dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-10--Comptroller criticized for handling of late bill payments

SPRINGFIELD -- A program that helps vendors get paid even when the state is late paying its bills might be in danger , the head of one financial company said , because of the way Comptroller Susana Mendoza is prioritizing the bills that she does pay .
The program is called the Vendor Payment Program and it allows third-party financial companies , known as `` qualified purchasers , '' to buy the debts owed to state vendors and then collect the late interest penalty owed whenever the state does pay the bill .
The problem , said Andrew Greta , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the program 's participating companies , is that Mendoza 's office has put a priority on paying off the principal owed on invoices so they stop accruing interest .
But she only rarely , and sporadically , makes payments on the interest that is already due .
`` They have been few and far between , '' Greta said of the interest payments during an interview Friday .
`` To date , we 've got about close to $ 50 million in interest payments that remain outstanding , '' he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ payments from time to time .
… But … there is no predictability to it and as far as we can tell , she 's completely put interest payments on hold now . ''
Abdon Pallasch , a spokesman for Mendoza , disputed that statement .
In an email Friday , he said the comptroller 's office paid out $ 127 million in late payment interest penalties in 2019 , and it paid out $ 16.3 million this year before the COVID-19 pandemic hit , cutting deeply into state revenues .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ qualified investors who have made healthy profits on this program and would like the final portions of their payments but we are not going to leapfrog them over nursing homes , hospice centers , battered women 's shelters and other state vendors awaiting payment , '' Pallasch wrote .
`` They have received most of their payments and they will eventually be paid in full as fiscal conditions allow . ''
Greta , however , said the problem did n't begin with the COVID-19 pandemic .
He said some of the invoices his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for years .
For example , he noted in an email that his company purchased a $ 57 million invoice that was payable for insurance premiums that were due as part of the State Employee Group Health plan .
The state paid that base invoice in February 2018 , making the $ 4 million in late payment interest penalty due at that time .
The invoice for that $ 4 million was accepted by the comptroller 's office in August 2018 , but Greta said that , to date , it still has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he said , Illinois Financial Partners purchased a $ 50,000 invoice in March 2018 that the Department of Corrections owed to a food service vendor .
The base invoice was paid in April , leaving an interest penalty balance of approximately $ 6,000 .
The comptroller 's office accepted that bill in October 2018 , nearly six months after it had become payable .
In the nearly two years since then , the company still has not been paid .
As of Friday , the state had a backlog of past-due bills @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Under state law , if those bills are not paid on time , the state is charged a late payment penalty of 1 percent per month , or 12 percent per year .
During an interview with WTTW-TV in Chicago in June , Mendoza was asked how she was keeping up with payments for COVID-19-related expenses while the state was suffering from a massive revenue shortfall .
She explained her rationale for delaying late payment interest penalties .
`` I do n't pay interest on interest .
That 's going to go to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said .
`` I need to make sure that I 'm either paying front-line providers or I 'm paying down bills that are accruing late payment penalties at 12 percent .
That 's the best use of taxpayer money . ''
But Greta said Mendoza 's reluctance to make those interest payments is having a ripple effect that extends far beyond the financial lenders who take part in the Vendor Payment Program .
Under the program , he said , companies like his act much like commercial banks .
They borrow money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , something less than the 12 percent the state pays .
They then pay the vendors 90 percent of what they 're owed and wait for the state to eventually pay off the bill with interest .
When that payment comes , the companies then give the vendors the remaining 10 percent on their bill and pay the original investors the interest they are owed .
The difference between the interest they pay to investors and what they collect from the state , known as the interest rate `` spread , '' is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And the certainty that the state will eventually make those payments is what enables his company to get money into the pockets of vendors , many of whom can not afford to wait for the state to catch up on its bills .
But because the state has been reluctant to make those interest payments , Greta said , many of the investors that he works with have stopped putting money into the program , and he has to turn down requests from vendors to purchase their debt .
`` We 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inquiries that we 've been getting , you know , sort of vendors asking for help , and we have to turn them away , '' he said .
In addition , he said , there are many more vendors whose debts have already been purchased who are still waiting for the remaining 10 percent balance still owed to them .
Greta and other companies that take part in the program have complained to lawmakers about the late interest payments for years , and during the recent special session in May , lawmakers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bills that says the comptroller 's office `` must issue the interest payment within 60 days after acceptance of the interest voucher . ''
Greta argues that Mendoza 's office is intentionally ignoring that language , but Pallasch disagreed .
`` The ( Illinois Office of the Comptroller ) maintains compliance with this section of law , which is specific to a narrow group of interest vouchers that are permitted under the State Finance Act for those principal vouchers paid after the close of a fiscal year , '' he wrote .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be allowed to be submitted to the IOC for payment since the fiscal year has officially closed . ''

Comptroller criticized for handling of late bill payments
SPRINGFIELD -- A program that helps vendors get paid even when the state is late paying its bills might be in danger, the head of one financial company said, because of the way Comptroller Susana Mendoza is prioritizing the bills that she does pay.
The program is called the Vendor Payment Program and it allows third-party financial companies, known as "qualified purchasers," to buy the debts owed to state vendors and then collect the late interest penalty owed whenever the state does pay the bill.
The problem, said Andrew Greta, president of Illinois Financial Partners, one of the program's participating companies, is that Mendoza's office has put a priority on paying off the principal owed on invoices so they stop accruing interest. But she only rarely, and sporadically, makes payments on the interest that is already due.
"They have been few and far between," Greta said of the interest payments during an interview Friday.
"To date, we've got about close to $50 million in interest payments that remain outstanding," he said. "So, they have made some payments from time to time. … But … there is no predictability to it and as far as we can tell, she's completely put interest payments on hold now."
Abdon Pallasch, a spokesman for Mendoza, disputed that statement. In an email Friday, he said the comptroller's office paid out $127 million in late payment interest penalties in 2019, and it paid out $16.3 million this year before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, cutting deeply into state revenues.
"We sympathize with Mr. Greta and the other qualified investors who have made healthy profits on this program and would like the final portions of their payments but we are not going to leapfrog them over nursing homes, hospice centers, battered women's shelters and other state vendors awaiting payment," Pallasch wrote. "They have received most of their payments and they will eventually be paid in full as fiscal conditions allow."
Greta, however, said the problem didn't begin with the COVID-19 pandemic. He said some of the invoices his company holds have had interest payments due for years.
For example, he noted in an email that his company purchased a $57 million invoice that was payable for insurance premiums that were due as part of the State Employee Group Health plan. The state paid that base invoice in February 2018, making the $4 million in late payment interest penalty due at that time. The invoice for that $4 million was accepted by the comptroller's office in August 2018, but Greta said that, to date, it still has not been paid.
In another case, he said, Illinois Financial Partners purchased a $50,000 invoice in March 2018 that the Department of Corrections owed to a food service vendor. The base invoice was paid in April, leaving an interest penalty balance of approximately $6,000. The comptroller's office accepted that bill in October 2018, nearly six months after it had become payable. In the nearly two years since then, the company still has not been paid.
As of Friday, the state had a backlog of past-due bills totaling just over $5 billion. Under state law, if those bills are not paid on time, the state is charged a late payment penalty of 1 percent per month, or 12 percent per year.
During an interview with WTTW-TV in Chicago in June, Mendoza was asked how she was keeping up with payments for COVID-19-related expenses while the state was suffering from a massive revenue shortfall. She explained her rationale for delaying late payment interest penalties.
"I don't pay interest on interest. That's going to go to the back of the line," she said. "I need to make sure that I'm either paying front-line providers or I'm paying down bills that are accruing late payment penalties at 12 percent. That's the best use of taxpayer money."
But Greta said Mendoza's reluctance to make those interest payments is having a ripple effect that extends far beyond the financial lenders who take part in the Vendor Payment Program.
Under the program, he said, companies like his act much like commercial banks. They borrow money from their investors at a certain rate, something less than the 12 percent the state pays. They then pay the vendors 90 percent of what they're owed and wait for the state to eventually pay off the bill with interest.
When that payment comes, the companies then give the vendors the remaining 10 percent on their bill and pay the original investors the interest they are owed. The difference between the interest they pay to investors and what they collect from the state, known as the interest rate "spread," is where the qualified purchasers make their profit.
And the certainty that the state will eventually make those payments is what enables his company to get money into the pockets of vendors, many of whom cannot afford to wait for the state to catch up on its bills.
But because the state has been reluctant to make those interest payments, Greta said, many of the investors that he works with have stopped putting money into the program, and he has to turn down requests from vendors to purchase their debt.
"We've had an uptick in the number of inquiries that we've been getting, you know, sort of vendors asking for help, and we have to turn them away," he said.
In addition, he said, there are many more vendors whose debts have already been purchased who are still waiting for the remaining 10 percent balance still owed to them.
Greta and other companies that take part in the program have complained to lawmakers about the late interest payments for years, and during the recent special session in May, lawmakers put language into one of the budget bills that says the comptroller's office "must issue the interest payment within 60 days after acceptance of the interest voucher."
Greta argues that Mendoza's office is intentionally ignoring that language, but Pallasch disagreed.
"The (Illinois Office of the Comptroller) maintains compliance with this section of law, which is specific to a narrow group of interest vouchers that are permitted under the State Finance Act for those principal vouchers paid after the close of a fiscal year," he wrote. "Without it, those vouchers would not be allowed to be submitted to the IOC for payment since the fiscal year has officially closed."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-11--1,195 new coronavirus cases in Illinois, third straight day above 1,000

It 's the third straight day more than 1,000 cases have been reported in Illinois .
Results for 32,345 tests were reported in the last 24 hours , the Illinois Department of Public Health said , so the one-day rate of positive results was 3.7 % .
It was 4.0 % on Friday .
The health department reported Saturday that the state 's seven-day rate of positive test results , from July 4 to 10 , was 3.0 % .
The rate was 2.9 % on Friday and 2.6 % on Thursday .
On Friday one medical expert said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but that more days of data were needed to assess any new trend .
`` You 're going to see variability from day to day , so you have to look at trends over a week , at least , '' said Dr. Jonathan Pinsky , medical director for infection control and prevention at Edward Hospital in Naperville .
There 's now a total of 152,962 COVID-19 cases and 7,168 deaths statewide .
More than 1.9 million test results have been reported now .
As of Friday night , 1,398 people in Illinois @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with COVID-19 , the health department said .
Of those , 321 patients were in the ICU and 139 patients with COVID-19 were on ventilators , the health department said .
The deaths reported Saturday included 18 people in Cook County , ranging in age from their 50s to their 90s ; 1 woman in her 60s and 1 man in his 70s in DuPage County , one McHenry County woman in her 80s , and one Will County man in his 60s .

