dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-06--Radtke: Some optimism, but also reality from IHSA's Anderson for resumption of high school sports

The COVID-19 pandemic world has already disrupted high school sports like nothing else in history .
That disruption could continue longer than any of us expected back in mid-March when the cancellation of high school sports events began .
If you look closely at the plan , it becomes painfully obvious that high school sports ' return to the normalcy we 've come to embrace could be a long way off -- and especially in Cook , DuPage , Kane , Lake and McHenry counties .
And that 's a thought causing Illinois High School Association executive director Craig Anderson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see how the phases play out as we make our way into summer , '' Anderson said in a candid interview with The Daily Herald Wednesday .
`` If we can stay on a schedule that gets us into Phase 3 in June and then Phase 4 sometime later into summer , it makes me feel better about getting sports started in early August . ''
That 's the best-case scenario I discussed with the IHSA 's top man .
Anderson said we could be in for the long haul before we see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any form , and if that happens in the fall it would likely , initially , be without fans .
While Phase 4 -- we are in Phase 2 until at least May 29 -- allows for schools to reopen with guidance from the Department of Public Health , gatherings of more than 50 people are not allowed until Phase 5 .
`` I 'm a little cautious about when we get into fall if we 'll be able to have practices , and about bringing spectators into stadiums or not , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would need to reach Phase 5 before spectators would be allowed to attend events .
`` Phase 4 has us bringing schools back into session and having practices and the hopes of competition , but I do n't think we 'd have the ability to have spectators until we reach Phase 5 . ''
The stark reality is we could be months from reaching Phase 5 , and Anderson said another reality is schools might need to be back to in-session learning before sports could return in any form .
`` The toughest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , `` is we generally have some sports back before school begins .
So we have to have the projection of having kids back in school before we can have any thought of having practices begin . ''
Anderson addressed the possibility of some noncontact sports that are easier to conduct with health guidelines in place , such as golf and tennis , being allowed to begin ahead of football and soccer .
`` In the spring I said a number of times we had to be all or none but as we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my opinion about that , '' he said .
`` Much like the ( reopening of Illinois ) idea is related to regions , I think phasing in different sports providing for different amounts of contact is something we definitely have to consider .
`` My eyes are wide open and I 'm getting a variety of feedback as to some significant changes .
I think anything is going to be discussed and considered as we move into revitalization .
We have to consider a number of factors as we look to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up some sports that could get started would be doing our schools and students a disservice . ''
Holding up some regions of the state that could open before others is also part of Anderson 's thought process .
`` That 's one that our board will ultimately decide on , '' he said .
`` Ordinarily our rules are applicable statewide and no matter what it would create some controversy either way .
I think the possibility does exist where we could see some areas open with some activity while others are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision , it 'll be the board 's decision , and that will be a challenging one . ''
Another possibility Anderson did n't discount is flipping fall sports into the spring season and playing spring sports this fall , a proposal that 's gaining momentum in Ohio .
`` I think we 're willing to look at any possibilities that would not be missing out on another school year of sports , '' Anderson said .
`` But flip-flopping or having modified season limitations and the scheduling-related issues would get very complicated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a staff and potentially with our board , we 'll continue to have discussions that are outside the box . ''
Also outside the box is the thought of no high school sports in 2020-2021 .
Anderson admitted it 's something he 's definitely thought about , and more than once .
`` Potentially , it 's a really scary idea and the thought of the financial circumstances for the association and our membership , but it 's definitely something that has come to my mind , '' he said .
`` If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see spikes and go backward the potential definitely exists to think -- and it 's very uncomfortable for me to say -- that we could go a full school year without sports .
`` It 's almost alarming but at this point in time we do n't really know what the future looks like . ''
And that 's about the only thing any of us know for sure right now .

Radtke: Some optimism, but also reality from IHSA's Anderson for resumption of high school sports
Packed stands -- like at last year's Rolling Meadows at Prospect football game -- might not happen this fall even if high school sports return, says IHSA executive director Craig Anderson. Daily Herald File Photo
The COVID-19 pandemic world has already disrupted high school sports like nothing else in history.
That disruption could continue longer than any of us expected back in mid-March when the cancellation of high school sports events began.
Gov. J.B Pritzker rolled out a five-phase plan Tuesday to reopen Illinois.
If you look closely at the plan, it becomes painfully obvious that high school sports' return to the normalcy we've come to embrace could be a long way off -- and especially in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake and McHenry counties.
And that's a thought causing Illinois High School Association executive director Craig Anderson some sleepless nights.
"We'll see how the phases play out as we make our way into summer," Anderson said in a candid interview with The Daily Herald Wednesday.
"If we can stay on a schedule that gets us into Phase 3 in June and then Phase 4 sometime later into summer, it makes me feel better about getting sports started in early August."
That's the best-case scenario I discussed with the IHSA's top man.
Anderson said we could be in for the long haul before we see a return of high school sports in any form, and if that happens in the fall it would likely, initially, be without fans.
While Phase 4 -- we are in Phase 2 until at least May 29 -- allows for schools to reopen with guidance from the Department of Public Health, gatherings of more than 50 people are not allowed until Phase 5.
"I'm a little cautious about when we get into fall if we'll be able to have practices, and about bringing spectators into stadiums or not," said Anderson, who agreed the state would need to reach Phase 5 before spectators would be allowed to attend events.
"Phase 4 has us bringing schools back into session and having practices and the hopes of competition, but I don't think we'd have the ability to have spectators until we reach Phase 5."
The stark reality is we could be months from reaching Phase 5, and Anderson said another reality is schools might need to be back to in-session learning before sports could return in any form.
"The toughest part of this," Anderson said, "is we generally have some sports back before school begins. So we have to have the projection of having kids back in school before we can have any thought of having practices begin."
Anderson addressed the possibility of some noncontact sports that are easier to conduct with health guidelines in place, such as golf and tennis, being allowed to begin ahead of football and soccer.
"In the spring I said a number of times we had to be all or none but as we look at coming back I've changed my opinion about that," he said. "Much like the (reopening of Illinois) idea is related to regions, I think phasing in different sports providing for different amounts of contact is something we definitely have to consider.
"My eyes are wide open and I'm getting a variety of feedback as to some significant changes. I think anything is going to be discussed and considered as we move into revitalization. We have to consider a number of factors as we look to the upcoming school year, and to hold up some sports that could get started would be doing our schools and students a disservice."
Holding up some regions of the state that could open before others is also part of Anderson's thought process.
"That's one that our board will ultimately decide on," he said. "Ordinarily our rules are applicable statewide and no matter what it would create some controversy either way. I think the possibility does exist where we could see some areas open with some activity while others are restricted. It won't be my decision, it'll be the board's decision, and that will be a challenging one."
Another possibility Anderson didn't discount is flipping fall sports into the spring season and playing spring sports this fall, a proposal that's gaining momentum in Ohio.
"I think we're willing to look at any possibilities that would not be missing out on another school year of sports," Anderson said. "But flip-flopping or having modified season limitations and the scheduling-related issues would get very complicated. Right now at least, as a staff and potentially with our board, we'll continue to have discussions that are outside the box."
Also outside the box is the thought of no high school sports in 2020-2021. Anderson admitted it's something he's definitely thought about, and more than once.
"Potentially, it's a really scary idea and the thought of the financial circumstances for the association and our membership, but it's definitely something that has come to my mind," he said. "If we evolve into the phases and we see spikes and go backward the potential definitely exists to think -- and it's very uncomfortable for me to say -- that we could go a full school year without sports.
"It's almost alarming but at this point in time we don't really know what the future looks like."
And that's about the only thing any of us know for sure right now.
jradtke@dailyherald.com


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-06--Attorney: Mom of special needs boy to blame in Dist. 301 bus attack

A bus aide in Burlington School District 301 who was charged last fall with punching a special needs student in the face and knocking out two teeth contends the boy 's mother is to blame , arguing the child had been restrained that morning , had not been fed and that the parent watched and did not intervene .
Jean M. Micklevitz , 64 , of the 300 block of South Street , Burlington , is charged with aggravated battery to a child under 13 , a felony that carries a sentence ranging from probation to up to five years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the attack that occurred when Micklevitz , a retired firefighter/paramedic from the Burlington Fire Protection District , was working as a part-time school bus aide for the district .
When the student got onto the bus Oct. 2 , he asked for a juice box , but Micklevitz told him food and drink were not allowed .
The student refused to move from the bus steps , and Micklevitz grabbed him , dragged him to his seat , and then struck him in the face several times and knocked out two teeth , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mother sued in late November 2019 .
Micklevitz 's lawyer , Michael Bersani , recently submitted affirmative defenses in the case , arguing the boy was unfed , restrained earlier that morning , and was put on the bus in a `` highly dysregulated state . ''
The boy 's mother failed to intervene and stood at the door of the bus observing , and any injuries to the boy were a `` direct and proximate result '' of her negligent acts or omissions , her attorney argued in court records .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Employees Tort Immunity Act as protection for Micklevitz unless her actions were proven `` willful and wanton . ''
`` ( Micklevitz ) is not liable for any negligent supervision , nor is she guilty of willful and wanton conduct , '' her attorney argued in the lawsuit .
Bersani could not immediately be reached for follow-up comment Wednesday .
James Pullos , the lawyer representing the family , declined to comment .
The litigation against Micklevitz and the school district seeks unspecified damages , and the parties are next due in court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Micklevitz was due in court this week on the criminal charges , but her case , like most in Kane County , has been pushed back due to the COVID-19 pandemic .
She is free on bond and next due in court June 12 .

