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1 • Thursday, Dec. 23, 2021 - The Elmhurst Independent

Independent Elmhurst

179 S. Route 83

at St. Charles Rd.)

630-516-1030

Elmhurst’s Locally Owned and Operated Hometown Newspaper

VOL. 20 • NO. 1

WWW.THEINDEPENDENTNEWSPAPERS.COM

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TAKE ONE

THURSDAY, DEC. 23, 2021

Mask mandates continue to be issue for D205 School Board

By Chris Fox

Speaker at public forum shouted down for no mask

FOR THE ELMHURST INDEPENDENT

The Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205 Board held a regular meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 14 at the District 205 Center, 162 S. York St. All seven board members attended the meeting, which was the board’s final meeting of 2021.

The board recognized two winners of the Illinois Council for Exceptional Children’s “Yes, I Can”

Awards at the beginning of the meeting. Paul Rosland and Franco Bibbiano, received the awards. Rosland is a student at the district’s Bridges Transition Center. Bibbiano, who is now a freshman at York High School, previously attended Bryan Middle School. The board also recognized Danielle Mitchell, a special education teacher at Hawthorne Middle School, who was recognized by the Council for Exceptional Children

as an exceptional educator who has shown a passion, dedication and commitment to making a difference in the lives of the students they teach.

(Photos of the two students appeared in the Nov. 25th edition of the Elmhurst Independent.)

minutes allowed during recent meetings. The board also used a random generator to determine the order of speakers. The public-participation segment included comments from about 20 speakers. Several of the speakers stated their support of the district’s teachers and curriculum.

Public forum turns to shouting A few of the speakers encouraged The board allowed for up to 45 the board to take action against the minutes for public comments during state’s mask mandate for students. the Dec. 14 meeting, up from 30 One of those speakers stated that

prolonged masking is not benign and that numerous schools around the country are mask-optional.

One of the speakers during the public-participation segment was not wearing a mask. As he began to speak, several of the people in the audience told him to put a mask on.

Board president Kara Caforio said the board understood that not ev-

See MASK, Page 13

Suspect charged with attempting to disarm Elmhurst officer

Also faces felony counts of battery, resisting, stolen vehicle attempt

On Thursday, Dec. 16, DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Elmhurst Chief of Police Michael Ruth announced that bond had been set for an Elgin man charged with beating a police officer and attempting to steal his service weapon and patrol vehicle. Alexander Speweik, 34, appeared at a bond hearing, where Judge Brian Telander set bond at $200,000 with 10% to apply. Speweik has been charged with one count of Attempting to Disarm a Police Officer (Class 2 Felony), one count of Aggravated Battery to a Police Officer (Class 2 Felony), one count of Attempt Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle (Class 3 Felony) and two counts of Resisting a Police Officer (Class 4 Felony).

On Wednesday, Dec. 15, at ap-

See SUSPECT, Page 5

KIMBERLY FELTEN PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

Marine visits local preschool

U.S. Marine Ian Morser visited preschoolers at Bethel Learning Center in Elmhurst recently to thank them for sharing their Halloween candy with soldiers who are away from their families during holidays and special occasions. The 3- to 5-year-olds beamed big smiles under their masks when Morser told them how grateful he and his fellow soldiers feel, thanks to the preschoolers’ kindness.

Inside:

Discover all that IC Catholic Prep has to offer where students are encouraged to learn, lead, and serve throughout high school and beyond. iccatholicprep.org (630) 530-3460

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Police Reports...........6 Sports ��������������� 17-18 Viewpoint..............8-9 Classifieds..............16

Postal Customer **ecrwss

2 • Thursday, Dec. 23, 2021 - The Elmhurst Independent

holidays HAPPY

From Our Family To Yours

York Street

Save $200

409526

917 South York Street • Elmhurst, IL 60126

917 S. York Street Elmhurst, IL 60126

The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Dec. 23, 2021 • 3

Police investigating shots fired on N. Elm Elmhurst police are investigating shots fired at a vehicle in the 300 block of N. Elm. According to a release issued by the City of Elmhurst on behalf of Police Chief Michael Ruth, on Friday, Dec. 17 at 12:30 a.m., a resident in the 400 block of Emery saw a male, described as being medium build wearing dark clothing and a hood covering his head walking around a parked car in the driveway.

The suspect jumped into a waiting newer-model black BMW or

Mercedes-Benz SUV and left the area.

The resident discovered his glovebox open and entered his car and began to follow the suspect. In the 300 block of Elm a passenger of the black SUV fired five shots at the victim’s automobile.

The suspect vehicle was last seen traveling southbound on Elm. Anyone with information or video of the events are asked to contact the Elmhurst Police Department at 630-530-3050.

Seasons Greetings We wish you and loved ones the best in health, love, peace and prosperity always.

We’ve had another challenging year in lots of ways. Challenges push us to bring out the best in us, or the worst in us. It all depends on how we process them in our thinking and how we act to gain from them.

We are all concerned about the environment and the pollution that our life style has created. We should be mindful of our surroundings and the environment we live in and which sustains us. At the same time we should also be mindful of the pollution we feed in our bodies and in our brains. We are what we consume, the air we breathe, the food we eat, the things we read, watch and listen to and the folks we hang around with. All this and more makes us who we are and we need to be mindful and selective in how open minded we want to be. We always have the choice and freedom to be who we want to be.

In this coming year 2022 we hope and pray for good health for all. We have learned that nothing else matters without good health.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

Tranzact donates over 300 Christmas gifts

On Tuesday, Dec. 7, HR director Linda Richardson and executive assistant Sherry Klemm, representing TranzAct Technologies, Inc., located at 360 West Butterfield Road in Elmhurst, paid their annual visit to York Township Hall loaded with boxes full of more than 300 toys, games and books for York Township residents in need this holiday season. The items will be distributed to the children of York Township Food Pantry client families through the pantry’s “Adopt a Family for Christmas” program. Pictured are (from left): Food Pantry director Angela Tanner, Klemm, Richardson and York Township supervisor John W. Valle.

Community Bank of Elmhurst Est. 1993

Member FDIC

We thank you for supporting us through our challenging times and being the job creators for all who work with us.

We have learned that we might look different, we might have different opinions, we might belong to different religions and beliefs, but the underlying force that sustains us and drives us, is the life source that binds us as one.

When we recognize this all else falls in line.

Thank you for being part of our journey.

From all of us at Mehta Motors and My Car Wash 409808

CBE Presents: ‘HOLI-DAZE’ 25!

Community Bank of Elmhurst will launch a new holiday tradition this year with 25 ‘Holi-Daze’ window displays at our Elmhurst City Centre location at 133 N. York Street. On each of the first 25 days of December, a new window display item will be revealed with a corresponding local charity. Each day’s revealed item will be posted in a short video on Facebook. For every ‘share’ of the day’s post, CBE will donate $1 to the corresponding charity, up to $100 maximum per charity.

Please like or follow Community Bank of Elmhurst on Facebook in order to see each day’s reveal and share the posts to maximize each charity’s donation.

And check out the display in person by visiting Elmhurst’s City Centre!

(630)782-1234 - www.communityelmhurst.com

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330 W. Butterfield - 133 N. York

4 • Thursday, Dec. 23, 2021 - 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

KATHLEEN HILLSMAN PHOTOS Elmhurst Independent

Parishioners await the beginning of IC’s dedication and Mass on Dec. 11 in the newly-renovated Sacred Heart Chapel, where the new paint and the stained glass windows are clear and visible.

E-mail: Advertising Department: ads1@rvpublishing.com News Department: Independent@rvpublishing.com Classified Department: Classifieds@rvpublishing.com

Administration: Dee Longfellow News Coordinator 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.

Reprints:

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.

Postmaster: Please send address changes to: THE ELMHURST INDEPENDENT 240 N. West Avenue, Elmhurst, IL. 60126

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Monday-Friday 11am-3pm

IC rededicates Sacred Heart Chapel 20 clergy throughout Diocese attend special ceremony

On Saturday, Dec. 11, the Immaculate Conception Church community welcomed Bishop Ronald A. Hicks, the bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Joliet, to celebrate the dedication liturgy in the parish’s newly-renovated Sacred Heart Chapel.

The project, which was interrupted in 2020 when the global pandemic struck, involved significant fundraising, planning, and design. The church facility that initially stood at the corner of York and Arthur Streets in Elmhurst burned to the ground in a tragic fire in 1946. A new parish center building was built in 1960 when the building’s chapel on the main floor was dedicated to the Sacred Heart as the first Mass was celebrated there that year.

For the past 60 years, the building, including the gymnasium on the second floor and the gathering space on the lower level, has served IC parishioners as they celebrated Baptisms, First Communions, Confirmations, graduations, weddings and funerals, as well as Christmas, Easter, and daily and weekend Masses. In 2013, IC’s Church, a smaller worship space, located next door on the first floor of the IC Grade School building, enjoyed a significant renovation to restore much of its original beauty. That renovation project, funded by parishioners, included the installation of stained glass windows depicting the 12 Apostles of Christ.

Upon the completion of the church renovation, the parish’s attention turned to the parish center, a much larger building. In need of significant refreshment, the entire building was not even accessible to those challenged with mobility issues. It was determined that the installation of an elevator would provide access for all parishioners to the three floors

A reception in Monsignor Plunkett of the building. In addition, a renew- for their generosity and commitment al of the Sacred Heart Chapel would toward their parish. He emphasized Hall, in the lower level of the buildprovide a more updated, technically that IC’s worship in the Sacred Heart ing, was held after the historic Mass. outfitted, and beautiful place for pa- Chapel should always leave parish- The remaining Masses that weekend ioners with a desire to go out and were all held in the Sacred Heart rishioners to worship.

