dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-24--4 more COVID-19 deaths, 250 new cases in Illinois

Four more people have died from coronavirus in Illinois , bringing the total death toll in the state to 16 since the outbreak began .
An additional 250 people have contracted the virus , as well , bringing the total confirmed infected in the state to 1,535 , state health officials announced Tuesday during Gov .
J.B. Pritzker 's daily news conference .
Most of the infected patients are in Cook , DuPage and Lake counties , according to the state 's coronavirus.illinois.gov website .
The deaths announced Tuesday include the first one in DuPage County , a woman in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in their 60s and a Chicago resident in his 50s also succumbed , state officials told reporters .
The Chicago resident is the first person under age 60 to die from a coronavirus infection in Illinois , according to Dr. Ngozi Ezike , head of the Illinois Department of Public Health .
Citing privacy laws , she said she could not disclose whether the four had other health conditions that put them at heightened risk .
Separately , the City of Aurora reported a 90-year-old man died Monday and McHenry County officials reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was not clear whether they have yet been included in the state 's totals .
Ezike said 16 % of Illinois patients diagnosed with the infection have required hospitalization and 4 % have required treatment in a hospital 's intensive care unit .
`` We see these sobering numbers and thank the governor for the aggressive steps he has taken to reduce these statistics , '' Ezike said of the stay-at-home edict Pritzker mandated last week .
Having enough space to treat coronavirus patients was top of mind for Pritzker Tuesday as he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the state 's 211 hospitals were occupied and nearly two-thirds of all ICU beds were already in use , though that 's a decline from last week .
He said an influx of coronavirus patients could be housed at recently shuttered hospitals or hotels , which would be reopened and staffed with the help of Illinois National Guard personnel or recently retired health care workers .
Pritzker said since he put out a call days ago for retired physicians and nurses to volunteer and `` join the fight , '' the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health care workers .
`` Health care workers are being overworked , there 's no doubt about it , '' he said .
`` We do need to give them a break . ''
Dr. Omar Lateef , CEO of Chicago 's Rush University Medical Center , warned hospital personnel are also becoming victims of the virus .
`` An entire workforce is getting cut in half in a day or two period , '' he said .
Pritzker added the state 's greatest need is testing capability and personal protective equipment for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to increase the state 's testing capabilities are expected to double the roughly 2,000 daily tests the state is currently able to process .
Pritzker said he spoke with President Donald Trump Monday and asked for assistance from the federal government 's stockpile of equipment .
`` Of all the reasons the federal government exists , this is the most important and most basic , '' Pritzker said .
`` We need an allocation to the front lines of this war . ''
Following his conversation with the president , Pritzker said White @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 300 additional ventilators and 300,000 N-95 medical masks .
Pritzker shot back at suggestions from some politicians that the stay-at-home order should be lifted to jump-start the nation 's flagging economy , even if it results in additional deaths .
`` I 'm not willing to sacrifice anyone , '' Pritzker said .
`` There is no life in this state more or less precious ; no person more or less worthy of saving .
I want grandparents around to help raise their grandchildren .
After this is over , I want people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anniversaries and retirements . ''

4 more COVID-19 deaths, 250 new cases in Illinois
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced four new deaths and 250 new cases related to the coronavirus outbreak Tuesday. Daily Herald file Photo
Four more people have died from coronavirus in Illinois, bringing the total death toll in the state to 16 since the outbreak began.
An additional 250 people have contracted the virus, as well, bringing the total confirmed infected in the state to 1,535, state health officials announced Tuesday during Gov. J.B. Pritzker's daily news conference. Most of the infected patients are in Cook, DuPage and Lake counties, according to the state's coronavirus.illinois.gov website.
The deaths announced Tuesday include the first one in DuPage County, a woman in her 90s. Two Cook County residents in their 60s and a Chicago resident in his 50s also succumbed, state officials told reporters. The Chicago resident is the first person under age 60 to die from a coronavirus infection in Illinois, according to Dr. Ngozi Ezike, head of the Illinois Department of Public Health. Citing privacy laws, she said she could not disclose whether the four had other health conditions that put them at heightened risk.
Separately, the City of Aurora reported a 90-year-old man died Monday. It was not clear whether his death had yet been included in the state's totals.
Ezike said 16% of Illinois patients diagnosed with the infection have required hospitalization and 4% have required treatment in a hospital's intensive care unit.
"We see these sobering numbers and thank the governor for the aggressive steps he has taken to reduce these statistics," Ezike said of the stay-at-home edict Pritzker mandated last week.
Having enough space to treat coronavirus patients was top of mind for Pritzker Tuesday as he noted more than half of all beds at the state's 211 hospitals were occupied and nearly two-thirds of all ICU beds were already in use, though that's a decline from last week.
He said an influx of coronavirus patients could be housed at recently shuttered hospitals or hotels, which would be reopened and staffed with the help of Illinois National Guard personnel or recently retired health care workers.
Pritzker said since he put out a call days ago for retired physicians and nurses to volunteer and "join the fight," the state has received almost 200 applications from retired health care workers.
"Health care workers are being overworked, there's no doubt about it," he said. "We do need to give them a break."
Dr. Omar Lateef, CEO of Chicago's Rush University Medical Center, warned hospital personnel are also becoming victims of the virus.
"An entire workforce is getting cut in half in a day or two period," he said.
Pritzker added the state's greatest need is testing capability and personal protective equipment for health care workers. He said efforts to increase the state's testing capabilities are expected to double the roughly 2,000 daily tests the state is currently able to process.
Pritzker said he spoke with President Donald Trump Monday and asked for assistance from the federal government's stockpile of equipment.
"Of all the reasons the federal government exists, this is the most important and most basic," Pritzker said. "We need an allocation to the front lines of this war."
Following his conversation with the president, Pritzker said White House officials said the state will receive 300 additional ventilators and 300,000 N-95 medical masks.
Pritzker shot back at suggestions from some politicians that the stay-at-home order should be lifted to jump-start the nation's flagging economy, even if it results in additional deaths.
"I'm not willing to sacrifice anyone," Pritzker said. "There is no life in this state more or less precious; no person more or less worthy of saving. I want grandparents around to help raise their grandchildren. After this is over, I want people to spend years celebrating birthdays, wedding anniversaries and retirements."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-24--Jewel-Osco installs sneeze guards, social distancing floor tape

Jewel-Osco stores have started installing plexiglass sneeze guards as a preventive measure against the coronavirus .
The guards will be installed at all cashier registers , service desks , pharmacy counters and Starbucks terminals .
In addition , the Itasca-based grocery chain is placing floor tape near produce departments , checkout lanes , pharmacy and customer service desks to remind shoppers to practice social distancing .
Posted signs also will encourage a 6-foot separation or `` 2 carts apart , '' a public health message that will be reiterated through an audio network played in stores .
`` We recognize @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our communities and we are doing everything we can to provide a safe , secure and comfortable shopping space for our valued customers and our associates , '' Jewel-Osco President Mike Withers said .
Stores are doing a deep cleaning at the end of each business day and suspending wing bars , salad bars and other self-service operations .
Customers can use cart wipes and hand sanitizer stations available within stores .
Jewel-Osco also has offered `` elderly hours '' to reserve designated times for seniors and other vulnerable customers to do their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesdays and Thursdays .

Jewel-Osco installs sneeze guards, social distancing floor tape
Sneeze guards are one of the coronavirus preventive measures implemented at Jewel-Osco stores. Courtesy Jewel-Osco
Jewel-Osco stores have started installing plexiglass sneeze guards as a preventive measure against the coronavirus.
The guards will be installed at all cashier registers, service desks, pharmacy counters and Starbucks terminals.
In addition, the Itasca-based grocery chain is placing floor tape near produce departments, checkout lanes, pharmacy and customer service desks to remind shoppers to practice social distancing.
Posted signs also will encourage a 6-foot separation or "2 carts apart," a public health message that will be reiterated through an audio network played in stores.
"We recognize that we provide an essential service to our communities and we are doing everything we can to provide a safe, secure and comfortable shopping space for our valued customers and our associates," Jewel-Osco President Mike Withers said.
Stores are doing a deep cleaning at the end of each business day and suspending wing bars, salad bars and other self-service operations. Customers can use cart wipes and hand sanitizer stations available within stores.
Jewel-Osco also has offered "elderly hours" to reserve designated times for seniors and other vulnerable customers to do their grocery shopping from 7 to 9 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-24--Drive-by birthday party one to remember for Round Lake girl

The Florida trip to see the ocean had to be canceled , and so was the pajama party with friends .
But on Tuesday , Ryann Mateja of Round Lake still managed to get a 13th birthday party she 'll never forget .
Stuck inside and prohibited from gathering due to the coronavirus pandemic , an inventive Plan C was needed .
So Ryann 's best friends and her mother engineered a surprise that , for awhile at least , made everyone involved feel better .
On Tuesday afternoon , quiet Magnolia Lane became festive , as a drive-by birthday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was followed by dozens of vehicles packed with well wishers waving signs and shouting greetings .
`` It was way more than I expected , '' said Ryann 's mom , Lauren .
`` I ca n't believe how many people came together for this . ''
Ryann , a 7th grader and top student at Big Hollow Middle School , was too shy later to give a reaction .
But as the mechanics were assembled on Facebook -- a social media outlet she does n't have or look at -- she did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ event was a complete but welcome surprise .
`` Ryann was shocked and sort of confused at first , then totally shocked , '' Lauren said .
`` She said it was the first time she 's felt like a normal person ( since the stay at home order ) because she has n't seen anybody , '' she added .
Others felt it , too , including Mayor Dan MacGillis , who drove his new truck in the rolling party .
`` We have hard times right now and anything that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of our community , I 'm all in on it , '' he said .
He presented the 13-year old with a proclamation declaring Tuesday as Ryann S. Mateja Birthday Parade Day in the village .
She also received dozens of balloons and cards , flowers , banners and signs .
Lauren said she hopes the event could `` be the start of something really cool in our community , '' with more to come .
She noted that some of the parade participants were shedding happy tears .
`` They 're going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be a good day , '' she said .
`` Finally . ''

