dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-03--Why a Chicago-area doctor feels called to serve people in their most critical moments

Dr. Kaleem Malik has been on the front lines his entire career .
He has worked in emergency rooms throughout the Chicago area , treating patients who suffered severe trauma .
He has traveled the globe providing relief in the aftermath of disasters .
He has completed missions in impoverished countries , offering access to health care for those in need .
And now he 's on the front lines again , this time of the coronavirus pandemic .
For 25 years , the Burr Ridge man has built a career around serving people in their most critical moments .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But his role as an emergency medicine and trauma specialist extends beyond physical health .
It 's about compassion and humanity , he says , about caring for someone as you would your own family member .
And most importantly , it 's about providing hope .
`` If you 've every been in an ER with a loved one , if you 've ever been at someone 's hour of need , you know what the value of hope is , '' Malik said .
`` It 's everything .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Malik was in his second year of medical school when he realized his passion for emergency medicine .
He went on to train as a Flight for Life surgeon , where he administered crucial care to patients in the `` golden hour '' immediately after a trauma .
Malik since has held several health care leadership positions and is a practicing physician and former emergency medicine chairman with the DuPage Medical Group .
Last week , the American Red Cross of Chicago and Northern Illinois named him its 2020 disaster services hero @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Malik has volunteered with Humanity First USA , a nonprofit that provides disaster relief and development assistance worldwide .
He has responded in various capacities to disasters such as the 2010 Haiti earthquake , the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami , Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and most recently , Hurricane Dorian last year .
As the group 's director of medical disaster response , Malik and his team of 10 were among the first to arrive on Great Abaco Island after the Category 5 storm pummeled the Bahamas .
Summoned by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the request of the Bahamian government , they packed four tons of medical equipment , food , generators and other tools , and set out on their mission to restore a damaged clinic in Abaco .
When they arrived after a 13-hour boat ride , Malik said , all they could see was `` utter destruction . ''
`` I 'm standing in the midst of the rubble thinking that a bomb went off here , but this was 180-mph sustained winds that leveled everything , '' he said .
`` It happened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' While treating patients and helping them start to rebuild their lives , Malik noticed many were overwhelmed and shellshocked .
Based on his observations , he said , the World Health Organization has since developed a proposal for adding mental health professionals to disaster response teams .
Malik also serves as a course director for disaster training , but his relief efforts are n't limited to when catastrophe strikes .
He regularly goes on medical missions to provide health care and other basic needs to people living in Guatemala and elsewhere .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ suffering from chronic illnesses that can be treated with medication , he says , but who have never seen a doctor before .
`` You learn about human nature and the resiliency of the human spirit that they can carry on with their pain , '' he said .
`` For me , that 's a real reality check to know the little things we take for granted . ''
Such compassion fuels him .
And it 's why he does n't allow himself to become numb to the raw emotion he witnesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ baby into a hospital , or a community is torn apart by a natural disaster , or a new virus threatens the life of anyone in its path .
Malik said he initially was involved in the development of coronavirus triage protocols .
Humanity First is now leading the research in a trial for helmet ventilation , a noninvasive tactic that has shown early success in preventing some COVID-19 patients from requiring intubation .
Health care workers are used to seeing people in distress , Malik says , but the pandemic is unique @ @ @ @ @ @ @ putting themselves in harm 's way .
He believes everyone should be doing their part to help .
`` Empathy is sympathy in motion .
Empathy is to feel it like it 's your own , '' Malik said .
`` This ( issue ) has come with the advantages for us to come to know each other and help each other .
It really is a time where we must reflect on our humanity . ''

Why a Chicago-area doctor feels called to serve people in their most critical moments
Dr. Kaleem Malik of Burr Ridge was named the 2020 disaster services hero by the Red Cross of Chicago and Northern Illinois. He has served in Chicago-area emergency rooms for his entire career, goes on medical mission trips to developing countries and responds to disasters worldwide. Courtesy of the Red Cross of Chicago and Northern Illinois
Dr. Kaleem Malik has been on the front lines his entire career.
He has worked in emergency rooms throughout the Chicago area, treating patients who suffered severe trauma. He has traveled the globe providing relief in the aftermath of disasters. He has completed missions in impoverished countries, offering access to health care for those in need.
And now he's on the front lines again, this time of the coronavirus pandemic.
For 25 years, the Burr Ridge man has built a career around serving people in their most critical moments. He couldn't imagine doing anything else. But his role as an emergency medicine and trauma specialist extends beyond physical health.
It's about compassion and humanity, he says, about caring for someone as you would your own family member. And most importantly, it's about providing hope.
"If you've every been in an ER with a loved one, if you've ever been at someone's hour of need, you know what the value of hope is," Malik said. "It's everything. It gives you a reason to live."
Malik was in his second year of medical school when he realized his passion for emergency medicine. He went on to train as a Flight for Life surgeon, where he administered crucial care to patients in the "golden hour" immediately after a trauma.
Malik since has held several health care leadership positions and is a practicing physician and former emergency medicine chairman with the DuPage Medical Group.
Last week, the American Red Cross of Chicago and Northern Illinois named him its 2020 disaster services hero.
For the past 17 years, Malik has volunteered with Humanity First USA, a nonprofit that provides disaster relief and development assistance worldwide. He has responded in various capacities to disasters such as the 2010 Haiti earthquake, the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and most recently, Hurricane Dorian last year.
As the group's director of medical disaster response, Malik and his team of 10 were among the first to arrive on Great Abaco Island after the Category 5 storm pummeled the Bahamas. Summoned by the United Nations Pan American Health Organization at the request of the Bahamian government, they packed four tons of medical equipment, food, generators and other tools, and set out on their mission to restore a damaged clinic in Abaco.
When they arrived after a 13-hour boat ride, Malik said, all they could see was "utter destruction."
"I'm standing in the midst of the rubble thinking that a bomb went off here, but this was 180-mph sustained winds that leveled everything," he said. "It happened in the blink of an eye."
While treating patients and helping them start to rebuild their lives, Malik noticed many were overwhelmed and shellshocked. Based on his observations, he said, the World Health Organization has since developed a proposal for adding mental health professionals to disaster response teams.
Malik also serves as a course director for disaster training, but his relief efforts aren't limited to when catastrophe strikes. He regularly goes on medical missions to provide health care and other basic needs to people living in Guatemala and elsewhere.
It's amazing how many patients are suffering from chronic illnesses that can be treated with medication, he says, but who have never seen a doctor before.
"You learn about human nature and the resiliency of the human spirit that they can carry on with their pain," he said. "For me, that's a real reality check to know the little things we take for granted."
Such compassion fuels him. And it's why he doesn't allow himself to become numb to the raw emotion he witnesses every time a mom carries her injured baby into a hospital, or a community is torn apart by a natural disaster, or a new virus threatens the life of anyone in its path.
Malik said he initially was involved in the development of coronavirus triage protocols. Humanity First is now leading the research in a trial for helmet ventilation, a noninvasive tactic that has shown early success in preventing some COVID-19 patients from requiring intubation.
Health care workers are used to seeing people in distress, Malik says, but the pandemic is unique in that those in the trenches are putting themselves in harm's way. He believes everyone should be doing their part to help.
"Empathy is sympathy in motion. Empathy is to feel it like it's your own," Malik said. "This (issue) has come with the advantages for us to come to know each other and help each other. It really is a time where we must reflect on our humanity."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-03--Clubhouse Chatter: Would you attend a pro or college game this summer or fall?

What our Sports staff has to say while waiting for the games to resume .
Ultimately , that 's something the medical experts should decide .
Barring an effective vaccine , which seems unlikely to be ready so soon , it probably would not be safe to be in a stadium full of fans with social distancing rules still likely to be in place .
We were just having this conversation at our family dinner table .
I answered yes knowing there will be all kinds of new safety measures .
I 'm sure I would think long and hard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'd also pay close attention to what the medical experts are saying , but for now I 'll say yes .
It 's still a little early to give an accurate answer , but I 'm leaning toward yes .
Social distancing is going to remain in place when the stay-at-home order is lifted , and I 'm sure you will see spaced out crowds at sporting events in the short term .
Much too early to tell .
We 'll wait it out and see what the doctors and authorities have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and perhaps they 'll speak on the issue of being around athletes and students .
Even facilities like Botanic Garden say they 'hope ' to reopen in July .
So tough to say now .
I would feel safe with social distancing guidelines in place .
Depending on statistics regarding cases , etc.
, I would probably still strongly consider wearing a mask and gloves .
Yes .
If , and only if , the `` experts '' deem it safe enough for an event to be held , why not ?
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If proper precautions are taken , I 'd definitely go .