Chapel and receptions also followed.

After significant funds were raised serve their neighbors in need. via a parish capital campaign, work on the parish center building began during the summer of 2019.

When the pandemic struck in early 2020, work was temporarily halted.

Thankfully, after months of waiting, work resumed on the project and it was completed in time for the dedication liturgy on Saturday, Dec. 11.

IC pastor, Very Reverend Thomas L. Paul, V.F. in coordination with a committee of parishioners, established a vision for the Sacred Heart Chapel that creatively incorporated much of the marble and materials used when the space was originally designed. The artistic talents of Daprato Rigali Studios of Chicago were invaluable in the intricate painting work and the creation of new stained glass windows for the space. Members of the Rigali family were recognized by Father Tom Paul at the dedication Mass.

Bishop Ronald Hicks was joined at IC on Saturday, Dec. 11 by approximately 20 other priests and deacons from the Diocese of Joliet. Several of the priests attending had served as Parochial Vicars at IC in the past.

The celebration included the consecration of the altar by Bishop Hicks.

Members of IC parish processed into the Sacred Heart Chapel and presented Bishop Hicks with holy oil, a crucifix, and a cloth for the new IC Pastor, Father Tom Paul individually recognized the many indialtar as well as candles and flowers viduals who held critical roles in the completion of the Sacred Heart to adorn the sanctuary. Bishop Hicks Chapel Renewal Project at IC. Bishop Ronald A. Hicks, the bishop commended IC’s Pastor, Father Tom of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Joliet, took part in the service, Paul, on his creative vision for the which was attended by approximately 20 other priests and deacons chapel. He also congratulated the pa- from the Diocese of Joliet. Several of the priests in attendance had rishioners of Immaculate Conception served as Parochial Vicars at IC in the past.

The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Dec. 23, 2021 • 5

Obituaries Joann Brand Ogdon Joann Brand Ogdon passed away peacefully in her sleep at home on December 7.

She was born July 13, 1930 in Chicago to Louis and Helen Brand. She relocated often during her childhood years and attended 14 schools before graduating from Oak Park High School in 1948.

After graduation, she matriculated at Blackburn College for one year with a focus in journalism and then transferred to Knox College in Galesburg, where she met her husband, Frank Coleman Ogdon. They were married in 1950. In 1955 they purchased their first and only home together in Glen Ellyn. Their home went through several renovations and was a special gathering place for birthday events, treasure hunts, neighborhood parties and holidays for almost 25 years.

During that time Joann also worked as an interviewer for Leo Burnett Advertising and as an administrative assistant for several real estate companies in Glen Ellyn. They moved to Wood Dale in the late ‘70s, enjoying condo living and retirement. During those years she and Coleman also traveled the country, visiting 46 of the 48 contiguous states. Joann then moved to Park Place of Elmhurst in 2012 shortly after her husband passed away, where she was an active member of the community, including volunteering at the gift shop, singing in the community chorus (as a tenor), participating in bridge, ping

family in Amherst, Wisc., on Dec. 14, 2021. She was born on Oct. 28, 1924, in Salford, England, to the late David and Elsie Mills. While serving in the British Woman’s Army Corps in Naples, Italy, during World War II, she met the love of her life the late Joseph Ducci Jr. After the war, she came to America and they were married on Sept. 27, 1947. Margaret became a proud American citizen and raised her family in Chicago, Bellwood, and Elmhurst. She was an avid reader, gardener, lover of crossword puzzles and Jeopardy!, a traveler and volunteer in both community and church activities. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her growing family.

She will be sadly missed by daughters, Glenda (late Robert) McMurray of Sarasota, Fla.,, Janet Marchese of St. Charles, and Joanne (Philip) Holzer of Tomahawk, Wisc.; grandchildren, David (Kristen) Ducci, Michele (Noah) Utecht, Michael McMurray, and Gianna (Timothy) Green; and beloved great grandchildren, Faith, Lily Margaret, Eva, Chloe Utecht, and Kennett Ducci. She is also survived by her sister, Vera Schifferdecker, many nieces, nephews and friends. She is preceded in death by her brother, William Mills.

A funeral service was held on Wednesday, Dec. 22 at Yorkfield Presbyterian Church. Interment at Glen Oaks Cemetery, Hillside. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Yorkfield Presbyterian Church or a charity of your choice.

Margaret Ducci, 97 A few of Margaret’s favorites were Margaret Ducci, née Mills, 97, the American Heart Association, died peacefully surrounded by her Habitat for Humanity, and the VFW. For info, 630-834-3515 or www.ElmhurstFH.com.

Tonya Daniels has been named the new District 205 Executive Director of Communications and Community Relations, effective December 6, 2021. Daniels replaces Beverly Redmond, who left District 205 in September after over three years in the role.

“I’m honored and overjoyed to be a part of District 205,” Daniels said. “I look forward to sharing the many inspiring stories of our students Tonya Daniels and schools while ensuring that District 205 is effectively communicating and connecting with all families, students and staff.”

Daniels spent the last five and a half years as the Director of Marketing and Communications for the City of Miami Beach, where she also previously served as the Marketing, Tourism and Development Manager and the Development Coordinator. She has considerable experience in crisis communication, strategic marketing and communication campaigns and media relations. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Marketing from Northern Illinois University, as well as a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Rockford University.

“I am elated to welcome Mrs. Daniels as a key member of my team,” said Superintendent Dr. Keisha Campbell. “I know that her extensive background in directing strategic communications, targeted outreach and coalition building will be a key component to successfully prioritize connection, communication and cultivation of positive relationships across our entire school community.”

The District 205 Board of Education approved the hire of Daniels at the December 14 BOE meeting.

(Continued from front page)

“

Day in and day out, our law enforcement officers face a dangerous uncertainty every time they put on their badge.”

– Robert Berlin, DuPage County State’s Attorney

is unlike any other. Any encounter an officer may have, even when they are trying to help someone as in this case, may turn physical at any moment. I commend the officer involved in this incident not only for his willingness to help someone he believed was in need, but also for denying Speweik’s attempt to gain control of his firearm.

We are all very grateful he was not seriously injured.”

Speweik’s next court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 21 for status.

Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant’s guilt.

Vision and Learning A Visual problem can restrict a child’s ability to learn. Because a child typically does not complain of symptoms such as blurry vision or poor eye-hand coordination, it is important for parents to schedule routine eye health examinations for their children. If your child sits close to the TV or holds materials close to read, they may have an underlying visual problem. Also, if your son or daughter doesn’t like to read, skips lines, or has to use their finger while reading, it may be an indicator of a muscle imbalance.

Please call to schedule an appointment so we can ensure that there is nothing visually that will inhibit their learning ability.

We will check the visual system to make sure they see well, use their eyes together correctly, and can focus quickly and accurately at different distances. Visit our website at skowroneyecare.com for more information. At SKOWRON EYE CARE, our mission is your child’s vision.

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proximately 2:09 a.m., an officer on patrol with the Elmhurst Police Department observed a pedestrian, later identified as Speweik, on the roadway walking alone. The officer got out of his vehicle to check on Speweik’s well-being. After speaking with Speweik, the officer offered to drive him to the police station where his mother was going to pick him up.

It is alleged that at this time, Speweik entered the driver’s seat of the officer’s vehicle, which was running in lockout mode (meaning it could not be driven) and shut the door behind him. At this time, the officer opened the squad car door and removed Speweik from the vehicle. It is alleged that Speweik resisted the officer, knocked the officer to the ground and got on top of the officer, pressing his knee into the officer’s head. It is further alleged that Speweik placed his hand on the officer’s firearm and attempted to take the firearm from the officer but was unable to. It is further alleged that Speweik struck the officer multiple times causing a laceration to his head. Another officer with the Elmhurst Police Department arrived at the scene and tased Speweik. It is alleged that Speweik resisted both officers as they attempted to place him in handcuffs.

“Day in and day out, our law enforcement officers face a dangerous uncertainty every time they put on their badge,” Berlin said. “Their job

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pong and book clubs.

Joann was also an accomplished seamstress, knitter and crocheter, providing all of the grandchildren with Halloween costumes and special keepsakes that will be cherished forever. Her love for reading and writing afforded her the opportunity to stay abreast of literature and current events as well as sharpening her subtle wit which provided all of us with levity and honest self-reflection.

She adored her husband, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, but always had time for her friends and neighbors and found the best in everyone!

Joann is survived by her three children; Cole (Kathy), Cathy (Larry) and Dave (Gail). She has seven grandchildren; Jon (Katie), Ben (Claire), Justine (Charlie), Claire (Guthrie), Charlie, Steven and Rachel. And five great granddaughters; Betsy, June, Eleanor, Ada and Amelia.

We love you Mom, Grandma, Great Grandma, Friend. And thanks for showing us how to live life!

Services will be held at a later date. Donations in her honor can be made to the Wilder Park Conservatory through the People for Elmhurst Parks Foundation online at pep@ epd.org or by check to PEP at P.O. Box 1303, Elmhurst, IL 60126, noting “conservatory donation;” or, give to your favorite charity. For more information, visit www.cremationsociety.com.

District 205 names new director of communications and community relations

6 • Thursday, Dec. 23, 2021 - 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.

Battery Dec. 15 Daniel R. Schaul, 42, of Elmhurst, was issued a citation for battery in the 700 block of Indiana at 6:46 p.m. A victim told police he is an Amazon driver, and while making a delivery, he parked his delivery truck in front of the suspect’s house. According to police, Schaul became angry and knocked the victim’s hat off of his head.