Drive-by birthday party one to remember for Round Lake girl
The Florida trip to see the ocean had to be canceled, and so was the pajama party with friends.
But on Tuesday, Ryann Mateja of Round Lake still managed to get a 13th birthday party she'll never forget.
With gatherings prohibited due to the coronavirus pandemic, an inventive Plan C was needed. So Ryann's best friends and her mother engineered a surprise that, for a while at least, made everyone involved feel better.
On Tuesday afternoon, quiet Magnolia Lane became festive, as a drive-by birthday celebration led by several village police cars was followed by dozens of vehicles packed with well-wishers waving signs and shouting greetings.
"It was way more than I expected," said Ryann's mom, Lauren. "I can't believe how many people came together for this."
Ryann, a seventh-grader and top student at Big Hollow Middle School, was too shy later to give a reaction. But as the mechanics were assembled on Facebook -- a social media outlet she doesn't have or look at -- she didn't know what was coming, The event was a complete but welcome surprise.
"Ryann was shocked and sort of confused at first, then totally shocked," Lauren said.
"She said it was the first time she's felt like a normal person (since the stay-at -home order) because she hasn't seen anybody."
Others felt it, too, including Mayor Dan MacGillis, who drove his new truck in the rolling party.
"We have hard times right now, and anything that we can do to improve the mental health of our community, I'm all in on it," he said.
He presented the 13-year-old with a proclamation declaring Tuesday as Ryann S. Mateja Birthday Parade Day in the village.
She also received dozens of balloons and cards, flowers, banners and signs.
Lauren said she hopes the event could "be the start of something really cool in our community," with more to come. She noted that some of the parade participants were shedding happy tears.
"They're going to go home, and it's gong to be a good day," she said. "Finally."
• Daily Herald staff writer Mark Welsh contributed to this report.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-24--No one knew a Naperville teen couldn't see until he was 15. His mom's new book explains why.

Sebastian Duesing is an art student who ca n't see -- at least not in the typical way .
His blindness was n't discovered until three years ago , when he was 15 , and his family noticed he could n't recognize himself or relatives in pictures .
`` Eyeless Mind : A Memoir About Seeing and Being Seen , '' is his mother 's effort to spread awareness about the reason for his blindness and the damage caused by the fact the condition often goes unnoticed .
The book comes out April 19 .
Author Stephanie Duesing of Naperville @ @ @ @ @ @ @ High School in Aurora without bumping into things or people , compete in diving and water polo without raising any red flags , and make paintings and sculptures with photorealistic precision .
But he could n't see ?
This sparked concern his parents had never felt about Sebastian , a straight-A student whose intellectual gifts were so strong he qualified to be promoted a grade above his age while he was in elementary school , so strong he scored a perfect 150 on the verbal portion of the IQ test .
`` No @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anything wrong with Sebastian , '' his mother said .
`` We have photos of him making eye contact .
He appears to be typically sighted . ''
In the book , with a cover graced by a self-portrait Sebastian painted , are explanations of the ways the teen made it through 15 years without being able to see -- and without anyone knowing it .
Sebastian 's strong verbal abilities to perceive and recall letters helped him give words to the things around him , and therefore to `` see '' them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ toddler , he started counting the steps and turns in his house so he could get around , a process he continued at each new school .
`` Everything in my experience of everything is words , '' Sebastian said .
`` I see with words .
I 'm a very verbal person . ''
Sebastian now uses Google Maps on his phone to navigate Chicago , where he had been living on campus of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago until the new coronavirus outbreak began .
He ca n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Everywhere he goes , nothing ever looks familiar to him , '' his mother said .
Duesing , an early childhood music and movement specialist , credits some of Sebastian 's ability to navigate without sight to his early exposure to music , movement and art .
She said she sang to him , bounced him and danced with him since his earliest days .
`` Sebastian has always been a maker .
He quite literally taught himself to see with art when he was little , '' Duesing said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world known to process his vision verbally .
He quite literally sees with words . ''
Sebastian 's mother said the family endured expensive and traumatizing medical visits across the country and the world en route to learning the cause of Sebastian 's blindness .
Expensive because the Duesings racked up $ 150,000 in medical bills , traumatizing because of the lack of belief they encountered .
`` We were labeled crazy by the medical establishment , '' Duesing said .
At the end of the process , a medical scan showed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from his birth , when he suffered a stroke in utero and his mother had a stroke as well , nearly causing her death .
Sebastian was diagnosed with cerebral/cortical visual impairment , which his mother said is not recognized within the medical community by a `` diagnostic code . ''
Abbreviated as CVI , the condition involves a malfunction of the brain 's visual pathways , so the eyes function normally , but the neurological skill of vision does not .
CVI is the top cause of visual impairment in children in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2017 paper in the journal Seminars in Pediatric Neurology .
But Sebastian said he 's seen so many doctors the number is `` in the triple digits , '' and almost none of them knew the condition existed .
That 's why the book went from a few chapters Duesing wrote in 2018 to a 305-page memoir she completed last year .
Her son feels grateful she stepped up to speak about the challenges encountered by those whose blindness is n't easy to identify .
`` It 's a tremendously important and meaningful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It has a lot of power to do good . ''
The ways he copes with CVI are a tired topic for Sebastian , not something he likes to discuss .
So he 's letting his mother 's book do the talking .
`` I want more awareness to translate into better identification and then better support for everyone who has ( CVI ) , '' he said .
The duo had hoped for an April release party at hometown book seller Anderson 's Bookshop , but the event has been postponed because @ @ @ @ @

No one knew a Naperville teen couldn't see until he was 15. His mom's new book explains why.
"Blue Figures in Forest" is one example of art works by Sebastian Duesing, who is studying at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, despite having a condition that causes blindness. COURTESY OF STEPHANIE DUESING
Sebastian Duesing of Naperville can create photorealistic paintings like this one, called "Mimi 3" from March 2018, despite a condition called cerebral/cortical visual impairment, in which the eyes function normally, but the visual pathways in the brain malfunction, causing blindness. COURTESY OF STEPHANIE DUESING
Art student Sebastian Duesing, 18, is the subject of his mother Stephanie Duesing's book "Eyeless Mind: A Memoir About Seeing and Being Seen," which describes the little-known visual condition that causes Sebastian's blindness and his ability to paint mental pictures through words to help him "see." COURTESY OF STEPHANIE DUESING
Sebastian Duesing is an art student who can't see -- at least not in the typical way.
His blindness wasn't discovered until three years ago, when he was 15 and his family noticed he couldn't recognize himself or relatives in pictures.
"Eyeless Mind: A Memoir About Seeing and Being Seen" is his mother's effort to spread awareness about the reason for his blindness and the damage caused by the fact the condition often goes unnoticed. The book comes out April 19.
Author Stephanie Duesing of Naperville said her son could navigate Waubonsie Valley High School in Aurora without bumping into things or people, compete in diving and water polo without raising any red flags, and make paintings and sculptures with photorealistic precision. But he couldn't see?
This sparked concern his parents had never felt about Sebastian, a straight-A student whose intellectual gifts were so strong he qualified to be promoted a grade above his age while he was in elementary school, so strong he scored a perfect 150 on the verbal portion of the IQ test.
"No one ever suggested to us there was anything wrong with Sebastian," his mother said. "We have photos of him making eye contact. He appears to be typically sighted."
A self-portrait by Sebastian Duesing, 18, of Naperville, graces the cover of the book his mother wrote about his little-known visual condition and his ability to "see with words." - COURTESY OF STEPHANIE DUESING
In the book, with a cover graced by a self-portrait Sebastian painted, are explanations of the ways the teen made it through 15 years without being able to see -- and without anyone knowing it.
Sebastian's strong verbal abilities to perceive and recall letters helped him give words to the things around him, and therefore to "see" them, his mother said. As a toddler, he started counting the steps and turns in his house so he could get around. He did that at each new school.
"Everything in my experience of everything is words," Sebastian said. "I see with words. I'm a very verbal person."
Sebastian now uses Google Maps on his phone to navigate Chicago, where he had been living on campus of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago until the new coronavirus outbreak began. He can't drive, but he uses public transportation.
"Everywhere he goes, nothing ever looks familiar to him," his mother said.
Sebastian Duesing is photographed after receiving a scholarship at the Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind. - COURTESY OF STEPHANIE DUESING
Duesing, an early childhood music and movement specialist, credits some of Sebastian's ability to navigate without sight to his early exposure to music, movement and art. She said she sang to him, bounced him and danced with him since his earliest days.
"Sebastian has always been a maker. He quite literally taught himself to see with art when he was little," Duesing said. "He's the only person in the world known to process his vision verbally. He quite literally sees with words."
Sebastian's mother said the family endured expensive and traumatizing medical visits across the country and the world en route to learning the cause of Sebastian's blindness. Expensive because the Duesings racked up $150,000 in medical bills, traumatizing because of the lack of belief they encountered.
"We were labeled crazy by the medical establishment," Duesing said.
At the end of the process, a medical scan showed Sebastian has "massive brain damage" from his birth, when he suffered a stroke in utero and his mother had a stroke as well, nearly causing her death.
Sebastian Duesing's watercolor painting of a grain elevator in the Naperville area won a silver at Scholastic Nationals. Sebastian is studying studio art and art history at the School of the Art Institute in Chicago, despite blindness caused by a condition called cerebral/cortical visual impairment. - COURTESY OF STEPHANIE DUESING
Sebastian was diagnosed with cerebral/cortical visual impairment, which his mother said is not recognized within the medical community by a "diagnostic code."
Abbreviated as CVI, the condition involves a malfunction of the brain's visual pathways, so the eyes function normally but the neurological skill of vision does not.
CVI is the top cause of visual impairment in children in the developed world, according to a 2017 paper in the journal Seminars in Pediatric Neurology. But Sebastian said he's seen so many doctors the number is "in the triple digits," and almost none of them knew the condition existed.
That's why the book went from a few chapters Duesing wrote in 2018 to a 305-page memoir she completed last year. Her son feels grateful she stepped up to speak about the challenges encountered by those whose blindness isn't easy to identify.
"It's a tremendously important and meaningful work," he said. "It has a lot of power to do good."
The ways he copes with CVI are a tired topic for Sebastian, not something he likes to discuss. So he's letting his mother's book do the talking.
"I want more awareness to translate into better identification and then better support for everyone who has (CVI)," he said.
The duo had hoped for an April release party at hometown book seller Anderson's Bookshop, but the event has been postponed because of concern about COVID-19.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-24--Move over Weird Al, it's 'The Epic Hand Washing Parody'

Musician Peter Hollens created this video to be a fun , positive reminder to families about what we can all @ @ @ @ @ own homes to fight the COVID-19 virus .