Clubhouse Chatter: Would you attend a pro or college game this summer or fall?
What our Sports staff has to say while waiting for the games to resume.
Ultimately, that's something the medical experts should decide. Barring an effective vaccine, which seems unlikely to be ready so soon, it probably would not be safe to be in a stadium full of fans with social distancing rules still likely to be in place.
-- Orrin Schwarz
We were just having this conversation at our family dinner table. I answered yes knowing there will be all kinds of new safety measures. I'm sure I would think long and hard before actually doing it, and I'd also pay close attention to what the medical experts are saying, but for now I'll say yes.
-- John Lemon
It's still a little early to give an accurate answer, but I'm leaning toward yes. Social distancing is going to remain in place when the stay-at-home order is lifted, and I'm sure you will see spaced out crowds at sporting events in the short term.
-- Scot Gregor
Much too early to tell. We'll wait it out and see what the doctors and authorities have to say about how the virus has developed and perhaps they'll speak on the issue of being around athletes and students. Even facilities like Botanic Garden say they 'hope' to reopen in July. So tough to say now.
-- John Leusch
I would feel safe with social distancing guidelines in place. Depending on statistics regarding cases, etc., I would probably still strongly consider wearing a mask and gloves.
-- Patricia Babcock McGraw
Yes. If, and only if, the "experts" deem it safe enough for an event to be held, why not? We can't continue to live in fear. If proper precautions are taken, I'd definitely go.
-- John Radtke


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-03--Rozner: It's not over yet for Trubisky in Chicago

The Bears have had yet another magnificent week .
It 's quite remarkable , really .
Having gone without a Super Bowl for nearly 35 years , it seems they can do no wrong .
That 's the impression one gets while viewing the support they receive for every decision they make .
It was brilliant in 2017 when they gave away picks , moved up a single selection and drafted at No .
2 a quarterback with 13 starts of college experience .
It was smart when they blamed John Fox for Mitch Trubisky 's inability to play the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was outstanding when they had superb draft after superb draft to support the quarterback .
It was genius when they decided after last season that Trubisky would face competition .
It was miraculous when they brought in Nick Foles .
And now it is perfect that they have declined Trubisky 's fifth-year option as he enters his fourth season still trying to figure out how to play quarterback at the NFL level .
Honestly , the Bears and GM Ryan Pace can do no wrong .
Based on all you are sold , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off a Super Bowl three-peat , and the one certainty is Pace and Trubisky are never to blame .
While viewing the consistent platitudes with just a hint of skepticism , the decision to eschew the fifth-year option at this juncture is as simple as it gets from a procedural standpoint .
Compared by the Bears to Drew Brees when he was drafted , and after coddling him for three years , the Bears are now challenging Trubisky rather than giving him nearly $ 25 million for 2021 .
If he takes the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plays even halfway decent , Pace will absolutely sign Trubisky to a long-term deal , or franchise him for 2021 .
Trubisky is today and will forever be Ryan Pace 's guy .
So , no , it 's not over yet for Trubisky in Chicago , as much as you might want it to be , or as much as it seems obvious to anyone with reasonable vision .
History tells us that when a high pick at QB has n't done enough after three years to merit a fifth year , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But all the paperwork means today is the Bears have n't made their decision on the quarterback .
In and of itself , this is a difficult admission for Pace , the GM who staked his career on seeing something no one else did .
Still , the Bears could n't possibly be more excited about Trubisky 's attitude , the way he 's embracing the challenge and totally getting after it , following a season in which he finished 32nd in yards gained per attempt , 28th in quarterback rating and 27th @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fired up , so that 's pretty great .
You understand why Matt Nagy has to sell the optimism about the GM 's quarterback , but it has to be Nagy who forced Pace to admit it has n't worked and begged him to bring in another quarterback , but do n't assume that Pace has given up .
Six years into his Bears rebuild , rest assured he has a belief in Trubisky that few others maintain .
But if Pace wants to keep his job he will need the Bears to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ producing thus far 60 minutes of exhilarating playoff football during his much-heralded tenure in Chicago .
Based on offseason additions , it might be that he finally understands his predicament , that he 's willing to listen to arguments on Trubisky .
At least he 's allowing Nagy to ponder such even if he does n't .
This offers a glimmer of hope .
No , really .
There should be optimism based on Pace getting out of his own head and instead of dreaming about Trubisky 's greatness , he 's listening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what NFL quarterbacks are supposed to look like .
No need here to mention Pat Mahomes or Deshaun Watson , or the contracts they will soon receive , or that they were selected behind Trubisky in the 2017 draft .
There ca n't be anyone this side of the Rubicon that does n't fully understand the math heading into the experiment 's fourth year .
At the same time , in the event that Trubisky has a great year , Pace can pat himself on the back again and hand the quarterback tens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and all will be well in Lake Forest as they plan for parades and banner-raising ceremonies .
There are at least two people who absolutely believe this is possible .

Rozner: It's not over yet for Trubisky in Chicago
Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky calls out at the line of scrimmage during a game Nov. 10 against the Detroit Lions in Chicago. Just because the Bears didn't pick up Trubisky's fifth-year option doesn't mean Ryan Pace doesn't still have faith in his quarterback. Associated Press
The Bears have had yet another magnificent week.
It's quite remarkable, really.
Having gone without a Super Bowl for nearly 35 years, it seems they can do no wrong. That's the impression one gets while viewing the support they receive for every decision they make.
It was brilliant in 2017 when they gave away picks, moved up a single selection and drafted at No. 2 a quarterback with 13 starts of college experience.
It was smart when they blamed John Fox for Mitch Trubisky's inability to play the game or understand the playbook.
It was outstanding when they had superb draft after superb draft to support the quarterback.
It was genius when they decided after last season that Trubisky would face competition.
It was miraculous when they brought in Nick Foles.
And now it is perfect that they have declined Trubisky's fifth-year option as he enters his fourth season still trying to figure out how to play quarterback at the NFL level.
Honestly, the Bears and GM Ryan Pace can do no wrong.
Based on all you are sold, it's as if they are coming off a Super Bowl three-peat, and the one certainty is Pace and Trubisky are never to blame.
While viewing the consistent platitudes with just a hint of skepticism, the decision to eschew the fifth-year option at this juncture is as simple as it gets from a procedural standpoint.
Compared by the Bears to Drew Brees when he was drafted, and after coddling him for three years, the Bears are now challenging Trubisky rather than giving him nearly $25 million for 2021.
If he takes the job back from Foles in 2020 and plays even halfway decent, Pace will absolutely sign Trubisky to a long-term deal, or franchise him for 2021.
Trubisky is today and will forever be Ryan Pace's guy.
So, no, it's not over yet for Trubisky in Chicago, as much as you might want it to be, or as much as it seems obvious to anyone with reasonable vision. History tells us that when a high pick at QB hasn't done enough after three years to merit a fifth year, it's not likely to happen.
But all the paperwork means today is the Bears haven't made their decision on the quarterback. In and of itself, this is a difficult admission for Pace, the GM who staked his career on seeing something no one else did.
Still, the Bears couldn't possibly be more excited about Trubisky's attitude, the way he's embracing the challenge and totally getting after it, following a season in which he finished 32nd in yards gained per attempt, 28th in quarterback rating and 27th in touchdown passes.
But he's fired up, so that's pretty great.
You understand why Matt Nagy has to sell the optimism about the GM's quarterback, but it has to be Nagy who forced Pace to admit it hasn't worked and begged him to bring in another quarterback, but don't assume that Pace has given up. Six years into his Bears rebuild, rest assured he has a belief in Trubisky that few others maintain.
But if Pace wants to keep his job he will need the Bears to go deep into the 2020 postseason, producing thus far 60 minutes of exhilarating playoff football during his much-heralded tenure in Chicago.
Based on offseason additions, it might be that he finally understands his predicament, that he's willing to listen to arguments on Trubisky.
At least he's allowing Nagy to ponder such even if he doesn't.
This offers a glimmer of hope. No, really. There should be optimism based on Pace getting out of his own head and instead of dreaming about Trubisky's greatness, he's listening to a head coach who actually knows what NFL quarterbacks are supposed to look like.
No need here to mention Pat Mahomes or Deshaun Watson, or the contracts they will soon receive, or that they were selected behind Trubisky in the 2017 draft. There can't be anyone this side of the Rubicon that doesn't fully understand the math heading into the experiment's fourth year.
At the same time, in the event that Trubisky has a great year, Pace can pat himself on the back again and hand the quarterback tens of millions of the McCaskey's money and all will be well in Lake Forest as they plan for parades and banner-raising ceremonies.
There are at least two people who absolutely believe this is possible.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-03--Two crashes in Lake County leave drivers with critical injuries

Lake County Sheriff 's police are investigating two crashes Saturday evening that left drivers with critical injuries .
The first occurred about 6:10 p.m. when a 55-year-old Wadsworth man was driving a Honda Gold Wing motorcycle in a parking lot in the 25900 block of Riverwoods Road near Mettawa .
Authorities said the man lost control and crashed after accelerating to a high speed , causing the front wheel of the Honda to rise from the roadway .
The driver , who was not wearing a helmet , was taken by ambulance to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's office The second crash occurred about 8:45 p.m. when a Chevrolet Impala driven by 22-year-old North Chicago man crossed into oncoming traffic on Sheridan Road near Beach Park and struck a Nissan Rogue driven by a 37-year-old Waukegan man , sheriff 's police said .
Both drivers were rushed to Vista East Medical Center in Waukegan .
The driver of the Impala was in critical condition and the driver of the Rogue suffered minor injuries , police said .
Both crashes remain under investigation by the Lake County Sheriff 's Office Technical @ @ @ @

Two crashes in Lake County leave drivers with critical injuries
Lake County Sheriff's police are investigating two crashes Saturday evening that left drivers with critical injuries.
The first occurred about 6:10 p.m. when a 55-year-old Wadsworth man was driving a Honda Gold Wing motorcycle in a parking lot in the 25900 block of Riverwoods Road near Mettawa. Authorities said the man lost control and crashed after accelerating to a high speed, causing the front wheel of the Honda to rise from the roadway.
The driver, who was not wearing a helmet, was taken by ambulance to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville with critical injuries, according to the sheriff's office
The second crash occurred about 8:45 p.m. when a Chevrolet Impala driven by 22-year-old North Chicago man crossed into oncoming traffic on Sheridan Road near Beach Park and struck a Nissan Rogue driven by a 37-year-old Waukegan man, sheriff's police said.
Both drivers were rushed to Vista East Medical Center in Waukegan. The driver of the Impala was in critical condition and the driver of the Rogue suffered minor injuries, police said.
Both crashes remain under investigation by the Lake County Sheriff's Office Technical Crash Investigations Unit.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-03--Need an escape from COVID-19? Go for a drive

