Spande Spiel.

10/23/2024

I had a stroke two years ago on October 23, 2022. The stroke left me with 20% functionality in my right leg, 0% in my right arm, and effectively I couldn’t talk. I was in ICU at CDH for 8 days, in rehab at Marianjoy in Wheaton for 5 weeks, and in a recovery facility in Elmhurst for a further 5 weeks. One-sixth of my brain died. I was 57 at that time.

I want to say how grateful I am to all the friends and family who supported me!

The first person I want to thank is Greg Schwarze (District 6 DuPage County board member), who’s timely intervention provided me with immediate medical care. Greg is a retired firefighter/EMT, and he recognized my symptoms immediately (I was at a political event at Cantigny at that time). The ambulance was there within 5 minutes, and minutes count during a stroke. I also owe my gratitude to Cyd Paulsen and Marianne Bruss, who went above and beyond the call of duty to drive me to my many rehab appointments (I lost my driver’s license), various appointments for my application for disability, medical appointments, and provided valued advice – which was sorely needed due to my limited ability to talk and diminished cognitive skills. Sheila Rutledge (District 6 board member), Bob Greer, Jack Bajor, Phil Mustes, Bob Borsotti, Steve and Marianne King, Jen and Mike Dieter (who took care of my cats), and so many others also deserve my thanks!

And then there is my family, who literally dropped tools to be at my side during my stroke. Kris Spazafumo and Kai Spande and their spouses (Mike and Kaci) are true heroes to me! The guidance, love, and support that they provided is beyond words to describe, especially since I was incapable at that time. Kai took over my finances, which remains a huge help. The many cousins that came to visit from afar are truly amazing!

I returned home in early January 2023. I’m pleased to report that I’ve regained ~90% of my physical abilities. Unfortunately there are permanent effects from my stroke. I have aphasia (which limits my ability to speak), lower reading comprehension, short term memory loss, balance issues, limited coordination, and a few other concerns related losing so much of my brain. I loved to read, so I miss reading the most. I used to easily read 19th century biographies and history novels. Now I just can’t make sense of the complicated sentence structure. Still, I read every single day to improve my reading skills. And although I just can’t find the words sometimes due to my aphasia, I practice speaking with two monthly stroke patient groups and with friends and family. Although progress has been slow, I’m incrementally improving.

I’m so grateful to have so much love and support! I’m tearing up as I write this. So you know this comes from the heart.

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09/24/2022

09/22/2022

09/21/2022

Yard signs are popping up so I took a moment to review Winfield ordinances (Zoning 10-2-16-10-M):
* Must have the permission of the property owner
* Each sign may be no more than 6 square feet
* Each lot may have no more than a total of 24 square feet of signs
* Signs must be taken down 5 days after the election
Winfield *recommends* that signs be put up no more than 45 days before an election.

Although I didn't see it specifically mentioned in the ordinance, my recollection is that the village will remove political signs on public property or public right of way (e.g. the space between a road and private property). In the past the sign are removed by Public Works and are can be picked up at the Winfield Public Works building.

09/15/2022

OK, time for a mini rant on Comcast/Xfinity.

BOTTOM LINE: I am shocked that Comcast would treat a 14-year customer with such profound disrespect.

QUESTION: suggestions on negotiation with Comcast or alternatives for internet providers?

I recently noticed that that my Comcast/Xfinity bill for 300 mbps internet w/modem went up by ~40% from $80/mo to $110/mo. I have autopay, so it is only by chance that I saw the increase.

Checking my account it seems that $110/mo is the standard rate. Being a tad suspicious I started a ghost internet connection so Comcast could not use my IP to see who I am and checked the cost for 300 mbps service with modem hardware using my neighbor's address. I found that new service with no promotions would be $80/mo. The new customer promotion deal is $55/mo for 300 mbps & modem for 12 months, then it goes to $80/mo. This means that $80/mo is the standard rate.

So now I'm annoyed. Clearly Comcast/Xfinity is treating long time customers differently than new customers who ask for no promotion deals.

I tried calling Comcast/Xfinity and got caught in an automated-service-loop-of-death. My calls were dropped twice. Now I'm even more annoyed at the Comcast run around, and I admit I actually yelled into my phone out of frustration with the non-helpful automated service.

On my 3rd try I got to talk to a real person. The nice lady informed me that as an existing customer I was not eligible for the standard non-promotion rate of $80/mo and must pay $110/mo. I was further informed that the $80/mo rate is not available in my area, which is BS since the address I used (my neighbor) is literally 100 ft from my house.

Then I asked the nice lady to cancel my service and re-start it at the non-promotion rate of $80/mo for the same level of service. I asked to be treated like any other customer and be given non-promotion rate shown on the Comcast web site. I was told Comcast/Xfinity can't do this. I was respectful to the Comcast rep. She was only doing her job, and I told her so.

I asked to talk to her supervisor and was on hold for 30 minutes.

The supervisor told me I was out of luck and that I could not get the standard rate of $80/mo. To mollify me she’d give me a $20/mo ‘loyalty discount’ for 12 months. She also said I could check on my eligibility for “National Verifier”, is which low-income assistance program that I’m not eligible for.

Infuriated does not begin to describe my attitude right now.

I’m going to cool off and research my options. I'd be grateful for any suggestions.

09/11/2022

I was looking forward to marching with the Dems in the Winfield Good Old Days parade today.

We just got notice that it has been 𝙘𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙙 due to thunderstorms. This is unfortunate, but it makes sense.

Safety first!

09/11/2022

America was united on 9/11.

We should remember that Americans have much more in common than we have differences.

Let's honor those who lost their lives on 9/11 by remembering what makes us Americans.