Alexander J. Speweik, 34, of Elgin, was charged with two counts of resisting a police officer causing injury, aggravated battery to a police officer, attempting to disarm a police officer, and attempted vehicle theft near Emory and North at 2:09 a.m. Police said while an officer was on patrol, the officer made contact with the suspect on the side of the road and offered him a ride. The suspect attempted to steal the officer’s patrol vehicle, forced the officer to the ground, jumped on top of him, and tried to remove the officer’s service pistol.

(See story on page 1)

Criminal damage, criminal trespass Dec. 15 Police said an officer responded to the Illinois Prairie Path and Berkley at 2:09 a.m. for the report of a stop sign down. The stop sign at the northwest corner of the intersection was broken off at the base of the post and did not appear to have been struck by a vehicle. Public Works was notified.

Dec. 10 Police said a complainant reported two unknown suspects were seen engraving their names on newly-poured concrete in the 100 block of N. Robert Palmer at 10:06 a.m.

Domestic battery, domestic incident, disorderly conduct Dec. 13 Police said officers responded to the 700 block of W. Lake at 8:32 p.m. for the report of a domestic battery. The reporting officer met with the complainant who stated the suspect battered him. The victim did not wish to pursue charges and did not want to provide a statement to officers. The reporting officer attempted to contact the suspect but was met with negative results. Case pending investigation.

Dec. 9 A 46-year-old Elmhurst man was charged with domestic battery in the 300 block of N. Indiana at 9:16 a.m. Police said a reporting officer met with the victim who reported the suspect grabbed her and pushed her backward.

DUI, transportation of open alcohol, possession of open alcohol Dec. 12 Jalen A. Horton, 27, of Oak Park, was

CALL 800-222-TIPS charged with DUI, resisting arrest, unlawful possession of cannabis by a driver and possession of open alcohol near Route 83 and Riverside at 3:20 a.m.

Kevin T. Johnson, 58, of Downers Grove, was charged with DUI, Improper Lane Usage, Failure to Reduce Speed to Avoid an Accident and no insurance near Roosevelt and Butterfield at 3;39 a.m.

Dec. 10 Jessica Bacon, 25, of Park Ridge, was charged with DUI, improper lane usage and driving too fast for conditions near Lake and Route 83 at 7:58 p.m.

Ivan Martinez, 35, of Arlington Heights, was charged with DUI near North and Myrtle at 1:40 a.m.

Fleeing, eluding

According to information provided last week by the Elmhurst Police Department, police reported two incidents of fleeing and eluding in which drivers of a vehicle or a motorcycle reportedly fled after a traffic stop was conducted.

Dec. 10 Marion Hampton, 24, of Joliet, was charged with aggravated fleeing and eluding, speeding, improper lane usage and no insurance near Route 83 and Roosevelt at 3:13 a.m.

Harassment, threats Dec. 13 Police said two clerks employed with the City of Elmhurst have received multiple offensive telephone calls from a suspect complaining of poor service. The reporting officer spoke with the suspect, who apologized for the way he spoke with staff and stated there would no problems in the future.

Possession of cannabis, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance

Dec. 14 Cedric S. Brooks, 28, of Carol Stream, was issued citations for no valid registration, unlawful possession of cannabis by a driver, tinted windows and no insurance subsequent to a traffic stop near York and Roosevelt at 9:53 a.m.

Abigail M. Hart, 18, of Lombard, was cited for possession of adult use cannabis by a person under 21, while Christian Houser, 18, of Addison, was cited for possession of adult use cannabis by a person under 21 and consumption of alcohol by a minor in the 100 block of Addison at 11:25 p.m.

Dec. 11 Ramon H. Perez, 49, of Villa Park, was charged with possession of a controlled sub-

stance, DUI-drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia, no valid driver’s license, improper lane usage and no insurance near North and Maple at 2 p.m. Police said Perez was found to be driving under the influence of drugs and was in possession of heroin and a straw containing suspect heroin.

Dec. 4-Dec. 6 Theft of vehicle parts was reported in the 500 block of W. Grand. Police said a reporting officer met with the victim who reported sometime over the past weekend an unknown suspect(s) cut the catalytic converter from his vehicle.

Dec. 10 Nathan Gurecki, 21, of Elmhurst, was charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of cannabis, speeding, expired registration and no insurance subsequent to a traffic stop near North and York at 2:18 a.m.

Nov. 23-Dec. 6 Identity theft was reported at a church in the 300 block of W. Eggleston. A complainant told police that she received an email from who she thought was an employee requesting to change their direct deposit information. The unknown suspect completed a direct deposit form and emailed it to the complainant who changed the direct deposit information for the employee into the account number provided by the suspect. The complainant later learned the email was fraudulent and immediately contacted their bank.

Possession of cannabis in a vehicle

According to information provided last week by the Elmhurst Police Department, Bianca G. Davis, 33, of Calumet Park; Miguel A. Rocha, 26, of Berkeley; Scott Zradicka, 23, of Lindenhurst; and Walid Bouchama, 23, of Chicago, were issued citations for possession of cannabis in a vehicle.

Suspicious circumstances Dec. 10 Police said a reporting officer located a victim in the 100 block of W. Park at 9 p.m. who appeared to be highly intoxicated. The victim reported while walking down the stairs, he lost his balance and fell to the ground, striking his head on the pavement. The victim sustained an injury and transported by medics to Elmhurst Hospital for treatment.

Theft or burglary/identity theft/fraud/forgery/ deceptive practice/ obstruction/robbery Dec. 1-Dec. 15 Identity theft was reported in the 100 block of Joanne Way. A victim told police that an unknown suspect(s) used his personal information to open a fraudulent Verizon Wireless account sometime between the above dates.

The account has been frozen.

Dec. 12 Burglary to a vehicle was reported in the 300 block of N. Route 83 at 8:17 a.m. A victim told police that an unknown suspect broke a window on her vehicle and removed a black backpack containing her daughter’s school issued laptop computer and several schoolbooks.

Theft was reported in the 100 block of E. Schiller at 4:56 p.m. A victim told police that she possibly dropped her wallet while at a store. The victim later learned two of her credit cards were used at Wal-Mart and Macy’s in Oak Brook. Further investigation is pending.

Dec. 10 Forgery was reported in the 700 block of N. York at 12:13 p.m. A complainant reported that an unknown suspect(s) altered a check and made it payable to him/herself. The victim contacted his bank and was able to stop the payment. An investigation is pending.

Dec. 9 Theft of vehicle parts was reported in the 500 block of W. Grand at 3:45 p.m. A complainant told police that upon reviewing video footage, he observed an unknown suspect remove the catalytic converter from a Mitsubishi Outlander which was parked in their lot.

Dec. 1-Dec. 2 Identity theft was reported in the 900 block of S. Chatham. A victim told police that an unknown suspect stole three personal checks from a U.S. Postal Service mailbox in Villa Park sometime between the above dates. The victim advised the checks were stolen, washed (having dollar amount and payee changed), and fraudulently cashed against his bank account.

Nov. 26 Identity theft was reported in the 600 block of S. Washington at 11:09 a.m. A victim told police that an unknown suspect used the victim’s personal information to make unauthorized purchases via the internet. The suspect used the victim’s credit card information to make six purchases. The victim contacted Amazon and Citi card to report the fraud.

Warrant arrest

Dec. 13 Police said Omar Perez, 22, of Berkeley, was found to have two warrants from the DuPage County Sheriff’s Office subsequent to a traffic stop on a vehicle that was reported stolen near North and Addison at 8:49 p.m.

Perez was charged with possession of a stolen vehicle, driving while license suspended and driving without head lights.

Student accused of posting threatening messages on Instagram directed at Willowbrook High School

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Villa Park Chief of Police Michael Rivas announced that a Willowbrook High School student has been accused of posting threatening messages on social media directed at the school.

The juvenile, a 15-year-old male who lives in Villa Park, appeared at a detention hearing where Judge Anthony Coco ordered that he be released to the custody of his mother. He has been charged with one count of disorderly conduct, a Class 4 felony.

On Dec. 14, the Villa Park Police Department received a call from the Willowbrook High School liaison officer regarding a threat of violence directed at the school. The alleged threat was brought to the attention of school authorities by students at the school.

An investigation into the matter alleges that the juvenile made an Instagram post that read “Friday this bitch gonna sound like a party.” It is alleged that the juvenile made an additional post that read “I’m shooting up the school”

See STUDENT, Page 7

The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Dec. 23, 2021 • 7

Villa Park man sentenced to 10 years for gunrunning DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert B. Berlin has announced that a Villa Park man accused of illegally selling multiple guns on four separate occasions to under- Bruce Berrier cover police officers has been sentenced to 10 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

Bruce Berrier, 22, appeared in

court t in front of Judge Jeffrey MacKay, who handed down the sentence.

On July 2, Berrier entered a plea of guilty to one count of gunrunning, a Class 1 felony.

On Dec. 4, 2020, Berrier appeared in bond court where bond was set at $300,000 with 10 percent to apply.

He has remained in custody at the DuPage County Jail since that time.

Through the course of an ongoing investigation conducted by the North Central Narcotics Task Force into illegal activities, Berrier was identi-

fied as a suspect in the illegal selling of guns in DuPage County.

On Sept. 28, 2020, an undercover officer contacted Berrier through Snapchat about purchasing a gun from him.

The agent subsequently met with Berrier and purchased a .22 caliber firearm and multiple rounds of ammunition from him.

On three more occasions, the final being on Nov. 24, 2020, the agent purchased three additional firearms and ammunition from Berrier.

