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

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THURSDAY, DEC. 9, 2021

Elmhurst University holds Sesquicentennial Founder’s Day celebration

By Dee Longfellow FOR THE ELMHURST INDEPENDENT

Inside:

Students bring history to life

DEE LONGFELLOW PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

These Elmhurst University students dressed to play the role of early members of the first class enrolled at the Elmhurst German Evangelical Proseminary, later Elmhurst College, now Elmhurst University. Others portrayed vignettes across the campus, telling the history of the University. The afternoon and evening were filled with celebration, capped off by the lighting of the University Mall. More photos on pg 4.

Police Reports...........6 Sports ��������������� 20-21 Viewpoint.................8 Classifieds..............18

A Shear Encounter wishes you

Peace • Love • Joy Celebrating 37 Years

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In a re-enactment of 150 years ago, Elmhurst University students donned period costumes and marched onto the campus just like 14 people did back on Dec. 6, 1871 to begin an era of the Elmhurst German Evangelical Proseminary, later known as Elmhurst College, now Elmhurst University.

The campus was abuzz with activity throughout the day and evening of Monday, Dec. 6, when the Sesquicentennial Founders Day was celebrated. Following the kick-off of the event early Monday morning, guests were invited to enjoy a presentation of the Time Capsule and the items contained inside, which remained on display throughout the event. Following events like a screening of the movie “Elf,” an ice sculpture carving, and a sled dog demonstration, everyone gathered by the Kranz Forum in front of the Frick Center to watch the student re-enactment. Despite cold temperatures and high winds, visitors braved the weather and followed the “story” of the university by moving to different areas of the campus to watch the students perform six separate vignettes.

A lavish spread in the Founder’s Lounge inside the Frick Center greeted hungry attendees anxious to get out of the cold. Desserts were enhanced by “Elmhurst 150 Years” cupcakes. At 6:30 p.m., a program was held featuring a new video about the university’s direction for the future.

University President Dr. Troy VanAken took the podium after hinting about a special surprise announcement. The announcement was that the University is launching a $100 million campaign, followed by VanAken saying they were already at 80% of their goal!

Braving the cold just one more time – or staying inside by the window – the crowd went to the Brune Patio to hear caroling and watch as the switch was thrown and the trees of the University Mall were suddenly awash in sparkling and glittering colors of the season.

For more information about Elmhurst University’s Sesquicentennial celebration, the Elmhurst Independent is publishing a special section, which is expected to appear in its upcoming Thursday, Dec. 16 issue.

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

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Garden Club decorates library for holidays

In one of its annual rituals, the Elmhurst Garden Club gathered at the Elmhurst Public Library on the morning of Wednesday, Dec. 1 for the Club’s holiday decorating activity, a tradition that has been held since the 1940s. Pictured are (front row, from left): Joanne Carlson, Cynthia Lamoureux, Lynn Dowiarz; (second row): Diane Roubitchek, Pat O’Dwyer, Sharon Stancel, Joy Epifanio, Donna Fredrickson.

Georgia Dolan, Eileen VanDeWalle, Amy Allen, Debbie Kobilak, Chole Berg (behind Kobilak), Louellen Rossi, Mary Getty; (top): Suzanne Stock, Debbie Martello. More photos inside.

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CBE Presents: ‘HOLI-DAZE’ 25!

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

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

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

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

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

The elmhursT IndependenT Your Hometown Newspaper Locally owned and operated 240 N. West Avenue Elmhurst, IL. 60126 Main Phone 630.834-8244 Fax 630.834-0900 Visit us at: TheElmhurstIndependent.com The Elmhurst Independent USPS#022-607 is published every Thursday by Rock Valley Publishing, LLC, 240 N. West Avenue, Elmhurst, IL. 60126.

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

Bringing history to life

DEE LONGFELLOW PHOTOS Elmhurst Independent

These Elmhurst University students dressed to play the role of early members of the first class enrolled at the Elmhurst German Evangelical Proseminary, later Elmhurst College, now Elmhurst University. Others portrayed vignettes across the campus, telling the history of the University.

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

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

Advertising: Brenda Garcia

Subscriptions:

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

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

For home delivery information call 630.834-8244.

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

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The Syrup Singers

Mayor addresses Sesquicentennial crowd

These University students played the roles of students from 1871 and how different times were then. They sang a delightful song about the fact that the biggest thrill the early students had was bread with margarine and molasses that “sat on the table in a neat little jug.”

They sang a chorus of “Syrup! Syrup! The rich golden syrup, which Elmhurst Mayor Scott Levin was asked to say a few words on stuck to our fingers when mealtime was done.”

Monday evening during the program of the Sesquicentennial Founders Day celebration at Elmhurst University. He boasted of the City’s fine relationship with the College, even though College team soundly beat the City team in the Old Time Vintage Baseball Game over the summer.

A good day for ice

Left: This is a beautiful ice sculpture of a train was carved during a demonstration on the afternoon of Founders Day at Elmhurst University. It was especially breathtaking after sundown when it glowed with a blue light inside.

The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Dec. 9, 2021 • 5

MEMORIES FADE, BUT TRADITIONS REMAIN. Artis helps her enjoy this season the way she always has.

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Artis Senior Living of Elmhurst: 123 W. Brush Hill Road, Elmhurst, IL 60126 Check out our other nearby communities in Bartlett, Lakeview and Wilmette.

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

Police beat

Fleeing, eluding

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

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

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

Criminal damage, criminal trespass Nov. 29 Antonio Lloyd, 38, of Evergreen Park, was charged with criminal trespass to a vehicle, driving while license suspended, improper use of registration and no insurance near North End and York at 2:19 a.m. Police said Lloyd also was found to have active warrants out of the Will County Sheriff’s Office and the Lake County, Ind. Sheriff’s Office.

Nov. 27-Nov. 29 A victim in the 300 block of E. Madison told police that on two occasions, an unknown suspect(s) had cut the wires to his exterior Christmas lights sometime between the above dates.

Nov. 23-Nov. 27 While investigating a criminal damage to a vehicle report in the 100 block of Fairlane, a reporting officer observed a scratch on the rear driver’s side quarter panel of the victim’s vehicle.

Nov. 21-Nov. 27 While on patrol in the 100 block of Fairlane at 9:30 a.m., a reporting officer observed two broken windows and a shattered storm door on the east side of the residence. Officers checked the interior for any suspects but were met with no results. The reporting officer notified the homeowner of the damage.

Nov. 26 Police said officers responded to the 200 block of N. Glade at 3:56 p.m. for the report of an open door to a vacant residence. Officers observed damage to the front and back door frames. The residence was searched but no suspicious activity was observed.

Domestic battery, domestic incident, disorderly conduct Nov. 30 A complainant at an auto dealership in the 700 block of W. Lake told police at 2:08 p.m. that the suspect came into the dealership with a friend who was working on a deal to buy out his leased vehicle. The suspect became argumentative and belligerent over the deal being offered. On the above date, the suspect called the dealership multiple times and was belligerent toward employees. The reporting officer contacted the suspect and advised him to cease all contact with the dealership.

Nov. 28 Daryl R. Brown, 48, who is listed as homeless, was issued a citation for disorderly conduct/public intoxication in the 100 block of N. Robert Palmer at 5:14 p.m.

Police said officers responded to the 100 block of S. Euclid at 3:12 p.m. for the report of a delayed domestic battery. The reporting officer met with the victim who reported the suspect battered her multiple times before leaving the apartment. The reporting officer attempted to contact the suspect but was met with no results. This case is pending investigation.

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

Harassment, threats CALL 800-222-TIPS Nov. 27 Police said officers responded to the 500 block of S. York at 6:39 p.m. for the report of a disturbance and located a juvenile suspect who was wanted from a previous incident when he had displayed a knife. The reporting officer met with the complainant who reported the suspect displayed a pocketknife after he was asked to leave the premises. The suspect left the store after purposely knocking over a display located at the counter. The suspect was placed under arrest and was transported to the police station. The suspect was released to his parents, pending charges for disorderly conduct, trespassing and possession of alternative nicotine products by a minor.

Nov. 26 Police said officers responded to an area near Butterfield and York at 3:38 p.m. for the report of a delayed domestic battery report. The reporting officer met with the complainant who reported the suspect struck him in the face. The reporting officer met with the suspect who denied striking the complainant and stated the argument was only verbal. Both parties agreed to separate and avoid contact.

Nov. 25 Jordan Lindsey, 25, of Villa Park, was charged with DUI, driving while license suspended, unlawful use of registration, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and no insurance subsequent to a single-vehicle crash near Route 83 and St. Charles at 9:54 p.m.

A complainant told police at 7:23 p.m. that an unknown suspect(s) sent several explicit images to family members via text message which included the juvenile victim. This case is pending investigation.

Nov. 24 Police said officers responded to a restaurant in the 200 block of S. Route 83 at 10:20 p.m. for the report of a suspect refusing to leave. The reporting officer met with the complainant who reported the suspect requested to speak to his ex-girlfriend who is an employee.

The complainant requested the suspect leave the property and asked to have him served with a trespass notice. The reporting officer spoke with the suspect who appeared to be intoxicated. He was served with a no trespass notice and left the scene without incident.

DUI, transportation of open alcohol Nov. 27 Terry Towner Jr., 41, of Chicago, was charged with DUI, tinted windows, possession of cannabis in a vehicle and no insurance subsequent to a traffic stop near Route 83 and North at 2:40 a.m.

Nov. 25 Lucas Finner, 24, of Elmhurst, was charged with DUI and failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident subsequent to a single-vehicle crash near Garden and Fay at 2:04 a.m.

Nov. 30 A complainant in the 100 block of E. Belden told police at 5:44 p.m. that she received threatening text messages from an unknown suspect. The officer left a voice message for the suspect advising to cease all contact with the complainant.

Obstructing Nov. 23 Eric F. Zaruma, 28, of Chicago, was charged with Obstructing Identification, Speeding and no insurance subsequent to a traffic stop near York and Wrightwood at 3:36 a.m.

