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1 • Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023 - The Elmhurst Independent

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Allegedly armed man in stolen vehicle leads police on high-speed chase

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Elmhurst Chief of Police Michael McLean have announced that Judge Joshua Dieden granted the Yohanice state’s motion to deny pre-trial re- Jones Skipper lease for a DeKalb man accused of leading police on a high-speed chase in a stolen vehicle.

Yohanice Jones Skipper, 18, appeared at First Appearance Court Tuesday, Nov. 14 and is charged with one count of possession of a stolen motor vehicle (C-2 felony), one count of aggravated fleeing and eluding a police officer (C-4 felony), one count of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon (C-4 felony), two counts of misdemeanor resisting a police officer, one count of misdemeanor driving while license suspended and one count of misdemeanor leaving the scene of an accident involving damage to an attended vehicle.

The juvenile, a 17-year-old male from Bellwood, was scheduled to appear at a detention hearing Wednesday, Nov. 15. The juvenile is charged with one count of aggravated fleeing and eluding a police officer (C-4 felony) and one count of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon (C-4 felony).

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2 • Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023 - The Elmhurst Independent

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The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023 • 3

Christmas Jazz with the Alyssa Allgood Quartet Jazz returns to Bethel United Church of Christ’s concert series with a sparkling performance by the Alyssa Allgood Quartet on Saturday,

SRBA plans Winter Fest, annual tree-lighting

Dec. 9, at 7 p.m. Allgood is a Chicago-based jazz vocalist whose silky soprano voice is perfectly suited for Christmas favorites, from traditional to contemporary, to two of her own holiday compositions.

Band members include Alyssa Allgood, vocals; Tom Vaitsas, piano;

Katie Ernst, bass; and Neil Hemphill, drums.

Allgood has appeared either with her quartet or as soloist at such distinguished venues as the Jazz at Lincoln Center Club in Shanghai, Birdland Jazz Club in New York City, the Chicago Jazz Festival, the Green

Mill, the Jazz Showcase, Winter’s Jazz Club, the Jazz Estate and Noce Jazz Club.

The New York City Jazz Record calls her “undeniably skillful at what she does. The expressive Chicagoan wears different hats, from scat singer to interpreter of familiar lyrics,

On Saturday, Dec. 9 beginning at 6 p.m., the Spring Road Business Association (SRBA) invites the public to the Spring Road Gazebo next to the Illinois Prairie Path for the first Christmas tree-lighting ceremony in Elmhurst. Enjoy Christmas Carols, hot chocolate and cookies while we wait for Santa Claus to arrive on an Elmhurst fire engine.

The Christmas Tree will be lit after Santa arrives. Bring your camera to get a photo with ol’ St. Nick in the Gazebo, then see Reindeer on Parade, as decorated reindeer will be on display in front of every business up and down Spring Road, sponsored by the local merchants.

In addition, enjoy an old-fashioned sleigh ride (or wagon ride, in the event there is no snow).

For more information, visit springroad.com.

to lyricist—and she shines in all of those areas…”

A reception will follow the concert.

Bethel United Church of Christ is located at 315 East St. Charles Rd. in Elmhurst. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased on Eventbrite or at the door. Students are free. Parking is free and the church is accessible.

For more information call (630) 2794040.

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Correction On page one of last week’s Independent (Elmhurst Independent Nov. 16, 2023 edition, Turkey Trot is coming), a story appeared about the Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot (DGTT), which steps off on Thanksgiving morning. In the article, it was erroneously reported that the DGTT expected to award as much as $200,000 to each of 16 agencies which had applied, when in fact, the DGTT expects to grant $200,000 in total, divided among the 16 agencies.

The Independent regrets the error.

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Pictured performing with her band members is Alyssa Allgood, a Chicago-based jazz vocalist who will perform in concert at Bethel United Church of Christ on Saturday, Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased on Eventbrite or at the door. Students are free.

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4 • Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023 - The Elmhurst Independent

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.

Display Advertising: 630.834-8355 Classified Advertising: 630.834-8244 News: 630.834-8244 General Information: 630.834-8244

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Administration: Dee Longfellow News Coordinator

Thanks to the Elmhurst Centre for the Performing Arts (ECPA), the York students who performed with Jim Peterik of the Ides of March, Survivor and 38 Special, received autographs. Pictured are (from left): Julian Dominguez, Dr. Patrick Baker, District 205 director of fine arts, PE and health, Vasili Malamis, York director of bands Mike Pavlik, and Shawna Roubitchek and Jenn Guistolise of ECPA. (Not pictured: Matthew Markwald.)

ECPA presents York students with Jim Peterik autographs At ECPA presents “An Intimate Evening with Jim Peterik,” Peterik welcomed York Director of Bands Mike Pavlik along with Symphonic Band students Matthew Markwald, Julian Dominguez, and Vasili Malamis on stage to join him in the performance of “Vehicle,” the Ides of March Top 10 hit.

Prior to that night’s performance, the students rehearsed at York with Jim Peterik and his longtime bandmate Larry Millas, while Cathy Richardson looked on. After

Debra Hamilton Advertising Director Pete Cruger Publisher

Advertising: Brenda Garcia

Subscriptions:

The Elmhurst Independent is mailed at no charge by request to residents in the 60126 zip code area.

Out-of-area mail subscriptions are $29.95 yearly. Single copies are also available at more than 80 newsstand locations in Elmhurst.

For home delivery information call 630.834-8244.

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Content appearing in the Elmhurst Independent may not be reprinted without permission of the publisher or editor. Requests should be directed to Independent@rvpublishing.com or 630.834-8244.

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rehearsal, Jim Peterik signed posters from the event and the sheet music for each horn part in “Vehicle” -- the trumpet, the saxophone and the trombone.

ECPA presented these autographed items to the students at York High School last Thursday.

“We were thrilled to connect established world-renowned artists with these amazing young musicians.” said Laura Michaud, ECPA Board secretary. “To showcase talent on both an international level and within

our communities is what we are all about; this demonstrates the kind of programming we will continue to bring to the western suburbs.”

The Elmhurst Centre for Performing Arts is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to building a state-of-the-art venue for live music, theatre, dance, comedy, and events.

To connect with ECPA regarding future artists for the series ECPA presents “An Intimate Evening with…” contact Shawna Roubitchek at ECPAElmhurst@gmail.com.

(Continued from front page)

On Nov. 13 at approximately 9:54 p.m., upon learning of a pursuit involving a 2017 Hyundai Elantra allegedly stolen out of Maywood that was wanted for an armed robbery out of River Forest, the Elmhurst Police Department stationed multiple squad cars near the I-290 exit at York Road.

It is alleged that the suspected vehicle, allegedly driven by Jones Skipper with the juvenile as a passenger, exited I-290 at York Road and came to a stop at a traffic light near the exit. It is alleged that multiple squad cars with the Elmhurst Police Department attempted to box in the Elantra, at which time, Jones Skipper fled the scene, striking the front passenger side of an Elmhurst squad car.

It is alleged that officers activated their emergency lights and sirens and pursued the Elantra eastbound on Crestview Avenue where Jones Skipper allegedly reached speeds of approximately 72 mph in a 25-mph zone. It is further alleged that Jones Skipper then drove over

a curb where Crestview Avenue comes to a dead end and stopped the car near a residence where both he and the juvenile fled on foot.

The juvenile was quickly taken into custody at this time and officers allegedly found a handgun located in his coat pocket and a bullet in his pants pocket. After a brief foot pursuit, Jones Skipper was taken into custody in the backyard of a residence. When searching the area, officers found a loaded handgun with one bullet in the chamber next to a garage close to where Jones Skipper was taken into custody.

“The swift coordination of law enforcement resources in this incident led to the capture of two armed suspects within minutes of entering our city,” McLean said.

“The efforts of the Elmhurst Police Department’s first responder drone program, two police K9s and strong multi-agency teamwork is a formidable strategy keeping our community safe. I’m thankful no officers were injured apprehending the sus-

“

In DuPage County, anyone who attempts to flee from the police will soon find themselves arrested, charged, and aggressively prosecuted.”

–Robert Berlin DuPage County State’s Attorney

pects or their fleeing vehicle. I’d also like to thank the Illinois State Police, the DuPage County Sheriff’s Office, the Bensenville, Villa Park, and Oak Brook police departments for their assistance.”

“In DuPage County, anyone who attempts to flee from the police

will soon find themselves arrested, charged, and aggressively prosecuted,” Berlin said. “The cooperative efforts displayed by multiple law enforcement agencies sends the unmistakable message that we will not tolerate any display of contempt for the rule of law that puts the motoring public and innocent pedestrians at risk, and we will take whatever steps necessary to ensure the safety of our communities.

What is particularly aggravating in this case are the allegations that Mr. Jones Skipper and his accomplice allegedly reach speeds of more than 70 mph in a residential neighborhood and were allegedly armed as they attempted to flee police on foot through the neighborhood.

“I commend the Elmhurst Police Department for not only their efforts on this case, but also for their ongoing commitment to keeping our roadways safe.”

Jones Skipper’s next court appearance is scheduled Monday, Dec. 11 for arraignment in front of Judge Daniel Guerin.

The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023 • 5

SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

Elmhurst Choral Union (ECU) will present Handel’s Messiah on Sunday, Dec. 17 at 3 p.m. in Hammerschmidt Chapel at Elmhurst University. Tickets are $25/adults, $15/ youth 12 and younger and are available at the door or in advance at elmhurstchoralunion.org/tickets.

Obituaries son-in-law, Mike Miazga, granddaughter, Kyleigh, and brothers, Richard and Ray, as well as many loving extended friends and family members.

A celebration of Bob’s life was held at the end of October. at Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church (Pastor Gregg DeMey officiating) and Manny’s Ale House in Elmhurst.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Bob’s honor to the Shriners Hospitals for Children at donate.lovetherescue.org.

Marion Hinz, 94 October 19, 1929—October 31, 2023.

Marion Hinz, age 94, a lifelong resident of Elmhurst, IL, passed away peacefully on October 31, 2023, at home.

Marion was born on October 19, 1929, to parents Paul and Lilli (nee Birndorf) Gerhardt. She married Oscar Hinz on November 25,1950. They knew each other from a young age because their parents were friends.

Eventually they grew up and fell in love and had two daughters. Although Oscar could be trying at times,

and struggled with progressive blindness, Marion was always there to care for him and run the household.

Oscar had a great sense of humor and brought much laughter into the home, and while it was hard at times, they had a deep love that endured.

Although Marion’s main job was taking care of her family, she worked different secretarial type jobs early on, and later worked for the Elmhurst Post office as a clerk until retirement. Many may remember her as the friendly lady at the window, when stopping in to buy stamps or mail a package.

One of her favorite things was going to garage sales and working at estate sales with her friends. She collected many beautiful things over the years. Marion enjoyed going on trips, she would go anywhere, anytime on a weekend or longer if she could.

She never said no to anything. And that carried over to everything in her life to a fault. She could never say no to anyone about anything that was asked of her. She was just too nice.

Just so very nice.

Mostly, she loved spending time with her family—children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all her relatives and friends. She loved

Elmhurst Choral Union (ECU) will present Handel’s Messiah on Sunday, Dec. 17 at 3 p.m. in Hammerschmidt Chapel at Elmhurst University. Tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for youth up to 12 and can be purchased online at elmhurstchoralunion.org/tickets or at the door the day of the concert.

Handel’s Messiah is known for its setting to sacred texts and rich orchestrations. It includes the dramatic “Hallelujah Chorus,” which has become a crowd favorite during the Christmas season.

The group is led by artistic director

Scott Uddenberg and will be accompanied by a full professional orchestra and professional soloists. Since its founding in 1952, the over 60 member chorus has rehearsed and performed at Elmhurst University, with a mission to create outstanding choral performances for the community to appreciate and enjoy. Financial support was provided by the Explore Elmhurst Grant Program, Wurlitzer Grant, and the Illinois Arts Council Agency.

For more information, visit elmhurstchoralunion.org or call (630) 7581100.

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Robert “Bob” Russell Herigodt, 75 Born: December 19, 1947 (Chicago, IL). Passed away: September 29, 2023 (at home in Elmhurst, IL) Bob Herigodt was a loving, family man, a dedicated corporate senior director of finance and a witty friend who could share a good joke with anyone.

As a young child, Bob traveled to many places with his family until they settled permanently in the central Illinois town of Chatham, just south of the state capitol of Springfield.

After graduating from Chatham-Glenwood High School, Bob attended Western Illinois University in Macomb where he graduated in 1969 with a bachelor of science degree in accounting.

It was in his senior year at Western that he also had the good fortune to meet future wife, Kay. Launching into his accounting career and happily in love, Bob and Kay married in 1970.

Professionally, Bob enjoyed a robust finance career, working for corporations such as Chemplex, ABC Rail and Greenbrier, while having the honor to travel the world working with colleagues in China, Russia, Mexico and Japan — and yes, he thoroughly enjoyed collecting all those 2.6-million frequent-flyer miles!

Work and traveling aside, Bob’s main attention and care went to his daughter, Kris, as she rounded out their happy family in 1974 — only eclipsed by the birth of granddaughter, Kyleigh, who also held his full attention.

Bob was a passionate sports fan (a huge Chicago Cubs and Green Bay Packers supporter), an avid golfer and also loved boating and fishing.

He was also quite the foodie, and always ready to share intel about a restaurant or recipe he enjoyed.

Those who knew and loved Bob will miss his sense of humor and his signature laugh.

Bob is survived by his wife of 53 years, Kay Herigodt, daughter, Kris,

ECU to present Handel’s Messiah

6 • Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023 - The Elmhurst Independent

Police beat

The Elmhurst Police Department recently reported the following arrests and citations.

Persons charged with domestic battery are not named in order to protect the privacy of victims.

Readers are reminded that an arrest does not constitute a conviction, and that subjects are considered innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. Juveniles age 17-or-younger are not named.

Criminal damage Nov. 14 A complainant in the 600 block of W. Lake told police at 11:36 a.m. that after an argument, a suspect jumped on the hood of her vehicle, causing a scratch. The complainant did not wish to sign complainants.

Domestic battery, domestic incident, disorderly conduct, disturbance, dispute Nov. 9 A 21-year-old Elmhurst woman was charged with two counts of domestic battery in the 600 block of S. Prospect. Police said the suspect had pushed the victim during an argument and the victim sustained a laceration to his head.