As the novelty of binge-TV , sourdough starters and cutting one 's own hair wears off , a collective COVID-19-induced cabin fever is settling on the region .
Is there any escape from these four walls that does n't involve a joyless walk in the cold spring rain ?
`` We get the top off the Jeep and turn the heat on , '' Lake Zurich 's Diane Kowalski said , describing her COVID-19 getaway .
`` I call it wind therapy .
There 's nothing like the wind in your face to relax you .
Forget about the crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and teacher , and daughter Allison , a substitute teacher , `` just drive ... singing at the top of our lungs , '' usually to Jimmy Buffett or country , Kowalski said .
Sometimes they 'll cruise by the Blarney Island pub on Grass Lake to relive live concerts .
Most often it 's where the spirit takes them -- north on Route 12 , hang a right and ... hello , Antioch .
Or Lakemoor .
`` I 'd never heard of it , '' Kowalski said .
The unexpected includes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ laid manure .
`` We take in nature 's beauty , and know this will end some day , '' she said .
On the trail of Superman On any given day , Tom Bowling will turn onto a highway out of Rosemont in his trusty 2014 Nissan Sentra , turn the sound up to 11 and crank Insane Clown Posse .
His destination `` just depends on the day . ''
Sometimes , it 's speeding down an eerily uncrowded Kennedy Expressway to Chicago 's Uptown neighborhood where Bowling grew up .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Or rather , Yorkville and Plano , which doubled as the childhood home of Clark Kent in the `` Man of Steel '' flick .
Bowling was laid off because of COVID-19 , but `` you really ca n't just sit at home and sulk .
You 've got to live . ''
Over in Crystal Lake , the baby 's nap time is a signal for Morgan Burkle and daughter Eloise , 4 , to steal away in their Nissan Rogue .
Bonding to music like the aptly named `` Into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Eloise navigates .
`` I let her tell me which way to go , '' Burkle said .
`` Letting her pick right or left at every stop sign gives her some control back in her life right now , when we all feel helpless .
`` We all feel cooped up , and whenever she 's in an off mood , I say , 'Let 's take a drive to nowhere . '
'' With schools closed , Megan Carranza 's son , who has autism , desperately misses the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , is giving Logan , 7 , driving lessons of a sort .
Each day , the two hop in the minivan and go on an excursion .
It could be Naperville , where she grew up , or as far as Lake Geneva .
Without school , `` it 's challenging for him , '' but driving `` is calming and he enjoys being in the car , '' said Carranza , who has an `` Adventures in Autism '' podcast .
`` He loves water , so we 'll go along @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lake . ''
As for maps , `` I follow my nose , '' Carranza said .
Brenda Gonzalez of Geneva and son Braeden , 15 , are easy riders .
Twice weekly , `` we love to drive out west of Randall Road , shut off the GPS and turn down whatever roads look interesting -- the more rural , the better ! ''
Gonzalez said .
`` We 've ended up in Big Rock , Virgil , Burlington , Hampshire ... wherever the road takes us .
It 's great bonding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some really good conversations in the car the past two months .
It 's our happy place . ''
Got a favorite COVID-19 road trip to share ?
What 's your go-to ride song ?
Drop an email to mpyke @ dailyherald.com and we 'll go viral .
( Possibly . )
You should know So , if we 're in a Sunday drive renaissance , when did the phenomenon start ?
The accessibility of Model Ts in the 1920s and better state highways in the 1920s and 1930s made leisurely trips possible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Durkin Keating , who fondly remembers Sunday trips to the Milk Pail in East Dundee .
`` I 'd guess the heyday was in the 1950s and 1960s . ''
Do yourself a favor and avoid Busse Road/Route 83 south of Pratt Boulevard in Elk Grove Village Monday through May 24 .
The road is closing to allow repairs to the Chicago Junction Railway Crossing .
Detours will be posted .
As ridership plummets , Metra is reducing trains on the North Central Service , Heritage Corridor and SouthWest Service temporarily .
NCS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the morning and one outbound in the afternoon rush hours .
For information , go to metrarail.com .

Need an escape from COVID-19? Go for a drive
Morgan Burkle and daughter, Eloise, of Crystal Lake enjoy a COVID-19 escape in their trusty getaway car. Eloise, 4, navigates and Morgan drives. Courtesy of Morgan Burkle
Morgan Burkle and daughter, Eloise, of Crystal Lake enjoy a COVID-19 escape in their trusty getaway car. Eloise, 4, navigates and Morgan drives. Courtesy of Morgan Burkle
Diane Kowalski of Lake Zurich and her daughter love road trips to escape COVID-19 cabin fever. Courtesy of Diane Kowalski
Diane Kowalski of Lake Zurich and her daughter, Allison, love road trips to escape COVID-19 cabin fever. This time they cruised to Chicago to drop by her son's place. Courtesy of Diane Kowalski
Brenda Gonzalez of Geneva adheres to social distancing and gets out of the house during the COVID-19 epidemic by taking long drives with son, Braeden, 15. Courtesy of Brenda Gonzalez
Brenda Gonzalez of Geneva adheres to social distancing and gets out of the house during the COVID-19 epidemic by taking long drives with son, Braeden, 15. Courtesy of Brenda Gonzalez
Megan Carranza of Elgin adheres to social distancing and gets out of the house during the COVID-19 epidemic by taking long drives with son Logan. This time they ventured to Lake Geneva. Courtesy of Megan Carranza
Megan Carranza of Elgin adheres to social distancing and gets out of the house during the COVID-19 epidemic with long drives with son Logan. Courtesy of Megan Carranza
Tom Bowling of Rosemont keeps his social distance and gets out of the house during the COVID-19 epidemic with long drives. This time he drove to Yorkville to visit the cemetery featured in the movie "Man of Steel," where Clark Kent's father is buried. Courtesy of Tom Bowling
Tom Bowling of Rosemont takes long drives in his trusty 2014 Nissan Sentra and cranks the stereo up. "You really can't just sit at home and sulk. You've got to live," he says. Courtesy of Tom Bowling
As the novelty of binge-TV, sourdough starters and cutting one's own hair wears off, a collective COVID-19-induced cabin fever is settling on the region.
Is there any escape from these four walls that doesn't involve a joyless walk in the cold spring rain?
Two words.
Road trip.
"We get the top off the Jeep and turn the heat on," Lake Zurich's Diane Kowalski said, describing her COVID-19 getaway. "I call it wind therapy. There's nothing like the wind in your face to relax you. Forget about the crisis."
Kowalski, a retired nurse and teacher, and daughter Allison, a substitute teacher, "just drive ... singing at the top of our lungs," usually to Jimmy Buffett or country, Kowalski said.
Sometimes they'll cruise by the Blarney Island pub on Grass Lake to relive live concerts. Most often it's where the spirit takes them -- north on Route 12, hang a right and ... hello, Antioch. Or Lakemoor. "I'd never heard of it," Kowalski said.
The unexpected includes breezing past a farm field with freshly laid manure. "We take in nature's beauty, and know this will end some day," she said.
On the trail of Superman
On any given day, Tom Bowling will turn onto a highway out of Rosemont in his trusty 2014 Nissan Sentra, turn the sound up to 11 and crank Insane Clown Posse.
His destination "just depends on the day." Sometimes, it's speeding down an eerily uncrowded Kennedy Expressway to Chicago's Uptown neighborhood where Bowling grew up.
He's also motored to Smallville. Or rather, Yorkville and Plano, which doubled as the childhood home of Clark Kent in the "Man of Steel" flick.
Bowling was laid off because of COVID-19, but "you really can't just sit at home and sulk. You've got to live."
Into the unknown
Over in Crystal Lake, the baby's nap time is a signal for Morgan Burkle and daughter Eloise, 4, to steal away in their Nissan Rogue.
Bonding to music like the aptly named "Into the Unknown," from "Frozen II," Eloise navigates.
"I let her tell me which way to go," Burkle said. "Letting her pick right or left at every stop sign gives her some control back in her life right now, when we all feel helpless.
"We all feel cooped up, and whenever she's in an off mood, I say, 'Let's take a drive to nowhere.'"
Lake Geneva vacation
With schools closed, Megan Carranza's son, who has autism, desperately misses the routine.
So Carranza, of Elgin, is giving Logan, 7, driving lessons of a sort. Each day, the two hop in the minivan and go on an excursion. It could be Naperville, where she grew up, or as far as Lake Geneva.
Without school, "it's challenging for him," but driving "is calming and he enjoys being in the car," said Carranza, who has an "Adventures in Autism" podcast. "He loves water, so we'll go along the Fox River or drive to Crystal Lake."
As for maps, "I follow my nose," Carranza said.
Big Rock or bust
Brenda Gonzalez of Geneva and son Braeden, 15, are easy riders. Twice weekly, "we love to drive out west of Randall Road, shut off the GPS and turn down whatever roads look interesting -- the more rural, the better!" Gonzalez said.
"We've ended up in Big Rock, Virgil, Burlington, Hampshire ... wherever the road takes us. It's great bonding time for us. We've had some really good conversations in the car the past two months. It's our happy place."
Got a favorite COVID-19 road trip to share? What's your go-to ride song? Drop an email to mpyke@dailyherald.com and we'll go viral. (Possibly.)
You should know
So, if we're in a Sunday drive renaissance, when did the phenomenon start? The accessibility of Model Ts in the 1920s and better state highways in the 1920s and 1930s made leisurely trips possible, said North Central College historian Ann Durkin Keating, who fondly remembers Sunday trips to the Milk Pail in East Dundee.
"I'd guess the heyday was in the 1950s and 1960s."
Gridlock alert
Do yourself a favor and avoid Busse Road/Route 83 south of Pratt Boulevard in Elk Grove Village Monday through May 24. The road is closing to allow repairs to the Chicago Junction Railway Crossing. Detours will be posted.
Fewer NCS trains
As ridership plummets, Metra is reducing trains on the North Central Service, Heritage Corridor and SouthWest Service temporarily. NCS riders can expect just one inbound train in the morning and one outbound in the afternoon rush hours. For information, go to metrarail.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-03--How suburban schools are creating special moments for graduating seniors

