gardens and grounds surrounding the Mayslake Hall from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 18.
Visitors to Kline Creek Farm in West Chicago can collect eggs from the chicken coop on select days through Sept. 19. - Daily Herald File Photo
At Kline Creek Farm in West Chicago, visitors can register ahead of time to collect eggs from the chicken coop to take home while learning about the role chickens played on an 1890s farm. The opportunity is offered from 2:30 to 3 p.m. Sept. 17 to 19.
A guided walk and educational session about monarch butterflies are planned for St. James Farm in Warrenville. Bird walks, forest hikes and a guided 45-minute nature walk are being offered on select days at Fullersburg Woods in Oak Brook, though the nature education center is expected to remain closed through Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois plan, spokeswoman Deb Humiston said.
Most of DuPage County forest preserves are open for hiking, fishing, golfing and picnicking, she said, and the Blackwell family campground in West Chicago is open on weekends through Sept. 30.
The Willowbrook Wildlife Center and its surrounding grounds are shut down so employees can safely care for the animals.
Registration, masks and social distancing restrictions are required for most events.
Info: For program details, visit www.dupageforest.org.
Spring Valley Nature Center, Schaumburg
The Schaumburg Park District is not planning any indoor events this fall at the Spring Valley Nature Center. But with about 135 acres of fields, forests, marshes and streams, as well as more than three miles of hiking trails, facility manager Dave Brooks says there's plenty of space for outdoor activities.
Larger-scale events are likely to be scaled down, and programming will be offered with lower-than-normal class sizes, he said. Activities from September through November could include a sunset hike, campfires, nature play dates and virtual field trips.
Walking paths will remain open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
"Our focus has been, as we've tried to redevelop and reintroduce programming, to keep it all outside as much as possible," Brooks said, noting social distancing regulations and mask requirements will be implemented. "The safety of our patrons and staff is really our first priority here."
Info: 1111 E. Schaumburg Road. (630) 513-4399. Visit www.parkfun.com/spring-valley.