DUI, DUI-drugs, transportation of open alcohol, possession of open alcohol, consumption of alcohol by a minor Nov. 12 Vernont Brunt, 40, of Chicago, was charged with DUI, Driving While License suspended, improper lane usage, one headlight out, failure to signal and possession of cannabis in a vehicle subsequent to a traffic stop near Butterfield and Hillcrest at 12:43 a.m.

Jose Perez-Hernandez, 26, of Addison, was charged with DUI, stopping on the roadway and possession of open alcohol by a driver near Wilson and Grand at 4:46 a.m.

Nov. 11 Alexis Martinez, 21, of Mount Prospect, was charged with DUI, failure to dim lights and no insurance subsequent to a traffic stop near North and I-290 at 4:56 a.m.

Micah G. Wagnaar, 29, of Chicago, was charged with DUI, unlawful use of cannabis, illegal transportation of open alcohol by a driver, improper lane usage, use of unsafe tires and no insurance subsequent to a traffic stop near Route 83 and North at 1:26 a.m.

Harassments, threats Nov. 15 A complainant in the 400 block of W. Butterfield reported he received numerous phone calls and threatening messages from his ex-girlfriend. Further investigation is pending.

Identity theft, fraud, forgery

According to information provided by the Elmhurst Police Department, police reported three incidents of identity theft or fraud.

CALL 800-222-TIPS

Possession of cannabis in a vehicle

According to information provided last week by the Elmhurst Police Department, police reported two incidents of possession of cannabis by either the driver of a vehicle or a passenger: Alejandro Perez, 26, of Maywood, near North and Clinton at 8:19 a.m. Nov. 11; and Marshona Addison, 23, of Chicago, near York and North at 10:16 a.m. Nov. 12;

Theft, retail theft, burglary, attempted theft or burglary, forgery, deceptive practice, obstruction, robbery Nov. 15 A victim in the 300 block of S. Route 83 told police that he brought two new iPhones to the above location for a file transfer. The victim walked away for 10 minutes and upon returning, one of the phones was missing. An investigation is pending.

Man charged with breaking into woman’s aparment, beating her Pre-trial release denied DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick have announced that Judge Joshua Dieden granted the state’s motion to deny pre-trial release for an unincorporated Willowbrook man accused Abelardo of breaking into a woman’s Zapata apartment and beating her.

Abelardo Zapata, 33, appeared at First Appearance Court and is charged with one count of home invasion (Class X felony), one count of robbery—victim 60 years or older (Class 1 felony) and one count of aggravated battery great bodily harm—victim 60 years or older (Class 2 felony).

On Sunday, Nov. 12 at approximately 8:03 a.m., Willowbrook police officers responded to the victim’s apartment for a call of a man, later identified as Zapata, who allegedly broke into the woman’s residence and beat her. Upon their arrival, officers found the victim, who is more than sixty-years-old, with visible red marks and blood on her face. She was transported to a local hospital for medical attention where she received eight stiches to the top of her head.

An investigation into the matter found that Zapata was allegedly at the apartment complex

walking with another tenant to her apartment when he kicked in the door to the victim’s apartment and entered.

It is alleged that once inside the victim’s residence, Zapata attacked the woman, striking her in the face.

It is further alleged that after striking the woman, Zapata grabbed the woman’s head and slammed it against a cabinet. It is alleged that Zapata took her cell phone and then fled the scene.

It is alleged that after Zapata fled, the victim called 9-1-1 from another phone.

Police took Zapata into custody without incident a short time later from a McDonalds approximately one block away.

“The allegations that for no apparent reason, Mr. Zapata kicked in the front door of an innocent woman’s apartment and then severely beat her are shocking,” Berlin said. “A person’s home is their sanctuary and people have every right to feel safe in their homes. Mr. Zapata’s alleged actions destroyed this victim’s feeling of safety and security. I sincerely hope that the victim in this case has a speedy recovery from her physical injuries and I wish her the best as she is now forced to cope with the psychological harm allegedly caused by Mr. Zapata.”

Zapata’s next court appearance is scheduled Dec. 11 for arraignment in front of Judge Michael Reidy.

LIHEAP Energy Assistance available Nov. 14 for Addison Township residents A victim in the 600 block of N. Larch reported that his backpack containing important documents and cash went missing after placing it in a storage room. Upon reviewing security footage, it was discovered he had not placed the bag in the storage room. The backpack was later located and returned to the victim. Nothing was reported as missing from the backpack.

Nov. 13 A victim at a gas station in the 200 block of E. Butterfield told police at 11:37 a.m. that while pumping gasoline, an unknown suspect entered his unlocked vehicle and drove from the scene. The gasoline nozzle from the pump was attached to the vehicle. The abandoned vehicle was located in another jurisdiction and was towed from the scene. The vehicle was collected by the owner.

Nov. 11 A victim in the 900 block of S. York told police at 10:01 a.m. that a package of kid’s toys was taken from her front porch. The victim originally left the package to be picked up by a buyer. Upon further investigation, it was discovered another person picking up an item took the wrong package from the victim’s front porch.

Nov. 10 A victim in the 100 block of N. Addison told police she left her wedding band inside of a secured locker at the above location. She returned to the locker to find her ring was missing.

Nov. 9 A complainant at a store in the 300 block of S. Route 83 told police that two unknown male suspects entered the store, removed jewelry, and left the store without paying. An investigation is pending.

With the winter season fast approaching, Addison Township Supervisor Dennis Reboletti wants to remind all Addison Township residents about the critical energy assistance programs generously offered by DuPage County to lend a helping hand to those in need.

The DuPage County Community Services Department announced the availability of financial aid to support income-eligible households in managing their natural gas, propane, electric bills, and to provide furnace assistance for inoperable heating systems. This initiative has been designed to offer essential support to our residents during the challenging winter months.

Key dates and eligibility criteria: 1. The program commenced accepting applications on Oct. 2 for senior citizens, individuals with disabilities, and families with children under the age of 6.

2. As of Nov. 1, households facing utility disconnection, those who have received a dis-

connection notice, or have less than 25 percent of propane remaining in their tanks can initiate the application process for assistance.

3. All other income-eligible households are eligible to apply starting Dec. 1.

4.

Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis until Aug. 15, 2024.

To qualify for assistance, households must maintain an income at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Comprehensive income guidelines, contingent upon household size, are accessible at dupagecounty.gov/ liheap.

Application locations: Addison Township residents can apply for energy assistance at the Addison Township offices located at 401 N. Addison Road, Addison.

For more information, contact the Addison Township Offices at 630-530-8161 to schedule an appointment for assistance.

Addison Township Mental Health Board launches new web site The Addison Township Mental Health Board has launched a new website to better serve area residents in need, according to Board President Don Puchalski.

“The Mental Health Board exists to provide real-time services to individuals in our community struggling with mental health issues,” Puchalski said. “This a brand-new board and a brand-new venture in our community. The purpose of our website is to make it easier and more convenient for individuals in our community struggling with anxiety, depression, substance abuse and other mental health issues to get the help they need.”

In 2022, Addison Township voters approved a referendum that established the Addison Township Mental Health Board to fund mental health, intellectual/ development

disabilities, and substance use services that serve township residents. In February 2023, Addison Township Supervisor Dennis Reboletti appointed seven Addison Township residents to serve on the mental health board.

“Not only are the individuals serving on this board well qualified for the job but they also have a heart for public service and they genuinely care about the Addison [Township] community and they care about the people in need of the services the Mental Health Board provides,” Reboletti said. “There are people ready and able to help you if you need it. I encourage anyone struggling with mental health issues to go to the website and get the help you deserve.”

The website address is addisontownshipmhb.com.

The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023 • 7

IDNR announces Wildlife Rehabilitation Facilities grant award

(Continued from page 5) being with people, and they loved to Fred and Cora being with her. She was just a plea- Widicus. sure to be around and always up for Fred was a a fun time, had a great wit and sense beloved husband, of humor, loved to laugh and always dad, and grandpa. smiling.

He leaves behind Marion loved all animals and his wife of 67 taught us to treat them ALL with re- years, Joan, his spect and kindness (even the small- sons Roger (Judy) est of mice). We are an animal loving and Michael family largely because of her. She of- (Amy), and his grandchildren Gwen, ten would carry a bug outside rather Claire, Anna, and Griffin. than step on it. She was a kind, kind Fred was born and raised in the soul, and we learned from her. Hope- small coal mining town of New fully, we will keep a bit of her in our- Baden, IL, an only child raised by his selves as we live our lives. father after his mother passed away She really enjoyed all the holidays, when he was three. He graduated decorating her home for each one from New Baden High School and and often baking desserts for those worked his way through college around her (she was an excellent as a machinist apprentice. After baker). It gave her so much pleasure completing a degree in education in giving gifts. She was a giver, so from McKendree College (Universivery thoughtful and loving. ty), he returned to his hometown high Marion was preceded in death by school, where he taught all the math her husband Oscar, her brothers Wil- and science classes. When the school bur Gerhardt (Willy) and Richard was consolidated with one in anothGerhardt (Dicky), and her son-in-law er town, he decided to move north to Ken Johnson. teach in the suburbs of Chicago, first Marion is survived by her beloved at Proviso (East) High School and children, Kristie Johnson, and Val- then at Proviso West High School, erie Karth (Karl). Her grandchildren, where he taught Algebra and GeomKen Johnson, Etta (Dan)Karth Lew- etry for more than 30 years. er, Kelsi Johnson, Kourtney (Justin) He earned a Master of Education Lewandowski, and Griffin Karth. Her degree from the University of Illinois great-grandchildren, Haley Parker, and completed additional studies at Addie, Isla, and Olive Lewandowski. Northwestern University and the IlShe is also survived by two car- linois Institute of Technology. After ing sisters-in-law, Carol Gerhardt, retiring from teaching, he worked at and Gale Hollinger and has always the Jewel in Elmhurst for more than held much love for her nieces and a decade. nephews, Jim (Gayle) Gerhardt, Paul Fred was an active member of Gerhardt, Mickey Gerhardt, Sue St. Peter’s United Church of Christ (Rob) Held, Mark (Jill) Gerhardt, in Elmhurst for more than 60 years, Julie (Jim)Valentino, and all of their where he was able to apply his children. commitment to education as the Marion was a loving, thoughtful, Superintendent of Sunday School kind, gentle, selfless, and caring per- and as a Sunday school teacher. son, and her gracious and generous Fred’s interests also extended spirit will be missed by all that knew to music and gardening. At home, her. he played trombone, and sang and Memorial visitation was held on played guitar, often alongside his Saturday Nov 11, 2023 at Pedersen sons in whom he inspired a lifelong Ryberg Funeral Home, 435 N. York interest in music. His vegetable garStreet, Elmhurst, IL. den annually produced bushels of For information call 630-834- vine-ripened tomatoes, carrots, bell 1133. peppers, lettuce, turnips, beets, asparagus, rhubarb, and the only vegeFred Oscar Widicus, 97 table unanimously approved by all of Fred Oscar Widicus passed away his grandchildren, “Grandpa’s green peacefully on November 7, 2023, at beans.” the age of 97. He was born on OcA private service will be held tober 18, 1926, in New Baden, IL, with interment following at St.

Willowbrook Wildlife Center—$4,000 for the center, which is within the Forest Preserve of DuPage County, to install a shallow pool drain in the rehabilitation bird enclosure to facilitate the drainage, cleaning, and refilling of the water source within that enclosure.

Willowbrook Wildlife Center rehabilitates about 10,000 sick, injured, or orphaned wild animals annually.

Eligible grant recipients must possess a current wildlife rehabilitation license or permit issued by IDNR and must

have provided care for threatened or endangered wildlife during the three-year period preceding the date of their grant application.

Applicants who intend to use any portion of grant funds received from IDNR to take care of migratory birds must also possess a current wildlife rehabilitation license or permit issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service allowing that activity.

Go online for information about applying for a future Wildlife Rehabilitation Facilities grant.

Peter’s Cemetery.

Charles went by a lot of names: In lieu of flowers, the family Uncle, Charlie, Chow and Mcarty. would appreciate donations to St. Charles was a sportsman; he enPeter’s United Church of Christ in joyed softball, bowling, hunting, Elmhurst. fishing, enjoyed playing the lottery games and boating.

Charles K. Hudson, 91 Charles also enjoyed when the Charles K. Hudson, beloved Hus- family would gather and celebrate band, Father, Grandpa, PaPa, Broth- life to the fullest. He would tell you er and Son departed this earthy life how proud he was of his children surrounded by loved ones on October and grandchildren and that he lived 31, 2023 at the age of 91. a great life.

Charles was born and raised outCharles leaves behind his wife side Chicago, married his wife Ar- of 73 years, Arlene and eight chillene on July 29, 1950 and together dren: Christine (Tim) Gledden, they raised their eight children.

Connie (Steve) Irving, Charles Jr. He was a carpenter and built cus- “Chuck”(Anna), Cal, Craig (Alice), tom homes with his partner, Edward Cherie (Ed) Graff, Charlene (Bob) Ryan during the late 70’s early 80’s Fezzuoglio and Chad (Lana). He is in the western suburbs of Chicago. also survived by 11 grandchildren: He also built his home in Elmhurst Timmy, Tammy, Serena, Sal, Cryswhere his children grew up and his tal, David, Nia, Sean, Vanessa, Tegan home in Montello. Charles instilled and Brynn as well as 13 great-grandhis knowledge of building into his children along with three siblings: sons and relatives who continued his Sharon, Roger and Janice and other legacy of carpentry. extended family members.

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Charles is preceded in death by his parents, granddaughter, Stephanie and siblings: Henry, William, Margaret, Frank, Marie, Mary, John and Judith.

Charlie was called beloved son by his Savior Jesus Christ, who he dearly loved and the day of his passing he heard, “well done my good and faithful servant.”

A Mass of Christian Burial for Charles Hudson was held on November 7, 2023 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Montello.

There will be a Celebration of Charle’s Life on Saturday, December 2, 2023, at 6:00 PM at Moose Lodge 2350, 328 W. Roosevelt Rd. Lombard, IL 60148. Crawford Funeral and Cremation Service of Montello and Oxford are honored to be serving the family. www.CrawfordFH.com.

