Open Letter to the Community,

On the day Spring Break finally arrives for our schools, whether we are waiting for a winter storm to blow in or are escaping to warmer climates, the feeling of being lifted out of the weightier days of winter is everywhere.  My sincere hope for our families is that they will find time together enjoying one another’s company and making memories that will stay with them, even as the years pass.

When the students return, we know they will be invigorated and ready to make that final push to the end of the school year. This is the wonderful thing about spring. It is filled will new energy and ideas about all the great things that can still be accomplished, even in a short amount of time. Our teachers know that harnessing this renewed energy and channeling it into their students learning will produce great results.

It is with same belief in renewal that Future Focus 203, a community engagement initiative, was launched. Education is in the “spring” of change with the coming of new educational standards and expectations for success in teaching and learning. How we respond as a District and a community is important to our children’s futures.  

Future Focus 203 asks all of us – all stakeholders in District 203 – to consider how we will measure success for our students. As we evaluate our students’ progress from pre-kindergarten through graduation into college and/or careers and beyond, by what measures will we know that we have done all that we can to prepare them for a lifetime of success?

The first session of Future Focus 203 was attended by 300+ concerned residents. We hope even more of you will join us for the next sessions on Wednesday evening, April 17 or Thursday morning, April 18. The focus of Session II will be on the subject of educating for life-long learning and measuring success.

We value your input in this discussion. We need parents.  We need parents of alumni. We single people and young people. We need business owners and retired neighbors. We need voices from all of our diverse communities. We need all of your input to make the best decisions for the education of all children and the use of our resources.

As Superintendent of District 203, I ask you to join us in this community-led conversation in person, on Facebook at FutureFocus203, and by email or phone calls to futurefocus@naperville203.org or 630-420-6475 (Community Relations Office).  More information is available on our web site at www.naperville023.org.

Wishing everyone a great spring and looking forward to seeing you at our community discussions.

Best Regards,
Dan Bridges

Address: 1317 Royal Saint George Drive, Naperville

Cost: $1,999,900

Bedrooms: 6

Baths: 9

Square footage: 7,385 Square Feet

Built: 2008

Details: Located on the Cress Creek Golf Course, this home features luxurious details in its four floors of living space. The French-styled stone house even has heated floors in the lower level, according to the listing.

The home features a Florida room, an in-law suite, a media room, a recreation room, exercise room and a high-end kitchen. Opulent might be one word used to describe the master bath.

And, the home also features a second kitchen and a second master suite with luxury bath.

Represented by: Sandy Hunter

Source: AOL Real Estate

Find more Naperville and Lisle real estate information.

What do you look for in a luxury home? Share your thoughts in comments

Brokers, do you have a distinctive property you'd like to see in this column? Contact Mary Ann Lopez at maryl@patch.com

A 24-year-old Naperville man died after he lost control of his vehicle and struck a guardrail in northwest Missouri Saturday night, according to Missouri State Highway Patrol.

Joshua French, 24, of Naperville, was pronounced dead at the scene at 10:20 p.m. Saturday in Clay County, Missouri, according to officials in Missouri. French was traveling southbound in a 2001 Toyota on Interstate 35 in Clay County, Missouri when he lost control on a wet strip of road and crashed into a guardrail.  

All pictures were submitted by the Naperville Police Department and taken when the accused were booked March 15 - 21.

Information for Mug Shot Monday is provided by law enforcement agencies. Charges are not evidence of guilt. They are a record of police actions taken on a given day, and persons charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. If you or a family member are charged or cited and the case is subsequently adjudicated, we encourage you to notify the editor. We will verify and report the outcome.

Kirk Mango, a Naperville resident and physical education teacher for more than 30 years at Downers Grove South High School, will be making an appearance on Tuesday’s WGN’s Midday News.

The appearance will be in support of his book Becoming a True Champion, a book that is geared toward helping children and athletes build foundations for success in school, athletics and life.

A two-time college All-American gymnast, Mango’s book was published in May of 2012 and featured a foreward written by Olympic gymnast Nadia Comaneci.

In 2012, Naperville Patch reported on Mango's experience working toward having his book published and how it related to the book's theme of taking personal responsibility, pushing limits and achieving success.

Drawing from his own personal experience as an athlete, coach and parent to two Division I college athletes — his daughters played soccer and volleyball — helped Mango write the book and find its focus. He hopes the book will reach athletes 14 and older, along with their parents and coaches. But, he said the book was written specifically for teen athletes. 

Mango’s appearance will take place on WGN between 11 a.m. and noon Tuesday, March 26. 