Attorney: Mom of special needs boy to blame in Dist. 301 bus attack
A bus aide in Burlington School District 301 who was charged last fall with punching a special needs student in the face and knocking out two teeth contends the boy's mother is to blame, arguing the child had been restrained that morning, had not been fed and that the parent watched and did not intervene.
Jean M. Micklevitz, 64, of the 300 block of South Street, Burlington, is charged with aggravated battery to a child under 13, a felony that carries a sentence ranging from probation to up to five years in prison. The charges stem from the attack that occurred when Micklevitz, a retired firefighter/paramedic from the Burlington Fire Protection District, was working as a part-time school bus aide for the district.
When the student got onto the bus Oct. 2, he asked for a juice box, but Micklevitz told him food and drink were not allowed. The student refused to move from the bus steps, and Micklevitz grabbed him, dragged him to his seat, and then struck him in the face several times and knocked out two teeth, according to prosecutors.
The boy's mother sued in late November 2019. Micklevitz's lawyer, Michael Bersani, recently submitted affirmative defenses in the case, arguing the boy was unfed, restrained earlier that morning, and was put on the bus in a "highly dysregulated state."
The boy's mother failed to intervene and stood at the door of the bus observing, and any injuries to the boy were a "direct and proximate result" of her negligent acts or omissions, her attorney argued in court records. The lawsuit also cites the Illinois Local Governmental Employees Tort Immunity Act as protection for Micklevitz unless her actions were proven "willful and wanton."
"(Micklevitz) is not liable for any negligent supervision, nor is she guilty of willful and wanton conduct," her attorney argued in the lawsuit.
Bersani could not immediately be reached for follow-up comment Wednesday. James Pullos, the lawyer representing the family, declined to comment.
The litigation against Micklevitz and the school district seeks unspecified damages, and the parties are next due in court for the lawsuit on June 16.
Micklevitz was due in court this week on the criminal charges, but her case, like most in Kane County, has been pushed back due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She is free on bond and next due in court June 12.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-06--Dining in: Mother's Day to-go specials bloom across the suburbs

While you wo n't be able to dine in at a suburban restaurant for Mother 's Day , you can still do the next best thing : Order brunch , lunch or dinner to-go from a local eatery .
While a longer list ran in last Friday 's Time out !
( see the full list at dailyherald.com/entlife/ ) , here are more meal packages available for curbside carryout or delivery on Sunday , May 10 .
224 S. Main St. , Naperville , ( 630 ) 536-8862 , allegorynaperville.com/ .
When : Place your order by 8 p.m. Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Sunday , May 10 .
What : Make Mom happy with Allegory 's Mother 's Day Brunch for four for $ 98 .
The meal features Allegory 's Internationally Famous Quiche , Neuske 's legendary ham , Tuscan pasta salad , garlic-herb baked potato wedges , sausage links and bacon , fresh fruit , honeyed carrots and grilled asparagus , Martin 's potato rolls and butter .
Add-ons include carrot cake ( $ 15 ) , angel food cake ( $ 15 ) , deviled eggs ( $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 12 ) and more .
Thirsty ?
Choose from mimosa kits ( $ 25- $ 27.50 ) , Bloody Mary kits ( $ 40 ) , half-price bottles of wine , and growlers and howlers of beer .
1900 S. Elmhurst Road , Mount Prospect , ( 847 ) 437-6640 , avanticaffe.com/ .
When : Orders can be placed until 11 a.m. Sunday , May 10 , for pickup , curbside , drive-through and delivery .
What : The full menu , featuring pastas , pizzas , appetizers , salads , soups @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , desserts , bottles of wine ( starting at $ 15 ) and more , will be available to order on Mother 's Day .
Specials include $ 10 off your next order with a $ 50 order ; $ 5 off your next order with a $ 30 order ; and $ 25 off when you spend $ 200 on a catering order .
1604 Randall Road , Algonquin , ( 847 ) 658-9268 ; 180 S. Roselle Road , Schaumburg , ( 847 ) 534-0679 ; 9310 Skokie Blvd.
, Skokie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
When : Call in advance to place an order for Mother 's Day , for pickup or delivery Friday through Sunday , May 8-10 .
What : This Mother 's Day , Bonefish will be serving an exclusive Mahi and Shrimp Family Bundle that feeds up to five .
The $ 49.90 meal includes a choice of house or Caesar salad , family-style sides of garlic mashed potatoes and seasonal veggies , fresh bread with pesto and , for dessert , three cheesecake slices and three cookies .
Add a bottle of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Family Bundle options include the Grilled Salmon Bundle ( $ 39.90 ) , Lily 's Chicken Bundle ( $ 35.90 ) , Bang Bang Shrimp Taco Bundle ( $ 39.90 ) and more .
This Mother 's Day , Bonefish will be serving an exclusive Mahi & Shrimp Family Bundle that feeds up to five .
Buca di Beppo 90 Yorktown Road , Lombard , ( 630 ) 932-7673 , and 604 N. Milwaukee Ave. , Wheeling , ( 847 ) 808-9898 , bucadibeppo.com/ .
When : Pre-order now for pickup between 11:30 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 .
What : Buca di Beppo goes all out for Mother 's Day to-go , including a rose gift just for Mom .
There are two special packages that feed three to five diners .
Package 1 includes bread , a mixed greens or Caesar salad , a choice of pastas ( lasagna , baked rigatoni or spicy chicken rigatoni ) and a chocolate chip cannoli .
It 's $ 45 for three and $ 65 for five .
Package 2 features bread , a mixed greens or Caesar salad , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fettuccine Alfredo , penne alla vodka or baked ziti ) , one entree ( chicken parmigiana , chicken limone or eggplant parmigiana ) and a chocolate chip cannoli .
It 's $ 55 for three and $ 75 for five .
400 E. Orchard St. , Itasca , ( 630 ) 773-1801 , foxandturtle.com/mothersday-menu .
When : Pre-order by 5 p.m. Friday , May 8 , for carryout or delivery from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday , May 10 .
What : The Mother 's Day menu features family packages such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prime rib ( $ 97 ) , rigatoni Bolognese ( $ 74 ) , lobster mac and cheese ( $ 92 ) and salmon San Marino ( $ 99 ) .
The meal also includes a Caesar salad , a side or two and either carrot cake or chocolate cake .
The regular menu also will be available .
31 E. Golf Road , Arlington Heights , ( 847 ) 758-7400 , goldenbrunch.com/ .
When : Preorders are requested for pickup or delivery Sunday , May 10 .
What : Start Mother 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Your Mom menu that serves four for $ 50 .
The meal includes a choice of pancakes , French toast or crepes ; a choice of ham off the bone , bacon or sausage links ; and hash browns , scrambled eggs and fresh fruit .
436 S. Route 59 , Naperville , ( 630 ) 481-7301 , and 1115 N. Milwaukee Ave. , Vernon Hills , ( 847 ) 780-7977 , lazydogrestaurants.com/ .
When : Pre-order for pickup Friday through Sunday , May 8-10 .
What : How cool is this ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ kit that includes a craft kit so the kids can make Mom a handprint flower bouquet .
As for food , the $ 45 meal kit includes pancake mix , whipped cream , Nutella , fresh bananas , syrup , 15 eggs , one pound of bacon , breakfast potatoes , coffee and fresh orange juice .
And do n't forget to order a mimosa kit , which includes orange juice and Freixenet Brut for $ 20 .
Plus , save 10 % on orders with the code THANKSMOM .
1225 22nd St. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 828-2932 , michaeljordansrestaurant.com/ .
When : Pre-order now for pickup between 2:30 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday , May 10 .
What : Watch ESPN 's `` The Last Dance '' documentary while feasting on a dinner from Michael Jordan 's Restaurant on Sunday .
It 's $ 29 per adult and includes garlic bread with blue cheese fondue ; a choice of Caesar salad or sweet corn and apple wood smoked bacon chowder ; a choice of maple-glazed Farro Island salmon , bourbon-barbecue-glazed baby back ribs , brown sugar brined roasted chicken , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( + $ 15 ) or Broiled Linz Heritage 10-ounce Filet ( + $ 15 ) ; two sides ( aged cheddar stone ground grits , mashed Yukon potatoes , green beans with country ham and smoked pecans , baked four-cheese macaroni or grilled asparagus ) ; and a triple chocolate brownie for a sweet treat .
Also , wines by the bottle range from $ 19- $ 30 .
And kids eat for free with every adult purchase .
1711 E. Central Road , Arlington Heights , ( 847 ) 228-5870 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ placed by 2 p.m. Thursday , May 7 , for pickup or curbside from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday through Sunday , May 8-10 .
What : The Mother 's Day Weekend Brunch for four features Mr. Allison 's signature slow-baked ham , buttermilk pancakes , scrambled eggs , chicken piccata , rice pilaf and fresh seasonal fruit for $ 59.99 .
Add fresh-squeezed strawberry orange juice for $ 19.99 .
Also , the entire menu is available for takeout , curbside or delivery every day .
Locations in Addison , Arlington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gurnee , McHenry , Naperville , Schaumburg , St. Charles , Vernon Hills , West Dundee and more ; olivegarden.com/ .
When : Order ahead for pickup on Friday or Saturday , May 8-9 .
What : If Mom loves pasta , treat her to Olive Garden 's family-style take and bake cheese-stuffed shells .
The $ 40 meal for five includes one pan of cheese-stuffed shells , a jumbo salad with a bottle of dressing , 12 breadsticks , one large dipping sauce ( Alfredo or marinara ) and baking instructions .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ filet mignon and steamed lobster tail this Mother 's Day from Outback Steakhouse .