Move over Weird Al, it's 'The Epic Hand Washing Parody'
Musician Peter Hollens created this video to be a fun, positive reminder to families about what we can all do right now in our own homes to fight the COVID-19 virus.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-24--New DuPage police dog honors Baby Hope

New DuPage police dog honors Baby Hope

The newest member of DuPage County 's police-dog staff , a bloodhound named Hope , is headed to school to learn how to track and trail humans .
Hope is named in memory of an unidentified baby found dead nearly four years ago alongside a road near Wheaton .
The sheriff 's office expects Hope to be certified by November .
She is replacing Bella , who is retiring , and will be teamed with Bella 's partner , Deputy Laura Richardson .
Hope was donated by Susana Anderson and Legend Bloodhounds of Osceola , Wisconsin .
`` These dogs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those afflicted with dementia , autism , as well as finding suspects and victims of crime , '' Sheriff James Mendrick said in a news release , thanking Anderson and Legend Bloodhounds .
Hope will join bloodhounds Praise and Tilly ; Belgian Malinois dogs Chili , Nitro , Odin and Merit ; black Labrador Raven ; and chocolate Labrador Xena on the team .
The sheriff 's office is also aided by a comfort dog , a golden Labrador named Julia .
She is a member of Lutheran Church Charities police dog Ministries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a DuPage County deputy .

Sheriff's office bringing a new bloodhound to the force and naming her after Baby Hope
Hope was donated to the sheriff's office by Susana Anderson and Legend Bloodhounds of Osceola, Wisconsin. courtesy of the DuPage County Sheriff's Office
Hope is the newest member of the DuPage County sheriff's police-dog team. She is expected to be certified by November. courtesy of the DuPage County Sheriff's Office
The newest member of DuPage County's police-dog staff, a bloodhound named Hope, is headed to school to learn how to track and trail humans.
Hope is named in memory of an unidentified baby found dead nearly four years ago alongside a road near Wheaton.
The sheriff's office expects Hope to be certified by November.
She is replacing Bella, who is retiring, and will be teamed with Bella's partner, Deputy Laura Richardson.
Hope was donated by Susana Anderson and Legend Bloodhounds of Osceola, Wisconsin.
"These dogs are invaluable when it comes to tracking those afflicted with dementia, autism, as well as finding suspects and victims of crime," Sheriff James Mendrick said in a news release, thanking Anderson and Legend Bloodhounds.
Hope will join bloodhounds Praise and Tilly; Belgian Malinois dogs Chili, Nitro, Odin and Merit; black Labrador Raven; and chocolate Labrador Xena on the team.
The sheriff's office is also aided by a comfort dog, a golden retriever named Julia. She is a member of Lutheran Church Charities police dog Ministries' police-ministry team and her handler is a DuPage County deputy.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-24--'We want to spread joy': How a Grayslake neighborhood is lifting spirits during pandemic

Heather Jensen and her neighbors are used to getting together .
Halloween events , Easter egg hunts , block parties , lobster boils and progressive dinners are just some of the occasions .
So it made perfect sense to do something to bring a little joy to the neighborhood during the COVID-19 pandemic , Jensen said .
But planning came with an added challenge -- social distancing .
Jensen found instant inspiration in a Facebook post about people decorating their homes with holiday lights .
So she and 14 of her Grayslake neighbors hung Christmas lights , put up Halloween @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Sticking to the stay-at-home rules , people can walk or drive by to see the lights and look for 59 scavenger hunt items in the neighborhood , which sits north of Route 120 just east of Hainesville .
Homeowners along Christy Circle and Lindsey , Scott and Kelly avenues are participating .
Scavenger hunt items include a pink Christmas tree , 12 plastic pumpkins , a gargoyle , two pairs of ice skates , a hula hoop , an Elmo doll and a Darth Vader mask .
The list is being shared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Moms Facebook group , so others in the community can join in , and the items will be moved daily so people can hunt again .
`` Our neighborhood always does a great job with lights during the holiday season .
Additionally , I wanted to offer something else ( the scavenger hunt ) that would be joyful and fun during the daytime , '' Jensen said .
`` I know especially with young children , how cooped up they must be feeling . ''
Jensen is a yoga instructor who works with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schools .
She 's taking a break while schools are closed and spending time with her family , including her oldest of four daughters , Sophie , who 's home from University of Colorado finishing the spring semester online .
Along with the decorations and scavenger hunt , Jensen said , neighbors are collecting donations for food pantries and signing up to give blood .
`` As I walked around when neighbors were making preparations over the weekend , everyone was smiling and having a good time getting this ready for everyone , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` Our neighborhood cares about each other , and we care about this community .
`` Most of all , we want to spread joy . ''

'We want to spread joy': How a Grayslake neighborhood is lifting spirits during pandemic
Heather Jensen and her neighbors are used to getting together. Halloween events, Easter egg hunts, block parties, lobster boils and progressive dinners are just some of the occasions.
So it made perfect sense to do something to bring a little joy to the neighborhood during the COVID-19 pandemic, Jensen said.
But planning came with an added challenge -- social distancing.
Jensen found instant inspiration in a Facebook post about people decorating their homes with holiday lights. So she and 14 of her Grayslake neighbors hung Christmas lights, put up Halloween decorations and even organized a scavenger hunt.
Sticking to the stay-at-home rules, people can walk or drive by to see the lights and look for 59 scavenger hunt items in the neighborhood, which sits north of Route 120 just east of Hainesville. Homeowners along Christy Circle and Lindsey, Scott and Kelly avenues are participating.
Scavenger hunt items include a pink Christmas tree, 12 plastic pumpkins, a gargoyle, two pairs of ice skates, a hula hoop, an Elmo doll and a Darth Vader mask. The list is being shared on social media, including the Grayslake Moms Facebook group, so others in the community can join in, and the items will be moved daily so people can hunt again.
"Our neighborhood always does a great job with lights during the holiday season. Additionally, I wanted to offer something else (the scavenger hunt) that would be joyful and fun during the daytime," Jensen said. "I know especially with young children, how cooped up they must be feeling."
Jensen is a yoga instructor who works with kids with disabilities at two Lake County schools. She's taking a break while schools are closed and is spending time with her family, including her oldest of four daughters, Sophie, who's home from University of Colorado and is finishing the spring semester online.
Along with the decorations and scavenger hunt, Jensen said, neighbors are collecting donations for food pantries and signing up to give blood.
"As I walked around when neighbors were making preparations over the weekend, everyone was smiling and having a good time getting this ready for everyone, even while practicing social distancing" she said. "Our neighborhood cares about each other, and we care about this community.
"Most of all, we want to spread joy."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-24--Why sudden drop in calls to child abuse hotline due to coronavirus is not good news