1,195 new coronavirus cases in Illinois, third straight day above 1,000
Illinois' confirmed coronavirus cases increased Saturday by 1,195, including 24 deaths, the state reported.
It's the third straight day more than 1,000 cases have been reported in Illinois.
Results for 32,345 tests were reported in the last 24 hours, the Illinois Department of Public Health said, so the one-day rate of positive results was 3.7%. It was 4.0% on Friday.
The health department reported Saturday that the state's seven-day rate of positive test results, from July 4 to 10, was 3.0%. The rate was 2.9% on Friday and 2.6% on Thursday.
On Friday one medical expert said he was concerned about the increase in cases but that more days of data were needed to assess any new trend.
"You're going to see variability from day to day, so you have to look at trends over a week, at least," said Dr. Jonathan Pinsky, medical director for infection control and prevention at Edward Hospital in Naperville.
There's now a total of 152,962 COVID-19 cases and 7,168 deaths statewide.
More than 1.9 million test results have been reported now.
As of Friday night, 1,398 people in Illinois were reported to be in the hospital with COVID-19, the health department said. Of those, 321 patients were in the ICU and 139 patients with COVID-19 were on ventilators, the health department said.
The deaths reported Saturday included 18 people in Cook County, ranging in age from their 50s to their 90s; 1 woman in her 60s and 1 man in his 70s in DuPage County, one McHenry County woman in her 80s, and one Will County man in his 60s.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-11--Ahead of mother's sentencing Thursday, ralliers gather for 5-year-old, other slain children

Most of the balloons arranged in an arch on the Woodstock square Saturday afternoon were black and blue -- one the color of mourning and the other a favorite of a little boy who had been beaten to death .
White balloons representing innocence also were intertwined in the centerpiece assembled on the pavilion for a rally to remember and demand justice for 5-year-old AJ Freund , who died in April 2019 .
In December , his mother , JoAnn Cunningham pleaded guilty to AJ 's murder in their Crystal Lake home .
She faces up to 60 years in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sentencing by Judge Robert Wilbrandt is scheduled for Thursday .
People gathered Saturday in the Woodstock Square also in memory of other children who have died while on the radar of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services , and to demand changes within the agency , which had several encounters with AJ 's family .
`` Look at that face , '' said Tracy Kotzman , who founded the ROAR for AJ Facebook group and organized Saturday 's event .
`` He was 5 years old .
We want justice , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
At the base of the pavilion were little cardboard cutouts of children to represent the 123 child deaths in 2019 investigated by the DCFS inspector general 's office .
Participants say DCFS was `` deliberately indifferent '' in its dealings with AJ and have called for charges to be brought against the caseworker and supervisor .
For the past 14 months , Kotzman and a small but determined group have stood vigil outside the McHenry County courthouse on the many days of court proceedings for Cunningham and AJ 's father , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Freund Sr. , who also is charged with murder and other offenses in connection with the death , waived his right to a jury trial and asked to have his case decided solely by a judge .
A status hearing on his trial date is scheduled for July 30 .
Kotzman said a more formal program with speakers to mark the anniversary of AJ 's death and to honor National Child Abuse Prevention month had been planned for April but was derailed by the coronavirus pandemic .
Saturday 's rally in advance of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 7 p.m. to be followed by a candle lighting memorial ceremony to remember AJ and other children .
`` When I saw his face on the news , it struck a chord in me .
Things could have been different , '' said Michelle Egizio , a Naperville resident who joined ROAR for AJ early on .
Rachel Inserra came to Woodstock from St. Charles to support the cause .
`` AJ is on my mind every day , so whatever I can do , '' she said .
`` I do n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the story . ''
Sparse attendance at the beginning of the vigil was disappointing to Kotzman but she said it wo n't dilute the mission of standing up for kids .
`` We 're still here , '' she said .

Ahead of mother's sentencing Thursday, ralliers gather for 5-year-old, other slain children
Andrew Freund appears in court in McHenry County on Jan. 14 in Woodstock. A status hearing on his murder trial date is scheduled for July 30. Matthew Apgar, Shaw Media / Pool
JoAnn Cunningham leaves a McHenry County courtroom in February. She pleaded guilty to murder in the death of her 5-year old son, AJ Freund, and is scheduled to be sentenced Thursday. Stacey Wescott/Pool/Chicago Tribune
Most of the balloons arranged in an arch on the Woodstock square Saturday afternoon were black and blue -- one the color of mourning and the other a favorite of a little boy who had been beaten to death.
White balloons representing innocence also were intertwined in the centerpiece assembled on the pavilion for a rally to remember and demand justice for 5-year-old AJ Freund, who died in April 2019.
In December, his mother, JoAnn Cunningham pleaded guilty to AJ's murder in their Crystal Lake home. She faces up to 60 years in prison without the possibility of parole. Sentencing by Judge Robert Wilbrandt is scheduled for Thursday.
People gathered Saturday in the Woodstock Square also in memory of other children who have died while on the radar of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, and to demand changes within the agency, which had several encounters with AJ's family.
"Look at that face," said Tracy Kotzman, who founded the ROAR for AJ Facebook group and organized Saturday's event. "He was 5 years old. We want justice, but more importantly, we want change."
AJ Freund
At the base of the pavilion were little cardboard cutouts of children to represent the 123 child deaths in 2019 investigated by the DCFS inspector general's office. Participants say DCFS was "deliberately indifferent" in its dealings with AJ and have called for charges to be brought against the caseworker and supervisor.
For the past 14 months, Kotzman and a small but determined group have stood vigil outside the McHenry County courthouse on the many days of court proceedings for Cunningham and AJ's father, Andrew Freund Sr.
- Mick Zawislak | Staff Photographer Michelle Egizio checks the balloon arch during at a remembrance Saturday in Woodstock for AJ Freund.
In February, Freund Sr., who also is charged with murder and other offenses in connection with the death, waived his right to a jury trial and asked to have his case decided solely by a judge. A status hearing on his trial date is scheduled for July 30.
Kotzman said a more formal program with speakers to mark the anniversary of AJ's death and to honor National Child Abuse Prevention month had been planned for April but was derailed by the coronavirus pandemic.
Saturday's rally in advance of the sentencing was scheduled from 3 to 7 p.m. to be followed by a candle lighting memorial ceremony to remember AJ and other children.
"When I saw his face on the news, it struck a chord in me. Things could have been different," said Michelle Egizio, a Naperville resident who joined ROAR for AJ early on.
Rachel Inserra came to Woodstock from St. Charles to support the cause.
"AJ is on my mind every day, so whatever I can do," she said. "I don't think people know the full impact of the story."
Sparse attendance at the beginning of the vigil was disappointing to Kotzman but she said it won't dilute the mission of standing up for kids.
"We're still here," she said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-11--Constable: With stunning DNA test results, sisters build new definition of family