The illegal sales of the firearms

took place in Roselle and Hanover Park. On Dec. 3, 2020, authorities executed a search warrant at Berrier’s home. He was taken into custody at this time.

“Armed violence continues to plague our communities causing citizens to live in fear of becoming the next victim of a violent crime,” Berlin said.

“More often than not, the guns used in these crimes are illegally obtained from people such as Mr. Berrier, who seek to line their own pockets at the expense of our communities’

safety. Thankfully, the weapons Mr. Berrier sold did not make it into the hands of those who would use them to commit violent crimes.

“I commend the ongoing, pro-active work of the North Central Narcotics Task Force into illegal gun sales. While we will never know for sure, their work on this case may have prevented a tragedy from occurring.”

Berrier will be required to serve 75 percent of his sentence before being eligible for parole.

Jury finds man guilty of sexual assault/robbery of college student DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert B. Berlin and Kane County State’s Attorney Jamie Mosser announced that a jury has found Justin Dalcollo, 37, with a last Justin Dalcollo known address in Nicholasville, Ky., guilty of the abduction, sexual assault and armed robbery of a female college student in March, 2019.

The jury returned their verdict after deliberating for approximately two hours following a five-day-long trial in front of Judge Ann Celine O’Hallaren Walsh. In all, the jury found Dalcollo guilty of six counts of aggravated criminal sexual assault (Class X felony), one count of armed robbery (Class X felony), one count of aggravated kidnapping (Class X felony) and two counts of unlawful

use of a weapon by a felon (Class 2 felony).

On March 22, 2019, at approximately 3:30 p.m., the victim, who was home from college on spring break, was getting into her car in the parking lot at Bloomingdale Court Mall in the 300 block of W. Army Trail Road, when Dalcollo approached her and forced his way into her car at gunpoint. Dalcollo then ordered the woman to drive to a bank in Glendale Heights and forced her to withdraw $300 from her debit card for him. He then forced her to drive to numerous locations in Hanover Park and Bartlett ultimately parking the car in a parking garage at the Grand Victoria Casino in Elgin where Dalcollo sexually assaulted her.

Following the sexual assault, Dalcollo ordered the victim to drive to a convenience store in Elgin and accompany him as he went inside. He then ordered the woman to call a cab

for him from her cell phone and drive him to the Elgin train station, where the cab picked him up. The victim then went to a hospital where she reported the sexual assault.

An investigation led by the Bloomingdale Police Department, with assistance from other agencies, led to Dalcollo who was taken into custody the following day in Chicago. On March 25, 2019, Dalcollo appeared in Bond Court where Judge George Bakalis denied bail. He has been held in custody at the DuPage County Jail since that time.

“The jury’s verdict in this case confirms what we have been known all along, that Justin Dalcollo abducted, sexually assaulted and robbed at gunpoint an innocent young woman who had returned home from school to enjoy spring break with family and friends,” Berlin said. “But instead of enjoying her time at home, the victim was terrorized, physically and emotionally, by Mr. Dalcollo. I

commend the victim in this case for the incredible strength and courage she showed in facing her attacker in open court.”

Dalcollo’s next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 7 for return of the Pre-sentence Report. He faces a sen-

tence of up to 135 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

The successful prosecution of Dalcollo was the result of a joint effort between the Kane County and DuPage County State’s Attorney’s offices.

• Student

(Continued from page 6) with an emoji of the number 100. foremost, I commend the students An investigation into the posts led at Willowbrook High School for authorities to the juvenile who was alerting authorities to the alleged posts. I thank authorities at Wiltaken into custody later that day.

“For the second time this week lowbrook High School for contact(referring to last week), a juvenile ing law enforcement as well as the appeared before a judge charged Villa Park Police Department for with making a threat to a school,” their quick response in this case.”

“We will continue to take any and Berlin said. “These threats are not harmless jokes or an excuse all threats concerning our schools to blow off steam. They have a seriously and hold those accountchilling effect not just on students, able for stoking fear in our commuteachers and staff, but also on par- nity,” Rivas said. “I want to thank ents, siblings and the community as Willowbrook High School for their continued dedication to student a whole.

“I cannot stress this enough: my safety and for our great working reoffice takes any threat of violence lationship. I also want to thank our aimed at a school very seriously detectives, officers and the DuPage attendance, e-material circulation, and anyone suspected of making County State’s Attorney’s Office public computer use and Wi-Fi ses- such a threat will be investigated for bringing this incident to a quick sions per capita—and ranks the best and charged accordingly. First and peaceful resolution.” performing libraries within budget categories. Elmhurst Public Library placed in the top ten nationwide in the $5-9.9M category, with notably high visits and public internet computer users per capita. For more information about Elmhurst Public Library’s five-star status and the full article from Library Journal, visit elmlib.org/stars.

Elmhurst Library receives 5-star ranking from Library Journal customer service, innovative offerings, and meeting people’s needs and expectations carries on,” said Mary Beth Harper, director. “Our high marks are a reflection of a community that values and uses their Library.

It is wonderful to be recognized for our efforts for the fifth year in a row and we thank our community for making us a vital part of Elmhurst.”

Library Journal reviews public library data reported to the government—visits, checkouts, program

312 E. St. Charles Rd., Villa Park, IL 60181 www.Taefutogo.com

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LEGAL NOTICES BENSENVILLE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT NO. 1 MEETINGS CALENDAR YEAR 2022 Bensenville Fire District 1 meeting schedule for 2022 is hereby established for meetings on the dates listed below. All meetings will be held at the Deer Grove Leisure Center, 1000 W. Grove, Bensenville, Illinois and shall commence at 7:00 P.M. FEBRUARY 23, 2022 MAY 25, 2022 JULY 20, 2022 SEPT. 14, 2022 SEPT. 28, 2022 NOV. 16, 2022 (Published in the Elmhurst Independent, Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent & Villa Park Review Dec. 23, 2021) 409949

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For the fifth year in a row, Elmhurst Public Library received a five-star rating in a national ranking of Library Journal’s annual review of public libraries. The 2021 index represents a pre-pandemic snapshot, since it is based on data released by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) for the 2019 fiscal year.

A total of 5,846 U.S. public libraries were rated nationwide. In Illinois, only nine libraries earned the fivestar rating, including Elmhurst Public Library.

“The world is in the midst of change on many fronts, but the Library’s commitment to top-notch

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8 • Thursday, Dec. 23, 2021 - The Elmhurst Independent

The Elmhurst Independent

Viewpoint

Dec. 23, 2021 • 8

Commercials: The good, the bad and the bizarre

For a while during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic last year, just about every advertisement— whether on traditional TV or radio, streaming online or on social media—sounded the same.

We continually heard the familiar catch phrases “Now more than ever” … “In these difficult times” … “In these challenging times … “During these uncertain times” … “In these unprecedented times” … “We’re here for you.”

And never forget: “We’re all in this together.”

A part of me keeps wondering if some pharmaceutical company has a vaccine in the works to treat us for a variant known as: Commercials Obviously Void of Intelligent Dialogue (or COVID).

But as we know, commercials can be tiresome with or without the familiar COVID cliches.

While keeping my fingers crossed that we can return to some degree of normalcy as we approach 2022 (the Delta and Omicron variants notwithstanding) it’s a given that most commercials will continue to be anything but normal.

To be sure, there are entertaining commercials on the airwaves and in cyberspace—I’ve listed two examples here. Yet the majority fall under two categories: the bad and the bizarre.

So, without further ado: The good First American Bank—My idea of a good commercial is one that doesn’t make you rush to either turn it off or hit the mute button.

First American Bank’s long-running spots featuring Grandma—who’s from Lithuania and has a heavy accent—and her

By

MIKE SANDROLINI Columnist

grandson Dickie (who has since given way to Dickie Jr.) fit the bill.

Let’s just say Grandma doesn’t have particularly good command of the English language, but her entrepreneurial spirit is admirable.

Whenever she comes up with a new idea how to make a buck, she runs it past Dickie.

Grandma’s tendency to butcher English lingo often leaves Dickie perplexed, but he eventually gets behind Grandma’s latest business venture and always steers her to calling First American Bank for a loan to start her business.

Big Lou Term Provider Insurance—Take note, Progressive Insurance and Liberty Mutual (both mentioned later). This is how you sell insurance. You have a fellow with whom you share some things in common—Big Lou. Big Lou is taking many of the same prescription medications you and I are for a host of ailments.

“Diabetes, high blood pressure, anxiety meds; everyone’s on them.

If you’re a 50-year-old male, maybe a bit porky, and you may even have type 2 diabetes, a million dollars of term insurance may cost you about 200 bucks a month. Call Big Lou at Term Provider. Remember: Big Lou is like you; he’s on meds, too.”

The bad Progressive Insurance and Flo—While I appreciate Flo’s

DuPage County adopts Long Range Transportation Plan The DuPage County Board has unanimously voted to adopt its Long Range Transportation Plan guiding transportation investments through 2040.

The Long Range Transportation Plan, known as DuPage Connects, will govern transportation policies and practices at the County for the next 20 years. The $1.6 billion plan creates a vision and mission for the DuPage County Division of Transportation, serving as a guide for infrastructure maintenance, operations, and capital projects.

“The plan focuses on a state of good repair, ensuring that our existing transportation system remains safe and usable,” said DuPage County Transportation Committee Chairman Don Puchalski. “Invest-

ments in system enhancements and expansion will relieve congestion, improve our multi-modal network, including sidewalks, that provide safe routes to school. We will provide better access to transit and new bicycle corridors emphasizing environmental stewardship and supporting our local economy. I want to thank the many residents and system stakeholders who provided valuable feedback.”

