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Site to become permanent solution for Transition Center students ELMHURST • 179

By Dee Longfellow

FOR THE ELMHURST INDEPENDENT

Last week, Elmhurst Community Unit District 205 and Elmhurst Park District advised the Independent that it had finalized plans for the purchase and sale of the property at 407 W. St. Charles Road known as The Abbey. The $1.6 million deal makes room for the eventual relocation of the Park District’s senior center and a permanent solution for the York High School Transition Center. Both entities have long identified the need for larger space for the respective programs. Closing will take place in February 2021.

After more than three years of discussion, the sale was finalized during recent board meetings of both the School District and the Park Board of Commissioners.

According to School District officials, the school and park district

have “a history of intergovernmental cooperation” and that this opportunity will provide “future mutual benefits to each agency as well as to Elmhurst taxpayers.”

“Collaborating to determine the future of The Abbey property is an

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Proven Res 18-22 develop independence to example of working together to benHuntithe ults. ngtonH elps.com be successful in life and work outside efit the community,” officials said.

The School District presently rents of school.

“This is a real win-win for the a facility in downtown Elmhurst for the Transition Center program, community,” Elmhurst CUSD 205 which is designed to help students See ABBEY, Page 13 with disabilities between the ages of ©2020 Huntington Mark, LLC. Independ ently Owned and Operated Corporation. ACT is a . SAT and Advance increases in reading registered trademark of ACT, Inc. None and of these entities were d Placement (AP) are registered trademar final SAT/ACT test score. math for 17,445 students from 2010-20 involved in the productio ks of the College Board.

14 using the full set PSAT/NMSQT is a registere of available student n of, and do not endorse, this program. d trademar data. ***Results are based on surveys of *Not valid with any other offers. **Grade k of the College Board and the National 3,289 Huntington students Merit level results are based on cumulative average Scholarship graduating in 2019, using their initial Huntingto grade n Academic Evaluatio level n and HLC3905

Missing elderly man located near Eldridge Park Other agencies provide drone, bloodhound, other K-9 support

By Dee Longfellow FOR THE ELMHURST INDEPENDENT

See MISSING, Page 13

DEE LONGFELLOW PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

Tidings of Comfort and Joy

This impromptu men’s chorus performed for the residents of Royal York senior residence on Sunday, Dec. 10. The members are from five different men’s groups throughout DuPage County, all of which had to cancel their winter concerts due to COVID-19. Instead, they all joined together and are visiting various senior communities throughout the area, bringing Christmas cheer. Far right is Elmhurst resident Kevin Connell.

Inside:

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According to a release received from the City, a missing elderly man was found after he was reported missing in the area surrounding Eldridge Park in southwest Elmhurst on Friday, Dec. 18.

The Elmhurst Police Department was notified on Friday of an at-risk male who was missing and that the subject had several medical conditions and used a cane for mobility.

The City received several calls from residents of the area, who noticed the significant police presence

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2 • Thursday, Dec. 24, 2020 - The Elmhurst Independent

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The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Dec. 24, 2020 • 3

District 205 Board discusses tax levy for 2021 Meeting includes update on bonds related to the 2018 referendum

By Chris Fox FOR THE ELMHURST INDEPENDENT

A meeting of the Board of School District 205 held on Tuesday, Dec. 15, Chris Whelton, the district’s assistant superintendent for finance and operations, offered a presentation regarding the 2020 property tax levy for taxes to be paid in 2021. Whelton noted that property taxes account for about 85 percent of the district’s revenues. He added that salaries account for about 68 percent of the district’s expenditures, while benefits account for approximately 12 percent of expenditures.

Whelton said that under the 2020 levy, and without abatement, the

District 205 portion of the annual property tax bill for a district homeowner with a home valued at $500,000 would rise 2.5 percent, or about $180, over the previous year.

With abatement, the owner of that same home would not have any increase. Later in the meeting, the board unanimously approved a tax abatement resolution that authorized the abatement of nearly $3.18 million. That money will be transferred from the district’s working cash fund to its debt service fund to pay debt service on previously issued bonds.

The board approved the abatement to flatten the District 205 portion of the property tax bill for existing tax-

payers, many of whom have been financially affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Waiting until November to issue bonds saved taxpayers $250,000 The Dec. 15 meeting also included a presentation regarding the district’s recent bond issuance of $40 million.

The $40 million bond sale, which took place last month, is related to the successful $168.5 million referendum approved by voters in November 2018. The district issued the first $60 million in bonds related to that referendum in July 2019. There will be two more bond issues to complete the total amount of $168.5 mil-

lion.

The $40 million in bonds, which were issued on Nov. 16, 2020, will mature between 2035 and 2028. Elizabeth Hennessy, a managing director with Raymond James, is the district’s bond consultant. She spoke during the meeting and noted that the bonds were issued with true interest costs

of 2.52 percent. Board member Jim Collins mentioned that the district could have issued the bonds in October, but decided to wait until November, when interest rates were more favorable for the district. Collins said that waiting that extra month to is-

See BOARD, Page 13

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

This year has been challenging 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 want to go to Mars, we want to travel to the moon, and we are successful in that, but getting rid of a virus brings our whole world to its knees. We are great in our achievements but we also have to remember to be humble in recognizing how vulnerable we are.

Choices we make in life bring us to where we are today. Thirty eight years back our Mehta family was faced with the choice, do we give up our dreams or de we give up our principles? Seemed like a lose-lose situation at that time. We decided to stick to our principles and through the years we have built new dreams through that. We learned that nothing else matters without good health.

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

Singing for the teacher

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, the life source is what binds us as one.

When we recognize that, all else falls in line.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

Thank you for being part of our journey.

From all of us at Mehta Motors and My Car Wash

First graders from Edison Elementary School surprised their teacher Miss Kathryn Wheeler by Christmas caroling at her house on Monday, Dec. 14.

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4 • Thursday, Dec. 24, 2020 - The Elmhurst Independent

The elmhursT IndependenT Your Hometown Newspaper Locally owned and operated

The COVID-19 vaccine arrives at Elmhurst Hospital Dec. 17; inoculations begin

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

ELMHURST HOSPITAL PHOTOS Elmhurst Independent

It starts at the top

Elmhurst Hospital president and CEO Pam Dunley is pictured here waiting to receive her COVID-19 vaccine inoculation on Thursday, Dec. 17. The hospital received 1,950 doses on that morning and began distributing the shots to medical staff, first-responders and high-risk individuals.

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

A big thumbs up

(Above): This staff person and his nurse give a big thumbs up after he became the first hospital employee to receive a shot of the COVID-19 vaccine. The hospital spent most of the afternoon on Thursday, Dec. 17 inoculating staff and administrators.

Administration: Dee Longfellow News Coordinator Debra Hamilton Advertising Director Pete Cruger Publisher

We’ve been waiting

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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COVID-19 updates for DuPage County

As of 8 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 19, there were 55,532 total cases among DuPage County residents, including 875 deaths.

Since Saturday, there were 552 new cases and six deaths related to COVID-19.

This is what we’ve all been waiting for. These little vials of COVID-19 vaccine are being treated very delicately now that they have finally become available to patients at Elmhurst Hospital, and eventually, to the community at large.

The life-saving serum

(Right): Even people who are squeamish around needles might be willing to be inoculated for the chance to get this virus under control at long last. Can “normal living” be far behind?

Number of cases by town At press time, the DuPage Department of Health reported the following number of COVID-19 cases in our readership communities as follows: Addison 3,563, Bensenville 1,755, Elmhurst 2,812, Lombard 2,876, Oakbrook Terrace 169, Villa Park 1,723, Wood Dale 1,118.

And now for the good news Elmhurst Hospital reports that 54 inpatients with confirmed cases of COVID-19 were discharged as of Friday, Dec. 18.

Since March 24, a total of 1,135 patients have been discharged.

Serious business

The transport of the recently-approved COVID-19 vaccine was held under strict scrutiny by Public Safety Officials as well as medical staff and hospital administrators. Delivery of Elmhurst Hospital’s allotment of 1,950 doses came to the loading dock early in the morning.

The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Dec. 24, 2020 • 5

C.J. ELONICH PHOTOS Rock Valley Publishing

Weather aggravates driving conditions

This SUV ended up on the lawn in front of a house on Monterey Avenue. It was due to the icy road conditions on Wednesday, Dec. 16. Emergency services from both Villa Park and Elmhurst responded to the collision.

Icy roads cause mishaps

Emergency Service from both Villa Park and Elmhurst responded to two related icy roadway collisions near St. Charles Road and Salt Creek on Wednesday, Dec. 16. This westbound van turned on its side, while an SUV ran into a lawn in the front of a house on Monterey Avenue.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

Visitation CCW decorates the grounds

Visitation CCW recently installed several Christmas Trees on the parish grounds to help everyone get into the Christmas Spirit. Here, Lindsay Cibelli, Visitation CCW President makes it clear to several Visitation dads exactly where she would like this tree located. Pictured are (from left): Patrick Lucas, Joe Cibelli, Tim Mondi, Kevin O’Reilly and Lindsay Cibelli. Ken Luptak also assisted, but had to leave prior to this picture being taken.

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6 • Thursday, Dec. 24, 2020 - The Elmhurst Independent

Police beat

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

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.

Dec. 17 Robert Hornbaker, 20, of Bolingbrook, was issued citations for possession of adultuse cannabis in a vehicle by a passenger near York and Vallette at around 12:42 a.m.

Assault, battery Dec. 13 A reporting officer responded to Elmhurst Hospital at around 3:22 a.m. for the delayed report of a battery. A complainant told police that the victim and his friends were involved in a physical fight in the 100 block of N. Addison. An investigation is pending.

Criminal trespass to property, criminal damage to property, criminal defacement Dec. 15 Kimberly Martin, 35, of Franklin Park, was charged with criminal trespass to a vehicle near E. Butterfield and Cadwell at around 8:07 a.m. Police said a reporting officer observed a stolen vehicle and subsequently conducted a traffic stop. Martin admitted to taking the vehicle and did not return it, according to police. The Chicago Police Department was notified and confirmed the vehicle had been stolen.

Dec. 11-Dec. 12 A victim in the 100 block of W. Harrison told police that on two separate occasions during the above noted time frame, her Christmas lights have been cut.

Dec. 10 Joseph M. Cascella, 25, of Elmhurst, was issued a citation for possession of open alcohol in public, and served with a no-trespass notice, at a store in the 500 block of W. Lake at around 7:06 p.m. According to police, a complainant stated that Cascella entered the store and attempted to steal alcohol. A reporting officer located Cascella, who police said appeared intoxicated and admitted to attempting to take alcohol from the business.

Domestic battery, domestic incident, disorderly conduct, damage to property, disturbance Dec. 13 Vanessa Y. McIlvain, 26, of Carpentersville, was issued a citation for disorderly conduct-befouling property in the 300 block of W. Butterfield at around 2:10 a.m. Police said that while an officer was on patrol, the officer noticed McIlvain urinating in public.

Dec. 11 A 30-year-old Villa Park man was charged with two counts of domestic battery, unlawful possession of cannabis by a driver and driving while license suspended near Schiller and York at around 8:18 p.m. Police said that the suspect, who was driving the vehicle, swung his fist at her and struck her in the face. The reporting officer observed a red mark beneath the victim’s eye.

Dec. 16 Daniel Marchwiany, 31, of Glen Ellyn, was charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance in the 700 block of S. Poplar at around 6:26 p.m.