Welcome to "Hey Mom and Dad"—a weekly feature in which we ask our Facebook fans to share their views on parenting. Every week, we get the conversation started by taking a look back at a question we asked parents the week before on Patch Facebook pages from around the area.

While many stick to the traditional egg hunt and candy basket formula for Easter celebrations, other parents report the holiday is getting out of hand. Some readers say gifts like Wii video games and other expensive gifts are becoming commonplace additions to Easter baskets. That brings us to this week's question:

How does your family celebrate Easter, and what is included in the modern-day Easter basket?

Take a look at what people had to say and join the conversation in the comments section.

Lee Ann Anderson: My daughter is 13 now . Over the pass 3 years I get different plastic eggs and put either nail polish maybe a dollar or two , a little candy basically anything up to 40 dollars for the basket I don't need a lot of candy around the house. — Batavia Patch Facebook

Regan Pops Ruddy: Some candy for fun ... small gift ... an outfit. — Elmhurst Patch Facebook

Jessica Ledlow Silha: My in-laws called this week wondering what Wii game my son would like in his basket......Yes, I would say Grandma and Grandpa have pushed Easter baskets way over the top in our house! — Geneva Patch Facebook

Julie Farrell: My kids are a bit old for that. Most of their friends don't even really get baskets anymore. Since those pre-made ones are mostly for little kids, I think this year I'm gonna do a smaller basket with a small iTunes gift card or iPod accessory in it and a bunch of candy....all kids love candy, even the adult ones! — Glen Ellyn Patch

Lee Schneider Welko: Never did baskets for my kids, nor for my grandchildren. Easter is a holy day and I was brought up with that notion...no bunnies, no gifts...just the gift of God! I do feel, however, that the retail businesses have gone overboard with gift-giving for Easter. It seems they advertise just like it's Christmas! — Lemont Patch Facebook

Mr. Handyman of Geneva and Naperville: We went to an Easter Egg Hunt this weekend. — Naperville Patch Facebook

Beth Marberry Sponzilli: I give candy, and each get a small gift too in their basket. This year its books! — St. Charles Patch Facebook

Deanna Jones Mustafa: My kids get a medium Graham's bunny each, Reese's eggs, and other candy I find to fill in. This year, instead of cheapo toys, they're each getting a $5 Target card I got with some sales deals. — Wheaton Patch Facebook

So what's your take? Tell us in the comments.

Naperville Patch wants to make sure you have all the information you need when you head to the polls on April 9. Stay tuned for more coverage in the weeks leading up to the election.

In light of several election challenges and candidates who have withdrawn from local races, it might be tough to keep up with who's still running — here's a roundup.

Need a job? Patch is here to help.

We’ve rounded up a list of local job ads to aid you in your search. If you’re the one doing the hiring, post an ad here, or write about the position in the comments below. Most listings were found via Indeed.com.

Employers, have a job you’d like to share with our readers, send it to Business Editor Mary Ann Lopez at maryl@patch.com. Or, post it in our comments! 

North Central College is seeking an Assistant Vice President - Chief Information Officer.  

Navistar in Lisle is hiring a full-time Financial Analyst for its finance department.

Kellogg’s is hiring an Associate Business Intelligence Administrator – Information Technology for its Oak Brook location. 

Liberty Mutual is hiring a Sales Representative for Naperville.

Gugghenheim in Lisle is hiring a Regional Vice President/Variable Annuities-Insurance. 

McCain Foods in Lisle is seeking a Master Data Management Analyst.

Millward Brown is hiring a Research Operations Coordinator to work full-time in its Lisle location. 

Blue Cross Blue Shield is hiring a Technical Accounting Specialist I for its Naperville location. 

Blue Cross Blue Shield is seeking a Manager Application for its IT-Retail Solutions department in Naperville.

DuPage Medical Group is seeking a full-time Scheduler – Shared Services for its Lisle location. 

Friday, March 22

Driving under the influence

• Patrick Lous Andrews, 36, was arrested at 1:18 a.m. near Ogden Avenue and Naperville Wheaton Road, Naperville Police Department said. He was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol. He posted bond. 
• Luis Eduardo Trejo, 26, was arrested at 1:29 a.m. in the 300 block of 111th Street, police said. He was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol. He posted bond. 

Street racing

Dennis Guzman, 26, was arrested at 1:34 a.m. in the 3000 block of 111th Street, police said. He was charged with street racing. He posted bond. 

