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Community Consolidated Elementary District 181 Board members in June approved a 2021-22 fiscal year operating budget totaling $66.3 million, with projected revenues of $74 million. The spending plan is about 2.5 percent higher than the 2020-21 budget and includes $53.8 million for salaries and benefits, $6 million for purchased services and $3.6 million for supplies. The revenue expected represents a 1.5 percent increase over last year. At the May 10 meeting, Rick Engstrom, assistant superintendent of business and...
Twenty-three-year-old James Haunty was a recent graduate of the U.S. Marine Corps infantry officer course in Quantico, Va., visiting fraternity brothers at the College of William and Mary when terrorists attacked the U.S. the morning of Sept. 11, 2001. "It was just surreal," he said. "I had a friend who perished in the Twin Towers. At the time I didn't know that. "It was surreal that we had been attacked and understanding that I was in a position to defend our country and...
Hinsdale High School District 86 plans to take in about $124 million in revenue during fiscal year 2022 to cover some $123.9 million in expenses. The district will spend an additional $43.6 million as part of the Future Ready Facilities initiative, which voters approved funding for in an April 2019 referendum. Because the district sold almost $58 million in referendum bonds during the last fiscal year, revenues are down in the 2022 budget by almost 31 percent. But property tax revenue, the district’s largest source of i...
Remembering the fallen from 9/11 - Thousands of U.S. flags fill the soccer field at the Oak Brook Sports Core Wednesday for the Healing Field 9/11 Memorial. The display, featuring 2,977 flags for those lost 20 years ago - with a name on each one - will be up through Sunday. For details on visiting and information on other events designed to commemorate the 20th anniversary, turn to Page 17. Additional 9/11 coverage is on Pages 7 and 10. (Jim Slonoff photo)...
Do you remember where you were 20 years ago this Saturday? The events of Sept. 11, 2001, are seared into our collective memory. Disbelief, horror, anguish and fear suddenly ruled our emotions as the world we knew was forever altered. For many the recollections of the hijacked airplanes flying into New York City's World Trade Center, the Pentagon and a Pennsylvania field are too fresh to accept that two decades have already passed. Hinsdaleans lost their neighbors Jeff...
We passed our neighbor, affectionately known as "Farmer Tom" (for the fresh garlic and tomatoes he's always passing out) on a walk last week. We stopped so our dog, Lizzy, could get a treat. (He's always passing out dog treats, too.) "I just love him," Ainsley said. "He's just like my grandpa." She stopped and thought a minute. "Of course, he's like my sixth grandpa," she mused. We made a count. With her paternal grandfather, my dad, my mom's second husband, my mom's...
Americans will reflect Saturday on one of the most horrific days in our nation’s history. Two decades ago, on Sept. 11, 2001, terrorists hijacked four commercial aircraft, flying two into New York City’s World Trade Center and another into the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. The fourth crashed in a Somerset County, Penn., field when heroic passengers took matters into their own hands. A lot of heroes were made that day. Nearly 3,000 precious lives were lost, including two Hinsdaleans. In a statement upon ordering the dec...
After COVID-19 altered the fall seasons to various degrees for Hinsdale Central Red Devil teams, athletes and their coaches are happy to return to a regular season this year. This is the second in a two-part series previewing fall sports. The first ran Sept. 2. Boys cross country First meet: Sept. 2 vs. OP-RF/LT (not scored) Last year: fifth at sectionals (IHSA state meet canceled due to COVID-19) Head coach: Jim Westphal Seasons as head coach: 17 No. team members: 82 Strengths: I think they’re certainly hard working and a...
Jim Wright, 57, a lifelong resident of Hinsdale, died while hiking in the mountains of North Carolina on Aug. 22, 2021. Jim was a smart, witty, generous man who was full of life. He was a talented software architect who enjoyed solving problems and building strong teams. His passion was his family. He was always planning the next family adventure and he loved to take hiking trips with his wife and son. Jim was a fantastic father, a beloved son and brother, a crazy-fun uncle, a...
Christopher John Chute, 23, of Hinsdale, died Aug. 31, 2021. Chris was a 2016 graduate of Hinsdale Central High School and received a bachelor's in philosophy from DePauw University in May 2020. While a native of Hinsdale, he was living in Denver at the time of his death. Chris brought immense joy to his family and many, many friends through his uncanny wit, kind mannerisms and ferocious loyalty. He loved reading both ancient and modern books, attending musical concerts and fi...
Ann Wilson Darlington Reynolds, 82, of Elmhurst, formerly of Clarendon Hills, died peacefully after a long illness on Sept. 1, 2021. Ann was raised in Chevy Chase, Md., only child of Maurice and Dorothy Wilson Darlington. She attended Northwestern University, graduating in 1961 with a degree in English and art history. She married Tom and became a Chicago convert. She and Tom raised their family in Clarendon Hills and spent time each summer in Lake Geneva, Wis., with family and many friends. Ann is remembered for her...
Michael Joseph Widrlechner, 67, of Westmont, passed away Sept. 2, 2021, at Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove. He was born in Chicago in 1954, to Charles V. and Rosanne (Riley) Widrlechner. Michael grew up in Clarendon Hills, attended Hinsdale Central High School and was a graduate of Roosevelt University, where he received his bachelor’s and paralegal certification. He met Judy while employed at Jewel Foods. They recently celebrated 44 years together. Michael’s career path took him from marketing director for...