CALL 800-222-TIPS DUI, DUI-drugs Dec. 15 Roberta Knighton, 62, of Paw Paw, Mich., was charged with DUI and improper lane usage subsequent to a traffic stop near S. Spring and E. Butterfield at around 8:29 p.m.

Dec. 11 A juvenile suspect was charged with DUIdrugs, unlawful possession of cannabis in a vehicle and failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident subsequent to a traffic crash near Route 83 and Lake at around 6:41 a.m. Police said a search of the vehicle yielded two vape devices and a vape cartridge containing cannabis residue.

Fleeing, eluding Dec. 16 A reporting officer attempted to stop a vehicle that was wanted by Woodridge Police Department for fleeing and eluding near North and Berteau at around 9:25 a.m. The suspected vehicle failed to stop and fled from the officer.

Harassment, threats March 1-Dec. 16 A victim in the 400 block of S. Prospect told police that her ex-boyfriend has been texting and calling her since she ended the relationship in May. The victim stated she has asked him dozens of times to stop contacting her. The reporting officer left a message for the suspect to contact him.

Dec. 13 The complainant—an employee with a transmission company in the 100 block of W. Grand—related that unspecific threats had been received from the suspect after having work done on his vehicle. An investigation is pending.

Dec. 12 A victim in the 1000 block of S. Euclid told police at around 1:54 p.m. that a previous customer of his has been using unfamiliar phone numbers to constantly call him.

The victim has instructed the suspect to stop calling. An investigation is pending.

Dec. 15 Jermaine Rupert, 43, of Bellwood, was charged with unlawful possession of cannabis in a vehicle, driving while license revoked, failure to yield to an emergency vehicle, tinted windows, expired registration and no insurance subsequent to a traffic stop near Grand and County Line Rd. at around 2:52 a.m.

Dec. 13 Darrell D. Watson, 44, of Chicago, was charged with possession of a controlled substance, DUI-drugs, driving while license revoked, driving the wrong way on a oneway street and no insurance subsequent to a traffic stop near Lake and I-290 at around 5:29 p.m.

Suspicious circumstances Dec. 13 A victim near the Prairie Path and Route 83 told police that while she was running on the Prairie Path at around 8:15 a.m., a suspect brushed against her left side. The victim yelled at the suspect, who continued walking east on the path.

Theft/burglary/attempted theft or burglary/identity theft/fraud/forgery/ deceptive practice/ obstruction/robbery Nov. 12-Dec. 16 Forgery was reported at a business in the 900 block of S. Route 83. Police said an agent for the victim’s company reports an unknown suspect stole a check which had been mailed to a landscape company sometime between the above dates. The check was subsequently altered and deposited.

Dec. 15 Theft was reported at Elmhurst Hospital at around 8:49 a.m. A reporting officer met with the complainant who stated a grey hydromantic pump was taken from the above location. The reporting officer reviewed video surveillance which shows two unknown suspects in dark clothing, driving a white Ford truck with a scrap metal hauling bed.

This case is pending investigation.

Sept. 20-Dec. 15 Theft was reported at York High School.

Police said an agent for the school district reports an unknown suspect removed 77 eight-foot-long steel poles, which were stored at the north end of the baseball field at York High School sometime between the above dates. The poles are used during the baseball season as part of an outfield fence.

Dec. 14 Identity theft was reported in the 500 block of S. Kearsage at around 6:59 p.m. A victim told police that an unknown suspect(s) used his debit card information to transfer $250 to his PayPal account. The suspect subsequently used the victim’s PayPal account to purchase an electronic gift card.

Dec. 12 Theft was reported in the 600 block of Indiana at around 3:20 p.m. A victim told police that two suspects—one described as a black male, and the other described as an Hispanic male—stole five packages off of his front porch. Officers searched the area for the suspects but were met with negative results.

Theft was reported in the 100 block of Crestview at around 8:13 p.m. A victim told police that an unknown suspect(s) stole two packages off of her front porch.

Dec. 10-Dec. 11 Attempted burglary was reported in the 700 block of Van Auken. A complainant told police that an unknown suspect(s) pried the service door and gained entry to his detached garage sometime between the above dates.

Dec. 10 Retail theft was reported at a shoe store in the 100 block of S. Route 83 at around 11:26 a.m. A reporting officer met with the complainant who stated an unknown suspect described as a black male walked past all points of sale carrying shoes. The unknown suspect was last seen fleeing the area in a white Nissan in an unknown direction.

March 30-Dec. 10 Theft of services was reported in the 800 block of N. York. A reporting officer met with an employee who reported a rental vehicle was never returned. The reporting officer was able to make contact with the suspect who admitted to having possession of the vehicle and will coordinate the return of the vehicle.

Nov. 28-Dec. 9 Identity theft was reported in the 300 block of Oak. A complainant told police that two credit cards were mailed to her address containing names she did not recognize.

Nov. 22-Dec. 8 Burglary to a vehicle was reported in the 700 block of N. Church. A complainant told police that an unknown suspect(s) forced entry into a work van and removed tools sometime between the above dates. An investigation is pending.

Sept. 24-Sept. 27 Identity theft was reported in the 100 block of S. York. A victim told police that an unknown suspect(s) used his personal information and redeemed airline miles for tickets.

Unemployment benefits identity theft

July 18-Dec. 16 Between the above dates, the Elmhurst Police Department reported 42 incidents of identity theft with the intention of using a victim’s personal information to fraudulently apply for unemployment benefits through the Illinois Department of Employment Security. In one of the incidents, a complainant told police she also discovered two unauthorized charges on her credit card.

Jim is survived by his wife, children, siblings; Linda (Arthur) Huebner, Steven (Liane), Catherine (Ronald) Watt, along with many nieces, nephews, and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents, and Patricia’s parents, Pasquale and Loretta.

Jim had many joys in his life including his family, sports, and working on cars. The latter he turned into a career.

He was a mechanic who worked in the transportation department at ComEd for nearly 25 years. Outside of work, family and friends knew they could count on him for help with their own vehicle woes.

Jim’s other passions included being a Papa to his countless grandchildren, playing 16-inch softball, rooting for

School Board Capsules Here’s what’s going on at District 205

Girls XC team honored The board recognized York High School’s girls cross-country team for its outstanding 2020 fall season.

The Dukes went undefeated during the regular season and claimed the championship in the West Suburban Conference’s Silver Division.

Their success continued in the IHSA post-season with victories at the Proviso West Regional (Oct. 24) and the Lyons Township Sectional (Oct. 31).

There was no IHSA state meet this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

More updates on COVID-19, hybrid instruction The Dec. 15 board meeting included a COVID-19 update, which featured continued discussion from the special meeting of Dec. 10. During the special meeting, district staff presented options for returning the school to hybrid instruction in January 2021. Hybrid instruction includes some in-person learning. The district transitioned from hybrid instruction to fully remote instruction in October. Some of the district’s students with special needs returned to in-person instruction in late November.

The Dec. 10 meeting included staff proposals for daily schedules for in-person instruction. After seeing those proposals, some board members urged staff members to develop alternative proposals, especially for the district’s middle-school students.

Plan approved to return Jan. 11 Near the end of the Dec. 15 meeting, the board voted unanimously to approve a plan that includes the return to hybrid instruction as of Monday, Jan. 11, 2021. According to the plan, Jan. 6 will be a remote learning professional day for staff, who will be trained to use the district’s recently acquired iPads. Thursday, Jan. 7, and Friday, Jan. 8, will be remote learning days for all students.

The elementary-school level in-person schedule will be similar to the in-person schedule of the fall, with the exception that there will be no snack breaks on days of inclem-

The Your York Team Ticket successfully filed its paperwork Monday, Dec. 14 as the slated candidates for the 2021 Consolidated Elections. They won their nominations during the township caucus at the Elmhurst American Legion on Tuesday, Dec. 1.

At the socially-distanced caucus, township residents voted for Supervisor John Valle of Oakbrook Terrace, Clerk candidate Tony Cuzzone of Elmhurst (currently serving as a Township Trustee), Assessor Deanna Wilkins of Lombard and Highway Commissioner Dick Schroeder of Lombard to continue to serve township residents. Trustee Rae Rupp Srch of Villa Park and Jeff Mussatto of Elmhurst were nominated for a second term, while Erica Militel-

lo of Lombard and Anthony Pacilli of Lombard joined the ticket as first-time trustee candidates.

“I am honored to be nominated to run for another term as York Township Supervisor,” Valle stated. “The ‘Your York Team’ and I will work tirelessly to continue to earn the trust of residents, continue transparency and accountability, maintain fiscal responsibility and continue to improve our senior services.”

The York Township caucus took necessary COVID-19 precautions to ensure the safety of all caucus-goers.

The Consolidated General Election will be held on April 6, 2021. All elected township positions serve four-year terms.

By Chris Fox

FOR THE ELMHURST INDEPENDENT

The Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205 Board held its final regular meeting of 2020 on Dec. 15. All seven board members joined district administrators to participate in the virtual meeting, which took place remotely. Board president Kara Caforio stated that current health concerns made it neither practical nor prudent to hold an in-person meeting.

Tax levy, bonds, capital projects The meeting included a presentation regarding the 2020 property tax levy for taxes to be paid in 2021. It also offered information about bonds and scheduled capital projects. (See story pg. 1 of this issue.)

York Township nominates ‘Your York Team Ticket’ for 2021

Richard L. Matus, 90 Richard L. Matus, of Elmhurst, passed away on December 16, 2020 at Amita Hospice in Elk Grove Village, at the age of 90. He was born in Chicago on January 13, 1930 to Leo and Jessie Matuszewski.

Rich graduated from St. Rita H.S. and worked for Trans World Airlines

as ground crew mechanic until he retired in 1995. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, traveling, reading, playing golf and volunteering at a number of charities over the years.

Rich was often found singing a tune and performing in a community play.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Jessie Matuszewski, his first wife Helen “Carol” and his wife Katherine “Bunny” Polanzi-Matus. He is survived by his children, Mark (Gloria) Matuszewski of Elmhurst, Linda (Dave) Boggess of Elmhurst and Bill (Shelly) Matuszewski of Turlock, Calif.; stepsons, Jeff Polanzi of Arlington Heights and Bob (Gwen) Polanzi of Spring Grove; a sister, Dolores (Harry) Brehm of Orland Park; grandchildren

Eric Matuszewski, Robert (Brittany) Matuszewski, Meghan (Nate) Swartz, Katie Boggess and Amy Boggess; step grandchildren, Chris (Danielle) Ferreira, Tracy (Joaquin) Liddiard, Samantha (Ryan) Tojza, Chris (Michelle) Kizorek; great-grandchild, Brynnley Matuszewski; step great grandchildren, Capri Ferreira, Gianna, Jack and Anthony Liddiard, and many nieces and nephews.

A private funeral service was held at Elmhurst Community Funeral Home – The Ahlgrim Chapel and the service recording can be viewed on Richard’s obituary page on the funeral home website.

Info: 630-834-3515 or ElmhurstFH. com.

ent weather. A doctor consulting with the district has advised to eliminate snack breaks in school buildings.

The upcoming snack breaks will take place outdoors, weather permitting.