LOW-VISION CAM When eye diseases such as glaucoma permanently rob individuals of a portion of their vision, they must rely on assistive devices that help them make the most of their remaining vision. One such device is a stationary video camera that can be set up in the home to record an image of whatever it is pointed at and project it onto a video monitor. Not only are desktop video monitors ideal for reading and writing, they can be pointed at distant targets (with some modification) and projected close up onto the monitor in front of the viewer. Some models enable people with low vision to view images of their own faces so that they can shave or apply makeup.

P.S. Desktop video magnifiers help those with low vision experience greater independence and life enjoyment by helping them continue to pursue hobbies such as sewing and crafts.

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• Obituaries

forms, allowing individual taxpayers to make charitable donations to the fund.

These contributions provide grants to help with maintenance of existing Illinois wildlife rehabilitation facilities that care for threatened and endangered species.

Eligible uses of grant funds are limited to structural repair and maintenance of existing buildings, pens, cages, and appurtenant facilities used to take care of threatened or endangered wildlife species.

IDNR has awarded the following grant through the program:

432821

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is announcing the latest recipient of a grant for projects funded through the Wildlife Preservation Fund grant program.

The Wildlife Preservation Fund provides grants under the Illinois Non-Game Wildlife Protection Act. Five percent of non-federal dollars deposited into the Illinois Wildlife Preservation Fund are committed to grants through this program.

The act provides for a voluntary checkoff designation on state income tax return

8 • Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023 - The Elmhurst Independent

The Elmhurst Independent

Viewpoint

Nov. 23, 2023 • 8

Slices of life

Good news and bad news In simple terms, life can be summed up as moments of “good news” and “bad news.”

I’ve come to believe it’s best to embrace both: the good and the bad because each makes us who we are.

Each molds us. Each helps us grow as we are supposed to, meant to, during our time here on this earth.

Embrace the positive and negative just as surely as you embrace those you love. (And I hope you do that often.)

The good news: You were born.

The bad news: You will die (or maybe that’s good news also; we shall see.)

All the rest is made up of the middle, good and bad.

Today was no different. I struggled with an issue with my car. I am traveling across the country and hoped, believed and wanted my vehicle to run consistently. This morning, 600 miles into the trip, it refused to run at all.

I guess that’s the bad news. Or at least the first rendition of it.

The good news: I found a mechanic who was willing to do a diagnostic on my car first thing this morning.

The bad news: I had a dead battery that wouldn’t hold a charge.

The good news: The mechanic was able to put in a new battery - today.

The bad news: The battery was only the tip of the iceberg. I had another major repair in need of repairing.

This involved something called a turbocharger, which I never knew existed—before today.

The good news: New knowledge about the inner workings of my automobile is power.

The bad news: The turbocharger in question is an expensive repair. Kaching!

The good news (perhaps the best of the day): The mechanic looked up the specifics about my car and I had three days (only three!) left on the manufacturer’s warranty on my vehicle. The turbo expense was covered by warranty. Ka-happy!

The bad news: The nice mechanic wasn’t able to replace my turbo-thingy because it had to be done by a certified dealership.

The good news: The nice mechanic told me which dealership to contact.

The bad news: The dealership couldn’t fit me in until two days later, extending my travel time.

The good news: I’m not on a tight schedule. I can afford an extra two travel days.

You see how it goes?

Good news followed by bad news followed by good news and so forth.

It’s a tightrope, a balancing act—

By

JILL PERTLER Columnist

and it’s all about perspective. It keeps us on our toes because life is not meant to be lived on autopilot. It is supposed to be experienced, every moment of every day—good and bad—eyes wide open.

We learn to walk. We fall down. We play with friends. They move away.

We join the band. We are seated last chair. We flirt with someone in math class. They flirt with our best friend.

We graduate high school with honors. We are denied admittance to our first-choice college. We fall in love. We fall out of love. We find our dream job. Seven years later it’s no longer a dream.

We marry. The honeymoon ends.

We have children. They grow up.

Grandchildren follow and they provide a renewed purpose we didn’t know existed.

Health concerns hit, along with a diagnosis. This is followed by a remission and perhaps even a cure.

Things slow down. Yet, we thrive despite not being as young as we once were. We lose friends, family and significant others to this thing called death.

We keep breathing. We mourn. We find yet a new way to live and laugh.

We become more thoughtful. We become more grateful. We become more joyful. We grow wise. We come to understand we’ve always been wise.

We embrace love, in all its forms and realize it’s surrounded us our entire lives, despite our circumstance, status or temperament.

The good news: we are renewed, reborn, as has happened many times, throughout our lifetime.

More good news: this happens again with the entity we call death.

It is but another rebirth. Another life.

Another source of good news.

Embrace it as fully as you embrace one another. Because when you do, you will understand there can be no more bad news.

It’s all what you make of it.

And that’s my last piece of good news for the day.

Jill Pertler is an award-winning syndicated columnist, published playwright and author. Don’t miss a slice; follow the Slices of Life page on Facebook.

Letter to the editor A season of giving, sharing blessings As we prepare for the upcoming season of gratitude and generosity, I wanted to share some of the many, many reasons we have to be grateful here at The Outreach House. Thanks to the support of all of our volunteers, donors and supporters: We are now supporting 1,800 visits to our food pantry each month, a 75 percent increase since our move to 805 S. Main St. just over a year ago.

We are now distributing approximately 18,000 diapers each month, and through our recent membership in the National Diaper Bank Network we will now have access to bulk purchasing which we expect will allow us to reach more families with infants.

We are supporting over 700 visits each month for families to select clothes for all family members, and so far this year have already distrib-

uted almost 450 warm winter coats.

We continue to help more families than ever with emergency assistance as they face the shut-off of an essential utility (gas, water, electricity or sewer).

We are also so grateful to the many generous corporations and foundations who have made some of our operational dreams come true! Thanks to an anonymous donor and support from the DuPage Foundation, we were able to purchase a van large enough to hold three pallets of food; and, thanks to grants from the Northern Illinois Food Bank and DuPage Foundation, we installed a large walk-in cooler, which has enabled us to store more fresh produce essential to healthy diets.

Of course, as we continue to serve the needs of more and more people, we will also continue to need more

support. As you enjoy your Thanksgiving meal this year and reflect on what you are grateful for in your own life, we invite you to share with your family, friends, neighbors and colleagues your plan to support The Outreach House during our Giving Tuesday campaign and invite them to do the same.

If you’re not already, please also follow us on Facebook and Instagram and visit our website for updates: www.theoutreachhouse.org.

Together we are really making a difference, serving our community with dignity through our four programs.

Wishing you peace and joy in this season.

With gratitude, Catherine Lynott The Outreach House Lombard

We want to print your news!

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The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023 • 9

State police training focuses on combating illegal drugs The Illinois State Police (ISP) Clandestine Lab Team (CLT) recently hosted a Basic 40-hour Clandestine Lab Safety School and two 16-hour Clandestine Micro-Lab recertification courses to combat the increase in unknown drugs found on the street and the rise of labs used to make illicit drugs.

“ISP is committed to combating illegal drugs across the state, including the labs where they are made,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly.

“We want to ensure our people have the necessary training to safely handle clandestine labs as we continue providing these services to law enforcement agencies across the state.”

The Basic 40-hour Clandestine Lab Safety School was provided by

the Midwest Counterdrug Training Center and was conducted to increase the number of certified clandestine lab team operators. A total of 19 ISP Division of Criminal Investigation agents from across the state attended the school and were certified as CLT members. CLT is based on the original Methamphetamine Response Team (MRT) that was started in May 2005. Due to retirements and reassignments over the years, the program lost several certified operators with years of combined experience.

With the increase in unknown drug substances found on the street, as well as the potential rise of other types of clandestine labs on the horizon, CLT has taken steps to ensure ISP continues to provide certified op-

erators across the state. These ISP officers not only handle ISP cases, they work with local police departments and sheriff’s offices across the state.

The 40-hour training focused on how to safely handle and process all types of clandestine drug labs.

During the training field exercises, operators assessed mock lab sites and handled active methamphetamine laboratories. Operators learned how to don chemical and fire-resistant suits, self-contained breathing apparatus, and full-face respirators required to enter potentially dangerous lab sites.

Operators also learned how to properly document, sample, dismantle, and overpack dangerous hazardous materials and components for

“

ISP is committed to combating illegal drugs across the state, including the labs where they are made. We want to ensure our people have the necessary training to safely handle clandestine labs as we continue providing these services to law enforcement agencies across the state.”

– Brendan F. Kelly ISPD Director

destruction.

The 16-hour Clandestine Micro-Lab course focused on recertifying current operators and certifying new CLT operators in clandestine drug labs, counterfeit pill mills, and fentanyl handling. With these three courses, ISP now has 47 CLT operators statewide.

Since 2007, ISP has been a part of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Authorized Central Storage Program that covers the disposal

costs associated with hazardous materials recovered by law enforcement from clandestine drug labs.

CLT operators are trained to properly package and transport hazardous materials to containers located throughout the state provided by DEA. ISP provides this service to our local law enforcement partners to minimize or eliminate the high clean-up costs associated with the hazardous materials produced by clandestine drug labs.

READERS

who have sent a donation to help underwrite The Elmhurst Independent. For those of you who haven’t done so in the past year, but enjoy this newspaper and would like to help us pay for its operation, please send a donation in any amount to:

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Elmhurst University basketball coach honored by Character Counts

As president of Character Counts in Elmhurst, Dr. John “Doc Jev” Jevitz (right) presented a Character Counts award to Coach John Baines, who led the Elmhurst University basketball team all the way to second in the nation. Jevitz said the award was for outstanding service to the community – without expecting the glory. Seated in front is Bill Gooch, who was also presented with an award.

For delivery within Elmhurst __ Please keep my paper coming: Name______________________________ Address____________________________ Phone______________________________

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PETE CRUGER PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

You won’t get an Elmhurst Independent tote bag, an Apple gift card, or a discount on an extended car warranty.

But you will get the satisfaction of knowing that you have helped to support your favorite newspaper.

10 • Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023 - The Elmhurst Independent

Lawmakers pass bill aimed at modernizing professional licensing in Illinois Measure would provide for new online system to speed up paperwork

By Hannah Meisel CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

As Illinois faces shortages of health care practitioners and mental health professionals, the state agency in charge of licensing for those and more than 100 other industries has struggled to keep up.

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation has failed to meet its goals to speed up both initial licensing and renewals in key industries as applications to the agency grew by 15 percent between

2019 and 2022.

IDFPR’s director called the situation a “crisis” earlier this fall when testifying before lawmakers at a committee hearing on the issues facing the agency.

The General Assembly recently approved a measure to help IDFPR move beyond its antiquated systems and—at least temporarily—assist those awaiting license renewal. The measure cleared the General Assembly unanimously and needs only a signature from the governor to be-

come law.

State Rep. Bob Morgan, D-Deerfield, who sponsored the bill in the House, said with legislative approval, IDFPR would be able to batch-renew licenses for those who’ve been waiting “not days, not weeks, but months—up to six to eight months.”

House Bill 2394 also calls for IDFPR to contract with a technology vendor to build a new computer software system within three months of Gov. JB Pritzker’s signature on the bill, and to have that system up and

Worship Services Directory

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All services are live streamed.

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Sundays at 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

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Dilpreet Raju contributed to this report.

Governor, who vetoed previous bill, supports new effort

Everyone is Welcome!

www.faithchurchelmhurst.org faithelm@gmail.com

point person for licensing-related issues for 24 years.

“Very little has changed,” Stasi said in September. “The wait is actually longer.”

Illinois State Medical Society executive senior vice president David Porter told lawmakers that the most concerning aspect of IDFPR’s current licensing system is the “lack of transparency” from the agency.

“Applicants tell us that there’s no real way for them to obtain status updates on their applications or renewals, and there’s virtually no chance to be able to connect with someone at the department by phone or email who can provide such updates,” Porter said. “Most frustrating to new applicants is that they are rarely notified when their applicants are deemed to be insufficient or incomplete, which adds days or weeks to when they can expect to obtain a license.”

Treto assured lawmakers he’s been speaking with his counterparts in other states to get ideas about how to improve IDFPR’s systems—and said Illinois isn’t alone in facing licensure issues. But, he said, some states seem to have figured it out. Oklahoma, for example, has reduced its call volume by 95 percent.

Lawmakers approve plan to allow small-scale nuclear development

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running three months after that.

In a September hearing, IDFPR Secretary Mario Treto Jr. told lawmakers his agency is hamstrung by 1990s-era technology that doesn’t allow the agency to add new types of licenses to its online system, even as more types of professional licensure have come under the agency’s purview.

As a result, IDFPR has seen “an onslaught of paper applications,” Treto said, contributing to “historic wait times.” A sizeable number of the 104,000 total applications the agency received last year were submitted on paper via snail mail.

Earlier this year, the agency had been in talks with an existing state vendor that’s already under a “master contract,” which would have sped up the often-slow process of contracting with a new company. But in the September hearing, Treto revealed the agency had walked away from those talks once IDFPR leaders realized the vendor wouldn’t have been able to meet the agency’s specific needs.

“And candidly we were quite disappointed with the news,” Treto said.

In that same hearing, leaders of industry groups aired their frustrations with IDFPR’s licensing delays.

Daniel Stasi, a consultant with the Illinois Mental Health Counselors Association, noted he’s been the

447376

CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

Lawmakers have approved a proposal that would allow companies to develop new nuclear power generation in Illinois for the first time since 1987.

House Bill 2473 does not entirely lift the 36-year-old moratorium on nuclear construction. Instead, it creates a regulatory structure for the construction of small modular nuclear reactors, or SMRs. The bill limits the nameplate capacity of such reactors to 300 megawatts, about one-third the size of the smallest of the six existing nuclear power plants in Illinois. It also requires the state to perform a study that will inform rules for regulating SMRs, which will be adopted by regulators at the Illinois Emergency Management Agency by January 2026.

Proponents of the measure say it is a step to make the ongoing transition away from fossil fuels more reliable for customers throughout the state, while opponents warn the unproven technology comes with safety risks and the potential for cost overruns.

The bill passed with bipartisan support in the Senate, 44-7, and the House, 98-8. The opposition came

exclusively from Democrats.

Gov. JB Pritzker said in a statement that he would sign the bill. He worked with lawmakers on the new language of the new bill after vetoing a broader measure this summer.

