4 • Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025 - The Elmhurst Independent
Apply now for AAUW Scholarships
The elmhursT IndependenT Your Hometown Newspaper Locally owned and operated 240 N. West Avenue Elmhurst, IL. 60126 Main Phone 630.834-8244 Fax 630.834-0900 Visit us at: TheElmhurstIndependent.com The Elmhurst Independent USPS#022-607 is published every Thursday by Rock Valley Publishing, LLC, 240 N. West Avenue, Elmhurst, IL. 60126. Periodical Postage Paid at Elmhurst, IL.
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IC Catholic Prep students receive prestigious award
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IC Catholic Prep students (left to right) Victoria Gonzalez, Brody Kelly and Jade Ruiz Diaz recently received the College Board National Recognition Award. One other IC Catholic Prep student—Andrew Mackey (not pictured)—also received the award. Gonzalez and Mackey are seniors. Kelly and Ruiz Diaz are juniors. The eligibility requirements for the award include: having a grade-point average of B+ or higher; identifying as Black/African American, Latino/Hispanic, Indigenous/Native, first-generation college student, and/or attend high school in a rural area or small town; and being in the top 10 percent among PSAT 10 and PSAT/NMSQT test takers in their state for their award program.
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The Elmhurst Area Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) is now accepting applications for three $4,500 scholarships for women in need of financial assistance to continue their education at the undergraduate or graduate level. The deadline to apply is April 15. AAUW’s mission is to advance gender equity through research, education and advocacy. To be eligible, women must be 23 or older and residents of Elmhurst, Addison, Bensenville, Berkeley, Northlake, Oak Brook, Oakbrook Terrace or Villa Park. Applicants must have already completed 12
credit hours at an accredited community or undergraduate college or university. Applicants may be fulltime or part-time students. For an application and/or more information, visit www.aauwelmhurst.org. Call 630-207-4851 after your application is submitted to confirm receipt. The AAUW Elmhurst Area Branch is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization. Funds from the Elmhurst Branch’s annual used book sale are used to support the local scholarships, national AAUW research and programs for women and girls.
Blair-Sherlock introduces series of property tax relief measures Responding to homeowner concerns about the cost of property taxes, state Rep. Diane Blair-Sherlock, D-Villa Park, has introduced legislation to raise the senior homestead exemption’s income limitation, increase the persons with disabilities exemption and strengthen transparency requirements on tax bills. “We should look to take responsible action to drive down costs for homeowners, especially for those who are on a fixed income,” Blair-Sherlock said. “These proposals are needed updates, and would be a good starting point to further build on with reforms to make our property tax system better for taxpayers.”
quire tax bills to clearly show how much of a taxpayer’s bill is going toward a local ballot initiative or referendum, as well as when that specific item will expire. • House Bill 69, which raises the Low-Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption limitation from $65,000 to $75,000. • House Bill 70, which increases the homestead exemption for persons with disabilities from $2,000 to $4,000. “Our existing exemptions must properly reflect the effect of inflation and changes to the cost of living,” Blair-Sherlock said. “Every dollar matters, so let’s take real action in Springfield to deliver real relief for local residents.” Blair-Sherlock’s proposals For more information, contact include: • House Bill 61, which would re- StateRep46@gmail.com.
DuPage Care Center hosting Valentine’s balloon ECPA Hearts for the Arts returns fundraiser to benefit residents SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent
The Elmhurst Centre for Performing Arts (ECPA) is bringing back its popular Hearts for the Arts campaign for the fifth year, with Co-Chair Amy Kinsella (pictured) leading the way. The 2025 Hearts for the Arts campaign kicked off on Friday, Jan. 24, and runs through the end of February. This year’s campaign has been reimagined to allow each participating business to select its own offering. From apparel to chocolate to flowers to pizza, there is something for everyone! The ECPA encourages you to shop and support all participants. At the time of publication, participating Hearts for the Arts businesses include: Armand’s Pizzeria, Ella’s Italian Pub, GIA MIA, Jelly’s Children’s Boutique and Ice Cream Bar, Judith B Salon and Spa, Kie & Kate Couture, Kilwins, Kneaded, La Jolie MLN Boutique, Maxine, Michael Symber Studios, Phillip’s Flowers & Gifts, Rise N’ Thrive, Stray Hen Café, Tannins, and Victory Meat & Seafood. Check the ECPA website (ECPA-Elmhurst.org) for the most up to date list. The annual Hearts for the Arts campaign supports the ECPA mission of offering performances in live theater, music, dance, and comedy, with the ultimate goal of creating a vibrant theater complex in Elmhurst City Centre—a long-term investment for the community with strong ties to local businesses and residents. For updates, visit ECPA-Elmhurst.org. To partner with ECPA or become a Sponsor, send an email to ECPAElmhurst@gmail.com.
The DuPage Care Center will host a fundraiser for the community to send Valentine wishes to center residents. For a $5 donation, community members may send a balloon to a Care Center resident to spread cheer and warm wishes. In the past, the public sent nearly 1,000 heartshaped, helium balloons to line the corridors and rooms on Valentine’s Day. Volunteers and staff deliver the balloons to the residents living at the Center, brightening their days, and bringing lots of smiles along the way. “During cold winter days, fundraisers like this warm the hearts of the residents of the Care Center,” said Greg Schwarze, chairman of the County’s Human Services
Committee. “Every year, we hear incredible stories from the residents about how this event lifts their spirits. It’s a wonderful way to let our friends at the Care Center know how much we appreciate and cherish them.” Balloon donations will be accepted until Feb. 13, and may be ordered online through the DuPage Care Center Foundation’s website. Balloons will be delivered on Feb. 14. Funds from the sale of balloons will benefit the Resident Recreation Fund, which provides programs and activities to improve the quality of life of residents living at the center. For more information, contact Linda Gray at 630-784-4303 or email linda.gray@dupagecounty. gov.