With schools , day care centers and preschools around Illinois shut down as part of statewide efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus , calls to the Department of Children and Family Services ' abuse and neglect hotline have dropped dramatically over the past week .
But child welfare experts and others do n't believe this decline reflects a decrease in abuse ; on the contrary , many fear that children are now at a greater risk of being hurt as families , many facing additional stress over work and health issues , hunker down in isolation .
< @ @ @ @ @ @ @ https : //pixel.propublica.org/pixel.js '' async= '' true '' > < /script > Because children are n't in school or child care , the teachers , social workers and counselors most likely to spot signs of abuse and who are required by state law to report those allegations , ca n't .
`` Unfortunately , we know there are n't changes in the number of children being abused or neglected , '' DCFS spokesman Jassen Strokosch said .
During the week of March 9 , before Gov .
J.B. Pritzker 's order to close @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of abuse and neglect via the statewide hotline -- 91 % by phone and 9 % through an online reporting system .
Pritzker 's school shutdown order went into effect the following Tuesday , March 17 , and as parents began to lose their jobs or were ordered to work from home , the number of hotline reports plummeted by 45 % to 3,675 that week , the DCFS figures show .
The hotline receives about 950 calls a day during peak times -- about 6,650 a week -- according to a 2019 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a perilous moment for families .
Child welfare experts worry that the uncertainty and anxiety caused by the coronavirus and the impact it will have on people 's jobs , their ability to pay bills or make rent will put children in increased danger at home .
`` The risk of child abuse and neglect just shot through the roof , '' said Kate Gordon Eller , an attorney and founder of The Gordon Foundation , a Chicago-based child welfare nonprofit .
`` The stress on everybody is growing every day .
People @ @ @ @ @ @ @ income .
Then you have all these kids who are home all day .
And it 's indefinite . ''
The situation might worsen in the weeks to come .
Strokosch said he expects to see the number of reports of abuse and neglect tumble further in the next week .
Following Pritzker 's shelter-at-home order , which went into effect on Saturday , children are even more removed from the public eye , likely spending less time outside and with doctors and dentists , who are designated as mandated reporters because they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when they suspect abuse or neglect .
The system , he said , relies on people notifying the agency of these concerns , though DCFS has faced criticism when the hotline was n't able to accept calls as they came in and was hampered by inefficiency and inadequate technology .
School officials report allegations of abuse to DCFS more than most other categories of workers , including police or medical personnel , Strokosch said .
`` If we had a family who was in crisis before , the additional pressure of COVID-19 puts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Research shows that the risk of child abuse rises in times of economic stress , said Char Rivette , executive director of the nonprofit Chicago Children 's Advocacy Center .
And reports of abuse and neglect typically drop during the summer when children are at home or when other events keep children away from school , such as the Chicago Public Schools teachers ' strike late last year , Rivette said .
But the unprecedented nature of the current crisis has left workers particularly uneasy .
`` We 're very concerned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know abuse happens in isolation , especially sexual abuse .
All of these kids are staying home with family members , and those are the people most likely to abuse kids . ''
The center , which works with Chicago police and DCFS to interview children in sexual abuse investigations , also has seen its case numbers drop dramatically .
The office went from 10 to 15 cases a day to three to four , Rivette said .
In the meantime , Rivette said her organization and the dozens of other child advocacy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provide information to parents to help lower tensions and protect children from sexual abuse , especially if additional family members have joined the household .
For parents who are `` extremely stressed and worry they might abuse their children , '' the Arlington Heights-based nonprofit Shelter Inc. , recently added the number of the National Parent Helpline to its list of resources , said Patricia Cinquini , the communication and grant manager for the group that provides emergency shelter and other services for children and adolescents .
Last Tuesday , the first day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pritzker 's order to close all schools , Cinquini wrote on the nonprofit 's website that she feared the social isolation of the shutdown , along with concerns about health , job security and other issues , could create `` a perfect storm '' leading to abuse .
Children and teenagers who are victims of abuse or neglect might not now be able to call for help because they are not alone or are more likely to be overheard , Cinquini said .
Nor can they easily run away from an abusive home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If they 're couch surfing , other families are n't as willing to have them come to them , '' she said .
`` So many of them are forced to stay in dangerous situations because they have no place to go . ''
Teachers are doing their best to stay in touch with students who might be at risk , said Andrew Johnson , a social science teacher and college adviser at Westinghouse College Prep , a high school in Chicago 's East Garfield Park neighborhood .
He said he has sent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the majority have not responded .
A few replied with two words : `` I 'm fine . ''
`` It 's paralyzing to think of all the situations that some of my students must find themselves in , '' Johnson said .
`` And what can I do ?
Nothing .
I feel powerless as an educator to be able to reach out to students effectively . ''
Ryan Kinney , a counselor who works with Johnson at Westinghouse , said he has made hundreds of hotline reports to DCFS over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he enlisted his colleagues and school principal to reach out to students he is most concerned about who did n't respond to his initial emails .
But the process took days .
`` God forbid it might be a life-or-death situation , '' he said .
If he suspected the student 's situation to be dire while in school , he would alert Chicago police or DCFS .
Without seeing his students , he has no way to know if a situation is deteriorating .
`` That 's what keeps me up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` What do n't we know is going on right now ? ''
DCFS ' Strokosch said the agency needs family members and neighbors now more than ever to report their suspicions to the hotline .
`` Do not assume that someone else will report it , '' he said .
`` You might be the only person seeing it . ''
If the reports come in , he said , child protection investigators will respond .
Beyond that , he said , there 's little more DCFS can do .
Last Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sat in his car outside a red brick three-flat before he went inside to investigate an allegation of neglect that had come in earlier that day .
In his pocket , he had hand sanitizer and a pair of latex gloves he had brought from home .
Mittons , who is also president of AFSCME Local 2081 , the union for DCFS workers in Cook County , said school workers are the agency 's `` eyes and ears '' and often the first to notice a child with unexplained bruises .
Now , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have that teacher to see that the next day . ''
But , he added : `` We have a job to do .
The world does n't stop . ''
• Call the 24-hour Child Abuse Hotline at 800-25-ABUSE ( 800-252-2873 or TTY 800-358-5117 ) if you suspect that a child has been harmed or is at risk of being harmed by abuse or neglect .
If you believe a child is in immediate danger of harm , call 911 first .

Why sudden drop in calls to child abuse hotline due to coronavirus is not good news
Illinois child welfare officials fear a decline in Department of Children and Family Services hotline abuse reports is only because children are out of school, and teachers, social workers and counselors aren't able to see signs of abuse. ProPublica Illinois
With schools, day care centers and preschools around Illinois shut down as part of statewide efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus, calls to the Department of Children and Family Services' abuse and neglect hotline have dropped dramatically over the past week.
But child welfare experts and others don't believe this decline reflects a decrease in abuse; on the contrary, many fear that children are now at a greater risk of being hurt as families, many facing additional stress over work and health issues, hunker down in isolation.
Because children aren't in school or child care, the teachers, social workers and counselors most likely to spot signs of abuse and who are required by state law to report those allegations, can't.
"Unfortunately, we know there aren't changes in the number of children being abused or neglected," DCFS spokesman Jassen Strokosch said.
During the week of March 9, before Gov. J.B. Pritzker's order to close all schools, DCFS received 6,672 reports of abuse and neglect via the statewide hotline -- 91% by phone and 9% through an online reporting system.
Pritzker's school shutdown order went into effect the following Tuesday, March 17, and as parents began to lose their jobs or were ordered to work from home, the number of hotline reports plummeted by 45% to 3,675 that week, the DCFS figures show.
The hotline receives about 950 calls a day during peak times -- about 6,650 a week -- according to a 2019 report.
The steep drop comes at a perilous moment for families. Child welfare experts worry that the uncertainty and anxiety caused by the coronavirus and the impact it will have on people's jobs, their ability to pay bills or make rent will put children in increased danger at home.
"The risk of child abuse and neglect just shot through the roof," said Kate Gordon Eller, an attorney and founder of The Gordon Foundation, a Chicago-based child welfare nonprofit. "The stress on everybody is growing every day. People are not able to maintain the same income. Then you have all these kids who are home all day. And it's indefinite."
The situation might worsen in the weeks to come. Strokosch said he expects to see the number of reports of abuse and neglect tumble further in the next week.
Following Pritzker's shelter-at-home order, which went into effect on Saturday, children are even more removed from the public eye, likely spending less time outside and with doctors and dentists, who are designated as mandated reporters because they are legally required to alert the state when they suspect abuse or neglect.
The system, he said, relies on people notifying the agency of these concerns, though DCFS has faced criticism when the hotline wasn't able to accept calls as they came in and was hampered by inefficiency and inadequate technology. School officials report allegations of abuse to DCFS more than most other categories of workers, including police or medical personnel, Strokosch said.
"If we had a family who was in crisis before, the additional pressure of COVID-19 puts them at greater risk," Strokosch said.
Research shows that the risk of child abuse rises in times of economic stress, said Char Rivette, executive director of the nonprofit Chicago Children's Advocacy Center. And reports of abuse and neglect typically drop during the summer when children are at home or when other events keep children away from school, such as the Chicago Public Schools teachers' strike late last year, Rivette said. But the unprecedented nature of the current crisis has left workers particularly uneasy.
"We're very concerned," Rivette said. "We know abuse happens in isolation, especially sexual abuse. All of these kids are staying home with family members, and those are the people most likely to abuse kids."
The center, which works with Chicago police and DCFS to interview children in sexual abuse investigations, also has seen its case numbers drop dramatically. The office went from 10 to 15 cases a day to three to four, Rivette said.
In the meantime, Rivette said her organization and the dozens of other child advocacy centers across the state are working to provide information to parents to help lower tensions and protect children from sexual abuse, especially if additional family members have joined the household.
For parents who are "extremely stressed and worry they might abuse their children," the Arlington Heights-based nonprofit Shelter Inc., recently added the number of the National Parent Helpline to its list of resources, said Patricia Cinquini, the communication and grant manager for the group that provides emergency shelter and other services for children and adolescents.
Last Tuesday, the first day children across the state stayed home following Pritzker's order to close all schools, Cinquini wrote on the nonprofit's website that she feared the social isolation of the shutdown, along with concerns about health, job security and other issues, could create "a perfect storm" leading to abuse.
Children and teenagers who are victims of abuse or neglect might not now be able to call for help because they are not alone or are more likely to be overheard, Cinquini said. Nor can they easily run away from an abusive home or seek shelter with friends.
"If they're couch surfing, other families aren't as willing to have them come to them," she said. "So many of them are forced to stay in dangerous situations because they have no place to go."
Teachers are doing their best to stay in touch with students who might be at risk, said Andrew Johnson, a social science teacher and college adviser at Westinghouse College Prep, a high school in Chicago's East Garfield Park neighborhood. He said he has sent out individual emails checking on students but the majority have not responded. A few replied with two words: "I'm fine."
"It's paralyzing to think of all the situations that some of my students must find themselves in," Johnson said. "And what can I do? Nothing. I feel powerless as an educator to be able to reach out to students effectively."
Ryan Kinney, a counselor who works with Johnson at Westinghouse, said he has made hundreds of hotline reports to DCFS over the last decade. In the last week, he enlisted his colleagues and school principal to reach out to students he is most concerned about who didn't respond to his initial emails.
But the process took days.
"God forbid it might be a life-or-death situation," he said.
If he suspected the student's situation to be dire while in school, he would alert Chicago police or DCFS. Without seeing his students, he has no way to know if a situation is deteriorating.
"That's what keeps me up at night," Kinney said, "What don't we know is going on right now?"
DCFS' Strokosch said the agency needs family members and neighbors now more than ever to report their suspicions to the hotline.
"Do not assume that someone else will report it," he said. "You might be the only person seeing it."
If the reports come in, he said, child protection investigators will respond. Beyond that, he said, there's little more DCFS can do.
Last Friday afternoon, longtime DCFS investigator Stephen Mittons sat in his car outside a red brick three-flat before he went inside to investigate an allegation of neglect that had come in earlier that day. In his pocket, he had hand sanitizer and a pair of latex gloves he had brought from home.
Mittons, who is also president of AFSCME Local 2081, the union for DCFS workers in Cook County, said school workers are the agency's "eyes and ears" and often the first to notice a child with unexplained bruises. Now, he said, "we don't have that teacher to see that the next day."
But, he added: "We have a job to do. The world doesn't stop."
• Call the 24-hour Child Abuse Hotline at 800-25-ABUSE (800-252-2873 or TTY 800-358-5117) if you suspect that a child has been harmed or is at risk of being harmed by abuse or neglect. If you believe a child is in immediate danger of harm, call 911 first.
Source: Illinois Department of Children and Family Services


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-24--Watch: Fox Lake teacher keeping students motivated with Twitter videos

Stanton School music teacher Emily Armbrecht has been posting videos over the Fox Lake school 's Twitter account , @ @ @ @ @ @ connected during the school 's closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic .
Armbrecht is a @ @ @ @ @ .
She attended Carthage College in Kenosha , Wisconsin , studying instrumental and vocal music @ @ @ @ @ been making music videos each day to encourage my students to keep learning and stay @ @ @ @ @ and as a challenge for myself to sing and create each day '' she said @