The in-person schedule at York will be similar to the in-person schedule from the fall. The middle-school in-person schedule at both Bryan Middle School and Sandburg Middle School will shift to an A-B-C schedule in January. Students at those two schools will be divided into three groups (A, B and C) for in-person instruction. Each in-person school day will run from 8:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Students at Bryan and Sandburg were divided into two groups (A and B) for in-person instruction during the fall. The district is unable to maintain social-distancing guidelines at those two schools while dividing students into only two groups.

Survey: Bring back in-person classes According to information provided by the district, about 85 percent of the district’s students want in-person

instruction. The district recently sent a form to its families who received fully remote instruction during the first semester. The district asked the families if they would be interested to transition to hybrid learning during the second semester. Overall, 366 district students (about 23 percent of the student population receiving fully remote instruction) responded they wanted to switch to the hybrid model during the second semester.

COVID-19 testing deferred until January The board decided to defer the issue of COVID-19 testing until January. The district has proposed the possibility of paying for saliva COVID-19 testing to screen students and staff members for the coronavirus. The board wants the district to gather more information from families as to how many of them would be willing to participate in a testing program. On a related note, Collins stated that the district would be well-served by listening to additional medical advisers in an effort to

diversify its sources of information and advice.

the Blackhawks, watching Hallmark movies, celebrating Holidays, loving dogs, and visiting Disney World.

A mass was held on December 21, 2020 at St. Isidore Parish. Jim will be interned at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Hillside. The family requests no flowers. Information provided by the family.

KINDS OF CONTACTS

We protect it.

You live it.

Stolper Insurance Agency Inc Brian D Stolper, President 447 N York Street Elmhurst, IL 60126 Bus: 630-832-0182

For people who experience difficulty seeing both near and far away, contact lenses may be the best choice. There are several different designs available that enable you to see both far and near without the need for reading glasses. Bifocal contacts have two corrections, one for near vision and one for far. They are weighted so that the near correction for reading stays on the bottom.

There are also progressive contact lenses, which have seamlessly connected sections for seeing not only close up and far away, but also middle distances. Finally, many patients do very well with monovision contacts. This is when you wear a lens on the dominant eye for distance and a lens on the non-dominant eye for reading. There have also been great improvements in contact design for correcting astigmatism. Daily disposable lenses are an option for providing comfort and convenience for previous contact lens wearers who stopped wearing lenses due to hassle or dryness.

At Skowron Eyecare we have over 10,000 contact lenses in stock, which allow us to try lenses on you the day of your exam to see if you are a candidate. Visit the contact lens section on our website at skowroneyecare. com for more information. At Skowron Eyecare our mission is your contact lens vision.

I’m here to help life go right – so you can enjoy it, while I help protect it. Let’s talk about your life insurance options.

CALL ME TODAY.

State Farm Life Insurance Company (Not licensed in MA, NY or WI) State Farm Life and Accident Assurance Company (Licensed in NY and WI) 1601538 Bloomington, IL

Board approves purchase of The Abbey for transition students The board also voted unanimously during the Dec. 15 meeting to approve a resolution regarding the sale and transfer of The Abbey from the Elmhurst Park District to District 205. The Abbey is located at 407 W. St. Charles Road, just west of York High School. According to Moyer, the district is expecting to acquire the property for $1.6 million. The site will become a permanent home for the district’s Transition Center, which serves students with disabilities between the ages of 19-21. The new facility should be open to students in August 2021.

(See full story elsewhere in this issue.)

™

370 N. York, Elmhurst, IL 60126 630-834-6244 www.skowroneyecare.com

387266

James Rigitano Jr., 72 James (Jim) Rigitano Jr. passed away on December 10, 2020, from complications related to his battle with COPD. He was born to James and Jean Rigitano on July 11, 1948, in Chicago. Jim married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Ann Rigitano (nee Saviano), and they enjoyed more than 50 years together.

The couple raised four sons, Anthony (Adrienne), James (Cheri), Solvatore (Katie), and Gino (Brianne) in Bloomingdale. The family has since grown to include 11 grandchildren: Anthony, Sophia, Loretta, Mary, Joseph, James, Anna, Angelo, Dominic, and Alphonsus, as well as another who is on the way, due in 2021.

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Obituaries

The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Dec. 24, 2020 • 7

8 • Thursday, Dec. 24, 2020 - The Elmhurst Independent

The Elmhurst Independent

Viewpoint

Dec. 24, 2020 • 8

Letters to the editor DGTT bestows great thanks to all Turkey Trotters

The event that wasn’t supposed to happen…did happen!

We had participants from 29 states and four countries do the “Virtual Turkey Trot” during Thanksgiving Week.

Another big thanks to all participating sponsors as we did our best to help our neighbors in need.

Was it the same? No. Will it ever be the same again?

Don’t bet against us.

Please watch the five-minute montage of pictures and videos sent to us from all over the globe, accompanied by the beautiful voice of Angela Reinhart performing “What A Wonderful World” and “Proud To Be An American.”

Go to youTube.com and search: Recap of the 37th Annual Turkey Trot See you next Thanksgiving Day November 25, 2021.

Until then have a great Holiday season and stay safe.

Dan Gibbons Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot

Centre for Performing Arts reflects on difficult year

As this unprecedented year comes to a close, we want to take a moment to thank you for your support in broadening our cultural community to include building a venue for music, theater, dance, and comedy.

This last year was possible because of you; our supporters. We opened our new office, hired our first employee, AND best of all, secured the perfect property on the 100 block of First St; directly across the street from the Elmhurst train station.

Our hearts were warmed this year by our dedicated volunteers and sponsors who dug in, got to work and created a wonderful virtual gala experience featuring a memorable experience box, national celebrity appearances and heart warming stories discussing the impact that a performing arts center brings.

While we reflect on how far we’ve come, we also focus on the great work ahead of us: bringing our vision to reality. Our community offers so much in almost every capacity. We want to add a stateof-the-arts performing arts center to complete our offerings.

Our plans for 2021 are lofty. We will bring in a development team

to launch our Capital Campaign, expand our reach to neighboring communities and further move the needle making our vision a reality.

We know you love Elmhurst and care deeply about the future of our city. Here is an opportunity to join with us and share your belief that supporting the arts goes hand-inhand with encouraging the growth and cultural identity of our hometown.

A gift of $500 pays a good portion of our rent; $250 helps us with our community outreach; $100 keeps the office lights on. No gift is too small. Checks payable to ECPA, can be sent to: P.O. Box 653, Elmhurst, IL 60126.

Thank you for your friendship and support Elmhurst Centre for Performing Arts Jeff Budgell, Board President Shawna Roubitchek, Managing Director

UCCA thanks community for support United Community Concerns Association hosted its 43rd Annual Holiday Food Drive virtually this year. UCCA raised more than $27,000 with in excess of 300 new donors this year.

Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions, Elmhurst District 205 schools were not able to hold their annual food drives. In years past, each school would collect food during the month of November and send it to the Elmhurst City Garage where UCCA volunteers and friends would sort and pack the food for distribution to Elmhurst District 205 students and their families who need additional support with food during the Holidays.

This year the Food Drive went virtual with donors able to contribute toward holiday food meals and local grocery store gift cards. Many organizations in Elmhurst helped support this annual food drive, in addition to Elmhurst District 205 schools, making it a true community food drive with “Neighbors Helping Neighbors”.

On Saturday, December 12, more than 70 community members came out to help deliver food and food gift certificates to over 290 families. Special thanks goes out to the Moreci family, owner of Roberto’s Ristorante and Pizzeria who lent space to United Community Concerns Association to do their sorting, packing and delivery.

United Community Concerns Association (UCCA) Susie Sands, president

Slices of life

When someone you love is grieving – a tutorial

Grief is scary. It is uncomfortable and unpredictable. Being with a person who is grieving is all those things. It might be easy, sometimes, to stay away and keep your distance.

Surely the grieving person has lots to do and many other people ringing her doorbell and calling her cell phone. Right?

Probably not. Before lady grief punched me in the face, I did whatever I could to avoid her.

What in the heck do you say to someone who is grieving? Pre-grief I wouldn’t have had an answer. Postgrief I would advise: say anything; say nothing. Just be there.

As I’ve stumbled my way through this painful journey, I’ve had a few moments when I thought, “If I only knew, I would have...” I thought I’d share. When dealing with someone who is grieving: Reach out. Call. If they don’t want to talk, they don’t have to pick up the phone. It’s better to reach out too much than too little. If you are uncomfortable with a call, send a text. But reach out. You are never being a bother. Trust me.

Reach out in the beginning, but keep it up in the weeks and months that follow. Grief doesn’t end after a certain amount of time. Many people reach out at the beginning and think, “There, now that’s done.”

make things worse or dredge things up.

Let them cry, but don’t expect it.

By Some days will be filled with tears, JILL others won’t. There’s no explaining PERTLER Contributor it. There’s no logic to it. That’s what makes grief so formidable; it steals all control. And control is power.

If you find yourself crying, go But grief gets lonelier, sometimes, with it. You will not make the as time goes on. grieving person feel worse. There Reach out on weekends and is nothing you can do to make them holidays. Normal people look feel worse. forward to Friday and Saturday Less is often more. Less chatter. nights. Not so for those who are Less commotion. Less activity. grieving. Weekends get long and Less expectations. Don’t be afraid quiet. of silence. Just being there is often Friends don’t answer their enough. phones on the weekend because Decisions – what to wear, what they are doing their regular normal to eat, whether to brush your teeth fun person stuff, which is to be before putting your socks on – are expected. But if you find yourself difficult and sometimes impossible. with a quiet moment during the Limit choices or options. They are weekend, reach out. overwhelming. Don’t ask “Tuna Be forgiving if your phone calls or chicken salad?” Just make the and texts go unanswered. Keep sandwich. If it doesn’t get eaten, so trying. Sometimes grief is so be it. overwhelming it’s paralyzing.

Don’t ask, “What can I do?” The Nothing you can say or do will only thing more difficult than the ever make the person feel worse. grief and making decisions is asking It won’t make their grief worse or make them sad. They are fully aware for help. Don’t ask. Tell. “I’m going to the store. I bet you could use of their state. You reaching out will some milk.” Or, “I’m coming over never bring back bad memories or next week for a walk outside. Does emotions. The grieving person is already experiencing them full-bore.

See SLICES, Page 9 It is practically impossible for you to

The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Dec. 24, 2020 • 9

Democrats vote to end legislative investigation of Madigan

By Sarah Mansur

Committee adjourns after 3 meetings in 4 months

CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

After just three hearings in four months, Democrats on the special committee probing House Speaker Michael Madigan’s alleged misconduct and role in a bribery scheme involving Commonwealth Edison voted Dec. 14 to end their investigation.

Throughout the combative threehour hearing, the three House Republicans and three Democrats clashed repeatedly over the rules of procedure, disagreed about the facts contained in the federal court documents and levied accusations of political stunts and a “kangaroo court.”

The House Democratic members—Reps. Chris Welch, of Hillside, Natalie Manley, of Joliet, and Elizabeth Hernandez, of Cicero— voted no on a motion, presented by Manley, that Madigan engaged in conduct unbecoming of legislator.

With a deadlocked vote along party lines, the motion failed to pass.

Madigan issued a statement Dec. 14 that criticized his Republican counterpart, Minority Leader Rep. Jim Durkin of Western Springs, who filed the petition creating the committee.

“Jim Durkin insisted on initiating this political theater, and through this process we’ve come to learn that he was involved in the very conduct he claims to be so offended by—recommending people for various jobs.