During the development of DuPage Connects, the Division of Transportation provided several opportunities for the public to provide input.

Staff received more than 700 comments on system safety, congestion, signal coordination, bicycle, and pedestrian facilities and transit needs in DuPage.

bubbly enthusiasm over the years hawking Progressive Insurance, her commercial segments have gone the way of the dinosaur. If State Farm can give khaki pants Jake the boot— and by golly, if Dos Equis can send my role model, The Most Interesting Man in the World, on a one-way trip to Mars—why not Flo? GMC “I love it” holiday commercial—I’m surprised GMC decided to roll out this annoying spot once again for the 2021 holiday season, yet it has. In case you’re one of the fortunate few who hasn’t seen it, a loving, thoughtful (and apparently filthy rich) husband decides to surprise his wife with his-and-hers GMC vehicles—a red Yukon for her and a blue Sierra for him.

Or so he thought. Instead, wifey makes a bee-line for the blue Sierra.

“I love it,” she gushes. As hubby tries to explain the Red Yukon is for her, she looks back, gives him “the look” and repeats, “I love it.” End of discussion.

Here’s hoping there’s a sequel next year showing him taking the smart key fob from her, keeping the Sierra she wanted, driving the Yukon back to the dealership and handing her a lump of coal.

The bizarre Liberty Mutual Insurance— How those in charge of marketing and advertising at Liberty Mutual managed to get higher-ups to sign off on a gangly emu (LiMu) with a sidekick named Doug (whose moustache is a cross between Ron Burgundy’s and Tom Selleck’s) in an effort to drum up more business is beyond me.

In another line of commercials that are equally as perplexing as the adventures of LiMu Emu and Doug, Liberty-Liberty-Liberty utilizes the Statue of Liberty as a backdrop for individuals such as a Zoltar fortune teller, a girl jumping rope, a young entrepreneur dressed as a smartphone, and lately, a fellow seated next to an Afghan Hound

whose long hair resembles that of his dog (later, he’s scratching his ear in sync with the dog)—all to drive home the point that you can customize your car insurance.

Pepto-Bismol Liquicaps—If you’ve seen this ad (or heard it on the radio), you know what I’m talking about.

If not, take a minute to Google: “Pepto-Bismol Liquicaps commercial” and view it online, or on your phone.

Let’s put it this way: If I’m experiencing either nausea, heartburn, indigestion, an upset stomach or diarrhea during a commercial flight, the last thing I want to see is three flight attendants (one sporting a pink tie) walking down the aisle and turning my gastrointestinal issues into a Broadway musical.

Next time you fly, I strongly recommend reserving a coach seat as far in the back of the plane as possible so that creepy guy wearing the pink tie doesn’t serenade you.

The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Dec. 23, 2021 • 9

The Elmhurst Independent

Real Estate/Business

Dec. 23, 2021 • 9

DuPage Railroad Safety Council awards inaugural ‘Rail Revolution Grant’

The DuPage Railroad Safety Council Board has approved its inaugural “Rail Revolution Grant,” awarding $5,000 to Kroy Railway Group, LLC, a train technology company dedicated to improving safety, efficiency, and convenience in communities intersected by rail lines.

The DuPage Railroad Safety Council’s (DRSC) new Rail Revolution Grant is intended to support rail safety programs in the commu-

nity. The DRSC, a nonprofit organization working to prevent deaths and injuries at railroad crossings and along railways, selected Kroy Railway Group because of their work predicting blockages at grade crossings and providing more efficient and dynamic routing applications for first responders.

Lanny Wilson, chairman of the DuPage Railroad Safety Council, praised the selection of the Kroy team noting “their values align

quite well with those of the DuPage Railroad Safety Council. The Kroy Railway Group has been an advocate for rail safety and efficiency for over two years. They have been active members of the DRSC community and understand the urgent need for innovation in railroad safety. Over the past year, they have been regular attendees at DRSC meetings, bringing their youthful spirit and idealism to the Council.”

Connor Polomsky, co-founder and managing member of the Kroy Group added that “the company co-founders have grown up in Northeast DuPage County, an area where rail suicides and railroad-related deaths are a prevalent issue.

So, railroad safety has been a key part of the Kroy mission from its inception, aligning with the mission of the DRSC.” He added that “the Kroy Railway Group is excited to receive the Rail Revolution

Grant as it will support us in our efforts to develop nationwide techbased tools for first responders, municipalities, and commuters.”

The DuPage Railroad Safety Council created its new Rail Revolution Grant to provide seed money to organizations and governmental bodies working on specific projects that will aid in preventing rail-related fatalities. The Council has established a goal of reducing such deaths by 50% by 2026.

Viewpoint

Slices of life

Prime delivery and the heroes therein

I was an early proponent of online shopping. I lived in a rural community without much access to retail, so it was a natural fit. I even experimented with grocery purchases when it was a new and novel thing. I wrote about the crazy packaging practices of my delivery orders back in 2017. Yes, I was that cutting edge.

I didn’t make online grocery shopping a habit. I preferred to pick out my toilet paper in person.

Then COVID hit in early 2020 and all our worlds—and shopping habits—changed, perhaps forever.

E-commerce had already established itself in our daily lives, but COVID cemented it there.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, e-commerce sales jumped nearly 32% in 2020, making it not only cemented but set in stone, for many good reasons.

By

JILL PERTLER Columnist

Why carry heavy bags of groceries when you can have them delivered to your doorstep? TVs, furniture, clothing, tennis shoes, garden implements, snow blowers, generators and ceiling fixtures – all available with the click of a mouse.

And you can do it all in your pajamas (or sans pajamas, if that’s how you roll. Wink.)

You don’t have to wear a mask or worry about hand sanitizer.

All with better prices and better selection.

It’s, in a word, convenience. For

me. For you. But not for everyone.

Not for the good folks bearing the burden of this societal shift: the people delivering the goods.

I propose an ode to the delivery people who now tote our toilet paper and canned goods. Those who haul furniture boxes and those labeled, “Fragile, this side up.”

Their days are made up of long hours, barking dogs and too many addresses.

They deliver long past dark, even though dark comes too soon right now. I’ve witnessed it firsthand. They wear the company uniform and a smile and they get the job done, all so we can order toilet paper and have it delivered free with two day shipping, even on weekends. Even on Sundays.

Since when do we need our laundry detergent or area rugs delivered on a Sunday? Since now,

supposedly.

These good people work without the benefit of tips (at least that I know of). I hope they get incentives and bonuses, but I’m not sure. They deserve all three.

I’m not sure how often people let them know they are appreciated and their work is valued, but we should. Shame on us if we don’t.

In that vein, I have one message for them: Thank you.

Thank you for all you do.

Thank you for working early in the morning and late into the evening just to make sure my new bedroom pillows arrive on time. Thank you for making sure I get my granola, pesto sauce and cat treats well within the estimated delivery window.

Thank you for making our lives easier, during the pandemic and

probably after, if an after ever comes. Thank you for carrying the heaviest packages inside my door because it would be hard for me to do that by myself. Thank you for providing a rescue to many during a difficult time for us all.

Thank you isn’t enough, really, but it’s all I have, and it’s delivered from the heart. I see what you’re doing. I see how hard you work. I see the long hours that are required of you. I see that you may be taken for granted and I’m sorry for that. I see how much you benefit us all from simply “doing your job.” I see, and I hope others do as well.

Thank you.

Jill Pertler is an award-winning syndicated columnist, published playwright and author. She invites readers to follow the Slices of Life page on Facebook.

House passes Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act

By U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi Recently, the House of Representatives took a major step toward supporting our selfless doctors and nurses during this pandemic by passing the bipartisan Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act, which I co-led.

Over the course of the pandemic, health care professionals have experienced unbelievable levels of stress and burnout. In the United States this year, one doctor on average dies by suicide every day, which is one of the highest suicide rates of any profession.

Our health care professionals take on enormous burdens, which have only been exacerbated by the

pandemic.

The issue captured national attention in April 2020 when Dr. Lorna Breen, a physician from Charlottesville, Va., who was working on the frontlines of the pandemic in New York City, tragically died by suicide.

In her honor, the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act will expand access to mental and behavioral health resources among health care workers.

Through this bill, we can care for our health care professionals the same way that they care for us.

The new nominees for USPS Board of Governors and my efforts to support the USPS I was glad to see that President Biden nominated two new members to the USPS Board of Governors and did not reappoint Chairman Ron Bloom, one of

Postmaster General Louis DeJoy’s biggest supporters, after I wrote to the White House urging for Mr. Bloom’s replacement and the Postmaster General’s removal by the Board of Governors.

President Biden’s new nominees to the USPS Board of Governors now await their Senate confirmation, and my hope is that these nominees will evaluate Postmaster General DeJoy and his job performance objectively and act accordingly.

The bottom line is that Postmaster General DeJoy has orchestrated price increases, a dramatic slowdown of mail deliveries and has abandoned the high service standards we expect of the USPS. His overall approach has left Americans unable to rely on the Postal Service to deliver their mail and packages on time. Members of our community have reported

inconsistent and shockingly delayed mail service, including the late delivery of crucial checks and medications.

In response to these unacceptable issues, I am working to ensure that the USPS has competent, committed leadership to restore this essential American institution.

My op-ed: Infrastructure bill may bridge more than just our state’s rivers I recently wrote an article for a suburban daily newspaper on the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and its benefits to our state.