Oh , this will be a lark , figured Julie Lichtman of Vernon Hills and her sister Susan Dubin of Buffalo Grove .
Two Ashkenazi Jews sending saliva to 23andMe to get the skinny on their genetic roots .
Dubin 's DNA test came back 99 % Ashkenazi Jew , which made sense , considering she has the same curly red hair as her mother and her grandmother .
The test for Lichtman , who has a thick , dark mane , came back just 49 % Ashkenazi Jew , which made sense as `` I thought I just had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That she does .
Just not the dad she thought .
Lichtman did n't realize that the DNA test , which showed evidence of Spanish , Portuguese , Native American and other traits , meant that the man she 's known as dad for all of her 54 years is not her biological father .
When the sisters phoned their dad in West Chicago with their results , he realized the DNA test 's implications and said he 'd drive right over .
`` What ?
What are you talking about ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the results show you are a half-sibling to Susan , '' her dad said .
`` I 'm hysterical .
I 'm crying , '' remembers Lichtman , who insisted that she still go to her sister 's house to celebrate the birthday of her brother-in-law , Bill Dubin .
`` We went , and I was in another world . ''
Lichtman recalled all those times when strangers thought she was Greek , Italian or Mexican , and store clerks spoke to her in Spanish she did n't understand .
`` My @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she says .
`` I 'm not who I thought I was . ''
Her father , Scott Sommers , was just as shocked .
Even though he and the girls ' mother , Marcia , divorced when their daughters were 9 and 7 , the couple , who both remarried , remained close and even celebrated Jewish holidays together with the daughters until Marcia 's death in 2013 .
`` My dad is very different from me .
I 'm emotional .
My dad is very bright and analytical , '' Lichtman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but he was n't always a warm and cuddly guy .
`` The funny part about this is that day my dad walked up the driveway and hugged me and my sister so hard , '' Lichtman says .
`` I love you so much , '' he told them both .
Stunned by the news , her dad opened up in a way he had n't while raising his daughters .
`` I 'm not overly affectionate .
I 've never had the right words , '' says Sommers , 80 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigator for the IRS , the Department of Labor and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission .
`` For some reason , whatever I said in this situation turned out right . ''
Just to make sure , Lichtman insisted on a more exact paternity test , to which her dad willingly agreed .
`` It said there is zero chance that he was my dad , '' Lichtman remembers .
`` There are feelings you thought you could n't have .
I was crying all the time , '' she remembers , wondering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and knew .
`` I did n't do anything wrong , but I felt guilt and shame . ''
While 23andMe offers a support group , Lichtman found a Facebook group dedicated to people with NPE ( Not Parent Expected ) discoveries .
It started a few years ago with a few dozen members .
Now it serves more than 7,000 individuals and their families in more than 40 nations , and also has a npefellowship.org website .
Knowing she was not alone gave her comfort .
But she had questions .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my dad , '' Lichtman says .
Everybody said so .
`` They were together since they were 15 .
She was gaga for my dad , '' Dubin says , noting the admiration continued after their divorce .
`` Our parents were good friends .
They never said a bad word about each other . ''
Maybe Lichtman really was switched at birth , which became a family joke because of her dark hair .
`` There 's a Hawaiian family celebrating somewhere with my redheaded daughter , '' her mother used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asked everything , '' Lichtman says .
Did they have trouble conceiving and use a sperm donor ?
Could there have been a mistake at the hospital ?
Were they swingers ?
Nope to all of those possibilities .
`` Your mother had a very good friend at work who was Mexican , '' her dad told her .
`` If it was him , he 's a really great guy , '' Dubin remembers her dad adding .
Lichtman just could n't wrap her head around the possibility that her mom had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was n't a drinker or a partyer .
She was the most conservative , honest .
She did n't even swear , '' Lichtman says of her mom .
`` I was devastated at the time .
I had the best family , the best sister in the world .
Our mom loved us . ''
When they first signed up for 23andMe , which was a gift from their father 's current wife , the sisters saw warnings , which included , `` Though uncommon , unexpected relationships may be identified that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' `` We literally were cracking up .
What could you possibly find out ? ''
Lichtman remembers thinking .
In November , Lichtman phoned the man her dad had mentioned .
His number was still in her mom 's old phone book .
`` What I 'm about to tell you is very shocking , but I have reason to believe you are my biological father , '' Lichtman told him , explaining that she just wanted to know the story .
`` I do n't want to ruin your life .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ I do n't need a kidney . ''
The man , in his 80s , remembered Lichtman 's mom .
`` Your mom was a wonderful person .
She was such a lady .
She used to bring you into work , '' he told her .
`` Your mother and I were very good friends , but there was nothing romantic . ''
He invited her to call him back later if she wanted to discuss it further .
After the holidays , she phoned him and did n't get an answer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the paper and saw his obituary , '' Lichtman says .
Lichtman says she does n't think her mom ever told anybody and might not have even known her firstborn was his .
`` They both took it to the grave , '' Dubin says .
But Lichtman talked with the man 's son , who also wanted some answers .
He took a DNA test that proved he and his sister were half-siblings to Lichtman .
He and his sister met Lichtman and Dubin at a Panera Bread in February , before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a soap opera , '' Dubin says .
`` We met .
We talked .
They were amazing , '' Lichtman says .
`` They were so kind to me .
I was crying .
I did n't want to hurt someone else . ''
Her new half-brother texted her that night to make sure she was OK. '' He 's the nicest guy ever , '' Dubin says .
`` We 've had a couple Zooms , '' Lichtman says , envisioning a post-pandemic time when they can get together as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hopefully they 'll come in the backyard and just hang out . ''
Lichtman looks almost identical to one of the cousins , and her new half-brother 's daughter looks very similar to Lichtman 's 21-year-old daughter , Rachael .
Lichtman also has a 19-year-old son , Brent , and a good relationship with her ex-husband , she says .
Dubin , who has a 17-year-old son named Andrew , and Lichtman hold hands , finish each other 's sentences and say there is nothing halfway about their bond as sisters .
Life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ known the truth , but Lichtman says she 's happy .
`` The DNA may not be the same , but that love is in your heart , not in your DNA , '' she says .
`` My dad is my dad .
I 'd never want him to think for one second that I did n't think of him as my dad .
Truly , I 've never felt more loved by my dad since this happened .
I 've never felt more loved . ''
Her dad , however , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says Lichtman .
`` He said he wants Harrison Ford or Clint Eastwood to play him in the movie . ''

Constable: With stunning DNA test results, sisters build new definition of family
While her sister, mom and grandmother had curly red hair, Julie Lichtman figured she got her dark hair from her father, Scott Sommers. A DNA test taken on a lark recently revealed that her dad is not her biological father. Courtesy of Julie Lichtman
Oh, this will be a lark, figured Julie Lichtman of Vernon Hills and her sister Susan Dubin of Buffalo Grove. Two Ashkenazi Jews sending saliva to 23andMe to get the skinny on their genetic roots.
Dubin's DNA test came back 99% Ashkenazi Jew, which made sense, considering she has the same curly red hair as her mother and her grandmother. The test for Lichtman, who has a thick, dark mane, came back just 49% Ashkenazi Jew, which made sense as "I thought I just had dad's hair," Lichtman says.
That she does. Just not the dad she thought.
Lichtman didn't realize that the DNA test, which showed evidence of Spanish, Portuguese, Native American and other traits, meant that the man she's known as dad for all of her 54 years is not her biological father. When the sisters phoned their dad in West Chicago with their results, he realized the DNA test's implications and said he'd drive right over.
"What? What are you talking about?" Lichtman stammered.
"Julie, the results show you are a half-sibling to Susan," her dad said.
"I'm hysterical. I'm crying," remembers Lichtman, who insisted that she still go to her sister's house to celebrate the birthday of her brother-in-law, Bill Dubin. "We went, and I was in another world."
- John Starks | Staff Photographer The life she had known for more than 50 years changed for Julie Lichtman when she discovered that her dad was not her biological father. That also explained why she didn't look like her sister.
Lichtman recalled all those times when strangers thought she was Greek, Italian or Mexican, and store clerks spoke to her in Spanish she didn't understand. "My whole world was turned upside-down," she says. "I'm not who I thought I was."
Her father, Scott Sommers, was just as shocked. Even though he and the girls' mother, Marcia, divorced when their daughters were 9 and 7, the couple, who both remarried, remained close and even celebrated Jewish holidays together with the daughters until Marcia's death in 2013.
"My dad is very different from me. I'm emotional. My dad is very bright and analytical," Lichtman says. She always loved him, but he wasn't always a warm and cuddly guy.
"The funny part about this is that day my dad walked up the driveway and hugged me and my sister so hard," Lichtman says.
"I love you so much," he told them both.
Practicing social distancing, Julie Lichtman celebrates Father's Day with her dad, Scott Sommers. Both of them were stunned after a recent DNA test showed he is not her biological father. - Courtesy of Susan Dubin
Stunned by the news, her dad opened up in a way he hadn't while raising his daughters.
"I'm not overly affectionate. I've never had the right words," says Sommers, 80, who made his career as a federal investigator for the IRS, the Department of Labor and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. "For some reason, whatever I said in this situation turned out right."
Just to make sure, Lichtman insisted on a more exact paternity test, to which her dad willingly agreed.
"It said there is zero chance that he was my dad," Lichtman remembers.
"There are feelings you thought you couldn't have. I was crying all the time," she remembers, wondering if her mom ever looked at her and knew. "I didn't do anything wrong, but I felt guilt and shame."
While 23andMe offers a support group, Lichtman found a Facebook group dedicated to people with NPE (Not Parent Expected) discoveries. It started a few years ago with a few dozen members. Now it serves more than 7,000 individuals and their families in more than 40 nations, and also has a npefellowship.org website. Knowing she was not alone gave her comfort. But she had questions.
Because little sister Susan Dubin and her mom, Marcia Sommers, both had curly red hair, dark-haired Julie Lichtman, right, used to hear jokes that she had been switched at birth. - Courtesy of Julie Lichtman
"My mom was very in love with my dad," Lichtman says. Everybody said so.
"They were together since they were 15. She was gaga for my dad," Dubin says, noting the admiration continued after their divorce. "Our parents were good friends. They never said a bad word about each other."
Maybe Lichtman really was switched at birth, which became a family joke because of her dark hair. "There's a Hawaiian family celebrating somewhere with my redheaded daughter," her mother used to say in jest.
"We asked everything," Lichtman says. Did they have trouble conceiving and use a sperm donor? Could there have been a mistake at the hospital? Were they swingers?
Sisters Julie Lichtman, left, and Susan Dubin get a ride from their dad about 40 years ago. The girls grew up as close as any sisters could be. - Courtesy of Julie Lichtman
Nope to all of those possibilities.
"Your mother had a very good friend at work who was Mexican," her dad told her.
"If it was him, he's a really great guy," Dubin remembers her dad adding.
Lichtman just couldn't wrap her head around the possibility that her mom had sex outside of marriage.
"She wasn't a drinker or a partyer. She was the most conservative, honest. She didn't even swear," Lichtman says of her mom. "I was devastated at the time. I had the best family, the best sister in the world. Our mom loved us."
- John Starks | Staff Photographer Susan Dubin of Buffalo Grove has the same curly red hair and light complexion as her mother and grandmother. Her sister and best friend, Julie Lichtman of Vernon Hills, has dark hair and a darker complexion. They say recent shocking DNA tests showing the women are only half-sisters actually has brought them even closer.
When they first signed up for 23andMe, which was a gift from their father's current wife, the sisters saw warnings, which included, "Though uncommon, unexpected relationships may be identified that could affect you and your family."
"We literally were cracking up. What could you possibly find out?" Lichtman remembers thinking.
In November, Lichtman phoned the man her dad had mentioned. His number was still in her mom's old phone book.
"What I'm about to tell you is very shocking, but I have reason to believe you are my biological father," Lichtman told him, explaining that she just wanted to know the story. "I don't want to ruin your life. I don't need your money. I don't need a kidney."
The man, in his 80s, remembered Lichtman's mom.
"Your mom was a wonderful person. She was such a lady. She used to bring you into work," he told her. "Your mother and I were very good friends, but there was nothing romantic."
He invited her to call him back later if she wanted to discuss it further. After the holidays, she phoned him and didn't get an answer. "I looked him up in the paper and saw his obituary," Lichtman says.
Lichtman says she doesn't think her mom ever told anybody and might not have even known her firstborn was his. "They both took it to the grave," Dubin says.
But Lichtman talked with the man's son, who also wanted some answers. He took a DNA test that proved he and his sister were half-siblings to Lichtman. He and his sister met Lichtman and Dubin at a Panera Bread in February, before coronavirus restrictions.
"It was like a soap opera," Dubin says.
"We met. We talked. They were amazing," Lichtman says. "They were so kind to me. I was crying. I didn't want to hurt someone else."
Her new half-brother texted her that night to make sure she was OK.
"He's the nicest guy ever," Dubin says.
"We've had a couple Zooms," Lichtman says, envisioning a post-pandemic time when they can get together as a family. "We all text. Hopefully they'll come in the backyard and just hang out."
Lichtman looks almost identical to one of the cousins, and her new half-brother's daughter looks very similar to Lichtman's 21-year-old daughter, Rachael. Lichtman also has a 19-year-old son, Brent, and a good relationship with her ex-husband, she says.
- John Starks | Staff Photographer Sitting in her Vernon Hills backyard, Julie Lichtman, left, and sister Susan Dubin of Buffalo Grove say they couldn't love each other any more after they found out Lichtman's biological father wasn't the dad they both grew up with.
Dubin, who has a 17-year-old son named Andrew, and Lichtman hold hands, finish each other's sentences and say there is nothing halfway about their bond as sisters. Life would have been easier had they never known the truth, but Lichtman says she's happy.
"The DNA may not be the same, but that love is in your heart, not in your DNA," she says. "My dad is my dad. I'd never want him to think for one second that I didn't think of him as my dad. Truly, I've never felt more loved by my dad since this happened. I've never felt more loved."
Her dad, however, does have "one request," says Lichtman. "He said he wants Harrison Ford or Clint Eastwood to play him in the movie."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-11--Volunteers clean trash from Salt Creek in Elk Grove Village

