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1 • Thursday, Feb. 3, 2022 - The Elmhurst Independent

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District 205 Board deliberates facilities update, referendum budget, abatements

ditional costs beyond the $168.5 million in referendum funds. More than The Elmhurst Community Unit $40 million in referendum-related School District 205 Board held a reg- projects have yet to be completed. ular meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 25 at the District 205 Center, 162 S. York Projections, potential St. Board member Christopher Ko- abatements discussed cinski was absent from the meeting.

The meeting included a discussion The meeting included a facil- of financial projections and potential ities update from Todd Schmidt, abatements for district taxpayers. the district’s director of buildings Over one year ago, the board apand grounds. Schmidt talked about proved an abatement of about $3.1 projects related to the $168.5 mil- million, which reduced the District lion referendum that was passed in 205 property tax burden of district 2018. He said that upcoming work at homeowners during the 2020 levy Fischer Elementary School will have year. The deadline for issuing an a phased approach. The first phase, abatement for the 2021 levy year is which includes the addition of six March 1, 2022. The board makes an classrooms, will begin this spring. annual decision whether or not to apThe second phase, which includes the prove an abatement. renovation of the school’s media cenElizabeth Hennessy, who is the ter, should begin in December 2022. district’s financial advisor, provided The third phase, which includes the several options for the board to conaddition of a new HVAC system, is sider. Some of those options includexpected to begin in June 2023. ed an abatement for the 2021 levy Schmidt said the renovation proj- year, while others did not. If there is ects at Jefferson Elementary School no abatement for the 2021 levy year, have a referendum budget of about the owner of a district home valued $7.45 million. The recent bid esti- at $500,000 would face a district-remates totaled about $7.9 million, lated tax increase of about $310 from about $450,000 over budget. the previous year.

Board members noted that since Christopher Whelton, the district’s the passage of the $168.5 million assistant superintendent of finance referendum, the board has approved and operations, recommended no increases in the scopes of some proj- abatement for the 2021 levy year. ects. The increased scopes of work Board member Athena Arvanitis include projects to add additional said she was alarmed by a chart that classroom space at Field Elementary shows the district’s fund balance School, along with separate additions to decline over the next five years. at Jackson, Jefferson and Fischer el- Board member Jim Collins said that ementary schools. The total referen- property taxes, which provide nearly dum-related work is now projected 85 percent of the district’s revenue, to cost about $186 million. The board are extremely stable, and that the has decided to take money out of the See BOARD, Page 4 district’s fund balance to pay the ad-

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Timothy Christian wins state business competition, heads to nationals

Virtual Enterprises International (VEI) announced last week that students from Timothy Christian High School pictured here have won the VE Illinois State Business Plan Competition and are now finalists in VE’s prestigious National Business Plan Competition (NBPC), scheduled for April in New York City. The event showcases some of the best and brightest student leaders and entrepreneurs in the country. See full story on page 4.

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2 • Thursday, Feb. 3, 2022 - The Elmhurst Independent

It’s National Children’s Dental Health Month.

Did you know that dental-related ailments are responsible for the loss of more than 50 million school hours each year? That’s right. Thousands of children miss school every year because of some dental-related ailment. Fortunately, many of these ailments can be prevented through good oral care.

This National Children’s Dental Health Month, make your child’s smile a priority.

Take them to the dentist regularly and teach them to care for their teeth properly.

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The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Feb. 3, 2022 • 3

City hires new Finance Director

Christina Coyle

The City of Elmhurst has hired a new Finance Director who will assume her position on Monday, Feb. 14. Christina Coyle comes to the City of Elmhurst after serving as the Village of Glen Ellyn’s Finance Director since October of 2014.

Coyle is a certified public accountant (CPA) and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Finance and French from the University of Illinois. She was promoted to the Finance Director position at the Village of Glen

Ellyn from the Assistant Finance Director where she became a key member to the executive team. Prior to her public sector experience, Coyle managed governmental, non-profit, and federal compliance audits for various organizations.

She is Chairperson to the Technical Accounting and Review Committee (TARC) for the Illinois Government Finance Officers Association (IGFOA) and a member of the Government Finance Officers Associa-

tion (GFOA).

“My experience, both in the public and private sector, has been dedicated to public service,” Coyle said. “I am thrilled to begin working for the City of Elmhurst, where I can continue my career in offering services to an excellent community.”

As Finance Director, Coyle will direct, manage, and coordinate the City of Elmhurst’s fiscal services including the budget process, accounting, system administration, annual

audit, risk management, insurance procurement, general administrative services, and tax increment financing administrative support.

“Christina is a proven leader whose experience and attributes will make her an asset to the City of Elmhurst,” said City Manager Jim Grabowski.

“I welcome her to our management team and am confident that she will thrive in this position.”

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Time may have lapsed and records may be lost, but this photo from the archives of the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce & Industry shows then-Governor Jim Thompson attending a ribbon-cutting event in downtown Elmhurst – and cutting the ribbon! Circa mid1980s. How many people do you recognize?

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4 • Thursday, Feb. 3, 2022 - 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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TC students win State Business Plan competition Students advance to Virtual Enterprises’ National event in April

Virtual Enterprises International (VEI) announced last week that the VE students from Timothy Christian High School have won the VE Illinois State Business Plan Competition and are now finalists in VE’s prestigious National Business Plan Competition (NBPC), scheduled for April 2022 in New York City. The event showcases some of the best and brightest student leaders and entrepreneurs in the country.

Since the start of the school year, the students have been operating Core, Inc., a virtual company they created and run each day as a class as part of the VE program. The business specializes in electric car leasing.

For the State Business Plan Competition, students were asked to present a written business plan and oral presentation to a team of judges and educators, who critiqued their

entries and evaluated their responses to a follow-up Q&A session.

This April, the Timothy Christian students and approximately 40 other finalists throughout the country will vie for first place in VE’s National Business Plan Competition.

More than 300 schools compete for the top honor annually. Some of the top entries from the 2021 NBPC can be found at veinternational.org.

The NBPC is one part of the yearlong VE program which annually provides more than 20,000 students with the opportunity to create and run virtual business ventures in 430 schools across the country. Through the program, students form a business together, role-play corporate positions, conduct transactions with other simulated businesses, attend trade shows and run the business as if it were real.