Possession of cannabis, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance Dec. 1 Vladimier Ceja, 20, of Melrose Park, was issued citations for unlawful possession of cannabis by a driver and tinted windows subsequent to a traffic stop near North and Melrose at 1:14 p.m.

Nov. 30 Marquise D. Ratcliffe, 20, of Bolingbrook, was charged with possession of cannabis by a driver, driving while license revoked, failure to signal, improper lane usage and speeding subsequent to a traffic stop near Roosevelt and Euclid at 9:55 p.m.

Nov. 26 Monyetta Kelly, 30, of Lansing, was charged with unlawful possession of cannabis, no seat belt, expired registration, driving while license suspended and no insurance subsequent to a traffic stop near Route 83 and North at 10:55 p.m.

Taniah McBride, 20, of Hillside, was issued a citation for possession of cannabis by a driver subsequent to a traffic stop near Roosevelt at Wolf at 11:53 p.m.

Jaylin Tiggs, 28, of Chicago, was issued citations for unlawful possession of cannabis by a driver and tinted windows subsequent to a traffic stop near York and Grand at 8:03 a.m.

Nov. 24 Jerick Miller, 21, of Chicago, was issued citations for possession of cannabis in a vehicle and speeding subsequent to a traffic stop near North and Wilson at 11:08 p.m.

Antwoine Mitchelle, 24, of Carol Stream, a passenger in a vehicle, was issued a citation for possession of cannabis in a vehicle near Route 83 and Lake at 10:59 p.m.

Suspicious circumstances Nov. 30-Dec. 1 Police said a complainant in the 200 block of Grace came into the police station to turn over a black wallet she located on her front lawn. It was later learned the victim’s wallet was inside of her vehicle (a black 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee with Ohio plates) when it was stolen out of Chicago. An investigation is pending.

Oct. 30 A victim in the 400 block of Sunnyside told police at 11:35 a.m. that she purchased three puppies and sent the suspect cash. The suspect requested additional shipping fees which was not part of the original agreement. The suspect has not delivered the puppies and has ceased all communication with the victim.

Theft or burglary/identity theft/fraud/forgery/ deceptive practice/ obstruction/robbery

Dec. 1 Police said officers responded to the 300 block of Cottage Hill at 5:29 a.m. for the report of a stolen vehicle. The complainant told police that an unknown suspect(s) stole the victim’s unlocked Chrysler 300M while it was parked in his driveway overnight. The vehicle was entered into LEADS as stolen.

Identity theft was reported in the 300 block of Laurel at 3:32 p.m. A victim told police that an unknown suspect(s) used her personal information to open an account.

Police said while investigating a neighbor’s burglary to vehicle in the 200 block of Grace, where nothing was stolen, the reporting officer learned the victim’s unlocked vehicle was burglarized. The vehicle was rummaged through and a cell phone cord was missing.

Retail theft was reported at a store in the 100 block of W. Second at 5:25 p.m. A complainant told police that unknown suspects entered the store and stole numerous purses and jewelry. The suspects were described as black males in their 40s.

Nov. 30 Jeffrey J. James, 37, of Maywood, was charged with attempted retail theft at a pharmacy in the 100 block of W. North at 3:25 a.m. Police sad officers responded to the above location for the report of a suspicious person who left the store and set off the security sensor alarm. According to police, James went back inside of the store and was located with merchandise in his cart, backpack, and pockets.

Identity theft was reported in the 900 block of Bryan at 4:51 p.m. A victim told police that an unknown suspect(s) used his banking information to complete a fraudulent purchase. The victim contacted the vendor and canceled the transaction.

Nov. 26 Identity theft was reported in the 200 block of W. Montrose at 3:33 p.m. A victim told police that he discovered a fraudulent transaction on his PayPal account. The victim reported the fraudulent activity to PayPal and has not observed any other suspicious activity on his account.

Nov. 24 Police said a vehicle driven by Deon J. Johnson, 26, of Chicago, that was stopped for speeding near York and Grand at 1:20 p.m. was found to have been reported stolen out of Alabama. According to police, a passenger in the vehicle stated that she purchased the vehicle from an unknown suspect. Johnson was charged with driving while license suspended, possession of cannabis in a vehicle, speeding and no insurance.

Deceptive practice was reported in the 100 block of E. Quincy at 8:44 p.m. A victim told police that she had been in contact with an unknown suspect to reference an employment opportunity. The victim received a check and

See POLICE, Page 7

The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Dec. 9, 2021 • 7

Bond set for Naperville man accused of killing three in fatal DUI crash Suspect allegedly drove his vehicle 122 mph

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert B. Berlin and Lisle Chief of Police Ron Wilke announced that bond has been set for a Naperville man accused of causing a crash that killed three individuals last October.

Brendan Wydajewski, 22, appeared at a bond hearing where

Judge Ann Celine O’Hallaren Walsh set bond at $500,000 with 10 percent to apply.

Wydajewski has been charged with three counts of aggravated DUI causing death, a Brendan Class 2 felony. Wydajewski He has also been charged with misdemeanors of unlawful possession of a firearm and transportation or possession of open alcohol by a driver.

On Saturday, Oct. 30 at approximately 1:18 a.m., Lisle police offi-

cers responded to a call of a crash at the intersection of Warrenville Road and Corporate West Drive. Upon their arrival, officers observed two vehicles, one of which was cut in half, with the driver’s side of the vehicle located in the road and the other half located off the road to the north.

Officers found one person inside the vehicle who was identified as Andrew Purtill, 46. Purtill was pronounced deceased at the scene. In the second vehicle, allegedly driven

by Wydajewski, officers found two individuals, Graciela Leanos, 21, and Geovanny Alvarez, 22. Alvarez was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Leanos was transported to a local

hospital where she was pronounced deceased later that evening.

Wydajewski was found on the ground near the driver’s side of his vehicle seriously injured. He was transported to a local hospital for medical attention and was released on Sunday, Nov. 28. Officers also allegedly found two handguns located in the vehicle driven by Wydajewski. It is alleged that Wydajewski was driving his vehicle at approximately 122 mph westbound on Warrenville Road when he crashed into a vehicle driven by Mr. Purtill. It is further alleged Wydajewski’s BAC was .147 when taken at the hospital.

“Like all alleged DUI cases, the

case against Mr. Wydajewski was 100 percent avoidable,” Berlin said.

“As I have said countless times in the past, if you have been drinking, do not drive. This is particularly relevant now, as we begin the holiday season.

“It is a very simple idea but unfortunately, in far too many instances, people feel they are able to drive when they are not, and tragedy follows as alleged in this case. Don’t allow yourself to become a statistic.

Do yourself a favor and call a cab or use a ride-sharing service if you have been drinking.”

Wydajewski’s next court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 11.

Millions of dollars of stolen goods recovered in ‘organized retail crime’ bust, AG says ‘First major bust’ of statewide task force came after man arrested on gun charge

By Jerry Nowicki

CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

An unrelated arrest by the Chicago Police Department on Sunday led to a state task force Dec. 3 seizing millions of dollars’ worth of goods stolen from retailers in what Attorney General Kwame Raoul described as an organized retail crime operation.

Raoul announced the raid in a news conference last week, calling it the “first major bust” resulting from the work of the Organized Retail Crime Task Force overseen by his office. That statewide public-private collaboration includes retailers, online marketplaces, law enforcement agencies and state’s attorneys.

“The task force brings together law enforcement from federal, state and local agencies, retailers, online

marketplaces, to share information and resources to identify and prosecute criminal enterprises frequently behind these well-organized schemes that can sometimes be mistaken for isolated incidents of retail theft,” he said.

The task force seized four semi-truckloads of goods found after a search warrant was served on eight storage units at two separate locations.

Chicago Police Chief of Detectives Brendan Deenihan said the bust announced Friday started with a beat officer who made an unrelated arrest on a gun charge. That suspect was charged with a crime, but the retail theft investigation is ongoing, he said.

“So I really want to compliment everybody who’s standing behind

• Police

(Continued from page 6) was instructed to deposit the check officer provided the victim with inand wire that amount to unknown formation on how to protect herself recipients. The victim later learned against identity theft. this was a scam and contacted her bank who stated they would follow Violation of an order up with a fraud specialist.

Nov. 21 A reporting officer at a store in the 200 block of Route 83 met with the store director who reported an unknown suspect was seen exiting the store with a gray love seat sofa.

The suspect was described as a white male with balding hair, medium build, wearing a large coat. The unknown suspect was accompanied by an elderly white female with shoulder length gray hair. This case is pending investigation.

Aug. 10-Nov. 15 Forgery was reported at a pharmacy in the 100 block of W. North. A complainant told police that several unknown suspect(s) have obtained or attempted to obtain controlled substances by using forged prescription forms sometime between the above dates. An investigation is pending.

Oct. 25 Identity theft was reported in the 400 block of Berkley at 4:08 p.m.

A victim told police that an unknown suspect(s) used her personal information to open a bank account.

The victim closed the account. The

of protection

Nov. 24 Jorge Celedon-Olivares, 31, of Elmhurst, was charged with violating an order of protection in the 500 block of Grand at 6:01 p.m. Police said that subsequent to a report of a domestic disturbance, the victim was found to have an active order of protection against the suspect.

Warrant arrest Nov. 27 Police said a reporting officer met with Richard A. Buckner, 36, of Chicago, who was found to have an active warrant out of the DuPage County Sheriff’s Office in the 100 block of E. First at 7:59 p.m.

Police said a reporting officer made contact with Michael Mackessy, 23, of Merrillville, Ind., in the 100 block of E. First at 10:24 a.m. According to police, Mackessy requested to be processed on two outstanding warrants. An inquiry on the offender’s information yielded a warrant out of the Cook County Sheriff’s Office and a warrant out of the DuPage County Sheriff’s Office, police said.

me but also a beat officer who made an arrest and said, ‘Hey, there’s some something wrong here. There’s something different, you know, this guy’s got some stolen items in his car,’” Deenihan said.

“Then we get our retail crime team involved. And then the communication really starts with the attorney general’s office, and we’re able to recover these items before they go missing.”