Outback Steakhouse 166 S. Gary Ave. , Bloomingdale , ( 630 ) 582-8914 ; 2970 Finley Road , Downers Grove , ( 630 ) 530-0005 ; 909 N. Elmhurst Road , Mount Prospect , ( 847 ) 541-4329 ; 2855 W. Ogden Ave. , Naperville , ( 630 ) 778-6290 ; 216 E. Golf Road , Schaumburg , ( 847 ) 843-8884 ; 365 Randall Road , South Elgin , ( 847 ) 717-0100 ; outback.com/ .
When : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday through Tuesday , May 6-12 , for curbside take-away or free delivery .
What : Treat Mom to a special Victoria 's filet mignon and steamed lobster tail or a prime rib and crabcake dinner .
Both options come with two sides .
The regular menu also will be available , to which diners can add a lobster tail to any entree for $ 9.99 or a crabcake for $ 6 .
1912 N. Arlington Heights Road , Arlington Heights , ( 847 ) 870-7770 , palmcourt.net/ .
When : Order by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from noon to 8 p.m. Sunday , May 10 .
What : Celebrate Mom with upscale specials from the Mother 's Day menu ( crabmeat-stuffed Florida flounder ( $ 29 ) , roasted prime rib ( $ 33 ) , beef Wellington ( $ 35 ) , filet and lobster ( $ 50 ) , filet medallion and shrimp limone ( $ 31 ) , shrimp capellini pasta ( $ 22 ) and more ) or the Mother 's Day family-style dinner for $ 198 .
The meal , which serves four to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( chateaubriand , macadamia-encrusted halibut or roasted leg of lamb ) , cream of chicken rice soup , Caesar salad , double-baked potatoes , grilled asparagus , creamed spinach , bread rolls and Ghirardelli chocolate mousse for dessert .
1730 W. Golf Road , Mount Prospect , ( 847 ) 981-0480 , qulinarnia.com/ .
When : Pre-order by Friday , May 8 , for pick up or delivery on Sunday , May 10 .
What : The Mother 's Day dinner special includes four soups ( white borscht with hard-boiled egg , creamy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ breaded pork chop , beef goulash , golabki , cod filet , salmon filet topped with mango salsa , shrimp risotto ) , two hot sides ( Silesian dumplings , mashed potatoes , potato pancakes , asparagus ) and two cold sides ( beet salad , coleslaw , sauerkraut salad , mizeria ) and more options for $ 55 .
560 Waukegan Road , Deerfield , ( 847 ) 914-0900 , and 22 E. Chicago Ave. , Naperville , ( 630 ) 548-9800 , rosebudrestaurants.com/ .
When : Pre-order by Friday , May @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , May 10 .
What : The Mother 's Day Family for 4 Dinner includes minestrone soup , chopped salad , an appetizer combo ( sausage and peppers , eggplant rotolo and meatballs ) , a choice of pasta ( cheese ravioli marinara or rigatoni vodka ) , a choice of protein ( chicken Vesuvio , chicken oreganato or lemon chicken ) and tiramisu for dessert .
15 E. Grand Ave. , Fox Lake , ( 847 ) 587-5654 , whistlestopfoxlake.com/ .
When : Order now for curbside pickup , carryout or delivery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , May 10 .
What : Leave the cooking to Whistle Stop for Mother 's Day .
The breakfast family meal ( scrambled eggs , choice of ham , bacon or sausage , hash browns or fresh fruit , and French toast or pancakes ) is $ 27.99 for four or $ 37.99 for six .
The dinner deal ( choice of chicken Marsala , roast sirloin beef with au jus , roast pork or baked ham , mashed potatoes and gravy , fresh vegetables , salad and rolls ) runs $ 44.99 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Do n't forget to order a homemade pie for dessert .
250 W. Gregg 's Parkway , Vernon Hills , ( 847 ) 680-6100 , whitedeergolf.com/event/mothers-day2020/ .
When : Orders must be placed by 4 p.m. Thursday , May 7 , for curbside pickup between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Sunday , May 10 .
What : Highlights of the special Mother 's Day menu include roast prime rib of beef ( $ 27.95 ) , garlic peppercorn seared pork loin ( $ 22.95 ) and traditional roasted turkey ( $ 19.95 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ salad , dinner rolls , whipped potatoes and gravy and seasonal vegetables .
For a sweet treat , add carrot cake or cheesecake for $ 3.50 each .
1880 Tower Drive , Glenview , ( 847 ) 729-9273 , and 2301 Fountain Square Drive , Lombard , ( 630 ) 495-1912 , yardhouse.com/ .
When : Orders must be placed by 3 p.m. Saturday , May 9 , for pickup on Sunday , May 10 .
What : The three-course Mother 's Day meal that serves four includes a salad ( Caesar , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four entrees ( crabcake , grilled filet ( + $ 5 ) , grilled rib-eye ( + $ 5 ) , Maui pineapple chicken , whiskey-glazed salmon ) , two sides ( baby broccoli , jasmine rice , mashed potatoes , truffle mac and cheese ) and one dessert ( bread pudding with crème anglaise or mini cheesecake brûlée ) .
Altiro Latin Fusion is participating in Aurora 's Carry Out Days , when downtown restaurants are offering specials and discounts on Wednesdays and Fridays in May .
Carry Out Days Tired of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Order from a downtown Aurora restaurant on Wednesdays and Fridays throughout May during Carry Out Days .
Sponsored by Aurora Downtown , a nonprofit that works with businesses in the downtown 's Special Service Area # One , diners can enjoy specials , discounts and opportunities to donate meals to first responders from such restaurants as Altiro Latin Fusion , Ballydoyle , DeCari To Go , Endiro Coffee , Gillerson 's Grubbery , La Quinta de Los Reyes , Taqueria El Tio , Tecalitlan Mexican Restaurant and Tredwell Coffee .
For details , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for its restaurants , the Palatine Area Chamber of Commerce is going all in with its new Restaurant Week running now through Sunday , May 10 .
More than 50 restaurants will be offering specials and offers for curbside pickup or delivery .
Participating restaurants include Agio Italian Bistro , Artistic Cuisine , Asahi Japanese Restaurant , Bakers Square , Billy 's Pancake House , Brandt 's of Palatine , Briana 's Pancake House Restaurant , Brothers ' Ribs , Brown 's Chicken , Cafe 14 , Chicago Culinary Kitchen , Capri Deli @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cousins Subs , Dairy Queen , d'Vine Wine and Gifts , Dario 's , Denny 's , Durty Nellie 's , The Dream Place , Emmett 's Brewing Company , Gators Wing Shack , Heng Wing , Gianni 's Cafe , Honey-Jam Cafe , Jelly Cafe , JL 's Pizza and Sports Bar , JJ Twig 's Pizza & Pub , Kosta 's , Lamplighter Inn , Mexico Uno , Lou Malnati 's , Morkes Chocolates , Nothing Bundt Cakes , Napoli Pizza , Mother Cluckers Kitchen , Oak Alley Saloon , Photos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Palatine Inn , Pita Pita , Sarpino 's Pizza , Ramen House Shinchan , Pizza Bella , Siri Thai II , Subway , Starbucks , Spunky Dunkers , Sweet C 's , The Health Cuisine , Tap House Grill , Taco Shop and Vini 's Pizza .
For details , see palatinerestaurantweek.com/ .
Building on the success of last week 's event , Brauer House in Lombard is hosting another Parking Lot BBQ and DJ Livestream from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday , May 8 .
Here 's the deal : Call @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pulled pork , packaged beverages and more for curbside to-go .
While you wait for your food and drinks to be delivered to your car , you 'll be able to catch some music from DJs set up in the parking lot .
If you ca n't make it Friday , Brauer House will be livestreaming the show on its Facebook page from noon to 9 p.m .
Proceeds will help support Brauer House 's out-of-work staff and the venue 's free pasta for elderly-in-need program .
Brauer House is at 1000 N. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 630 ) 495-2141 , brauerhouse.com/ .
If you 've been missing going to the movies and snacking on buttery theater popcorn , Classic Cinemas has a solution .
Starting Friday , May 8 , the movie theater chain -- with locations in Carpentersville , Downers Grove , Elk Grove Village , Elmhurst , Fox Lake , Naperville , St. Charles , Sandwich , Woodstock and more -- will be offering some of your favorite concessions to-go .
Now you 'll be able to order giant bags of popcorn , drinks , ICEEs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ phone or walk-in at select locations .
For details , see classiccinemas.com/ or check for updates on Facebook or Instagram .
Add some sweetness to a boring day with Baskin-Robbins ' new DIY Sundae Kit .
A sweet treat If staying at home is getting a little boring , liven things up with Baskin-Robbins ' new DIY Sundae Kit .
For $ 24.99 , the kit includes two quarts of ice cream , one wet topping ( hot fudge , marshmallow , Reese 's peanut butter sauce , strawberry ) , two dry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ & M 's , Oreo cookie pieces , rainbow sprinkles , sour gummy worms ) , one can of whipped cream , cherries , and cups , spoons and napkins .
Order online at baskinrobbins.com/en or on the Baskin-Robbins mobile app for pickup via drive-through , carryout or curbside at one of the many locations throughout the suburbs .
The Irish pub Harp & Fiddle is now reopened for delivery and curbside pickup featuring family-style dinners serving four to six ( $ 39.95- $ 54.95 ) , four-course dinners for two ( $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entrees , Irish specialties , burgers , sandwiches , salads , soups and more .
Drinks include beers and wines , and Bloody Mary , mimosa and Moscow Mule kits ( $ 25 each ) .
Out of essentials ?
Stock up on pantry or sanitation items such as butter , eggs , milk , flour , sugar , toilet paper , paper towels , gloves , surgical masks and more .
Hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 4 to 9 p.m. daily .
The Harp & Fiddle is at 110 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 847 ) 720-4466 , theharpandfiddle.com/ .
As the stay-at-home order continues , you can support suburban restaurants by ordering meals to-go .
To find out which restaurants are still offering curbside , carryout or delivery , check our list of towns and restaurants here : dailyherald.com/entlife/ , diningatadistance.com/chicago or coastapp.com/takeoutcovid/chicago/ .