Yard signs .
Banners in the town center .
Car parades .
Lots of virtual recognitions .
These are some of the ways suburban high school educators are making the final school year special for graduating seniors amid the COVID-19 lockdown .
Illinois ' stay-at-home order now extending through the rest of the school year has foiled many time-honored senior milestones , including athletic events , proms , spring plays and concerts , special recognitions and , most importantly , graduation ceremonies that have been canceled or delayed until summer .
`` Our heart goes out to all these kids @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in their life , '' said Daniel Klett , principal of Wauconda High School .
`` We want to give hope to kids .
We are trying to find ways to keep them engaged and let them have something that they can remember of a poor situation . ''
Many seniors might consider the setbacks a disappointment .
But Sam Bogner of Schaumburg has found a silver lining .
`` I 've never really seen my school more united than it is now , '' said the 18-year-old Schaumburg High School senior .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ working together just to kind of honor each other and make the best out of the situation . ''
Bogner said seniors are making a video honoring spring sports and activities that have been the highlight of their high school years , compiling quotes and memories for the school yearbook , and creating a map of the colleges students will attend .
Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211 has other activities in the works , including drive-by parades , virtual recognitions and lighting up stadiums on Friday nights .
The district is moving ahead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five schools on originally scheduled dates in May .
Officials also are exploring the possibility of live gatherings in June or July .
`` Even though we are not able to actually be there , we still have plenty of opportunities to symbolically be there , '' said Bogner , who is excited about picking up his cap and gown next week .
`` I 'm going to be walking across my living room on May 20 .
( It ) is a really big deal for me . ''
Many school leaders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ceremonies will be possible this summer .
Wauconda 's Klett has set a tentative July 21 date for in-person graduation , and is trying to set a date for prom that month as well .
The school is planning a virtual graduation in early June for 320 seniors .
Students will submit photos and 10-second videos wearing their gowns and honor cords , and some will deliver speeches .
Elgin Area School District U-46 canceled its five high school graduations for more than 2,600 seniors that had been rescheduled for July 11 at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Instead , the district plans virtual celebrations June 13 .
Officials also have been planting `` Class of 2020 '' yard signs at seniors ' homes .
Streamwood High School officials recorded a special video for seniors , singing to the tune of the `` Friends '' theme song , `` to let them know that we care for them and we are here for them , '' Principal Jennifer Van Deusen said .
`` Our yard sign is not going to replace the memories of prom and of a ceremony , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to honor their accomplishments and recognize them .
We are trying to do that on a community level . ''
End-of-year recognitions and honors night for the top 2 % of graduating seniors will be done virtually .
And funds students raised for prom will go toward a class reunion in December , she said .
Northwest Suburban High School District 214 is planning a separate virtual commencement ceremony for each of its six schools May 20 .
In-person graduations complete with caps and gowns on football fields will occur if the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ July or August .
Naperville Unit District 203 is planning for in-person graduations in July .
Naperville North has prom scheduled for July 17 and graduation July 19 , at the Embassy Suites in Naperville .
Yearbooks , caps and gowns will be distributed in May , while other senior traditions are under review .
`` It 's important that we give seniors that closure , '' District 203 spokeswoman Sinikka Mondini said .
The graduations are planned `` far enough in the future that we hope will be able to come to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Village President Erik Spande has offered to put up banners honoring seniors from West Chicago High School District 94 , Wheaton-Warrenville Unit District 200 , St. Francis High School and Wheaton Academy .
`` A banner in Town Center is n't the same thing , but it is the least we can do , '' he wrote on Facebook .
Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire is recognizing graduates with `` Senior Shoutouts '' on Instagram .
Parents have created yard signs honoring seniors and organized a sale , with proceeds benefiting the Stevenson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We are putting together some videos to honor graduating seniors that will be released throughout the month of May , '' spokesman Jim Conrey said .
Officials have set tentative dates for prom and graduation in June and July at the Sears Centre .
If large gatherings are n't allowed until August or later , the school will not have commencement or prom , Conrey said .

'We want to give hope to kids': How schools are creating special moments for graduating seniors
Yard signs. Banners in the town center. Car parades. Lots of virtual recognitions.
These are some of the ways suburban high school educators are making the final school year special for graduating seniors amid the COVID-19 lockdown.
Illinois' stay-at-home order now extending through the rest of the school year has foiled many time-honored senior milestones, including athletic events, proms, spring plays and concerts, special recognitions and, most importantly, graduation ceremonies that have been canceled or delayed until summer.
"Our heart goes out to all these kids because they have missed so many markers in their life," said Daniel Klett, principal of Wauconda High School. "We want to give hope to kids. We are trying to find ways to keep them engaged and let them have something that they can remember of a poor situation."
Many seniors might consider the setbacks a disappointment. But Sam Bogner of Schaumburg has found a silver lining.
"I've never really seen my school more united than it is now," said the 18-year-old Schaumburg High School senior. "All the staff and students are working together just to kind of honor each other and make the best out of the situation."
Bogner said seniors are making a video honoring spring sports and activities that have been the highlight of their high school years, compiling quotes and memories for the school yearbook, and creating a map of the colleges students will attend.
Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211 has other activities in the works, including drive-by parades, virtual recognitions and lighting up stadiums on Friday nights. The district is moving ahead with separate virtual graduation ceremonies for its five schools on originally scheduled dates in May. Officials also are exploring the possibility of live gatherings in June or July.
"Even though we are not able to actually be there, we still have plenty of opportunities to symbolically be there," said Bogner, who is excited about picking up his cap and gown next week. "I'm going to be walking across my living room on May 20. (It) is a really big deal for me."
Many school leaders are holding out hope that live graduation ceremonies will be possible this summer.
Wauconda's Klett has set a tentative July 21 date for in-person graduation, and is trying to set a date for prom that month as well. The school is planning a virtual graduation in early June for 320 seniors. Students will submit photos and 10-second videos wearing their gowns and honor cords, and some will deliver speeches.
Elgin Area School District U-46 canceled its five high school graduations for more than 2,600 seniors that had been rescheduled for July 11 at the Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates. Instead, the district plans virtual celebrations June 13. Officials also have been planting "Class of 2020" yard signs at seniors' homes.
Streamwood High School officials recorded a special video for seniors, singing to the tune of the "Friends" theme song, "to let them know that we care for them and we are here for them," Principal Jennifer Van Deusen said.
"Our yard sign is not going to replace the memories of prom and of a ceremony," Van Deusen said. "We want to honor their accomplishments and recognize them. We are trying to do that on a community level."
End-of-year recognitions and honors night for the top 2% of graduating seniors will be done virtually. And funds students raised for prom will go toward a class reunion in December, she said.
Northwest Suburban High School District 214 is planning a separate virtual commencement ceremony for each of its six schools May 20. In-person graduations complete with caps and gowns on football fields will occur if the state allows large gatherings in June, July or August.
Naperville Unit District 203 is planning for in-person graduations in July. Naperville North has prom scheduled for July 17 and graduation July 19, at the Embassy Suites in Naperville. Yearbooks, caps and gowns will be distributed in May, while other senior traditions are under review.
"It's important that we give seniors that closure," District 203 spokeswoman Sinikka Mondini said. The graduations are planned "far enough in the future that we hope will be able to come to fruition," she said.
Winfield Village President Erik Spande has offered to put up banners honoring seniors from West Chicago High School District 94, Wheaton-Warrenville Unit District 200, St. Francis High School and Wheaton Academy.
"A banner in Town Center isn't the same thing, but it is the least we can do," he wrote on Facebook.
Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire is recognizing graduates with "Senior Shoutouts" on Instagram. Parents have created yard signs honoring seniors and organized a sale, with proceeds benefiting the Stevenson Foundation's fund to help struggling families.
"We are putting together some videos to honor graduating seniors that will be released throughout the month of May," spokesman Jim Conrey said.
Officials have set tentative dates for prom and graduation in June and July at the Sears Centre. If large gatherings aren't allowed until August or later, the school will not have commencement or prom, Conrey said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-03--SUV plows into Arlington Heights restaurant

A Mundelein man and his children escaped serious injury Sunday when his SUV swerved off the road , knocked over a light pole and slammed into a Denny 's restaurant in Arlington Heights , police said .
Police said driver Jose Ozaeta , 43 , apparently suffered a medical episode just after noon while behind the wheel of a 2007 Chevrolet Suburban traveling west on Algonquin Road near Arlington Heights Road .
Witnesses told police that after the Suburban passed through the intersection , it veered into the eastbound lanes of Algonquin then left the roadway , striking the pole @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the restaurant at 17 W. Algonquin Road .
A witness helped remove Ozaeta 's three minor children from the vehicle while police and firefighters extricated the Mundelein man .
Arlington Heights Police Chief Nicholas Pecora said Ozaeta was unconscious after the crash and taken to Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights for treatment of injuries police later said were not life-threatening .
The children and a restaurant employee were treated at the scene by paramedics , according to police .
The restaurant is closed for dine-in customers because of the state 's stay-at-home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pickup Sunday afternoon .
After the crash , the front of the Suburban was lodged inside the building where one of the windows on the southeast side used to be .
The shattered remains of the window were scattered on the asphalt nearby and the dislodged light pole was resting on the roof of the restaurant .
Ozaeta later was issued a ticket for improper lane use , police said .
His court date is pending .