Possession of cannabis

• Ambus Dwight Walker, 26, was arrested at 12:20 p.m. near Kiowa Drive and Ishnala Drive, police said. He was charged with possession of cannabis. He posted bond. 
• Allen Bruce Baker, 31, was arrested at 8:21 p.m. near Rickert Drive and West 75th Street, police said. He was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, driving on a suspended/revoked license and possession of cannabis. He posted bond. 

No registration

Jabari Cecil Harris, 34, was arrested at 7:59 p.m. near Diehl road and North Route 59, police said. He was charged with no rear registration. He posted bond. 

No insurance

Marco Antonio Peres, 31, was arrested at 10:25 p.m. near La Salle Avenue and Bond Street, police said. He was charged with operating a vehicle without insurance. He posted bond.

Saturday, March 23

Driving under the influence

• Hung Quoc Diep, 43, was arrested at 12:43 a.m. near Feldott Lane and West Ogden Avenue, police said. He was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol. He posted bond. 
• Amer Grozdanic, 25, was arrested at 2:56 a.m. near Chicago Avenue and South Washington Street, police said. He was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol. He posted bond. 
• Tashawn M. Newman, 18, was arrested at 8:03 a.m. near West Street and Knoch Knolls Road, police said. He was charged with driving under the influence of drugs. He posted bond. 
• Mary Olga Marsh, 27, was arrested at 9:50 p.m. near Ogden Avenue and Dickens Avenue, police said. She was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol. She posted bond. 

No insurance

Jimmy Lamont Gulley, 25, was arrested at 6:41 p.m. near Meridian Lakes Drive and North Route 59, police said. He was charged with no insurance and driving on a suspended/revoked license. He posted bond. 

Retail theft

Trenton Harley Davies, 18, was arrested at 7:17 p.m. in the 1900 block of West Jefferson Avenue, police said. He was charged with retail theft and transported to DuPage County Jail. 

Suspended/revoked license

Venus Guadalupe Martinez, 23, was arrested at 9:48 p.m. near White Eagle Drive and Route 59, police said. She was charged with driving on a suspended/revoked license. She posted bond. 

Possession of cannabis

Nestor Misael Mendoza, 18, was arrested at 10:11 p.m. in the 3100 block of South Route 59, police said. He was charged with possession of cannabis. He posted bond. 

Theft/deception

Robert Lewis Neals, 27, was arrested at 12:27 a.m., police said. He was charged with theft/deception. He posted bond. 

Sunday, March 24

Retail theft

Eric L. Sorbel, 43, was arrested at 11:25 p.m. at the Naperville Police Department, police said. He was charged with retail theft. He posted bond. 

Illegal possession/transportation of liquor

Jerail Deangleo Kindred, 25, was arrested at 12:01 a.m. near North Aurora Road and West Ogden Avenue, police said. He was charged with illegal possession/transportation of liquor. He posted bond. 

Driving under the influence

• Teheran Markeith Randle, 31, was arrested at 11:55 p.m. near North Aurora Road and West Ogden Avenue, police said. He was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol. He posted bond. 
• Carey Elizabeth Toth, 42, was arrested at 1:32 a.m. near Alice Lane and South Route 59, police said. She was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol. She posted bond. 
• Parrish Ardrain Walls, 23, was arrested at 2:37 a.m. near Naper Boulevard and East 75th Street, police said. He was charged with aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol and driving on a suspended/revoked license. He was transported to DuPage County Jail. 

Suspended/revoked license

Ronny Lasner, 32, was arrested at 11:48 p.m. near 75th Street and Fort Hill Drive, police said. He was chargd with speeding and driving on a suspended/revoked license. He posted bond. 

Warrant arrest

Charles Vincent Chesnul, 21, was arrested at 4:01 a.m. in the 900 block of West Ogden Avenue, police said. He was charged on a warrant and transported to Will County Jail. 

Manufacturing/delivery of cannabis

Jerome Powell, 60, was arrested at 3:15 p.m. in the 400 block of East Bailey Road, police said. He was charged with manufacturing/delivery of cannabis. He posted bond.

Tree cut down

A tree was cut down in front of Madison Junior High school at 1000 River Oak Dr., police said. 

Theft 

A wallet, phone and keys were stolen from a locked locker at XSport Fitness in the 2700 block of Fitness Drive, police said.

Naperville Mayor George Pradel has endorsed City Councilwoman Judith Brodhead for a second term on the Council. The Mayor, currently serving his fourth term, appointed Brodhead to the Transportation Advisory Board in 1990 and Naperville Plan Commission in 1991.  She served as Plan Commission Chair from 1997-2002 and went on to serve on the Zoning Board of Appeals from 2001-2006, serving as Chair from 2004-2006.  A sixteen-year community volunteer, Brodhead is an Associate Professor and Coordinator of Cultural Events for North Central College, where she teaches English and Urban & Suburban Studies.