While Raoul said a complete inventory was ongoing, the task force seized tens of thousands of items, including apparel, beauty products, furniture, food items and electronics from multiple nationwide retailers.

Raoul said they’re worth millions of dollars.

It took a team of 15 AG investigators and law enforcement officers nine hours to unpack all of the items that were recovered, Raoul said.

The task force was launched in response to smash-and-grab incidents and other retail crimes in which several individuals clear out retail merchandise from stores in a matter of minutes. Downtown Chicago has seen several such incidents, including at luxury handbag retailers and other high-end stores.

But Raoul said it’s a nationwide problem.

“This is something that’s evolving for law enforcement nationally,” he said. “I’ve spoken to (AG) colleagues in California … and in Michigan and they’re sort of following our lead and establishing similar task forces within their state. So this is evolving, the way that law enforcement is being pulled together to collaborate and share information, because we can’t do it alone.”

Raoul also said the schemes are more sophisticated than the smashand-grab videos that circulate online.

For example, the loot uncovered this week appeared to have been stolen “at different points along the supply chain,” he said.

“There’s a well-organized secondary market,” he said. “Our goal is to disrupt the criminal enterprises that engage in the overall scheme and send a message to these criminal operations that we will identify them and the destruction they cause to our communities.”

Raoul said that often the people seen on videos committing retail theft are not the “kingpins” behind

the organized effort.

“Frequently, the criminal enterprises behind these crimes are connected to other crimes, such as the drug trade and human trafficking,” he said.

Raoul said the “brazen” acts his office is investigating differ from someone “trying to inconspicuously put something in their purse.” In response to a question about prosecuting retail crime, Raoul said a bust like the one announced last week does not “lend itself” to the type of debate as to whether a smaller retail theft would be punished as a misdemeanor or felony.

“These are very brazen acts where, quite frankly, any prosecutor that knows the Illinois Compiled Statutes can find plenty of charges to levy against these criminal actors,” he said.

The Dec. 3 bust was proof of a level of organization that investigators did not have previously, he said.

Deenihan said the retail theft op-

erations were done by criminal networks, “and gangs are involved.”

“The goal is to start looking at these as long-term complex investigations to make the community feel safer, the retailers feel safer, and this team has done a lot of work to do that,” he said.

The bust drew praise from the Illinois Retail Merchants Association.

“This seizure is about more than recovering lost goods, it’s about protecting our communities and sending a strong message that these crimes will not be tolerated,” IRMA President and CEO Rob Karr said in a news release. “By working together, we can better understand how these perpetrators operate and work to dismantle these criminal rings that steal tens of billions of dollars a year, using profits from thefts to fund other illicit activities such as illegal firearms purchases, while also depriving local governments of sales taxes needed to fund important services we all rely upon.”

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

The Elmhurst Independent

Viewpoint

Dec. 9, 2021 • 8

Slices of life

Prime delivery and the heroes therein

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

All with better prices and better selection.

It’s, in a word, convenience. For me. For you. But not for everyone.

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

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

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

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

By

JILL PERTLER Columnist

on weekends. Even on Sundays.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you.

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

Mazzochi donates salary increase for ‘Giving Tuesday’ Ahead of Giving Tuesday, State Representative Deanne Mazzochi (R-Elmhurst), is encouraging Illinois residents to help spread good cheer and share in their good fortune this holiday season.

“We’ve just spent the last week thinking about how appreciative we are of what we have and how thankful we are. The unfortunate reality is that continues to be easier for some than for others,” Rep. Mazzochi said.

Giving Tuesday was founded in 2012 by New York’s 92nd Street Y in partnership with the United Nations Foundation as a day that encourages people to do good. It’s a chance for local nonprofits to help increase their visibility and solicit donations.

“Ever since lawmakers raised their salaries in 2019 I have donated the additional portion of my salary to local charities I know that are personally doing great things for our shared community.”

Rep. Mazzochi has for years objected to legislators increasing their

own pay and pensions while “people are facing job loss and are getting squeezed by price increases.” Mazzochi has introduced legislation to end legislative pay increases, and has refused any legislative pension.

“Springfield Democrats continue to allow these pay increases on party-line votes. I encourage all of these lawmakers to direct these extra funds to the many local charities who are doing real work on the ground to help the most vulnerable in our communities.”

Rep. Mazzochi has donated most recent salary increases to Trinity Services, Elmhurst Walk in Assistance Network (EWAN), Project H.O.O.D, and the People’s Resource Center (PRC). Trinity Services help those with disabilities gain access to residential living options, employment programs, behavioral health programs, and more. EWAN offers emergency assistance to those who suddenly find themselves in a difficult financial position. Project H.O.O.D aims

to help curb violence in inner-city neighborhoods through job and skills development, and giving the next generation options to pursue their goals.

The PRC in Westmont is truly a onestop shop for the community, providing food, financial services, and job search resources to those in need.

Rep. Mazzochi went on to say that, “while these are great local nonprofits I’ve highlighted; I recognize everyone has different causes that are dear to them or they might not be able to give financially. I just want to encourage everyone to give back a little this holiday season in any way that they can, even if it’s a small, personal gesture from one to another. As Giving Tuesday proffers, ‘everyone has something to give and every act of generosity counts.’ Spread smiles and good cheer wherever you can this holiday season.

You’ll feel better and if we all take this to heart, everyone benefits.”

(This was submitted from the office of State Rep. Deanne Mazzochi.)

Donation drive yields personal care items, purses Following a month-long donation drive, state Sens. Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) and Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) dropped off more than 325 purses full of personal care items to the Downers Grove Community Center.

“I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all the members of our community who took the time to make a donation in support of our neighbors in need,” Ellman said.

“Especially around the holidays, it’s important to remind survivors

of domestic abuse that there’s a whole community behind them.”

The drive was held through #LovePurse, an initiative that collects purses filled with personal care items, toiletries, menstrual products and notes of encouragement to distribute to women in need and survivors of domestic violence.

“When neighbors are experiencing hardship, generosity from community members is critical to building a lasting support network,” Glowiak Hilton said. “From the bottom

of my heart, thank you all for your donations and for helping us uplift survivors of domestic violence.”

At the time of the drop-off, nearly 150 purses had already been donated to the community center, bringing the total to just shy of 475. The purses will be distributed to those in need throughout the holiday season and into the new year.

Editor’s note: This was submitted by the office of State Sen. Suzy Glowiak Hilton.

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

Elmhurst Public Library programs Dec. 10-16 Friday, Dec. 10 from 2-4 p.m.

Friday Features: Desk Set Enjoy an afternoon at the movies.

No registration required. Find each week’s featured film at elmlib.org/friday.

Saturday, Dec. 11 from 10:30 – 11 a.m.

Saturday Stories [In-person] Enjoy stories, music, and movement, just right for families to share together.

In-person event. Registration required. elmlib.org/events.

Monday, Dec. 13 from 7-8 p.m.

GreenMan Theatre Presents: Seasonal Stories [Hybrid] Storytellers from GreenMan Theatre regale us with a spoken word performance of winter tales. This is the perfect thing to get you in the holiday spirit. Hybrid event. Registration required. elmlib.org/events.

Tuesday, Dec. 14 from 12-2 p.m.

In Stitches Needleworkers [In-person] Knitters, crocheters, and needleworkers of all skill levels: Bring a proj-

Rep. Conroy receives PCI’s 2021 Telehealth Leadership Award The Partnership for a Connected Illinois (PCI) has awarded State Representative Deb Conroy (D-46th District) their 2021 PCI Telehealth Leadership Award.

Rep. Conroy, who serves as Chair of the Illinois House’s Mental Health and Addiction Committee, has pushed vigorously to advance policy changes and expand telehealth for all Illinoisans. She worked particularly closely with a diverse group of Illinois healthcare providers, professionals and patient advocates to create the strongest telehealth policy in the country.

“When the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted all of our lives, we saw the widening of already substantial health disparities, especially in communities of color, due to a lack of access to adequate telehealth,” said

Conroy. “With our bipartisan legislative efforts, the state made timely and significant investments in telehealth technology to combat that.”

The expansion of patient-centered telehealth in Illinois has provided for greater safety and convenience for many, while also reducing barriers to quality care.

“Our experiences during the last two years have made it abundantly clear that virtual telehealth is no longer simply an added bonus or luxury, but instead, it’s a major necessity in managing our health,” Conroy concluded. “I am committed to continuing to build a strong healthcare system around mental health and addiction services.”

ect to work on, share knowledge with cation (1989), Home Alone (1990), others, and have fun! In-person event. and While You Were Sleeping (1995) No registration required. sit among some of the most beloved American Christmas movies. Set in Tuesday, Dec. 14 from 1-3 p.m.

Chicago, these three mainstream HolBridge & Pinochle lywood comedies have entertained auClub [In-person] diences for decades.

Enjoy an afternoon of card games Hybrid event. Registration required. every week. Prior experience is re- elmlib.org/events. quired. No registration required. elmlib.org/events.

Wednesday, Dec. 15 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 14 American Mah Jongg: from 1-2:30 p.m.

Open Play [In-person] Intro to Excel [In-person] Gather every Wednesday for AmeriGet introduced to Microsoft Excel, can Mah Jongg, a game of skill, stratea powerful spreadsheet application that gy, calculation, and a certain amount of can organize and analyze data. chance and luck. In-person event. No In-person event. Registration re- registration required. quired. elmlib.org/events.

Wednesday, Dec. 15 Tuesday, Dec. 14 from 7-8 p.m. from 2-3 p.m.

Chicago, Christmas Movies, Holiday Nostalgia [In-person] and Class Stereotypes Relive Christmases past with Lar[Hybrid] ry Bergnach while listening to classic National Lampoon’s Christmas Va- songs by Burl Ives, Perry Como, Nat

King Cole, and more.

In-person event. Registration required. elmlib.org/events.

Thursday, Dec. 16 from 6:30-8 p.m.

Intro to Excel [In-person] Get introduced to Microsoft Excel, a powerful spreadsheet application that can organize and analyze data.

In-person event. Registration required. elmlib.org/events.

Thursday, Dec. 16 from 7-8:15 p.m.