If Jim Durkin actually believes it is conduct unbecoming of a legislator to recommend people for jobs or help constituents, he might want to review his own hypocritical behavior. Rather than finger pointing, I suggest we focus on the important work that lies ahead of us,” Madigan said in the statement.

The Special Investigating Committee was formed in late August after the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Chicago charged ComEd in a deferred prosecution agreement that alleged ComEd officials conspired with Madigan’s associates to secure no-work jobs and contracts for Madigan’s friends in exchange for favorable legislation in the Illinois General Assembly.

The committee was tasked with investigating whether there was evidence to find Madigan’s conduct was unbecoming of a legislator and whether Madigan should face disciplinary proceedings.

Under the deferred prosecution agreement, ComEd admitted to the bribery scheme and agreed to pay a $200 million and cooperate with the investigation.

Madigan has not been charged with a crime and he denies wrongdoing. He is mentioned in the deferred prosecution agreement and indictments as “Public Official A.” In September, a former ComEd executive, Fidel Marquez, pleaded guilty to a role in the bribery scheme.

Last month, federal prosecutors in Chicago indicted four others—Michael McClain, a former ComEd lobbyist and close Madigan confidant, former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore, former ComEd executive John Hooker, and Jay Doherty, a lobbyist who worked on contract for ComEd—with bribery for allegedly conspiring to influence Madigan with no-work jobs and contracts to his associates.

Last month, Welch released hundreds of pages of documents that the committee had requested from ComEd, including numerous emails between McClain and Marquez,

Pramaggiore and others seeking favors for Madigan’s associates and individuals from his district.

The Republicans on the investigating committee—Reps. Tom Demmer, of Dixon, Deanne Mazzochi, of Elmhurst, and Grant Werhli, of Naperville—extensively referenced the emails to show McClain was working on behalf of Madigan, and with Madigan’s knowledge, to secure jobs, contracts and internships that were meant to curry favor with the speaker.

“This was not a mere job recommendation, this was a demand,” Mazzochi said in reference to an email from McClain instructing ComEd officials to add former CEO of the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority Juan Ochoa to the ComEd Board of Directors at the request of Madigan.

Other emails show McClain asking the company to provide work for attorney Victor Reyes and his law firm, Reyes Kurson, again at the request of Madigan, who is referred to as “our Friend.”

In one email, McClain wrote, “I am sure you know how valuable [Reyes] is to our Friend,” and then went on to write, “I know the drill and so do you. If you do not get involve [sic] and resolve this issue of 850 hours for his law firm per year then he will go to our Friend. Our Friend will call me and then I will call you. Is this a drill we must go through?”

Mazzochi said the exchange was “not a job recommendation. That is an unethical quid pro quo.”

“These internal documents certainly confirm that there is no innocent explanation,” she said.

The three Republican House members of the committee called for ad-

Mazzochi comments on SIC outcome State Representative Deanne Mazzochi (R-Elmhurst) released the following statement after the House Special Investigating Committee’s unexpected final hearing: “One can only assume that my colleagues on the committee vigorously workout, because the hoops that Chairman Welch and his fellow Democrats are jumping through to justify the information in the emails we received from ComEd and the admitted federal deferred prosecution agreement are impressive. Actually beyond impressive and bordering on “hard to believe”.

“If you’ve read these emails, the conduct of the Chairman defies belief.

Today he once again spent valuable committee time prescribing all of the reasons why a subpoena to acquire witness testimony might not work.

He’s apparently creating a justification for not doing anything. So the leader of this House ethics investigation is saying that an investigation is too hard and therefore we shouldn’t do it. Allow that notion to search for logic in your brain; too hard equals, we can’t and shouldn’t.

“If, as my colleague Rep. Manley claims, there is nothing untoward about the Speaker’s conduct in his relationship with ComEd, then why won’t he assist the committee in clearing his name? In fact, why wouldn’t he

insist on it. Why wouldn’t his allies on the committee who see no untoward behavior want his name fully cleared?

An investigative committee is charged with doing all it can to get information relevant to its duty, not shying away from it. It takes neither a lawyer or a soothsayer to connect the dots as to why that isn’t the case with this committee.

“This is why people continue to lose faith in the integrity of Illinois government. I don’t blame them for their frustration and their disillusionment. I’m feeling the same way.”

ditional witnesses to appear before them, including those named in the federal indictment, but a motion to issue subpoenas failed to pass, with a partisan vote deadlocked at 3-3.

In a news conference after the committee adjourned, Demmer said the Democrats on the House committee shut down their investigation.

“It was our duty to conduct this investigation to support and try to rebuild the integrity and trust of the House of Representatives. But what we saw under the leadership of Chairman Welch was a process that sought not to hear from additional witnesses, sought not to have adequate number of hearings and sought to bring the committee to a conclusion before we had the information necessary to make a qualified judgment,” Demmer said.

The committee met twice in September, and has heard testimony from only one witness, David Glockner, the executive vice president of compliance and audit for Exelon Corporation, which is the parent company of ComEd. Democrats on the committee also used the emails to suggest Durkin improperly sought ComEd jobs for his friends, citing an email from a lobbyist for the Illinois State Medical Society that asked McClain to consider recommending a woman who had been working in Durkin’s office.

Hernandez, along with her Democratic colleagues, maintained that McClain’s emails simply showed someone making job recommenda-

York Hockey Club delivers for Toys for Tots Since 2009, York Hockey Club has sponsored a Toys for Tots collection event during a Friday Night game in December. Historically, the players, their family, friends, fans and even the opposing team donated new toys to share with under-privileged children throughout the community during the holiday season.

The Club traditionally collects more than 1,000 toys during this annual event. This year, despite the fact that games are not being played,

there are no fans in the stands or opposing team to generate excitement, both the York Hockey J.V. and Varsity Team used a Friday night on Dec. 11 to collect hundreds of toys from friends and family to donate to Toys for Tots.

The players would like to thank all of their friends and families who donated, for their generous support.

More than ever, these toys will make many local children’s Christmas much brighter.

Knights of Columbus to host blood drive Jan. 24

(This was received from the office of With the rampant spread of the State Rep. Deanne Mazzochi.)

COVID-19 virus, blood supplies are depleted and in need of replenishment.

(Continued from page 8) On Sunday, Jan. 24, the Knights of Columbus Fr. McDonald Council Tuesday work?” but I’m not sure I buy this to be center of life. I wouldn’t give up will be hosting a Vitalant blood drive Each day is different. Each true. From what people tell me, grief love in order to avoid grief. And at 537 So. York Rd. from 8 a.m. to hour is different. Each minute can span years and decades and there, right there, is a choice that is 2 p.m. Please enter at the East enis different. Grief is a bevy of lifetimes. Don’t judge. Don’t expect. fully in my control. trance. emotions. Sometimes they come Don’t ever tell someone it’s time to And control is power.

Due to social distancing guideon like a flood; other times they are get over it. Not ever. lines, only appointments will be acJill Pertler is an award-winning completely absent. Don’t expect one No one likes grief. Heck I think cepted – NO walk-ins. syndicated columnist, published emotion or another. There is no right we all hate it. It’s uncomfortable To schedule your appointment, or wrong. Roll with it and allow the and scary. But it’s part of the human playwright and author. Don’t miss a call Vitalant at 1-877-258-4825 or slice; follow the Slices of Life page grieving person this grace. condition. Grief means you have visit vitalant.org and use group code: loved. And loving is at the very on Facebook.

They say time heals all wounds,

• Slices

tions.

“Recommending jobs is legal, and Leader Durkin asked for job recommendations too,” she said. “In neither case is this illegal or unethical.”

Furthermore, Democrats claimed that the committee’s motive was a power grab by Durkin in an effort to become the next House Speaker, even though he would need the votes of at least 15 House Democrats to be elected to the position.

“This is a political show that was concocted by Minority Leader Durkin. It was a plain power grab by the minority party, as the Republican members of this committee and petitioner have shown in spite of our attempts to conduct this investigation in a nonpartisan impartial manner,” Welch said during a news conference following the committee’s adjournment.

In his own statement Dec. 14, Durkin criticized the Democratic members of the committee for protecting Madigan.

“The Democratic Party shows again today there is no limit to the lengths they will go to protect Speaker Madigan. Chairman Welch, Rep. Hernandez and Rep. Manley have turned the rule of law on its head by refusing to investigate the charges and demand the testimony of Speaker Madigan in this scandal. I call on Governor Pritzker to finally demand Speaker Madigan resign as it is clear he refuses to answer any questions about his corrupt practices,” the statement reads.

026G. All successful blood donations are now tested for antibodies. If you’re positive, you could help patients with a convalescent plasma donation.

Did you recover or do you know someone who has recovered from COVID-19? If so, you may be able to help others fighting the disease.

Visit Vitalant.org/CovidFree to learn about Convalescent Plasma (CCP) donation. (Only available at a Vitalant donation center, not at mobile blood drives).

For more information, visit vitalant.org.

10 • Thursday, Dec. 24, 2020 - The Elmhurst Independent

Elmhurst Hospital maintains straight-A streak in Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades Elmhurst Hospital earned an A and Edward Hospital in Naperville earned a B in The Leapfrog Group’s Fall 2020 Hospital Safety Grades. Edward and Elmhurst Hospitals are part of the Edward-Elm-

hurst Health system.

Elmhurst Hospital is one of only 29 hospitals in the U.S. to achieve an A in every update since Leapfrog began the Hospital Safety Grades in 2012..

“The Leapfrog recognition and straight A’s are points of pride for the Elmhurst Hospital staff,” says Pamela Dunley, president & CEO, Elmhurst Hospital. “It means we’re truly living up to our philosophy

The Word is Out

Clarendale Residents Say It Best.

of safe, seamless and personal care for our patients.”

Recent honors received by the hospital include: • For the second time, Elmhurst Hospital achieved designation as a Magnet hospital for nursing excellence from the American Nurses Credentialing Center ANCC).

Elmhurst Hospital was originally recognized as a Magnet hospital in 2015.

• Fortune/IBM Watson Health named Edward-Elmhurst Health one of the nation’s 15 Top Health Systems for the second year in a row.

• Edward Hospital and Elmhurst Hospital made Fortune/IBM Watson Health’s 100 Top Hospitals list and were named Everest Award winners for being among the fastest-improving hospitals in

the country over the last five years.

• Edward Hospital and Elmhurst Hospital each received five stars in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings.

• Edward-Elmhurst Health was named among the “Most Wired” hospitals and health systems in the country by the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives.

• The Emergency Nurses Association named Edward Hospital and Elmhurst Hospital as recipients of its 2020 Lantern Award, which recognizes emergency departments that demonstrate excellent practice and innovative performance through leadership, education, advocacy and research.

For more information, visit EEHealth.org/patientsafety.

Business briefs

Chicago Boat Show canceled The 2021 Progressive Insurance Chicago Boat Show, scheduled to take place January 6-10, is canceled. It will return to McCormick Place January 12-16, 2022.

“This was a difficult decision and was made with the health and safety of our guests, exhibitors and employees top of mind,” said Show Manager Keith Ogulnick. “Following a thorough analysis regarding the feasibility of the show, this is the most prudent course of action, and we look forward to the show returning in 2022.”

“There is nothing more comforting than knowing that my dad is in the absolute best hands in Memory Care at Clarendale of Addison. The staff is very compassionate, attentive and they treat him as if he is their own family member.”

—Dina K., Daughter of Memory Care Resident

Call 630-345-8702 to learn more and chat with our residents.