Dining in: Mother's Day to-go specials bloom across the suburbs
Chicken limone is included in one of two dinner packages available for Mother's Day at Buca di Beppo. Courtesy of Buca di Beppo
Mother's Day
While you won't be able to dine in at a suburban restaurant for Mother's Day, you can still do the next best thing: Order brunch, lunch or dinner to-go from a local eatery. While a longer list ran in last Friday's Time out! (see the full list at dailyherald.com/entlife/), here are more meal packages available for curbside carryout or delivery on Sunday, May 10.
Allegory
224 S. Main St., Naperville, (630) 536-8862, allegorynaperville.com/. When: Place your order by 8 p.m. Thursday, May 7, for pickup between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Sunday, May 10. What: Make Mom happy with Allegory's Mother's Day Brunch for four for $98. The meal features Allegory's Internationally Famous Quiche, Neuske's legendary ham, Tuscan pasta salad, garlic-herb baked potato wedges, sausage links and bacon, fresh fruit, honeyed carrots and grilled asparagus, Martin's potato rolls and butter. Add-ons include carrot cake ($15), angel food cake ($15), deviled eggs ($8), jumbo shrimp cocktail ($12) and more. Thirsty? Choose from mimosa kits ($25-$27.50), Bloody Mary kits ($40), half-price bottles of wine, and growlers and howlers of beer.
Avanti Caffe
1900 S. Elmhurst Road, Mount Prospect, (847) 437-6640, avanticaffe.com/. When: Orders can be placed until 11 a.m. Sunday, May 10, for pickup, curbside, drive-through and delivery. What: The full menu, featuring pastas, pizzas, appetizers, salads, soups, calzones, hot and cold sandwiches, desserts, bottles of wine (starting at $15) and more, will be available to order on Mother's Day. Specials include $10 off your next order with a $50 order; $5 off your next order with a $30 order; and $25 off when you spend $200 on a catering order.
Bonefish Grill
1604 Randall Road, Algonquin, (847) 658-9268; 180 S. Roselle Road, Schaumburg, (847) 534-0679; 9310 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, (847) 674-4634, bonefishgrill.com/. When: Call in advance to place an order for Mother's Day, for pickup or delivery Friday through Sunday, May 8-10. What: This Mother's Day, Bonefish will be serving an exclusive Mahi and Shrimp Family Bundle that feeds up to five. The $49.90 meal includes a choice of house or Caesar salad, family-style sides of garlic mashed potatoes and seasonal veggies, fresh bread with pesto and, for dessert, three cheesecake slices and three cookies. Add a bottle of wine starting at $15. Other Family Bundle options include the Grilled Salmon Bundle ($39.90), Lily's Chicken Bundle ($35.90), Bang Bang Shrimp Taco Bundle ($39.90) and more.
This Mother's Day, Bonefish will be serving an exclusive Mahi & Shrimp Family Bundle that feeds up to five. - Courtesy of Bonefish Grill
90 Yorktown Road, Lombard, (630) 932-7673, and 604 N. Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling, (847) 808-9898, bucadibeppo.com/. When: Pre-order now for pickup between 11:30 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. Sunday, May 10. What: Buca di Beppo goes all out for Mother's Day to-go, including a rose gift just for Mom. There are two special packages that feed three to five diners. Package 1 includes bread, a mixed greens or Caesar salad, a choice of pastas (lasagna, baked rigatoni or spicy chicken rigatoni) and a chocolate chip cannoli. It's $45 for three and $65 for five. Package 2 features bread, a mixed greens or Caesar salad, a choice of pastas (spaghetti marinara, fettuccine Alfredo, penne alla vodka or baked ziti), one entree (chicken parmigiana, chicken limone or eggplant parmigiana) and a chocolate chip cannoli. It's $55 for three and $75 for five.
Fox & Turtle
400 E. Orchard St., Itasca, (630) 773-1801, foxandturtle.com/mothersday-menu. When: Pre-order by 5 p.m. Friday, May 8, for carryout or delivery from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, May 10. What: The Mother's Day menu features family packages such as chicken Marsala ($84), prime rib ($97), rigatoni Bolognese ($74), lobster mac and cheese ($92) and salmon San Marino ($99). The meal also includes a Caesar salad, a side or two and either carrot cake or chocolate cake. The regular menu also will be available.
Golden Brunch
31 E. Golf Road, Arlington Heights, (847) 758-7400, goldenbrunch.com/. When: Preorders are requested for pickup or delivery Sunday, May 10. What: Start Mother's Day right with Golden Brunch's Spoil Your Mom menu that serves four for $50. The meal includes a choice of pancakes, French toast or crepes; a choice of ham off the bone, bacon or sausage links; and hash browns, scrambled eggs and fresh fruit.
Lazy Dog
436 S. Route 59, Naperville, (630) 481-7301, and 1115 N. Milwaukee Ave., Vernon Hills, (847) 780-7977, lazydogrestaurants.com/. When: Pre-order for pickup Friday through Sunday, May 8-10. What: How cool is this? Here's a Mother's Day brunch kit that includes a craft kit so the kids can make Mom a handprint flower bouquet. As for food, the $45 meal kit includes pancake mix, whipped cream, Nutella, fresh bananas, syrup, 15 eggs, one pound of bacon, breakfast potatoes, coffee and fresh orange juice. And don't forget to order a mimosa kit, which includes orange juice and Freixenet Brut for $20. Plus, save 10% on orders with the code THANKSMOM.
Michael Jordan's Restaurant
1225 22nd St., Oak Brook, (630) 828-2932, michaeljordansrestaurant.com/. When: Pre-order now for pickup between 2:30 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday, May 10. What: Watch ESPN's "The Last Dance" documentary while feasting on a dinner from Michael Jordan's Restaurant on Sunday. It's $29 per adult and includes garlic bread with blue cheese fondue; a choice of Caesar salad or sweet corn and apple wood smoked bacon chowder; a choice of maple-glazed Farro Island salmon, bourbon-barbecue-glazed baby back ribs, brown sugar brined roasted chicken, Broiled Linz Heritage 12-ounce New York Strip (+$15) or Broiled Linz Heritage 10-ounce Filet (+$15); two sides (aged cheddar stone ground grits, mashed Yukon potatoes, green beans with country ham and smoked pecans, baked four-cheese macaroni or grilled asparagus); and a triple chocolate brownie for a sweet treat. Also, wines by the bottle range from $19-$30. And kids eat for free with every adult purchase.
Mr. Allison's
1711 E. Central Road, Arlington Heights, (847) 228-5870, mrallisons.com/. When: Orders must be placed by 2 p.m. Thursday, May 7, for pickup or curbside from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday through Sunday, May 8-10. What: The Mother's Day Weekend Brunch for four features Mr. Allison's signature slow-baked ham, buttermilk pancakes, scrambled eggs, chicken piccata, rice pilaf and fresh seasonal fruit for $59.99. Add fresh-squeezed strawberry orange juice for $19.99. Also, the entire menu is available for takeout, curbside or delivery every day.
Olive Garden
Locations in Addison, Arlington Heights, Bloomingdale, Downers Grove, Gurnee, McHenry, Naperville, Schaumburg, St. Charles, Vernon Hills, West Dundee and more; olivegarden.com/. When: Order ahead for pickup on Friday or Saturday, May 8-9. What: If Mom loves pasta, treat her to Olive Garden's family-style take and bake cheese-stuffed shells. The $40 meal for five includes one pan of cheese-stuffed shells, a jumbo salad with a bottle of dressing, 12 breadsticks, one large dipping sauce (Alfredo or marinara) and baking instructions.
Treat Mom to a special Victoria's filet mignon and steamed lobster tail this Mother's Day from Outback Steakhouse. - Courtesy of Outback Steakhouse
166 S. Gary Ave., Bloomingdale, (630) 582-8914; 2970 Finley Road, Downers Grove, (630) 530-0005; 909 N. Elmhurst Road, Mount Prospect, (847) 541-4329; 2855 W. Ogden Ave., Naperville, (630) 778-6290; 216 E. Golf Road, Schaumburg, (847) 843-8884; 365 Randall Road, South Elgin, (847) 717-0100; outback.com/. When: Pre-order a special Mother's Day meal Wednesday through Tuesday, May 6-12, for curbside take-away or free delivery. What: Treat Mom to a special Victoria's filet mignon and steamed lobster tail or a prime rib and crabcake dinner. Both options come with two sides. The regular menu also will be available, to which diners can add a lobster tail to any entree for $9.99 or a crabcake for $6.
Palm Court
1912 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, (847) 870-7770, palmcourt.net/. When: Order by Friday, May 8, for pickup from noon to 8 p.m. Sunday, May 10. What: Celebrate Mom with upscale specials from the Mother's Day menu (crabmeat-stuffed Florida flounder ($29), roasted prime rib ($33), beef Wellington ($35), filet and lobster ($50), filet medallion and shrimp limone ($31), shrimp capellini pasta ($22) and more) or the Mother's Day family-style dinner for $198. The meal, which serves four to six, includes a choice of entrees (chateaubriand, macadamia-encrusted halibut or roasted leg of lamb), cream of chicken rice soup, Caesar salad, double-baked potatoes, grilled asparagus, creamed spinach, bread rolls and Ghirardelli chocolate mousse for dessert.
Qulinarnia
1730 W. Golf Road, Mount Prospect, (847) 981-0480, qulinarnia.com/. When: Pre-order by Friday, May 8, for pick up or delivery on Sunday, May 10. What: The Mother's Day dinner special includes four soups (white borscht with hard-boiled egg, creamy wild rice), three meats (breaded pork chop, beef goulash, golabki, cod filet, salmon filet topped with mango salsa, shrimp risotto), two hot sides (Silesian dumplings, mashed potatoes, potato pancakes, asparagus) and two cold sides (beet salad, coleslaw, sauerkraut salad, mizeria) and more options for $55.
Rosebud Restaurants
560 Waukegan Road, Deerfield, (847) 914-0900, and 22 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville, (630) 548-9800, rosebudrestaurants.com/. When: Pre-order by Friday, May 8, for curbside pickup on Sunday, May 10. What: The Mother's Day Family for 4 Dinner includes minestrone soup, chopped salad, an appetizer combo (sausage and peppers, eggplant rotolo and meatballs), a choice of pasta (cheese ravioli marinara or rigatoni vodka), a choice of protein (chicken Vesuvio, chicken oreganato or lemon chicken) and tiramisu for dessert.
Whistle Stop Cafe
15 E. Grand Ave., Fox Lake, (847) 587-5654, whistlestopfoxlake.com/. When: Order now for curbside pickup, carryout or delivery from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, May 10. What: Leave the cooking to Whistle Stop for Mother's Day. The breakfast family meal (scrambled eggs, choice of ham, bacon or sausage, hash browns or fresh fruit, and French toast or pancakes) is $27.99 for four or $37.99 for six. The dinner deal (choice of chicken Marsala, roast sirloin beef with au jus, roast pork or baked ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, fresh vegetables, salad and rolls) runs $44.99 for four and $54.99 for six. Don't forget to order a homemade pie for dessert.
White Deer Run
250 W. Gregg's Parkway, Vernon Hills, (847) 680-6100, whitedeergolf.com/event/mothers-day2020/. When: Orders must be placed by 4 p.m. Thursday, May 7, for curbside pickup between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Sunday, May 10. What: Highlights of the special Mother's Day menu include roast prime rib of beef ($27.95), garlic peppercorn seared pork loin ($22.95) and traditional roasted turkey ($19.95). All meals include a chopped salad, dinner rolls, whipped potatoes and gravy and seasonal vegetables. For a sweet treat, add carrot cake or cheesecake for $3.50 each.
Yard House
1880 Tower Drive, Glenview, (847) 729-9273, and 2301 Fountain Square Drive, Lombard, (630) 495-1912, yardhouse.com/. When: Orders must be placed by 3 p.m. Saturday, May 9, for pickup on Sunday, May 10. What: The three-course Mother's Day meal that serves four includes a salad (Caesar, kale Caesar or mixed greens), four entrees (crabcake, grilled filet (+$5), grilled rib-eye (+$5), Maui pineapple chicken, whiskey-glazed salmon), two sides (baby broccoli, jasmine rice, mashed potatoes, truffle mac and cheese) and one dessert (bread pudding with crème anglaise or mini cheesecake brûlée).
• • •
Altiro Latin Fusion is participating in Aurora's Carry Out Days, when downtown restaurants are offering specials and discounts on Wednesdays and Fridays in May. - Courtesy of Altiro Latin Fusion
Tired of cooking? Here's a solution: Order from a downtown Aurora restaurant on Wednesdays and Fridays throughout May during Carry Out Days. Sponsored by Aurora Downtown, a nonprofit that works with businesses in the downtown's Special Service Area #One, diners can enjoy specials, discounts and opportunities to donate meals to first responders from such restaurants as Altiro Latin Fusion, Ballydoyle, DeCari To Go, Endiro Coffee, Gillerson's Grubbery, La Quinta de Los Reyes, Taqueria El Tio, Tecalitlan Mexican Restaurant and Tredwell Coffee. For details, see auroradowntown.org/carry-out-days/.
Palatine Restaurant Week
To drum up support for its restaurants, the Palatine Area Chamber of Commerce is going all in with its new Restaurant Week running now through Sunday, May 10. More than 50 restaurants will be offering specials and offers for curbside pickup or delivery. Participating restaurants include Agio Italian Bistro, Artistic Cuisine, Asahi Japanese Restaurant, Bakers Square, Billy's Pancake House, Brandt's of Palatine, Briana's Pancake House Restaurant, Brothers' Ribs, Brown's Chicken, Cafe 14, Chicago Culinary Kitchen, Capri Deli & Pizza, Chiggy's Gyros, Cousins Subs, Dairy Queen, d'Vine Wine and Gifts, Dario's, Denny's, Durty Nellie's, The Dream Place, Emmett's Brewing Company, Gators Wing Shack, Heng Wing, Gianni's Cafe, Honey-Jam Cafe, Jelly Cafe, JL's Pizza and Sports Bar, JJ Twig's Pizza & Pub, Kosta's, Lamplighter Inn, Mexico Uno, Lou Malnati's, Morkes Chocolates, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Napoli Pizza, Mother Cluckers Kitchen, Oak Alley Saloon, Photos Hot Dogs, Papa John's, Palatine Inn, Pita Pita, Sarpino's Pizza, Ramen House Shinchan, Pizza Bella, Siri Thai II, Subway, Starbucks, Spunky Dunkers, Sweet C's, The Health Cuisine, Tap House Grill, Taco Shop and Vini's Pizza. For details, see palatinerestaurantweek.com/.
Parking Lot BBQ
Building on the success of last week's event, Brauer House in Lombard is hosting another Parking Lot BBQ and DJ Livestream from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, May 8. Here's the deal: Call ahead to order burgers, chicken, pulled pork, packaged beverages and more for curbside to-go. While you wait for your food and drinks to be delivered to your car, you'll be able to catch some music from DJs set up in the parking lot. If you can't make it Friday, Brauer House will be livestreaming the show on its Facebook page from noon to 9 p.m. Proceeds will help support Brauer House's out-of-work staff and the venue's free pasta for elderly-in-need program. Brauer House is at 1000 N. Rohlwing Road #13, Lombard, (630) 495-2141, brauerhouse.com/.
Movie theater popcorn!
If you've been missing going to the movies and snacking on buttery theater popcorn, Classic Cinemas has a solution. Starting Friday, May 8, the movie theater chain -- with locations in Carpentersville, Downers Grove, Elk Grove Village, Elmhurst, Fox Lake, Naperville, St. Charles, Sandwich, Woodstock and more -- will be offering some of your favorite concessions to-go. Now you'll be able to order giant bags of popcorn, drinks, ICEEs, candy and nachos online, by phone or walk-in at select locations. For details, see classiccinemas.com/ or check for updates on Facebook or Instagram.
Add some sweetness to a boring day with Baskin-Robbins' new DIY Sundae Kit. - Courtesy of Baskin-Robbins
If staying at home is getting a little boring, liven things up with Baskin-Robbins' new DIY Sundae Kit. For $24.99, the kit includes two quarts of ice cream, one wet topping (hot fudge, marshmallow, Reese's peanut butter sauce, strawberry), two dry toppings (cookie dough pieces, M&M's, Oreo cookie pieces, rainbow sprinkles, sour gummy worms), one can of whipped cream, cherries, and cups, spoons and napkins. Order online at baskinrobbins.com/en or on the Baskin-Robbins mobile app for pickup via drive-through, carryout or curbside at one of the many locations throughout the suburbs.
Reopened
The Irish pub Harp & Fiddle is now reopened for delivery and curbside pickup featuring family-style dinners serving four to six ($39.95-$54.95), four-course dinners for two ($29.95), plus regular appetizers, entrees, Irish specialties, burgers, sandwiches, salads, soups and more. Drinks include beers and wines, and Bloody Mary, mimosa and Moscow Mule kits ($25 each). Out of essentials? Stock up on pantry or sanitation items such as butter, eggs, milk, flour, sugar, toilet paper, paper towels, gloves, surgical masks and more. Hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 4 to 9 p.m. daily. The Harp & Fiddle is at 110 Main St., Park Ridge, (847) 720-4466, theharpandfiddle.com/.
Meals to-go
As the stay-at-home order continues, you can support suburban restaurants by ordering meals to-go. To find out which restaurants are still offering curbside, carryout or delivery, check our list of towns and restaurants here: dailyherald.com/entlife/, diningatadistance.com/chicago or coastapp.com/takeoutcovid/chicago/.
• To submit restaurant news or deals, email clinden@dailyherald.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-06--Daily Herald staff wins 10 awards in APME contest