Convicted gunrunner charged after cutting off electronic monitor following brother’s funeral Former Villa Park resident being held without bond

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DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin announced that bond was denied for a recently convicted gunrunner accused of fleeing after cutting off his electronic Bruce Berrier GPS monitor following his brother’s funeral.

Bruce Berrier, 23, formerly of Villa Park, appeared in Bond Court where Judge Craig Belford ordered he be held without bond.

Berrier has been charged with one count of Indirect criminal contempt of court, one count of escape/violate electronic home monitoring detention program (Class 3 felony), one count of failure to return to a penal institution (Class 3 felony) and one count of criminal damage to government supported property (Class 4 felony.) If found guilty of indirect criminal con-

tempt of court, Illinois statutes allow for indeterminate sentencing in excess of six months in the IDOC, to be determined by the court.

On July 2, 2021, Berrier entered a plea of guilty to one count of gunrunning, a Class 1 felony. On Dec. 14, 2021, he was sentenced to 10 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) to be served at 75 percent.

On Monday, Jan. 10, while still in custody at the DuPage County Jail awaiting transfer to the IDOC and over the State’s objection, Berrier was granted permission by the Court to attend his brother’s funeral services on Tuesday, Jan. 11.

At approximately 8 a.m. on Jan. 11, after being fitted with an electronic GPS monitoring device, Berrier was released from custody from the DuPage County Jail. As per the Court’s order, Berrier was to return to the DuPage County Jail at 2 p.m. the same day. It is alleged that at approximately 1:27 p.m., Berrier cut off his

electronic GPS monitoring device.

Shortly after, Berrier’s electronic GPS monitoring device was found by the Elmhurst Police Department.

It is further alleged that Berrier failed to return to the DuPage County Jail by 2 p.m. as ordered by the court.

Judge Kleeman issued a $150,000 arrest warrant on the criminal damage to government supported property charge.

The following day, Jan. 12, the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office filed a petition for indirect criminal contempt. Subsequently, Judge Reidy issued a no-bond arrest warrant for Berrier. On Jan. 13, Judge Kleeman issued a $500,000 arrest warrant for Berrier on the escape charges.

On Jan. 22, Berrier was located at the Jewel Osco in Glendale Heights and taken into custody. The cases against Berrier will be in front of Judge Reidy.

If found guilty, any sentence Berrier receives will be served consecu-

tively to his previously imposed tenyear sentence.

“Thanks to the outstanding work of all the law enforcement agencies involved, Bruce Berrier’s alleged attempt to avoid the consequences of his previous criminal activity was short-lived,” Berlin said. “The quick and peaceful apprehension of a man serving a lengthy sentence in the Illinois Department of Corrections for gunrunning sends the message that in DuPage County, we will use every tool at our disposal to not only see to it that justice is served but more importantly, ensure the safety of the public.

I thank The U.S. Marshal’s Office, the Elmhurst, Villa Park, Lombard, Downers Grove, Berwyn, Cicero and Glendale Heights police departments and DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick and his office for their collaborative efforts in this case.”

Berrier’s next court appearance is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 14 for arraignment in front of Judge Reidy.

of the speakers were district parents who do not favor the state’s mask mandate in schools. One of those speakers complained that a teacher in the district forced children to do calisthenics as a corrective action for wearing their masks below their noses.

Another parent who spoke said the board should survey district stakeholders to learn their opinion of the mask mandate. The speaker referred to the masks as nothing more than face decorations.

One speaker noted that there had recently been no cases of district students who had to quarantine due to a school-related close contact with someone who had tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. That speaker claimed that the masking requirement was responsible for the lack of quarantines due to a school-related close contact.

94 students, or about 1.1 percent, from the current 2021-22 school year to the 2026-27 school year. Total enrollment is projected to grow by 285 students from 2026-27 to 2031-32. The district currently includes a total enrollment of about 8,200 students.

School Boards capsules

Brenda Garcia

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Here’s what’s going on at District 205

By Chris Fox

FOR THE ELMHURST INDEPENDENT

The Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205 Board held a regular meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 25 at the District 205 Center, 162 S. York St. Board member Christopher Kocinski was absent from the meeting.

Students recognized The board recognized four York High School seniors who excelled in the Illinois Stock Market Game, a state-wide competition that allows students to use internet research and news

• Board

updates in a simulated investment contest. Teams and students started with a virtual cash account of $100,000 and tried to create the best-performing portfolio over a three-month period.

The team of York seniors Ryan Pajak, Ryan Marti and Matthew Huffman finished in first place in the state-wide division for high school students. Their virtual portfolio of $100,000 grew to over $920,000. York senior Ryan Spaeth claimed the second-place award.

Public comment includes more mask discussion The public-participation segment of the Jan. 25 meeting included comments from seven people. A majority

(Continued from front page) district did not need huge reserves. the upcoming referendum-related Collins also said that there was a projects and the potential of unexdifference between a district’s fund pected contingencies. balance and its low cash point of the Collins moved to consider an opyear. tion that included an abatement of Collins and board member Karen $650,000 for the 2021 levy year.

Stuefen said they were in favor of is- Caforio said the board was discusssuing an abatement for the 2021 levy ing the issue, and would not vote year. Arvanitis and the other board on the abatement that evening. Colmembers in attendance—Courtenae lins requested that the option for the Trautmann, Beth Hosler and board $650,000 abatement be brought forpresident Kara Caforio—referred to ward at the board’s next meeting.

Demographic study presented The meeting also included a report of a recent demographic study of the district conducted by Ohio-based Cropper GIS. The firm’s Matthew Cropper addressed the board remotely during the meeting. According to the recently concluded study, total district enrollment is forecast to increase by

Campbell offers COVID, vaccination update District 205 Superintendent Keisha Campbell gave a brief update about COVID-19 metrics at the end of the meeting. Campbell said that the district had recently been served and named as one of over 140 Illinois school districts in a case seeking a temporary restraining order against Gov. JB Pritzker’s mask mandate in schools. Campbell said the district is closely monitoring the case, and will respect the legal system and cooperate with any ruling.

Campbell said the COVID-19 vaccination rate among York High School students is about 48 percent. The COVID-19 vaccination rate among the district’s middle school students is about 43 percent, while the rate among its elementary school students is around 41 percent.

The board will hold its next regular meeting on Feb. 8.