Trading Titles [Hybrid] Love books? Love to talk about books? Love to hear about new books?

This is the group for you! How it works: read whatever you want, then attend the online event to share your thoughts about it.

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

For more information please call (630) 279-8696 or visit elmlib.org/events.

‘Art in the Park’ returns to Wilder Joins 25th anniversary celebration with RGA Marketing for the Arts

Elmhurst Art Museum and RGL Marketing for the Arts, Inc. announce their partnership and joint 25th anniversary celebrations for the 2022 edition of Art in Wilder Park to be held Saturday, April 30 and Sunday, May 1.

Art in Wilder Park will feature more than 100 Midwest artists, along (This was received from the office with events and exhibitions at the Elof State Representative Deb Conroy.) mhurst Art Museum. Both days are

presented in festival style with oneof-a-kind art, food vendors, and kid’s court activities including hands-on activities for families hosted by various community organizations.

Art in Wilder Park, located in the heart of Elmhurst, attracts 8,000 10,000 visitors annually who not only attend the festival, but a high percentage of the art festival attendees support the restaurants, coffee

shops and other local businesses.

Artists and other vendors are invited to apply for a booth by Feb. 15, 2022. An application form and information about fees can be found at elmhurstartmuseum.org.

Local businesses, clubs and individuals are invited to be an event sponsor to support the event. Sponsorship information is also available at the web site.

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Obituary

Loretta A. Spingola, 96 Loretta A. Spingola, a longtime resident of Elmhurst, passed away Dec. 2, 2021 surrounded by her family, at the age of 96. Loretta was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandma and friend to all. After growing up in Berwyn, she married Joseph Spingola in 1948 and a few years later moved to Elmhurst where they raised their five children. She enjoyed her volunteer work at Visitation parish and school as well as with other organizations. She was a devoted reader of romance novels and the daily newspaper.

Loretta was an avid bridge player and partner to her sister Marion. She also enjoyed playing card and board games with the grandkids, whom she always let win! Loretta and Marion regularly enjoyed outings with local seniors groups. They were lifelong Cubs fans who enjoyed many games.

Loretta was happy to see the Cubs win a World Series in her lifetime.

Her home was the location of gatherings of neighbors, teenagers, cousins, friends and more – she loved entertaining. At the core of all of her activities was her deep devotion to the Blessed Mother and her faith as she attended daily Mass and prayed thousands of rosaries for others. She is now enjoying her time in heaven with her husband Joe, her son Michael, her brother Bill, her parents, her baby brother who died shortly after birth and her many friends. She was a major part of so many people’s lives.

Loretta lived a remarkable life filled with love, kindness and a strong faith.

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Researchers have recently developed a standardized approach for testing “twilight vision” that will help identify people with reduced visual acuity in low light conditions. While the typical “E chart” test for visual acuity is performed at light levels that approximate daylight, twilight vision (or vision at dusk) can be noticeably worse, especially for young adults who have a slight shift toward myopia, older adults with decreased clarity of their internal eye lens, and those with retinal eye diseases that cause decreased vision at lower light levels. The new test utilizes filters to test at a light level 100 times lower than for daylight visual acuity testing, thereby enabling vision care professionals to obtain “reliable and repeatable” measurements of twilight vision. Seeing clearly is just one part of your overall eye health. It’s important to have regular eye exams whether or not you wear glasses or contacts, and even if your vision is sharp. To schedule an eye exam, please call SKOWRON EYE CARE. We provide treatment for eye diseases and eye injuries as well offering custom contact lens fittings and a large selection of frames at competitive prices.

To schedule an exam, please call us today. At Skowron Eye Care, our mission is your vision.

P.S. “Scotopic vision” is the eyes’ ability to adjust for vision in dim light and darkness.

Beloved wife of the late Joseph (1990); beloved mother of Janet (Tom) Dovidio, the late Michael (1997), Bill (Lynn), Connie (Steve) Jurinak, and Ron; loving grandmother of 11; special great-grandma of 14; sister of Marion (the late Walter) Wozniak and the late Rev. William Korenchan, and daughter of the late Jacob and the late Anna Korenchan.

Visitation from 3-8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 10, at Elmhurst Community Funeral Home – The Ahlgrim Chapel, 567 S. Spring Rd., Elmhurst. Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 11, at Visitation Catholic Church, 779 S. York St., Elmhurst. Interment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery. Info – 630-8343515 or www.ElmhurstFH.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Missionary Society of St. Columban, U.S. Region Headquarters, 1902 N. Calhoun St., St. Columbans, NE 68056 or donate. columban.org or St. Jude Children’s Research, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, TN 38105 or www.stjude.org/donate.

County, State partner on rental assistance program

On Monday, Dec. 6, DuPage County and the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) relaunched an emergency rental assistance program for residents who are behind on their rent due to COVID-19.

Eligible DuPage County households may qualify for up to $25,000 in emergency rental assistance for payments from June 2020 through April 2022.

Applications will be available at illinoishousinghelp.org.

Eligibility requirements for the rental assistance program include: • Household must have experienced a financial hardship directly or indirectly due to the pandemic.

• Household is behind on rent and/or is at risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability.

• 2020 household income was below 80 percent of the Area Median Income, adjusted for household size.

“After launching this program in May, we saw a tremendous response to the program and numerous DuPage County residents who needed financial help. We want to provide as much support for our residents as possible, so we are pleased to be able to relaunch this housing assistance program,” said County Board Chairman Dan Cronin.

Details, including a list of documents needed to apply for the program, are available at illinoishousinghelp. org. Residents can also call (866) 4543571 for more information.

The holidays are blooming

SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

Crestview Garden Club of Elmhurst members Wanda Kasallis (right) and Carol Kamka decorate its tree with all things garden in Wilder Park.

Bond set at $150,000 for Naperville man charged with residential burglaries DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert B. Berlin and Naperville Chief of Police Jason Arres announced that bond has been set for a Naperville man accused of burglarizing two Naperville homes.

Raul Romero, 29, appeared at a bond hearing where Judge John Kinsella set bond at $150,000 with 10 percent to apply. Romero has been charged with two counts of residential burglary (Class 1 felony), five counts of attempted residential burglary (Class 2 felony) and one count of burglary (Class 3 felony).

On Nov. 30 at approximately 4:09 a.m., officers with the Naperville Po-

lice Department were dispatched to Wintergreen Circle for a call of an intruder in a home. Upon their arrival, officers found the living room had been ransacked. A short time later, officers were dispatched to Wildflower Circle for a call of an attached garage burglary.

At approximately 5:15 a.m., officers again received a call from a homeowner on Boneset Circle who noticed his garage door was open and saw an individual inside the homeowner’s vehicle parked on the driveway. As officers were investigating this call, they noticed motion sensor lights were activated and lo-

cated Romero allegedly hiding in the backyard.

He was taken into custody at that time. The following morning, the Naperville Police Department received calls for five additional car burglaries. Following an investigation into the incidents, it is alleged that during the early morning hours of Nov. 30, Romero entered two homes, entered one vehicle and attempted to enter five additional homes.

Through the course of their investigation, officers found miscellaneous items scattered throughout the neighborhood including a coffee maker, credit cards and an Xbox 360.

It is alleged that Romero’s crimes occurred on Wintergreen Circle, Wildflower Circle, Boneset Circle, Azalea Court and Feldott Lane.

“The type of behavior alleged in this case can have a devastating impact not just on the victims, but also on the entire community,” Berlin said. “A home is a family’s sanctuary and when a crime such as is alleged in this case occurs, it can leave every household in the community shaken to the core, wondering if they are next.”

Romero’s next court appearance is scheduled for Dec. 30 for arraignment in front of Judge Kinsella.

The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Dec. 9, 2021 • 11

DuPage-Kane Task Force yields drug arrest, seizure of cocaine, fentanyl, more On Friday, Dec. 3, a Melrose Park man was the first to be charged in a joint task force operation between the Kane and DuPage County sheriff’s offices.

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Kane County State’s Attorney Jamie Mosser announced that Jose R. Valdez, 44, had been charged with one count of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver cocaine (Class X felony), one count of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver fentanyl, one count of possession with intent to deliver cannabis (Class 3 felony) and one count of Installing a false compartment in a vehicle to transport a firearm or con-

trolled substance (Class 4 Felony).

Valdez appeared at a bond hearing on Friday morning where Judge Daniel Guerin set bond at $500,000 with 10% to apply. At the hearing, Judge Guerin also granted the State’s motion for a proof of funds hearing at which Valdez must prove that any funds used for bond were not gained by illegal activity.

Kane and DuPage County prosecutors allege that on Wednesday Dec. 1, a Kane County sheriff’s deputy, assigned to the new DuKane Sheriff’s Task Force, stopped a vehicle that was eastbound on Interstate 88 near the Route 59 exit in DuPage County after observing multiple alleged traffic violations. Valdez, the

alleged driver, was the vehicle’s lone occupant.

During the stop, the deputy conducted a lawful search of the vehicle and allegedly found more than 900 grams of cocaine, between 15 and 100 grams of fentanyl and between 200 and 500 grams of marijuana.

The deputy also allegedly found hidden compartments that had been added to the vehicle.

Valdez’s next court appearance is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 5, for arraignment in front of Judge Guerin.

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

Elmhurst University bands to perform free Holiday Concert on Sunday The Elmhurst University Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble will present their annual Holiday Concert on Sunday, Dec. 12, at 7 p.m. in Hammerschmidt Chapel on the university campus.

The concert will feature a variety of holiday music and conclude with an audience sing-along. The concert is free and open to the campus and community.

The concert will open with the Wind Ensemble performing John Wasson’s Festival Fanfare for Christmas, originally composed for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.

Rimsky-Korsakov’s Dance of the Tumblers from the opera “The Snow Maiden” along with the Adagio from Arcangelo Corelli’s “Christmas Concerto” and Mozart’s Forgiveness from “The Marriage of Figaro” will

provide classical contrast to the jazzy Blue Shades by Frank Ticheli. The Elmhurst University Chamber Chorale will be featured in Somewhere in My Memory composed by John Williams from his musical score for the movie “Home Alone.” The first portion of the concert will conclude with Minor Alterations by David Lovrien, a musical twist on Christmas carols as seen through a looking glass.