The Daily Herald has won 10 awards , including two first-place honors , in the Illinois Associated Press Media Editors @ @ @ @ @ Herald competes in this annual contest with the largest circulation newspapers in the state .
@ @ @ @ @ have a talented team of reporters , photographers and editors who work hard every day @ @ @ @ @ our subscribers and the public , '' said Editor John Lampinen .
`` It 's @ @ @ @ @ recognized by the judges of the IAPME competition , and we thank them for their @ @ @ @ @ Series : Burt Constable and Diane Dungey , `` From the Suburbs to the Moon @ @ @ @ @ to be presented during the annual convention of the Illinois Press Association , now scheduled @ @ @ @ @ .
Winners for General Excellence , Photo and Editorial Sweepstakes , and News Innovator of @ @ @ @ @ presented at that time .

Daily Herald staff wins 10 awards in APME contest
The Daily Herald has won 10 awards, including two first-place honors, in the Illinois Associated Press Media Editors newspaper competition.
The Daily Herald competes in this annual contest with the largest circulation newspapers in the state.
"We're blessed to have a talented team of reporters, photographers and editors who work hard every day to meet the needs of our subscribers and the public," said Editor John Lampinen. "It's encouraging to see those efforts recognized by the judges of the IAPME competition, and we thank them for their consideration."
First place
• Feature Photo: John Starks, "Leaning Into the Turn."
• Sports Breaking News: Bruce Miles, "Maddon Takes the Fall."
Second place
• Editorial Writing: Diane Dungey.
• Sports Breaking News: John Dietz, "He's a Leader for a Reason."
• Spot News Photo: Jeff Knox, "Grief in Aurora."
Third Place
• Breaking News: Jake Griffin, Bob Susnjara and Mick Zawislak, "Parents Charged with Killing AJ."
• Enterprise Series: Burt Constable and Diane Dungey, "From the Suburbs to the Moon."
• Sports Breaking News: Scot Gregor, "Competitive Window is Finally Set to Open."
• Sports Feature: Barry Rozner, "Whatever Happened to Peggy Kusinski?"
• Sports Action Photo: John Starks, "Wrestling Reflection."
The awards are to be presented during the annual convention of the Illinois Press Association, now scheduled for Oct. 22 in Springfield. Winners for General Excellence, Photo and Editorial Sweepstakes, and News Innovator of the Year also will be presented at that time.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-06--Innovation amid separation: How three suburban teachers keep kids engaged