The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Feb 3, 2022 • 5

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6 • Thursday, Feb. 3, 2022 - The Elmhurst Independent

Police beat

he 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.

cers located multiple piles of screws scattered the packages away from the front porch and around the fourth floor of the parking deck. An into a small compact sized vehicle. The veinvestigation is pending. hicle sped away northbound on Clinton. The victim was later notified by the Berkeley PoJan. 21 lice Department that the empty packages were A reporting officer met with a victim at found behind a restaurant in their town. This 10:17 p.m. who reported the suspect inappro- case is pending investigation. priately touched her. This case is pending investigation.

Dec. 1-Jan. 1 Identity theft was reported in the 200 block of Addison at 10:55 a.m. A victim told police Theft or burglary/identity that an unknown suspect(s) gained access to his bank account and withdrew funds between theft/fraud/forgery/ the above dates.

Criminal damage, criminal trespass Jan. 26 A complainant in the 100 block of Elm Tree related at 11:19 p.m. that an unknown suspect threw a rock at the front of the residence, chipping the concrete windowsill.

Jan. 10-Jan. 24 A victim in the 100 block of Fairlane reports that an unknown suspect(s) broke his front window with an unknown object sometime between the above dates.

Jan. 23 Police said a victim relayed that an unknown suspect(s) threw a rock at a window in his residence in the 100 block of Elm Tree Lane, causing it to break. Officers attempted to search the area with no results.

Jan. 21 William Aubin, 51, of Elmhurst, was charged with trespass to property at 9:15 p.m.

Police said a reporting officer met with the victim who reported Aubin left a note at his front door after being trespassed from the residence.

The reporting officer made contact with the Aubin, whom police said admitted to leaving the note.

Police said officers responded to the 200 block of E. Park at 10:10 p.m. for the report of damage to property. The reporting officer met with the homeowner who reported a rock was thrown through the front window of the residence. Officers checked the area for a suspect but were met with no results.

Domestic battery, domestic incident, disorderly conduct, disturbance March 1, 2019-Jan. 22 A victim in the 100 block of E. Lake reported several domestic battery incidents involving the suspect between the above dates. This case is pending investigation.

DUI, DUI-drugs, transportation of open alcohol, possession of open alcohol, consumption of alcohol by a minor Jan. 26 Jose Barboza, 36, of Elmhurst, was charged with DUI and driving on the left of center near an intersection subsequent to a traffic stop near Third and Addison at 9:46 p.m.

Jan. 22 Robin Rogers, 33, of Libertyville, was charged with DUI, driving while license suspended, improper lane usage and no insurance subsequent to a traffic stop near North and York at 12:28 a.m. Police said Rogers also

CALL 800-222-TIPS was found to have a valid warrant out of the Winnebago Sheriff’s Office.

Gerardo Valesquez, 49, of Bensenville, was charged with DUI, improper lane usage, no valid driver’s license and no insurance subsequent to a traffic stop near Lake and Grand at 1:33 a.m.

Fleeing, eluding

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

Harassment, threats Jan. 21-Jan. 26 A victim in the 700 block of N. York told police that the suspect has been contacting her daily regarding money that she owes him and has threatened to harm her. The reporting officer contacted the suspect regarding his statements and advised him to cease contact with the victim.

Possession of cannabis, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance Jan. 24 A juvenile was issued citations for failure to give aid or information after striking unattended property, possession of cannabis and possession of drug paraphernalia, while a second juvenile was charged with possession of cannabis and possession of drug paraphernalia in the 400 block of W. Alma at 11:22 a.m.

Possession of cannabis by a driver of a vehicle Jan. 21-Jan. 26 Between the above dates, Rafael Garcia Cisneros, 23 of Elgin, was issued a citation for unlawful possession of cannabis by a driver.

Suspicious circumstances Jan. 26 A complainant in the 500 block of S. Bryan told police at 8:55 p.m. that she observed a suspect’s vehicle in the driveway at the above location and two unknown males wearing black coats with knit hats banging on the front door. Upon parking her vehicle, the two suspects entered their vehicle and quickly drove off eastbound on Vallette.

Jan. 23 Police said officers responded to the 100 block of N. Addison at 8:58 p.m. for a report of a suspicious circumstance. Upon arrival, offi-

deceptive practice/ obstruction/robbery

Nov. 22, 2021 Identity theft was reported in the 700 block of S. York at 3:51 p.m. A victim reported reJan. 22 Fraud was reported in the 200 block of N. ceiving a letter from Verizon Wireless regardRidgeland at 7 p.m. A victim told police that ing a past due amount. The victim related an an unknown suspect(s) used his information to unknown suspect used his personal information to open an account with Verizon. open a bank account.

Jan. 21 Theft was reported at a gas station in the 900 block of N. York at 3:05 a.m. A reporting officer met with the clerk who reported an unknown suspect took lottery tickets from the front counter. The suspect fled the area in a blue Honda Civic which was reported stolen out of Mount Prospect. This case is pending investigation. The suspect was apprehended in another jurisdiction the evening of Jan. 21.

Charges are pending.

Deceptive practice was reported in the 300 block of N. Highview at 7:31 p.m. A victim reported receiving an Instagram direct message regarding investing money in Bitcoin.

The victim sent funds to the unknown suspect before realizing she had been scammed.

Oct. 19, 2021 Theft of services was reported in the 800 block of N. York. A reporting officer met with the complainant who relayed the suspect failed to return a rental vehicle on the agreed upon date. The complainant has made numerous attempts to contact the suspect with no results.

Unemployment benefits identity theft

According to information provided last week by the Elmhurst Police Department, police reported one incident of identity theft with the intention of using a victim’s personal information to fraudulently apply for unemployment benefits through the Illinois Department of Employment Security.

Jan. 20 Theft was reported in the 300 block of S. Argyle at 4:06 p.m. A victim reported a UPS Warrant arrest driver notified him of a suspect described as a black male, who stole a package from their Jan. 26 Police said that subsequent to a citizen asfront porch. The unknown suspect left the area sist, Michael Calvin Hesser, 60, of Wheaton, in a white or gray pick-up truck. was found to have a warrant out of Downers Grove Police Department in the 100 block of Jan. 19 Theft was reported in the 200 block of N. N. York at 11:40 a.m.