I n d e p e n d e n t L i v i n g | A ss i s t e d L i v i n g | Me m o ry C a r e web

ClarendaleOfAddison.com | 1651 West Lake Street | Addison, IL 60101 384247

We are now taking reservations

Try Our

Stadium Pizza Great for all your home parties!

Dr. Antonios Papadopoulos is closing his practice at 240 E. Lake St., Suite 102 Addison, IL 60101

483 SPRING ROAD ELMHURST Reservations 630.279-8486 Pizzeria 630.279.8474 www.robertosristorante.com

Enjoy Our Outdoor Dining Area

OPEN FOR LUNCH

The Moreci Family Invites You to Experience

the Finest Selection of Italian Cuisine. Roberto’s Ristorante Features One-of-a-Kind Gourmet Specialities Custom Created by Experienced Chefs

Dr. Papadopoulos has practiced medicine in his private office and will be retiring effective January 16, 2021.

He has sold his practice to Doctor M. Vaseemuddin.

Inquire about our private party luncheons for Memorials, Corporate Meetings, Graduations, Confirmations, Weddings & Baptisms Let our Family cater to your Family!!

Call for Details.

Roberto’s Pizzeria

Call us for Carry Out or Delivery Service

Established in 1962 FAST DELIVERY AND CARRY OUT SERVICE 483 SPRING ROAD, ELMHURST • 630-279-8474 • www.robertosristorante.com

FREE

On Full Slab of Ribs

On 14”, 16” or 18” Pizza

with $15 Purchase or More

Roberto’s Ristorante & Pizzeria

Roberto’s Ristorante & Pizzeria

Roberto’s Ristorante & Pizzeria

Pick Up or Delivery Only One Coupon Per Visit Please Mention Coupon When Ordering Not Valid In Dining Room Expires December 31, 2020

Pick Up or Delivery Only One Coupon Per Visit Please Mention Coupon When Ordering Not Valid In Dining Room Expires December 31, 2020

2 Liter of Soda

Pick Up or Delivery Only One Coupon Per Visit Please Mention Coupon When Ordering Not Valid In Dining Room Expires December 31, 2020

1 OFF

$ 00

On 14”, 16” or 18” Pizza Pick Up or Delivery Only One Coupon Per Visit Please Mention Coupon When Ordering Not Valid In Dining Room Expires December 31, 2020

Roberto’s Ristorante & Pizzeria

387341

1 OFF

$ 00

If a patient would like to obtain copies of his/hers medical records please contact the office at 630-782-9780 and copies will be provided.

387111

1 OFF

$ 50

Association names Conroy ‘Outstanding Legislator’ State Rep. Deb Conroy (D-Villa Park) was named Outstanding Illinois Legislator by the Illinois Counseling Association.

“Counselors play a critical role in our communities, and that role has only been amplified during this global pandemic,” she said. “It’s a tremendous honor to be recognized by the professionals in our state who are committed to wellness, development and dignity for all.”

The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Dec. 24, 2020 • 11

A bag of chips and salsa come with every order. Extra chips $3 bag.

Nachos Grande to end all Nachos Grande Cheese . . . $14

with Meat . . . $17

If You want the best it costs a little extra! A giant pan of chips covered with refried beans, Chihuahua cheese, sliced jalapenos, Pico de Gallo, sour cream and guacamole.

Choice of Beef, Steak, Carnitas or Chicken.

Steak, chicken, pork carnitas, tilapia, beef or vegetable.

Served on corn tortilla with chihuahua cheese, Pico de Gallo & shredded lettuce.

Tres Little Village Tacos

. . . . . . . . . . 12 $

Steak, chicken, pork carnitas, tilapia, beef or vegetable.

Served on corn tortilla with cilantro & onion.

Giant Burrito . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $14 Steak, chicken, carnitas, beef or vegetable on a large flour tortilla with Chihuahua cheese, refried beans, Pico de Gallo shredded lettuce.

The Gordo, The ultimate steak burrito! . . . $16 Half lb of steak, 3 oz of ground beef (it makes it juicier), just a touch of beans, loads of Chihuahua cheese, cilantro, onion, sour cream and fire roasted jalapeno salsa.

Burrito Suizo

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . add $3

(add ranchero sauce and melted chihuahua cheese to your burrito)

Quesadillas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $14 Steak, chicken, pork carnitas, beef or vegetable stuffed into a large flour tortilla with Chihuahua cheese, served with sour cream, Pico de Gallo and guacamole on the side.

Make your Tacos, Burrito or Quesadilla a meal and add a side of beans and rice - Add $4

This legit feeds 4 as an appetizer and anyone as a meal.

Tres Enchiladas

. . . . . . . . . . . . $14

Chicken, beef or steak rolled in corn tortillas topped with Spicy red sauce and melted cheese. Served with beans, rice, Pico de Gallo, sour cream and guacamole.

Chicken Fajitas . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$18 9 oz of chicken with red, yellow & green peppers, rice, beans and guacamole.

Steak Fajitas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$21 9 oz of steak with red, yellow & green peppers, rice, beans and guacamole.

Pollo Asado . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $19 Chicken breast seasoned and grilled. Served with rice, beans, guacamole, sour cream, cheese, Pico de Gallo and warm tortillas.

Carne Asada 9 oz. steak . . . . . . . $22 9 oz. Skirt steak seasoned and grilled. Served with rice, beans, guacamole, sour cream, cheese, Pico de Gallo and warm tortillas.

386226

Tres Gringos Tacos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $12

12 • Thursday, Dec. 24, 2020 - The Elmhurst Independent

Berkshire Hathaway in Elmhurst gives $1,000 to EYFP The Elmhurst office of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago and the firm’s philanthropic arm, the Kindness Foundation, have announced that they will donate $1,000 to the Elmhurst-Yorkville Food Pantry (EYFP) this month. The Elmhurst office has an ongoing relationship with the EYFP and chose to support them because of their dedication to providing food, compassion, and hope to neighbors and children in need.

“I am really pleased to share that we are giving $1,000 to the Elmhurst-Yorkville Food Pantry this year,” said Joe Stacy, senior vice president, general sales manager, Kindness Foundation chairman and Elmhurst office managing broker.

“The importance of the work they do cannot be underscored enough.”

In fiscal year 2019, EYFP served more than 3,800 individuals of which 1,457 were children and 652 were seniors.

LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE CERTIFICATE NO. 77909 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on DECEMBER 14, 2020, wherein the business firm of CHIMNEY RESTORATION MP LOCATED AT 21W551 NORTH AVENUE APT 335, LOMBARD, IL 60148 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) MIGUEL ANGEL PONCE RUIZ, HOME ADDRESS 21W551 NORTH AVENUE APT 335, LOMBARD, IL 60148.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 14TH day of DECEMBER, A.D. 2020.

JEAN KACZMAREK Jean Kaczmarek DuPage County Clerk (OFFICIAL SEAL) (Published in The Elmhurst Independent Dec. 17, 24 & 31, 2020) 387223

NOTICE CERTIFICATE NO. 77915 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on DECEMBER 15, 2020, wherein the business firm of ADDISON VOLLEYBALL ASSOCIATION LOCATED AT 2102 W CONCORD LANE, ADDISON, IL 60101 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) JEFF O’LEARY, HOME ADDRESS 2102 W CONCORD LANE, ADDISON, IL 60101.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 15TH day of DECEMBER, A.D. 2020.

JEAN KACZMAREK Jean Kaczmarek DuPage County Clerk (OFFICIAL SEAL) (Published in The Elmhurst Independent Dec. 24, 31, 2020 & Jan. 7, 2021) 387406

NOTICE CERTIFICATE NO. 77924 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on DECEMBER 18, 2020, wherein the business firm of SMART COURSES LOCATED AT 110 GLEN HILL DRIVE, GLENDALE HEIGHTS, IL 60139 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) SYED RIZVI, HOME ADDRESS 110 GLEN HILL DRIVE, GLENDALE HEIGHTS, IL 60139.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 18TH day of DECEMBER, A.D. 2020.

JEAN KACZMAREK Jean Kaczmarek DuPage County Clerk (OFFICIAL SEAL) (Published in The Elmhurst Independent Dec. 24, 31, 2020 & Jan. 7, 2021) 387531

NOTICE CERTIFICATE NO. 77925 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on DECEMBER 18, 2020, wherein the business firm of AL SADIQ HAWZA LOCATED AT 110 GLEN HILL DRIVE, GLENDALE HEIGHTS, IL 60139 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) SYED RIZVI, HOME ADDRESS 110 GLEN HILL DRIVE, GLENDALE HEIGHTS, IL 60139.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 18TH day of DECEMBER, A.D. 2020.

JEAN KACZMAREK Jean Kaczmarek DuPage County Clerk (OFFICIAL SEAL) (Published in The Elmhurst Independent Dec. 24, 31, 2020 & Jan. 7, 2021) 387530

NOTICE CERTIFICATE NO. 77926 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on DECEMBER 18, 2020, wherein the business firm of LITTLE ARROWS PHOTOGRAPHY LOCATED AT 28W111 GARYS MILL ROAD, WINFIELD, IL 60190 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) COURTNEY ROMANO, HOME ADDRESS 28W111 GARYS MILL ROAD, WINFIELD, IL 60190.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 18TH day of DECEMBER, A.D. 2020.

JEAN KACZMAREK Jean Kaczmarek DuPage County Clerk (OFFICIAL SEAL) (Published in The Elmhurst Independent Dec. 24, 31, 2020 & Jan. 7, 2021) 387546

NOTICE CERTIFICATE NO. 77922 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on DECEMBER 18, 2020, wherein the business firm of OPTIMAL HEALTH & WELLNESS CENTER LOCATED AT 800 ROOSEVELT ROAD B-101, GLEN ELLYN, IL 60137 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) SUSAN E. KELENYI, HOME ADDRESS 901 ELLYNWOOD DRIVE, GLEN ELLYN, IL 60137.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 18TH day of DECEMBER, A.D. 2020.

JEAN KACZMAREK Jean Kaczmarek DuPage County Clerk (OFFICIAL SEAL) (Published in The Elmhurst Independent Dec. 24, 31, 2020 & Jan. 7, 2021) 387553

SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

Immanuel Lutheran presents The Nativity

This is the season when the beloved figurines depicting the Christmas manger scene are displayed - from glowing plastic lawn ornaments to pristine tabletop nativity sets. Surrounding the baby Jesus are Mary and Joseph, shepherds and wisemen. Maybe you know the story. Maybe you don’t. That’s something Immanuel Lutheran in Elmhurst wants to address with a simple walk around the block. “What many people don’t know is that every figure in the nativity scene is meaningful.

That’s why we’re raising nativity awareness through our Nativity Walk,” said Senior Pastor David Seabaugh. “After just one walk around the block, you’ll never see a nativity set the same way again.”

Immanuel’s Nativity Walk is a self-guided tour of the nativity figures and can be viewed day or night.

It starts at the corner of 3rd St. and Michigan in Elmhurst and runs from now through Tuesday, Jan 5.

Community calendar Welcome to the Elmhurst Independent’s Community Calendar Upcoming events will be published, even if they are virtual and only available online. Please remember to be safe when attending live events by wearing masks, using hand sanitizer and maintaining the proper social distance.

If your club or organization is gathering during this time, live OR virtually, you can send the information to Independent@rvpublishing. com and put “Community Calendar” in the Subject line.