With e-learning , teachers are reinventing how to engage and inspire students using new tools since the COVID-19 pandemic closed schools .
Three suburban educators share their online teaching techniques , demonstrating why teachers rank among the unsung superheroes of this pandemic era .
Engineering , architecture and construction -- possibly the most hands-on classes students take in high school -- do n't easily translate to an online setting .
Yet , Jeff Robinson found a way students could learn and apply key concepts through a popular game most already know -- `` Minecraft . ''
`` It 's like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 29 , an applied technology teacher at Conant High School in Hoffman Estates .
`` You just have basic blocks and simple colors and you can make whatever you want . ''
Robinson teaches 75 students computer-aided drafting , civil engineering and architecture , and geometry in construction using `` Minecraft 's '' educational edition -- an immersive game-based learning platform that promotes creativity , collaboration , and problem-solving .
`` I wanted to come up with something that would be exciting for them ... something that would feel more like a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Our job is to keep these kids sane , to keep them mentally healthy , not create too high expectations . ''
Students ca n't draw architectural floor plans , elevations or sketches , but they can design and build houses in microclimates that offer different environments and materials to play with .
`` The landscape changes from mountains to beaches , jungles , deserts , arctic ...
I had a kid build a house on top of a waterfall , '' Robinson said .
`` This just kind of took a new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us .
I ask for a house , they send me back a village .
We are actually building an entire city together on 'Minecraft ' each day . ''
Beth Thomson , seventh-grade social studies teacher at Carpentersville Middle School , engages her students through Zoom calls , frequently using the SpongeBob SquarePants backdrop , and hooks their interest with educational games on Kahoot or Quizlet Live where students compete against each other .
Games and quizzes Beth Thomson engages her 95 seventh-graders with live lessons through Zoom video conferencing and educational @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` They love to compete against each other , '' said Thomson , 47 , a social studies teacher at Carpentersville Middle School .
`` We play a game that hooks them into showing up for the lesson .
And the kids that need help stay afterward . ''
The main goal of the sessions is for Thomson to explain what lessons students will be working on their own , and for them to connect with classmates .
`` A lot of the kids just want to say 'hi ' to each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Thomson said .
`` We 've done a pet parade . ''
She also creates step-by-step instructional videos taking students through entire lessons the way she would guide them in a classroom .
`` It 's a big shift to make the kids not only responsible , but to have to self-guide through a lesson , '' she said .
`` They are still learning organizational skills . ''
Thomson is able to give immediate feedback using an interactive video platform that has questions and answers embedded .
`` The kids have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what works , '' she said .
`` Most of us are just really trying to do the best we can and learning by trial and error . ''
Lauren Brzezinski , a teacher at Hawthorn Elementary South school in Vernon Hills , records videos of herself reading-aloud stories and instructions for skills students need to acquire in first grade .
Emphasizing connections Reading stories aloud daily on YouTube is one way Lauren Brzezinski connects with her students , since conducting live sessions with twenty-five 6- and 7-year-olds would be too chaotic to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my students as much as I can '' is what works , said Brzezinski , 27 , who teaches first grade at Hawthorn Elementary South in Vernon Hills .
She added , first grade teachers have been doing voice-overs for lessons so students can see their faces .
Brzezinski posts assignments on an online platform , which collects students ' feedback .
She records under-5-minute videos explaining skills they need to master in first grade .
Three-fourths of her students can read , while the rest are beginners .
`` We hit phonics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daily math and science lessons , alongside a reading skill lesson , '' she said .
`` It 's the biggest year academically for growth .
We are trying to pull from the curriculum that we 've done already and modify it so it is more applicable to remote learning . ''
Brzezinski said students have been engaged throughout with help from parents , who play a crucial role in holding them accountable .
She sends out weekly learning plans so parents can help their children stay focused .
`` Especially now with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next teacher that their child has , '' she said .

Innovation amid separation: How three suburban teachers keep kids engaged
Carpentersville Middle School seventh-grade social studies teacher Beth Thomson shared a Dr. Seuss e-learning with her students. Thomson engages her students with Zoom calls and educational games. Courtesy of Beth Thomson
Carpentersville Middle School seventh-grade social studies teacher Beth Thomson can provide immediate feedback to students' answers using the interactive video platform PlayPosit. Courtesy of Beth Thomson
Teacher Beth Thomson knows e-learning can be tough on students. The seventh-grade social studies teacher at Carpentersville Middle School shared this Bitmoji with students to let them know she understands how challenging it is to stay focused. Courtesy of Beth Thomson
Beth Thomson, seventh-grade social studies teacher at Carpentersville Middle School, plans for an e-learning school day. She engages her students with Zoom calls and educational games. Courtesy of Beth Thomson
Beth Thomson, seventh-grade social studies teacher at Carpentersville Middle School, conducts a Zoom video conference with peers. She hooks students' interest with educational games on Kahoot or Quizlet Live where they compete against one another. Courtesy of Beth Thomson
Conant High School applied technology teacher Jeff Robinson has made e-learning more like a game. He uses the educational edition of the popular Minecraft game to teach the 75 students in his classes. Courtesy of Jeff Robinson
With e-learning, teachers are reinventing how to engage and inspire students using new tools since the COVID-19 pandemic closed schools.
Three suburban educators share their online teaching techniques, demonstrating why teachers rank among the unsung superheroes of this pandemic era.
Digital building blocks
Engineering, architecture and construction -- possibly the most hands-on classes students take in high school -- don't easily translate to an online setting.
Yet, Jeff Robinson found a way students could learn and apply key concepts through a popular game most already know -- "Minecraft."
"It's like the new Legos," said Robinson, 29, an applied technology teacher at Conant High School in Hoffman Estates. "You just have basic blocks and simple colors and you can make whatever you want."
Robinson teaches 75 students computer-aided drafting, civil engineering and architecture, and geometry in construction using "Minecraft's" educational edition -- an immersive game-based learning platform that promotes creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving.
"I wanted to come up with something that would be exciting for them ... something that would feel more like a game," he said. "Our job is to keep these kids sane, to keep them mentally healthy, not create too high expectations."
Students can't draw architectural floor plans, elevations or sketches, but they can design and build houses in microclimates that offer different environments and materials to play with.
"The landscape changes from mountains to beaches, jungles, deserts, arctic ... I had a kid build a house on top of a waterfall," Robinson said. "This just kind of took a new spin on architecture and 3-D modeling for us. I ask for a house, they send me back a village. We are actually building an entire city together on 'Minecraft' each day."
Beth Thomson, seventh-grade social studies teacher at Carpentersville Middle School, engages her students through Zoom calls, frequently using the SpongeBob SquarePants backdrop, and hooks their interest with educational games on Kahoot or Quizlet Live where students compete against each other. - Courtesy of Beth Thomson
Beth Thomson engages her 95 seventh-graders with live lessons through Zoom video conferencing and educational games played on Kahoot or Quizlet Live.
"They love to compete against each other," said Thomson, 47, a social studies teacher at Carpentersville Middle School. "We play a game that hooks them into showing up for the lesson. And the kids that need help stay afterward."
The main goal of the sessions is for Thomson to explain what lessons students will be working on their own, and for them to connect with classmates.
"A lot of the kids just want to say 'hi' to each other because they miss their friends," Thomson said. "We've done a pet parade."
She also creates step-by-step instructional videos taking students through entire lessons the way she would guide them in a classroom.
"It's a big shift to make the kids not only responsible, but to have to self-guide through a lesson," she said. "They are still learning organizational skills."
Thomson is able to give immediate feedback using an interactive video platform that has questions and answers embedded.
"The kids have given me feedback as well as to what works," she said. "Most of us are just really trying to do the best we can and learning by trial and error."
Lauren Brzezinski, a teacher at Hawthorn Elementary South school in Vernon Hills, records videos of herself reading-aloud stories and instructions for skills students need to acquire in first grade. -
Reading stories aloud daily on YouTube is one way Lauren Brzezinski connects with her students, since conducting live sessions with twenty-five 6- and 7-year-olds would be too chaotic to navigate.
"Just being there for my students as much as I can" is what works, said Brzezinski, 27, who teaches first grade at Hawthorn Elementary South in Vernon Hills. She added, first grade teachers have been doing voice-overs for lessons so students can see their faces.
Brzezinski posts assignments on an online platform, which collects students' feedback. She records under-5-minute videos explaining skills they need to master in first grade. Three-fourths of her students can read, while the rest are beginners.
"We hit phonics every single day. We also have daily math and science lessons, alongside a reading skill lesson," she said. "It's the biggest year academically for growth. We are trying to pull from the curriculum that we've done already and modify it so it is more applicable to remote learning."
Brzezinski said students have been engaged throughout with help from parents, who play a crucial role in holding them accountable. She sends out weekly learning plans so parents can help their children stay focused.
"Especially now with remote learning, they are basically the next teacher that their child has," she said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-06--Kevin Farris from 'The Voice' to perform Sound Check livestream concert Friday

The news just broke that the local live music scene looks to be on an extended hiatus well into the summer .
So now more than ever , we need our entertainment to help keep us sane .
Mount Prospect singer-songwriter Kevin Farris aims to help scratch that itch when he joins us for Chicago Sound Check 's livestream concert series Friday , May 8 , sponsored by the Daily Herald , White Claw and Mike 's Hard Lemonade .
Farris , a native of Arlington Heights who some may remember from the rock band Coventry , was recently seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NBC 's `` The Voice '' and landing a slot on Team Jonas .
Now back home , the artist and preschool music educator is facing all-too-common challenges stemming from the COVID quarantines and venue shutdowns -- a summer tour canceled , as well as some scheduled local gigs .
`` After 'The Voice , ' I wanted to do a big Chicago show for friends and family and people that may have tuned in and been interested in the excerpt done on me , '' Farris said .
`` But obviously all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the new normal , the 33-year-old musician found different outlets for his creativity and his job .
`` My plan is just to adapt as best I can , '' he said , `` because I think you have two options : You just curl up in a ball and say 'Woe is me , ' or you kind of adapt to the situation , try to maintain as much momentum as possible now .
I 'm choosing the latter . ''
Farris has taken to some livestream performances , has moved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of some students and is spending time recording new music in his home studio , getting it ready to send out for mixing and mastering .
He 'll share some of his music , as well as chatting about his projects and his time on `` The Voice , '' when he joins us on Instagram Live ( instagram.com/chicagosoundcheck ) at 7 p.m. Friday .

Kevin Farris joins Sound Check livestream concert series at 7 p.m. Friday
Northwest suburban singer-songwriter Kevin Farris joins us for the second episode of Chicago Sound Check's livestream concert series Friday, May 8. Courtesy of Kevin Farris
Northwest suburban singer-songwriter Kevin Farris joins us for the second episode of Chicago Sound Check's livestream concert series Friday, May 8. Courtesy of Kevin Farris
The news just broke that the local live music scene looks to be on an extended hiatus well into the summer.
So now more than ever, we need our entertainment to help keep us sane.
Mount Prospect singer-songwriter Kevin Farris aims to help scratch that itch when he joins us for Chicago Sound Check's livestream concert series on Instagram Live (instagram.com/chicagosoundcheck) at 7 p.m. Friday. Friday, May 8, sponsored by the Daily Herald, White Claw and Mike's Hard Lemonade.
Farris, a native of Arlington Heights who some may remember from the rock band Coventry, was recently seen blasting through the blind audition rounds on NBC's "The Voice" and landing a slot on Team Jonas.
Now back home, the artist and preschool music educator is facing all-too-common challenges stemming from the COVID quarantines and venue shutdowns -- a summer tour canceled, as well as some scheduled local gigs.
"After 'The Voice,' I wanted to do a big Chicago show for friends and family and people that may have tuned in and been interested in the excerpt done on me," Farris said. "But obviously all of that has changed."
Leaning into the new normal, the 33-year-old musician found different outlets for his creativity and his job.
"My plan is just to adapt as best I can," he said, "because I think you have two options: You just curl up in a ball and say 'Woe is me,' or you kind of adapt to the situation, try to maintain as much momentum as possible now. I'm choosing the latter."
Farris has taken to some livestream performances, has moved his virtual teaching online at the request of some students and is spending time recording new music in his home studio, getting it ready to send out for mixing and mastering. He'll share some of his music, as well as chatting about his projects and his time on "The Voice," when he joins us on Instagram Live (instagram.com/chicagosoundcheck) at 7 p.m. Friday.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-06--What others are writing about COVID-19