Clinton at 1:42 p.m. A victim told police that an unknown suspect described as a male be- Jan. 20 A reporting officer in the 100 block of E. tween the ages of 20 and 30 wearing a white hoodie with dark-colored lettering on the First met with Devion Rodgers, 25, of Chifront, walked up to the front doorstep and stole cago, who police said turned himself in on a four packages. The victim reviewed video sur- warrant out of the DuPage County Sheriff’s veillance which shows the suspect carrying Office at 9:13 a.m.

Illinois Supreme Court weighing officials’ use of campaign funds for lawyers Case forces two justices to recuse themselves

By Peter Hancock CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

The Illinois Supreme Court is being asked to decide whether public officials who are under investigation or charged with crimes may use their campaign funds to pay for their legal defense.

State Rep. The court heard oral arDeanne guments last week in a case Mazzochi involving a former Chicago city alderman, Daniel Solis, then chairman of the City Council’s Zoning Committee, who was being investigated by the FBI for allegedly taking campaign donations from developers in exchange for official action.

Solis did not run for re-election in 2019 and was succeeded by Byron Sigcho-Lopez, who

filed a complaint over the matter with the Illinois State Board of Elections.

On May 21, 2019, the day after Sigcho-Lopez was sworn into office, the 25th Ward Regular Democratic Organization, which Solis chaired, used $220,000 to pay the law firm Foley & Lardner, LLP, for defending him. The purpose of the payment was first reported by local media.

Solis was not prosecuted in the case. Instead, he entered a deferred prosecution agreement with the Justice Department in exchange for agreeing to wear a wire and aid in the investigation of another Chicago city alderman, Ed Burke, who is the husband of Supreme Court Chief Justice Anne Burke.

Anne Burke has recused herself from the case, as has Justice Mary Jane Theis. Neither

See FUNDS, Page 7

The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Feb. 3, 2022 • 7

• Funds

(Continued from page 6) gave an official reason for their re- have occurred if Alderman Solis cusal. we’re not a public official,” he said.

That leaves only five justices left Most political campaigns routo decide the case, but the Illinois tinely incur legal expenses, and Constitution still requires four jus- payments to attorneys frequently tices to agree on a decision. appear on campaign finance stateISBE dismissed the complaint, ments without any specific explasaying the Illinois Campaign Dis- nation of the type of legal work closure Act prohibits the use of being performed. campaign funds to satisfy personal Modregon conceded that it was debts, but it specifically permits the through only news reports that the use of campaign funds “to defray public learned of the purpose of the the customary and reasonable ex- 25th Ward committee’s payment to penses of an officeholder in con- Foley & Lardner, but he said that nection with the performance of assertion was uncontested at the governmental and public service administrative hearing before the functions.”

State Board of Elections.

The question before the court is Dorf, meanwhile, argued that if whether the cost of a criminal de- lawmakers want to ban the use of fense lawyer is a personal expense campaign funds to pay for criminal or an expense directly related to defense attorneys, they could write Solis’ governmental or public ser- that into the statute, and he noted vice functions. there are two bills pending in the “Are we at that point in Illinois General Assembly to do just that. where we’re going to say that that’s an ordinary expense of holding Mazzochi speaks up public office?” Justice Michael One of those is House Bill 2929, Burke asked during oral arguments. by Rep. Deanne Mazzochi, R-ElmMichael Burke is not related to hurst, who called on Democrats to Anne or Ed Burke. consider the bill in light of the SuThe Illinois statute itself does preme Court case. not define the difference between “This shouldn’t be a matter of personal and official expenses. But ambiguity in Illinois state law,” Adolfo Mondragon, the attorney for she said in a news release Jan. Sigcho-Lopez, argued that criminal 25. “Regardless of how the court defense costs cannot be considered eventually interprets current campart of an elected official’s govern- paign law, this shouldn’t remain mental functions. a statutory loophole. Letting this “The purpose of the campaign continue sends the wrong message: Disclosure Act of the Illinois elec- that literally, corrupt and unethical tion code is to deter and mitigate public officials who abused their public corruption,” he said. “Con- office don’t have to pay for their sequently, any interpretation of the misdeeds, they can just continue to Campaign Disclosure Act that al- abuse their office to troll for camlows for the use of campaign funds paign funds and keep the insider to pay for public office holders’ game going.” criminal defense against investigations or charges of public corruption, the very evil the law was designed to combat, is antithetical to the legislative intent.”

But Michael Dorf, attorney for the 25th Ward committee, argued that public corruption investigations are, by definition, directly tied to an officeholder’s official duties, so attorney fees should be considered an allowable use.

“The expenditure was not for strictly personal use and would not

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In response to the national blood shortage, State Representative Deanne Mazzochi (R-Elmhurst) is once again sponsoring a drive for community members looking to help save lives.

Rep. Mazzochi is once again bringing Versiti to the district to gather much needed blood donations. Free COVID and COVID Antibody testing will also be available thanks to Mazzochi’s partnership with IndiviDx. The event will take

place Thursday, Feb. 10 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Westmont Centre in Westmont.

“There’s both a dire need for blood donations and a need for fast, accurate COVID testing,” Rep. Mazzochi explained. “I’m bringing back both Versiti and IndiviDx to the district because these services are so important for our community.”

Walk-ins are welcome, but as a COVID-19 precaution and to save

time, making an appointment for blood donation is strongly preferred. Interested blood donors can make an appointment to donate by visiting RepMazzochi.com or by contacting Rep. Mazzochi’s office at (630) 852-8633.

“While I want as many people as possible to help us address this current crisis by donating blood, you do NOT need to donate blood in order to get this free COVID testing service,” Rep. Mazzochi stressed.

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NOTICE CERTIFICATE NO. 78510 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on JANUARY 10, 2022, wherein the business firm of MARKETING AND EVENT CONSULTING LOCATED AT 179 BRAINTREE DRIVE, BLOOMINGDALE, IL 60108 was registered; that the true or real name or names of the person or persons owning the business, with their respective post office address(es), is/are as follows: NAME OF PERSON(S) MARIA L. REMPALA, HOME ADDRESS 179 BRAINTREE DRIVE, BLOOMINGDALE, IL 60108.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 10TH day of JANUARY, A.D. 2022.