In endorsing Brodhead, Mayor Pradel said, "Judy was elected to the Council at a time when the City had many challenges. She was able to use her long-time experience to provide the insight and leadership necessary to make fiscally responsible decisions while maintaining the quality of life our citizens deserve. It is great to have a woman's perspective on the Council. She's a team player who knows how to find consensus and bring the Council together. We need to keep her part of the team!"

“I am truly honored to have the support of the Mayor,” says Brodhead. “ I believe we have worked well together and share the same passion for ensuring that Naperville continues to enjoy the very highest quality of life.  The coming years will offer new challenges, and I am ready to work on the pressing issues of safety, responsible development, traffic management and opportunities for young people and seniors.” 

In her role as Councilwoman, Brodhead also serves on the Downtown Advisory Commission and the Naperville Community Television Board of Directors. She served on the Naperville Development Partnership Board of Directors from 1999-2002, and as President of the Naperville League of Women Voters from 2004-2008. She is married and raised three children in Naperville. Early Voting in DuPage County begins on March 25. Election day is April 9.

Stephen S. Bona, 49, of 903 W. Roscoe in Chicago, has been charged with a felony in connection with making threatening phone calls to Illinois 42nd District State Rep. Jeanne Ives, officials said Tuesday.

The DuPage County State's Attorney's Office said Bona was originally charged with misdemeanor disorderly conduct after leaving a threatening message at Ives' office Friday morning. The charges were later upgraded to a Class 3 felony of threatening a public official after Bona made a second phone call Monday, the office said.

“My office takes any threat or perceived threat against a public employee or elected official very seriously,” State's Attorney Robert Berlin said. “For our government to function properly, it is imperative that public servants be allowed to serve without having to worry about their personal safety. I would like to thank the Wheaton Police Department for their fine work on this case as well as Assistant State’s Attorney Tim Diamond for his efforts.”

Judge Michael Wolfe issued a $150,000 arrest warrant on Monday, and Bona was taken into custody late that afternoon by the Wheaton Police Department. He posted bond and was released from custody shortly thereafter. Bond was set at $150,000 with 10 percent to apply.

If convicted, Bona faces up to five years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. He is set to return to court April 29.

While probationable, a Class 3 Felony is punishable by up to five years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. Bona’s next court appearance is scheduled for April 29.

Firefighters quickly extinguished a small fire inside a south Naperville golf course clubhouse Tuesday afternoon.

Crews responded to a structure fire at White Eagle Golf Club, 3704 White Eagle Dr., around 4:50 p.m. Tuesday, according to reports.

The small fire started in a commercial oven and was contained to the kitchen of the clubhouse, Naperville Fire Department Capt. Dave Ferreri said. 

Staff were evacuated from the building and no injuries were reported. 

Firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the fire and remained on scene for about 40 minutes.

Estimated damage is unknown at this time. 

Are you blessed with insight and good humor? Or just bored today? Share your wit with your neighbors by entering Patch's comic caption challenge. Just add your dialogue for today's comic in the comment section of this post. Our only requirement is that you keep it clean!

At week's end, we'll pick the winning punchline based on how many of us here at Patch giggle and smile at your contribution. The user who produces the winning punchline will get a personalized proof of the comic, with the winning words and a credit line, from cartoonist Chuck Ingwersen and Patch.

Congratulations to Paul Worlton, who provided the winning punchline to last week's Horse Co-worker cartoon:

Melvin ponders ... "Why the boss is always riding Ed so hard?"

With the Easter bunny hopping into town on Sunday and families recognizing the resurrection of Christ, we know a lot of people will be looking for a place to enjoy breakfast after church services. Here we provide a variety of options around DuPage County.

Is your favorite spot missing? Share it in comments! 

NAPERVILLE

Sullivan's Steak House

244 S. Main St.; 630-305-0230

Sullivan's will have special menu for their Easter brunch with a set price of $36 for adults, $12 for children. The menu will include one starter, entrée and side. Their brunch menu includes a number of specials including lamb chops, filet mignon, hash and eggs or grilled ham. 

Reservations: Recommended;

Heaven on Seven 

224 S. Main St.; 630-717-0777

Heaven on Seven offers brunch every Sunday and this weekend will be no different. Menu options include French toast, Creole eggs benedict, pancakes, omelets, beef tenderloin and eggs as well as items for kids.