Stage Door Fine Arts hosted an end-of-summer musical camp at The Community House last month. The weeklong camp gave students a chance to brush up on their singing, acting and dancing skills. Madison Moran uses her iPhone during one of the song numbers lead by SDFA instructor Hannah Brown. (Jim Slonoff photos)...
As part of an ongoing exploration of ways to protect the town’s historic homes, Hinsdale officials are considering initiatives to give restoration an edge over demolition. Speaking at a joint meeting of the village trustees and village preservation commissioners Tuesday night, village planner Bethany Salmon discussed incentives such as a historic preservation fund and historic facade improvement rebate program. The preservation fund could provide grant funding for exterior improvements to historic buildings, Salmon e...
9U Falcons shut out Bloomingdale It might have been Labor Day weekend, but the Falcon 9U defense showed up to work. A strong team effort — as every Falcon played defense on Saturday — paved the way for a 13-0 victory over Bloomingdale. The Falcons got the ball first and proceeded to go on a long opening drive, capped off by a 14-yard touchdown run by quarterback Spencer Marnell for a 6-0 lead. The defense then stopped the Bears on the ensuing drive. With Marnell banged up, Nick Carbonara stepped into the quarterback role and...
What started off nearly 15 years ago as a home-based school for children and young adults living with autism has become a beacon of light for those families seeking to provide a positive learning environment for their children. Courtney McClear of Hinsdale was diagnosed with autism at the age of 5 when she lost her ability to speak, had increased anxiety and experienced sensory issues. Five years later, in 2010, Courtney was not progressing in a traditional school setting....
The best thing about John Giannelli's job as Hinsdale fire chief is the opportunity to help someone in need. The worst part, Giannelli said, is witnessing that need for help. Inspired by a cousin who worked as a firefighter in Pennsylvania, Giannelli became a cadet with his hometown department in LaGrange Park when he was 18 years old and started as a firefighter/paramedic in Hinsdale in 1991. Working his way up through the ranks of the department, he was named chief five...
Robert Thomas George, 43, of Rolling Meadows, succumbed to cancer Sept. 3, 2021. With classic good looks and a larger-than-life personality, Rob was loved by all. Born in 1977, Rob was raised in Hinsdale. He attended Oak School, Hinsdale Middle School, La Lumiere School in La Porte and Northern Illinois University. Rob married the love of his life, Eleni Joy Tsapralis, on Dec. 31, 2011, and they were overjoyed to welcome their two children in 2015 and 2016. As a diehard Cubs fan, in 2016 he authored a children’s book t...
Augustyn M. Gesior, 95, a 60-year resident of Clarendon Hills, died Sept. 2, 2021. Gus, as he liked to be called, grew up in Budki, a small farm village in Poland. He survived World War II at a work camp in Germany. After the war he attended the Polish Technical College in Esslingen, Germany, where he developed many long lasting friendships. He immigrated to the US through Texas and shortly thereafter was drafted and served in the Army 1st Calvary Division in the Korean Conflict. He met his wife-to-be at the show “Love is S...
Actual texts from my high school senior on the day Lollapalooza tickets went on sale back in May. 10:51 a.m.: Do.Not.Forget.Lolla.Tickets.Get.On.The.Website.At.11:58.And.Be.Ready. 11:22 a.m.: DON'T FORGET 11:53 a.m.: I WILL PAY U BACK (*author's note – still waiting) Noon: BUY 12:10 p.m.: She called to confirm the purchase, and I gave her a, "Doh, I knew there was something I forgot to do" line (which, due to my prior track record, she gave no credence). I provided her some qu...
British ex-pat John Baderman operated lighting and sound for community theaters back in his native London, including for his uncle's troupe, which performed shows in a synagogue. After his wife's career brought them to Chicago and they settled in Hinsdale, Baderman was introduced to the Theatre of Western Springs, complete with its own building and stable of accomplished actors. "It's almost professional theater," said Baderman, a set construction volunteer at the theater for...
Boss is a hound/retriever mix dog who is looking for his new best friend. He would do well with kids 8 and older. He's a silly and playful 4-year-old whose adoption fee is $250. The Hinsdale Humane Society Tuthill Family Pet Rescue & Resource Center has re-opened to the public. Hours are noon to 6 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays and 1 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays. Capacity will be limited to about 20 visitors. Interested adopters are encouraged to fill out an online application at...
Overdue - From "Images of America - Hinsdale" by Sandy Williams: "Founded as a private association in 1886, any 'reputable' person could become a member of the Hinsdale Library upon payment of $1 annual dues. The original collection, primarily donated by residents, was shelved in this home of C.D. Snow at Washington and Third streets. Mrs. Snow was one of the library's founders and also served as the first librarian. The photograph shows the Snow home at a later date, after...
Hinsdale police released the following reports Sept. 7. DUI arrests • Dominic S. O’Neill, 51, 26 E. Sixth St., Hinsdale, was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, driving with a revoked license, having a defective windshield, operating an uninsured vehicle and failing to yield when turning left at 8:37 p.m. Aug. 31 at Fifth Street and Garfield Avenue. He was charged and released to appear in court. • Felicia E. Flores, 34, 3057 S. Harlem Ave., Berwyn, was arrested for driving under the influence of alcoh...