Watch: Fox Lake teacher keeping students motivated with Twitter videos
Videos by Stanton School music teacher Emily Armbrecht are being posted over the Fox Lake school's Twitter account, @D114Stanton, to keep students connected during the school's closure due to COVID-19 concerns. Courtesy of Emily Armbrecht
Stanton School music teacher Emily Armbrecht has been posting videos over the Fox Lake school's Twitter account, @D114Stanton, to keep students connected during the school's closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Armbrecht is a first-year music teacher at Stanton. She attended Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin, studying instrumental and vocal music education.
"I have been making music videos each day to encourage my students to keep learning and stay positive during remote learning, and as a challenge for myself to sing and create each day" she said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-24--Statewide doctors group concerned about workload, but suburban hospitals say staffing levels are str

The head of a statewide medical association on Monday expressed concern for physicians treating the growing number of COVID-19 patients and medical equipment shortages , but suburban hospital officials said they are in good shape in both areas right now .
`` Many doctors are working longer hours within our health systems , placing themselves in harm 's way , to diagnose and treat COVID-19 patients , '' Dr. Paul E. Pedersen of downstate Bloomington , president of the Illinois State Medical Society , said Monday in a statement to the Daily Herald .
`` There has also been a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients with non-COVID-19 related conditions .
Patients are being asked to stay away from medical settings to avoid exposure to COVID-19 . ''
Pedersen also said there is a need for personal protective equipment , such as tightfitting N95 respirator masks in short supply nationwide .
Despite individuals ' and companies ' donations and efforts to find other solutions , he said , efficient distribution channels are `` critically needed . ''
Locally , hospital officials say staffing and equipment levels are strong for now , and the emphasis is on keeping medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thing we are very aware of is making sure that folks are reminded to take care of themselves , especially our front-line nurses and staff , '' Keith Hartenberger , spokesman for the Edward-Elmhurst Health System that includes Elmhurst Hospital and Edward Hospital in Naperville .
`` They ca n't take care of the patient if they 're ill. '' Hartenberger said what 's ahead is `` certainly a marathon , not a sprint . ''
Staff members are taking breaks when needed , backing up others and filling in when necessary .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to keep ourselves healthy as much as possible , '' he said .
AMITA Health spokesman Timothy A. Nelson said doctors , nurses and other clinical employees are encouraged to take the same precautions asked of the public by Gov .
J.B. Pritzker : do n't come to work if sick , stay at home off the job , practice social distancing , eat healthy and get enough sleep .
AMITA has hospitals across the suburbs , including Alexian Brothers Medical Center in Elk Grove Village , Adventist Medical Center GlenOaks in Glendale @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Des Plaines .
On the issue of personal protective equipment such as the N95 respirator masks , Dr. Kiumars Moghadam , medical director of hospital medicine at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital , said the facility in Winfield currently has an adequate supply .
`` The fear is -- with the projected number of patients that may be coming through -- that we would run out if we were n't able to obtain more , '' Moghadam said .
`` But , for the moment , we have an adequate supply .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we 're not concerned that we do n't have enough . ''
If there 's a mild or moderate surge in patients , Moghadam said , the hospital will be fine .
AMITA and Edward-Elmhurst also are adequately stocked with the protective equipment for now .
Hartenberger said there 's been an `` overwhelming '' response from the community with offers of N95 masks and other supplies for Edward-Elmhurst .
Harper College in Palatine made protective equipment donations Monday to Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights and Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital near Lake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's health careers programs included N95 masks , surgical gowns , safety glasses and disinfecting wipe containers .
However , National Nurses United , a nationwide union representing registered nurses , is calling on Congress to ensure nurses and health care workers are given the protections they need to avoid exposure to COVID-19 .
Green Oaks resident Jennifer Banek , an independent nurse anesthesiologist who prepares patients for surgery at hospitals and other medical facilities in the suburbs and Wisconsin , said Monday there are no guarantees she will have the appropriate and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I actually connected with somebody on Facebook that had a couple of N95 masks , '' said Banek , a director of a large northern region for the Illinois Association of Nurse Anesthetists who also is running for Lake County coroner .
`` They 're supposed to be a single use ideally , but I seized the opportunity to take a couple of the masks to have them if things start getting ugly . ''
Meanwhile , Moghadam said doctors at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital are trying to keep themselves healthy .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ face-to-face meetings , practicing social distancing and wiping down computers before using them , he said .
Outside the facility , the doctors are following the shelter in place order .
From a mental standpoint , Moghadam said everyone is buckling down .
`` We 're putting our heads down and digging into the work that needs to be done , '' he said .

Statewide doctors group concerned about workload, but suburban hospitals say staffing levels are strong
Harper College in Palatine made protective equipment donations Monday to Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights and Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital near Lake Barrington. The contributions from the college's health careers programs included N95 masks, surgical gowns, safety glasses and disinfecting wipe containers. Courtesy Harper College
Green Oaks resident Jennifer Banek says she never thought she'd need Facebook to obtain equipment for her job as a nurse anesthesiologist. Courtesy of Jennifer Banek
Dr. Paul E. Pedersen, president of the Illinois State Medical Society, said he's concerned physicians working longer hours are "placing themselves in harm's way" as they care for those with COVID-19. Courtesy of Illinois State Medical Society
The head of a statewide medical association on Monday expressed concern for physicians treating the growing number of COVID-19 patients and medical equipment shortages, but suburban hospital officials said they are in good shape in both areas right now.
"Many doctors are working longer hours within our health systems, placing themselves in harm's way, to diagnose and treat COVID-19 patients," Dr. Paul E. Pedersen of downstate Bloomington, president of the Illinois State Medical Society, said Monday in a statement to the Daily Herald. "There has also been a massive disruption to medical care delivery for patients with non-COVID-19 related conditions. Patients are being asked to stay away from medical settings to avoid exposure to COVID-19."
Pedersen also said there is a need for personal protective equipment, such as tightfitting N95 respirator masks in short supply nationwide. Despite individuals' and companies' donations and efforts to find other solutions, he said, efficient distribution channels are "critically needed."
Locally, hospital officials say staffing and equipment levels are strong for now, and the emphasis is on keeping medical staffers healthy and rested.
"One thing we are very aware of is making sure that folks are reminded to take care of themselves, especially our front-line nurses and staff," Keith Hartenberger, spokesman for the Edward-Elmhurst Health System that includes Elmhurst Hospital and Edward Hospital in Naperville. "They can't take care of the patient if they're ill."
Hartenberger said what's ahead is "certainly a marathon, not a sprint." Staff members are taking breaks when needed, backing up others and filling in when necessary.
"It's a message of trying to keep ourselves healthy as much as possible," he said.
AMITA Health spokesman Timothy A. Nelson said doctors, nurses and other clinical employees are encouraged to take the same precautions asked of the public by Gov. J.B. Pritzker: don't come to work if sick, stay at home off the job, practice social distancing, eat healthy and get enough sleep. AMITA has hospitals across the suburbs, including Alexian Brothers Medical Center in Elk Grove Village, Adventist Medical Center GlenOaks in Glendale Heights and Holy Family Medical Center in Des Plaines.
On the issue of personal protective equipment such as the N95 respirator masks, Dr. Kiumars Moghadam, medical director of hospital medicine at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital, said the facility in Winfield currently has an adequate supply.
"The fear is -- with the projected number of patients that may be coming through -- that we would run out if we weren't able to obtain more," Moghadam said. "But, for the moment, we have an adequate supply. And for the patients we have now, we're not concerned that we don't have enough."
If there's a mild or moderate surge in patients, Moghadam said, the hospital will be fine.
AMITA and Edward-Elmhurst also are adequately stocked with the protective equipment for now. Hartenberger said there's been an "overwhelming" response from the community with offers of N95 masks and other supplies for Edward-Elmhurst.
Harper College in Palatine made protective equipment donations Monday to Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights and Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital near Lake Barrington. The contributions from the college's health careers programs included N95 masks, surgical gowns, safety glasses and disinfecting wipe containers.
However, National Nurses United, a nationwide union representing registered nurses, is calling on Congress to ensure nurses and health care workers are given the protections they need to avoid exposure to COVID-19.
Green Oaks resident Jennifer Banek, an independent nurse anesthesiologist who prepares patients for surgery at hospitals and other medical facilities in the suburbs and Wisconsin, said Monday there are no guarantees she will have the appropriate and necessary equipment for her job.
"I actually connected with somebody on Facebook that had a couple of N95 masks," said Banek, a director of a large northern region for the Illinois Association of Nurse Anesthetists who also is running for Lake County coroner. "They're supposed to be a single use ideally, but I seized the opportunity to take a couple of the masks to have them if things start getting ugly."
Meanwhile, Moghadam said doctors at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital are trying to keep themselves healthy.
At the hospital, they're canceling face-to-face meetings, practicing social distancing and wiping down computers before using them, he said. Outside the facility, the doctors are following the shelter in place order.
From a mental standpoint, Moghadam said everyone is buckling down. "We're putting our heads down and digging into the work that needs to be done," he said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-24--A song to make you smile: "Good Day Sunshine" by the Beatles

We 're going to try to inject a little positivity in the paper ( and on dailyherald.com ) with a @ @ @ @ @ You Smile . ''
It 's designed to help lift you out of your coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ is `` Good Day Sunshine '' by the Beatles , released in 1966 .