JEAN KACZMAREK Jean Kaczmarek DuPage County Clerk (OFFICIAL SEAL) (Published in The Elmhurst Independent Jan. 20, 27 & Feb. 3, 2022) 411293

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LEGAL NOTICES

Young children know only what they actually see and NOT what they are supposed to see, so it is difficult for them to recognize that they have a vision-related problem. All children should have their eyes examined by age two or three. It is Illinois state law that all kids have an eye examination before entering kindergarten. Please call SKOWRON EYE CARE to schedule an eye exam for your children to make sure they have normal eye health, they use their eyes together correctly and they can focus quickly and accurately at all distances. We have technology that enables us to perform an exam without needing any responses from your child.

Think of an eye exam as a precautionary measure. Visit the kids section of our website at skowroneyecare.com for more information. At Skowron Eye Care, Our mission is your child’s vision.

Rep. Mazzochi to host critical blood drive, COVID testing event

8 • Thursday, Feb. 3, 2022 - The Elmhurst Independent T he Elmhurst Independent

Viewpoint

Feb. 3, 2022 • 8

IFB president: 2022 priorities indicate changes ahead for agriculture

By Richard Guebert Jr. The icy winter temps in the Midwest mean a slow season for many. But for Illinois farmers like me, it’s the time of year to plan ahead for the spring planting season.

Many in agriculture are already feeling the strain of rising input costs and fractured supply chains due to the ongoing pandemic. Farmers are worried these issues could be compounded by additional water regulations and unreliable fuel standards, which will drastically impact many family farms.

The Illinois Farm Bureau Board of Directors, which represents the largest group of farmers in the state, set new priorities for the organization in January. They’ll focus on supporting members as the ag industry faces the challenges ahead.

Rising input costs Since the spring of 2020, nearly every person has experienced price fluctuations and supply limitations on products they need. For farmers, fertilizer shortages have made a large dent in business profitability.

Growers are reporting price hikes of more than 300 percent on fertilizer purchases this year. That’s especially significant because fertilizer costs account for approximately 15 percent of the total cash costs for crops.

And the lack of truck drivers and congestion at American ports mean delivery times are anyone’s best guess.

If these trends continue, consumers might also see rising prices at the grocery. To curb this issue, we’re looking to Congress to help us find solutions.

Changing water regulations Last November, the Biden administration announced a plan to return to a previous definition of “waters of the United States.” The proposed regulation would repeal the 2020 Navigable Waters Protection Rule and broaden the federal government’s authority under the Clean Waters Act. Farmers are frustrated with the federal government’s decision to expand federal jurisdiction onto waterways on private lands.

The revised rule would make it difficult for farmers and property owners to decipher where their property will be impacted and create challenges when implementing conservation practices in those areas.

For people whose properties won’t

be affected by the ruling, this issue might seem trivial. But for family farmers who would lose the right to manage parts of their land, it’s a big concern.

As the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers considers a final rule, the agriculture community would like to see clear terms that are easy to interpret and apply, with flexibilities for landowners to conduct innovative and environmentally beneficial projects.

Expanding infrastructure, broadband As one of the largest producers and exporters of soybeans and corn in the country, Illinois ag has played a critical role in ag trade for decades.

Over time, the transportation of commodities has left roads, bridges and waterways in our state in desperate need of repair.

The $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill signed into law by President Biden last fall works to address the wear and tear on transportation systems across the nation.

As funds make their way to our state, it’s important that they’re used to rebuild transportation routes that get supplies to farms and, in turn, help farmers get their products to consumers.

Dollars should also be disbursed fairly to rural areas, especially the funds marked for expanding rural broadband.

The need for additional education and telehealth resources has become increasingly important while dealing with fluctuating COVID cases over the past couple of years.

As it stands, many farmers and entrepreneurs in small towns lack the technology they need to improve their businesses.

When large meat packing plants closed their doors early on in the pandemic, small companies stepped up to the plate to fill the need.

The situation demonstrated why businesses of all sizes are needed to keep our domestic food supply strong.

Just imagine the innovation and economic gains that would come with access to reliable, affordable and fast internet in all parts of the state, not just the highly populated areas.

With so much on the table for farm families in 2022, it’s critical that they get the tools they need to succeed. The supply of food, fuel and fiber people depend on relies on the strength of agriculture in our state.

This op-ed was distributed through a cooperative project between Illinois Farm Bureau and the Illinois Press Association. For more food and farming news, visit FarmWeekNow.com.

Regional agreement on electric vehicles must include relevant stakeholders, support fair competition

By Josh Sharp To promote electric vehicle (EV) adoption and help establish a nationwide network of EV charging stations, five governors in the Midwest region (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota) agreed to join what they term the Regional Electric Vehicle Midwest Coalition.

Based on the group’s initiative, the goal of this coalition is to foster increased cooperation between participating states to advance our transportation sector’s transition to EVs. As the governors move forward with this collaboration, they must do the following: ensure that the private sector is a key stakeholder in these decisions, and advocate for policies that will produce the greatest number of EV charging stations, or risk hindering the transition to EVs. The most effective strategy for the deployment of EV infrastructure is the same as what resulted in fueling stations being conveniently located across the country—fair competition and private sector investment.

Utility companies are usually at the forefront of lawmakers’

minds when it comes to EVs. With the need to meet increased electricity demands to accommodate this initiative, they deserve that consideration in the process.

However, utility companies are often provided government funding AND can use their monopoly on energy production to eliminate competition in the EV charging market.

One anti-competitive advantage that is allowing utility companies to corner this emerging marketplace is demand charges, which are extra fees utility companies charge for electrical usage during peak times to ensure the electrical grid is prepared to withstand energy needs.

Small businesses are often overburdened by these charges, thus discouraged from moving forward with EV charging installations.

Many small fuel stops and convenience stores have tried to join the EV transition and host direct current fast charging (DCFC) stations. These chargers allow EV customers to charge their cars in a shorter time frame. But, when a DCFS is used, it almost always peaks energy usage, triggering additional fees. When added to the basic cost of electricity, EV chargers quickly become unprofitable. According to research,

nearly all businesses operating DCFC chargers lose money.

Another unfair advantage is that utility companies are getting approved to increase fees on their current ratepayers to cover the cost of constructing and operating EV chargers, where convenience stores and other fueling stations must use private capital for this investment.

This ability for utility companies to unfairly compete in this market will inevitably lead to fewer EV charging stations, given how vital the private sector’s role is in fueling our transportation sector. Therefore, the private sector must be among the key stakeholders that are brought to this discussion to create a fair partnership for fund development.