Leadership of the Illinois AFLCIO umbrella labor organization released a statement, calling the policy an “important for our state’s economy and our clean energy future.”

It echoed a release from the Illinois Manufacturers Association, an industry advocacy group that testified in support of the proposal several times, saying that it would allow the state to “continue leading in energy and manufacturing innovation.”

The legislation’s sponsors, Sen. Sue Rezin, R-Morris, and Rep. Lance Yednock, D-Ottawa, said the bill has the potential to bolster Illinois’ electric reliability as intermittent sources like wind and solar begin to make up a larger portion of the state’s energy output.

“In order to reach our clean energy goals, we may have to invest in more nuclear generated carbon-free energy,” Yednock said. “The policy does not subtract from the growth of wind and solar energy; it could be an

See LAWMAKERS, Page 18

Giannoulias announces launch of state’s monarch butterfly plate After more than seven years, Illinois residents who placed deposits for the state’s Monarch Butterfly Specialty License Plate can finally redeem it, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced on Nov. 16.

The Monarch Butterfly License Plate is the first Universal Specialty Plate issued by the State of Illinois – even though the General Assembly approved it in 2016.

“This is an important issue, not just because it will positively impact the environment and preserve the Monarch’s cultural significance, but also because it finally makes good on a long-awaited promise,” Giannoulias said. “Government needs to work more efficiently and deliver for its residents, which means people shouldn’t have to wait seven years to get what they paid for.”

“The creation of this special license plate is just one of many ways Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is committed to Monarch conservation,” said IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie, whose agency administers the fund where proceeds from the plate sales are allocated.

“Our staff is engaged with other organizations, state agencies, and the general public to build capacity for putting milkweed and other native plants on the landscape to assist not only monarchs, but all of our native pollinators,” he added.

In 2016, Illinois lawmakers passed legislation to create a “universal” license plate to limit the number of specialty license plates – all designed differently and deemed problematic for law enforcement. At the time,

Small Business Saturday coming this weekend there were 109 different specialty plates.

The legislation stated that any new charitable organization would need at least 2,000 Illinoisans to place deposits that benefitted an organization or charity before any new specialty plate could get issued. Furthermore, the new specialty plates would have a universal, standardized design, but include a decal on the left side depicting the cause or charity it supports.

The Monarch plate reached the necessary 2,000 deposits in 2018, yet it was never produced despite residents having already paid the necessary $10 to pre-order the plate.

The money raised from Illinoisans’ deposits goes toward protecting the Monarch from extinction.

On the campaign trail, Giannoulias heard from residents inquiring about the status of the plate, and he committed to ensuring that those who supported the Monarch’s charity get the opportunity to obtain the plate.

“The Monarch’s amazing migration journey from Mexico through Illinois has been endangered by cli-

mate change, pesticides and habitat loss,” said Sierra Club Chapter Director Jack Darin. “Illinois is a crucial link in saving this part of our natural heritage, and we applaud Secretary Giannoulias for his leadership in cutting through years of red tape to finally give Illinois drivers this option to help with the conservation and recovery of this beautiful species.”

The $10 deposits are allocated to the Roadside Monarch Habitat Fund, which is part of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. If renewed, $23 of the universal special license plate renewal fee will benefit the fund. The Monarch Butterfly, Illinois’ state insect, is considered endangered.

The fund helps foster habitats to support the butterflies during their twice-yearly migratory journey from Mexico to Chicago with a goal to add 150 million new milkweed stems and other nectar resources to the Illinois landscape in the next 15 years.

The Monarch Butterfly plate is available to order at ilsos.gov/monarch or by calling (217) 785-0005.

Three Columbian migrants charged with scamming woman out of more than $20,000 DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Addison Interim Chief of Police Roy Selvik announced that a trio of Columbian migrants have been charged with scamming a woman out of more than $20,000.

Miguel Pena-Gomez, 43; Liliana Nagles-Cuesta, 49; and Angela Posada-Acosta, 45 appeared in First Appearance Court where Judge George Ford denied the state’s motion to deny bail for all three defendants.

All three defendants are charged with one count of theft by deception of $5,000 or more from someone over 60-years-old, a Class 2 felony.

On Nov. 7, officers with the Addison Police Department responded to a call at Caputo’s, located in the 500 block of W. Lake Street, for a report of a theft by deception.

Following an investigation into the matter, it is alleged that a male subject, later identified as Pena-Gomez, approached the victim and asked her for help claiming that he had a winning lottery ticket worth $6 million and that he needed money to collect the winnings.

It is alleged that while they were speaking, Nagles-Cuesta approached them and asked if they needed help and that she speaks Spanish. Nagles-Cues-

The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023 • 11

ta then allegedly pretended to contact lottery authorities to see how much money was necessary to collect the winnings, which she then told the victim was $30,000.

It is alleged that when the victim stated she did not have $30,000, Nagles-Cuesta offered to get money from her account to help. It is further alleged that Nagles-Cuesta left saying she was going to the bank. It is alleged that she returned a short time later and that she, Pena-Gomez, and the victim then got into the victim’s car and drove to the victim’s bank. It is alleged that once at the bank, the victim withdrew $20,143 and then drove back to Caputo’s.

It is further alleged that Nagles-Cuesta then left the victim and Pena-Gomez and told them she was going back to her bank to withdraw more money. A short time later, Pena-Gomez allegedly told the victim that he was not feeling well and asked her to go into the store to get him some medicine. It is alleged the victim went into the store and left the money in the glove compartment of her car and that when she returned, Pena-Gomez took the money and fled.

It is further alleged that Nagles-Cuesta never returned.

It is alleged that Posada-Acosta was present during the incident, acting as a

lookout. The investigation led authorities to Pena-Gomez, Nagles-Cuesta, and Posada-Acosta as suspects. On Nov. 16, the defendants were taken into custody in Crystal Lake without incident.

“It is alleged that these three defendants preyed on an innocent, trusting woman with a good heart, scamming her out of more than $20,000,” Berlin said. “With holiday shopping under way, I fear we may see an increase in this type of con. I urge everyone, please be aware of your surroundings and if approached, do not take people at their word, especially if they are asking you for money. I commend the Addison Police Department for their outstanding efforts in this case as well as the Streamwood and Elmhurst police departments for their assistance.”

“This is a disturbing case involving a group of con artists and their coordinated efforts to steal from someone simply trying to help them,” Selvik said. “We are grateful for the persistent investigative efforts by Addison detectives as well as the Streamwood and Elmhurst police departments.”

The next court appearance for all three defendants is scheduled Dec. 11 for arraignment in front of Judge Mia McPherson.

This Saturday, Nov. 25, is designated as “Small Business Saturday” and shoppers are encouraged to celebrate and support small businesses.

The concept of Small Business Saturday was originally a marketing initiative developed by American Express in 2010, but the very next year – 2011 -- the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) embraced it and has done its part to advance the effort ever since.

Today, Small Business Saturday has become an important part of small businesses’ busiest shopping season.

The SBA reported that American Express commissioned a Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey, the results of which found

that spending among consumers who shopped at independent retailers and restaurants on Small Business Saturday reached an estimated $17.9 billion.

Supporting local businesses isn’t just about helping the owners themselves, though that is certainly a worthy goal. It’s also about supporting local communities. American Express estimates that for every dollar you spend at small retailers, $0.67 stays in the community.

After the Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning, then a huge turkey dinner, followed by shopping all the Black Friday sales, consider spending some time (and money) at the many small businesses you’ll find in a town like Elmhurst.

What men should know about PSA screening Screening tests are important because they can detect potential diseases or health disorders in people without any sign of disease. But what if a screening test does more harm than good?

That’s been the debate about the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test.

The PSA test is a blood test primarily used to screen for prostate cancer.

Doctors use the test to determine whether a man has elevated levels of PSA in his blood. High levels of PSA may indicate the presence of prostate cancer.

The PSA test was originally approved by the Federal Drug Administration in 1986 to monitor the progression of prostate cancer in men who had already been diagnosed with the disease.

Until 2008, some doctors encouraged yearly PSA screenings for men beginning at age 50. Men at high risk of prostate cancer were recommended to have a PSA test even earlier.

So, what’s the big deal about a PSA test?

As researchers learn more about the potential benefits and harms of prostate cancer testing (and the consequences of overdiagnosing), many organizations have begun to discourage the screening, saying it does more harm than good.

Here’s why: Prostate cancer is not an aggressive type of cancer and most men diagnosed with it have a slow-growing form that isn’t fatal, even if left untreated.

Many men with localized prostate cancer will never have problems. At the same time, prostate cancer treatment can have long-term and life-altering side effects.

Here’s where it gets confusing: A PSA test can detect prostate cancer early, but it may not save lives.

It can also give false-positives or false-negatives, causing some men to have additional unnecessary invasive procedures and treatment that can result in urinary and sexual side effects.

To make matters more complicated: If a man has high levels of PSA in his blood, it doesn’t mean he has prostate cancer. Other conditions can elevate PSA level, such as prostatitis.

Also, there is no specific normal or abnormal levels of PSA in a man’s blood since PSA levels can vary over time in the same man.

That said, prostate cancer screenings can help identify cancer early.

An abnormal PSA test and digital rectal exam, combined with further tests (e.g., prostate biopsy, transrectal ultrasound), can help determine whether someone has prostate cancer.

What are the new recommendations?

The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force recommends the decision to have a PSA test be determined between a man and his doctor, and doctors should only order the PSA test for older men between the ages of 55 to 69 after discussing its pros and cons.

Since prostate cancer does not have many signs and symptoms, especially in the early stages, it is important for men to have open discussions with their doctors.

All prostate cancers are not the same, and testing for prostate cancer is often determined by individual risk factors.

12 • Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023 - The Elmhurst Independent

Advocates hail regulatory ‘earthquake’ as state slashes requested gas rate increases Company profits cut; low-income customers set to receive new discounts

By Andrew Adams CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

Regulators at the Illinois Commerce Commission have unanimously approved rate hikes for four major natural gas utilities, but the little-known regulatory body’s decision was perhaps more notable for what it rejected.

The five-member board flexed its regulatory muscle, slashing the utilities’ requested rate increases by as much as 50 percent.

“This was an earthquake in Illinois utility regulation,” Abe Scarr, director of consumer advocacy group Illinois PIRG told Capitol News Illinois after the Nov. 16 meeting.

Scarr and PIRG were among the consumer advocates asking for greater regulatory oversight of the natural gas industry ahead of the requested rate increase from the four utilities that collectively serve 98 percent of Illinois’ gas customers—Nicor Gas, Ameren Illinois, Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas. Rates will still rise next year, but not nearly as much as they would have if the commission had approved the utilities’ initial requests.

The commissioners instead sided with consumer advocates—rejecting several recommendations from the ICC’s own staff—in several key areas, including profit rates, low-income discounts and spending oversight.

Commissioners lowered Ameren’s initial ask by about 50.8 percent and cut Nicor’s request by 30.3 percent.

For Peoples Gas, it was a 25 percent reduction, and for its sister company North Shore, regulators cut the request by 34 percent.

While advocates hailed the ICC’s decisions as a victory, utilities were wary.

“My initial reaction is that I’m concerned,” Matthew Tomc, who oversees regulatory affairs for Ameren Illinois, told Capitol News Illinois.

Tomc said that once Ameren staff fully reviews the ICC decision, they will consider requesting a rehearing to challenge the ICC’s conclusions.

Other companies involved in the cases indicated they were reviewing the decisions.

“Natural gas remains the most affordable energy source for winter-residential heating and is the main fuel source used by manufacturers in Illinois,” Nicor spokesperson Jennifer Golz said in a statement. “Nicor Gas provides an affordable energy source, which is more important now than ever with families facing rising costs for everything. resources as an energy.”

Nicor and Peoples Gas have not released cost estimates under the new rates approved Nov. 16. But downstate Ameren Illinois says costs will remain similar to

last winter, echoing claims made Scarr, a longtime critic of the proby Peoples Gas earlier this year. gram, praised the decision.

“This program was clearly probSpending oversight, lematic, literally since it got startconsumer impacts ed. It stumbled out of the gates and In general, the ICC’s five com- there’s been so many investigations,” missioners reduced the companies’ Scarr said. “For years, decision-makrequests for infrastructure spend- ers have looked the other way, but ing, citing a lack of evidence that they didn’t today and that’s a huge increased rates were necessary to deal.” maintain system safety.

Consumer impacts have been one But the commission was partic- of the most hotly debated elements ularly of one company’s spending of the four concurrent rate cases. Last choices. Peoples Gas, which operates year, the ICC directed utilities to proin the city of Chicago, has been high- pose a new system to offer lower enly criticized for its ongoing system ergy rates for low-income customers. modernization program, which critThese low-income rate designs ics have said is plagued by regular were one of the areas of focus of Karbudget overruns and is often behind en Lusson, a lawyer with the National schedule.

Consumer Law Center who advocatThursday’s ICC decision not only ed for the plan that the ICC eventualreduced Peoples Gas’ overall infra- ly adopted, overruling administrative structure spending request, but it also judges’ recommendations. took a strong oversight step for the “In previous rate case orders, the company’s pipeline replacement pro- commission never specifically asgram. The ICC paused all spending sessed how affordable or unaffordon the program for the next year and able rates are for customers,” Lusson ordered a new ICC investigation into said. the program.

The plan will offer discounts to “We look forward to actively par- those with incomes below three times ticipating in future proceedings and the federal poverty limit, with greatdemonstrating how our energy de- er discounts for those making less livery system is critical to Chicago’s money. Discounts would apply to an clean energy future,” Peoples Gas entire customer bill and would be as spokesperson David Schwartz said high as 83 percent for Peoples Gas in a Thursday statement. “We are customers and 75 percent custompleased the Commission shares our ers of other companies, according to concern about safety.”

Lusson. These discounts are slated to

Independent Elmhurst

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go into effect in October 2024.

Ameren’s Tomc said he was worried about the program’s potential impacts on customers who are not low-income.

Profits slashed The commission lowered the expected rate hikes by leveraging one of its most powerful tools: deciding companies’ profits through their “return on equity” or ROE. Ameren and Nicor both requested ROE rates above 10 percent, while Peoples Gas requested a 9.9 percent figure. But consumer advocates pushed back on those asks. For example, the Citizens Utility Board, one of several groups that argued for lower rates, requested a range centered on 9.5 percent for Ameren and Peoples Gas and 9.4 percent for Nicor.