I want to stress the importance of this legislation for Illinois. It includes major investments to fix our roads and bridges, improve public transit, expand rail service, and replace the lead pipes that threaten the health of families. It

will also expand broadband access, which is crucial since currently 20 percent of Illinoisans lack access to the internet.

But more than that, the infrastructure legislation has the power to help heal the divisions among the people of Illinois.

At the end of the day, we all want the best for our families and for our great state. Whether in Chicagoland or downstate Illinois, Republican or Democrat, young or old, we will see and feel the positive impact of this infrastructure package. It will help bring us together as a statewide community as it also does so physically by improving the infrastructure that connects our towns.

Raja Krishnamoorthi represents Illinois’ 8th Congressional District, which includes parts of Addison, Wood Dale, Elmhurst, Bensenville, Villa Park and Lombard.

10 • Thursday, Dec. 23, 2021 - The Elmhurst Independent

Christmas Worship This service is designed to give voice and hope to those who are grieving, or who are experiencing other types of losses or feelings of exclusion or despondence.

Immaculate Conception Church 134 Arthur St., Elmhurst, IL 630 530-8515 www.icelmhurst.org

Christmas Eve Masses

3:00 pm Church, Sacred Heart Chapel & Plunkett Hall 3:30 pm Elmhurst University, Hammerschmidt Chapel 5:00 pm Church and Sacred Heart Chapel 10:30 pm Sacred Heart Chapel

630-833-7730 www.stalexanderparish.org

Confessions: Tuesdays at 5:00pm (English and Spanish)

St. Timothy Evangelical Lutheran Church 547 N. Main St. Lombard, IL 60148 (630) 627-2435

COME ONE COME ALL!

Christmas Eve Masses: 4:30pm, 6:30pm Spanish, and 12:00 Midnight

COME CELEBRATE THE CHRISTMAS GIFT OF THE SAVIOR Family Christmas Service, December 19 at 10:15am

Christmas Day Masses: 8:30am and 10:30am

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, December 24 at 7:00pm Christmas Day Festival Service, December 25 at 10:15am

409595

232 South York Street (Corner of York and Church) (630) 834‐2440 umcelmhurst.org All are welcome.

✝

St.300Alexander Parish S Cornell Avenue, Villa Park, IL

New Year’s Eve Service at 7:00pm 409598

408595

Behold YOUR GOD

Celebrate Christmas at Immanuel ImmanuelElmhurst.org

409426

Blue Christmas Service Sunday, December 26 10:30 am

Christmas Day Masses 7:30 am Church

9:00 & 11:30 am Sacred Heart Chapel

Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God Masses

January 1 7:30 am, 9:00 & 11:30 am Church Come and Celebrate the Birth of Christ with Us! 409536

409597

409961

December 31 4:30 pm Sacred Heart Chapel

The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Dec. 23, 2021 • 11

Services Directory 409868

Historic

Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church of Elmhurst

Visitation Parish 779 S. York Street Elmhurst, IL 60126 630-834-6700

Please join us for worship!

Christmas Eve

3:00pm Church 3:30pm Valentino Center (Gym) 5:30pm Church Midnight Church (Prelude begins at 11:30pm)

Christmas Eve Services: December 24 at 4pm and 11pm

(all in Church) 7:30am, 9:30am, 11:30am

✥ Fully handicapped-accessible ✥ Bible Study, Sunday School, Handbell Choir, 1st Steps In Music classes

Solemnity of Mary

123 E. St. Charles Road, Elmhurst, IL 60126 630/834-1411 www.RedeemerLCMS.com FB/RedeemerOfElmhurst

Be a part of the Worship Services Directory

314 W. Vallette Street Elmhurst, IL 60126 630.832.8457 (Office)

409596

All are welcome to join us for Christmas Eve worship 4:00 pm - Family Service 8:00 pm and 11:00 pm Candlelight Worship with Holy Communion

Candlelight Service of Lessons and Carols 409810

Christmas Day Service: December 25 at 10am

409535

Christmas Day

Friday, December 31 - 6:00pm Vigil Saturday, January 1 - 9:00am

Friday, December 24 Christmas Eve

Sundays: 9am Adult Education and Sunday School 10am Traditional Divine Service

for as low as $15 per week Call...Brenda at 630-834-4450

In-Person Services 4pm and 10pm (On site worship services will follow indoor face-masking guidelines)

Bethel United Church of Christ 315 E. St. Charles Rd., Elmhurst

www.bethel-ucc.org Also on You Tube: BethelUCC, Elmhurst

630-279-4040

333900

409962

Jesus is the Reason for the Season

409977

12 • Thursday, Dec. 23, 2021 - The Elmhurst Independent

(Continued from front page) eryone agrees with Gov. JB Pritz- could result in additional cost esker’s mask mandate. She asked calations in the district’s remaining the speaker to put a mask on out referendum projects. of courtesy to the community. The Board members Christopher Kospeaker then appeared to put the cinski and Jim Collins noted that mask on top of his head. Several the district still has about $65 milaudience members then continued lion of additional referendum-reto shout at the speaker, who was the lated projects beyond the work that seventh person to speak during the will begin in 2022. public-participation segment. CaThey asked if the district could forio then declared a brief recess. estimate how far over budget those When the meeting resumed, anoth- projects might be. A representaer speaker addressed the board. tive from International Contractors Inc.—the district’s construction Schmidt delivers management firm, noted that the update on projects current roofing market is escalating The Dec. 14 meeting also includ- “out of control” and stated that it’s ed a presentation about projects hard to predict future costs. related to the $168.5 million referendum of 2018. Those referendum York grad’s firm considered funds are paying for several capital to develop strategic plan improvement projects, including The meeting also included a prethe construction of new Field and sentation from Laurie Kimbrel of Lincoln elementary schools. Todd Hazard, Young, Attea and AssociSchmidt, the district’s director of ates, who talked about the potential buildings and grounds, provided of the district working with that the board with some updated fig- firm to develop a strategic plan. ures during the presentation.

Kimbrel stated she was a York High Schmidt noted the escalating School graduate, and a professor at costs for the upcoming construc- the University of Georgia. Accordtion of the new Field Elementary ing to information online, she is a School. That project initially had professor at the University of West a “referendum” budget of $29 mil- Georgia. Kimbrel said that in her lion. The estimated cost then grew role with Hazard, Young, Attea and to about $36.3 million. Some of Associates, she works with several that escalation is related to an in- school boards and districts to focus crease in the scope of the project, on continuous improvement. as the board approved about 11,000 additional square feet for the new Campbell notes uptick school. in COVID-19 cases After opening the recent base District 205 Superintendent Dr. bids for the project to build a new Keisha Campbell noted during Field School, the project had an es- the meeting a recent uptick of timated cost of about $38.3 million. COVID-19 cases across the disThe referendum-related renova- trict’s schools. She did not mention tions at Jackson Elementary School if any of those cases resulted in a initially had a budget of about $5.5 hospitalization. Campbell said the million. After opening recent base district is bound to adhere to rules bids for work at that school, the set by state bodies including the Ilcost for those renovations escalated linois Department of Public Health to about $8.4 million. The renova- and the Illinois Department of Edutions at Jackson also include an in- cation. Campbell noted that the discreased scope of work beyond what trict understands that parents have was outlined in the referendum. various perspectives and thoughts, According to information pro- with some parents wanting stricter vided by the district, referendum rules, and others wanting less strict projects that are in the design rules. stage, with construction scheduled Campbell said about 900 of the to begin in 2022, are approximately district’s students ages 5-11 have $15.7 million over their referendum received a COVID-19 vaccine. She budgets. Those projects include the said about 42 percent of York stunew Field school, the renovations dents are fully vaccinated, while at Jackson, renovations at Fischer about 32 percent of the district’s Elementary School and Jefferson middle school students, and about Elementary School, along with im- 12 percent of its elementary stuprovements at the York auditorium dents have been vaccinated. She and York’s athletic fields. said about 91 percent of the disThose projects had a total refer- trict’s staff members have been fulendum budget of about $55.9 mil- ly vaccinated. Campbell added that lion. The total cost for those proj- the district has regular conversaects is now estimated at over $71 tions with the Illinois Department million—more than $15 million of Public Health, the Illinois State over the referendum budget.

Board of Education and the DuPage County Health Department. She District reserves to cover said none of those entities has proadditional costs vided a firm answer for a number The board has approved using or a date of ending the COVID-19 funds from the district’s reserves related mitigations. to pay the additional costs of the Kocinski said he thinks it’s necreferendum projects. Some of the essary to establish some criteria increased costs are related to addi- for when the mitigations, including tional improvements beyond what masking in schools, would end. He was outlined at the time of the ref- said the district should push for the erendum. The district also stated establishment of some criteria for that the global COVID-19 pandem- when the mitigations would end. ic has caused supply-chain issues He said that if the district’s conand labor shortages. Those issues stituents think there is no end, that

will cause more anxiety and uncertainty. Kocinski also noted that COVID-19 vaccinations are now available for virtually all of the district’s students.

More mask discussion; ‘there must be an off ramp,’ says Caforio Collins stated that at least 43 states have no mask mandates in their schools, with no dire consequences in those states, and no

evidence showing masks making a huge difference in combating the coronavirus.

He referred to a mental health crisis among students as a result of the mask mandate.

Collins asked what would happen if the district banded with other districts to oppose the state’s mitigations.

Campbell said the Illinois State Board of Education would take swift action against school districts

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that could result in losses of state funding, lack of accreditation of graduation, and banning students from competing in IHSA athletic events.

Caforio stated there has to be an off-ramp from the state’s COVID-19 mitigations, and that the district isn’t hearing anything from the state about when the mitigations might end.