Friday, Dec. 25 The Elmhurst Independent wishes all its readers and families a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Let’s hope for a safer, healthier 2021, when we can come back together and celebrate our community again.

Ongoing programs: • Rotary Club of Elmhurst holds a Zoom meeting every Thursday at 12 noon. See what we’re all about and consider joining men and women who do good work in the community. Contact Rotary President Charlie Laliberte for Zoom invite details.

Charlielaliberte@gmail.com.

• Now through Feb. 14, 2021, the Elmhurst Art Museum presents a socially-distanced self-guided, outdoor walking tour of Elmhurst’s modern

architecture. Purchase admission ticket at the web site, however, admission is free during Wright Before the “Lloyd” exhibition currently on display through Feb. 14. Link to guided audio tour expires five days after activating custom code. Advanced purchase recommended. Free to members. Visit elmhurstartmuseum.org.

Current exhibitions: Elmhurst Art Museum NOTE: Exhibition run dates recently changed due to new Museum hours - Wright Before the “Lloyd,” open now through February 14, 2021, features images and artifacts that portray the eclectic, early explorations of one of the world’s greatest architects and is curated by Chicago’s official cultural historian Tim Samuelson.

Lizzadro Museum Now until January 2021, a Special Exhibit is on display called “Re-carving the Past: The Art of Chinese Bronze and Jades.” The exhibition features 11 bronzes from the MacLean Collection and 16 Jade carvings from the Lizzadro Museum illustrating the enduring importance of antiquity in Chinese art and culture. Formerly located in Wilder Park, the Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art can now be found at 1220 Kensington Road in Oak Brook.

U.S. News & World Report recognizes Park Place among ‘Best Nursing Homes’

Park Place Health & Wellness Center’s skilled nursing community is among the 21% of U.S. skilled nursing facilities that have been recognized as a Best Nursing Home for 2020-21 by U.S. News & World Report.

Park Place, a Providence Life Services community, earned Best Nursing Homes status by achieving a rating of “High Performing,” the highest possible rating, for ShortTerm Rehabilitation. U.S. News gives the designation of Best Nursing Home only to those homes that satisfy U.S. News’s assessment of the appropriate use of key services and consistent performance in quality measures.

“The U.S. News recognition received by Park Place’s skilled nursing facility speaks to the dedication the staff have for high quality and positive outcomes,” said Megan Tengerstrom,Vice President of Operations for Providence.

(Continued from front page)

• Missing

A brief history of The Abbey The Abbey has served as the Park District’s senior center since 1974.

For decades it provided activities for older adults, but during the Park District’s comprehensive Vision 2020 planning process, which began in 2016, the community identified a need for a new or improved senior center. While seeking another location, the Park District and D205 began discussions about the acquisition/sale of The Abbey. The close proximity to York High School made the adjacent property a viable option for the school district.

On August 26, 2019, the Board of Park Commissioners approved the purchase of 2.92 acres of property at 155 E. St. Charles Road. The property includes an approximate

(Continued from front page)

in the neighborhood. Many first responders and other officials completed systematic searches that required the coordination of several agencies.

After an extensive search, the man was located by first responders at about 1 a.m. At the scene, paramedics determined that his core body temperature was below normal so the man was transported to Elmhurst Hospital for treatment.

“We are grateful he was able to be found due to the outside temperature and amount of time that had passed,” said Kassondra Schref, communications manager for the City of Elmhurst. “We would like to thank the

• Board

would be able relocate.

Elmhurst Fire Department, the Elmhurst Emergency Services and Disaster Coordinator, the DuPage County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance with a bloodhound, the Du-COMM dispatch center, and the West Chicago Fire Department, in conjunction with the West Chicago Search and Rescue Strike Team for their use of a drone and additional K-9 search teams.

“All first responders on the scene appreciated the cooperation and concern from residents in the community.”

The man’s identity was not provided.

(Continued from page 3)

sue the bonds helped to save district Bryan project criticized by taxpayers more than $250,000 in in- Collins; a mistake we would terest payments over the life of the regret ‘for decades’ Collins, who criticized the projbonds. ect to pave the gravel lot outside of Bryan Middle School in a previous Upcoming capital projects The meeting also included a pre- meeting, said during the Dec. 15 sentation about the district’s capital meeting that it would be a foolish inprojects scheduled for the summer vestment to spend $1.589 million for of 2021. Todd Schmidt, the district’s the project. The lot serves as a stordirector of buildings and grounds, age area for District 205 vehicles and delivered the presentation. He noted equipment. The project to pave it was that the district has about $6 million originally scheduled to take place in capital projects scheduled for the during the summer of 2020. Collins upcoming summer. Those projects referred to the lot as an eyesore. He include: roof replacement in the area said following through with the projof York High School’s south gymna- ect would be a mistake that the board sium ($1.5 million), replacement of would regret for decades. the boiler of York’s swimming pool The project to pave the lot also ($450,000), replacement of the York calls for stormwater detention (an pool locker room ($350,000), the underwater vault) to be placed in installation of field turf in the storm the area. The district and the City of water detention are in front of York, Elmhurst have an intergovernmental in conjunction with the City of Elm- agreement regarding the area. Achurst’s stormwater project beneath cording to the agreement, the disthe field ($900,000), and the project trict has to replace the gravel lot by that includes the paving of the gravel the end of the summer of 2021. The lot outside of Bryan Middle School project also includes extensive land($1.589 million). scaping. Collins and board member The athletic field with the synthet- Christopher Kocinski urged the disic turf will be installed in the open trict to explore better solutions. Disspace north of the entrance to the trict 205 Superintendent David MoyYork campus. District 205 will pay er said the district doesn’t have any for the turf field. The City of Elm- better options. hurst will install underground stormThe city reportedly does not have water tanks under the field. The new an available location for the district field will be large enough for prac- to store its equipment; if it did, the tices and competitions in multiple district would have to pay to lease sports, including lacrosse and soccer. the space.

11,800-square-foot recreation building that is ideally sized and situated to function as the site for a new adult center for the community. In the summer of 2020, the park space on the site was dedicated as Centennial Park in honor of the Park District’s 100th anniversary.

With a new location secure, both entities met to further the conversations of the potential sale of The Abbey to District 205. Each agency had the property independently appraised in late 2019, and negotiations concerning the sale price took place over the winter without a final agreement being reached due to the onset and duration of the pandemic. With the promise of a vaccine on the horizon, D205 and the Park District staff re-started discussions and agreed the opportunity was still viable.

“

Senior citizens and adults of all ages will benefit from the new Adult Center envisioned for Centennial Park as part of the District’s Vision 2020 Plan.”

– Jim Rogers, Park District Executive Director

the Park District to utilize the funds garnered from the sale to develop the Centennial Park site as well as bring the recreation building up to code in order to fully comply with ADA, life safety and various buildSale proceeds will fund other ing code requirements.

Park District projects This will create a multi-dimenThe sale of the property is permitted under state law and will allow sional center and expand adult and

$

Smart Mama

senior programming, including both recreational and social service options, in a larger, upgraded, more functional space.

If and when pandemic-related restrictions are lifted and when it is safe to provide programming opportunities for seniors, the Wilder Mansion will serve as an “interim” senior center until the new adult center at Centennial Park is ready for use, projected in late 2021 or early 2022.

“We’re very excited to see the efforts of both entities come to fruition,” said Park District Executive Director, Jim Rogers, “Senior citizens and adults of all ages will benefit from the new Adult Center envisioned for Centennial Park as part of the District’s Vision 2020 Plan. The District is also pleased that the Wilder Mansion will be able to serve the needs of adults and seniors until the new center opens.”

For more information, visit www. elmhurst205.org and www.epd.org.

387475

Superintendent Dr. David Moyer said. “The School District will finally have a permanent home for the Transition Center program, one that has adequate space and physical characteristics to support the needs of the students. The community as a whole also will benefit by realizing improved services for senior citizens. I have appreciated our working relationship with the Park District, and it has been gratifying to be able to work together to mutually improve services in two important areas for Elmhurst residents.”

When the Park District vacates the building, D205 will need significant renovations to the site to make it appropriate for the Transition Center students. Officials said it was premature to speculate on a date when the project might be finished and the Transition Center program

Savings

Your In Print and Online source for discounts, special offers and coupons from your hometown merchants 387113

• Abbey

The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Dec. 24, 2020 • 13

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630-832-0555 any $10 pizza purchase Pick Pick up up or or delivery. delivery. With With this this coupon coupon only. only. Not Not valid valid with with other other offers. offers.

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To find out how your business can be included, call Debbie at 630-834-8355 or Brenda at 630-834-4450

Painting

Handyman

that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal Addison, opportunity basis.

To Serving Bensenville, Elmhurst, complain of discrimination call JK MAINTENANCE CLASSIFIED IN-COLUMN ADS HANDYMAN BILL & Villa Park HUD toll-freeLombard at 1-900-669-9777. cannot be credited or refunded The toll-free tele phone number PAINTING & MORE Reliable Handyman after the ad has been placed. for the hearing impaired is 1-800• Drywall & Tile Repair l Ombard O fficE (630) 627-7010 Elmhurst OfficE (630) 834-8244 Specializing in general maintenance Ads canceled before deadline all lassifiEds 927-9275. at EQUAL HOUSING in-Print and OnlnE at www.lOmbardian.infO in-Print and OnlnE at www.thEindEPEndEntnEwsPaPErs .cOmRepairs & Restaining • Deck will be removed from the paper and repair both inside and out.

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101017 14 • Thursday, Dec. 24, 2020 - The Elmhurst Independent

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Mount Carmel Prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary 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 here 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 succor me in my necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand your power. Oh Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (say three times). Holy Mary, I place this prayer in your hands (say three times). Amen.

Say this prayer for three consecutive days and then you must publish and it will be granted to you.

I am confident my prayers will be answered. Thank You Mother of God!!!

JC

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PUBLISHER’S NOTICE Allacreal lication does not knowingly FOR SALE BY OWNER Two Flat estate advertising in this newspaApartment buildingcept in Addison, IL fraudulent or deceptive adper is subject to the Fair Housing If interested, call 630-390-5855 Act which makes it illegal to advertising. Readers are cautioned vertise any preference, limitation to thoroughly investigate allonads, or discrimination based race, color, religion, sex, disability, faespecially those asking for money miliar/ status or national origin, in advance. or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimiDISCLAIMER NOTICE This pubnation. Familial status includes lication does not knowingly acchildren under the age of 18 living cept fraudulent or deceptive adwith parents or legal custodians, vertising. Readers are cautioned pregnant women and people seto thoroughly investigate all ads, Small,thoseclean, one especially asking for mon- bedroom CARE GIVER WANTED Looking curing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowey apartment. in advance. for part time caregiver.

No expeNo smoking, $850 TORO XL427 RIDING MOWER, rience necessary. Call 331-903- ingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation per month, heat included.

Avail120 hours service, includes newof 7317 the law. Our readers are hereby battery, owners manual spares, informed that all & dwellings adable now. 630-514-7911.

FIND YOUR NEXTCall vertised in this newspaper are 371563 TORO ELECTRIC START $650.00.

773-415-1319 (Villa available on an equal opportunity SNOWBLOWER 21” Clearing JOB INPark).