But in a surprising move, the Commission set rates in the cases at or below that recommendation. Nicor Gas will operate with a 9.51 percent ROE, and Ameren will operate with a 9.44 percent ROE. Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas will operate with a 9.38 percent ROE. Sarah Moskowitz, CUB’s executive director, said the move has both consumer and climate implications.

“They (the ICC) sent a strong message today that they are looking out for the interests of utility customers and understand that we’re going to have to plan for a clean energy transition and that utilities can no longer dodge that issue,” Moskowitz said.

The decisions Nov. 16 also began a process for the state deciding what role natural gas should play in Illinois’ clean energy transition. Each gas company involved in the cases is set to participate in a series of “future of gas” hearings next year that could help shape the industry’s fate in Illinois.

“As the state embarks on a journey toward a 100 percent clean energy economy, the gas system’s operations will not continue to exist in its current form,” ICC Chairman Doug Scott said in a statement. “Identifying how our gas and electric systems can adapt to meet these goals, and what specific actions should be taken to achieve them, will be an important task for the Commission moving forward.”

That statement came a few hours after Scott told utility representatives and advocates that the companies had failed to take that transition into account during the rate cases.

In the Peoples Gas case, for instance, Scott noted that the company “signaled that they are not currently working toward the electrification goals of the state.” He made similar comments about Nicor and Ameren Illinois and cited it as reasoning for cutting some of the companies’ spending.

Climate advocacy groups such as the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition celebrated the decision, issuing a statement that the ICC’s decision indicates “there’s a new sheriff in town.”

The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023 • 13

The Elmhurst Independent

Real Estate/Business

Nov. 23, 2023 •13

Elmhurst Chamber elects officers for 2024 The Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce and Industry Board of Directors elected two officers and approved one appointment for its six-member Executive Committee for 2024 at its regular monthly meeting held at Community Bank of Elmhurst on Tuesday, Nov. 14.

Elected to serve one-year terms on the Executive Committee as follows were: Chair—Colin Dalough, Edward-Elmhurst Health; and First Vice Chair—Angelas Villegas, Lakeside Bank.

The position of Second Vice Chair remains open at this time.

Appointed to serve a one-year term on the Executive Committee as follows was: Treasurer—Ralph Pechanio, Chair SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent of the City of Elmhurst’s Veterans Memorial Commission, former community banker and long-time ChamOutgoing Board Chair Rita Borzym (back turned) gave the oath of office to new Directors elected to ber volunteer.

Dalough, Villegas and Pechanio the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce & Industry Board (ECCI). They are (from left): Andrew Winton, Guarwill be joined on the Executive Comanteed Rate-John Noldan, Christina Danno, Elmhurst University and Doug Davies, Delta-RMS.

ECCI welcomes new Board members

mittee by Immediate Past Chair Rita Borzym, Edward Jones Investments, and ex-officio member John R. Quigley, Chamber president and CEO. Borzym was the 12th female Board Chair in the Chamber’s 105-year history, all of them since 1982, and the 10th serving during Quigley’s tenure.

Dalough has served on the Board since his appointment in 2021 and on the 2023 Executive Committee first as Second Vice Chair and Chair of the Marketing Committee and then as First Vice Chair and Chair of the Membership Committee to fill a vacancy.

The former Director of Government Affairs at the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce, Dalough has been a member of the Governmental Affairs Committee since 2021, when he was appointed to fill a Board vacancy.

Pechanio will serve as Treasurer and Chair of the Ways and Means

See CHAMBER, Page 18

To buy or sell a house call Eva today Eva Sanchez, REALTOR® call or text: (630) 561-8742 email: SeeYourHouse@outlook.com

A licensed REALTOR® for over 25 years

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www.SeeYourHouseRightHere.com

14 • Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023 - The Elmhurst Independent

A Publication of Rock Valley Publishing, LLC

Your Guide to shopping local for the holidays

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023 • 15

Holly Trolley set to roll through the holidays

We are a Rescue and Adoption facility for exotic nonnative birds.

We work with individuals, animal control, police departments and other shelters. We provide the birds shelter, food, medical care and an environment for socialization until they are adopted.

Within one year over 262 birds pass through our shelter. Bird species include but not limited to finches, parakeets, lovebirds, cockatiels, conures, parrots, cockatoos, and macaws.

Our Veterinarian, medical, food (seed, pellets, and fresh fruits, vegetables), utilities, and toy costs increased from last year. We are a 501c3 not-for-profit, a 100% volunteer organization.

Please help our shelter to provide the care needs for all our birds. Please Donate at gccbc.org or Zelle treasurer@gccbc.org. Checks or cash donations are accepted.

Please Adopt do not purchase.

There are a million homeless exotic birds in shelters across the nation.

Reach out to treasurer@gccbc.org with questions.

Volunteers are always welcome.

DONATE HERE ~ DONATE HERE ~ DONATE HERE

DONATE HERE ~ DONATE HERE ~ DONATE HERE

The City of Elmhurst has announced that free Holly Trolley Service will be available on Saturdays from Nov. 25 through Dec. 30. Hours of service will be 12 noon to midnight. Shoppers are invited to hop on, hop off, shop, dine, explore.

The Trolley stops are: 1. York and Park 2. York and Schiller 3. York and Third 4. Second and Addison 5. Cottage Hill and Virginia 6. Spring Road and the Illinois Prairie Path 7. York and Vallette Fun on the trolley will also include special events such as appearances

by Princesses Elsa and Anna, Holiday Carolers, Elmhurst Public Library Storytime, Elmhurst History ARCHIVE PHOTO Elmhurst Independent and more. Be sure to scan the QR Carolers came aboard for a musical ride on the Elmhurst Holly Trolley back in 2019. This year, the City of Elmhurst has promised several Code located inside the trolley to en- special days when characters like Princesses Elsa and Anna will ride along. The Holly Trolley runs every Saturday from Nov. 25 through Dec. ter-to-win a weekly prize 30 from 12 noon to midnight.

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16 • Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023 - The Elmhurst Independent

Happy Holidays from the Bensenville Park District Holiday Events BLACK FRIDAY MEMBER SPECIAL

2-5 p.m. | Sunday, December 3

6 a.m.-2 p.m. | Friday, Nov. 24

Enjoy holiday crafts, bonfire with hot chocolate, treats and more.

Photo taken with Santa.

Holiday lights.

The rest of 2023 free with a full-year 2024 membership!

HOLIDAY ZUMBA & MIMOSA BRUNCH 10:30 a.m. | Saturday, Dec. 23 NEW YEAR ZUMBA BASH 7:30-8:30 p.m. | Friday, Dec. 29

FREE!

Details at WoodStFitness.com

Fischer Farm, 16W680 Old Grand Ave. For more info visit

1000 W. Wood St. Bensenville

Santa Claus is Coming to Town!

BvilleParks.org/FarmsideChristmas

Saturday, Dec. 16 & Sunday, Dec. 17 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | White Pines Golf Club

Breakfast Buffet Photo with Santa Children’s Activities

December 4-8

Visit dates based upon Bensenville Park District neighborhood.

Reservations are required; call (630) 766-0304 ext. 2 Adults: $35, Ages 3-15: $15, Ages 2 and under: free

Register Today at the Deer Grove Leisure Center!

@BvilleParks

500 W. Jefferson St., Bensenville WhitePinesGolf.com

446980

1000 W. Wood St. Bensenville

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023 • 17

‘Joyful Traditions’ returns to Villa Park On Saturday, Dec. 2 from 4-7 p.m., kids of all ages will want to come to the Ruggard Gazebo along the Prairie Path in downtown Villa Park for the Village and the Villa Park Chamber of Commerce present Joyful Traditions.

Santa will be there to pose with you for a photo and photos will be provided compliments of J.W. Reedy. There will be pony rides, a petting zoo, food trucks.

Prairie Path trees are currently available for “adoption.” Your club, organization, Scout troop, family, or neighborhood can sponsor and decorate a tree for the season.

A trolley will be available for stop at St. Nick’s Mart (the library) and the historical museum.

For more information, call 630-8348500.

Stick around Lilacia Park for Jingle Bell Jubilee On Saturday, Dec. 2, after the tree-lighting in Lilacia Park, Jingles, the reindeer, invites you to join the Lombard Park District, Village of Lombard, Lombard Chamber of Commerce, Calvary Church, Lombard Bible Church, Lombard Historical Society, Helen Plum Library, First United Methodist, Brust Funeral Home and Maple Street Chapel to enjoy the sights and sound of the holidays. There will be a complimentary trolley running from 4:30-8:30 p.m.

Please note: that changes to the schedule may occur.

Brust Funeral Home: 2-7 p.m.

Join the Brust family and staff for a heartwarming Holiday Open House Step into the festive spirit with a cup of hot cider and delightful Grandma Brust cookies while little ones can enjoy crafting letters to Santa and view our model train set.

Calvary Church: 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Join Calvary Church for their annual Cookie Walk. Choose your own assortment of homemade cookies and pay by the half-pound.

Helen Plum Library: 4:30-8 p.m.

Get into the Jubilee spirit at the new Helen Plum Library! Enjoy a wintery Photo Booth, Holiday Lights glasses (while supplies last) and appearances by your favorite snowy princesses. Eastwind Vocal Ensemble from Glenbard East will delight you with music at 4:30, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m.

First Methodist Church: 5-6 p.m.

Join us on your way to Lilacia Park as we sing carols on the corner of Maple and Main.

Cookies will be available to enjoy.

First Church of Lombard: 5-8 p.m.

Join the First Church of Lombard inside for a cup of Christmas cider and make a Christmas ornament.

Maple Street Chapel: 5:30-7 p.m.

Sing-a-long with the duo Kilty Pleasure. Be sure to being your beautiful voices to help out the performers!

Lombard Park District/ Village of Lombard: 5:30-8 p.m.

Tree Lighting and Santa’s arrival in Lilacia Park. Enjoy photo opportunities with characters, hot cocoa and cookies.

Lombard Area Chamber of Commerce: 3-8:30 p.m.

Take a stroll through the new Candy Cane Lane Holiday Market located in the Lombard Historical Society courtyard. Co- sponsored by Schiller Real Estate, vendors currently include: Soapy Roads, Illinois Bee Rescue, and Spiritus Coffee.

Lombard Historical Society: 5:45-8:30 p.m.

Treats from Mamie’s Toffee and Treats, Victorian Cottage Tours starting at 5:45pm (tickets available starting at 5pm). The Chicago Carolers from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and face painting from 5:30-7:30pm.

Lombard Bible Church: 6-8 p.m.

Enjoy Glenbard East Honors Orchestra Concerts at 6 and 7 p.m. as well as hot cocoa, cookies, and crafts in the gym from 6-8 p.m.

Please note: event details are subject to change.

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Elmhurst Hospital Holiday events Beginning on Friday, Dec. 1, the Elmhurst Memorial Hospital (EMH) Foundation will begin its annual Love Lights program, featuring the lighting of the Central Garden at Elmhurst Hospital, 155 E. Brush Hill Rd. With a $25 donation, community members can dedicate a Love Light to recognize a caregiver, colleague, volunteer, physician or special person. With a $35 contribution, donors will also receive a commemorative Love Lights ornament. Each light symbolically commemorates a special person who has touched a life, or a loved one who has passed away.

For more information, to purchase Love Lights or to donate to the Love Lights pro-

gram, visit eehealth.org/love-lights or call (331) 221-0388.

The Elmhurst Memorial Hospital (EMH) Foundation will host its 47th Annual Reindeer Route Housewalk on Friday, Dec. 1, from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. The event will feature four homes in Elmhurst and one in Oak Brook decorated for the holidays by local businesses.

Tickets are $50 in advance and can be purchased online at eehealth.org/reindeerwalk.

Tickets are $60 on the day of the event, Dec. 1, and will only be available for purchase at Guaranteed Rate, 115 Adelaide St. in Elmhurst. Tickets will not be available at the featured homes. For more information, visit eehealth.org/reindeerwalk.

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‘Love Lights’ returns; Reindeer Housewalk tickets now on sale

18 • Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023 - The Elmhurst Independent

County Health Department advises patients and their families to be antibiotics-aware Kicking off U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week which is being held Nov. 18-24, DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) joins the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in advising patients and their families to use antibiotics only when necessary to reduce antibiotic resistance, help stop the spread of superbugs, and protect patients from side effects from antibiotics.

During U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week and beyond, CDC and partners promote Be Antibiotics Aware, an educational effort to raise awareness about the importance of safe

• Lawmakers

antibiotic use.

The Be Antibiotics Aware initiative educates the public about when antibiotics are needed, when they are not, how to take antibiotics appropriately, and potential side effects of antibiotics. Patients and their families are advised to use antibiotics only when necessary to reduce antibiotic resistance, help stop the spread of superbugs, and protect patients from side effects from antibiotics. The CDC encourages everyone to: • Know the facts about antibiotics.

Antibiotics can save lives when a pa-

tient needs them. Antibiotics do not treat viruses, like those that cause colds, flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), or COVID-19. Antibiotics are only needed for treating certain infections caused by bacteria. When antibiotics aren’t needed, they won’t help you, and the side effects could still cause harm.

• Ask your healthcare provider about the most appropriate treatment for you or your loved ones’ illness. If antibiotics are not needed, ask about the best way to feel better while your body fights off the virus. Take antibiotics exactly as prescribed if they

are needed.

• Talk with your healthcare provider if you have any questions about your antibiotic or develop any side effects, especially severe diarrhea.

• Do your best to stay healthy and keep others healthy by: cleaning your hands by washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol, covering your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, staying home when sick, o seeking medical care if your symptoms persist/worsen, and getting

recommended vaccines, such as the flu and COVID-19 vaccines.

Antibiotics aren’t always the answer. Everyone can help improve antibiotic use. Improving the way we take antibiotics helps keep us healthy now, helps fight antimicrobial resistance, and ensures that these life-saving antibiotics will be available for future generations.

Patients, families, and healthcare professionals are encouraged to use the educational resources and learn more about Be Antibiotics Aware by visiting: www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/.

nuclear energy “at best, a distraction.” Sierra Club was one of the main advocacy organizations that sought Pritzker’s veto of the previous bill.