The board will hold its next regular meeting on Jan. 11, 2022.

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The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Dec. 23, 2021 • 13

14 • Thursday, Dec. 23, 2021 - The Elmhurst Independent

The Elmhurst Independent

Family Living

Dec. 23, 2021 • 14

Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra to perform twice in January The Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Music Director and Conductor Stephen Alltop, continues its season of spectacular music-making, “The Music Lives,” with a concert of Baroque favorites presented in two different venues on two different dates in January. The concert on Saturday, Jan. 15 at 2:30 p.m takes place at Mayslake Peabody Estate in Oak Brook, and on Sunday, Jan. 23 at 3 p.m., the concert will be repeated at the ESO’s home venue, Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church.

In this year-long celebration of the sixty seasons the ESO has been bringing exceptional orchestral performances to the western suburbs and beyond, the orchestra will delight you with selections by familiar and well-loved Baroque composers: Handel, J. S. Bach, Vivaldi and Telemann. You are invited to join us for these memorable musical events.

The performance of Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto is underwritten by a generous gift from Elaine Libovicz.

In-person safety measures are in effect this season. All attendees are required to wear masks, regardless of venue, vaccination status or age.

At this time, Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church requires all in attendance on concert days to also sign a

release, which can be found on the sidebar of the website. For more information, please call the ESO office at 630-941-0202.

Save on tickets by purchasing a discounted 2021-22 season subscription for the remaining three concerts at Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church; visit www.elmhurstsymphony.org or call the Box Office at 630-941-0202.

Subscriber benefits include savings of up to 30% over single ticket prices; free ticket exchanges for other series concerts; savings on additional single ticket purchases ($28 a ticket); invitations to special gatherings; and personalized customer service. Single tickets for the upcoming concerts can be purchased on the website or by phone.

Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church is located at 149 W. Brush Hill Rd. in Elmhurst. Mayslake Peabody Estate is located at 1717 31st St. in Oak Brook.

Both venues have accessible parking and facilities.

The 2021-22 season of the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra is made possible in part by grants from the City of ElmSUBMITTED PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing hurst, the Illinois Arts Council (a state With Maestro Stephen Alltop at the keyboard, the Elmhurst Symphony is pictured here performing at agency), the Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, and 90.9FM Mayslake Peabody Estate in Oak Brook, where it is scheduled to play again on Saturday, Jan. 15 at 2:30 p.m. For tickets, call 630-941-0202 or visit www.elmhurstsymphony.org.

WDCB, Chicago’s Home for Jazz.

Elmhurst 100+WWC give to Bethel Shoe Fund

SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

A group of women from Bethel Church gathered to receive the latest donation from 100+ Women Who Care on Wednesday, Dec. 15. Pictured are (first row from left): Suzanne Werle, Amy Allen, Rev. Gretchen Sylvester, Judy Ekblad, Ellen Braun; (second row): Ellen DeSalvo, Linda Lyman, Betty Stoub, Jean Bruno, Jean Carlquist, Kim Wietzorek. Allen, Werle, and Carlquist are members of the 100+ WWC leadership group. All others are Bethel members and are involved in fund-raising for and/or administration of the Shoe Fund in some way. Several other church members are members of 100+WWC.

The Women of Bethel Shoe Fund was selected to receive the Elmhurst Area 100+ Women Who Care fourth quarter 2021 donation to support their efforts to provide shoes for local families in need.

The Shoe Fund was established in 1971 by Church Women United in response to a study of family needs in the Elmhurst community. Women’s groups from local churches contributed to the fund which has been managed since its inception by the Women of Bethel, Bethel United Church of Christ.

Currently, financial support comes from Women of Bethel fundraising efforts along with generous donations from the Rotary Club of Elmhurst, Bethel members and several area churches.

“It is truly heart-warming to see the impact of the Shoe Fund on families in our community,” commented Judy Ekblad, a member of both the Women of Bethel and 100+ Women Who Care. “This donation will allow the fund to meet the rising cost of shoes and the ever-increasing need for shoes for children.”

Students who qualify for assistance from the Shoe Fund live in Elmhurst or attend a District 205 school or the Transition Center.

They are identified through school social workers or referrals from the Elmhurst Walk-in Assistance Network. In partnership with the local Shoe Carnival, shoes are made available through a voucher process.

Kim Wietzorek, Bethel member and Shoe Fund liaison to the schools, sees first-hand how children are impacted. “With assistance from the Shoe Fund, a family purchased winter boots for their first-grader,” she recalled. “Until then, the girl was unable to go outside on cold days for recess because she had no boots.” Since it began, the Shoe Fund has assisted in providing over 3000 pairs of shoes to families in the Elmhurst area.

To learn more about The Shoe Fund visit www.Bethel-ucc.org The Elmhurst 100+ Women Who Care giving circle, founded in 2013 by five Elmhurst women, has donated over $490,000 to local non-profit organizations.

The group meets quarterly to hear about needs in the community and to leverage individual donations to make a greater impact. For more information about joining, visit www.100elmhurstwomenwhocare. weebly.com or email elmwomenwhocare@gmail.com.

The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Dec. 23, 2021 • 15

Elmhurst Public Library programs: Dec. 24–31 Monday, Dec. 27 – Friday Dec. 31 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. [In-person] Build It! Drop-in Week of Building Join us to build creations in the Kids’ Library. Each day we’ll supply different building materials, from LEGO to Magnatiles to KEVA Planks and more. Become a builder during your winter break!

In-person event. No registration required.

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

Bridge & Pinochle Club [In-person] Enjoy an afternoon of card games every week. Prior experience is required.

No registration required. elmlib.org/events.

Wednesday, Dec. 29 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

American Mah Jongg: Open Play [In-person] Gather every Wednesday for American Mah Jongg, a game of skill, strategy, calculation, and a certain amount of chance and luck.

In-person event. No registration required.

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

Finding Inner Peace This Holiday Season [Hybrid] Join Dr. Frank Pawlowski, long-time meditator, to reduce your seasonal stress with the extraordinary effects of meditation. Practice a simple technique to enrich your life during the holidays and beyond.

Hybrid event. Registration required. elmlib.org/events.

Friday, Dec. 31 from 10:30-11:15 a.m.

Mama Edie: Let All Things Be Joyful and New! Storyteller and musician Mama Edie celebrates the light inside us. Besides the sparkling lights all around at this time, the light we all have inside of ourselves can come in many forms and manifest in wonderful ways. Bring an instrument if you wish.

In-person event. Registration required. Best for ages 8 and up. elmlib.org/ events.

For more information about these programs, call (630) 279-8696 or visit elmlib.org/events

The processional

IC parishioners and Sacred Heart Chapel Renewal committee members (from front): Stacey Burns, Terry Brandstatter, and Anna Nehs processed into the chapel and presented Bishop Hicks with holy oil, a crucifix, and a cloth for the new altar as well as candles and flowers to adorn the sanctuary.

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16 • Thursday, Dec. 23, 2021 - The Elmhurst Independent

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The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Dec. 23, 2021 • 17

The Elmhurst Independent

Sports Dec. 23, 2021 • 17

York girls bowling team continues to tear it up on the lanes Dukes second at competitive Strikefest tournament; team breaks school record for highest game

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

Another week and another slew of dominating performances from the York girls bowling team.

The Dukes were second at the competitive 44-team, 159-bowler Strikefest tournament hosted by Plainfield North at Town & Country Lanes in Joliet.

York finished with a 5,667 total

pinfall, 152 pins behind champion Rockton Hononegah (5,819 total pinfall).

York broke the program record for highest single game when it shot a 1,105 in the second game during the morning session at Strikefest. In that game, senior Kara Jensen rolled a 253, while senior Michaela Tully shot 243.

Madeline Mountcastle had a 213,

while junior JJ Bolden had a 205.

Senior Kat Sevhla had a 191.

The 1,105 broke the previous record of 1,103 established during the 2019-2020 season at the Harlem tournament.

York led the tournament at the lunch break with a 2,959, but Hononegah went 3,059 for the three afternoon games (two 1,000-plus games) to catapult into the top position.

Individually, Svehla was third with a 1,225 six-game series, which included a 639 finish in the afternoon. She had high games of 256 and 226. Svehla was 140 pins behind individual tournament champion Kyley Olson of Rockton Hononegah, who bowled a 1,365 series with a 728 afternoon showing of 245, 279 and 204 games.

Bolden finished 23rd individually with an 1,154. She had high games of 226 and 205. Jensen had a 1,123 with that 253 high game. Mountcastle finished with an 1,105 with high game of 213 and 205. Jensen finished in 31st place individually.

“Kat and JJ have been lights out in the four and five positions so far this season,” York coach Katie Turnbull said.

Turnbull pointed out Svehla is leading the West Suburban Conference in average at 215, while Bolden is second at 199.

Turnbull also cited repeated excellence from seniors Jensen and Mountcastle. Jensen, Mountcastle and Svehla are the team captains.

“Our success (at Strikefest) is largely attributed to their leadership so far this season,” Turnbull

said. “They brought energy, enthusiasm and focus to the tournament that I have rarely seen in my 10 years as a coach. I am constantly impressed with the way they talk to their teammates, encourage them and lead by example, not only for varsity, but throughout the entire team of 32 bowlers.”

Tully and junior Abby Nacyk are the two newcomers to the varsity lineup this season.

“Michaela and Abby fit into the team so well,” Turnbull said. “They push themselves and each other every day at practice to keep improving and to make sure we have the strongest team possible at every competition we enter into.”