The Symphonic Band will open the second half of the program with It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year, a traditional holiday favorite.

A medley of holiday music by Irving Berlin will follow including Let’s Start the New Year Right and White Christmas, originally performed by Bing Crosby in the motion picture “Holiday Inn.” A collection of four carols from the Renaissance will be

performed, carols that are among the most beautiful still sung and performed today . . . 500 years later. One of the most enjoyable holiday favorites invites us to hear those sleigh bells jingling in a wonderful world of snow in Leroy Anderson’s Sleigh Ride. The concert will conclude with an audience sing-along to some of the most delightful Christmas carols fashioned together in Leroy Anderson’s famous Christmas Festival.

And who knows? . . . There may be a visit by a jolly gentleman in a red suit!

The public is welcome to attend and admission to the concert is free.

For further information regarding this concert, future performances, a map of the campus or more information, please visit www.elmhurst.edu/ music.

Representative Deb Conroy

SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

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

First graders decorate tree at Wilder Park

SUBMITTED PHOTOS Elmhurst Independent

These Immaculate Conception Grade School 1st graders spent a recent afternoon in Wilder Park decorating the tree that can be seen behind them. They adorned the tree with their own handmade ornaments and paper chains.

Around the Christmas tree

The first graders of ICGS are pictured here in front of the Christmas tree they decorated in Wilder Park recently to honor Jesus’ birth. The paper chains and decorations were made by the students.

The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Dec. 9, 2021 • 13

Elmhurst Garden Club decorates library for holidays On the morning of Wednesday, Dec. 1 about two dozen members of the Elmhurst Garden Club met at the Elmhurst Public Library for their annual EPL holiday decorating activity that first took place beginning in the 1940’s.

Over the years the activity has expanded from a few holiday floral arrangements to the current holiday

The final touch

decorations that includes five decorated floor trees and several shelf and window displays.

The Elmhurst Garden Club is open to anyone interested in gardening, ecology, floral design and camaraderie. Meetings are held at the Wilder Mansion on the first Monday of the month.

For more information, visit elmhurstgardenclub.org

SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

Pat O’Dwyer puts the final festive touches on this tree at the Elmhurst Public Library. Two dozen Elmhurst Garden Club members turned out for the annual effort.

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

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The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Dec. 9, 2021 • 15

Sleigh Rides, Ice Sculptures & Santa Saturday, December 11 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

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SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

Donna Fredrickson and Amy Allen take special care to decorate this tree at the Elmhurst Public Library on Wednesday, Dec. 1, when the Elmhurst Garden Club came to provide the annual decorations and bring a little magic to the library.

Tips to help older adults combat loneliness, isolation Humans are social beings. Even before the coronavirus disrupted social lives, experts have long studied the health effects of isolation and loneliness. There’s one group at high risk— older adults.

As people get older, many are alone more often. This lack of connection leaves them vulnerable.

Loneliness (the feeling of being alone) and social isolation (a lack of social connections) affect a significant number of older adults in the U.S. Many adults aged 50 and older are socially isolated or lonely in ways that put their health at risk, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“Health problems associated with social isolation and loneliness include depression, anxiety, cognitive decline, obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease,” said Charles Lawler, M.D., with Elmhurst Memorial Medical Group, an internal medicine physician who specializes in geriatrics.

“Some studies suggest that people who feel lonely may have weakened immune cells and have trouble fighting off illnesses.”

The CDC states that 80 percent of older adults have at least one chronic health condition, and 50 percent have two or more. Chronic illness can put older adults at increased risk for depression, which takes a toll on the body and increases the risk of developing illnesses like heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

What can older adults do to prevent the negative health effects of social isolation and loneliness? First, talk to a doctor. A doctor can assess their risk for loneliness and social isolation and work with them to help prevent associated medical conditions.

People can also try these tips to

combat loneliness and isolation as they age: • Engage in meaningful, productive activities with others.

• Join a support group for older adults or a religious organization for spiritual support.

• Find a sense of purpose. It’s a buffer against stress, anxiety and depression.

• Structure days by setting goals that become part of a regular routine.

• Help others by volunteering at a hospital, animal shelter or organization.

• Work for a social cause with others who share the same values.

• Do something they enjoy each day (e.g., reading, writing, drawing, music, puzzles, games).

• Take a class (e.g., art, cooking, swimming, yoga) • Practice gratitude. It can lead to more life satisfaction, among other health benefits.

• Maintain a healthy lifestyle (e.g., eat well, get good sleep, exercise regularly).

• Consult with a doctor who has expertise in geriatric populations and/or seek help from a professional geriatric counselor.

• Access community resources, including AARP, Illinois Department on Aging, Eldercare Locator and National Council on Aging.

Keep in mind, people can feel lonely regardless of the amount of social contact they have. Some people don’t mind being alone and don’t feel lonely when they’re alone. Others feel lonely while among a group of people.

Changes in mood, energy level or appetite that persist or interfere with everyday life should not be dismissed as a normal part of getting older.

For more information, visit EEHealth.org.

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The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Dec. 9, 2021 • 17

Santa’s Elves of décor

Elmhurst Garden Club members (from left): Sharon Stancel, Joanne Carlson, Lynn Dowiarz (standing on the chair), Louellen Rossi, Eileen VanDeWalle became Santa’s Elves on Wednesday, Dec. 1 when they decorated the Elmhurst Public Library. The Club has held this tradition since the 1940s.

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

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

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

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The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Dec. 9, 2021 • 19

SUDOKU

Fun by the Numbers 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!

Answers on page 22

CLUES ACROSS 1. Struck firmly 6. Shirt part 12. Nevertheless 16. Article 17. Adornment 18. Educator’s helper 19. Healthcare pro 20. Atomic number 28 21. Extinct flightless bird 22. Mystic syllable 23. College sports decision maker (abbr.)

24. Edible mushrooms 26. Venerable English monk 28. Surrounded by 30. Forming fractional numbers from 4 onwards 31. Eastern France river 32. Short cry or yelp 34. Brew 35. Ornamental box 37. In a way, surfaced 39. Attired 40. Peculation 41. Netted 43. It shows you paid (abbr.)

44. Payroll firm 45. Antidiuretic hormone 47. Japanese classical theater 48. The first two 50. Ancient burial chamber 52. Type of card 54. Expression of sorrow or pity 56. Hectoliter 57. Morning 59. NYC subway dweller 60. Law enforcement 61. Sodium 62. Elevated subway 63. Facility where wild animals are kept 66. Integrated circuit 67. Seaman’s tool 70. Drink to 71. Small group

CLUES DOWN 1. Poem 2. Everest is one (abbr.)

3. Olympic legend Jesse 4. Portable tent 5. When you hope to get there 6. Unwavering 7. Back muscle 8. Within 9. Excessive fluid accumulation in tissues 10. Six 11. Involved as a necessary part 12. 2002 Liotta, Patric film 13. Living thing 14. Type of gin 15. Moved around in pursuit of fun 25. Makes light bulbs 26. Story of one’s life 27. Small island in a river 29. A type of bliss 31. Genus of large herons 33. A way to make dry 36. One’s grandmother 38. Vocal style 39. Pronunciation mark 41. American Indian chief or leader 42. Insecticide 43. Go bad 46. Capital of Zimbabwe 47. Polish river 49. Cast out 51. People of India and Sri Lanka 53. Cleaning fabrics 54. Very skilled 55. Pouches 58. Restaurant must-have 60. Native Americans from Arizona 64. Remaining after all deductions 65. Fleece 68. Dorm official 69. It cools your home

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

The Elmhurst Independent

Sports

Dec. 9, 2021 • 20

York girls bowling team looking to continue dominant ways Dukes fifth at Plainfield Central; Bolden fifth individually; JV extends winning streak to 40 matches

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

The York girls bowling team picked up right where it left off last season.

The Dukes opened the dual-meet portion of their schedule with a 3,245-2,141 West Suburban Conference win over Hinsdale Central.

York broke the 1,000-pin barrier in all three games. Kat Svehla led the way with a 586 series, which included high games of 215 and 202. Kara Jensen was right behind her with a 583 series, which included games of 200, 180 and 203. Madeline Mountcastle added a 549 with high games of 215 and 193. Michaela Tully shot a 520 series with a pair of 181s, while Abby Nacyk was at 508 with a 183 high game. JJ Bolden had a 499 with a 180 high game.

York also won the JV contest with a 2,728-1,719 win over Central. Emily Carrasco led the Dukes with a 522 series, which included games of 174, 170 and 178. Olivia Greco had a 488, which included a 170 high game.

York has now won 40 matches in a row at the JV level, a streak that extends over six seasons.

York also competed in the Plainfield Central invitational and took fifth in the event as a team. York ended with a 5,242 for six games.

Bolden led the way, finishing fifth individually with a 1,220 series, which included games of 248 and two 221s.

Svehla took sixth individually, finishing with an 1,177, which included high games of 259, 227 and 208.

Mountcastle bowled a 1,070 with high games of 223 and 194. Jensen was at 950 with a 200 high game.

York is coming off a COVID19-shortened season where it went 8-0 at the varsity level and won the WSC title. The JV team went 7-0 and also won the conference title.

“We have a lot of returning bowlers this year — 16 of our 32 bowlers are seniors,” York coach Katie Turnbull said.

Returners include seniors Mountcastle, Jensen and Svehla, along with Bolden, a junior. All four were allWSC selections last year and Bolden was a state finalist as a freshman. Nacyk, a junior, and Tully, a senior, are new to the varsity this season.

“Every year we keep pushing past the limit of what each team can accomplish,” Turnbull said. “Last year’s group competed in two unofficial state tournaments and finished 10th and eighth, and I believe there is nothing this group cannot accomplish. They are talented and they are extraordinarily hard working.”

Turnbull said practice time continues to be a high priority for the group.

“Our big focus this year is practicing with a purpose,” she said.

