Heroic WWII Pilot's Remains Return Home

Issue #007

October 24, 2023

In This Issue Of New Trier Thrive…

 🌤️ New Trier Township Weather

 🔦 Local Business Spotlight

🏛️ Skokie Rally Devolves into Chaos: Gunshot Fired and Pepper Spray Used Amidst Pro-Palestinian Protest at Solidarity with Israel Event

🏛️ Loyola Academy Embarks on Quest for Fifth State Championship Title

 🏛️ Heroic WWII Pilot's Remains Return Home

 📆 Local Events

 🏈 Anticipating a Strong Performance: The Chicago Bears Prepare for Week 8 Clash Against the Los Angeles Chargers

 🏒 Blackhawks' Philipp Kurashev Set to Return from Wrist Injury, Eager to Rejoin Team for Season Debut Against Bruins

 😂 Minnesota Pumpkin Farmer Sets New World Record with 2,700+ Pound Gourd

WEATHER

LOCAL BIZ SPOTLIGHT

"Supporting local businesses is a great way to help your community thrive. Whether it's grabbing lunch from the corner café or giving your business to the friendly family-owned store, it all makes a difference."

SPOTLIGHT ON

BENNY’S GROOVY GROOMING

Hi there New Trier Township Dog Lovers, my name is Stephanie, I’m the owner of Benny’s Groovy Grooming. Benny's Groovy Grooming's mission is to ensure a safe and stress free grooming experience. I offer in-home grooming or dog taxi to my in-home salon. I keep my overhead very low, so I am able to groom just a few pups a day. This allows for good customer service and a beautiful groom!

Benny's Groovy Grooming -

Benny's Groovy Grooming -

www.bennysgroovygrooming.com

Do you own a Business in New Trier Township?

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LOCAL NEWS

Skokie Rally Devolves into Chaos: Gunshot Fired and Pepper Spray Used Amidst Pro-Palestinian Protest at Solidarity with Israel Event

During a demonstration by a pro-Palestinian group outside a Jewish organization's rally, a gunshot was fired and a police officer, along with other individuals, were sprayed with pepper spray. The rally, initially planned as a fundraising dinner for the Simon Wiesenthal Center, was changed to a Solidarity with Israel event due to the Israel-Hamas war.

This incident occurred in Skokie, Illinois, where roughly 200 pro-Palestinian supporters gathered in the parking lot near the event venue. Additionally, a hit and run incident took place, and an investigation is currently ongoing. The pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered prior to the Solidarity with Israel event, aiming to express their opposition to Israeli actions. The Solidarity with Israel rally drew approximately 600 attendees, who listened to speeches supporting Israel's right to self-defense. The General Consul of Israel to the Midwest emphasized that the fight is against Hamas, not the Palestinian people. The U.S. Palestine Community Network, which organized the counter-protest, also conducted a sit-in at a local office of a U.S. congresswoman to urge a ceasefire in Gaza.

Loyola Academy Embarks on Quest for Fifth State Championship Title

The next stage of the high school football playoffs in Illinois is set to kick off this week, with reigning champions Loyola Academy vying for their fifth state championship. The Illinois High School Association recently revealed the schedule for the initial round across all eight classes, having previously announced the match-ups.

Loyola, boasting a flawless 9-0 record and the top spot in Class 8A, will commence their playoff journey on Saturday at 1 p.m. in Wilmette. They will face off against Plainfield North High School's Tigers on their home turf. This year signifies the inaugural playoff series for Head Coach Beau Desherow, who took over from John Holecek in March after Holecek's impressive 17-year tenure.

The first-round games of the 32-team contest are always hosted by the higher-ranking team. Subsequent matches take place at the home field of whichever team has had fewer hosting opportunities. In instances where both teams have hosted an equal quantity of games, the higher-seeded team will host.

Loyola's pathway to victory is mapped out. If they succeed against Plainfield North (4-5), they will face the victor of the clash between Palatine High School (6-3) and Neuqua Valley High School (6-3) from Naperville. The quarterfinals could see the Ramblers up against any one of four potential challengers: Huntley High School (8-1), Joliet West High School (8-1), Chicago's St. Ignatius (6-3), or Niles West High School (6-3) of Skokie.

REGIONAL NEWS

Heroic WWII Pilot's Remains Return Home

After being missing in action for eighty years following a significant bombing mission over Romania during World War II, the remains of pilot First Lieutenant Edward Timothy McGuire will finally return to the South Side for burial. McGuire, who hailed from Chicago, served in the 415th Bombardment Squadron, 98th Bombardment Group of the U.S. Army Air Forces. He tragically died in August 1943 when enemy forces shot down his bomber. His remains were successfully identified in June using DNA and other anthropological methods. The organization Rolling Thunder Illinois Chapter 2 is coordinating a hero's welcome for the young airman's return to his home after more than eight decades.

TODAY Is NATIONAL FOOD DAY

October 24th is National Food Day, a day dedicated to promoting healthy and nutritious food. The goal of National Food Day is to encourage individuals to make better food choices by cutting back on sugary drinks, processed foods, and fatty meats, and instead choosing more nutritious options like vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.