SUV plows into Arlington Heights restaurant
A Mundelein man and his children escaped serious injury Sunday when his SUV swerved off the road, knocked over a light pole and slammed into a Denny's restaurant in Arlington Heights, police said.
Police said driver Jose Ozaeta, 43, apparently suffered a medical episode just after noon while behind the wheel of a 2007 Chevrolet Suburban traveling west on Algonquin Road near Arlington Heights Road.
Witnesses told police that after the Suburban passed through the intersection, it veered into the eastbound lanes of Algonquin then left the roadway, striking the pole and crashing into the east side of the restaurant at 17 W. Algonquin Road.
A witness helped remove Ozaeta's three minor children from the vehicle while police and firefighters extricated the Mundelein man.
Arlington Heights Police Chief Nicholas Pecora said Ozaeta was unconscious after the crash and taken to Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights for treatment of injuries police later said were not life-threatening.
The children and a restaurant employee were treated at the scene by paramedics, according to police.
The restaurant is closed for dine-in customers because of the state's stay-at-home order, but was open for curbside pickup Sunday afternoon.
After the crash, the front of the Suburban was lodged inside the building where one of the windows on the southeast side used to be. The shattered remains of the window were scattered on the asphalt nearby and the dislodged light pole was resting on the roof of the restaurant.
Ozaeta later was issued a ticket for improper lane use, police said. His court date is pending.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-03--Three years after devastating storms, Mundelein to begin $9M flood-control project

Now that a contractor has been hired for the bulk of the work , a $ 9 million flood-control project in Mundelein should begin within 45 days , officials said .
Nearly 1 mile of new sewer pipes will be installed beneath Division Street south of the downtown district to take stormwater away from the Western Slope neighborhood , which has experienced severe floods after significant rainstorms for decades .
Additionally , culverts on Route 45 and Seymour Avenue will be replaced and a stormwater detention pond will be created on the former U.S. Music factory site , which is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Courtland Street .
`` It 's our big dig project , '' Trustee Ray Semple said , making reference to a historic , decades-spanning highway and tunnel construction project in Boston .
The village board last week approved a $ 6.9 million contract with Wadsworth construction company Campanella & Sons for the work .
The board also approved an approximately $ 813,000 contract with Iowa-based HR Green Inc. to inspect the work and ensure it complies with the village 's plans .
The remainder of the project 's estimated total cost , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used to create a park elsewhere on the former U.S. Music property , Village Administrator John Lobaito said .
The stormwater project was developed after heavy rains caused catastrophic flooding in the Western Slope neighborhood and elsewhere in July 2017 , damaging many homes .
The neighborhood is west of Route 45 near Division Street .
After the 2017 disaster , frustrated Western Slope residents filled the village boardroom and demanded officials fix the problem .
The board hired HR Green to investigate why the neighborhood floods .
The consultants discovered the village @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to handle heavy storms like the one that hit three years ago .
The firm also found rainwater enters the town 's sanitary sewers through cracks in pipes and improper customer hookups , which resulted in sewage backups in some houses during the 2017 storm .
HR Green 's engineers recommended building detention ponds and constructing new sewer lines to relieve the flooding .
The problems with the town 's sanitary sewers are separate and are n't being addressed now .
What will be done Campanella & Sons will install storm sewers with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ neighborhood to Route 45 , providing extra capacity for rainwater , Lobaito said .
Sewers with 4½-foot diameters already are underground there and will remain .
Six-foot pipes also will be installed beneath Division on the east side of Route 45 to Seymour Avenue , which will allow water to flow underground to the detention pond to be built on Courtland Street east of Seymour .
In all , more than 2,000 feet of the bigger pipes will be added to Mundelein 's sewer system , Lobaito said .
Storm drains and smaller @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elsewhere , too , Lobaito said .
The work should be completed in fall 2021 .
`` Now we 've got to have our fingers crossed that we do n't have an incident like ( the 2017 deluge ) while we 're under construction , '' Semple said .
The entire project initially had a $ 10 million price tag , but the sum decreased to $ 9 million once plans were refined , Lobaito said .
Mundelein will borrow money to pay for the effort .
Revenue from a stormwater utility fee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tax on packaged liquor sales will be used to pay back the loan over 15 years .
Streets will be torn up for the new pipes and culverts to be installed , so officials cautioned that traffic will be disrupted once work begins .
Residents in the construction zones will be notified of pending work through automated phone calls or door hangers , officials said .
Construction updates will be posted on the village website , mundelein.org , too .
`` I would ask all our residents to please be patient , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ release .
`` These temporary inconveniences are all for a very good cause . ''

Three years after devastating storm, Mundelein to begin $9M flood-control project
Now that a contractor has been hired for the bulk of the work, a $9 million flood-control project in Mundelein should begin within 45 days, officials said.
Nearly 1 mile of new sewer pipes will be installed beneath Division Street south of the downtown district to take stormwater away from the Western Slope neighborhood, which has experienced severe floods after significant rainstorms for decades.
Additionally, culverts on Route 45 and Seymour Avenue will be replaced and a stormwater detention pond will be created on the former U.S. Music factory site, which is just to the east of the neighborhood on Courtland Street.
"It's our big dig project," Trustee Ray Semple said, making reference to a historic, decades-spanning highway and tunnel construction project in Boston.
The village board last week approved a $6.9 million contract with Wadsworth construction company Campanella & Sons for the work.
The board also approved an approximately $813,000 contract with Iowa-based HR Green Inc. to inspect the work and ensure it complies with the village's plans.
The remainder of the project's estimated total cost, about $1.3 million, will be used to create a park elsewhere on the former U.S. Music property, Village Administrator John Lobaito said.
Pipes are inadequate
The stormwater project was developed after heavy rains caused catastrophic flooding in the Western Slope neighborhood and elsewhere in July 2017, damaging many homes. The neighborhood is west of Route 45 near Division Street.
After the 2017 disaster, frustrated Western Slope residents filled the village boardroom and demanded officials fix the problem.
The board hired HR Green to investigate why the neighborhood floods. The consultants discovered the village's stormwater system is not big enough to handle heavy storms like the one that hit three years ago.
The firm also found rainwater enters the town's sanitary sewers through cracks in pipes and improper customer hookups, which resulted in sewage backups in some houses during the 2017 storm.
HR Green's engineers recommended building detention ponds and constructing new sewer lines to relieve the flooding.
The problems with the town's sanitary sewers are separate and aren't being addressed now.
What will be done
Campanella & Sons will install storm sewers with 6-foot diameters underneath Division Street through the neighborhood to Route 45, providing extra capacity for rainwater, Lobaito said. Sewers with 4½-foot diameters already are underground there and will remain.
Six-foot pipes also will be installed beneath Division on the east side of Route 45 to Seymour Avenue, which will allow water to flow underground to the detention pond to be built on Courtland Street east of Seymour.
In all, more than 2,000 feet of the bigger pipes will be added to Mundelein's sewer system, Lobaito said.
Storm drains and smaller pipes will be installed in backyards and elsewhere, too, Lobaito said.
The work should be completed in fall 2021.
"Now we've got to have our fingers crossed that we don't have an incident like (the 2017 deluge) while we're under construction," Semple said.
How it'll be funded
The entire project initially had a $10 million price tag, but the sum decreased to $9 million once plans were refined, Lobaito said.
Mundelein will borrow money to pay for the effort. Revenue from a stormwater utility fee on water bills and a 3% tax on packaged liquor sales will be used to pay back the loan over 15 years.
Streets will be torn up for the new pipes and culverts to be installed, so officials cautioned that traffic will be disrupted once work begins.
Residents in the construction zones will be notified of pending work through automated phone calls or door hangers, officials said. Construction updates will be posted on the village website, mundelein.org, too.
"I would ask all our residents to please be patient," Mayor Steve Lentz said in a news release. "These temporary inconveniences are all for a very good cause."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-03--As deadline for referendum on independent redistricting passes, advocates refocus