“Everyone goes bowling, all people from all walks of life, but improvement does not come from showing up at the bowling alley each day and just bowling games. Being really reflective of what we are doing and how we can improve is important.”

Turnbull loves the team’s mental toughness. “They don’t get down when lanes get challenging,” she said. “And they never give up. Pair that with the most talented team we have had, and this group will be unstoppable this season.”

Turnbull also likes how the Dukes’ lineup card shakes out.

“The whole varsity group is incredibly talented,” she said. “We have a fantastic leader in our leadoff bowler, Madeline Mountcastle, and our bottom three bowlers of Kara, Kat and JJ as our anchor is the most powerful 1-2-3 punch we have ever had.

Every person is capable of putting up big numbers in competition.”

As far as the WSC race goes?

“I think we will see the usual contenders from the past few years,” Turnbull said. “In particular, DownSUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent ers Grove South is always a tough

The York girls bowling team took fifth at the recent Plainfield Central invitational.

JJ Bolden finished contest, but I think we are positioned pretty well to defend our title for an- fifth individually with a 1,220 series for six games (248 high game), while Kat Svehla was sixth individually with an 1,177 (259 high game). other year.”

VanderWal scores 30 points in Timothy Christian win over Wheaton Academy Timothy Christian girls basketball team records conference win; York boys now 5-1

BY MIKE MIAZGA CORRESPONDENT

The Timothy Christian boys basketball team split a pair of recent Metro Suburban Conference Blue Division games.

Timothy recorded a 50-49 win over Wheaton Academy to move to 3-3 overall and 1-1 in conference play.

The Trojans trailed 17-16 after the

first quarter, but took a 29-26 lead into halftime. Wheaton outscored Timothy 15-5 in the third quarter, but Timothy used a 16-8 fourth quarter to earn the road win.

Ben VanderWal exploded for 30 points in the game. Alex Keizer had 11 points, while Trey Keizer had six points. Alex Keizer and VanderWal each made two 3-pointers. VanderWal also hit 14 of 17 free throws as Timothy shot 74 percent from the line in the game. VanderWal also pulled in nine rebounds. Alex Keizer had six rebounds. Trey Keizer had three steals. VanderWal blocked

three shots.

Timothy also lost 57-49 to Bishop McNamara at home. The Trojans led 16-15 after the first quarter and trailed 28-26 at intermission. Bishop outscored Timothy 15-13 in the third and 14-10 in the fourth quarter.

VanderWal led the way for the Trojans with 25 points, while Alex Keizer, a sophomore, had 19 points on 7-for-13 shooting.

Timothy shot 38 percent from the field in the game. Alex Keizer also drained two 3-pointers. VanderWal hit 8 of 8 free-throw attempts and also pulled down eight rebounds.

Trey Keizer had five assists, while Martens also connected on 4 of 7 free-throw attempts. Drye finished Kyle Steiner had three assists. with 11 rebounds and six steals.

Cailey Schurrman had eight reTimothy Christian bounds, while Martens added six girls basketball The Timothy Christian girls bas- rebounds and finished with eight ketball team opened Metro Suburban steams. Timothy Christian had Conference Blue Division play with 16 steals as a team in the contest. a 40-30 win over Wheaton Academy. The win moved the Trojans to 3-3 Junior Maddie Drye led the Trojans overall.

Timothy played St. Francis earlier with 13 points, while junior Mili in the week and will travel to ChiMartens added 11 points.

The Trojans shot 33 per- cago Christian tonight for a 7 p.m. cent from the field in the game. tipoff in Palos Heights.

Drye made three 3-pointers in the See BASKETBALL, Page 22 game, while Martens had one 3.

The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Dec. 9, 2021 • 21

IC Catholic Prep boys basketball team making strides The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, July 16, 2020 • 19

CORRESPONDENT

Knights finish third at Coal City tournament

The IC Catholic Prep boys basketball team tested its mettle against a pair of larger-enrollment schools recently, and coach TJ Tyrrell liked what he saw.

The Knights lost 78-55 to Riverside-Brookfield in a Metro Suburban Conference Blue Division game and also dropped a 54-36 non-conference game to Lake Park.

“R-B is really good this year — they are ranked,” Tyrrell pointed out.

“It was a good test for us. We started out pretty slow. R-B came out to a 16-0 run, but we didn’t fold. The guys stayed the course and trusted the system and we battled our way back.”

IC Catholic Prep trailed 22-7 after the first quarter and 39-25 at halftime.

“We cut it down to 10 in the third, but we had some costly turnovers and that allowed R-B to open things up,” Tyrrell said.

Senior Liam Johnson led the Knights with 14 points and made three 3-pointers. Sophomore Jake Gallagher added nine points, while classmate Matthew Karsten also put in nine points.

“Jake Gallagher brought some energy in the first half, knocking down some big 3s,” Tyrrell said. “He also took three charges. This was a big margin loss, but we kept R-B uncomfortable for most of the game and then they opened up on us down the stretch. The guys were pretty optimistic afterward. We are trying some new things offensively and they are buying in.”

The R-B loss put IC Catholic Prep at 3-3 overall.

“It was a tough week with R-B and we also played Lake Park, which has close to 4,000 kids in the school. It a pitch wasAnthony a good testBucolo for us tofires play that type ofgame. competition,” Tyrrell said. “We had a team breakfast (last Saturday)

and everybody was in good spirits.

We have good camaraderie and good chemistry with this group. I am confident we are going to have a successful year.”

Seniors John Hilgart and Augie Wassman have played well out of the gates for the Knights.

“So far, John Hilgart has been a goto guy for us,” Tyrrell said. “He’s a senior and was all-conference last year.

He has a really good skill set with his outside shooting ability, as well as the ability to finish at the rim. Augie is our best defender on the team. He’s been guarding the toughest guy on the other teams and running the point spot for us. He brings a lot of leadership.”

Tyrrell also has been pleased with the play of junior Kal Kilgast.

“Kal was up with us in the COVID season as a sophomore,” the coach noted. “He’s starting to get confidence. He finished the game against Lake Park with nine points in the fourth quarter, which was good to see.

He’s starting to get a little momentum here.”

Kilgast led IC Catholic Prep in scoring against Lake Park. The Knights trailed 10-6 in the first quarter and were down 22-10 and 38-18 at one point.

“Holding them in the 50s was a good thing for us with their high-powered offense,” Tyrrell said. “We didn’t do as well finishing. We won’t win many games if we score in the 30s.”

Tyrrell said the team has done a good job dealing with adversity early-on. “We have dealt with some early injuries and then with football making it to the semifinals, we had some guys join us late,” he said.

CHRIS FOX PHOTO Elmhurst Independent Senior Antonio Richardson, a key contributor for the football team as an all-state player, is currently sideduring a recent U12suffered baseball lined with an injury in the state quarterfinal football game.

“Antonio was integral to the squad

U12 baseball action

Player of the week sponsored by

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YORK HIGH SCHOOL PLAYER OF THE WEEK YORK HIGH SCHOOL PLAYER OF THE WEEK JJ BOLDEN AND KAT SVEHLA BARR YORKGIGI GIRLS BOWLING YORK GIRLS VOLLEYBALL

Bolden finished fifth individually and Svehla sixth individually at Barr was the recipient the 2019-2020 York aVal Cothern the recent Plainfield Central of invitational.

Bolden rolled 1,220 series for six games with a 248 high game, while Svehla rolled an 1,177 junior female athlete of the year award. Barr went overwith the a 259 high game. Their efforts helped York finish fifth in the tourna1,000-career kill threshold last fall for the Dukes girls volleyment as a team.

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

omore, played well in the Coal City tournament over Thanksgiving, Tyrrell noted. However, he’s also currently sidelined with an injury.

“We have had a little adversity here at the start,” Tyrrell said. “That’s fine.

We are a resilient group. The best is yet to come for us.”

Earlier at the Coal City tournament, IC Catholic Prep enjoyed a 59-41 win

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over Serena. Hilgart led the way with 21 points, while Wassman had nine points and Karsten had seven points.

Hilgart made four 3-pointers. Hilgart had eight rebounds, while Kilgast had seven rebounds.

In a 44-36 loss to Beecher, Hilgart had 13 points, while Gallagher had

See KNIGHTS Page 22

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this summer and brings a lot of leadership, heart and toughness,” Tyrrell said. “We have been without him and we hope to get him back the next couple weeks.”

Junior AJ Walsh also had been injured and is working his way back into the lineup. “He will see more time as the season goes on,” Tyrrell said.

Sixth man Aidan Johnson, a soph-

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

Montini Catholic in midst of ‘Part 2’ of season of giving

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(Continued from page 20) York boys basketball The York boys basketball team notched a pair of wins over Naperville North and Proviso West.

In a 40-39 win over Naperville North in non-conference action, Drew Kircher led the Dukes with 14 points, while sophomore AJ Levine had seven points.

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“

The students, alum and staff worked extremely hard to make this year’s Golden Gobbler great.”

– Alexxis Johnson, Montini’s student government director

ing a family for which to shop.

The students receive wish lists informing them of the number of family members, their gender, ages, and sizes. “Most of the wish lists include simple items many of us take for granted like gloves, boots, and warm hats,” said Blanchette. “Our students really make a difference by lifting the spirits of families in need at the holiday time. Each year, Golden Gobbler and Adopt-a-Family remind us of what is important in life and there’s no better time than the holidays to reflect on and share our many blessings.”

Johnson and the entire Bronco student body agrees. “We are so happy to be able to provide these families and food pantries with the supplies that they need to create joyful holidays this year.”

• Basketball

PA

UL h Dan brou DELGUIDI CE ce, ght o PHOT who u per t the b O Elmhur form ea st Ind

Students of Montini Catholic wrapped up this year’s 25th anniversary Golden Gobbler Food Drive on Friday, Dec. 3, by helping to load up vehicles with food destined for the food pantry at Christ the King Parish.

“The students, alum, and staff worked extremely hard to make this year’s Golden Gobbler great,” said Alexxis Johnson, Montini’s student government director. “We collected over 4,000 food donations and over $3,000 in gift cards and cash donations which will all go towards our ‘adopted’ families this year.”