Brunch: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Reservations: Recommended

CityGate Grille

2020 Calamos Court; 630-718-1010

Enjoy a classic brunch at CityGate Grille. Brunch at CityGate Grille is $36 for adults, $16 for children ages 5 to 12 years and 5 and under free. Check with the restaurant for the menu.

Brunch: 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Reservations: Required

Pancake Café

1292 Rickert Dr.; 630-37-1010

For a casual dining experience enjoy your brunch at the Pancake Café. The restaurant is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and the menu features pancakes, Belgian waffles and crepes among other items. 

No reservation required

DOWNERS GROVE

Lemon Tree Grocer

935 Burlington Ave.; 630-969-9869

Brunch will include made to order omelets and a buffet a number of choices not limited to lemon ricotta pancakes, melons wrapped in prosciutto, beet salad, smoked salmon canapés, breakfast sausage, shrimp cocktail, eggs Benedict and more. Price is $30 per person, $14 for kids under 14, Kids 8 and under eat free. 

Brunch: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Reservation: Recommended; Derek@LemonTreeGrocer.com

Carlucci’s

1801 Butterfield Road; 630-512-0990

For Easter, Carlucci's will offer a special a la carte in addition to its regular menu. Items include pasta, frittata, prime rib, lamb and fish. See menu attached in our photo gallery.

Brunch: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Reservations Accepted

Rockwood Tap House

3131 Finley Road; 630-964-3131

The menu includes a prime rib carving station, made-to-order omelet station, baked ham, orange ginger salmon, roasted turkey, champagne chicken, smoked salmon, Eggs Benedict, sausage, bacon, French toast, muffins, Danish, salads, fresh fruit and a dessert table. Adults: $26.95, children 4-12: $13.95, children 3 and under: $4.95.

Brunch: 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Reservations Accepted

Parkers' Restaurant & Bar

1000 31st St.; 630-960-5700
Brunch will include a special kids table along with a variety of entrees from prime rib to ham, pancakes to eggs Benedict. A pasta station will be available along with dessert and a visit from the Easter Bunny.  Adults: $36.95, Children 6-12: $14.95, Children under 6: free.

Brunch: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Reservation: Required

HINSDALE/BURR RIDGE

Egg Harbor

777 North York, Hinsdale; 630-920-1344

For casual dining experience head to Egg Harbor on Easter Sunday. It opens at 6:30 a.m. every day, so you can stop at the restaurant right when you wake up or just after church. The restaurant's menu offers a variety of pancakes, skillets and sandwiches.

Hours: Open 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Reservation: Check for availability

Cooper's Hawk Winery

510 Village Center Drive, Burr Ridge; 630-887-0123

Diners can choose from a variety of brunch offerings from huevos rancheros to Greek yogurt with fresh fruit and granola and baked French toast. There are also options for children. Cooper's Hawk also offers options for those with dietary restrictions and has a gluten-free menu.

Brunch: Brunch is served every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Reservation: Recommended

LEMONT

Ruffled Feathers Golf Club

1 Pete Dye Dr., 630-257-1000

The club will be offering an extravagant mimosa brunch featuring a chef carving station with beef and ham, an omelet station and a chilled shrimp station. Cost is $34.95 for adults; $16.95 for children 10 and under; 3 and under complimentary. 

Brunch: Opens at 9:30 a.m

Reservation: Required

Cog Hill Golf & Country Club

12294 Archer Ave.; 866-264-4455 ext. 301

Enjoy a mimosa or chilled champagne, and choose from a variety of entrees including eggs Benedict, fresh fruit, assorted baked breads, chef-carved ham, roasted leg of lamb and more. The cost is $29.95 for adults, and $11.95 for children under 10. Children under 6 are complimentary.

Brunch: 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 

Reservations: Required

PC’s Pancake Cafe

1264 State St.; 630-243-9505

The restaurant will be open Sunday at 7 a.m. and the full menu will be offered. Reservations are recommended for parties of five or more. 

ELMHURST

Cafe Amano

105 S. York St.; 630-279-9333

Brunch at Café Amano will include lighter fare from yogurt and parfait to leg of lamb and beef tenderloin. A variety of desserts will also be offered including red velvet cupcakes and cream puffs. Two seatings will be offered. Brunch is $34.95 for adults; $15.95 12 and under; Children under 5 free.

Brunch: The first seating begins at 11:30 a.m., the second at 1:45 p.m.

Reservations: Required

Rainbow Restaurant

233 N. York St.; 630-833-0556

Enjoy a casual breakfast at Rainbow where the regular menu includes a variety of breakfast items from eggs to skirt steak, eggs Benedict and corned beef hash.