When these governors state they will develop an approach “informed by industry, academic, and community engagement,” I hope the private sector will have their voices heard. Small fuel stops were an invaluable asset to creating the interconnected national transportation network we all know today, and they will continue to help forge a new EV future if lawmakers support fair competition.

Josh Sharp is CEO of the Illinois Fuel and Retail Association in Springfield.

The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Feb, 2022 • 9

The Elmhurst Independent

Real Estate/Business

Feb. 3, 2022 •9

County, DuPage Foundation implement $10 million ARPA not-for-profit grant program On Tuesday, Jan. 25, the DuPage County Board voted to solidify a grantmaking partnership with DuPage Foundation, executing an agreement to allocate $10.6 million in federal funds received through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to the Foundation to implement and manage a five-year grant program benefitting local not-for-profit social services organizations responding to the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Under ARPA statutes, the funds must be obligated by December 31, 2024 and spent by December 31, 2026, to respond to the broader health impacts of COVID-19 and provide services to communities disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. The Foundation’s Board of Trustees approved the final agreement on Thursday, Jan. 13.

“DuPage Foundation is DuPage County’s community foundation and philanthropic leader and we are thrilled the County selected us as a partner to administer a grant program of this magnitude,” said DuPage Foundation president & CEO Dave McGowan. “We appreciate the trust in the Foundation as these funds will significantly increase our impact so

we can more aptly meet the needs of our community still reeling from the debilitating effects of the pandemic.

Raising the quality of life throughout DuPage County has been our vision since the Foundation’s inception in 1986. We are proud to continue advancing our work and share our expertise in grantmaking through this partnership.”

“We look forward to working with the DuPage Foundation and our area non-profit organizations, as together, we help our county residents emerge from the pandemic,” said DuPage County Board Chairman Dan Cronin.

ARPA was signed into law by President Biden on March 11, 2021, to continue the nation’s efforts in combatting the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the relief package, DuPage County was awarded a total of $179,266,585, half of which ($89,633,292.50) was received on May 17, 2021. As part of its community recovery plan, the County sought a strategic partner in DuPage Foundation to augment its efforts to support the not-for-profits working in social services through a grant program to address food insecurity,

housing instability, mental health and substance abuse.

After the DuPage County Board approved entering into an agreement to allocate $10.6 million to DuPage Foundation for the program on Oct. 12, 2021, the parties worked together to draft a plan for the funds. The Foundation will receive $600,000 over a five-year period to administer the ARPA grant program.

DuPage Foundation will lead a planning committee to establish the parameters of the grant program, including guidelines and requirements for applicants, and frequency of grant distribution. Guidelines will be available to eligible applicants on the Foundation’s website in spring, 2022.

“All of the not-for-profit organizations who work within social services have been inundated and overwhelmed for nearly two years and have done everything possible to respond to the COVID-19 health emergency, as we have seen in our Community Needs grant applications,” said Barb Szczepaniak, DuPage Foundation vice president for programs. “The ARPA grant program is a wonderful endeavor for the

Foundation as we seek to scale our impact throughout DuPage County and beyond, and it creates an opportunity for us to really make meaningful differences where they are most needed.”

The Foundation’s capacity to work with the County has grown throughout its history. In 2007, the Foundation received a $50,000 pass-through grant from DuPage County to fund its Communityworks initiative that granted funds to area not-for-profits working in early childhood, land use and protection, and workforce development.

In 2020, the Foundation received $431,000 in Federal Coronavirus

Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds from DuPage County. Through Arts DuPage, a DuPage Foundation initiative, the Foundation regranted $300,000 to 24 local arts organizations in December, 2020. The other $131,000 was granted to human services not-for-profits working on the front lines of the pandemic.

Through its Community Needs Grant Program, special initiatives, donor-advised grants and designated grants, the Foundation’s grant distribution in fiscal year 2021 was nearly $9 million. To learn more about DuPage Foundation, please visit dupagefoundation.org.

Gallagher named IHA Board chair-elect Gerald “J.P.” Gallagher, president and chief executive officer, NorthShore – Edward-Elmhurst Health, has been elected chair-elect of the Illinois Health and Hospital Association’s (IHA) 2022 Board of Trustees.

The Board of Trustees is the policymaking body for the Association, representing more than 200 hospitals and nearly 40 health systems across Illinois.

“It’s an honor to be entrusted with this opportunity to help advance the important work that our hospitals and health systems do every day to improve the wellbeing of our communities,” said Gallagher. “I am humbled to work side by side with partners who are so deeply connected to the unique needs of those we serve and

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10 • Thursday, Feb. 3, 2022 - The Elmhurst Independent

2-Story Colonial

2-Story Colonial

2-story Colonial in sought after Lincoln school district on quiet, dead-end street. 4 beds up with 2 full baths, eat-in kitchen, separate dining room, and large living room. Oak hardwood flooring throughout most of 1st and 2nd floor with a finished

2-story Colonial in sought after Lincoln school district on quiet, dead-end street. 4 beds up with 2 full baths, eat-in kitchen, separate dining room, and large living room. Oak hardwood flooring throughout most of 1st and 2nd floor with a finished basement boasting a generous family room, laundry, loads of storage and rare exterior staircase to backyard. Classic curb appeal with professionally landscaped yard, newer asphalt driveway, and large rear deck overlooking backyard. Updated bathrooms & HVAC (2018).

Oversized 2 car garage with walk up loft/ mancave. Walk to NEW Lincoln School $499,900

Updated 3BR Condo!

Updated 3BR Condo!

Light and bright, 3-bedroom corner unit with loads of updates.