The Salt Creek Watershed Network and Boy Scout Troop 95 held the 26th annual Salt Creek Cleanup Saturday morning .
@ @ @ @ @ Grove High School , then walked to the creek to begin work .
They collected @ @ @ @ @ deposited it in a boat , then unloaded the trash when they reached Biesterfield Road @ @ @ @ @ with the idea to start an organization to clean up Salt Creek after purchasing a @ @ @ @ @ ago .
He said he and his family would paddle the creek and pick up @ @ @ @ @ out .
`` We 'd come home with a canoe-load of garbage , '' he @ @ @ @ @ n't make a difference . ''
After a few years , he decided to expand @ @ @ @ @ network of volunteers .
On Saturday , about 20 of the volunteers , many of @ @ @ @ @ Troop 95 , waded in the sometimes waist-deep water and placed the trash they picked @ @ @ @ @ Other volunteers walked along the shoreline and picked up trash .

Volunteers clean trash from Salt Creek in Elk Grove Village
The Salt Creek Watershed Network and Boy Scout Troop 95 held the 26th annual Salt Creek Cleanup Saturday morning.
The group met at Elk Grove High School, then walked to the creek to begin work. They collected trash from the water and deposited it in a boat, then unloaded the trash when they reached Biesterfield Road.
Nick Nikola came up with the idea to start an organization to clean up Salt Creek after purchasing a house along the creek decades ago. He said he and his family would paddle the creek and pick up trash every time they went out.
"We'd come home with a canoe-load of garbage," he said. "We couldn't make a difference."
After a few years, he decided to expand the effort by building a network of volunteers.
On Saturday, about 20 of the volunteers, many of whom were from Boy Scout Troop 95, waded in the sometimes waist-deep water and placed the trash they picked up into a boat. Other volunteers walked along the shoreline and picked up trash.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-11--These suburbanites visited India in February. Only this summer did they make it back home.

When Daily Herald newsprint handler Nita Dave took a two-week leave of absence for an emergency visit to India Feb. 28 , she fully expected to be back at work in March .
She and her husband , Raghuvir , finally made it back home Friday .
Raghuvir had traveled to the city of Ahmedabad for planned medical treatment , which turned into an unexpected intensive care stay .
Worried about her husband , Nita arranged to be by Raghuvir 's side .
Just before she was to return , the COVID-19 pandemic caused the country to shut down all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ difficult to think about our responsibilities in the United States , '' Raghuvir said from India via WhatsApp .
`` At first , ( financially ) we were doing fine , but now our son , who is a part of a medical residency program in Houston , has had to help us with our bills . ''
The Daves stayed with family members in India while they waited to return to their home in Roselle .
International flights finally opened up recently , but seats were hard to secure .
As they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daily , they learned that all international flights were to be canceled until July 15 .
`` I have no idea why , '' Nita said from India .
The BBC reported a conflict between the U.S. Department of Transportation and Air India ; that may have caused the holdup .
On July 6 , the U.S. Embassy reported that some commercial flights had become available to European destinations and could enable U.S. residents to return home , and the Daves finally were able to get a flight .
Daily Herald press operator @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , had a similar experience when he traveled to India on Feb. 25 to attend his sister 's wedding .
`` I was supposed to return on March 25 , and I received an email from my travel agent on March 23 to say all flights were canceled , '' he said .
Like the Daves , Pal was able to stay with family until he got a flight home on June 23 .
He self-quarantined for 14 days before returning to work July 7 .
His time in quarantine allowed him to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working with the bank in order to get his mortgage payments caught up .
`` I 'm just happy I am back and have my job to go back to , '' he said .
`` Other people are still stuck with no way home .
There just are n't enough flights . ''

These suburbanites visited India in February. Only this summer did they make it back home.
When Daily Herald newsprint handler Nita Dave took a two-week leave of absence for an emergency visit to India Feb. 28, she fully expected to be back at work in March.
She and her husband, Raghuvir, finally made it back home Friday.
Raghuvir had traveled to the city of Ahmedabad for planned medical treatment, which turned into an unexpected intensive care stay.
Worried about her husband, Nita arranged to be by Raghuvir's side. Just before she was to return, the COVID-19 pandemic caused the country to shut down all international travel.
"It's been difficult to think about our responsibilities in the United States," Raghuvir said from India via WhatsApp. "At first, (financially) we were doing fine, but now our son, who is a part of a medical residency program in Houston, has had to help us with our bills."
The Daves stayed with family members in India while they waited to return to their home in Roselle.
International flights finally opened up recently, but seats were hard to secure. As they checked for what are called repatriation flights daily, they learned that all international flights were to be canceled until July 15.
"I have no idea why," Nita said from India.
The BBC reported a conflict between the U.S. Department of Transportation and Air India; that may have caused the holdup. On July 6, the U.S. Embassy reported that some commercial flights had become available to European destinations and could enable U.S. residents to return home, and the Daves finally were able to get a flight.
Daily Herald press operator Jagtar Pal, who lives in Streamwood, had a similar experience when he traveled to India on Feb. 25 to attend his sister's wedding.
"I was supposed to return on March 25, and I received an email from my travel agent on March 23 to say all flights were canceled," he said.
Like the Daves, Pal was able to stay with family until he got a flight home on June 23. He self-quarantined for 14 days before returning to work July 7.
His time in quarantine allowed him to get his finances back on track, working with the bank in order to get his mortgage payments caught up.
"I'm just happy I am back and have my job to go back to," he said. "Other people are still stuck with no way home. There just aren't enough flights."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-11--Bail denied in shooting of Elmhurst man walking dog

Bail was denied Saturday for a 22-year-old man charged with attempted first-degree murder in connection with the shooting of a 55-year-old Elmhurst man who was walking his dog .
DuPage County Judge David Schwartz denied bond for Alec Gonzales , who has residences in the 600 of South Berkley Avenue , Elmhurst , and in Mesa , Arizona , according to he DuPage County state 's attorney 's office .
Gonzales also is charged with one count of aggravated battery-discharge of a firearm in connection with the May 14 shooting .
The Elmhurst man was walking his dog about 8:52 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Linden Avenue when he was shot four times -- twice in the flank and twice grazing his head .
An investigation by Elmhurst police found eight shots were fired from a semi-automatic rifle .
`` Violent , seemingly random crimes , such as alleged in this case , threaten the safety and security of the entire community which can last years if left unresolved , '' State 's Attorney Robert Berlin said in a news release .
Witnesses told police they saw a newer-model SUV traveling west on the 300 block of Van @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fired several shots near the intersection with Linden .
The vehicle continued west two blocks toward Colfax .
Police said they recovered a rifle believed to be used in the shooting on the 700 block of Colfax .
Berlin said Elmhurst police did `` truly outstanding work '' in identifying Gonzales as a suspect .
He was taken into custody in Mesa on June 25 .
He had been held in the Maricopa County jail awaiting extradition and was returned to DuPage County late Friday afternoon .
Berlin noted the assistance of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the MERIT Task Force , the DuPage County sheriff 's office and the FBI Violent Crimes Fugitive Task Force .
Gonzalez is scheduled for arraignment Aug. 3 before Judge Brian Telander in DuPage County court .