Reservations: Call for availability on Easter

LISLE

The Morton Arboretum

4100 Route 53; 630-968-0074

The brunch menu will include prime rib, leg of lamb, stuffed chicken breast Florentine and seared tilapia, among other offerings. There will also be breakfast and cold stations. Brunch is $46 for a nonmember and $39 for members; children 4-12 $32 nonmember and $27 member; Children under 4 free.

Brunch: 9:30 a.m. or 3 p.m. The noon seating is sold out.

Reservation: Required

Wheatstack

5900 S. Route 53; 630-969-1920

Easter brunch includes prime rib and ham carving station, an omelet station with eggs cooked to order, French toast and more. Adults are $28; kids 5-10, $13 and children under 5 are free.

Brunch: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Two seatings with the first beginning at 9 a.m. and the second at 1 p.m.

Reservations: Required 

WHEATON 

Arrowhead Restaurant & Bar

26 W 151 Butterfield Road; 630-510-4984

Chef Alan Pirhoffer's menu features fresh, traditional offerings including seafood, omelet, dessert and carving stations, as well as a special kids' station. A visit from the Easter Bunny completes this special family meal.  and the cost is $44.95 adults; $21.95 for children 5-12; children under 5 complimentary.

Brunch: 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Reservations: Required

The Bank

121 W. Front St.; 630-665-2265

The restaurant will offer two brunch options at $24.95 or $29.95 for adults and $12.95 and $14.95 respectively for children. A kids menu for those 4 and under is offered at $4.95. Options include French toast, pancakes, quiche or an Irish breakfast, skirt steak with eggs or leg of lamb among the offerings.

Reservations: Required

Ivy Restaurant 

120 N. Hale St.; 630-665-2489

Brunch will include entrees such as honey glazed ham, prime rib and crab encrusted tilapia. Each entrée comes with a choice of two sides. Adults are $32; children 10 and under at $13.

Brunch: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Reservations: Required

Adelle's Fine American Fare

535 W. Liberty Dr.; 630-784-8015

Brunch offerings will include hot and cold options, such as smoked fish, smoked ham, salads, vegetables and sweets. Cost of brunch is $36 for adults and $16 for children dining on the children’s menu. 

Brunch: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Reservations: Required

GLEN ELLYN

Glen Prairie 

1250 Roosevelt Road, Glen Ellyn; 630-613-1250

Enjoy a menu with bottomless mimosas, made to order eggs, a carving station with turkey breast, roasted prime rib, a kids’ corner, sweets and more. There will be a bloody Mary bar for $8. Cost is $40 for adults; $15 for children.

Brunch: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Reservations: Required 

The Abbington

3 S 002 Route 53, Glen Ellyn; 630-942-8600

The Abbington special Easter brunch will feature a breakfast station and chefs Robert Fabbri and Phillip Griffin. Offerings include a breakfast station with traditional favorites along with entrees including lamb and prime rib among others. Cost is $37.95 for adults and $17 for children 5-12.

Brunch: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Reservations: Required

Cab's Wine Bar & Bistro 

430 N. Main St., Glen Ellyn; 630.942.9463

Cab's offers a special Easter brunch with a three-course menu is $25 for adults and $10 for kids. It includes a variety of salads, entrees including an omelet, hanger steak, pancakes and salmon. A special kids menu is available too for those 12 and under. Kids under 5 eat free.

Brunch: 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Reservations: Required

Woodridge

Seven Bridges Golf Club

One Mulligan Dr.; 630-964-7784

Enjoy a champagne brunch with an assortment of breakfast favorites including French toast and sweets, such as coffee cake and a pancake station. Brunch also includes carving stations with prime rib and crab stuffed salmon filet. Cost for brunch is $34.95 for adults, $15.95 for children 5-12 and free for children 4 and under.

Brunch: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Reservations: Required

Bobak's Signature Events

6440 Double Eagle Drive; 630-968-7778

Brunch includes traditional offerings along with ethnic choices, a carving station and gourmet sweets. Cost for brunch is $34.95 for adults, $14.95 for children (3-12), children under 3 are free.

Reservations: Required 

OTHER OPTION NEARBY

Ditka’s, Oakbrook Terrace

The Capital Grille, Lombard

The Grotto, Oak Brook

White Pines Golf Club, Bensenville

Pinstripes, Oak Brook

------------

Is your favorite missing? Share it in comments!

Dear Editor:

Hybrid or District systems increase costs:

Many cite a study by Southwick which was written 16 years ago by an author who was not a political scientist nor an economist. There have been many other studies since then that contradict this position ("Local Logrolling? Examining the Impact of District Representation on Distributive Politics" -Burnett, Kogan Aug 2012).