The COVID-19 pandemic has killed the chance for voters to amend Illinois ' constitution this year and establish independent redistricting , much to the chagrin of advocates who say their focus will shift to pushing legislators to take direct action .
The General Assembly has n't been in session since early March , and May 3 was the deadline for lawmakers to put a referendum on the November ballot asking voters to place redistricting in the hands of an independent commission .
`` It 's extraordinarily frustrating and disheartening , '' particularly for those who 've been working on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Madeleine Doubek , executive director of the nonpartisan not-for-profit group Change Illinois .
`` We 're now going to have to push for as many improvements as we can achieve through legislation , not an amendment . ''
District boundaries at the federal and state level are redrawn every 10 years to account for population changes as per the U.S. census .
In Illinois , redistricting is done by the General Assembly in partisan and less-than-transparent ways .
Establishing independent redistricting is supported by a majority of Illinoisans and legislators on both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Terra Costa Howard , a Glen Ellyn Democrat and co-sponsor of the bipartisan bill , said both parties ' leaders are working to develop `` a path forward '' that will allow the legislature to return to session .
Ensuring the safety of staff members is paramount , she said .
`` I will be in close contact with my colleagues over the coming days to talk about what we can do to ensure a fair electoral map for the voters of Illinois , '' she said .
In the coming session , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by requiring the process to follow the Open Meetings Act , honoring the Freedom of Information Act , and requiring a certain number of hearings and consideration of public input , Doubek said .
The legislature also could establish an independent advisory commission that would draw maps for approval by state legislators , she said .
Moving forward is largely up to Illinois ' legislative leaders , Doubek said .
There 's also the concern that the shortened legislative session because of COVID-19 will limit action to issues like the budget and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still need as much support for pushing these improvements as much as possible , '' she said .
Senate President Don Harmon `` has a history of advocating for redistricting reform and looks forward to working with Sen. ( Melinda ) Bush and others to see what improvements can still be made , '' Harmon spokesman John Patterson said .
So why have n't Illinois legislators met virtually , like in Wisconsin ?
State law says General Assembly sessions must be held `` at the seat of government '' and that the governor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some other place when it is necessary , in case of pestilence or public danger . ''
That leaves to interpretation whether `` some other place '' can be virtual , but many are calling on Gov .
J.B. Pritzker to allow that .
Springfield 's closure also has precluded recording increased support for fair maps legislation , because the rules require physically delivering paperwork to be added as a sponsor to legislation , Doubek said .
State Rep. Michelle Mussman , a Democrat from Schaumburg , is among those whose formal support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in recent weeks .
`` Certainly we want the public to feel that the process is honest and transparent , and has been done in a fair way , '' Mussman said about independent redistricting .
`` It 's inappropriate to put someone 's finger on the scale and not in the best interest of the voters . ''
An unknown is whether Illinois will get census population data by June 30 , 2021 , the deadline in the state 's constitution for legislators to approve redistricting , Doubek said .
The census @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and announced a new deadline of July 31 , 2021 , to deliver redistricting counts to states .
Census officials did n't respond to questions about that .
If lawmakers do n't approve redistricting by June 30 , 2021 , legislative leaders must appoint an eight-person commission , with four Republicans and four Democrats , to do that .
If the commission , expected to be highly partisan , ca n't agree , it might resort to a random tiebreaker to determine who controls the gerrymander , Doubek said .
`` I would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ houses ) that are on the fence about this would see that the better option is to come up with a different process to try to get this done , '' Doubek said .
Could lawmakers redraw maps based on the previous year 's U.S. census estimates or other data ?
`` That 's one of the big questions , '' she said .
Illinois is not among states whose constitutions explicitly require U.S. census data for redistricting , but does n't go as far as states like New York and Ohio , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alternative data sources when federal census data is delayed , according to an analysis by the National Conference of State Legislatures .
Plus , previous U.S. census estimates might not accurately reflect population counts in light of deaths due to COVID-19 , Doubek pointed out .
Meanwhile , the focus ahead remains clear : Persuade state legislators to take action , Doubek said .
`` Everybody remains committed to trying to get as much done through legislation as we can , because we just believe this is a foundational problem in our democracy @ @ @ @ @ @ @

As deadline for referendum on independent redistricting passes, advocates refocus
Illinois' 59th House District, left, held by Democrat Daniel Didech, and 6th Congressional District, held by Democrat Sean Casten, are examples of gerrymandered districts. The Fair Maps Amendment would have put legislative redistricting in the hands of an independent commission.
The COVID-19 pandemic has killed the chance for voters to amend Illinois' constitution this year and establish independent redistricting, much to the chagrin of advocates who say their focus will shift to pushing legislators to take direct action.
The General Assembly hasn't been in session since early March, and May 3 was the deadline for lawmakers to put a referendum on the November ballot asking voters to place redistricting in the hands of an independent commission.
"It's extraordinarily frustrating and disheartening," particularly for those who've been working on the initiative for more than a decade, said Madeleine Doubek, executive director of the nonpartisan not-for-profit group Change Illinois. "We're now going to have to push for as many improvements as we can achieve through legislation, not an amendment."
District boundaries at the federal and state level are redrawn every 10 years to account for population changes as per the U.S. census. In Illinois, redistricting is done by the General Assembly in partisan and less-than-transparent ways.
Establishing independent redistricting is supported by a majority of Illinoisans and legislators on both sides of the aisle. State Rep. Terra Costa Howard, a Glen Ellyn Democrat and co-sponsor of the bipartisan bill, said both parties' leaders are working to develop "a path forward" that will allow the legislature to return to session. Ensuring the safety of staff members is paramount, she said.
"I will be in close contact with my colleagues over the coming days to talk about what we can do to ensure a fair electoral map for the voters of Illinois," she said.
In the coming session, state legislators can improve transparency for remapping by requiring the process to follow the Open Meetings Act, honoring the Freedom of Information Act, and requiring a certain number of hearings and consideration of public input, Doubek said.
The legislature also could establish an independent advisory commission that would draw maps for approval by state legislators, she said.
Moving forward is largely up to Illinois' legislative leaders, Doubek said. There's also the concern that the shortened legislative session because of COVID-19 will limit action to issues like the budget and the pandemic, she said.
"We still need as much support for pushing these improvements as much as possible," she said.
House Speaker Mike Madigan's office didn't return a request for comment Friday.
Senate President Don Harmon "has a history of advocating for redistricting reform and looks forward to working with Sen. (Melinda) Bush and others to see what improvements can still be made," Harmon spokesman John Patterson said.
So why haven't Illinois legislators met virtually, like in Wisconsin?
State law says General Assembly sessions must be held "at the seat of government" and that the governor can convene the General Assembly "at some other place when it is necessary, in case of pestilence or public danger." That leaves to interpretation whether "some other place" can be virtual, but many are calling on Gov. J.B. Pritzker to allow that.
Springfield's closure also has precluded recording increased support for fair maps legislation, because the rules require physically delivering paperwork to be added as a sponsor to legislation, Doubek said.
State Rep. Michelle Mussman, a Democrat from Schaumburg, is among those whose formal support couldn't be added to the record in recent weeks. "Certainly we want the public to feel that the process is honest and transparent, and has been done in a fair way," Mussman said about independent redistricting. "It's inappropriate to put someone's finger on the scale and not in the best interest of the voters."
An unknown is whether Illinois will get census population data by June 30, 2021, the deadline in the state's constitution for legislators to approve redistricting, Doubek said. The census delayed its operations due to the pandemic and announced a new deadline of July 31, 2021, to deliver redistricting counts to states. Census officials didn't respond to questions about that.
If lawmakers don't approve redistricting by June 30, 2021, legislative leaders must appoint an eight-person commission, with four Republicans and four Democrats, to do that. If the commission, expected to be highly partisan, can't agree, it might resort to a random tiebreaker to determine who controls the gerrymander, Doubek said.
"I would hope that Democrats (who control both houses) that are on the fence about this would see that the better option is to come up with a different process to try to get this done," Doubek said.
Could lawmakers redraw maps based on the previous year's U.S. census estimates or other data? "That's one of the big questions," she said.
Illinois is not among states whose constitutions explicitly require U.S. census data for redistricting, but doesn't go as far as states like New York and Ohio, whose constitutions allow using state counts or alternative data sources when federal census data is delayed, according to an analysis by the National Conference of State Legislatures.
Plus, previous U.S. census estimates might not accurately reflect population counts in light of deaths due to COVID-19, Doubek pointed out.
Meanwhile, the focus ahead remains clear: Persuade state legislators to take action, Doubek said.
"Everybody remains committed to trying to get as much done through legislation as we can, because we just believe this is a foundational problem in our democracy that has to be fixed."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-03--DuPage Airport discussing fate of Pheasant Run golf course, driving range

The closure of the iconic Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles has prompted DuPage Airport officials to begin considering the fate of the site 's golf course and driving range .
Options could include selling or leasing the roughly 110 acres , which are owned by the airport authority and have historically been used for the resort 's golf operations .
But Executive Director Mark Doles said the airport is still in a `` fact-finding '' phase , wanting to explore all possibilities before deciding what should become of the property .
`` We 're looking at what the mechanisms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and how best for the airport authority to potentially divest ourselves of this asset , '' he said .
Whatever happens , Doles added , `` we know it will not be residential . ''
The DuPage Airport acquired a majority of the golf course -- nearly 94 acres -- in 2017 to block the resort 's plans to transform the site into housing .
The $ 8.9 million land deal was part of a settlement for a condemnation lawsuit , filed a year earlier by the airport in an attempt to take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said was an incompatible use .
As part of the airport 's acquisition contract , Doles said , deed restrictions were placed on the course to ensure it will never contain houses , condominiums or any other residential component .
`` It 's a terrible idea to have residences ( immediately next to ) the airport , '' he said .
`` That 's why we purchased the property , to protect the airport and its customers . ''
Pheasant Run retained ownership of the hotel and most of its frontage along Route @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and maintaining the golf course , per an arrangement with the airport that was extended through this October , Doles said .
The resort 's driving range just east of the golf course has always been owned by the airport authority .
Pheasant Run ceased operations March 1 , a few months after resort management announced plans to restructure operations and reduce its staff by 75 % .
The 18.3-acre site at 4051 E. Main St. was listed for sale soon after , and an online auction was held in February , though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not meet the resort 's undisclosed reserve price .
Uncertain of what 's to come of the Pheasant Run property , Doles said , a subcommittee has since held a series of meetings with real estate professionals to `` gauge interest and get their opinions '' on the possible disposition of the parcels owned by the airport .
Representatives from Colliers International , for example , suggested last week that the site would be ideal for an industrial use .
`` At this point , we 're just looking at options , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the subcommittee is expected to be brought to the full board of commissioners for consideration later this year , he said .