Bail denied in shooting of Elmhurst man walking dog
Bail was denied Saturday for a 22-year-old man charged with attempted first-degree murder in connection with the shooting of a 55-year-old Elmhurst man who was walking his dog.
DuPage County Judge David Schwartz denied bond for Alec Gonzales, who has residences in the 600 of South Berkley Avenue, Elmhurst, and in Mesa, Arizona, according to he DuPage County state's attorney's office.
Gonzales also is charged with one count of aggravated battery-discharge of a firearm in connection with the May 14 shooting.
The Elmhurst man was walking his dog about 8:52 p.m. on the 800 block of South Linden Avenue when he was shot four times -- twice in the flank and twice grazing his head. An investigation by Elmhurst police found eight shots were fired from a semi-automatic rifle.
"Violent, seemingly random crimes, such as alleged in this case, threaten the safety and security of the entire community which can last years if left unresolved," State's Attorney Robert Berlin said in a news release.
Witnesses told police they saw a newer-model SUV traveling west on the 300 block of Van Buren when it slowed and someone inside fired several shots near the intersection with Linden. The vehicle continued west two blocks toward Colfax. Police said they recovered a rifle believed to be used in the shooting on the 700 block of Colfax.
Berlin said Elmhurst police did "truly outstanding work" in identifying Gonzales as a suspect. He was taken into custody in Mesa on June 25. He had been held in the Maricopa County jail awaiting extradition and was returned to DuPage County late Friday afternoon.
Berlin noted the assistance of the Maricopa County sheriff's office SWAT team, the MERIT Task Force, the DuPage County sheriff's office and the FBI Violent Crimes Fugitive Task Force.
Gonzalez is scheduled for arraignment Aug. 3 before Judge Brian Telander in DuPage County court.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-11--Group demonstrates against abortion in Naperville and Aurora on Saturday

The founder of the Pro-Life Action League took his usual front and center seat at Saturday 's demonstration in Naperville .
`` I usually pick my spot first , '' said Joe Scheidler , 92 , from his lawn chair at the busy corner of Washington Street and Ogden Avenue .
`` I want to be more out front . ''
Scheidler was joined by about three dozen others for a quiet , hourlong demonstration in the rain .
A couple of his 26 grandchildren were standing with him .
They held 4-foot-tall posters with sometimes graphic images of abortions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Baby Photo . ''
Scheidler , who lives in Chicago , founded the group in 1980 and is now its national director .
He said drivers are more supportive of the group 's efforts now than they were when he first started demonstrating 47 years ago after the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision that effectively legalized abortion .
`` They used to scream at us a lot more .
There 's more of an understanding now .
People are more aware that killing a baby is final , '' he said as horns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Then as he shuffled to his car for the drive to the next demonstration in Aurora , a speeding driver hurled obscene words at the elderly man and his supporters .
`` That 's expected , '' he said .
`` We keep moving forward . ''
The group is demonstrating for eight days at intersections around the Chicago area .
It 's `` Face the Truth Tour '' will be in Villa Park , Wheaton and Westmont on Monday .

Group demonstrates against abortion in Naperville and Aurora on Saturday
The founder of the Pro-Life Action League took his usual front and center seat at Saturday's demonstration in Naperville.
"I usually pick my spot first," said Joe Scheidler, 92, from his lawn chair at the busy corner of Washington Street and Ogden Avenue. "I want to be more out front."
Scheidler was joined by about three dozen others for a quiet, hourlong demonstration in the rain. A couple of his 26 grandchildren were standing with him. They held 4-foot-tall posters with sometimes graphic images of abortions accompanied by messages like "His Only Baby Photo."
Scheidler, who lives in Chicago, founded the group in 1980 and is now its national director. He said drivers are more supportive of the group's efforts now than they were when he first started demonstrating 47 years ago after the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision that effectively legalized abortion.
"They used to scream at us a lot more. There's more of an understanding now. People are more aware that killing a baby is final," he said as horns honked and drivers waved with thumbs up.
Then as he shuffled to his car for the drive to the next demonstration in Aurora, a speeding driver hurled obscene words at the elderly man and his supporters.
"That's expected," he said. "We keep moving forward."
The group is demonstrating for eight days at intersections around the Chicago area. It's "Face the Truth Tour" will be in Villa Park, Wheaton and Westmont on Monday.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-11--Suburban Hero: Arlington Heights boy making much-needed personal protection equipment

Instead of spending his stay-at-home time during the pandemic playing video games or goofing off online with his friends , 12-year-old Vince Radlicz jumped to action by making personal protection equipment for health care workers .
Using two 3D printers , Vince created 341 headbands for face shields this spring as cases of COVID-19 climbed .
With assistance from his family , he then attached the bands to plastic cut from report covers purchased at office supply stores to complete the shields .
The equipment was delivered to hospitals , nursing homes and other health care facilities in the Chicago @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Vince said he was inspired by a desperate request for equipment from a neighbor who works as a nurse at Mount Sinai Hospital in Chicago .
`` We started printing right away that day , '' he said .
Vince shut down production in late May as the COVID-19 infection curve flattened in Illinois and the need for homemade gear dissipated .
But he 's getting started again now , fulfilling an order for 100 shields from the Mount Prospect-based Northwest Suburban Special Education Organization .
Staffers will use the shields with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understand what 's being said , said Julie Jilek , the agency 's assistant superintendent .
Additionally , some students may not be able to wear fabric masks because of medical issues , she said .
`` We are thrilled to be able to partner with Vince Radlicz for this purpose and truly appreciate his efforts , '' Jilek said .
The son of Arlington Heights Memorial Public Library digital services adviser Donna Radlicz , Vince uses his 3D printer and one borrowed from the library to make the headbands .
He 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loops on health care workers ' masks and prevent painful rubbing .
The Arlington Heights library was among several suburban libraries that lent 3D printers to staff members seeking to make protective equipment during the pandemic .
Others included Lincolnshire 's Vernon Area Public Library , Elgin 's Gail Borden Public Library and the Naperville Public Library .
Donna Radlicz said she 's incredibly proud of her son .
`` He really wants to help people , '' she said .
Vince , an incoming seventh-grader at South Middle School , is modest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does most of the work , '' he said .
`` I 'm grateful that we have the supplies to help everyone . ''
• Do you know any Suburban Heroes ?
Share your story at heroes @ dailyherald.com .

Suburban Hero: Arlington Heights boy making much-needed personal protection equipment
A kitchen counter in Vince Radlicz's house has been converted into his workshop. This is where the 12-year-old from Arlington Heights makes face shields using 3D printers and other equipment. Courtesy of Donna Radlicz
Vince Radlicz of Arlington Heights uses a 3D printer earlier this year to make components for face shields. Courtesy of Donna Radlicz
Twelve-year-old Vince Radlicz of Arlington Heights has made hundreds of face shields using 3D printers and other equipment since the pandemic hit Illinois. Courtesy of Donna Radlicz
Instead of spending his stay-at-home time during the pandemic playing video games or goofing off online with his friends, 12-year-old Vince Radlicz jumped to action by making personal protection equipment for health care workers.
Using two 3D printers, Vince created 341 headbands for face shields this spring as cases of COVID-19 climbed. With assistance from his family, he then attached the bands to plastic cut from report covers purchased at office supply stores to complete the shields.
The equipment was delivered to hospitals, nursing homes and other health care facilities in the Chicago area and as far away as Hawaii.
Vince said he was inspired by a desperate request for equipment from a neighbor who works as a nurse at Mount Sinai Hospital in Chicago.
"We started printing right away that day," he said.
Vince shut down production in late May as the COVID-19 infection curve flattened in Illinois and the need for homemade gear dissipated.
But he's getting started again now, fulfilling an order for 100 shields from the Mount Prospect-based Northwest Suburban Special Education Organization.
Staffers will use the shields with students who need to see mouths to understand what's being said, said Julie Jilek, the agency's assistant superintendent. Additionally, some students may not be able to wear fabric masks because of medical issues, she said.
"We are thrilled to be able to partner with Vince Radlicz for this purpose and truly appreciate his efforts," Jilek said.
The son of Arlington Heights Memorial Public Library digital services adviser Donna Radlicz, Vince uses his 3D printer and one borrowed from the library to make the headbands. He's also printed hooks to support the ear loops on health care workers' masks and prevent painful rubbing.
The Arlington Heights library was among several suburban libraries that lent 3D printers to staff members seeking to make protective equipment during the pandemic.
Others included Lincolnshire's Vernon Area Public Library, Elgin's Gail Borden Public Library and the Naperville Public Library.
Donna Radlicz said she's incredibly proud of her son.
"He really wants to help people," she said.
Vince, an incoming seventh-grader at South Middle School, is modest about the undertaking.
"The printer does most of the work," he said. "I'm grateful that we have the supplies to help everyone."
• Do you know any Suburban Heroes? Share your story at heroes@dailyherald.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-11--Facts Matter: Coin shortage due to COVID-19, not conspiracy

A recent social media post falsely said a coin shortage in the U.S. was a sign of an impending one-world government .
The false claim included a photo of a sign in a grocery store asking customers to use exact change or noncash payments due to a `` national coin shortage , '' according to PolitiFact.com .
The shortage `` was done intentionally , the mint is no longer releasing coins into circulation aka this is the beginning of the end of paper money , '' the Facebook post read .
The shortage , the post claimed , is part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government that will track every private transaction .
There was a recent slowdown in coin production , but it was due to the coronavirus pandemic as the lockdown prevented people from spending money in stores and banks were running low on nickels , dimes and quarters , PolitiFact said .
The reduction of workers at the U.S. Mint because of social distancing resulted in a 10 % decrease in production in April and a 20 % decrease in May , mint spokesperson Todd Martin told PolitiFact .
The organization went to full production @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were produced in June , he said .
The President 's Daily Brief has been in the news following reports it warned President Donald Trump about a Russian threat to American troops in Afghanistan .
Earlier this month , Brian Kilmeade , a co-host of Fox News Channel 's `` Fox & Friends , '' claimed the information was part of a report that is `` like a mini novel , every single day . ''
Although the format and length of the daily brief can vary from one administration to another , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ novel , '' Matt Olsen , former director of the National Counterterrorism Center told PolitiFact .
`` It 's written for somebody who is a busy person . ''
Olsen , director for three years under President Barack Obama , said the report he worked with was divided into articles and bulleted points that `` were very staccato , short-form .
I 'd say a page , sometimes a page and a half . ''
The daily report , prepared for each president since it began with President Harry Truman in 1946 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ longer than 25 pages , David Priess , a former CIA intelligence briefer for presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush , told PolitiFact .
`` My understanding is that the current PDB is comprised of very few words and mostly contains graphics to more effectively engage the president , '' former Obama administration intelligence official Derek Grossman told PolitiFact .
A satirical story about the removal of a statue of actor Don Knotts was shared on social media without saying it was a joke , `` leading some to mistakenly believe that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TV history , '' according to Snopes.com .
Knotts , who died in 2006 , was honored with a statue in 2016 in his hometown of Morgantown , West Virginia , according to MetroNews .
The actor , known for playing Deputy Barney Fife on `` The Andy Griffith Show '' in the 1960s , is depicted sitting outside the Metropolitan Theatre , where he once performed .
The fake article claiming the statue was removed was published by satirical website Madhouse Magazine after groups protesting racial injustice called for Confederate monuments to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a veteran Chicago-area journalist and former news editor of the Elgin Courier-News .
Contact him at boboswald33 @ gmail.com .