In addition, looking closer to home, since our neighbors in Wheaton went to a hybrid model, their costs have gone down. If you think it will add costs due to slush funds or discretionary funds, that can happen with an at-large system just as easily as a hybrid one, all it takes is for a majority of the council to approve such slush funds.

With a hybrid system, the four at-large representatives could all live in one district thus having five representatives in one:

What’s to stop all eight council members and the mayor from living in one neighborhood today? At least with a hybrid model, the maximum is LIMITED to five. 

The voters in 2010 were not informed as to what they were voting for:

The argument is that 2010 was a high turn-out election with a very short cycle and that the voters were uninformed. To counter that, this election cycle is even shorter. On a side note, if all those that turned out were uninformed, wouldn’t by the randomness of statistics just as many “ignorant” voters vote against the proposition as those that voted for it? Purely “uninformed” voters wouldn’t turn out a 66% to 34% result. Are you claiming that only the 34% that voted for at-large were informed and the 66% that voted against it were “ignorant”?

With districts, council members will “horse trade” votes for their pet projects:

Even if votes were traded between two council members, there are still 7 other council members to balance against this. Also, what stops the current council from doing the exact same thing for their “pet projects”?

With districts, you’d only have one member representing you:

In order for this statement to be correct, you have to be making the logical assumption that the other district representatives only care about their district and that the 3 at-large members and the mayor don’t represent you at all. If that’s the case, then logically it can be applied to the current system and said that NONE of the council represents you. Is that an argument you really want to go with?

Naperville has voted districts down twice before:

Those two elections were in 1980s and 1990s when Naperville had populations of ~42,000 and 85,000 respectively. Naperville is now ~150,000 residents with many new businesses. We have different issues today than we did then. If you want to point to history for a reference, what’s wrong with including the most recent vote? Many more of the residents that voted in 2010 are still residents as opposed to residents that voted in the 80’s and 90’s that may since have left Naperville. I contend that those previous elections represent less than 25% and 50% respectively of the voters that voted in the most recent example and are therefore less pertinent to the discussion.

Naperville doesn’t need to “experiment” with forms of government:

But I guess it is okay for us to experiment with red light camera systems, citywide WiFi, glitchy emergency radio systems, smart grids, electric or hybrid car charging stations, etc. At least hybrid representation has been around for many, many years but somehow in this case we’d be “experimenting”. 

With all that being said, I hope that just as many people turn out to vote for our local election as did for the 2010 national one AND come informed. Also, I’m sure that the Yes-At-Large crowd is banking on the fact that fewer than 18,000 voters will turn out (approximate number in the 2011 election) and that they will be able to overturn the will of the people with even fewer votes for it than they had in 2010.

Thank you for taking the time to read and think about this issue.

Michael Anderson

Naperville Resident

Monday, March 25

Possession of a controlled substance

Amee Rae Gottardo, 42, was arrested at 12:01 a.m. in the 2500 block of Plainfield Naperville Road, police said. She was charged with possession of a controlled substance. She posted bond. 

Possession of cannabis

• Luis Felipe Soto, 18, was arrested at 1:12 a.m. in the 100 block of Heritage Hill Drive, police said. He was charged with possession of cannabis. He posted bond. 
• Marco Antonio Aguilar-Herrera, 18, was arrested at 1:38 a.m. in the 1000 block of Heritage Hill Drive, police said. He was charged with possession of cannabis. He posted bond. 

Protection order violation

Adrian Leandro Moreno, 22, was arrested at 2 p.m. in the 3600 block of Falkner Drive, police said. He was charged with violation of an order of protection. He was transported to Will County Jail. 

Warrant arrest

• Brian Charles Prorok, 51, was arrested at 7:30 p.m. near Jefferson Avenue and West Ogden Avenue, police said. He was charged on a warrant. He posted bond. 
• Devin Javon Marbley, 18, was arrested at 9:39 p.m. in the 2900 block of Kentshire Circle, police said. He was charged on a warrant. He posted bond.

No insurance

Deontay Lamont McDaniel, 19, was arrested at 9:16 p.m. in the 0-99 block of East Chicago Avenue, police said. He was charged with operating an uninsured vehicle. He posted bond.  

Driving under the influence

Jason Paul Loebig, 35, was arrested at 11:33 p.m. near Lacrosse Lane and South Route 59, police said. He was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol. He posted bond. 

Retail theft

Two males were arrested for retail theft in the 1100 block of East Ogden Avenue, police said.