DuPage Airport discussing fate of Pheasant Run golf course, driving range
The DuPage Airport Authority purchased the golf course from Pheasant Run in 2017 to block a housing development proposed for the site. Now that the iconic St. Charles resort has closed, airport officials are discussing what to do with the 94-acre course, plus an adjacent driving range. Daily Herald file photo
The DuPage Airport Authority has begun considering the fate of the Pheasant Run golf course and driving range after the iconic St. Charles resort closed. Courtesy of Pheasant Run Resort
The closure of the iconic Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles has prompted DuPage Airport officials to begin considering the fate of the site's golf course and driving range.
Options could include selling or leasing the roughly 110 acres, which are owned by the airport authority and have historically been used for the resort's golf operations. But Executive Director Mark Doles said the airport is still in a "fact-finding" phase, wanting to explore all possibilities before deciding what should become of the property.
"We're looking at what the mechanisms are, highest and best uses, and how best for the airport authority to potentially divest ourselves of this asset," he said.
Whatever happens, Doles added, "we know it will not be residential."
The DuPage Airport acquired a majority of the golf course -- nearly 94 acres -- in 2017 to block the resort's plans to transform the site into housing. The $8.9 million land deal was part of a settlement for a condemnation lawsuit, filed a year earlier by the airport in an attempt to take over the resort and prevent what officials said was an incompatible use.
As part of the airport's acquisition contract, Doles said, deed restrictions were placed on the course to ensure it will never contain houses, condominiums or any other residential component.
"It's a terrible idea to have residences (immediately next to) the airport," he said. "That's why we purchased the property, to protect the airport and its customers."
Pheasant Run retained ownership of the hotel and most of its frontage along Route 64. The resort also continued operating and maintaining the golf course, per an arrangement with the airport that was extended through this October, Doles said.
The resort's driving range just east of the golf course has always been owned by the airport authority.
Pheasant Run ceased operations March 1, a few months after resort management announced plans to restructure operations and reduce its staff by 75%. The 18.3-acre site at 4051 E. Main St. was listed for sale soon after, and an online auction was held in February, though the final $6 million bid did not meet the resort's undisclosed reserve price.
Uncertain of what's to come of the Pheasant Run property, Doles said, a subcommittee has since held a series of meetings with real estate professionals to "gauge interest and get their opinions" on the possible disposition of the parcels owned by the airport. Representatives from Colliers International, for example, suggested last week that the site would be ideal for an industrial use.
"At this point, we're just looking at options," Doles said.
The information gathered by the subcommittee is expected to be brought to the full board of commissioners for consideration later this year, he said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-03--Song to make you smile: 'I Want to Hold Your Hand' by the Beatles

We 're trying to inject a little positivity in the paper ( and on dailyherald.com ) with a daily `` @ @ @ @ @ . ''
It 's designed to help lift you out of your coronavirus funk .
@ @ @ @ @ I Want to Hold Your Hand '' by the Beatles , released in 1964 .

Song to make you smile: 'I Want to Hold Your Hand' by the Beatles
We're trying to inject a little positivity in the paper (and on dailyherald.com) with a daily "Song to Make You Smile."
It's designed to help lift you out of your coronavirus funk.
Today's selection is "I Want to Hold Your Hand" by the Beatles, released in 1964.
Send your ideas to suggestions@dailyherald.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-04--Feder: Mark Guarino named managing editor of The Daily Line

Mark Guarino , veteran journalist and Chicago correspondent for The Washington Post , has been named managing editor and contributing @ @ @ @ @ , the subscription newsletter on state and local politics , Robert Feder writes .
He @ @ @ @ @ joined Window to the World Communications WTTW-Channel 11 last month as a digital news reporter @ @ @ @ @ Vincent , co-owner and publisher with his brother , Jay Vincent , announced Guarino 's @ @ @ @ @ and I are looking forward to his experience and leadership in this new chapter at @ @ @ @ @ he said .
Guarino , 50 , a native of Oak Park and graduate of @ @ @ @ @ career at the Daily Herald , where he spent 14 years as a reporter , @ @ @ @ @ critic , before he joined The Christian Science Monitor as Midwest bureau chief .
When @ @ @ @ @ its Chicago bureau in 2014 he shifted to reporting on news and culture here for @ @ @ @ @ the full report , and more Chicago media news , at robertfeder.com .

Feder: Mark Guarino named managing editor of The Daily Line
Mark Guarino, veteran journalist and Chicago correspondent for The Washington Post, has been named managing editor and contributing reporter at The Daily Line, the subscription newsletter on state and local politics, Robert Feder writes.
He succeeds Heather Cherone, who joined Window to the World Communications WTTW-Channel 11 last month as a digital news reporter covering City Hall.
Don Vincent, co-owner and publisher with his brother, Jay Vincent, announced Guarino's appointment Monday. "Jay and I are looking forward to his experience and leadership in this new chapter at The Daily Line," he said.
Guarino, 50, a native of Oak Park and graduate of Loyola University, began his career at the Daily Herald, where he spent 14 years as a reporter, copy editor and pop music critic, before he joined The Christian Science Monitor as Midwest bureau chief. When The Christian Science Monitor closed its Chicago bureau in 2014 he shifted to reporting on news and culture here for The Washington Post.
Get the full report, and more Chicago media news, at robertfeder.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-03--Long-running Google partnership prepared District 207 for remote learning

Long before most ever imagined a pandemic closing every school in the state , Maine Township High School District 207 was getting a jump start on e-learning capabilities that have become essential in recent weeks .
The Park Ridge-based district in 2007 became Google 's first education partner in the nation , and has spent the past 13 years making its teachers proficient in the use of online learning .
`` They 've had the training wheels on for something like this for a long time , '' Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Innovation Shawn Messmer said .
The main @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to prepare students for both a college and working world increasingly dependent on the use of such technology .
`` What our teachers have done is taken the material and made it available electronically , '' Messmer added .
The `` digital divide '' is still a reality in 2020 and not every family in District 207 has access to the internet at home .
When the district 's 6,400 students were first provided with their Chromebook devices , more than 200 also had to be issued mobile hot spots .
Even now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
For some students , the electronic devices issued them by the district were the first their families had ever had in their homes .
While District 207 is n't alone in having made e-learning and access to devices a priority in recent years , Messmer and Superintendent Ken Wallace believe what really sets it apart is the amount they 've invested in teacher training .
That 's the responsibility of Adult Learning Coordinator Jill Geocaris , who said the pandemic has given even the district 's well-prepared staff a number of new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teacher 's repertoire has grown in the last month , '' Geocaris said .
Though many younger teachers come to the district already tech-savvy , not all come with the knowledge of every app that can be of use to them in their instructional plans .
That 's where constant training and collaboration come into play .
But while the current crisis has revealed some silver linings and provided proof of e-learning 's broad applicability , it has n't provided the perfect learning environment , Geocaris said .
`` Person-to-person contact is still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
While students have face-to-face interaction with their teachers and classmates via the Zoom and Google Meet apps , instructors ca n't `` read '' their pupils or tell whether they 're having a problem quite as well as when seeing them in the classroom , Geocaris added .
But as a tool , e-learning is proving its relevance to the future of education and a significant amount of innovation is expected this summer to prepare for a school year that could begin the same way this one is ending , she said @

Long-running Google partnership prepared District 207 for remote learning
Mason Strom, a broadcasting and advanced TV/film teacher at Maine South High School in Park Ridge, holds a virtual class with his students via Google Meet. Courtesy of District 207
Mason Strom, a broadcasting and advanced TV/film teacher at Maine South High School in Park Ridge, holds a virtual class with his students via Google Meet. Courtesy of District 207
Phil Ash, who teaches radio, broadcasting and television at Maine East High School in Park Ridge, holds a virtual class with students. Maine Township High School District 207's long partnership with Google left it better prepared than most to continue educating students with school buildings closed. Courtesy of District 207
Long before most ever imagined a pandemic closing every school in the state, Maine Township High School District 207 was getting a jump start on e-learning capabilities that have become essential in recent weeks.
The Park Ridge-based district in 2007 became Google's first education partner in the nation, and has spent the past 13 years making its teachers proficient in the use of online learning.
"They've had the training wheels on for something like this for a long time," Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Innovation Shawn Messmer said.
The main motivation -- then and now -- is to prepare students for both a college and working world increasingly dependent on the use of such technology.
"What our teachers have done is taken the material and made it available electronically," Messmer added.
The "digital divide" is still a reality in 2020 and not every family in District 207 has access to the internet at home. When the district's 6,400 students were first provided with their Chromebook devices, more than 200 also had to be issued mobile hot spots. Even now, roughly 100 students still require them.
For some students, the electronic devices issued them by the district were the first their families had ever had in their homes.
While District 207 isn't alone in having made e-learning and access to devices a priority in recent years, Messmer and Superintendent Ken Wallace believe what really sets it apart is the amount they've invested in teacher training.
That's the responsibility of Adult Learning Coordinator Jill Geocaris, who said the pandemic has given even the district's well-prepared staff a number of new e-learning skills.
"I think every teacher's repertoire has grown in the last month," Geocaris said.
Though many younger teachers come to the district already tech-savvy, not all come with the knowledge of every app that can be of use to them in their instructional plans. That's where constant training and collaboration come into play.
But while the current crisis has revealed some silver linings and provided proof of e-learning's broad applicability, it hasn't provided the perfect learning environment, Geocaris said.
"Person-to-person contact is still a missing component," she said.
While students have face-to-face interaction with their teachers and classmates via the Zoom and Google Meet apps, instructors can't "read" their pupils or tell whether they're having a problem quite as well as when seeing them in the classroom, Geocaris added.
But as a tool, e-learning is proving its relevance to the future of education and a significant amount of innovation is expected this summer to prepare for a school year that could begin the same way this one is ending, she said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-04--Freedom! In France, a nursing home takes on COVID and wins

LYON , France -- As the coronavirus scythed through nursing homes , cutting a deadly path , Valerie Martin vowed @ @ @ @ @ would be different in the home she runs in France .
The action she took @ @ @ @ @ , to stop it from infecting and killing the vulnerable older adults in her care @ @ @ @ @ effective : Martin and her staff locked themselves in with the 106 residents .
For @ @ @ @ @ staff and residents of the Vilanova nursing home on the outskirts of the east-central city @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus storm together , while the illness killed more than 9,000 people in other homes @ @ @ @ @ , Martin and 12 other colleagues who stayed in the home for the full duration @ @ @ @ @ quarantine .
They were coming out with an uplifting victory : Coronavirus tests conducted on @ @ @ @ @ came back negative .