What others are writing about COVID-19

Is It Safer to Visit a Coffee Shop or a Gym ?
In this interactive Opinion piece , The New York Times uses anonymized cellphone location data to measure how crowded businesses can get , and how long people spend at each visit .
They also asked people to rate how much they interact with others or touch surfaces at different types of establishments , such as restaurants or nail salons .
How Will Transportation , Commutes Change In A Post-Coronavirus World ?
We Asked Experts Are you having trouble imagining going back to your regular Metra commute once the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ avoids the train and drives instead , what will traffic look like ?
NPR talked to some experts in Washington , D.C. , about what public transportation could look like in the near future .
Listen here .
What Is the Real Coronavirus Toll in Each State ?
Illinois is third on the list of states where deaths are far above normal .
This data analysis from The New York Times looks at deaths from all causes -- not just those with a positive COVID-19 test -- in an effort to get a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impact .
The urgent quest for a coronavirus treatment involves door-to-door blood collection and a llama named Winter Did you know llamas produce a special type of disease-fighting antibody ?
The Washington Post looks at the scientific race to find a treatment for COVID-19 .
How to have a fulfilling staycation when you 're sick of your house We may not be able to go anywhere right now , but we still need to `` get away . ''
Vox offers some tips .

What others are writing about COVID-19
MTA officials work on trains for the disinfecting operations at the Coney Island Stillwell Avenue Terminal Wednesday, May 6, 2020, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Is It Safer to Visit a Coffee Shop or a Gym?
In this interactive Opinion piece, The New York Times uses anonymized cellphone location data to measure how crowded businesses can get, and how long people spend at each visit. They also asked people to rate how much they interact with others or touch surfaces at different types of establishments, such as restaurants or nail salons.
How Will Transportation, Commutes Change In A Post-Coronavirus World? We Asked Experts
Are you having trouble imagining going back to your regular Metra commute once the stay-at-home order is lifted? If everyone avoids the train and drives instead, what will traffic look like? NPR talked to some experts in Washington, D.C., about what public transportation could look like in the near future. Listen here.
What Is the Real Coronavirus Toll in Each State?
Illinois is third on the list of states where deaths are far above normal. This data analysis from The New York Times looks at deaths from all causes -- not just those with a positive COVID-19 test -- in an effort to get a more complete picture of the pandemic's impact.
The urgent quest for a coronavirus treatment involves door-to-door blood collection and a llama named Winter
Did you know llamas produce a special type of disease-fighting antibody? The Washington Post looks at the scientific race to find a treatment for COVID-19.
How to have a fulfilling staycation when you're sick of your house
We may not be able to go anywhere right now, but we still need to "get away." Vox offers some tips.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-06--District 300 plans for in-school, outdoor and virtual graduations

A socially-distanced summer graduation , a drive-in ceremony or virtual honors -- officials at Algonquin-based Community Unit District 300 are considering all three options for recognizing graduating seniors .
Schools across the suburbs have canceled or postponed graduation ceremonies due to Illinois ' extended stay-at-home order and ban on mass gatherings .
Many schools have resorted to virtual graduations .
Yet , hope of rules being relaxed by the summer has some school leaders planning alternative events .
`` We continue to plan for a traditional graduation ceremony ... with some safety precautions , '' Superintendent Fred Heid said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ hold out another month or two to give it more time . ''
District 300 's graduation originally was set for May 16 at the Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates .
Officials have three alternate dates for graduation : June 6 and 27 , and July 30 .
Heid said the district might still be able to use the Sears Centre by spacing seats on the main floor six feet apart and canceling live performances .
`` It could be staged as a drive-through event , '' Heid said .
`` As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seat .
We are working with the Sears Centre even on seating for families .
For some of our larger schools , we may have to do it in two sessions . ''
As a backup , district officials have been negotiating with the McHenry Outdoor Theater for a drive-in movie theater-style ceremony .
The theater 's parking lot can accommodate more than 700 vehicles .
`` Instead of parking them as closely , you could park up to 350 vehicles , '' Heid said .
`` Every vehicle would have one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ walk from the cars and come up to the stage to pick up their diplomas . ''
The latest guidance issued by the Illinois Department of Public Health and Illinois State Board of Education strongly encourages virtual graduation events .
Yet , it allows for alternative scenarios for safe and socially distanced ceremonies at the discretion of local school boards and superintendents .
Allowable in-person graduation events include outdoor drive-in and drive-through settings at drive-in movie theaters , and school , stadium or other large parking lots with large projection screens and sound @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of students at a time held in schools or at students ' homes are another possibility .
Social distancing is key for such plans to work .
`` If all else fails , we will have to do some kind of virtual event , '' Heid said .
`` It 's all about remaining flexible . ''

District 300 plans for in-school, outdoor and virtual graduations
A socially-distanced summer graduation, a drive-in ceremony or virtual honors -- officials at Algonquin-based Community Unit District 300 are considering all three options for recognizing graduating seniors.
Schools across the suburbs have canceled or postponed graduation ceremonies due to Illinois' extended stay-at-home order and ban on mass gatherings. Many schools have resorted to virtual graduations. Yet, hope of rules being relaxed by the summer has some school leaders planning alternative events.
"We continue to plan for a traditional graduation ceremony ... with some safety precautions," Superintendent Fred Heid said. "It's important for us to hold out another month or two to give it more time."
District 300's graduation originally was set for May 16 at the Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates. Officials have three alternate dates for graduation: June 6 and 27, and July 30.
Heid said the district might still be able to use the Sears Centre by spacing seats on the main floor six feet apart and canceling live performances.
"It could be staged as a drive-through event," Heid said. "As students arrive they will immediately take a seat. We are working with the Sears Centre even on seating for families. For some of our larger schools, we may have to do it in two sessions."
As a backup, district officials have been negotiating with the McHenry Outdoor Theater for a drive-in movie theater-style ceremony. The theater's parking lot can accommodate more than 700 vehicles.
"Instead of parking them as closely, you could park up to 350 vehicles," Heid said. "Every vehicle would have one of our graduates in it. Students would walk from the cars and come up to the stage to pick up their diplomas."
The latest guidance issued by the Illinois Department of Public Health and Illinois State Board of Education strongly encourages virtual graduation events. Yet, it allows for alternative scenarios for safe and socially distanced ceremonies at the discretion of local school boards and superintendents.
Allowable in-person graduation events include outdoor drive-in and drive-through settings at drive-in movie theaters, and school, stadium or other large parking lots with large projection screens and sound equipment.
Individualized ceremonies with a limited number of students at a time held in schools or at students' homes are another possibility. Social distancing is key for such plans to work.
"If all else fails, we will have to do some kind of virtual event," Heid said. "It's all about remaining flexible."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-06--Chicago White Sox's Encarncion goes to bat for Dominican Republic

Before he helps the White Sox with his bat , Edwin Encarnacion is taking a swing at assisting his native Dominican Republic during the coronavirus pandemic .
On a phone call with Dominican legends Pedro Martinez , David Ortiz and Jose Bautista , Encarnacion floated an idea to raise money .
`` I ( said ) , if we could have a group of players we can come together to help our country because they need it right now , '' Encarnacion said on a conference call Wednesday .
`` I told them I could start a group in WhatsApp @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could get and put them together in one group and we can start from there .
That 's how everything came together .
And we have over 50 players already in that group . ''
Through the Pedro Martinez Foundation , the COVID-19 Dominican Republic Initiative was launched .
More than $ 1 million already has been raised to purchase ventilators , face masks , disposable suits , test kits , hand sanitizer , cleaning supplies and food .
`` Right now in the Dominican , it 's not good , '' Encarnacion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The impact that we 've been having , we 've bought over 1,000 kits of food for the people here .
We give it to different cities in the Dominican Republic , different players , so they can give that food for the people who need it . ''
Helping out in a time of need is nothing new for Encarnacion and the group of Dominican players he helped assemble .
`` Here in the Dominican , every player does something for the city where he 's from , '' Encarnacion said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I 've been doing a lot of different stuff , giving food to the people around my city in La Romana .
Everybody , like Robinson Cano doing stuff in San Pedro de Macoris , Albert Pujols doing his city , there 's a lot of players doing different stuff .
`` But this thing is something like a group , a group of players from the Dominican Republic , that idea comes from me .
I know everybody has been doing something in their city , but I want to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team so we can collect more money and we can give more things , more supplies to those who need it .
`` Like the doctors , medical staff , people who need food .
Everybody together in one thing , so we can collect more money and we can help more people . ''
Encarnacion also is receiving assistance from the White Sox in the fundraising effort .
`` I want to take this opportunity to say thanks to the Chicago organization because they are part of this group , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they do for us and every Dominican wants to say thanks in the name of the Dominican people .
I want to say thanks to the Chicago organization for helping us . ''
After signing a one-year , $ 12 million contract in December -- the deal also has a $ 12 million club option for 2021 -- Encarnacion was looking forward to filling the White Sox 's gaping hole at designated hitter .
A veteran of 15 major-league seasons with the Yankees , Mariners , Indians , Reds and Blue Jays , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ players with 414 home runs .
The right-hander has been hitting in a cage on his family farm and is working with a personal trainer .
Encarnacion also has a baseball academy in Santo Domingo and he 's looking forward to working out with a larger group of players , as early as next week .
`` I 've been getting ready , '' Encarnacion said .
`` I do n't know what 's going to happen .
I 've been working and doing the things I need to do for being ready @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 'm still waiting for what they are going to say , when we are going to go there to start the season .
I just want to play and I 'm ready to play and we are waiting to see what 's going to happen . ''
There has been speculation major-league teams will begin a second spring training , as early as June 10 .
How long will it take players to get ready ?
`` It is n't going to take more than three weeks , '' Encarnacion said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I think I 'd be grateful . ''