While the Sierra Club remained opposed to the updated version of the bill, the Illinois Environmental Council – which co-signed a letter requesting the August veto with the Sierra Club—adopted a neutral position on the new bill before it was approved on Thursday.

Rep. Lilian Jimenez, D-Chicago, was one of the eight House Democrats who voted against the bill. She said that there had not been enough study of the potential drawbacks of SMR development in the state.

“Illinois has plenty of time to assess the risks and costs before opening the door to these projects,” Jimenez said during floor debate. “I believe we should be focusing on that piece before taking this huge

leap and this huge step.”

es and criticism from trading firms.

Still, its leaders say the company will continue with its other projects, which are at various steps of regulation and planning.

“NuScale will continue with our other domestic and international customers to bring our American SMR technology to market and grow the U.S. nuclear manufacturing base,” NuSCale CEO John Hopkins said in a Wednesday news release.

Rezin noted that “there’s a lot to learn” from NuScale’s canceled project, but hopes Illinois’ and other states’ moves to reverse their construction bans will encourage nuclear energy development in the U.S. “If we do not build out this technology with companies that are in the United States, there’s other companies and countries such as Russia that are looking to sell that technology,” she said. “We don’t want that.”

(Continued from page 10)

enhancement, as a potential use of small modular reactors could be to energize large manufacturers, therefore keeping more traditional new sources of energy for residential, small commercial customers and our future [electric vehicle] needs.”

Rezin noted that she is particularly interested in the potential for SMRs to be developed at the sites of former coal plants in Illinois, avoiding the need to build new transmission lines, although that process could take many years.

Because permitting nuclear energy takes many years at the federal level, the earliest a nuclear project could be brought online in Illinois would be in the 2030s.

Environmental, safety issues Critics of the bill and of nuclear power remain worried about its implications.

David Kraft, an outspoken critic of nuclear energy and head of the Chicago-based advocacy group Nuclear Energy Information Service, urged

lawmakers at a Thursday committee meeting to reject the bill.

Kraft said he was concerned about the lack of existing SMR installations and the unproven nature of the technology. While some nuclear reactors of this scale do exist in other countries, no commercial SMRs have ever been built in the United States.

“This isn’t an energy policy, it’s a Las Vegas craps shoot,” he said during the committee hearing.

In a follow-up interview, Kraft said that SMRs bring with them security concerns, as the smaller installations have different staffing requirements than traditional reactors and use a more highly enriched type of uranium. This relative abundance of this uranium, according to Kraft, could incentivize the further proliferation of nuclear weapons.

Some environmentalists also lined up against the bill, worrying that investment in nuclear could take away from investments into renewable energy technology. Sierra Club Illinois chapter director Jack Darin called

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICE CITY OF ELMHURST, ILLINOIS NOTICE OF A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE PROPOSED ANNUAL 2024 BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF ELMHURST, ILLINOIS Notice is hereby given that pursuant to Section 65 ILCS 5/8-2-9.9 of the Illinois Municipal Code, a public hearing will be held at 7:30 P.M. on Monday, December 4, 2023, before the corporate authorities of the City of Elmhurst. This hearing is to give the public an opportunity to provide written and oral comments and to ask questions concerning the proposed annual budget.

The proposed annual budget is available for inspection at City Hall, 209 North York and the Elmhurst Public Library, 125 S. Prospect, Elmhurst, Illinois. The proposed budget can also be accessed on the City’s website at www.elmhurst.org/financialreports. /s/ Amanda Melone____ Amanda Melone, Deputy City Clerk Note: Any person who has a disability requiring a reasonable accommodation to participate in this meeting, should contact Emily Palm, ADA Compliance Officer, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., City of Elmhurst, 209 N. York Street, Elmhurst, IL 60126, or call 630-530-3770,

within a reasonable time before the meeting. Please provide as much notice as possible for sign language interpreting requests.

(Published in The Elmhurst Independent Nov. 23, 2023) 447363 NOTICE CERTIFICATE NO. 79251 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on NOVEMBER 1, 2023, wherein the business firm of UNFILTER’D DESIGNS LOCATED AT 460 W. IRVING PARK ROAD SUITE C-234, BENSENVILLE, IL 60106 was registered; that the true or real name or names of the person or persons owning the business, with their respective post office address(es), is/ are as follows: NAME OF PERSON(S) ISABELLE SCHREINER, HOME ADDRESS 581 JOHN STREET, BENSENVILLE, IL 60106.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 1ST day of NOVEMBER, A.D. 2023.

JEAN KACZMAREK Jean Kaczmarek DuPage County Clerk (OFFICIAL SEAL) (Published in The Elmhurst Independent Nov. 16, 23 & 30, 2023) 447098

• Chamber

Industry issues Since 2016, five other state legislatures have either repealed or weakened their bans on nuclear construction. Counting Illinois, bans on nuclear construction remain on the books in 11 states.

Several of the states that have lifted their bans in recent years have done so to pave the way for SMR technology. But the biggest player in that industry has seen several upsets in recent weeks.

As lawmakers debated the bill, NuScale Power—the only company with a federally approved SMR design—announced that it was canceling its highly watched “Carbon Free Power Project” in Utah, which would have been the first commercial project with a NuScale reactor.

The project’s cancelation comes after months of falling stock pric-

(Continued from page 13)

Committee for a ninth consecutive appointed term.

Borzym was a member of the Membership Committee from 201922 and has served on the Ways and Means Committee since 2022.

Completing her fourth year of service on the Executive Committee was Past Chair Eva Sanchez, Broker with See Your House Right Here @ properties Elmhurst.

Sanchez served as 2022 Board Chair, 2021 First Vice Chair and 2020 Second Vice Chair, and has served on the Membership Committee since her first year as a Director, starting in 2016.

ECCI installs new directors A recently-elected Nominating Committee slate of four candidates officially began three-year terms as members of the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce and Industry Board of Directors at the Board’s recent meeting at Community Bank of Elmhurst.

As sworn in by Outgoing Board Chair Borzym, new Directors with first terms expiring in November of 2026 were as follows: Christina Danno, Elmhurst University; Doug Davies, president of Elmhurst-based Delta RMS; and

Andrew Winton, Guaranteed Rate – John Noldan.

Also elected to a first term was incumbent Director Angela Villegas, Lakeside Bank, who was appointed to fill a Board vacancy in 2022.

Villegas served on the Board’s 2023 Executive Committee as Second Vice Chair and Chair of the Marketing Committee, and will serve on the 2024 Executive Committee as First Vice Chair and Chair of the Membership Committee.

Danno, Davies and Winton will serve of the Board’s Ways and Means, Membership and Marketing committees, respectively, in 2024.

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The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023 • 19

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Oh, most beautiful flower of Mt. Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of heaven, blessed mother of the Son of God. Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. Oh Star of the Sea, help me and show me, herein you are my mother.

Oh, Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth! I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to answer me in this necessity. There are none that can withstand your power. Oh, show me herein you are my mother.

Oh, Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (3x). Holy Mother, I place this cause in your hands (3xs). Sweet Mother, I place this cause in your hands (3x). Holy Spirit, you who solve all problems, light all roads so that I can attain my goal, you who gave me divine gift to forgive and forget all evil against me, and that in all instances in my life you are with me. I want in this short prayer to thank you for all things as you confirm once again that I never want to be separated from you in eternal glory.

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20 • Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023 - The Elmhurst Independent

Community calendar

Pick of the Week Thursday, Nov. 23 The 40th annual Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot steps off on Thanksgiving morning in downtown Elmhurst. The time to register is now because Thanksgiving is upon us! Sign up now at dangibbonsturkeytrot.org.

Then…

Have a Happy Thanksgiving Holiday from the Elmhurst Independent.

Elmhurst

Independent

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Friday, Dec. 1 • From 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., the Elmhurst Memorial Hospital (EMH) Foundation will host its 47th Annual Reindeer Route Housewalk.

Tickets are $50 in advance and can be purchased online at eehealth.org/ reindeerwalk. Tickets are $60 on the day of the event and will only be available for purchase at Guaranteed Rate, 115 Adelaide St. in Elmhurst. Tickets will NOT be available at the featured homes.

• The Elmhurst Memorial Hos-

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Receive a free eSubscription of your hometown newspaper For a free weekly eSubscription emailed to any Elmhurst resident or business, sign up at: rockvalleyenews.com For a free print subscription delivered to any Elmhurst residence or business, sign up at: rockvalleydigital.com

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2. York and Schiller pital (EMH) Foundation will mark 3. York and Third the beginning of the holiday season 4. Second and Addison on Friday, Dec. 1, with its annu5. Cottage Hill and Virginia al Love Lights program, featuring 6. Spring Road and the Illinois the lighting of the Central Garden at Elmhurst Hospital, 155 E. Brush Prairie Path 7. York and Vallette Hill Rd. To purchase a Love Light, please visit eehealth.org/love-lights Elmhurst History Museum or call (331) 221-0388.

The museum’s latest exhibit is Lost Chicagoland Department Saturday, Dec. 2 • At 1 p.m., in partnership with Stores. Admission to the Museum is Istituto Italiano di Cultura, art his- always free, although some events torian and Professor of Fine Arts at carry a fee.

New York University Christine Poggi (Ph.D.) discusses Picasso and her Elmhurst Art Museum The exhibition Picasso: Fifbook, In Defiance of Painting: Cubism, Futurism, and the Invention of ty Years Later is open, remaining Collage at the Elmhurst Art Muse- through Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024.

Elmhurst Artist’s Guild’s current um. Info: elmhurstartmuseum.org or show entitled “Blue,” is currently 630-834-0202. on display, remaining through Saturday, Dec. 2.

Saturday, Dec. 9 In addition, there is a new exhibit • At 6 p.m., the Spring Road Business Association (SRBA) invites the in the McCormick House entitled, public to the Spring Road Gazebo “Seasons Creep Under a Shading next to the Illinois Prairie Path for Tree.” Five artists came togeththe first Christmas tree-lighting cer- er to create works that take nature emony in Elmhurst. Enjoy Christ- into consideration from the vantage mas Carols, hot chocolate and cook- point of a McCormick House resiies while we wait for Santa Claus to dent. Info: elmhurstartistsguild.org arrive on an Elmhurst fire engine. or elmhurstartmuseum.org or 630The Christmas Tree will be lit after 834-0202.

Santa arrives. Bring your camera to get a photo with ol’ St. Nick in the Gazebo, then see Reindeer on Parade, as decorated reindeer will be on display in front of every business up and down Spring Road, sponsored by the local merchants. EnSecond-grade Brownie Troop joy an old-fashioned sleigh ride (or wagon ride, in the event there is no 56608 of Conrad Fischer Elementary School will be creating an inter-genersnow). Info: visit springroad.com.

• At 7 p.m., jazz comes to the ational force for good in early DecemMusic@Bethel concert series with ber, when the girls join members of a performance by the Alyssa All- the American Association of Univergood Quartet. Reception will fol- sity Women (AAUW) Elmhurst Area low. Bethel Church is located at Branch to donate items and assemble 315 East St. Charles Rd. Tickets are snack packs for recently-arrived asy$25 available on Eventbrite or at the lum seekers at the Greyhound bus stadoor. Students are free. Parking is tion in downtown Chicago.

Local Scouts and AAUW volunfree; church is fully accessible. Info: teers will assemble snack bags for (630) 279-4040.

Chicago-area refugees in the Kossmann room of the Elmhurst Public LiSaturday, Dec. 16 From 1 – 4 p.m. the Elmhurst Art brary on Friday, Dec. 8 from 5-6 p.m.

Museum’s annual Family Day: Hol- There are 13 Brownie Scouts in Troop iday Party kicks off this year with 56608, which is co-led by Dr. Amy hands-on art activities inspired by Lippert and Officer Melissa Jones of Picasso: Fifty Years Later, as well as the Franklin Park Police department, hot cocoa, cookies, and a visit from both of whom are Fischer moms.

The effort was organized by BetSanta. Families are invited to visit the exhibition and make holiday ty Laliberte, who leads the Elmhurst cards inspired by Picasso’s cubist AAUW “Half the Sky” Group, which techniques and colorful paintings. studies and addresses women’s issues Info: elmhurstartmuseum.org or locally and around the world. The group name refers to the Chinese prov630-834-0202. erb that translates as follows: “Women hold up half the sky; Sunday, Dec. 17 so if the sky is falling, At 3 p.m., Elmhurst Choral Union ask yourself why.”

(ECU) will present Handel’s MesFor about two years now, Betty has siah at Hammerschmidt Chapel on the campus of Elmhurst University. already been coordinating the assemTickets are $25 for adults, $15 for bly and delivery of hundreds of snack youth up to 12 and can be purchased packs, as well as a number of clothing online at elmhurstchoralunion.org/ donations for immigrants coming into tickets or at the door the day of the Chicago. The Conrad Fischer Girl Scouts are proud to team up with her concert. group to learn about and support refugee kids and families.

Saturdays from Nov. 25-Dec. The snack packs are distributed 30 Free Holly Trolley Service will be through the Interfaith Community for available on Saturdays for holiday Detained Immigrants (ICDI) and the shopping. Hours of service will be Chicago Immigrant Transit Assistance (CITA) Program.

12 noon to midnight.

For more information, visit aauwelThe Trolley stops are: mhurst.org.

1. York and Park

The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023 • 21

The Elmhurst Independent

Sports

Nov. 23, 2023 • 21

York football loses in Class 8A state semifinals Kroy girls cross country club third at Nike Midwest Championships

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

The York football team’s banner run ended for a second year in a row in the Class 8A state semifinals.

The Dukes dropped a 23-14 decision to Loyola Academy in Wilmette to close out their 2023 season. It was a rematch of the 2022 state semifinals, which Loyola won 30-3.

York was the No. 5 seed in the 32team Class 8A state bracket, while Loyola was the No. 1 seed.

The Ramblers (13-0) face Lincoln-Way East (13-0), the No. 2 seed, for the state championship Saturday at 7 p.m. at Hancock Stadium on the campus of Illinois State University in Normal.

York led 14-3 in the second quar-

ter, but Loyola came back to take a 16-14 lead at halftime. Loyola added a touchdown in the third quarter.