By Shannon Antinori

A Plainfield man faces up to 29 years in prison after a DuPage County judge ruled he was under the influence of cocaine and marijuana when he fatally struck a motorcyclist in Naperville last June.

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Michael Moreno, 32, of the 11000 block of Presley Circle in Plainfield was found guilty Wednesday in the death of 63-year-old Gerald Puglise of Lombard.

Just prior to the June 13, 2012 crash, Moreno was involved in what prosecutors called a road rage incident, chasing a Honda driven by a 16-year-old Naperville girl as he drove west on Ogden Avenue.

Moreno then turned left on River Road against oncoming traffic, striking Puglise’s motorcycle. Puglise died at the scene of the crash, police said.

Moreno fled the scene of the crash, but was apprehended by Naperville police a short time later. He was taken to an area hospital for minor injuries and tested positive for cocaine and marijuana.

The teen’s vehicle was not involved in the accident, police said.

Read: Plainfield Man Charged in Fatal Motorcycle Accident

Judge George Bakalis presided over Moreno’s four-day bench trial, finding him guilty of two counts of aggravated driving under the influence of drugs, one count of leaving the scene of an accident involving a death and one count of disorderly conduct.

“This heartbreaking case was one hundred percent avoidable,” DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin said in a press release issued Wednesday. “Mr. Moreno should never have been behind the wheel of a car that afternoon. Because of his reckless actions, Gerald Puglise is no longer with his family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers go out to them. While nothing can be done to bring Mr. Puglise back to those who loved him, perhaps today’s guilty verdict will provide some measure of solace to those he left behind.”

Moreno is scheduled to appear in court April 22 for a pre-sentencing hearing.

An Aurora man is facing a felony charge for threatening a Cook County Circuit Court Judge, the Cook County Sheriff’s office announced Wednesday.

Alexander Wood, 25, of the 900 block of Oakland Lane, was arrested after leaving a voicemail on a Cook County public defender’s phone March 7 that he wished “death and destruction” of the judge, the sheriff’s office said.

In investigating the call, Sheriff’s officers found the call came from a cell phone belonging to Wood. He was arrested while at work in Chicago.

This is not Wood’s first round of alleged telephone threats, the sheriff’s office said. He was sentenced in October 2011 to 18 months probation for making telephone threats to a corporation.

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In the same week the U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments in the case of California's Proposition 8, which bans same-sex marriage case, a CBS Sports online columnist says a current gay NFL player could come out publicly within the next few months. 

This player would become the first athlete in one of America's major team sports to be openly gay and continue to play.

READ: Check Out the Full CBSSports.com Column for More Details

But the obstacle keeping this unidentified player from revealing his sexual orientation isn't the fear of how teammates or even opposing players will react, writes CBSSports.com's Mike Freeman, citing former and current NFL players as sources for this information. It's a worry of what fans might do, Freeman reports:

This player's true concern, I'm told, is not the reaction inside an NFL locker room but outside of it. The player fears he will suffer serious harm from homophobic fans, and that is the only thing preventing him from coming out. My sources will not say who this alleged player is.

This past season, NFL players have been very vocal about their personal views on homosexuality:

• In an open letter, Minnesota Vikings punter Chris Kluwe publicly criticized a Maryland state delegate for demanding the owner of the Baltimore Ravens stop team linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo from voicing his support for the state's ballot initiative to legalize same-sex marriage.
• Days before the February's Super Bowl, San Francisco 49ers cornerback Chris Culliver said during an interview that he didn't want gay teammates and that players who were out were not welcome in the locker room. (Although he admitted to probably being OK if the player was "in the closet" while playing but came out "10 years later.")

But what about fans? And not just NFL fans, but Major League Baseball and NBA supporters. Would a homophobic fan not care one way or the other if a player on his favorite team was gay, so long as he was performing well and the team was winning? Or would that be enough for a fan to turn his back on a lifetime of support for a squad?

READ: Check Out the Full Huffington Post Story for Details About the First Day of Arguments in the Prop 8 Supreme Court Case

Would an out player—especially a popular and well-liked player—make someone uncomfortable with homosexuality more accepting? Or would this add even more vitriol to the taunts and jeers of rival team's fans? And would a team that was accepting and supportive an openly gay player find a new group of fans backing it for its accomplishments in the social and political arenas instead of the sporting arenas?

What would you do?

YOUR TURN: Share your thoughts and feelings in the comments section. As always, remarks need to follow Patch's Terms of Use, and while commenters are encouraged to discuss passionately, the must also BE RESPECTFUL. Comments that do not meet Patch's standards will be removed at the editor's discretion, which is final.