The day also promotes sustainable and ethically-sourced food production. National Food Day brings together various food activists, including farmers, chefs, and environmentalists, to create a vision that considers the health of people, animals, and the environment. The aim is to bring about positive change in how food is produced, accessed, and consumed.

One of the main objectives of National Food Day is to raise awareness about the importance of eating well. Unhealthy eating habits can lead to various health issues, while a balanced diet can reduce the risk of chronic illnesses and improve overall health.

In addition to promoting healthier eating habits, National Food Day aims to make nutrition more affordable and accessible for everyone. Many individuals face barriers in accessing healthy and affordable food, and National Food Day seeks to bridge this gap.

EVENTS

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SPOOOOOKY Recipe for Halloween!

If you are on the hunt for a quick and easy, yet Instagram-worthy idea, meet the cutest jack-o'-lanterns of the season! Here's how you can be the life of the party or the culinary star for your own child by making Orange Jello Oranges:

  1. Scoop out the inside of an orange, much like you would a pumpkin (but easier and less messy!).

  2. Fill it with orange Jello and let it chill in your fridge.

  3. Once it's set, carve a charming little jack-o'-lantern face and serve the spectacular treat!

Enjoy :)

SPORTS

BEARS

Anticipating a Strong Performance: The Chicago Bears Prepare for Week 8 Clash Against the Los Angeles Chargers

The Chicago Bears are showing a resurgence, with their spectacular 30-12 victory over the Raiders in Week 7 demonstrating the team's potential. The team's strong performance, notably in the trenches, has sparked optimism about the young team. After a disappointing start to the season with 0-4, the Bears have managed to turn their fortunes around by scoring 160+ yards in the last four games. Their winning streak continued in Week 7, scoring 173 yards while holding the Raiders to only 39. The Bears' head coach Matt Eberflus attributed their success to their strategy and commitment to both the running game and defense play.

The Bears' defense has also shown significant improvement, reducing their points allowed per game from 34.3 in the first four weeks to 17 in the last three games. Eberflus praised the team's recent performances, especially their ability to limit the opponents to only four touchdowns and their effectiveness on third downs. Looking forward, the Bears are preparing for a match against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 8 on Sunday Night Football. Rookie quarterback Tyson Bagent is slated to lead the team once more in his first career road and primetime start. The team is also expecting a significant boost with the potential return of running back Roschon Johnson, who has been out since Week 5 due to a concussion. The team will also rely heavily on D'Onta Foreman, who performed exceptionally well in the last two games with 187 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns.

BLACKHAWKS

Blackhawks' Philipp Kurashev Set to Return from Wrist Injury, Eager to Rejoin Team for Season Debut Against Bruins

The ice rink eagerly awaits the return of Philipp Kurashev, a forward for the Chicago Blackhawks, as he recovers from a wrist injury that sidelined him for the first six matches. "I'm thrilled to be back in action," Kurashev expressed enthusiastically. The injury took place in an unexpected situation during a preseason game, leaving him uncertain about its cause.

Not being able to accompany his teammates on the Blackhawks' initial five-game road trip was a mental challenge for Kurashev. "It's incredibly tough, especially since I was injured last season as well, and then to get hurt again in the first preseason game," Kurashev shared. During his first practice session post-injury on Monday, Kurashev was seen playing alongside Jason Dickinson and Corey Perry on the third line wing. He also had the opportunity to participate in the second power play unit. While the Blackhawks are excited for his return, they are cautious not to push him too hard too soon.

Minnesota Pumpkin Farmer Sets New World Record with 2,700+ Pound Gourd

A horticulture teacher from Minnesota has made history by breaking the world record for the heaviest pumpkin. Travis Gienger, from Anoka, grew a massive jack-o’-lantern gourd weighing a staggering 2,749 pounds at the 50th World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off in Half Moon Bay, California. This enormous pumpkin could potentially yield up to 687 pies!

Gienger, who has been growing pumpkins for nearly 30 years, expressed his surprise and joy at winning the competition. Last year, he also set a new U.S. record for growing a giant gourd. The previous world record for the heaviest pumpkin was held by an Italian grower who produced a 2,702-pound squash in 2021, according to Guinness World Records.Gienger's success in growing such massive pumpkins lies in his dedicated care for his plants. This year, he provided his pumpkins with extra attention, watering them up to 12 times a day and giving them more feed and fertilizer than usual.

As a landscape and horticulture teacher at Anoka Technical College, Gienger has been passionate about growing pumpkins since his teenage years, inspired by his father's love for the crop. He has been participating in Half Moon Bay's annual weigh-off since 2020 and has won three out of the last four giant pumpkin contests. In recognition of his achievement, Gienger received a grand prize of $30,000 for growing the largest pumpkin and setting a new world record.

The colossal pumpkin will be on display in Half Moon Bay, alongside the three runner-ups, during the city's Art and Pumpkin Festival. Visitors will have the opportunity to take photos with Gienger and the gigantic gourd. This remarkable accomplishment by Travis Gienger showcases his dedication, expertise, and the joy he brings to people through his extraordinary pumpkins.

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