New flooring throughout, neutrally painted, newer stainlesssteel appliances, new light fixtures, in-unit washer/dryer combo, new baseboards & doors, newer HVAC, granite

$499,900 FIRST OFFERING

Light and bright, 3-bedroom corner unit with loads of updates. New flooring throughout, neutrally painted, newer stainless-steel appliances, new light fixtures, in-unit washer/dryer combo, new baseboards & doors, newer HVAC, granite counters in kitchen and baths, water filtration system, same floor storage, and one heated parking spot (#38) with additional storage cage. 3 large bedrooms including a master suite with private bathroom and walk-in closet. Yorktown condos offers owners a secure, monitored building with a pool and clubhouse. Abundant guest parking just outside lobby. $225,000

$225,000

Lincoln School Masterpiece

Set in the sought-after Lincoln School district. Chef’s kitchen with top-of-the line SS appliances/warming drawer/pot filler/ice maker, granite island, eating area, walk-in pantry, mudroom, formal dining and living rooms, 1st floor office, 2 powder $1,299,900

FIRST OFFERING! Lincoln School Masterpiece Set in the sought-after Lincoln School district. Chef’s kitchen with top-of-the line SS appliances/warming drawer/pot filler/ice maker, granite island, eating area, walk-in pantry, mudroom, formal dining and living rooms, 1st floor office, 2 powder rooms, and family room with stone fireplace and custom built-ins. 4 large beds up, primary suite with fireplace, dual walk-in closets, spa bath with steam shower, and 2nd floor laundry. Finished walkout basement with separate entrance offers a unique home office set up with additional phone lines, power and internet service that is turn-key for today’s new work from home environment.

Whole home backup generator, central vacuum system, complete home security with cameras covering entire exterior, professionally landscaped grounds with timed LED exterior lighting, paver brick driveway, patios, & walkways, irrigation, new vinyl fence, separately zoned sound inside and out, and heated 3 car attached garage with epoxy floors. $1,299,900

Wise Investment Builders

Work with this fresh new plan or build to suit. Covered outdoor space off family room and kitchen eating area, very open, 1st floor study, 2.5 car heated garage, 4 large beds up with luxurious master suite with dual WIC’s and spa bath, and $1,375,000

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Work with this fresh new plan or build to suit. Covered outdoor space off family room and kitchen eating area, very open, 1st floor study, 2.5 car heated garage, 4 large beds up with luxurious master suite with dual WIC’s and spa bath, and finished basement with guest suite with full bath, rec room, wet bar and flex room. Walk to new Lincoln school, the IL Prairie Path, Pioneer & Ben Allison Parks, and the hip Spring Road Business District. Rare opportunity to work with this quality of a builder from Day 1 and make it your own! $1,375,000

CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEBSITE: http://PrairiePathRealtors.com/

The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Feb. 3, 2022 • 11

Royal York Condo

Royal York Condo

Great opportunity to own a 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom Royal York condo in Elmhurst! First floor garden unit with patio off sliding glass door in living room. Excellent location near Oak Brook Shopping/Restaurants, Elmhurst Hospital and great $132,500 FIRST OFFERING!

Great opportunity to own a 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom Royal York condo in Elmhurst! First floor garden unit with patio off sliding glass door in living room. Excellent location near Oak Brook Shopping/Restaurants, Elmhurst Hospital and great expressway access.

Maintenance free living with well run homeowners association. Assessment includes: heat, air conditioning, water, gas, scavenger, parking, pool, and community room. Nearby assigned parking space. This building is 100% owner occupied. $132,500

For Sale or Lease

For Sale or Lease

Free standing building located just north of North Avenue, walking distance to downtown Elmhurst. 3,625 square feet perfect for daycare, medical/dental, sales, accounting, or legal. Fully wet sprinklered, 4 handicapped bathrooms, full

FOR SALE OR LEASE

Move-In Ready!

Move-In Ready!

Don’t miss this one of a kind 2 bed / 2 bath luxury condo loaded with fantastic features! This great open floor plan has an abundance of natural light, over 1500 sq ft, volume ceilings, hardwood floors & separate laundry. New kitchen

Don’t miss this one of a kind 2 bed / 2 bath luxury condo loaded with fantastic features! This great open floor plan has an abundance of natural light, over 1500 sq ft, volume ceilings, hardwood floors & separate laundry. New kitchen with white shaker cabinets and quartz counters. Massive living/dining space with custom built-ins and gas burning fireplace. Oversized primary suite retreat with gas burning fireplace, walk-in closet and jetted bath. Large second bedroom or office space and updated 2nd full bath. Coveted secure parking space just steps to your private entrance.

Great rooftop deck with endless view of the Lake. $299,900

Build Your Dream Home!

Build Your Dream Home!

Incredible opportunity to build the home of your dreams on this 1/3-acre property in south Elmhurst. One of Elmhurst’s best kept secrets with lower taxes while still offering coveted SD205 education. Well developed area with many surrounding

$299,900

This impeccably maintained property in beautiful south Villa Park sits on a 251 ft deep lot & offers 3 beds & 1.5 baths. An open main floor includes a spacious, updated kitchen opening to the dining room leading to the spacious living room w/

Incredible opportunity to build the home of your dreams on this 1/3-acre property in south Elmhurst. One of Elmhurst’s best kept secrets with lower taxes while still offering coveted SD205 education. Well developed area with many surrounding new/newer homes.

Close to Butterfield Park and Oak Brook shopping mall and restaurants.

Quiet location with great highway access to anywhere in Chicagoland. $299,900

$299,900

South Villa Park Gem!

South Villa Park Gem!

Free standing building located just north of North Avenue, walking distance to downtown Elmhurst. 3,625 square feet perfect for daycare, medical/dental, sales, accounting, or legal. Fully wet sprinklered, 4 handicapped bathrooms, full kitchen, and 7 perimeter private offices, large 16 car private parking lot $799,900 or $16 per sf on lease. Call Mickey (630) 494-0178

This impeccably maintained property in beautiful south Villa Park sits on a 251 ft deep lot & offers 3 beds & 1.5 baths. An open main floor includes a spacious, updated kitchen opening to the dining room leading to the spacious living room w/ hardwood floors. Nearby is a convenient 1/2 bath & 3rd bedroom/home office. Upstairs boasts 2 large bedrooms w/ hardwood floors, a walk-in linen closet & updated full bath. The partially finished basement (beaded walls, built-in shelves & bar) provides ample storage & another living space. Outside is a large 2-car garage, deck, & huge backyard w/ zipline for kids to enjoy. $310,000

Lincoln Place Penthouse!

Lincoln Place Penthouse!

Prime Corner Location with a STUNNING Renovation!

Modern Luxury in this beautiful condo in the Heart of Downtown Lombard, privately tucked away within the hustle and bustle of the shops/restaurants/Metra/Lilacia Park and a

$310,000

$274,900

Prime Corner Location with a STUNNING Renovation! Modern Luxury in this beautiful condo in the Heart of Downtown Lombard, privately tucked away within the hustle and bustle of the shops/restaurants/Metra/Lilacia Park and a short walk to Schools!