THE basis. To complain of discriminaWidth, 212 CC, 4 CYL-OHV. Low tion call HUD toll-free at 1-900Mileage. Extremely Good CondiCLASSIFIEDS 669-9777. The toll-free tele phone tion $400 or best offer. 630-932number for the hearing impaired 9148. If no answer, lv. msg. w/ call is 1-800-927-9275.

EQUAL vvvvvv back number.

HOUSING OPPORTUNITY CLASSIFIED IN-COLUMN ADS cannot be credited or refunded after the ad has been placed.

Ads canceled before deadline will be removed from the paper as a service to our customers, but no credit or refund will be issued to your account.

Lombard Apartments

EMPLOYMENT

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FIND YOUR NEXT Automobiles CALL Elmhurst (630) 834-8244 HOME IN THE FINDFOR YOURSALE NEXT HOME 2004 LINCOLN 2004 or Lombard(630}627-7010 IN THE CLASSIFIEDS! Lincoln Town Car, Signature ModTO PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIED el; 119,000 miles, $3,000. Call AD! v (708) 334-5013

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One way we can help each other get through these challenging times is to keep our dollars local. Here are three good reasons.

Reason #1: Shopping locally saves you gas and wear and tear on your vehicle.

Reason #2: When you spend your money locally, you support the businesses whose property taxes pay for our municipal services.

Reason #3: Many of our youth programs are supported and sponsored by local businesses and if we don’t support them, they can’t support our kids.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

Rock V alley Publishing LLC

262148

The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Dec. 24, 2020 • 15

Programs coming to Elmhurst Public Library Dec. 25-Jan. 1 Saturday, Dec. 26 All Day Winter Stitch-Along Join us for a stitch-along inspired by fairytales and folklore! A stitch-along is a mystery cross-stitch pattern where new parts of the design are released each week. Every Saturday, we send you the next piece until you have a completed pattern.

This is an asynchronous program where everyone stitches at their own pace, but we also have a monthly check-in on Zoom to socialize with other participants and share progress.

The next check-ins are Jan. 14 and Feb. 23.

Register to receive the pattern each week.

Saturday, Dec. 26 from 11:15-11:35 Songs and Stories Zoom in for music, movement, songs, and stories just right for little ones. See friends and sing and clap along.

Register for the Zoom link to this weekly program.

Wednesday, Dec. 30 from 6:30-7 p.m.

Family Kitchen Jam Session Get ready to bang in the New Year with instruments all around the kitchen. Grab a pot and spoon, make a recycled bottle into a shaker, and join in a Zoom festival of sound. Register to receive the Zoom link.

Info: (630) 279-8696 or elmlib.org/athome

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

Would you like free home delivery of the Elmhurst Independent?

If you live in Elmhurst you can receive the Independent every week by mail at no charge.

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16 • Thursday, Dec. 24, 2020 - The Elmhurst Independent

The Elmhurst ndependent TheIElmhurst Independent - Thursday, July 16, 2020 • 19

Sports Dec. 24, 2020 • 16

York’s Barr makes it Timothy Christian official with Yale signing gives green light to

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

Doing research on anything in life tends to produce positive results.

In the case of York senior girls volleyball standout Gigi Barr, that’s most certainly what happened and led her to recently signing a national letter of intent to continue her academic and athletic careers at Ivy League entrant Yale, based in New Haven, Connecticut.

“I have a pretty high grade-point average and one of my coaches said why don’t you apply to Ivy League schools?” Barr said. “At first, I was looking at some tougher academic schools like USC. I hadn’t considered the Ivy League. After talking to my coach and the counselors at York it sounded like the best of both worlds with being able to excel in both academics and athletics, and I want to do that in college.”

One of Barr’s emails ended up going to Yale’s volleyball coach. “They responded and got on the phone right away and that’s how we started our recruiting journey together,” she said.

Barr admitted the whole gravity of possibly going to an Ivy League school had her a bit worried at first. “At first, it definitely she said. on Anthonydid,” Bucolo fires “But a pitch both visits I took — one was a camp game. there and the other was an official vis-

it — I spoke to the girls on the team and the seniors that have been there all four years. After that, I was a little less worried about balancing the academics with the athletics. I found out they make sure your heavier academic workload with the tougher classes happens during the second semester. That was a nice reassurance from the coaches and players, so I wasn’t too worried about it.”

Barr, a high honor roll student at York, said a possible major would be either biomedical or environmental engineering with some attention to law thrown in as well. “I also would like to take some law classes,” she said. “The way they do it there you would graduate with an engineering degree and then go on to their law school. They don’t want you coming into the school as a pre-law major.”

Pushing herself academically is something Barr said is done for a reason.

“At the end of the day as an athlete, you can only be an athlete for so long before your body breaks down,” she FOX PHOTO Elmhurst Independent said.CHRIS “Having a Yale degree will help get me a lot farther and will make a bigger difference long-term.”

Barr a is still processing the fact she’s during recent U12 baseball going to one of the more well-known colleges in the country.

U12 baseball action

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YORK HIGH SCHOOL PLAYER OF THE WEEK YORK HIGH SCHOOL PLAYER OF THE WEEK LUKE MALAGA GIGIFOOTBALL BARR YORK VOLLEYBALL Malaga, YORK a wideGIRLS receiver on the York football Barr was recipient of the 2019-2020 Val Cothern team and the a team captain, recently York announced he junior female athlete of the year and award.

Barr went over the will continue his academic college careers at 1,000-career kill threshold last fall for the Dukes girls volleyCornell University.

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

“I am still in shock,” she said. “Even though I have received the official letter, it’s still unbelievable. I don’t think it will be real until I step on campus for the first time and go to my dorm and have that whole first college experience. It feels like an out-of-body experience. I’m super-happy, but it still hasn’t resonated. I am very fortunate to be going there.”

Barr said she applied to Yale like any other student would but was put into an early application process. “They want you to know if you are admitted or if you get rejected you still have the ability to apply to other places,” she said. “I had to apply and get in with the same academic qualifications as any student there.”

Barr, who plays for the Adversity club, is still hopeful she will get to enjoy some sort of final senior season at York. As it stands right now, girls high school volleyball in Illinois is scheduled to start in the spring.

“I am hopeful that we will have some sort of season,” said Barr, who plays outside for York and middle at Adversity and was recruited to play middle at Yale. “I’m upset about it. I thought we had a good chance with this team to go very far based on our level of play and the number of seniors we have. High school is a great way to have a lot of fun and spend time with your peers. The club season is long and it’s competitive. With high school you are there with your classmates 24-7, which is not possible with your club team.”

Barr said she’s not sure what the landscape will look like in the spring with the club and high school seasons very possibly running at the same time.

“If we aren’t able to play both and it comes down to it, I would pick club because I will get more time to prepare physically for Yale. Club will prepare me for college because I play the same position in club as I will at Yale.”

Looking back, Barr said she has had a blast in the York girls volleyball program the last four years.

“York has been a good balance of fun and competition, and we had the overarching theme we did with the environment and ‘go green’ the last four years,” she said. “It’s been cool to take everything in. York has been a really great experience for me. It couldn’t be better. The only way it could be better is we’re able to play this spring.”

Barr was the winner of the York Val Cothern junior female athlete of the year award. She registered 478 kills and went over the 1,000-career kill mark last year in helping the Dukes go 29-8 and win a Class 4A regional title.

girls badminton team Badminton moved to winter schedule; no status change on resumption of high school sports amid pandemic

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

One change coming out of the most recent Illinois High School Association December Board of Directors meeting is the movement of girls badminton from a spring sport to a winter sport.

The board voted to move girls badminton from a spring sport to a winter sport within the modified 2020-2021 modified sports calendar.

“Given its status as a low-risk sport, we believe we can safely conduct badminton in the winter as soon as the current mitigations are lifted,” IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson said. “The feedback we have heard from our schools is that this is an optimal time to conduct badminton as they look at balancing sports and facilities throughout the remainder of the school year.”

As a result of that news, Timothy Christian athletic director Jack LeGrand told the Independent that the school will together a badminton team and will compete once high school sports are able to resume amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Timothy Christian has never had a team, but our student-athletes have expressed interest in playing, if allowed,” LeGrand said.

The IHSA board also permitted the allowance of contact days for out-of-season IHSA sports (2020-2021 fall, spring and summer sports) as soon as the Illinois Department of Public Health and Governor Pritzker’s office lift the current Tier 3 mitigations.

Contact days, the IHSA Noted, will be restricted to six hours per student-athlete per sport each week, and can include practices, drills and intra-squad scrimmages allowable under IDPH guidance.

Competition against any other high school, conducted in-state or out of state, is prohibited, the IHSA cautioned.

“The board felt it was important for the physical and mental health of our student-athletes to resume contact days for all outof-season sports as soon as IDPH deems it safe,” Anderson said.

“Winter sports are not included as we anticipate all low-risk sports will be able to begin their seasons at the same time. Basketball remains the outlier in the equation. We hope to be able to conduct basketball during the winter season, but if we cannot, basketball will be provided the same contact day opportunity as we determine where the basketball seasons fit best in the remainder of the school year.”

The IHSA said its board plans to meet with representatives from IDPH and the governor’s office prior to January to develop a timeline for the resumption of winter sports. Following that meeting, the board, the IHSA added, will call a special meeting to finalize scheduling for the winter, spring and summer sports seasons.

“The board reiterated they plan to do everything in their power to provide a season for every IHSA sport in 2020-21,” Anderson said. “There have been no cancellations of any sports or discussions about canceling any sports thus far. The board appreciates the patience and flexibility of the IHSA membership and remains optimistic, especially as vaccines begin to be administered, that we will return to conducting IHSA sports early in 2021.”

The IHSA’s update comes as news of the COVID-19 vaccine’s arrival, distribution and administration brings hope that there may be hope at the end of the pandemic tunnel, yet the state recently endured an alarming stretch where deaths attributed to the virus tallied in the 100s each day.

The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Dec. 24, 2020 • 17

Garden Club still plays a role in beauty of community Sale of evergreens, floral arrangements nets over $800 for scholarships

COVID-19 restrictions have meant the end to many activities and traditions around town and the Elmhurst Garden Club had to cancel their annual Holiday Luncheon, where members create floral centerpieces are offered for sale.

The Club also had to cancel a more than 60-year tradition of decorating various areas in the Elmhurst Public Library. Still, the Elmhurst Garden Club was determined to make use of the creative talents of its members for the holidays.

Five members of the ECG Designs and Exhibits committee assembled more than 50 evergreens and floral arrangements at the Ray Graham Greenhouse. The sale netted $825 which will go to the EGC Scholarship Fund.

Despite COVID-19 restrictions the Elmhurst Garden Club (EGC) continues to keep members involved, educated and informed through print

and digital media. ECG conducts their board meetings via Zoom and continues their mentorship of York High School’s Garden Club. Along with a monthly newsletter the club also issues a weekly digital “EGC Connections” that includes garden photos, tips, and humor. The club also sends e-blasts out with information on gardening, horticultural, and environmental webinars. Every effort is being made to keep the club’s core values and comradeship intact through all available avenues of connection.

With the arrival of the COVID-19 vaccine, the EGC looks forward to eventually resuming in-person live meetings and speaker presentations.

Plans for 2021 include a grand Elmhurst Garden Club 95th Anniversary Garden Walk and Faire celebration in July of 2021.

For more information, visit elmhurstgardenclub.org.