Freedom! In France, a nursing home takes on COVID and wins
In this photo provided by the Vilanova nursing home, resident Mr Chatal smiles during a fake wedding with a nurse on April 25 2020 in Corbas, central France. The nursing staff of a care home in Lyon decided 45 days ago that rather than lock residents in their rooms as the government urged, the staff would lock themselves in the home with residents so as not to deprive the elderly of their freedom. The home has had zero virus cases so far. (Valerie Martin via AP) Associated Press
In this photo provided by the Vilanova nursing home, residents pose with a nurse on April 23 2020 in Corbas, central France. As the coronavirus cut a deadly path through nursing homes, staff locked themselves in with the 106 residents at this care home to stop COVID-19 coronavirus from infecting and killing the vulnerable older adults in their care, and they have not had any people falling victim to the virus.(Valerie Martin via AP) Associated Press
In this photo provided by the Vilanova nursing home, a board reads "55 days without any visit, 44 days of confinement for the team and still together with heart" inside the Vilanova nursing home on April 30 2020 in Corbas, central France. The nursing staff of a care home in Lyon decided 45 days ago that rather than lock residents in their rooms as the government urged, the staff would lock themselves in the home with residents so as not to deprive the elderly of their freedom. The home has had zero virus cases so far (Valerie Martin via AP) Associated Press
In this photo provided by the Vilanova nursing home, residents show posters reading "Thank you for everything" on April 27 2020 in Corbas, central France. The nursing staff of the care home in Lyon decided 45 days ago that rather than lock residents in their rooms as the government urged, the staff would lock themselves in the home with residents so as not to deprive the elderly of their freedom. The home has had zero virus cases so far. (Valerie Martin via AP) Associated Press
In this photo provided by the Vilanova nursing home, a nurse works with residents inside the Vilanova nursing home on April 22 2020 in Corbas, central France. The nursing staff of a care home in Lyon decided 45 days ago that rather than lock residents in their rooms as the government urged, the staff would lock themselves in the home with residents so as not to deprive the elderly of their freedom. The home has had zero virus cases so far. (Valerie Martin via AP) Associated Press
In this photo provided by the Vilanova nursing home, residents play inside the Vilanova nursing home on April 30 2020 in Corbas, central France. As the coronavirus cut a deadly path through nursing homes, staff locked themselves in with the 106 residents at this care home to stop COVID-19 coronavirus from infecting and killing the vulnerable older adults in their care, and they have not had any people falling victim to the virus.(Valerie Martin via AP) Associated Press
LYON, France -- As the coronavirus scythed through nursing homes, cutting a deadly path, Valerie Martin vowed to herself that the story would be different in the home she runs in France.
The action she took to keep COVID-19 at bay, to stop it from infecting and killing the vulnerable older adults in her care, was both drastic and effective: Martin and her staff locked themselves in with the 106 residents.
For 47 days and nights, staff and residents of the Vilanova nursing home on the outskirts of the east-central city of Lyon waited out the coronavirus storm together, while the illness killed more than 9,000 people in other homes in France.
On Monday, Martin and 12 other colleagues who stayed in the home for the full duration were planning to end their quarantine.
They were coming out with an uplifting victory: Coronavirus tests conducted on the residents and staff all came back negative.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-04--'A man of faith': Aurora's 'Cross Man' dies from cancer

He had lost his characteristic energy to cancer , but Greg Zanis still was dedicated to his legacy the last time he met with an Aurora historian .
Though frail , the retired carpenter visited with Aurora Historical Society Executive Director John Jaros last Wednesday to talk about his final work , `` The Cross Man , '' a book about the person behind the white crosses that defined his life .
`` He was a man of great faith , but also great energy , and I think he needed something to do , and he really found something @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to use his carpentry craft , but his faith and his empathy , '' Jaros said .
`` And he just went everywhere . ''
Zanis , the carpenter who single-handedly built thousands of crosses for shooting victims across the country , died Monday morning .
He was 69 .
Zanis lived long enough to see hundreds of people drive by his home in a long procession Friday , a `` living visitation '' held by his family to give Zanis some peace and comfort in his final days .
`` He was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to honor the lives of others , '' Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin said in a statement .
`` In return , his life was one of honor and one that was celebrated throughout our nation and world .
Heeding to the scripture 'pick up your cross and follow me , ' Mr. Greg Zanis did just that .
He picked up the crosses he made and followed his mission in the noblest of ways . ''
Zanis began making crosses in 1996 to help him grieve the murder of his father-in-law , Ralph @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his first one in honor of Nico Contreras , a 6-year-old Aurora boy killed that year , at the request of the boy 's mother .
His crosses would become a symbol of the national ritual after every mass shooting .
`` I started out not really expecting anything , and slowly I realized this is a calling , just a stranger showing an act of kindness from another state , '' Zanis told the Daily Herald last year .
In 1999 , Zanis placed crosses near Columbine High School , returning to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in memory of the victims of a movie theater shooting .
Zanis would visit grief-stricken communities to put up crosses , Stars of David , crescent moons or generic wreaths in Newtown , Connecticut ; San Bernardino , California ; Orlando , Florida ; Las Vegas ; Parkland , Florida ; and then his own hometown .
`` Greg was a man of faith , and he encountered tragedy within his own family and his own life , '' Jaros said .
`` And I think that 's one of the reasons he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bond with some of the other families of the victims . ''
Of the nearly 3,000 crosses Zanis built last year before retiring , one set bears the names of the five employees killed in a shooting at the Henry Pratt Co. in Aurora : Clayton Parks , Trevor Wehner , Josh Pinkard , Russell Beyer and Vicente Juarez .
Jaros has preserved those crosses , as part of the historical society 's collection .
Zanis ' family also is offering the book through the historical society .
Another nonprofit group , Lutheran @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cross-building mission .

'A man of faith': Aurora's 'Cross Man' dies from cancer
Greg Zanis stands in front of crosses he built in 2016 to represent each homicide death that year in Chicago. Daily Herald file photo
He had lost his characteristic energy to cancer, but Greg Zanis still was dedicated to his legacy the last time he met with an Aurora historian.
Though frail, the retired carpenter visited with Aurora Historical Society Executive Director John Jaros last Wednesday to talk about his final work, "The Cross Man," a book about the person behind the white crosses that defined his life.
"He was a man of great faith, but also great energy, and I think he needed something to do, and he really found something that fit for him to not only to use his carpentry craft, but his faith and his empathy," Jaros said. "And he just went everywhere."
Zanis, the carpenter who single-handedly built thousands of crosses for shooting victims across the country, died Monday morning. He was 69.
Zanis lived long enough to see hundreds of people drive by his home in a long procession Friday, a "living visitation" held by his family to give Zanis some peace and comfort in his final days.
"He was a man of action who simply wanted to honor the lives of others," Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin said in a statement. "In return, his life was one of honor and one that was celebrated throughout our nation and world. Heeding to the scripture 'pick up your cross and follow me,' Mr. Greg Zanis did just that. He picked up the crosses he made and followed his mission in the noblest of ways."
Zanis began making crosses in 1996 to help him grieve the murder of his father-in-law, Ralph "Bud" Stadler. Zanis built his first one in honor of Nico Contreras, a 6-year-old Aurora boy killed that year, at the request of the boy's mother.
His crosses would become a symbol of the national ritual after every mass shooting.
"I started out not really expecting anything, and slowly I realized this is a calling, just a stranger showing an act of kindness from another state," Zanis told the Daily Herald last year.
In 1999, Zanis placed crosses near Columbine High School, returning to Colorado 13 years later for another display in memory of the victims of a movie theater shooting.
Zanis would visit grief-stricken communities to put up crosses, Stars of David, crescent moons or generic wreaths in Newtown, Connecticut; San Bernardino, California; Orlando, Florida; Las Vegas; Parkland, Florida; and then his own hometown.
"Greg was a man of faith, and he encountered tragedy within his own family and his own life," Jaros said. "And I think that's one of the reasons he was able to understand and empathize and bond with some of the other families of the victims."
Of the nearly 3,000 crosses Zanis built last year before retiring, one set bears the names of the five employees killed in a shooting at the Henry Pratt Co. in Aurora: Clayton Parks, Trevor Wehner, Josh Pinkard, Russell Beyer and Vicente Juarez.
Jaros has preserved those crosses, as part of the historical society's collection. Zanis' family also is offering the book through the historical society.
Another nonprofit group, Lutheran Church Charities, has taken over his cross-building mission.