York is scheduled to bowl today in the Harlem tournament in Machesney Park near Rockford.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

Kat Svehla (right) finished third individually for the York girls bowling team at the recent team Strikefest tournament in Joliet. Svehla SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent finished with a 1,225 total pinfall for six games. She had high games of 256 and 226. Teammate JJ Bolden (left) finished 23rd with an 1,154 The York girls bowling team took second at the recent Strikefest tournament hosted by Plainfield North in Joliet. During the tournament, York broke the school record for highest game with an 1,105. series that included high games of 226 and 205.

18 • Thursday, Dec. 23, 2021 - The Elmhurst Independent

sports

Jack Tosh Holiday Classic pairings have been announced; York opens with Chicago Solorio Timothy Christian girls basketball team defeats Walther Christian

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

The brackets for the 47th Jack Tosh Holiday Classic boys basketball tournament hosted by York High School have been released. The 32team Tosh Holiday Classic is regarded by many as one of the best holiday tournaments in the state both from a competition and hospitality standpoint.

Play in the tournament begins Monday, Dec. 27 with 16 games split between the two gymnasiums at York.

In the auxiliary gym, Hinsdale South takes on Lake Forest at 8:30 a.m. Tinley Park and Palatine battle

in the main gym. The consolation championship is New Year’s Eve at 11 a.m., followed by the third-place game at 12:30 p.m. and the Tosh tournament championship at 2 p.m.

York won the Tosh Classic in 1979, 1980, 2012, 2015 and 2018 and took second in 2013 and 2019.

Tickets to the Tosh Classic can be purchased online through the Go Fan website/app at https://gofan.co/app/ school/IL15734. The cost of a full tournament pass is $25 per person, while single-day passes are $8 per person.

at 10 a.m. Timothy Christian and Lemont play at 11:30 a.m. St. Laurence and Rolling Meadows play at 1 p.m. Stagg will face Batavia at 3 p.m. Naperville North and Chicago Leo are scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Minooka and St. Patrick play at 6 p.m. and Downers Grove South and highly touted Glenbard West play at 7:30 p.m.

In the main Campbell gymnasium, Wheaton North and Lyons Township play at 9 a.m. Conant and St. Ignatius are on at 10:30 a.m.

Highland Park and Nazareth play at noon. Sandburg and Riverside-Brookfield play at 1:30 p.m.

Schaumburg and St. Francis square off at 3:30 p.m. Providence Catholic and Bolingbrook play at 5 p.m. Montini and Andrew play at 6:30 p.m. and the host Dukes face Chicago Solorio at 8 p.m.

The tournament semifinals take place Dec. 30 at 6:30 and 8 p.m.

York boys basketball The York boys basketball team dropped a recent 62-36 West Suburban Conference Silver Division game to Glenbard West. Drew Kircher led the Dukes with 11 points.

Sophomore Braden Richardson also had 11 points.

In a 58-50 WSC crossover win

against Hinsdale South, Kircher had 20 points, while Richardson chipped in 11.

York also lost 61-37 to Lyons Township in WSC Silver play. Kircher had 11 points, while Adam Hardek had eight points.

Timothy Christian girls basketball The Timothy Christian girls basketball team recorded a recent 49-41 non-conference win against Walther Christian Academy.

Timothy led 12-8 after the first quarter and 30-14 at halftime. Walther outscored Timothy 27-19 in the second half.

Senior Tegan Gunn led the Trojans with 14 points and shot 7-for-10 from the field.

Maddie Drye added 10 points, seven rebounds, four assists and three steals. Mili Martens had seven points and three steals, while Julia Voss had

eight rebounds.

The Trojans also dropped a 57-48 decision to Aurora Central Catholic. Martens had a strong game for Timothy with 17 points on 8-for-13 shooting. She added five rebounds, four steals and three assists to her totals. Drye finished with 10 points and four rebounds. Kailey Jirsa had five points thanks to a 5-for-6 effort at the foul line. Voss had five points as well.

In a 28-23 loss to Chicago Christian, Cailey Schurrman had eight points. Drye had 11 rebounds and three assists. Ella VanderMolen had six rebounds, as did Voss.

York boys swimming The York boys swimming team finished second at its own recent York invitational.

Individually, York’s Owen David won the diving competition, while Joseph Qualtier was second.

VanderWal’s scoring exploits help Timothy Christian boys basketball team to pair of wins Trojans defeat crosstown neighbor IC Catholic Prep

VanderWal turned in recent scoring performances of 32, 29, 28, 27 and 21 points in a quintet of Trojans games.

Timothy ended last week 7-4 overall and

By Mike Miazga was off to a 3-0 start in its division of the Metro CORRESPONDENT Suburban Conference.

Timothy Christian senior boys basketball Timothy closed out last week with a 58-43 standout Ben VanderWal has been lighting up non-conference win against Chicago Westingthe scorebook of late.

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house. Westinghouse led 11-10 after the first quarter and the game was knotted up at 20-20 at intermission. Timothy outscored Westinghouse 16-9 in the third quarter and 22-14 in the fourth quarter.

VanderWal had 29 points on 10 of 22 shooting. He made eight of nine free-throw attempts and also had 15 rebounds and two blocks. Trey Keizer had 12 points and six rebounds and made two 3-pointers. Sophomore Alex Keizer finished with 10 points (2 threes), while Kyle Steiner had seven points, nine rebounds and six assists.

The Trojans also recorded a 51-43 win over crosstown neighbor IC Catholic Prep. Timothy led 11-7 after the first quarter and 20-15 at halftime. Both teams scored 16 points in the third quarter and Timothy outscored the Knights 1512 in the fourth.

VanderWal had 21 points on 8-for-13 shooting. He also had 11 rebounds, four blocked shots and three steals. Senior Trey Keizer had 15 points and sank three 3s. Alex Keizer had eight points and made two 3s. Steiner had six assists. Timothy shot 17-for-36 from the field (47 percent).

In a 69-62 loss to Rockford Auburn at the South Elgin shootout, VanderWal had 28 points on 11 of 17 shooting. He also sank two 3-pointers and added seven rebounds and five assists.

Alex Keizer added 17 points on 6-for-10 shooting. He canned five 3s. Trey Keizer had 17 points, including three 3-pointers. He also had eight rebounds and five assists. Timothy shot 10-for-20 from the 3-point line in the game.

The Trojans trailed 16-9 after the first quarter but used a 23-10 run in the second quarter

to go up 32-26 at halftime. Rockford Auburn outscored Timothy 43-30 in the second half.

Earlier, the Trojans were 62-51 non-conference winners against Marengo. Timothy jumped out to a 24-15 first-quarter lead and outscored the Indians 31-23 in the second half.

In that game, VanderWal hit for 27 points on 10-for-19 shooting. He added in eight rebounds, five assists and five blocked shots.

Trey Keizer had 23 points and eight rebounds, and also sank three 3s. Kosta Skokos added four rebounds.

Timothy also recorded a 62-44 MSC Red win against Westmont. Timothy held a 15-13 edge after one quarter and led 28-24 at intermission. The Trojans outscored Westmont 1812 in the third quarter and 16-8 in the fourth quarter.

VanderWal lit it up for 32 points in this game, shooting 12-for-20 from the field. He made three 3-pointers to go with eight rebounds and six steals.

Steiner added eight points and eight assists, while Alex Keizer had six points.

Skokos had five points and five rebounds, while Trey Keizer had four assists.

VanderWal is averaging 24.1 points per game this season.

Scoring Machine A look at Timothy Christian senior Ben VanderWal’s recent scoring efforts.

Opponent Points Westinghouse 29 IC Catholic Prep 21 Rockford Auburn 28 Marengo 27 Westmont 32

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The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Dec. 23, 2021 • 19

Police announce holiday traffic enforcement campaign The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, July 16, 2020 • 19

With a goal of saving lives by re- Police Department continues to take ducing the number of fatal and se- part in a year-long traffic enforcerious- injury crashes, the Elmhurst ment grant from the Illinois De-

partment of Transportation (IDOT).

This grant provides funding for extra officers to be on patrol watching for impaired drivers, seatbelt violations, and distracted drivers.

The next campaign for the grant coincides with the Christmas/New Year’s period. Extra officers will be on duty beginning Friday, Dec.

ing while out for the evening should make alternate driving arrangements. Citizens are also encouraged to contact police if they see a vehicle that appears to be driven by an intoxicated driver.

This enforcement campaign is supported through federal funds administered by IDOT.

17 through Monday, Jan. 3, 2022.

The majority of extra enforcement will take place during the overnight hours, which are statistically the most dangerous time to be out on the roads.

Motorists are encouraged to drive safely and to always buckle up.

Anyone who is planning to be drink-

Note: The post office requires a new request form every three years. If you have already mailed in your form, please disregard this notice.

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IC parishioner Marcie Wolbeck and three of her children attended the Mass and dedication of the newly-renovated Sacred Heart Chapel on Saturday, Dec. 11.

Anthony Bucolo fires a pitch during a recent U12 baseball game.

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A family worships U12 baseball action

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YORK HIGH SCHOOL PLAYER OF THE WEEK YORK HIGH SCHOOL OWENPLAYER DAVID OF THE WEEK GIGI BARR JOSEPH QUALTIER YORK GIRLS VOLLEYBALL YORK BOYS SWIMMING AND DIVING David the York boys swimming Barr wasand theQualtier recipient helped of the 2019-2020 York Val Cothern team finish second at its own York invitational.

David junior female athlete of the year award. Barr went over the won the diving competition, while Qualtier, also a diver, 1,000-career kill threshold last fall for the Dukes girls volleyfinished ball team second. and still has a season to add to that total.

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