Chicago White Sox's Encarncion goes to bat for Dominican Republic
Before he helps the White Sox with his bat, Edwin Encarnacion is taking a swing at assisting his native Dominican Republic during the coronavirus pandemic.
On a phone call with Dominican legends Pedro Martinez, David Ortiz and Jose Bautista, Encarnacion floated an idea to raise money.
"I (said), if we could have a group of players we can come together to help our country because they need it right now," Encarnacion said on a conference call Wednesday. "I told them I could start a group in WhatsApp and try to get every number I could get and put them together in one group and we can start from there. That's how everything came together. And we have over 50 players already in that group."
Through the Pedro Martinez Foundation, the COVID-19 Dominican Republic Initiative was launched. More than $1 million already has been raised to purchase ventilators, face masks, disposable suits, test kits, hand sanitizer, cleaning supplies and food.
"Right now in the Dominican, it's not good," Encarnacion said. "It's getting worse. The impact that we've been having, we've bought over 1,000 kits of food for the people here. We give it to different cities in the Dominican Republic, different players, so they can give that food for the people who need it."
Helping out in a time of need is nothing new for Encarnacion and the group of Dominican players he helped assemble.
"Here in the Dominican, every player does something for the city where he's from," Encarnacion said. "I'm from La Romana. I've been doing a lot of different stuff, giving food to the people around my city in La Romana. Everybody, like Robinson Cano doing stuff in San Pedro de Macoris, Albert Pujols doing his city, there's a lot of players doing different stuff.
"But this thing is something like a group, a group of players from the Dominican Republic, that idea comes from me. I know everybody has been doing something in their city, but I want to do something together. Everybody together in one team so we can collect more money and we can give more things, more supplies to those who need it.
"Like the doctors, medical staff, people who need food. Everybody together in one thing, so we can collect more money and we can help more people."
Encarnacion also is receiving assistance from the White Sox in the fundraising effort.
"I want to take this opportunity to say thanks to the Chicago organization because they are part of this group," he said. "We really appreciate what they do for us and every Dominican wants to say thanks in the name of the Dominican people. I want to say thanks to the Chicago organization for helping us."
After signing a one-year, $12 million contract in December -- the deal also has a $12 million club option for 2021 -- Encarnacion was looking forward to filling the White Sox's gaping hole at designated hitter.
A veteran of 15 major-league seasons with the Yankees, Mariners, Indians, Reds and Blue Jays, the 37-year-old Encarnacion ranks third among active players with 414 home runs.
The right-hander has been hitting in a cage on his family farm and is working with a personal trainer.
Encarnacion also has a baseball academy in Santo Domingo and he's looking forward to working out with a larger group of players, as early as next week.
"I've been getting ready," Encarnacion said. "I don't know what's going to happen. I've been working and doing the things I need to do for being ready for whenever I get the call. I'm still waiting for what they are going to say, when we are going to go there to start the season. I just want to play and I'm ready to play and we are waiting to see what's going to happen."
There has been speculation major-league teams will begin a second spring training, as early as June 10.
How long will it take players to get ready?
"It isn't going to take more than three weeks," Encarnacion said. "If they give us three weeks, I think I'd be grateful."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-06--State officials as virus deaths approach 3,000: 'Virtual hugs' best on Mother's Day

Deaths from COVID-19 rose by 136 Wednesday , a decrease from Tuesday 's high of 176 , but `` the virus has n't gone away , '' officials announced as they cautioned against large Mother 's Day gatherings .
`` Virtual hugs '' are the safest way to celebrate Mother 's Day with loved ones who are not in your immediate family circle , Illinois Department of Public Health Director Ngozi Ezike said at a briefing .
The total number of Illinoisans who 've died from COVID-19 was 2,974 as of Wednesday , and cases of the disease grew by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Gov .
J.B. Pritzker defended a new five-phase plan to move toward easing the state 's stay-at-home order .
The plan allows for each of four regions of the state to move independently through the phases , which range from Phase 1 , with widespread infection , to Phase 5 , with businesses and entertainment open , with precautions .
Phase 5 could be well over a year away , officials said , and depends on a vaccine being available , an effective and widely available treatment , or the elimination of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 'm not the one holding back the economy from stage five ; the COVID-19 virus is , '' Pritzker said .
`` That 's the thing that 's been causing the very high infection rates , the hospitalizations and the deaths . ''
`` Let 's be clear : The virus has n't gone away , and nothing we 're doing now has changed that fact , '' he said .
Although the number of deaths in a single day decreased Wednesday , the tally of 136 is the fourth highest to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 in one day is the sixth highest so far ; the largest increase was on May 1 , 3,137 .
Meanwhile , people being treated for COVID-19 in hospitals rose to 4,832 , Ezike said .
The seven-day average is 4,768 .
The vast majority of people dying of the disease are people age 60 and older and Ezike urged Illinoisans not to pay social visits on Mother 's Day .
`` Our elderly people are still at high risk , and we do n't want to put anyone at risk , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
The physician added that she and her siblings drop things off at her mother 's door rather than get too close .
Also Wednesday , Pritzker and Latino health experts discussed data showing that of 26,517 Hispanic residents tested for COVID-19 , 15,959 or 60 % were positive , about three times the state average .
Pritzker attributed that to `` decades of disparities in health care access and delivery . ''
Officials said they are working to increase access to testing by offering Spanish translation services at drive-through test sites @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Greater Elgin Family Care Center .
On Tuesday , Pritzker outlined a five-phase plan to reopen the state by region , with Chicago and the suburbs included in the Northeast region .
Others are the North-Central , Central and Southern Illinois regions .
The entire state remains in Phase 2 of Pritzker 's plan , dubbed `` flattening , '' where the rate of infections and admissions to hospitals is slowing and moving to a flat or decreasing curve .
Phase 3 , dubbed `` recovery , '' would allow gatherings of 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and let customers into retail stores with capacity limits .
Schools would remain closed .
Some suburban Republican lawmakers argue the regional approach injures communities with low COVID-19 numbers by lumping them in with Chicago .
`` I have supported the governor in his health care measures to date , '' GOP state Sen. Don DeWitte of St. Charles said .
But `` Kane and McHenry counties can not survive in any category of reopening -- be it socially , economically , educationally or spiritually -- waiting for Chicago and Cook County @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus . ''
The single-day death tally included 83 in Cook County , 12 in DuPage County , nine in Kane County , 11 in Lake County , two in McHenry County and 10 in Will County .
The regions are based on `` hospital beds , and health care workers , ( and ) how much health care is available if there is a surge , '' Pritzker said .
`` I am sure there are a lot of opinions about how you could draw the lines , '' he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him they wanted `` just to draw lines around their city . ''
`` They were drawn because we wanted to make sure there is health care availability , '' Pritzker said .

State officials as virus deaths approach 3,000: 'Virtual hugs' best on Mother's Day
Deaths from COVID-19 rose by 136 Wednesday, a decrease from Tuesday's high of 176, but "the virus hasn't gone away," officials announced as they cautioned against large Mother's Day gatherings.
"Virtual hugs" are the safest way to celebrate Mother's Day with loved ones who are not in your immediate family circle, Illinois Department of Public Health Director Ngozi Ezike said at a briefing.
The total number of Illinoisans who've died from COVID-19 was 2,974 as of Wednesday, and cases of the disease grew by 2,270 for a statewide tally of 68,232.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker defended a new five-phase plan to move toward easing the state's stay-at-home order. The plan allows for each of four regions of the state to move independently through the phases, which range from Phase 1, with widespread infection, to Phase 5, with businesses and entertainment open, with precautions.
Phase 5 could be well over a year away, officials said, and depends on a vaccine being available, an effective and widely available treatment, or the elimination of new cases in a region.
"I'm not the one holding back the economy from stage five; the COVID-19 virus is," Pritzker said. "That's the thing that's been causing the very high infection rates, the hospitalizations and the deaths."
"Let's be clear: The virus hasn't gone away, and nothing we're doing now has changed that fact," he said.
Although the number of deaths in a single day decreased Wednesday, the tally of 136 is the fourth highest to date.
The 2,270 new cases of COVID-19 in one day is the sixth highest so far; the largest increase was on May 1, 3,137.
Meanwhile, people being treated for COVID-19 in hospitals rose to 4,832, Ezike said. The seven-day average is 4,768.
The vast majority of people dying of the disease are people age 60 and older and Ezike urged Illinoisans not to pay social visits on Mother's Day.
"Our elderly people are still at high risk, and we don't want to put anyone at risk, especially our most vulnerable," Ezike said. The physician added that she and her siblings drop things off at her mother's door rather than get too close.
Also Wednesday, Pritzker and Latino health experts discussed data showing that of 26,517 Hispanic residents tested for COVID-19, 15,959 or 60% were positive, about three times the state average. Pritzker attributed that to "decades of disparities in health care access and delivery."
Officials said they are working to increase access to testing by offering Spanish translation services at drive-through test sites including in Aurora and clinics including the Greater Elgin Family Care Center.
The five phases for Illinois to fully reopen -
On Tuesday, Pritzker outlined a five-phase plan to reopen the state by region, with Chicago and the suburbs included in the Northeast region. Others are the North-Central, Central and Southern Illinois regions.
The entire state remains in Phase 2 of Pritzker's plan, dubbed "flattening," where the rate of infections and admissions to hospitals is slowing and moving to a flat or decreasing curve.
Phase 3, dubbed "recovery," would allow gatherings of 10 or more, reopen barbershops and salons, and let customers into retail stores with capacity limits. Schools would remain closed.
Some suburban Republican lawmakers argue the regional approach injures communities with low COVID-19 numbers by lumping them in with Chicago.
"I have supported the governor in his health care measures to date," GOP state Sen. Don DeWitte of St. Charles said. But "Kane and McHenry counties cannot survive in any category of reopening -- be it socially, economically, educationally or spiritually -- waiting for Chicago and Cook County to manage its challenges in dealing with the coronavirus."
The single-day death tally included 83 in Cook County, 12 in DuPage County, nine in Kane County, 11 in Lake County, two in McHenry County and 10 in Will County.
The regions are based on "hospital beds, and health care workers, (and) how much health care is available if there is a surge," Pritzker said.
"I am sure there are a lot of opinions about how you could draw the lines," he said, adding several DuPage County mayors told him they wanted "just to draw lines around their city."
"They were drawn because we wanted to make sure there is health care availability," Pritzker said.
• Capitol News Illinois contributed to this report.