The Dukes’ last three playoff games were all decided by nine points or less. York beat Lyons Township by a field goal in the second round and No. 4 seed Edwardsville by a touchdown in the quarterfinals York finished the season 11-2 and posted a 23-3 record over the last two seasons.

Dukes quarterback Sean Winton threw two touchdown passes to account for both of York’s scores. The Dukes had 272 yards of total offense (216 passing, 56 rushing), while Loyola had 182 passing yards and 167 rushing yards (349 yards of total offense).

York Football in Elite Company

Number of Class 8A state semifinal appearances in the last 10 full seasons: Loyola Academy 8 Lincoln-Way East 5 Chicago Marist 5 Glenbard West 3 Maine South 3 York 2 Chicago Brother Rice 2 Palatine 2 Stevenson 2 Talking Point: Only nine teams in the state of Illinois have made the 8A state semifinals more than once in the last 10 full seasons (not counting the COVID-19 2020 year).

Experience abounds for IC Catholic Prep boys basketball team Knights prepare for first season in Chicago Catholic League

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

There will be no shortage of experience on the IC Catholic Prep boys basketball team this winter. Coach TJ Tyrrell’s squad returns plenty of it from a 2022-2023 group that went 23-9 overall and took second in the Metro Suburban Blue with a 9-3 mark.

Back for Tyrrell (in his 12th season as head coach and 22nd in the program) are senior guards Jake Gallagher, Aidan Johnson and Matthew Karsten, along with junior guard-forward Andrew Hill and senior guard Adrian Tapia. Karsten, a point guard, currently is injured and as of late last week was expected to be shelved for three weeks, Tyrrell noted.

The Knights will also be without senior JP Schmidt, who was injured during the football season and will miss the entire basketball season.

“That’s a big loss for us, especially defensively and leadership-wise,” Tyrrell said.

Key newcomers include junior guard-forward Danny Fromelt, junior guard Jordan Hall and junior guard Matthew Sloan. “We graduated some key leaders for us from last year’s team and a lot of size, so compared to last year we are under-sized,” Tyrrell said.

“We have made some adjustments to utilize our strengths which is our quickness, our ability to attack the basket and the ability to knock down catchand-shoot 3s. With the key guys returning, we have some great learners in

our seniors, who are very experienced.

Jake, Aiden, and Matthew have been up on varsity since they were sophomores and the fourth, Adrian Tapia, is probably our highest basketball IQ in the program. He picks up stuff so fast and is like another coach. He’s an outstanding student of the game.”

Gallagher was an all-conference pick last year. “I’m really excited for Jake,” Tyrrell said. “He had a strong year last year and put in a lot of time getting bigger, faster and stronger. He’s spent a lot of time on his game.”

Tyrrell also is looking for big things out of Hill. “Andrew Hill was more of a role guy last year as a sophomore,” the coach explained. “He will be one of our key contributors. He’s the biggest guy on the team at 6-5 and is a stretchtype player. He can play inside and out, does a nice job shooting outside as well as taking it in strong. We are expecting a breakout year for him.”

Tyrrell said Johnson also will be a key in the ball distribution department.

“Aiden Johnson is a playmaker and a facilitator,” he said. “He’s come a long way. He had some good experience as a sophomore and junior, and now is taking more of a leadership role. He’s heavily embraced the playmaker role.”

Also on the injury front, ICCP, in addition to Karsten’s temporary absence, will also be without junior Luke Wojcik, who is injured as well. “Matthew Karsten being out hurts,” Tyrrell said.

“Luke is injured as well, and we’ll

miss him. He gives us a presence on the inside and with his toughness. We will miss him.”

As Tyrrell noted, those injuries mean others will have the opportunity to step up and contribute. “It gives others the opportunity to step up and solidify roles,” he said. “We have a solid core of committed program players. We didn’t get any big-name transfers like you see other transfers going around at the high school level. This is a program that is built on toughness, commitment, and a high level of execution.”

ICCP will be part of the Chicago Catholic League for the first time this season. The Knights are in the CCL White Division along with Marmion, St. Laurence, Providence Catholic, St. Francis, Montini, Providence St. Mel, Aurora Central and St. Francis de Sales. “We’re in a new conference and probably the toughest private school conference in the state,” Tyrrell said.

“There are a lot of basketball powerhouses we will be facing. Several are ranked in the preseason. We’ll play everybody in our division once and then the top six in the other division. We’ll get some good tests to toughen us up and get us ready for the Class 2A playoffs.”

The Knights are in the midst of the Coal City tournament this week with their first three games against Peotone, Manteno and Beecher and then a crossover game on Saturday to close things out.

York girls cross country Members of the York girls cross country team, running under the Kroy club banner, recently competed at the Nike Midwest Championships held at the LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course in Terre Haute, Indiana.

Kroy took third as a team with 148 points, finishing behind the Downers North XC Club (second place, 138 points) and the Prospect XC club, which won the regional with 125 points.

York senior Margaret Owens finished 43rd with a time of 18:12, while senior Michaela Quinn was 47th with a time of 18:13. Senior Katherine Klimek was 55th in 18:19. Senior Anna McGrail took 75th with a time of

18:30 and sophomore Maggie Quinn was 86th with a time of 18:35 to round out the Kroy scoring. Sophia Galiano-Sanchez, a sophomore, was 95th with a time of 18:40 and sophomore GiGi Hill finished in 142nd place with a time of 19:07. York’s top five runners averaged 18:21 for three miles.

According to the Nike Cross Nationals website, the top two place-finishers in each regional (in this case Prospect and Downers North) earn an automatic bid to the national event in Portland, Oregon Dec. 2 at Glendoveer Golf Course.

In placing third in Terre Haute, Kroy will move into a pool of clubs receiving consideration for advancing to NXN in Portland as an at-large qualifier.

Keizer, Bill lead the way for Timothy Christian boys basketball team Trojans opened play this week at Downers North tournament

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

Timothy Christian boys basketball coach Scott Plaisier has plenty to be excited about. The Trojans return a number of key players from last year’s team that went 8-23 and finished their final season in the Metro Suburban Conference with a 2-12 mark.

Heading up that list is senior Alex Keizer (guard-wing), now a three-year varsity starter. “Alex ended the year pretty strong,” Plaisier pointed out. “He was scoring the ball really well at the end of the year.

We are looking for him to continue that side of it. Alex rounded out his offensive game over the offseason. He always could shoot it but now he has a nice mid-range game with some post-up stuff. We’re looking for good things out of Alex.”

Also back is 6-7 senior post player Thon Bill. “Thon had a nice offseason. He put on some good muscle mass and really worked hard on his ability to spot up and shoot and on back to the basket moves,” Plaisier said. “We’re hoping for good things from Thon as well.”

Senior Stephen Hribal (guard-wing) also put in time during the offseason, Plaisier noted. “Stephen is another one of the guys who had a really good offseason. He worked on his shot and ballhandling. He is going to play a ton for us and do a lot of good things. He also put on some good muscle.”

Sophomore Marc Gamble Jr. (wing) played on the varsity as a freshman toward the end of the year. “Marc’s grown a little bit and filled out and has improved,” Plaisier said.

Junior Ryan McKenzie started as a sophomore this year and will play the point guard-off guard positions. Key newcomers to the team include Christian Friend and Tanner Roemmich who were on the team last year as juniors but did not see a lot of time. Both play the point and off guard positions. Plaisier said Eliot Foy, who played on the sophomore team last year, should give the Trojans good minutes as a wing.

“We should be able to get some pretty balanced scoring out of this group,” Plaisier said. “I would think Alex would kind of lead the charge. Thon should get us some baskets and Marc can score it.

Stephen can score it. Offensively we are quite a bit more potent than we were last year. Last year, if we didn’t hold a team under 40 points, we had a hard time winning a basketball game. This year, we have a

See BASKETBALL, Page 22

22 • Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023 - The Elmhurst Independent The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, July 16, 2020 • 19

Things looking bright for York boys basketball team Dukes roster filled with veteran presence; Levine commits to Penn

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

The York boys basketball team took its lumps so to speak a year ago.

The Dukes finished 13-18 overall and 3-9 in the tough West Suburban Conference Silver Division. A year later, coach Mike Dunn returns seven seniors and many key contributors from that team who have that varsity experience and have made strides in the offseason.

Senior point guard AJ Levine is back and recently committed to Ivy League school Penn. Shooting guard-wing Kyle Waltz also returns.

He was the team’s second-leading scorer last year. Three-year varsity starter Braden Richardson, a post player, returns as well and was in the top three along with Levine and Waltz in terms of scoring a year ago.

Senior Brendan Molis, a stretch “4” player, was hurt half of last season but is back and ready roll, Dunn said.

Ryan Pechous, a guard-forward, also is back.

Key newcomers include senior 6-6 wing Max Burnison, who was on the team last year but did not log a lot of minutes. Dunn said the Dukes will have an influx of juniors coming

in from the Class 8A state semifinal football team — among that group are Eddy Sica and Connor Fitzgerald. “Both of them will help us,” Dunn said. Sophomore Hunter Stepanek, a 6-6 sophomore post player, also is a key addition.

“We have experience,” Dunn said.

“I think the attitude has changed and we’re ready to take the next step as a group here. That was the big thing we talked about. We had a nice summer.

If you look at the live period, and the summer league and the tournaments, we did well and we competed. We challenged them in the offseason.

These guys want to have a good senior season. With that experience, a lot of kids know the system well on offense and defense. We keep getting better. A lot of hard work has been put in on the court and in the weight room, and they are anxious to show it off.”

Dunn said Downers Grove North, a Class 4A state semifinalist last year (finished fourth), is the favorite going into the season. “They have some guys back,” he said. “The West Suburban Silver absolutely is tough. It always has been, and it always will be tough every game.”

York is in the midst of the Palatine Thanksgiving tournament. The Dukes will play Algonquin Jacobs, Glenbrook South, Palatine and Stevenson there. “Glenbrook South is a top 20 team and Stevenson is in the top 25,” Dunn said. “We will be challenged right away.”

Dunn added he’s thrilled that Levine will be able to continue his basketball and education careers at Ivy Leaguer Penn. “He has really worked hard, and the hard work has paid off,” he said. “To get into a school like that, he has to be doing something right in the classroom.”

Timothy Christian girls basketball team starts year off with two wins Drye hits 11 threes in first two games

man Elisabeth Van Den Berg had 11 points, while sophomore Maria Pozdol-Niego had seven points. Senior Taylor Parker had six points and freshman Anneke Lemkuil had five points. Drye hit five 3-pointers in the game.

Van Den Berg had 10 rebounds,

By Mike Miazga while senior Andrea Stob had five CORRESPONDENT rebounds. Pozdol-Niego had three The Timothy Christian girls bas- assists and Parker had four steals. ketball team wasted no time getting Timothy had 15 steals in the game. into the win column to start the sea- Timothy shot 41 percent from the son. The young Trojans were 2-0 field. after a pair of wins over Chesterton In a 52-36 win over Niles North to Academy of the Holy Family and kick off the Timothy-ICCP ThanksNiles North. giving tournament, Drye had 24 In a 57-44 win over Lisle-based points, while Van Den Berg had 12 Chesterton, Timothy led 14-10 after points. the first quarter and 29-20 at halfPozdol-Niego finished with nine time. The Trojans used an 18-7 run points. The Trojans shot 45 percent in the third quarter to pull away. “We from the field. Drye hit six 3-pointcreated a lot of chaos with our press,” ers in the game, while Pozdol-Niego Timothy coach Jill Groenewold said. wasCHRIS FOX PHOTO Elmhurst 3-for-4 from the freeIndependent throw line.

“We played solid defense which I “Sami’s 3s set us up early with a was very happy with.” good tone,” Groenewold said.

Junior Sami Drye fires led the Tro- during Parker had seven Anthony Bucolo a pitch a recent U12rebounds, baseballwhile jans with 19 points, while fresh- Van Den Berg had six rebounds. game.

U12 baseball action

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Pozdol-Niego had four assists and five steals. Parker led the team with seven steals. The Trojans had 18 steals in the game.

“I would say we are celebrating,” Groenewold said. “We’re celebrating the little things this year and a victory is one way to celebrate. We still have miles to go, and they know that, but it’s nice to celebrate when you can and these two games are definitely reasons to celebrate.”

The Trojans lost six starters from last year’s team, including four starters. “It’s a rebuilding year,” Groenewold said.

“We are really young.” Timothy kicked off the season with two seniors, two juniors and the rest of the roster comprised of sophomores and

• Basketball

freshmen.

“A lot of coaches say this, but these girls work very hard,” Groenewold said. “We know we are young and it’s going to take a while to get a feel of what we are trying to do. They push themselves and they really like each other. They hold each other accountable and soak up everything we give them. Myself and coach Drye are very pleased.”

Groenewold liked the way freshman Van Den Berg played out of the gates, which included a double-double against Chesterton. “She’s our center and played pretty strong in the first two games,” she said.

Parker, Groenewold said, has been a huge factor on the defensive end.

“Taylor is doing great defensively,

and she is a very good leader on the floor,” she said. “She’s playing really solid defense.”

Timothy also will tackle its first year in the new Chicagoland Christian Conference that stretches as far south as Kankakee and as far north as Woodstock. “It will be interesting.

There is a lot of travel,” Groenewold said.

“We will be pretty competitive with the teams we are playing, which will make for very good games in both the boys and girls divisions.

What’s nice is we are playing other small, religious private schools like us. We’re looking forward to it.”

Timothy continues play in the Timothy-ICCP tournament this week.

(Continued from page 21)

little more leeway with our defense, which isn’t a knock. We are going to defend as best as we can and we will score it a little better this year, which makes it easier that way. Overall, our offense has improved quite a bit from where we were at last year. That’s the biggest jump. We re-dedicated ourselves to the weight room. A lot of these guys got significantly stronger and that will translate into us being a little more physical on the defensive side and keeping guys out of the lane and forcing teams to take a tough jump shot with hands in their face. It will help us on the

glass. That extra strength helps us do all that. The two combined together (offensive improvement and strength improvement) should keep us in basketball games and let us compete at a pretty high level.”

Timothy begins its first year in the Chicagoland Christian Conference. “It’s a really good basketball conference,” Plaisier said. “Aurora Christian has a really nice team and so does Wheaton Academy. Christ the King has a nice team and Chicago Hope has a nice team. St. Ed’s has a nice team coming back. It will be a battle every night. There are a lot of really good coaches in the

conference. Every night you better come ready to play or you will take one on the chin pretty easy. It will be a fun conference with a little more travel involved than in years past. Every night will be a lot of fun.”