“Now that Gobbler has come to a close, which we consider ‘Part 1’ of our Season of Giving, our Adopt-a-Family, ‘Part 2,’ is just getting started,” said Campus Minister Mike Blanchette. “Some of the food collected during Gobbler is allocated for families that are ‘adopted’ by Montini Catholic during the Christmas season.”

Homerooms have already been busy shopping, donating, sorting and wrapping loads of Christmas cheer for area families.

Montini’s traditional “Catholic Charities Adopt a Family” service program enables students to donate toys and gifts to families facing hardship during the holiday season or throughout the year. During the beginning of December, students donate money through their homerooms, with each homeroom receiv-

234470

ban Conference Silver Division winner over Proviso West. Kircher led the way with 16 points. Sophomore Braden Richardson had 14 points.

The two wins put York at 5-1 overall and 1-0 in WSC Silver action.

York played Hinsdale South earlier this week and will host Glenbard West in a key WSC Silver game Friday (7:30 p.m. tip).

• Knights

(Continued from page 21) eight points. Liam Johnson had six points. Gallaghe made two 3-pointers.

Hilgart had 12 rebounds, while Liam Johnson had 10 rebounds.

Wassman struck for 18 points in the team’s 52-41 win over Manteno.

Aidan Johnson added nine points, while Hilgart had eight points and Kilgast had seven points. Wassman and Hilgart each hit two 3-pointers.

Wassman also sank 6 of 6 foul-shot attempts. Liam Johnson had five steals, while Wassman had four steals.

IC Catholic Prep closed out the Coal City extravaganza with a 58-48 win over Peotone. Hilgart led the way with 22 points, while Gallagher had 13 points. Karsten and Liam Johnson each had eight points, while Wassman added seven. Gallagher sank three

3-pointers, while Karsten and Hilgart each had two 3s. Hilgart was 6-for7 at the free-throw line, while Liam Johnson and Gallagher each were 4-for-4. Hilgart had seven rebounds, while Liam Johnson had six rebounds.

Kilgast had four assists.

The Knights have games against Elmwood Park, Villa Park Islamic Foundation (tonight at home, 6:30 p.m. tip) and Lisle (Saturday in Lisle, 5 p.m. start).

“It’s another packed season,” Tyrrell said. “This was one of the tougher weeks schedule-wise with opponents.

We’re seeing a lot of good here. We are making good progress, but we are not even close to where we think we will be later in the season. We have a high ceiling for this group.”

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

The Elmhurst Independent

Real Estate/Business

Dec. 9, 2021 •23

Bluejay Tank holds its first in-person competition ed restrictions).

“The energy in the room was exciting and positive,” said Martin Gahbauer, executive director of the Weigand Center for Professional Excellence. “Some of the presenters did a really great job of engaging the judges with their presentations. One brought along Italian ice to serve to the judges; another recruited other students to help with the demonstration of the business idea.”

First place, with a cash prize of $1,500, went to Christian Vanstedum, a computer science major from Deer Park, Ill., for his mobile dating app, Spark. Spark automatically connects people with similar interests who are in the same vicinity. The goal of the app is to effortlessly and easily “spark” conversations in real time between potentially compatible

people.

Nursing major Lauren Laughlin took second place and a $1,000 prize for Equitable Health, a health care advocacy organization and resource for the LGBTQIA+ community. Equitable Health would develop training programs for care providers about the special needs of LGBTQIA+ patients, as well as a model for what inclusive and affirming care looks like.

The organization also would offer a registry of providers who had completed the training.

“I really entered (the Bluejay Tank competition) as a way to gauge the quality and practicality of my idea,” said Laughlin, of Oak Park. “I sincerely appreciate the efforts made to put us in touch with people that can help us further our ideas.” She plans to use her prize money to begin the

SUBMITTED PHOTOS Elmhurst Independent

Christian Vanstedum

Lauren Laughlin

Mark Picardi

ECCI seeks donations for Civic Hall of Fame memorial This holiday season, tax-deductible donations in support of the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce and Industry Centennial Celebration NFP’s development of a Civic Hall of Fame public memorial will receive one Elmhurst-Opoly board game (a $25 value) for every $50 donated to a maximum of 10 games ($500).

The Civic HOF memorial will feature a TouchPros Touch Wall interactive, touch-screen TV monitor (65 inches) on which users can view biographies, photographs and video clips of each of the inductees, and will be installed in a publicly-acces-

sible location (to be determined).

Since its creation in 1992—then as part of the Opening Ceremonies at Elmfest—the Civic HOF has inducted 30 businesspeople, community volunteers and elected officials.

Since Elmfest’s end in 2009, inductees have been honored at ECCI’s Annual Awards Gala in all but one of those years.

To date, our Chamber has raised some $17,000 in Civic HOF funding towards a $50,000 goal set within a once-in-a-lifetime $250,000 Centennial Celebration Capital Campaign established in 2016 as part of ECCI’s 100th Anniversary year in 2018.

Donations to the Civic Hall of Fame Fund are tax deductible through the ECCI Centennial Celebration NFP, an Internal Revenue Service-designated 501(c)(3) notfor-profit charitable organization.

Checks can be mailed to the Chamber.

Make your tax-deductible online donation/s in increments of $50, $100 or $250, and receive a complimentary Elmhurst-Opoly board game with every $50 donated. Donations of any amount also can be made by check and mailed to 300A W. Lake St., Suite 201, Elmhurst, IL 60126.

research phase of her project.

Mark Picardi, of Schaumburg, took third place and a $500 prize for his idea—College Cleaners, kits of pre-packaged cleaning supplies targeted to college students. Picardi, who is majoring in logistics and supply chain management, originally intended College Cleaners to be a cleaning service, but then realized he couldn’t afford all the expenses— yet. So he decided instead to design a cleaning kit specifically for college students, and to market it to them and their parents. While still in its early stages, Picardi’s project is up and running. He plans to use his prize money to develop his website and

secure trademarks.

To prepare for their Bluejay Tank appearances, students met with entrepreneur-in-residence Patrick Yanahan during workshops on how to develop a compelling application.

He then worked with all of the applicants on their presentations, to ensure that they were best positioned for success in the Tank.

“We were very impressed with the well-thought-out business idea presentations from the students this semester and couldn’t be happier that they were able to safely present to the judges in-person for the full experience,” Yanahan said. “It was really a job well done by all the contestants.”

Elmhurst University Symphonic Band Wind Ensemble

Holiday Concert

December 12

7:00PM

Hammerschmidt Chapel

409013

Seven Elmhurst University students recently demonstrated their entrepreneurial spirit at the Fall Term Bluejay Tank competition, pitching business concepts ranging from a mobile dating app to cleaning supply kits for college students.

Loosely modeled on the popular TV show Shark Tank, the Bluejay Tank competition, hosted by the Elmhurst University E-celerator, gives students the chance to pitch their business ideas to a panel of Elmhurst University faculty and experienced entrepreneurs. In exchange, the contestants get feedback on their projects and a shot at $3,000 in cash prizes.

The competition, held earlier in the fall term, was the University’s third.

But it was the first to be held live and in-person. (The first two were held remotely because of pandemic-relat-

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

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SPORTS 19

The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Dec. 9, 2021 • 25 The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, July 16, 2020 • 19

sports

IC Catholic Prep graduate Leslie headed to Le Moyne Will play volleyball for Division II school

I feel like I would be so bored without it because it has been such a big I’m really part of my life.”

Leslie said she has plenty of

By Mike Miazga excited to be able memories from IC Catholic Prep’s CORRESPONDENT coach Nancy Kerrigan’s program. to play volleyball in Recent IC Catholic Prep gradu“I loved playing there,” she said. ate Bella Leslie wanted to head east “I probably enjoyed school volleycollege. It gives me for college. ball more than club because I love Her landing spot ended up being my team and the coaching staff something to do. I at NCAA Division II Le Moyne was very supportive on and off the College where the former Knights court. It made it a really good enfeel like I would be volleyball and soccer standout will vironment to be in. Coach (Kerriso bored without continue her volleyball career at gan) was great. I have known her WiseNew Investment Builders the Syracuse, York school as for a while. When I was little, I did it because it has a libero. all the little kids camps, and her “All of the schools I was looking daughter was in my brother’s grade been such a big at were on the East Coast,” Leslie at IC.” told the Independent last week. “I part of my life.”

Leslie Work with this fresh new plan or build to suit. Covered outdoor said she will miss plenvisited Moyne really liked ty open, about spaceLe off family room and and kitchen eating area, very 1st IC Catholic Prep. “I will – Bella Leslie it. Itfloorreminded meheated of high school study, 2.5 car garage, 4 large beds with close knit of a communimissuphow luxurious with school, dual WIC’sand and spa and she said. “I knew everybecause it master was asuite small ty bath, it was,” in a smaller school you will know a body at the school. It will be weird been cancelled due to the pandemlot more faces than if I would have going on campus and not knowing ic. “I will probably leave Aug. $1,375,000 gone to a bigger school. The cam- all the faces. I’ll miss those close 10-11 because it’s a far drive,” pus there is really pretty. It sits on connections with the coaches and she said. “We had Zoom call with a big hill and the scenery around it teachers. It will be weird for the the team recently and they said is great. Everything is pretty close first year or so.” they should have an answer about together. They have very nice facilLeslie said pandemic life hasn’t our season in the next 7-10 days. ities. The volleyball program has been overly exciting, though her They talked about three scenarios good workout facilities and a nice club volleyball team has started and what could happen like if we locker room. I liked how modern it practicing again. “We have been start Wise Builders theInvestment season and someone gets was.” twoCovered or threeoutdoor times space a sickoffand we have stop and go.

Work with this fresh new plan orpracticing build to suit. family room to and kitchen eating area, very open, 1st floor study, 2.5 car heated garage, 4 large Leslie on studying week,” shedual said.WIC’s “We and are going to That’s one of the reasons with why guest they suite with full bath, rec room, wet bar and flex room. Walk to new bedsplans up with luxuriousnursing master suite with spa bath, and finished basement at Le Moyne. “They have a good be starting tournaments again. Be- are looking at moving the season to Lincoln school,she the IL Prairie Pioneer & Ben Allison Parks, and the hip Spring Road Business District. Rare opportunity to work with this quality of a builder from nursing program,” said.