Facts Matter: Coin shortage due to COVID-19, not conspiracy
Unmarked 5-cent coins sit in a pile after being cut from a coil June 27, 2012, at the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia. Production slowed in April and May because social distancing reduced staffing, but the mint went into full production last month, a spokesman said. Associated Press
A recent social media post falsely said a coin shortage in the U.S. was a sign of an impending one-world government.
The false claim included a photo of a sign in a grocery store asking customers to use exact change or noncash payments due to a "national coin shortage," according to PolitiFact.com.
The shortage "was done intentionally, the mint is no longer releasing coins into circulation aka this is the beginning of the end of paper money," the Facebook post read.
The shortage, the post claimed, is part of a plan to enable a one-world government that will track every private transaction. There was a recent slowdown in coin production, but it was due to the coronavirus pandemic as the lockdown prevented people from spending money in stores and banks were running low on nickels, dimes and quarters, PolitiFact said.
The reduction of workers at the U.S. Mint because of social distancing resulted in a 10% decrease in production in April and a 20% decrease in May, mint spokesperson Todd Martin told PolitiFact.
The organization went to full production last month and nearly 1.6 billion coins were produced in June, he said.
President's Daily Brief isn't a 'mini novel'
The President's Daily Brief has been in the news following reports it warned President Donald Trump about a Russian threat to American troops in Afghanistan.
Earlier this month, Brian Kilmeade, a co-host of Fox News Channel's "Fox & Friends," claimed the information was part of a report that is "like a mini novel, every single day."
Although the format and length of the daily brief can vary from one administration to another, it is "definitely not a mini novel," Matt Olsen, former director of the National Counterterrorism Center told PolitiFact. "It's written for somebody who is a busy person."
Olsen, director for three years under President Barack Obama, said the report he worked with was divided into articles and bulleted points that "were very staccato, short-form. I'd say a page, sometimes a page and a half."
The daily report, prepared for each president since it began with President Harry Truman in 1946, is rarely less than one page or longer than 25 pages, David Priess, a former CIA intelligence briefer for presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, told PolitiFact.
"My understanding is that the current PDB is comprised of very few words and mostly contains graphics to more effectively engage the president," former Obama administration intelligence official Derek Grossman told PolitiFact.
Don Knotts statue untouched
A satirical story about the removal of a statue of actor Don Knotts was shared on social media without saying it was a joke, "leading some to mistakenly believe that West Virginia was attempting to erase its TV history," according to Snopes.com.
Knotts, who died in 2006, was honored with a statue in 2016 in his hometown of Morgantown, West Virginia, according to MetroNews. The actor, known for playing Deputy Barney Fife on "The Andy Griffith Show" in the 1960s, is depicted sitting outside the Metropolitan Theatre, where he once performed.
The fake article claiming the statue was removed was published by satirical website Madhouse Magazine after groups protesting racial injustice called for Confederate monuments to be taken down.
• Bob Oswald is a veteran Chicago-area journalist and former news editor of the Elgin Courier-News. Contact him at boboswald33@gmail.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-11--Grammar Moses: Now with sex levels of spiciness!

I apologize for holding onto this information past the point in which you could take advantage of it , but it came over the transom after I put last weekend 's column to bed .
I received a `` news '' release from a downtown PR firm regarding National Fried Chicken Day , which was July 6 .
I 'm sorry , but every day is fried chicken day -- in my dreams , at least .
Here is a possible explanation for why fried chicken day is so amazing , from the news release : `` ( So-and-so ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chicken with sex levels of spiciness to enjoy . ''
Yeah , I read that twice , too .
Is this an example of subliminal advertising ?
Is the pleasure of eating this spicy chicken tantamount to that derived from sex ?
I 'm not sure .
I have n't tried this restaurant 's chicken .
But I plan to .
I spoke to the PR person eventually and , as I suspected , it was a typo .
But it was a typo that accomplished what any news release is meant to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it .
Rick Horndasch saw this headline in his local newspaper ( not ours ) : `` Trump : I 'll veto defense bill to keep Confederate base names . ''
`` This appears to have two possible meanings : either the veto seeks to maintain the current base names or the defense bill seeks to maintain the current base names , and Trump opposes that bill , '' Rick wrote .
`` Is there a better way to express the headline to make clearer the veto would support retention of the long-standing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defense bill ? ''
That 's an easy one , Rick : `` Trump : I 'll veto defense bill that drops Confederate base names . ''
Rick reminded me that I never responded to his inquiry about how `` troop '' can be either a collective noun or an individual noun .
I apologized to him and I 'll apologize to the rest of you who have not heard back from me on your questions .
Some weeks I get more mail than I can shake a pica pole at .
My @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a troop '' had died .
But you would say `` one of the troops '' had died .
You might also say `` six troops had died , '' but the reference is to the group of `` troops . ''
So while `` soldier `` can identify an individual -- just as sailor , Marine and airman can -- `` troop '' works only for a member of a collective or the collective itself .
The language is filled with ambiguities , and this is one .
What 's up with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a public relations person pitching a story about , well , improving oneself .
`` I wanted to see if you would be interested in expert insights from ( so-and-so ) on how now is the time for upskilling and how people find new paths to high-growth roles in health care , even if they are changing industries . ''
Certain that I had happened upon another non-word , I quickly turned to Google 's handy Ngram Viewer , only to learn that `` upskilling '' has been used in business circles since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exists in real dictionaries , too .
Learning a new word does n't mean I have any plans to add it to my vocabulary ( save for today 's column , that is . )
`` I 'm upchucking over 'upskilling , ' '' was her response .
• Jim Baumann is vice president/managing editor of the Daily Herald .
Write him at jbaumann @ dailyherald.com .
Put Grammar Moses in the subject line .
You also can friend or follow Jim at facebook.com/baumannjim .

Grammar Moses: Now with sex levels of spiciness!
Korean-style fried chicken sits waiting to be eaten Dec. 12, 2017, at a restaurant in Edmonds, Wash. Associated Press
I apologize for holding onto this information past the point in which you could take advantage of it, but it came over the transom after I put last weekend's column to bed.
I received a "news" release from a downtown PR firm regarding National Fried Chicken Day, which was July 6.
I'm sorry, but every day is fried chicken day -- in my dreams, at least.
Here is a possible explanation for why fried chicken day is so amazing, from the news release: "(So-and-so) and his crew bring their Nashville Hot Chicken with sex levels of spiciness to enjoy."
Yeah, I read that twice, too. Is this an example of subliminal advertising? Is the pleasure of eating this spicy chicken tantamount to that derived from sex?
I'm not sure. I haven't tried this restaurant's chicken. But I plan to.
I spoke to the PR person eventually and, as I suspected, it was a typo.
But it was a typo that accomplished what any news release is meant to do: Get people to talk about it.
Troop movements
Rick Horndasch saw this headline in his local newspaper (not ours): "Trump: I'll veto defense bill to keep Confederate base names."
"This appears to have two possible meanings: either the veto seeks to maintain the current base names or the defense bill seeks to maintain the current base names, and Trump opposes that bill," Rick wrote.
"Is there a better way to express the headline to make clearer the veto would support retention of the long-standing base names, in opposition to the defense bill?"
That's an easy one, Rick: "Trump: I'll veto defense bill that drops Confederate base names."
Rick reminded me that I never responded to his inquiry about how "troop" can be either a collective noun or an individual noun.
I apologized to him and I'll apologize to the rest of you who have not heard back from me on your questions. Some weeks I get more mail than I can shake a pica pole at.
My response: You would never say "a troop" had died. But you would say "one of the troops" had died.
You might also say "six troops had died," but the reference is to the group of "troops."
So while "soldier " can identify an individual -- just as sailor, Marine and airman can -- "troop" works only for a member of a collective or the collective itself. The language is filled with ambiguities, and this is one.
What's up with that?
I received another correspondence from a public relations person pitching a story about, well, improving oneself.
"I wanted to see if you would be interested in expert insights from (so-and-so) on how now is the time for upskilling and how people find new paths to high-growth roles in health care, even if they are changing industries."
Up what?
Certain that I had happened upon another non-word, I quickly turned to Google's handy Ngram Viewer, only to learn that "upskilling" has been used in business circles since the late 1970s. Yes, it exists in real dictionaries, too.
Upsy-daisy!
Learning a new word doesn't mean I have any plans to add it to my vocabulary (save for today's column, that is.)
Colleague Susan Sarkauskas received the same pitch.
"I'm upchucking over 'upskilling,'" was her response.
Write carefully!
• Jim Baumann is vice president/managing editor of the Daily Herald. Write him at jbaumann@dailyherald.com. Put Grammar Moses in the subject line. You also can friend or follow Jim at facebook.com/baumannjim.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-11--Latino mom says educating community key to surviving COVID-19 pandemic