A song to make you smile: "Good Day Sunshine" by the Beatles
The Beatles pose together before their performance in a TV studio in London, England, in 1966. Associated Press
We're going to try 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 "Good Day Sunshine" by the Beatles, released in 1966.
Send your ideas to suggestions@dailyherald.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-24--Restaurants that are open for you to order delivery or carry out

Local restaurants all over the suburbs are open for business -- but you 'll have to order for delivery or @ @ @ @ @ Prior to the health safety shut down , our region supported over 21,000 jobs in @ @ @ @ @ sector , '' Meet Chicago Northwest President Dave Parulo said .
`` Folks doing takeout @ @ @ @ @ only have a connection to the community , it also is saving jobs . ''
@ @ @ @ @ one global website compiling restaurant information .
The Chicago-area page is diningatadistance.com/chicago .
Your local @ @ @ @ @ associations are also compiling restaurants .
Click on each town to go a list or @ @ @ @ @ .
They are subject to change and we will continue to update .
Barrington ( @ @ @ @ @ )

Restaurants that are open for you to order delivery or carry out
Local restaurants all over the suburbs are open for business -- but you'll have to order for delivery or get carry out.
"Prior to the health safety shut down, our region supported over 21,000 jobs in the hotel and food service sector," Meet Chicago Northwest President Dave Parulo said. "Folks doing takeout and gift card purchases not only have a connection to the community, it also is saving jobs."
Dining at a Distance is one global website compiling restaurant information. The Chicago-area page is diningatadistance.com/chicago.
Your local chambers of commerce or business associations are also compiling restaurants. Click on each town to go a list or a site with related postings.
They are subject to change and we will continue to update.
Addison
Arlington Heights
Algonquin-Lake in the Hills
Aurora
Barrington (Every Business that is open)
Bartlett
Batavia
Bloomingdale
Buffalo Grove
Carol Stream
Deer Park
Des Plaines
DuPage County
Elgin
Elmhurst
GOA, Itasca and Elk Grove Village
Geneva
Glen Ellyn
Glendale Heights
GLMV
Grayslake
Hoffman Estates
Libertyville
Lisle
Lombard
Meet Chicago Northwest
Mount Prospect
Mundelein
Naperville
Randhurst Village
Rolling Meadows
Roselle
St. Charles
Schaumburg
South Barrington
Westmont
Wheaton
Wheeling


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-24--Antioch businessman's sudden death leaves void

A well-known Lake County businessman whose disposition complemented his products has died Ken Slove , the son of a baker and founder of Lovin ' Oven Cakery in 1989 , died Saturday morning of a heart attack , according to his wife , Betty .
Her Facebook announcing his passing post sparked more than 2,000 comments and 953 shares as of Monday afternoon , a testament to the popularity of the business and family .
`` We will always keep with us Ken 's spirit , his help , kindness and charity for so many , '' Antioch Mayor Larry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hanson described Slove as a `` longtime champion '' of the community .
He said Lovin ' Oven 's flagship bakery and store , which opened in early 2018 at 455 Lake St. near downtown , became an integral part of the village .
Slove 's parents opened a bakery in Chicago in 1946 and moved to Lindenhurst in 1960 .
He grew up in the area , attended Antioch High School and regarded the village as a second hometown .
He founded Lovin ' Oven Cakery as an offshoot of a third-generation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ retail outlet now in Round Lake Beach was the first location .
A second Lovin ' Oven operated for 10 years across from Cook Park in downtown Libertyville .
That location closed last year .
In 2017 , the village of Antioch provided a $ 250,000 grant to renovate and retrofit the vacant former Hannah 's department store , where Slove opened an enormous flagship bakery with cafe seating for 100 , two party/meeting rooms and a `` bridal suite '' for browsing wedding cakes and products .
`` This is truly a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mary Dominiak said .
She described Slove as a great man who loved his family business and the community .
`` Lovin ' Oven is a significant contributor to the growing success of our downtown but what 's really more important is that Ken Slove and his family are just really terrific people , so his passing is personally , for many , creating a horrible void , '' she said .
Betty Slove said on Facebook the business is closed until further notice but to check social media or the website http @ @ @ @ @

Antioch businessman's sudden death leaves void
A well-known Lake County businessman whose disposition complemented his products has died
Ken Slove, the son of a baker and founder of Lovin' Oven Cakery in 1989, died Saturday morning of a heart attack, according to his wife, Betty.
Her Facebook announcing his passing post sparked more than 2,000 comments and 953 shares as of Monday afternoon, a testament to the popularity of the business and family.
"We will always keep with us Ken's spirit, his help, kindness and charity for so many," Antioch Mayor Larry Hanson said on his Facebook page.
Hanson described Slove as a "longtime champion" of the community. He said Lovin' Oven's flagship bakery and store, which opened in early 2018 at 455 Lake St. near downtown, became an integral part of the village.
Slove's parents opened a bakery in Chicago in 1946 and moved to Lindenhurst in 1960. He grew up in the area, attended Antioch High School and regarded the village as a second hometown.
He founded Lovin' Oven Cakery as an offshoot of a third-generation family business. A small bakery and retail outlet now in Round Lake Beach was the first location. A second Lovin' Oven operated for 10 years across from Cook Park in downtown Libertyville. That location closed last year.
In 2017, the village of Antioch provided a $250,000 grant to renovate and retrofit the vacant former Hannah's department store, where Slove opened an enormous flagship bakery with cafe seating for 100, two party/meeting rooms and a "bridal suite" for browsing wedding cakes and products.
"This is truly a loss for Antioch," village Trustee Mary Dominiak said. She described Slove as a great man who loved his family business and the community.
"Lovin' Oven is a significant contributor to the growing success of our downtown but what's really more important is that Ken Slove and his family are just really terrific people, so his passing is personally, for many, creating a horrible void," she said.
Betty Slove said on Facebook the business is closed until further notice but to check social media or the website http://www.lovinovencakery.com/ for updates.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-24--Midway air traffic control tower back in business

Midway International Airport 's air traffic control tower is operational again after being sidelined because of COVID-19 exposure , the Federal Aviation Administration reported Tuesday .
Technicians at the tower tested positive for the respiratory disease March 17 .
The tower closed immediately after for cleaning , resulting in hundreds of flight cancellations at the airport .
As of Tuesday afternoon , 940 out of 2,520 flights had been canceled in the previous 24 hours at the airport , or 37 % -- marking a significant improvement from Monday when 67 percent were canceled out of an already-reduced schedule of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ traffic in and out of Midway was been handed off to the Chicago Terminal Radar Approach Control ( TRACON ) facility in Elgin .
The employees are in self-quarantine and officials are tracing their contacts .
The Midway tower is one of 11 FAA airport facilities that have been affected by spiraling cases of COVID-19 , a respiratory disease that can cause pneumonia .
`` Every air traffic control facility in the country has a contingency plan to keep air traffic moving safely when events impede normal operations , '' the FAA stated @

Midway air traffic control tower back in business
The air traffic control tower at Midway International Airport is operating again Tuesday after closure due to COVID-19. Associated Press, February 2012
Midway International Airport's air traffic control tower is operational again after being sidelined because of COVID-19 exposure, the Federal Aviation Administration reported Tuesday.
Technicians at the tower tested positive for the respiratory disease March 17. The tower closed immediately after for cleaning, resulting in hundreds of flight cancellations at the airport.
As of Tuesday afternoon, 940 out of 2,520 flights had been canceled in the previous 24 hours at the airport, or 37% -- marking a significant improvement from Monday when 67 percent were canceled out of an already reduced schedule of 502 flights.
Much of the air traffic in and out of Midway was been handed off to the Chicago Terminal Radar Approach Control facility in Elgin.
The exposed Midway employees are in self-quarantine, and officials are tracing their contacts. The Midway tower is one of 11 FAA airport facilities affected by spiraling cases of COVID-19.
"Every air traffic control facility in the country has a contingency plan to keep air traffic moving safely when events impede normal operations," the FAA stated.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-24--Four big acquisitions show Bears GM Pace is going all in

That 's not us opining on the job security of the Bears general manager in Year 6 , mind you ; it 's an obvious conclusion drawn by anyone watching closely how his Bears are attacking free agency .
From backloaded deals for defensive difference-makers on the cusp of 30 ( Robert Quinn , Danny Trevathan ) to a feet-to-the-fire trade borne from familiarity ( Nick Foles ) to a head-in-the-sand Hail Mary ( Jimmy Graham ) , Pace 's four big acquisitions each make it abundantly clear where the Bears stand .
And with a high-priced defense built to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later , it 's a reasonable -- if not the only -- strategy .
However , it comes with yet another potentially large internal debate for Pace , who could n't have come to the decisions easily to replace Leonard Floyd and at least set the stage to replace his next first-round selection , Mitch Trubisky .
Pace 's tenure might be in peril beyond this season , first and foremost , because of his inability to hit on a quarterback .
Again , if you 've been paying close attention , this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether you think that the costly acquisition of Foles will be a hit is a separate debate .
The facts are that Pace 's three earnest swings at a quarterback in his first five-plus years on the job have all been for the fences , in part because he 's yet to shorten his stroke and settle for a potential single or double .
( Think we 're missing the start of baseball season ? )
We 're of course alluding to his failure to spend any of his 15 draft picks preceding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the position , in addition to the lone free-agent signing of Glennon in an attempt to stabilize not only his franchise 's but one of the league 's wobblier QB situations for decades .
Sure , Pace inherited Jay Cutler and his albatross extension done by predecessor Phil Emery , but it was at his introductory news conference to replace Emery that Pace now infamously said he subscribed to Hall of Famer Ron Wolf 's philosophy of drafting quarterbacks annually .
But let 's not get lost in the weeds here .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ what Pace does next month in his sixth draft perhaps will be most telling .
See , if his Bears truly are all-in on 2020 , they still undoubtedly need to secure at least a couple of instant contributors with their precious seven draft picks -- including only two in the top 162 .
Suffice to say after acquiring Foles , barring an unforeseen disaster , the Bears no longer seek a potential rookie QB contributor .
Should they , then , patch up the offensive line and perhaps WR corps or defensive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later-round selection at quarterback ?
To wit : save for the 2011 and 2014 drafts , which produced Andy Dalton and Colin Kaepernick , and Derek Carr and Jimmy Garoppolo in the second rounds , respectively , teams over the past decade have had better success in Round 3 ( Colt McCoy , Russell Wilson , Foles ) and on Day 3 ( Tyrod Taylor , Dak Prescott , Kirk Cousins , Gardner Minshew ) than they have drafting quarterbacks in the second round , which has yielded a long line of squandered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to last until the third round , where the Bears would need to trade down to dance ?
Are we more intrigued by Anthony Gordon than Pace and Matt Nagy ?
Could a fire break out from the various reported smoke signs connecting the Bears to FIU 's James Morgan ?
Perhaps there 's another Day 3 prospect that 's piquing the Bears ' interest ?
Because of Pace 's aggressive draft history , we also ca n't entirely discount the possibility that he 's eyeing another trade-up , either .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for those pining for him to draft another quarterback , it 's easy enough to see why Pace probably would be best served going yet another year without spending a premium pick at the position .