“As far Path, fore that I haven’t been doing any- the spring. Right now the plan is to Day kind 1 andofmake it your own!to $1,375,000 as what a nurse I want thing because senior soccer season have a season, but we won’t know be, I’m not quite sure yet.” and the club volleyball season were until the next 7-10 days.”

Leslie played volleyball and girls cancelled. We were supposed to go But if all systems are a go, Lessoccer at IC Catholic Prep all four to a few club volleyball qualifiers lie can’t wait to take her skills as CHRIS FOX PHOTO Elmhurst Independent Park years. She was a Berens center-midfielder in Grand Rapids and Louisville. a libero to the next level with the on the Knights soccer team.

This summer, we have some tour- Dolphins. “I feel like being a libeLeslie’s volleyball journey naments planned over the next few ro you have to be really quick and Anthony Bucolo fires a pitch during a recent U12 baseball started in the fifth grade, the first weekends. They are little tourna- that is typically what I am good at. game. yearSetshe could play the sport at IC luxury home with all of the local clubs. I have really good reaction time,” for delivery end of Spring 2022, this new ments Grade She’s beenlong-time play-Elmhurst Nothing being School. built by a well-respected, builder large and really local. she said. “I like diving on the floor ing working club alongside volleyball since seventh an interior designer set to helpOther pick outthan all that, I have been trying and saving balls. It’s a really good of your finishes & fixtures.with Offering sf of finished livingout a lot and stay in shape. feeling when you make a save. The grade, most recently the5,000 Chito work cago Elite group that practices out I’ve been running a lot, so I got into position fits my personality, too. of Scores in Willow Springs and that. I try and run every day.”

You have to be the loudest one on Player of the week sponsored by $1,150,000 Montini High School in Lombard.

Leslie said she is scheduled to the court. I have a loud personality.

“I’m really excited to be able report to Le Moyne in the Aug. 12- You have to be pretty loud if you to play volleyball in college,” she 15 timeframe, but noted preseason want to be a libero. I think I match said. “It gives me something to do. volleyball activities already have that description.”

U12 baseball action

Community Bank

(Continued from page 18)

Berens Park

Member FDIC LENDER

www.communityelmhurst.com (630)782-1234

100380

They lostdelivery to West on huge rah-rah person. a little and transparent and communicate Elmhurstset to help pick out all of your Set for end Chicago of Spring 2022, this new luxury homeI’m being built bit by a ble well-respected, long-time Elmhurst builder working alongside an interiorofdesigner I think an own goal in the last five more of an individual players’ coach. with everybody.” finishes & fixtures.

Offering finished living with its fully finished basement - bedroom, full wants bath, rec room, & custom bar with island. 10 ft first floor ceilings welcome you to minutes.

That was against the 5,000 state sfI of will pull kids to space the side at practice As far as the future, Stopka this in impressive home with HWF’s extensive ceiling detail throughout, 5 beds, 4.5 baths, 3 carlevel garage, champs the sectional finals.

That’s &and games trim and & teach them.”

York competing at a ahigh on custom kitchen w/ huge island, high-end SS appliances (Wolf & Sub-Zero) a hell a season you ask me.” room w/Stopka noted York has doing consistentplumbing/lighting basis. “The short-term & of eating areaifopen to family fireplace, master suitebeen w/ spa bath,a designer fixtures, surround sound + more! All this within walking distance to Berens Park, Stopka willElementary, teach Spanish York.station conditioning drills and the Rare plan chance goal isto to restock everything and build ifupyou theact now! $1,150,000 Emerson theatMetra and Elmhurst’s City said Centre. customize He taught Spanish and one math class as of earlier last week was to start team,” he said. “A large portion of at St. Pat’s. “My philosophy is I am summer camp pending District 205 For Sale Lease last or year’s team was seniors, espeproudly presents Medical Office Building Freeable standing building located just 11. We have to Medical professional building in the east/west more of a players’ said. approval. “I have probably been proudly presents cially the starting For coach,” Sale orheLease Medical Office Building north of North Avenue, walking distance corridor within one mile of the Elmhurst-Edwards “I have been a big Liverpool soccer to meet 60 to 70 percent of theto playsure thesquare now juniors are up to downtownmake Elmhurst.

3,625 campus. 11,775 sf of turnkey orthopedic space YORK HIGH SCHOOL PLAYER OF THE WEEK daycare, medical/dental, available fall 2021, space features - generous supporter ever since 2015 when Jur- ers so far,” he said. “If it does feet getperfect ap- forthe speed of the varsity level and are YORK HIGH SCHOOL PLAYER OF THE WEEK sales, accounting, or legal. Fully wet reception & waiting room, private offices, exams gen Klopp came over and he’s known proved that would be the startsprinklered, of our 4ready to contribute. handicapped bathrooms, We want to keep rooms, onsite X-ray and MRI, ADA compliant as a players’ coach. He’s kind of my contact days with four days afullweek kitchen, that and 7pipeline perimeter going private with the younger entry, hallways, & doors, private public GIGI BARR restrooms, onsite billing office, record and large 16 car private parking lot - Medical professional building in the east/west corridor within storage, IT Free standing located just to north coaching idol. Ibuilding want to related theof North for Avenue, three weeks straight. Andoffices, even groups of players.

We want to make $799,900 or $16 per sf on lease. Call one mile of the Elmhurst-Edwards campus. 11,775 sf of rooms, state of the art security and surveillance walking distance downtown Elmhurst.

3,625though square feet players and formtobonds with them. the IHSA waived the Mickey blackYORK GIRLS VOLLEYBALL sure we are not only competitive, but (630) 494-0178 technology, conference rooms, kitchen and break perfect for daycare, medical/dental, sales, accounting, or turnkey orthopedic space available fall 2021, space features room space for staff, with entire building on I amlegal. more smil- bathrooms, out dates forreception regionFully light-hearted wet sprinklered, 4and handicapped full before the school year, we that we are competing generous & waiting room, private offices, exams backup generator. Adjacent 5,766 sf of Physical Barr was the recipient of the 2019-2020 York Val Cothern ing. I like to have fun and joke with won’t take advantage of that. I’m als, sectionals and supersectionals.

Therapy space is available Jan 2022 for a possibility of 17,541 total sf the kids. The goal is understanding pretty sure families have plans to do It starts for me with this junior class junior female athlete of the year award.

Barr went over the $3,995,000 where each player can be successful them $3,995,000 FOR SALE ORthings LEASEbefore school starts. I’m the that is coming in. We want Within 1 Mile From Elmhurst-Edwards 1,000-career kill threshold last fall for the Dukes girls volleyand the provide the best way possible new guy and I’m not going to say ready to go and setting the standard to convey the knowledge they need you can’t go with your family. Go for these other classes that come in ball team and still has a season to add to that total. at the position they play. I am not big do it and enjoy it. This is a crazy and so they can also contribute right off

408615

• Stopka

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

E L M H U R S T 130 W. PARK AVE.

Maria Gracik • 5bed/4.2ba • $1,450,000 630.306.7882 • 239WClaremont.info

Maria Gracik • 5bed/5ba • $950,000 630.306.7882 • 15W241Fillmore.info

The Schiller Team • 4bed/4.1ba • $1,375,000 630.992.0582 • 264Elmhurst.info

Yvonne Despinich • 5bed/4.1ba • $825,000 630.989.9500 • 431EastCourt.info

The Schiller Team • 4bed/2ba • $465,000 630.992.0582 • 769SFairview.info

The Schiller Team • 4bed/4ba • $1,150,000 630.814.4065 • 106WElmwood.info

The Schiller Team • 3bed/2.1ba • $579,900 630.992.0582 • 634Stratford.info

Smirniotis/Howarth • 4bed/3ba • $450,000 773.562.0575 • 1042SouthSunset.info

Tom Makinney • 4bed/3ba • $514,333 331.642.8389 • 333ESherman.info

Salahuddin/Quaglia • 3bed/2ba • $419,900 312.437.7799 • 952Cadwell.info

MICHIGAN

The Schiller Team • 2bed/2ba • $319,900 630.814.4065 • 230SMonterey.info

NEW BUFFALO Kate Boyle • 4bed/6.2ba $6,975,000 • 708.508.0709 49106SunValleyFalls.info

SOUTH HAVEN Jackson Matson • 3bed/3.1ba $999,000 • 269.214.0240 369ParkAvenue.info

409150

Pikulik/Schiller • 4bed/2ba • $349,000 630.606.1197 • 244OaklandGrove.info

The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Dec. 9, 2021 • 27

431 EAST COURT, ELMHURST PRICE DROP! $849,000

The Ultimate Gift

FOR SALE

A FABULOUS NEW HOME JUST IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

me act Cont for private viewing

A truly custom floorplan that puts special focus on the rooms and spaces we use everyday. Wonderful outdoor space with both fireplace and fire pit, paver brick driveway and patio, fenced yard and generator.

• • • •

4 Beds, 4.1 Baths True Chefs Kitchen Amazing Natural Light Open Concept

• • • •

Spacious Rooms 2nd Floor Laundry Finished Basement Exercise Room

YVONNE DESPINICH REALTOR®, CRS

630.989.9500 movetoelmhurst.com

409151

yvonned@atproperties.com

age stamping printing receiving re ing shipping caring smiling helpin g addressing boxing delivering la suring pack and ship guaranteein ing postage stamping printing rec ning sending shipping caring smi g addressing boxing delivering la suring pack and ship guaranteein ing postage stamping printing rec ning sending shipping caring smi ng giving addressing boxing delive ing measuring pack and ship gua aging packing postage stamping ving returning sending shipping c ng helping gifting giving addressi ering labeling measuring pack an anteeing packaging packing posta essing boxing delivering labeling andship guaranteeing packaging 28 • Thursday, Dec. 9, 2021 - The Elmhurst Independent

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