With Latinos being infected by COVID-19 at higher rates than any other racial or ethnic group , educating the community about how to live with the pandemic is key to surviving it , says Merced Alfaro of Round Lake .
A stay-at-home mother of three , Alfaro volunteers through St. Joseph Catholic Church in Round Lake to deliver meals and groceries weekly to the homebound , sick or elderly .
She also distributes personal protective equipment and counsels Latino community members about the importance of safeguarding their health .
She teaches adults and children how to practice proper social distancing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It 's very difficult for me staying home doing nothing , '' Alfaro said .
`` There are many families in my community who need food , who need help . ''
Alfaro 's husband and three children work outside the home , like many Latinos working minimum-wage jobs or who are essential workers .
`` We are a poor community .
Our community is scared , but we need to go out to work ... they need to pay bills , '' Alfaro said .
`` We need to learn how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Public transit needs a bold transformation to increase ridership and better address the needs of low-income residents and minority communities in the suburbs , says Mary Beth Canty , an Arlington Heights village trustee recently appointed to serve four years on the Regional Transportation Authority Board .
`` I hope to be a voice for those communities , '' said Canty , who is biracial .
`` We need to completely re-envision all of our ( rail ) crossings relative to our community members ( who ) are disabled , '' she said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The 16-member board is responsible for financial oversight , funding , and regional transit planning .
Four of its members are selected by the suburban Cook County Board of Commissioners .
`` We need a lot more areas of service , '' said Canty , who added using mass transit to commute between the city and far Western suburbs and within the suburbs is `` challenging '' at best , often taking several hours .
Canty said the RTA should measure success by customer satisfaction rather than tickets sold , and upgrades @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Chicago Transit Authority ( CTA ) routes must be made as a `` cohesive system . ''
Arlington Heights village leaders are considering hosting a series of virtual discussions this summer about being more inclusive and embracing diversity .
`` We 're actually hoping to hear from our community , '' said Canty , the only person of color on the village board .
`` How can we make sure that we actually are a community that welcomes and embraces diversity and inclusion ? ''
Canty , who serves as co-chair of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Arlington Heights , recently participated in a league panel discussion about the experience of being a minority in the suburbs .
`` I 'd like to see more diversity in hiring at the village level and the school level , '' said Canty , who serves as vice president of Olive-Mary Stitt Elementary School parent-teacher association and on Arlington Heights District 25 's Cultural Awareness Committee .
Attracting more minority police officers is among the village 's goals , she added .
The Lake County Health Department is reporting an upward trend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ young adults , many of whom attended social gatherings with friends in the past two weeks .
Since June 25 , cases reported among Lake County residents under age 30 have been rising , while remaining steady in the general population .
As of July 11 , 10,260 Lake County residents tested positive for the disease and 408 had died from it , health department data shows .
Statewide , Illinoisans in their 20s and 30s constitute about one-third of those infected with the virus , Illinois Department of Public Health data shows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ age groups are 2 % of the state 's total .
`` Youth are just as likely as adults to get and spread this virus , and your risk is higher if you and those you spend time with are not following social distancing , hand-washing , and masking guidelines , '' said Dr. Sana Ahmed , medical epidemiologist for the Lake County Health Department .
`` We ask that everyone continue to take these risks seriously and contact the health department if you think you have been exposed . ''
A state-run @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this Sunday and next Sunday , July 19 , at Lake Zurich High School in response to multiple cases of the virus identified among athletic camp participants or youth attending social gatherings .
The Lake County Health Department is working with Lake Zurich and Vernon Hills high schools .
Lake Zurich High has suspended all athletic camps and asked participants of poms , football and baseball camps to self-quarantine for 14 days ; an individual participating in athletic activities at Vernon Hills High tested positive last week .
Investigations and contact tracing are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are recommending that any Lake Zurich community members who may have been exposed , regardless of age , get tested , '' said the Lake County Health Department 's Ahmed .
The free testing is 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the parking lot of Lake Zurich High School 's Performing Arts Center , 300 Church St .
Results will be provided by phone in 4 to 7 days .
If experiencing symptoms , call a health care provider or the health department 's Communicable Disease program at ( 847 ) 377-8130 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• Share stories , news and happenings from the suburban mosaic with Madhu Krishnamurthy at mkrishnamurthy @ dailyherald.com .

Latino mom says educating community key to surviving COVID-19 pandemic
Merced Alfaro, a stay-at-home mother of three from Round Lake, volunteers through St. Joseph Catholic Church in Round Lake to deliver meals and groceries weekly to the homebound, sick or elderly. She also counsels Latino community members about the importance of safeguarding their health. Rick West | Staff Photographer
With Latinos being infected by COVID-19 at higher rates than any other racial or ethnic group, educating the community about how to live with the pandemic is key to surviving it, says Merced Alfaro of Round Lake.
A stay-at-home mother of three, Alfaro volunteers through St. Joseph Catholic Church in Round Lake to deliver meals and groceries weekly to the homebound, sick or elderly. She also distributes personal protective equipment and counsels Latino community members about the importance of safeguarding their health. She teaches adults and children how to practice proper social distancing, sanitizing hands and wearing masks.
"It's very difficult for me staying home doing nothing," Alfaro said. "There are many families in my community who need food, who need help."
Alfaro's husband and three children work outside the home, like many Latinos working minimum-wage jobs or who are essential workers.
"We are a poor community. Our community is scared, but we need to go out to work ... they need to pay bills," Alfaro said. "We need to learn how to live with this situation."
Transit upgrades:
Mary Beth Canty -
Public transit needs a bold transformation to increase ridership and better address the needs of low-income residents and minority communities in the suburbs, says Mary Beth Canty, an Arlington Heights village trustee recently appointed to serve four years on the Regional Transportation Authority Board.
"I hope to be a voice for those communities," said Canty, who is biracial. "We need to completely re-envision all of our (rail) crossings relative to our community members (who) are disabled," she said, expressing concern about accessibility and safety.
The 16-member board is responsible for financial oversight, funding, and regional transit planning. Four of its members are selected by the suburban Cook County Board of Commissioners.
"We need a lot more areas of service," said Canty, who added using mass transit to commute between the city and far Western suburbs and within the suburbs is "challenging" at best, often taking several hours.
Canty said the RTA should measure success by customer satisfaction rather than tickets sold, and upgrades to Pace Suburban Bus, Metra, and Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) routes must be made as a "cohesive system."
Race inclusion:
Arlington Heights village leaders are considering hosting a series of virtual discussions this summer about being more inclusive and embracing diversity.
"We're actually hoping to hear from our community," said Canty, the only person of color on the village board. "How can we make sure that we actually are a community that welcomes and embraces diversity and inclusion?"
Canty, who serves as co-chair of programming for the League of Women Voters of Arlington Heights, recently participated in a league panel discussion about the experience of being a minority in the suburbs.
"I'd like to see more diversity in hiring at the village level and the school level," said Canty, who serves as vice president of Olive-Mary Stitt Elementary School parent-teacher association and on Arlington Heights District 25's Cultural Awareness Committee. Attracting more minority police officers is among the village's goals, she added.
COVID-19 infecting young:
The Lake County Health Department is reporting an upward trend in new COVID-19 cases among teenagers and young adults, many of whom attended social gatherings with friends in the past two weeks.
Since June 25, cases reported among Lake County residents under age 30 have been rising, while remaining steady in the general population. As of July 11, 10,260 Lake County residents tested positive for the disease and 408 had died from it, health department data shows.
Statewide, Illinoisans in their 20s and 30s constitute about one-third of those infected with the virus, Illinois Department of Public Health data shows. Deaths from the virus in those age groups are 2% of the state's total.
"Youth are just as likely as adults to get and spread this virus, and your risk is higher if you and those you spend time with are not following social distancing, hand-washing, and masking guidelines," said Dr. Sana Ahmed, medical epidemiologist for the Lake County Health Department. "We ask that everyone continue to take these risks seriously and contact the health department if you think you have been exposed."
Mobile testing site:
- Patrick Kunzer | Staff Photographer, 2018 Three athletic camps run by Lake Zurich High School had to be shut down because students tested positive for COVID-19. Free coronavirus testing is available today at the school.
A state-run mobile COVID-19 testing site will be stationed this Sunday and next Sunday, July 19, at Lake Zurich High School in response to multiple cases of the virus identified among athletic camp participants or youth attending social gatherings.
The Lake County Health Department is working with Lake Zurich and Vernon Hills high schools. Lake Zurich High has suspended all athletic camps and asked participants of poms, football and baseball camps to self-quarantine for 14 days; an individual participating in athletic activities at Vernon Hills High tested positive last week. Investigations and contact tracing are underway at both schools.
"We are recommending that any Lake Zurich community members who may have been exposed, regardless of age, get tested," said the Lake County Health Department's Ahmed.
The free testing is 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the parking lot of Lake Zurich High School's Performing Arts Center, 300 Church St. Results will be provided by phone in 4 to 7 days. If experiencing symptoms, call a health care provider or the health department's Communicable Disease program at (847) 377-8130. For additional testing sites, visit dph.illinois.gov/covid19.
• Share stories, news and happenings from the suburban mosaic with Madhu Krishnamurthy at mkrishnamurthy@dailyherald.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-11--Bowling centers not happy with state's reopening plan