Four big acquisitions show Bears GM Pace is going all in
Ryan Pace is all-in on 2020.
That's not us opining on the job security of the Bears general manager in Year 6, mind you; it's an obvious conclusion drawn by anyone watching closely how his Bears are attacking free agency.
From backloaded deals for defensive difference-makers on the cusp of 30 (Robert Quinn, Danny Trevathan) to a feet-to-the-fire trade borne from familiarity (Nick Foles) to a head-in-the-sand Hail Mary (Jimmy Graham), Pace's four big acquisitions each make it abundantly clear where the Bears stand.
And with a high-priced defense built to win now and become cost-prohibitive sooner than later, it's a reasonable -- if not the only -- strategy.
However, it comes with yet another potentially large internal debate for Pace, who couldn't have come to the decisions easily to replace Leonard Floyd and at least set the stage to replace his next first-round selection, Mitch Trubisky.
Pace's tenure might be in peril beyond this season, first and foremost, because of his inability to hit on a quarterback. Again, if you've been paying close attention, this isn't up for debate, and whether you think that the costly acquisition of Foles will be a hit is a separate debate.
The facts are that Pace's three earnest swings at a quarterback in his first five-plus years on the job have all been for the fences, in part because he's yet to shorten his stroke and settle for a potential single or double. (Think we're missing the start of baseball season?)
We're of course alluding to his failure to spend any of his 15 draft picks preceding the Trubisky trade or subsequent 16 selections at the position, in addition to the lone free-agent signing of Glennon in an attempt to stabilize not only his franchise's but one of the league's wobblier QB situations for decades.
Sure, Pace inherited Jay Cutler and his albatross extension done by predecessor Phil Emery, but it was at his introductory news conference to replace Emery that Pace now infamously said he subscribed to Hall of Famer Ron Wolf's philosophy of drafting quarterbacks annually.
But let's not get lost in the weeds here. What's done is done, and what Pace does next month in his sixth draft perhaps will be most telling. See, if his Bears truly are all-in on 2020, they still undoubtedly need to secure at least a couple of instant contributors with their precious seven draft picks -- including only two in the top 162.
Suffice to say after acquiring Foles, barring an unforeseen disaster, the Bears no longer seek a potential rookie QB contributor. Should they, then, patch up the offensive line and perhaps WR corps or defensive backfield in Round 2 and save a later-round selection at quarterback?
To wit: save for the 2011 and 2014 drafts, which produced Andy Dalton and Colin Kaepernick, and Derek Carr and Jimmy Garoppolo in the second rounds, respectively, teams over the past decade have had better success in Round 3 (Colt McCoy, Russell Wilson, Foles) and on Day 3 (Tyrod Taylor, Dak Prescott, Kirk Cousins, Gardner Minshew) than they have drafting quarterbacks in the second round, which has yielded a long line of squandered picks.
Is Heisman runner-up Jalen Hurts going to last until the third round, where the Bears would need to trade down to dance? Are we more intrigued by Anthony Gordon than Pace and Matt Nagy? Could a fire break out from the various reported smoke signs connecting the Bears to FIU's James Morgan? Perhaps there's another Day 3 prospect that's piquing the Bears' interest?
Because of Pace's aggressive draft history, we also can't entirely discount the possibility that he's eyeing another trade-up, either. But while it may cause some internal conflict for those pining for him to draft another quarterback, it's easy enough to see why Pace probably would be best served going yet another year without spending a premium pick at the position.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-24--White Sox on verge of gaining upper hand in the Chris Sale trade

The Chris Sale trade is not only balancing out for the White Sox , it 's beginning to look like a lopsided deal .
That 's a drastic change from the early aftermath of the blockbuster deal that sent the ace starting pitcher from Chicago to Boston .
`` It 's never easy to trade a pitcher the caliber of Chris Sale , '' White Sox general manager Rick Hahn said on Dec. 6 , 2016 , the day the trade was made .
`` It was not an easy phone call to make , but one , quite frankly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were able to procure in this trade , was one that we were extremely excited about making . ''
In exchange for Sale , a top-end starter with an electric left arm and one of the nastiest sliders of all time , the White Sox received prospects Yoan Moncada , Michael Kopech , Luis Alexander Basabe and Victor Diaz .
In 2017 , his first year at the top of Boston 's rotation , Sale set a franchise record for a lefty with 308 strikeouts while going 17-8 with a 2.90 ERA .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ playoffs in Sale 's first season but were eliminated by the Astros in the American League division series .
The following year , Sale made only 7 starts after the all-star break due to a sore throwing shoulder , but he still managed to go 12-4 with a 2.11 ERA and 237 strikeouts in 158 innings .
Sale was back on the mound in the postseason and helped the Red Sox win the World Series .
That 's a significant victory for Boston in the trade , but the White Sox made up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signed a five-year , $ 145 million contract in the spring of 2019 , but his velocity was way down last season and he put up the worst numbers ( 6-11 , 4.40 ERA ) of his career .
At the same time , Moncada started realizing his massive potential last year .
After leading the major leagues with 217 strikeouts in 2018 , Moncada cut that total to 154 last season while raising his batting average from .235 to .315 .
The switch-hitting third baseman also had 34 doubles , 25 home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sox feel Moncada is already at -- or close to -- a superstar level , and they rewarded the 24-year-old infielder with a five-year , $ 70 million contract in early March .
`` My confidence level is very high right now after what I did last season , '' Moncada said .
Kopech missed all of last year recovering from Tommy John surgery , but the 23-year-old righty is 100 % and was back to throwing 100 mph in his first Cactus League outing before the coronavirus pandemic shut down the game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ AAA Charlotte when the season does open , Kopech should soon force his way into the Sox 's rotation and some oddsmakers consider him the favorite for AL Rookie of the Year honors .
Diaz never panned out for the White Sox in the Sale trade , but Basabe is still a promising prospect .
Rated No .
16 in the Sox 's system by Baseball America , Basabe has all the tools to be a productive major-league outfielder .
Health has been the lone issue .
Knee surgery cut his 2017 season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 74 games last year with hamstring , quad and hand injuries .
Even if Basabe bogs down in the minor leagues and never makes it to the majors , the trade is looking good for the White Sox .
When the season does get going , the deal could be upgraded to great .
Moncada and Kopech have all-star talent and they are both going to play key roles in the Sox 's expected resurgence .
Sale , on the other hand , is facing Tommy John surgery and is not expected to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ point in 2021 .
Considering his big fastball was often clocked under 90 mph last season , the argument can be made Sale and the Red Sox wasted precious time by delaying the inevitable elbow procedure .
Boston is also paying Sale $ 30 million this season and next , massive sums for a team that already cleared needed payroll space by trading star outfielder Mookie Betts and David Price to the Dodgers .
Sale does have a World Series ring with Boston and the White Sox have n't even been to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Advantage : Red Sox in the trade , but the White Sox are going to be feeling like big winners once the season does get going .

White Sox on verge of gaining upper hand in the Chris Sale trade
Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Chris Sale delivers to the Chicago White Sox in the first inning of a baseball game at Fenway Park, Friday, June 8, 2018, in Boston. Associated Press
Michael Kopech meets the media during opening night of SoxFest at Hilton Chicago on Friday. Patrick Kunzer | Staff Photographer
The Chris Sale trade is not only balancing out for the White Sox, it's beginning to look like a lopsided deal.
That's a drastic change from the early aftermath of the blockbuster deal that sent the ace starting pitcher from Chicago to Boston.
"It's never easy to trade a pitcher the caliber of Chris Sale," White Sox general manager Rick Hahn said on Dec. 6, 2016, the day the trade was made. "It was not an easy phone call to make, but one, quite frankly, based upon the return that we were able to procure in this trade, was one that we were extremely excited about making."
In exchange for Sale, a top-end starter with an electric left arm and one of the nastiest sliders of all time, the White Sox received prospects Yoan Moncada, Michael Kopech, Luis Alexander Basabe and Victor Diaz.
Sale paid immediate dividends after changing Sox.
In 2017, his first year at the top of Boston's rotation, Sale set a franchise record for a lefty with 308 strikeouts while going 17-8 with a 2.90 ERA.
The Red Sox made it to the playoffs in Sale's first season but were eliminated by the Astros in the American League division series.
The following year, Sale made only 7 starts after the all-star break due to a sore throwing shoulder, but he still managed to go 12-4 with a 2.11 ERA and 237 strikeouts in 158 innings.
Sale was back on the mound in the postseason and helped the Red Sox win the World Series.
That's a significant victory for Boston in the trade, but the White Sox made up some big ground last year.
Sale signed a five-year, $145 million contract in the spring of 2019, but his velocity was way down last season and he put up the worst numbers (6-11, 4.40 ERA) of his career.
At the same time, Moncada started realizing his massive potential last year.
After leading the major leagues with 217 strikeouts in 2018, Moncada cut that total to 154 last season while raising his batting average from .235 to .315.
The switch-hitting third baseman also had 34 doubles, 25 home runs and 79 RBI.
The White Sox feel Moncada is already at -- or close to -- a superstar level, and they rewarded the 24-year-old infielder with a five-year, $70 million contract in early March.
"My confidence level is very high right now after what I did last season," Moncada said.
Kopech missed all of last year recovering from Tommy John surgery, but the 23-year-old righty is 100% and was back to throwing 100 mph in his first Cactus League outing before the coronavirus pandemic shut down the game.
While he might pitch at Class AAA Charlotte when the season does open, Kopech should soon force his way into the Sox's rotation and some oddsmakers consider him the favorite for AL Rookie of the Year honors.
Diaz never panned out for the White Sox in the Sale trade, but Basabe is still a promising prospect.
Rated No. 16 in the Sox's system by Baseball America, Basabe has all the tools to be a productive major-league outfielder.
Health has been the lone issue. Knee surgery cut his 2017 season short, and Basabe was limited to 74 games last year with hamstring, quad and hand injuries.
Even if Basabe bogs down in the minor leagues and never makes it to the majors, the trade is looking good for the White Sox. When the season does get going, the deal could be upgraded to great.
Moncada and Kopech have all-star talent and they are both going to play key roles in the Sox's expected resurgence.
Sale, on the other hand, is facing Tommy John surgery and is not expected to be back on the mound until some point in 2021.
Considering his big fastball was often clocked under 90 mph last season, the argument can be made Sale and the Red Sox wasted precious time by delaying the inevitable elbow procedure.
Boston is also paying Sale $30 million this season and next, massive sums for a team that already cleared needed payroll space by trading star outfielder Mookie Betts and David Price to the Dodgers.
Sale does have a World Series ring with Boston and the White Sox haven't even been to the playoffs since 2008.
It is still Advantage: Red Sox in the trade, but the White Sox are going to be feeling like big winners once the season does get going.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-24--Elgin police looking for four men after battery of store clerk