Timothy is in the midst of the Downers Grove North tournament.

The Trojans will play Metea Valley, Von Steuben, Downers Grove North and Lombard College Prep.

Plaisier believes one of their games will be bumped to next Monday due to Downers North playing in the Class 7A state football championship game Saturday in Normal.

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proudly presents proudly presents

YORK HIGH SCHOOL PLAYER OF THE WEEK YORK HIGH SCHOOL PLAYER OF THE WEEK YORK FOOTBALL TEAM GIGI BARR Hats off YORK to the York football team for reaching the GIRLS VOLLEYBALL

Class 8A state semifinals for a second year in a row.

Barr was the recipient of the 2019-2020 York Val Cothern York finished 11-2 this season and 12-1 last season, junior female athlete of the year award. Barr went over the establishing themselves as a power in the state’s 1,000-career kill threshold last fall for the Dukes girls volleytoughest football classification.

ball team and still has a season to add to that total.

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The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023 • 23

SUBMITTED PHOTOS Elmhurst Independent

EGC holds annual Designs and Exhibits workshop

Elmhurst Garden Club (EGC) member Joyce Murphy demonstrates floral arrangement techniques during the EGC’s Designs and Exhibits workshop at the Ray Graham Association Elmhurst ComMembers Georgia Dolan and Joanne Carlson work together to finish up a pumpkin floral centerpiece munity Learning Center. at the EGC’s annual Designs and Exhibits workshop, held each year just before Thanksgiving.

Those who attended the Elmhurst Garden Club’s annual Designs and Exhibits work- Dolan, Sue Pingitore, Fran Moran, Karyn Arnold, Louellen Rossi, Lynn Dowiarz, Jill shop at the Ray Graham Association included (from left): Marilyn Arado, Georgia Johnston, MariLee Kurdas, Pat O’Dwyer, Joyce Murphy, Joanne Carlson.

24 • Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023 - The Elmhurst Independent

Elmhurst Public Library programs Friday, Nov. 24 from 2-4 p.m.

Friday Features: Fast X Enjoy an afternoon at the movies. Find each week’s featured film at elmlib.org/Friday. No registration needed.

Saturday, Nov. 25 from 10 a.m.-noon Canasta Join us for a friendly game of Canasta every week. Prior experience is required. Live in-person. No registration needed.

Tuesday, Nov. 28 from 1-3 p.m.

Bridge and Pinochle Club Enjoy an afternoon of card games every week. Prior experience is required. Live in-person. No registration required.

Wednesday, Nov. 29 from 10 a.m.-noon American Mah Jongg Gather for this game of skill, strategy, calculation, and a certain amount of chance. Prior experience is required. Live in-person. No registration required.

Wednesday, Nov. 29 from 7-8 p.m.

So You Want to Buy an Electric Car? Go on a deep dive into the pros and cons of electric vehicles and how to purchase and maintain one. Presented with Cool Cities. Live in-person with a virtual presenter and on Zoom. Registration required.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

EU Psychology Club holds food drive

On Tuesday, Nov. 7, the Elmhurst University Psychology Club delivered eight boxes of food, toiletries and paper products to the York Township Food Pantry. Pictured are (from left): food pantry director Angela Tanner, Psychology Club vice president Tala Yacoub and president Nicoletta Boik, who organized the month-long food drive with the club members as a way to give back to the community.

Thursday, Nov. 30 from 7-8 p.m.

1893 Cold Storage Fire at the World’s Fair On July 10, 1893, the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago was rocked by a devastating fire at the Cold Storage Building. It was the largest single loss of firefighters in Chicago’s history to that point. Learn about the tragedy, heroism, and surprising discovery surrounding this event. Live in-person and on Zoom. Registration required.

Friday, Dec. 1 from 2-4 p.m.

Friday Features Enjoy an afternoon at the movies. Find each week’s featured film at elmlib.org/Friday. No registration needed.

For more information about any of the above programs, call (630) 2798696 or visit elmlib.org/events.

Athletes of the Month Crystina Lee & Jane Carter The Timothy Christian Girls’ Tennis team wrapped up a record-breaking season with the duo of seniors Crystina Lee and Jane Carter taking 2nd at State.

Making this feat more remarkable is the fact that both players are primarily singles players and had only played four matches together before sectionals. The duo swept through Sectionals and dominated opponents through the first four matches at State. The semi’s were much tougher and they fought back from a 5-7 first set loss to defeat Dunlap High School (the largest class A school with 1340 students) 6-4, 6-1 in the final two sets. The finals pitted Timothy vs Benet, who were the number one seeded team. Timothy lost a hard fought battle to an experienced tandem who had played over 50 matches together the past two years.

This is the highest finish in school history in tennis. Congratulations Jane and Crystina — you worked very hard to earn this result.

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The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023 • 25

26 • Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023 - The Elmhurst Independent

DuPAGE DESTINATIONS

Your Dining & Entertainment Guide to the Western Suburbs

Can’t-miss events in and around DuPage County Editor’s note: If you have information on an event in DuPage County taking place that you would like us to consider listing here, please email that information to: news1@rvpublishing.com

Route 53, Lisle, celebrate the holidays at the 11th annual Illumination: Tree Lights. Exciting new features and immersive installations will delight all ages along a new path that is fully ADA compliant and accessible to all. Gather family and friends to explore 50 acres of the Arboretum’s majestic trees during this one-ofa-kind spectacle of color, light, and sound featuring dazzling new displays as well as returning favorites. Please note: Tickets are limited and advance purchase is strongly recommended. Ticket prices: $7-$19 for members; $13$24 for nonmembers. For more information, visit: https://mortonarb.org/explore/activities/ exhibitions/illumination.

Ongoing North Suburban Carvers meetings The North Suburban Carvers meet on the first and third Mondays of each month at the Wood Dale Public Library from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Anyone interested in carving, power carving, wood burning or special finishing techniques is welcome. North Suburban Carvers is a non-profit organization that promotes carving in the Chicago area. For more information, visit: northsurburbancarvers.com.

Now through Jan. 7 .org/calendar.aspx.

Winter Lights at Central Park Oak Brook Now through Jan. 6 Recurring daily from 4:30-9:30 p.m. at CenIllumination: Tree Lights at the Morton tral Park, 1510 Forest Gate Road, Oak Brook, Arboretum, Lisle enjoy a half mile walk through beautifully lit Recurring daily at the Arboretum, 4100 Central Park. Discover dancing trees, inspira-

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tional signs, colorful rainbow arches, cascading snowflakes, and musical hearts throughout this scenic walk. There will be photo opportunities throughout the walk. Inclusive and accessible. Anyone can walk or roll through the light show on our paved pathways. Dogs are allowed on a leash. Admission: Free. For more information, visit: www.obparks.org/ special-events/winter-lights-central-park.

Friday, Nov. 24 Holiday walk and tree lighting Glen Ellyn From 5-8 p.m. in downtown Glen Ellyn, Main Street and Crescent Avenue, celebrate the holiday season as the downtown area comes alive with twinkling lights, decorated storefront windows, the sounds of Christmas and Santa lighting the Christmas tree. Gather around the tree at 5 p.m. At 6 p.m., Santa begins walking from the fire station. The tree lighting takes place at 6:30 p.m. Pictures with Santa is from 7-8 p.m. at the fire house.

Admission: Free. For more information, visit: www.glenellynchamber.com/holiday.

celebrating the frosty spirit of winter. Enjoy some holiday cheer when you take selfies in Santa’s sleigh or in the giant snow globe. Take a mule-drawn wagon ride around the park.

Stroll along the pathway and be enchanted by all the twinkling lights on the community decorated Christmas trees. The Green Valley Dog Sled Drivers and their rescue Huskies will be demonstrating dog sledding on the baseball field. There will be a flurry of outdoor fun and games for everyone. Admission: Free. For more information, visit: www.westmontparks.org/event/snow-much-fun-2023.

Saturday, Dec. 2 Jingle Bell Jubilee at Lilacia Park and holiday lights Lombard Starting at 5:30 p.m. at the park, 150 S. Park Ave., Jingle Bell Jubilee is an annual community-wide holiday event. Come and see beautiful holiday lights, meet Santa, hear stories, listen to carolers, drink hot cocoa, and much more. The tree lighting occurs at 5:30 p.m. Holiday lights will be on display daily through Jan. 1 from 4:30-10 p.m. Admission: Free. For more information, visit: https://lomWednesday, Nov. 29 Third annual Light Up the Drake Tree bardparks.com/jubilee.

Lighting Tree lighting at City Hall Oak Brook Wood Dale From 4-5:30 p.m. at The Drake Oak Brook, From 3-5 p.m. at City Hall, 404 N. Wood Autograph Collection, 2301 York Road, Oak Brook, ’tis is the season for holiday music and Dale Road, the city will host its annual tree a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Celebrate lighting event. The evening will begin at 3 with complimentary hot chocolate and holi- p.m. Everyone is invited to visit with Sanday treats. Guests are encouraged to bring a ta and try seasonal treats and holiday crafts. non-perishable food item to be donated to a The evening closes with fireworks at 5 p.m. local food pantry of Oak Brook Terrace. Ad- Portions of the event will take place outside. mission: Free. For more information, visit: Please dress for the weather. Each visitor www.thedrakeoakbrookhotel.com/tree-light- will receive a coupon for 10 percent off a participating Wood Dale restaurant. Admising-celebration.htm. sion: Free. For more information, visit: www. wooddale.com.

Friday, Dec. 1 Christmas tree lighting Frosty Fest Addison West Chicago Beginning at 5 p.m. at 1 Friendship Plaza, From 4-7 p.m. in downtown West Chicajoin the Village of Addison for its tree lighting event at Addison Village Green. 5-9 p.m.: go, 475 Main St., join the community in the train rides in the Village Green, Holiday Craft downtown area for the city’s annual Frosty Fair, hot chocolate by Kiwanis Club, popcorn Fest event that starts out with the Frosty Fest

by Knights of Columbus, Historical Museum Procession and the official West Chicago Open House, food from Barbara’s Polish Deli; tree lighting ceremony. Visitors can expect 5-7 p.m.: Visits with Santa in the Gazebo; to enjoy activities such as horse-drawn trol6:30-7:30 p.m.: The Caroling Connection per- ley rides, and also get a visit with Santa and form in the Century House; 7 p.m.: caroling Mrs. Claus. The first 500 guests will receive by school groups in the Village Green; 7:45- 3D Frosty glasses. Admission: Free. For more 8:45 p.m.: The Caroling Connection perform information, visit: https://westchicago.org/ in the Century House; 8 p.m.: Tree lighting. frosty-fest.

Admission: Free. For more information, visit: Lights of Lisle www.ithappensinaddison.com/event_details/ Visit downtown Lisle to join in holiday trachristmas_tree_lighting_367. dition and share the merriment. Mr. and Mrs. Claus will greet visitors to the Museums at Snow Much Fun Lisle Station Park; there will be a Santa PaWestmont From 5-8 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park, rade, holiday crafts, hot chocolate, the annual 55 E. Richmond St., whether there is snow or See EVENTS, Page 27 no snow, you are bound to have a fun time

The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023 • 27

ILC hosts a visit from St. Nikolaus

St. Nikolaus will show up at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Elmhurst on Sunday, Dec. 3, in a program led by the Elmhurst Harmonie, a German-language chorus that is the oldest continuous community organization in Elmhurst.

The family-friendly, fun-for-all-ages program will include Christmas carols (in both German and English) before St. Nikolaus and his trouble-making sidekick Knecht Ruprecht appear to give treats to good little girls and boys. He will also tell how the 4th-century Greek bishop gradually morphed into the character we know as Santa Claus today.

There will be cookies and hot chocolate afterwards.

The program begins at 6 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran, 142 E. Third St., just east of Elmhurst City Hall. The program is free, and there will be a free-will offering. You do not have to be German, or understand German, to enjoy this program (some are sung in English)! But you may gain an understanding of the many Christmas customs that came to America with German immigrants.

Elmhurst Harmonie began with the Elmhurst Maennerchor in 1894, was briefly discontinued and began again in 1907 and has continued the tradition of the Gesangverein, or singing club, which was very popular among the numerous German immigrants to Illinois and other areas. In SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent 1936, a Damenchor, or ladies’ chorus, was added and in 2019, the two These youngsters are all decked-out in holiday dress and adornments in anticipation of a visit from choruses merged to form Harmonie. It draws people who like to sing St. Nikolaus at Immanuel Lutheran Church. Old St. Nick is scheduled to appear at ILC again this year on from a wide suburban area and always welcomes new singers. They reSunday, Dec. 3 at 6 p.m. in a program led by Elmhurst Harmonie, a German-language chorus. For infor- hearse on Monday nights 6:30 at the Elks Lodge on St. Charles Rd. For mation, visit elmhurstharmonie.com. info, visit elmhurstharmonie.com.

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Your Dining & Entertainment Guide to the Western Suburbs MamaMariasElmhurst.com Merry on Main downtown business event, and a gathering near Village Hall for the annual tree lighting ceremony. Luminaria displayed throughout downtown Lisle will light the way starting at 3 p.m., which combined with these events will help set the festive atmosphere throughout downtown Lisle.

The Santa Parade gets under way at 4:30 p.m., followed by the tree lighting ceremony at 5 p.m. Admission: Free.

For more information, visit: www.villageoflisle.org/271/Lights-of-Lisle.

Roselle Winterfest From 2-5 p.m. in downtown Roselle, E. Main St. and Roselle Road, presented by the Village of Roselle, Roselle Winterfest will feature strolling carolers, food trucks, an ice sculpture, trolley stops along Main Street, the lighting of the community tree, and more. Come to the Municipal Campus on Prospect Street to kick off the holiday season with live entertainment, kids’ activities, food trucks, and more.

Admission: Free. For more information, visit: www.roselle.il.us/425/ Roselle-Winterfest.

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(Continued from page 26)

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28 • Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023 - The Elmhurst Independent

The Community Bank Business Team

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1 9 9 3

30

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Community Bank of Elmhurst

330 W. Butterfield - 133 N. York (630)782-1234 - www.communityelmhurst.com Member FDIC 445380