Garden Club member Teri Litavsky and her daughter Lilly proudly share their holiday arrangements made at the Ray Graham greenhouse.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS Elmhurst Independent

These masked floral arrangement creators from the Elmhurst Garden Club are (from left): Louellen Rossi, Pat O’Dwyer, Marsha Pniewski, Roz Massel. (Not pictured: Joyce Murphy)

Pictured here showing off a beautiful arrangement she created is Elmhurst Garden Club president Debbie Kobiljak.

18 • Thursday, Dec. 24, 2020 - The Elmhurst Independent

Leaders optimistic with Moderna vaccine on horizon No rollback of mitigations despite 2 regions hitting hospitalization, positivity rate threshold

By Sarah Mansur

doses four week apart, compared to the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine that was found 95 percent effective after two doses three weeks apart.

“This is yet another very exciting development, and it reinforces and it brightens the light at the end of the tunnel for all of us who have been fighting through COVID-19,” Pritzker said.

News about the vaccines comes as the state’s coronavirus death toll surpassed 15,000 since March, rising to 15,015 among 886,805 cases and more than 12 million test results reported since the beginning of the pandemic.

On Dec. 18, the Illinois Department of Public Health reported 7,377 new confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 in Illinois, including 181 additional deaths.

Statewide, the rolling seven-day average case positivity rate was 8 percent, which decreased four-tenths of a percentage point from the day prior. This is the fifth straight day that the rolling seven-day average case positivity rate

CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

Gov. JB Pritzker announced Dec. 18 that more than 17,000 doses of the first coronavirus vaccine have been administered to Illinois frontline health care workers outside of Chicago, up from 3,500 doses on Dec. 17.

Pritzker said Illinois hospitals could begin to receive shipments of a second COVID-19 vaccine, developed by the drug company Moderna, as early as this week. That announcement comes one day after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s advisory committee recommended the use of the Moderna vaccine in people ages 18 and older.

The FDA granted Emergency Use Authorization for the Moderna vaccine on Dec. 18.

The first vaccine, developed by Pfizer and BioNTech, received such authorization from the FDA the week before.

The Moderna vaccine was shown to be 94.1 percent effective after two

has decreased, and it’s the lowest rate recorded since Nov. 1.

At the end of the day Dec. 17, there were 4,690 people hospitalized with COVID-19 in Illinois, a decrease of 114 from the day prior. Approximately 25 percent of hospital beds remained open statewide.

There were 1,023 intensive care beds in use by COVID-19 patients as of Thursday night, Dec. 17, a decrease of 40 from the day prior. That left 20 percent of ICU beds open statewide.

COVID-19 patients occupied 589 ventilators, an increase of 14 from the day prior, leaving 72 percent of ventilators available statewide.

Two of the state’s 11 mitigation regions—Region 1, which encompasses the northern and western portion of the state, and Region 6, which covers portions of eastern and central Illinois— have met the conditions laid out by the Pritzker administration to return to Tier 2 mitigations, from Tier 3, which all 11 regions entered by Nov. 20. But

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the governor said that does not mean existing regulations will be rolled back in the near future.

Both Region 1 and Region 6 have experienced a test positivity rate less than 12 percent for three consecutive days, had greater than 20 percent available intensive care unit and medical or surgical bed availability for three consecutive days, and saw a decline in the number of COVID-19 patients in the hospital in 7 out of the last 10 days.

Tier 3 mitigations strictly limit capacity at retail stores and other Illinois businesses and require casinos and video gambling terminals to close, among other economic restrictions, which would no longer apply in Tier 2. However, Tier 2 mitigations still prohibit indoor dining at restaurants or bars.

“First of all, we’re very glad that things are moving in the right direction. We’re also concerned the numbers have not come down as precipitously as we would have liked to have seen by now. And so that’s of great concern to us. We’re still seeing 7,000, 8,000, 9,000 cases every day, and we still have a positivity rate that’s far from the (World Health Organization) recommended 5 percent,” Pritzker said in response to a question about the regions that met criteria to return to Tier 2.

Despite the regions meeting the criteria, Pritzker has said no regions will

be removed from stricter mitigations at this time, and it is unclear when the rollback of mitigations may begin.

“Since the surge hit us, it’s been important for us to get the right trajectory of cases, and hospitalizations and ICU use, and to make sure that we get to the right level. Remember, there are still many hospitals around the state, that have limited ability to take in new ICU patients, or even new hospitalizations.

And so, we’re trying very hard to bring it down all across the state before we start to relieve the regions from Tier 3 to Tier 2.”

IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike was asked about whether the anticipated increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations that was expected after the Thanksgiving holiday, due to greater numbers of people traveling and gathering, has been avoided since that spike has not yet occurred.

“I am really happy to say that we did not see the significant surge that we were very much concerned about in relation to all the reports that we saw of the large amount of travel here in the state of Illinois,” Ezike said. “I think all the mitigations that we had in place in advance of Thanksgiving have been helpful. So, no we did not see a surge following Thanksgiving. I’m waiting for this final week’s tally, which will come on Monday (Dec. 21), but so far that is a good thing that we can report.”

1 1 • Thursday, March 5, 2020 - The Elmhurst Independent

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By Dee Longfellow FOR THE ELMHURST INDEPENDENT

Spring is indeed on its way and a big indicator is the upcoming occasion for the wearin’ o’ the green which takes place Saturday, March 7. Yes, it’s time for the 24th Annual Elmhurst St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which steps off promptly at 12 noon. This year’s Grand Marshal is the Roesch Auto Group, which has provided vehicles for the parade since its first year – you’ll find more information about the Roesch Auto Group in a special section inside this issue.

The list of entries can be viewed inside this issue upfront in the news section.

The special section is always filled with photos from last year, so look for your friends and neighbors — or your-

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Chu of up of oa em dent June t ward the railroad tracks just beyond performances for you to enjoy along a pe rchv the on Elm rd, D ber Pe na titio ille seve the hurs ist. of th te Silverado Grill. But you’ll likely want with green beer (in moderation!) and a tures n th Schon si north t. DiC 2, an e to show up earlier than that not only corned beef sandwiches. safepainte to pl at ev ol, blings side iann d whe i, to park but also to take advantage of The Elmhurst Independent will Ded at ty mead crosead foening brough attend re w the musical entertainment that will be there too, so smile as we drive by Iniversethy.e intesures thswalk r a tr ith 40t alon ed rsec at and affic 0 si g Cia lig be going on prior to the parade. Live because we might just take your pictio coul an lig gex nni ht of n of d y ht to trem now the musical entertainment is expected to ture. Hosted by Elmhurst’s own John Yor be af othe , r fo tiv mov ely co is es rece k St rd es. e fo nc peci nt be performed at the Prairie Path, in R. Quigley and Ken Bartels, Comcast . an rw erne ally acci d only“Bbe y ard d front of Ahlgrim Funeral Home and at “Elmhurst Our Kind of Town” thwill al de ga with with arm nt, D e , the ugin ed McKinley and Spring. filming the parade for viewing cide stlater oplig war g safe the an iDiC itnts,will ty dela d ht ra the Then enjoy a few hours of bands, in the month. After March on 17, initi y iann inju despnt stud traf fic abo ly di6 iand City fire and public works vehicles, broadcast on Comcast Channel to ries ite y pa an th pr d re ld th and multipis de ttern ev City officials, Scout troops, floats, rep- AT&T Universe Channel si e Itci can le clin s ters d99.

Chu in palsdents Indepeen a past ing rc B of fa resentatives from various business and also be found at ElmhurstTV.com. hvAcen ac of senv supp ille [of sign nden tality, or besc Con a t. “N ” organizations in town and those fabu- cording to the cable schedule, it will cal supp ill child ort e event, an hools] rad petitio ot d be lous Irish dancers. Some of the mas- broadcast: endent in At th ren caus pass the wro Fische n, ep Ju e atte e Ind Vill te cots from Chicago’s pro sports teams Wednesdays at 5idp.m. rst so ed le r en ne C hu Yor t of , Joe ity C nd Con me a reso age tElm O are expected as well like Southpaw, Sundays at 7:30 (starting M ou Wed of k lu of ly p.m.

OT PH thisas and north artu ncil rad Fi thei tion cc m the Div Benny the Bull and Tommy the Hawk. ITTED3/14) de sc r “sui erse Elm i, a 56eetin her.”loBM insi SU y w hursSat-y g ba ci The Elmhurst Armpit Orchestra will Saturdays at 7 p.m. (starting os de ot corn as kn t, sa ear re ck ph ns be on hand this year as always. See 3/21) id sore .” own that Id take it easyeron their story inside, as they salute Elm- ol. MEnjoy thePo day and the locale Get ho sc green beer. hurst’s museums this year. whi ting V lice les ing mLDe !! of the

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The Elmhurst Independent

Like puzzles? Then you’ll love sudoku. This mind-bending puzzle will have you hooked from the moment you square off, so sharpen your pencil and put your sudoku savvy to the test! Here’s How It Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!

Pritzker orders more than $700 million in spending cuts

By Peter Hancock

CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

Gov. JB Pritzker has announced more than $700 million in spending cuts, calling it a “first step” in closing a $3.9 billion revenue shortfall in the current fiscal year’s budget.

As part of those cuts, Pritzker said his office is negotiating with employee labor unions to identify $75 million in personnel cost reductions, which could include furloughs, and that he is establishing a work group to identify possible closures of Department of Corrections facilities due to lower inmate populations.

“These cuts reflect the first phase of our path forward, doing what is within my powers, unilaterally and without the legislature,” Pritzker said during a news conference in Chicago. “This is going to be tough. And as my ongoing conversations with General Assembly leaders would indicate, there is a great deal of work the legislature must do when it convenes next month.”

The plan includes hiring freezes at several state agencies as well as reductions or freezes in several grant programs at the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Natural Resources. It also includes a freeze on school maintenance capital grants, which are funded from casino gaming revenues.

It also calls for delaying a scheduled rate increase for home health aids who provide in-home and community-based services to the elderly through the state’s Community Care Program.

In addition to the spending cuts announced, Pritzker earlier announced a plan to borrow $2 billion through the Federal Reserve’s Municipal Liquidity Facility, a program launched earlier this year to help state and local governments close budget gaps that have resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic.

But that still leaves more than $1 billion in savings that will have to be identified, unless Congress authorizes a relief package that includes aid to state and local governments, something that Republican leaders in Congress strongly oppose.

Pritzker said about $2 billion of this year’s shortfall is due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has drastically cut into state revenues.

The rest, he said, is part of an ongoing “structural” deficit in the state budget, one that he had hoped to fill with passage of his proposed graduated income tax amendment, and he lashed out at Republicans in Illinois who worked to defeat that proposal on the Nov. 3 ballot.

“It’s been two years since Republicans announced their wholesale opposition to the ‘Fair Tax,’ and it’s been 40 days since the election, and they have yet to produce any viable answer for balancing the budget,” Pritzker said. “They worked and spent endlessly to defeat the best option Democrats put on the table. And after all their bluster, it turns out that Republicans have no plan at all, to put the state on a firm fiscal foundation.”

The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Dec. 24, 2020 • 19

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But GOP leaders in the General Assembly responded quickly, arguing that the budget shortfall is the result of Democrats being unwilling to cut spending earlier.

“The governor can blame others all he wants for the state’s financial mess, but the fact of the matter is this is a bed of his own making,” Senate Minority Leader-elect Dan McConchie, of Hawthorn Woods, said in a statement.

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the holidays might look a little different this year, but one thing that remains the same is our ability to