Elgin police are asking the public 's help in identifying four men after a store clerk was beaten earlier this month .
Police said they responded to a call at about 6:52 p.m. March 11 about a theft and aggravated battery at a store at Clock Tower Plaza in Elgin .
According to the police report , the four men came into the store and one started browsing while the others took a look around , police spokeswoman Kirstie Hilton said .
Two of the men left the store .
Inside , one kept browsing while one stayed near the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the men then reached over the counter , grabbed a box of shoes and started walking toward the front door , she said .
The clerk confronted the man and a physical confrontation ensued , she said .
The store clerk was taken to the hospital , Hilton said .
The police department 's major investigation division is investigating and seeking assistance with identifying the four men .
Anyone with information is asked to call ( 847 ) 289-2600 , or text a tip to 847411 and include ElginPD in the beginning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ information .

Elgin police looking for four men after battery of store clerk
Elgin police are asking the public's help in identifying these four men after a clerk was beat up the evening of March 11 at a store at Clock Tower Plaza. courtesy of Elgin Police Department
Elgin police are asking the public's help in identifying four men after a store clerk was beaten earlier this month.
Police said they responded to a call at about 6:52 p.m. March 11 about a theft and aggravated battery at a store at Clock Tower Plaza in Elgin.
According to the police report, the four men came into the store and one started browsing while the others took a look around, police spokeswoman Kirstie Hilton said. Two of the men left the store. Inside, one kept browsing while one stayed near the front door, she said.
One of the men then reached over the counter, grabbed a box of shoes and started walking toward the front door, she said. The clerk confronted the man and a physical confrontation ensued, she said.
The store clerk was taken to the hospital, Hilton said.
The police department's major investigation division is investigating and seeking assistance with identifying the four men. Anyone with information is asked to call (847) 289-2600, or text a tip to 847411 and include ElginPD in the beginning of the text, along with the information.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-24--Chicago Fire signs 16-year-old goalkeeper from Naperville

The Chicago Fire again dipped into its academy for a first-team player Tuesday , signing 16-year-old goalkeeper Chris Brady of @ @ @ @ @ signed through the 2023 season with a club option for 2024 .
Brady becomes the @ @ @ @ @ and the sixth since the end of last season .
He joins fellow Naperville resident @ @ @ @ @ the first team .
There are 10 homegrown players now on the Fire roster , @ @ @ @ @ of Addison , who continued to play with the Fire academy teams after signing last @ @ @ @ @ includes veteran goalkeepers Kenneth Kronholm , Bobby Shuttleworth and Connor Sparrow .
`` We 're @ @ @ @ @ Chris brings at the goalkeeper position , '' coach Raphael Wicky said in a club @ @ @ @ @ 's shown at trainings this preseason that he is ready to take the next step @ @ @ @ @ gain valuable experience as a professional as he continues to develop in a competitive environment @ @ @ @ @ is suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic .

Chicago Fire signs 16-year-old goalkeeper from Naperville
The Chicago Fire again dipped into its academy for a first-team player Tuesday, signing 16-year-old goalkeeper Chris Brady of Naperville.
The 6-foot-3 Brady signed through the 2023 season with a club option for 2024.
Brady becomes the Fire's 19th homegrown signing and the sixth since the end of last season. He joins fellow Naperville resident Alex Monis in signing with the first team.
There are 10 homegrown players now on the Fire roster, including 15-year-old goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina of Addison, who continued to play with the Fire academy teams after signing last year. The roster also includes veteran goalkeepers Kenneth Kronholm, Bobby Shuttleworth and Connor Sparrow.
"We're excited about the quality that Chris brings at the goalkeeper position," coach Raphael Wicky said in a club news release. "He's shown at trainings this preseason that he is ready to take the next step with the first team and gain valuable experience as a professional as he continues to develop in a competitive environment."
The MLS season is suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-24--Lake County Board member Dick Barr launches karaoke event to boost spirits

Seeking to give people something fun to do while they 're stuck at home during the coronavirus pandemic , a Lake County Board member is planning an online karaoke party .
Round Lake Beach Republican Dick Barr announced the virtual get-together last weekend on social media .
He 's scheduled his `` Quaraoke Party '' for 7 p.m. Friday at facebook.com/DickBarrForCountyBoard/ .
Barr wants singers of all abilities to send him videos of them performing their favorite songs .
He 'll take the clips and play them Friday on the Facebook page .
Barr , who is n't up for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aims to see `` if we can keep a social sense with our friends and neighbors while tucked away inside our homes . ''
He hopes the event will encourage people to obey Gov .
J.B. Pritzker 's plea for people to stay home .
`` We still see many residents bucking the order , and getting together in large groups , which defeats the purpose of the shelter in place order , '' he said .
To participate , record a video and upload it to a Google Drive folder Barr established @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found at the Facebook page for the event , facebook.com/events/214386592999068/ .
You can also upload a video to YouTube and then share the URL with Barr .
County board member Judy Martini said she plans to sing .
`` It will be fun , '' said Martini , a Fox Lake Republican .
`` Mental health is so important .
If we can find some light at the end of the darkness , breathe , laugh and have a positive attitude , we will survive . ''
Lake County Recorder of Deeds Mary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Clerk Robin O'Connor and other officials will submit a video of Neil Diamond 's classic `` Sweet Caroline '' -- but with new lyrics Diamond recently unveiled on Twitter that include tips for social distancing .
Each member of the team will sing assigned lines alone , and then their videos will be edited together .
`` I sang in my bathroom for better acoustics , '' said Vanderventer , a Waukegan Democrat .
`` If it brought a smile to my face , I 'm hoping others will take just a second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all county officials support Barr 's effort .
When asked about the event , county board member Paul Frank criticized Barr for prolonging an emergency meeting last week by proposing , arguing for and then withdrawing amendments to an extension of the county 's emergency declaration .
The extension was approved with overwhelming bipartisan support .
Barr was one of three members -- all Republicans -- who voted against it .
`` I think this karaoke thing is a much more appropriate way for Dick Barr to waste his time , '' said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I 'm focused on communicating relevant information to the public , protecting our employees and the people in our care and supporting our staff and the health department . ''
Barr is n't the only one turning to the internet for live events during the pandemic .
Several suburban libraries , including those based in Lincolnshire , Libertyville and Elgin , have launched story time sessions online .
Some musicians have staged live concerts from their homes , too .
Barr predicted online gatherings will become more popular as the crisis drags @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I think we 're going to see a whole new level of entertainment that will be online based , and more than social media , '' Barr said .
`` ( It will be ) organized , sophisticated entertainment that you can do from home . ''

Lake County Board member Dick Barr launches karaoke event to boost spirits
Seeking to give people something fun to do while they're stuck at home during the coronavirus pandemic, a Lake County Board member is planning an online karaoke party.
Round Lake Beach Republican Dick Barr announced the virtual get-together last weekend on social media. He's scheduled his "Quaraoke Party" for 7 p.m. Friday at facebook.com/DickBarrForCountyBoard/.
Barr wants singers of all abilities to send him videos of them performing their favorite songs. He'll take the clips and play them Friday on the Facebook page.
Barr, who isn't up for reelection this year, said the event aims to see "if we can keep a social sense with our friends and neighbors while tucked away inside our homes."
He hopes the event will encourage people to obey Gov. J.B. Pritzker's plea for people to stay home.
"We still see many residents bucking the order, and getting together in large groups, which defeats the purpose of the shelter in place order," he said.
To participate, record a video and upload it to a Google Drive folder Barr established for the event. It can be found at the Facebook page for the event, facebook.com/events/214386592999068/.
You can also upload a video to YouTube and then share the URL with Barr.
County board member Judy Martini said she plans to sing.
"It will be fun," said Martini, a Fox Lake Republican. "Mental health is so important. If we can find some light at the end of the darkness, breathe, laugh and have a positive attitude, we will survive."
Lake County Recorder of Deeds Mary Ellen Vanderventer, Treasurer Holly Kim, Clerk Robin O'Connor and other officials will submit a video of Neil Diamond's classic "Sweet Caroline" -- but with new lyrics Diamond recently unveiled on Twitter that include tips for social distancing.
Each member of the team will sing assigned lines alone, and then their videos will be edited together.
"I sang in my bathroom for better acoustics," said Vanderventer, a Waukegan Democrat. "If it brought a smile to my face, I'm hoping others will take just a second to laugh, too."
Not all county officials support Barr's effort. When asked about the event, county board member Paul Frank criticized Barr for prolonging an emergency meeting last week by proposing, arguing for and then withdrawing amendments to an extension of the county's emergency declaration.
The extension was approved with overwhelming bipartisan support. Barr was one of three members -- all Republicans -- who voted against it.
"I think this karaoke thing is a much more appropriate way for Dick Barr to waste his time," said Frank, a Highland Park Democrat. "I'm focused on communicating relevant information to the public, protecting our employees and the people in our care and supporting our staff and the health department."
Barr isn't the only one turning to the internet for live events during the pandemic. Several suburban libraries, including those based in Lincolnshire, Libertyville and Elgin, have launched story time sessions online. Some musicians have staged live concerts from their homes, too.
Barr predicted online gatherings will become more popular as the crisis drags on, and continue after it ends.
"I think we're going to see a whole new level of entertainment that will be online based, and more than social media," Barr said. "(It will be) organized, sophisticated entertainment that you can do from home."