When it comes to activities that can be done while social distancing , you can do worse than bowling .
Bowlers generally use their own ball and share a lane with people they know .
There 's no reason to interact with anyone else or touch shared surfaces .
Even the shoes can be sanitized .
`` We 've always sanitized the house shoes , but now we do it twice , '' said Lyle Zikes , proprietor of Beverly Lanes in Arlington Heights .
`` It 's not business as usual .
My niece is out there cleaning the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ house balls .
We 've never done that .
There was never a need to do that . ''
The state of Illinois cleared the way for bowling centers to reopen on Friday , June 26 .
Bowling center operators are n't happy , though , because the state put a strict 50-person limit for the centers reopening , instead of 50 percent capacity , which is what the owners were expecting .
`` We felt sort of betrayed , '' said Bill Duff , executive director of the Illinois Bowling Proprietors Association @ @ @ @ @ @ @ centers are at stake .
They have to make a decision , can they operate profitably ?
At 50 percent capacity , at least it gives them a chance , but 50 people ?
They have to make a decision whether they should even reopen . ''
A check of websites showed a majority of independent bowling centers in the suburbs opened on June 26 .
The Bowlero chain , which has 14 locations in the area , has not reopened .
Among the centers open for business and trying to survive under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Round Lake .
`` At 50 percent , we can get by in the summertime , because summertime is slow for us anyway , '' Lakes Bowl owner Joe Piagentini said .
`` I put up separators between each pair of lanes .
If you come in with your family of 10 or less people , it 's all sanitized , you can bowl , leave your house balls there .
When you get done , we resanitize it before the next group goes down . ''
The most obvious flaw in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a wide variety of sizes .
In comparison , restaurants opened for indoor dining under Phase 4 guidelines with no limit on the number of patrons that can be served .
The restriction is tables must be six feet apart .
Bowling center operators argue they can create the same distancing guidelines by using every other lane .
This is a major issue for the state 's largest bowling center , Stardust Bowl in Addison , which has 84 lanes and did reopen on June 26 .
`` We thought initially that it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and have people come in and get used to ( the new safety guidelines ) , hoping we can get to a break-even point , '' said Jim Saffold , general manager of the Stardust Bowl .
`` The metric on this is we 're actually losing more money now by being open than we were by being shut down .
`` I could have 50 people in this building and you could not even possibly see them all .
I could shoot a cannon off in here and miss every single one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it set up is mind-boggling . ''
All in the family Independent bowling centers in the suburbs tend to have a long history .
There are dozens in the area that have been open since the 1950s or 60s .
The Stardust Bowl originally opened in the 40s and grew to its current size in the early 70s .
`` We opened in 1955 , so we were about to have our 65th anniversary , '' Zikes said of Beverly Lanes .
`` We 'll put that off .
One thing we ca @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' The Wood Dale Bowl has been open since 1948 .
Parkside Lanes in Aurora , another large center with 54 lanes , opened in 1956 , to give two examples .
`` Other than really the Bowlero chain , bowling is still one of the last bastions of independent small-business operators , family-owned , '' Duff said .
One center that has yet to reopen is Elk Grove Bowl , which has 40 lanes and has been in business since 1963 .
Owner Debbie Handler feels it 's not economically feasible to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 'm third generation , so we 've been through recessions , we 've been through everything , but obviously never anything like this , '' Handler said .
`` I do n't get the feeling the people making these decisions understand bowling .
I do n't think they understand the size of our centers and that we could easily separate people . ''
There is reason to be optimistic about the future of bowling .
The operators interviewed for this story said bowling was booming before the pandemic hit .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was probably going to be our best year ever , '' Saffold said .
`` It was projecting to be our best season ever , our September to August season .
That 's a lot to be said .
We work very hard and spend a lot of money keeping our place up . ''
Independent bowling centers tend to rely heavily on leagues , which are popular in the winter months .
Handler said Elk Grove Bowl spent more than a million dollars on renovations over the past four years .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and biweeklies , we had about 1,800 league bowlers , '' Zikes said .
`` Of those , about half were weekly league bowlers that we 'd see every Tuesday night or Wednesday night or whatever for 34 or 35 weeks in a season .
That 's what 's kept us going .
That 's why we 've been able to stay around has been our league base . ''
Saffold is concerned because in the next 12 months , Stardust Bowl is scheduled to host two professional women 's tournaments , along @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He pointed out that hundreds of students attend college on bowling scholarships .
`` Do n't get me wrong , we fully understand that we have a problem with this virus , '' Saffold said .
`` We get it .
But we 're working just as hard , if not harder , than any other industry to make sure we keep it under control in our facilities .
`` Something needs to change soon , otherwise we 're all out of business .
They 're telling us that somewhere down the line @ @ @ @ @ @ @ OK , what does that mean ?
Are we talking tomorrow , next month , two or three months ?
And what 's that number going to be ? ''
In the meantime , most independent bowling centers in the suburbs are open , scrambling to survive like every other business that relies on people walking through the door .
`` I think the centers will survive it if we can go into the fall and resume close to a normal operation in terms of leagues , '' Zikes said .
`` If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be very difficult , because if you do n't start off with normal leagues in September , you 've given up a lot of the year , not just the month . ''

Bowling centers not happy with state's reopening plan
When it comes to activities that can be done while social distancing, you can do worse than bowling.
Bowlers generally use their own ball and share a lane with people they know. There's no reason to interact with anyone else or touch shared surfaces. Even the shoes can be sanitized.
"We've always sanitized the house shoes, but now we do it twice," said Lyle Zikes, proprietor of Beverly Lanes in Arlington Heights. "It's not business as usual. My niece is out there cleaning the finger and thumb holes out of the house balls. We've never done that. There was never a need to do that."
The state of Illinois cleared the way for bowling centers to reopen on Friday, June 26. Bowling center operators aren't happy, though, because the state put a strict 50-person limit for the centers reopening, instead of 50 percent capacity, which is what the owners were expecting.
"We felt sort of betrayed," said Bill Duff, executive director of the Illinois Bowling Proprietors Association. "The livelihood of our bowling centers are at stake. They have to make a decision, can they operate profitably? At 50 percent capacity, at least it gives them a chance, but 50 people? They have to make a decision whether they should even reopen."
A check of websites showed a majority of independent bowling centers in the suburbs opened on June 26. The Bowlero chain, which has 14 locations in the area, has not reopened.
Among the centers open for business and trying to survive under the new rules is Lakes Bowl in Round Lake.
"At 50 percent, we can get by in the summertime, because summertime is slow for us anyway," Lakes Bowl owner Joe Piagentini said. "I put up separators between each pair of lanes. If you come in with your family of 10 or less people, it's all sanitized, you can bowl, leave your house balls there. When you get done, we resanitize it before the next group goes down."
The most obvious flaw in the 50-person rule is bowling centers come in a wide variety of sizes. In comparison, restaurants opened for indoor dining under Phase 4 guidelines with no limit on the number of patrons that can be served. The restriction is tables must be six feet apart.
Bowling center operators argue they can create the same distancing guidelines by using every other lane. This is a major issue for the state's largest bowling center, Stardust Bowl in Addison, which has 84 lanes and did reopen on June 26.
"We thought initially that it was important to start having a presence and have people come in and get used to (the new safety guidelines), hoping we can get to a break-even point," said Jim Saffold, general manager of the Stardust Bowl. "The metric on this is we're actually losing more money now by being open than we were by being shut down.
"I could have 50 people in this building and you could not even possibly see them all. I could shoot a cannon off in here and miss every single one. The inequity of how they have it set up is mind-boggling."
All in the family
Independent bowling centers in the suburbs tend to have a long history. There are dozens in the area that have been open since the 1950s or 60s. The Stardust Bowl originally opened in the 40s and grew to its current size in the early 70s.
"We opened in 1955, so we were about to have our 65th anniversary," Zikes said of Beverly Lanes. "We'll put that off. One thing we can't have is a big crowd."
The Wood Dale Bowl has been open since 1948. Parkside Lanes in Aurora, another large center with 54 lanes, opened in 1956, to give two examples.
"Other than really the Bowlero chain, bowling is still one of the last bastions of independent small-business operators, family-owned," Duff said.
One center that has yet to reopen is Elk Grove Bowl, which has 40 lanes and has been in business since 1963. Owner Debbie Handler feels it's not economically feasible to open with a 50-patron limit.
"I'm third generation, so we've been through recessions, we've been through everything, but obviously never anything like this," Handler said. "I don't get the feeling the people making these decisions understand bowling. I don't think they understand the size of our centers and that we could easily separate people."
Slowing the roll
There is reason to be optimistic about the future of bowling. The operators interviewed for this story said bowling was booming before the pandemic hit.
"I've been here 30 years and it was probably going to be our best year ever," Saffold said. "It was projecting to be our best season ever, our September to August season. That's a lot to be said. We work very hard and spend a lot of money keeping our place up."
Independent bowling centers tend to rely heavily on leagues, which are popular in the winter months. Handler said Elk Grove Bowl spent more than a million dollars on renovations over the past four years.
"Our leagues, counting all the monthlies and biweeklies, we had about 1,800 league bowlers," Zikes said. "Of those, about half were weekly league bowlers that we'd see every Tuesday night or Wednesday night or whatever for 34 or 35 weeks in a season. That's what's kept us going. That's why we've been able to stay around has been our league base."
Saffold is concerned because in the next 12 months, Stardust Bowl is scheduled to host two professional women's tournaments, along with college sectionals and national championship. He pointed out that hundreds of students attend college on bowling scholarships.
"Don't get me wrong, we fully understand that we have a problem with this virus," Saffold said. "We get it. But we're working just as hard, if not harder, than any other industry to make sure we keep it under control in our facilities.
"Something needs to change soon, otherwise we're all out of business. They're telling us that somewhere down the line, they'll reassess the numbers. OK, what does that mean? Are we talking tomorrow, next month, two or three months? And what's that number going to be?"
In the meantime, most independent bowling centers in the suburbs are open, scrambling to survive like every other business that relies on people walking through the door.
"I think the centers will survive it if we can go into the fall and resume close to a normal operation in terms of leagues," Zikes said. "If we're not able to, that could be very difficult, because if you don't start off with normal leagues in September, you've given up a lot of the year, not just the month."