Opportunities like this do not come around where you can walk into a completely turnkey home and enjoy your Summer Living with nothing to do but HAVE FUN! Top to Bottom Renovation featuring an Incredible Custom Waterfall Quartz Island which connects the Floorplan together incorporating the Open Concept Design $274,900

Berens Park

Set for delivery end of Spring 2022, this new luxury home being built by a well-respected, long-time Elmhurst builder working alongside an interior designer set to help pick out all of your finishes & fixtures. Offering 5,000 sf of finished living $1,150,000

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Berens Park Set for delivery end of Spring 2022, this new luxury home being built by a well-respected, long-time Elmhurst builder working alongside an interior designer set to help pick out all of your finishes & fixtures. Offering 5,000 sf of finished living space with its fully finished basement - bedroom, full bath, rec room, & custom bar with island. 10 ft first floor ceilings welcome you to this impressive home with HWF’s & extensive trim & ceiling detail throughout, 5 beds, 4.5 baths, a 3 car garage, custom kitchen w/ huge island, high-end SS appliances (Wolf & Sub-Zero) & eating area open to family room w/ fireplace, master suite w/ spa bath, designer plumbing/lighting fixtures, surround sound + more! All this within walking distance to Berens Park, Emerson Elementary, the Metra station and Elmhurst’s City Centre. Rare chance to customize everything if you act now! $1,150,000

12 • Thursday, Feb. 3, 2022 - The Elmhurst Independent

Elmhurst University to present 55th annual Jazz Festival The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, John Beasley’s MONK’estra and the Elmhurst University Jazz Band will be among the featured artists at the 55th Annual Elmhurst University Jazz Festival, which audiences can attend in

person or remotely this year.

The lineup of guest artists also includes trumpeter and recording artist Wayne Bergeron, saxophonist and composer Denis DiBlasio, and Grammy-nominated trombon-

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Schedule of events The Festival kicks off at noon on Thursday, Feb. 24, with the High School Invitational, made possible by the generous support of the Sylvia and William W. Gretsch Memorial Foundation. The invitational will end with a feature performance by the guest artist/adjudicators and the Elmhurst University Jazz Band.

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College and university band performances begin on Friday, Feb. 25, and that evening’s feature performance by John Beasley’s MONK’estra begins at 7:30 p.m.

On Saturday, Feb. 26, a clinic and master class with Bergeron, DiBlasio and Wiest begins another day of college performances, followed that evening with performances by the acclaimed Elmhurst University Jazz Band and the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra.

The Sunday, Feb. 27, program begins at 12 noon with Chicago-area and Midwestern college and university ensembles, including bands from Harper College, Roosevelt University, and Michigan State and Purdue universities; and concludes with a performance by the guest artist/adjudicators with the Elmhurst University Jazz Band.

For more information and to purchase tickets for the 55th Annual Elmhurst University Jazz Festival, visit elmhurst.edu/jazzfestival.

To protect the health of our community, campus visitors will be required to wear a mask during all indoor events, regardless of vaccination status.

This requirement may change to reflect any new public health guidance.

D.C. Archbishop Wilton Gregory to give Bernardin Lecture at Elmhurst University

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ist Steve Wiest. They all will serve as adjudicators at the Festival, which will be held from Thursday, Feb. 24, through Sunday, Feb. 27.

One of the oldest and best-known collegiate jazz festivals in the country, the Elmhurst University Jazz Festival welcomes top college and university jazz bands from across the country to take part in four days of performances and education. The bands take turns performing for some of the greatest names in professional jazz today, who offer critiques and honors, and then give a performance of their own.

In 2021, after the 54th Jazz Festival became the first in its history to be presented entirely online, the overwhelmingly positive response inspired this year’s festival to be offered both in person in Hammerschmidt Memorial Chapel, and via livestream.

As Elmhurst University continues its sesquicentennial celebrations, Archbishop Wilton Gregory will present “Elmhurst at 150: The Critical Needs of Higher Education from a Roman Catholic Faith,” this year’s Joseph Cardinal Bernardin Lecture, on Tuesday, Feb. 22. The lecture will be presented remotely.

Born in Chicago and ordained a priest in 1973, Gregory spent much of his early career in Chicago and its suburbs, including Glenview and Mundelein. Before becoming archbishop of Washington in 2019, he served as bishop of Belleville, Ill., and archbishop of Atlanta. He has been archbishop of Washington, D.C., since 2019.

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Gregory also has served in several leading roles in the U.S. church, including three times as head of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. During his tenure, the crisis of sex abuse by Catholic clergy escalated, and under his leadership the bishops implemented the “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.”

Cardinal Gregory has written extensively on church issues, including pastoral statements on the death penalty and social justice; and has published numerous articles on the subject of liturgy, particularly in the African American community. He also is chancellor of The Catholic University of America and chairman of the Board of Trustees for The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

Gregory’s talk will begin at 7 p.m.

CST on Tuesday, Feb. 22. Admission is free to this event, which will be held remotely, but reservations are required at elmhurst.edu/cultural.

An access link to the program will be provided closer to the event date.

This lecture is part of the Religious Literacy Project at Elmhurst University. For more information, email marketing@elmhurst.edu.

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The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Feb. 3, 2022 • 13

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

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

DISCLAIMER NOTICE This publication does not knowingly accept fraudulent or deceptive advertising. Readers are cautioned to thoroughly investigate all ads, especially those asking for money in advance.

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Call 630-834-8244 for details on placing an ad

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HELP WANTED

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

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

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

Thank you for your mercy towards me and mine.

The person must say this prayer 3 consecutive days, after 3 days the request will be granted.

This prayer must be published after the favor is granted. A.S.

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Classifieds

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, familiar/ status or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD tollfree at 1-900-669-9777. The toll-free tele phone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

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14 • Thursday, Feb. 3, 2022 - The Elmhurst Independent

Business leader, horseracing icon passes away at 100 Richard L. Duchossois kept an office in Elmhurst’s north industrial park

Richard L. Duchossois, a native of Chicago, a decorated war hero, renowned businessman and horseracing icon, passed away peacefully at his home in Barrington Hills, on Friday, Jan. 28.

Owner of Arlington Park Racetrack and numerous other entities, Duchossois was known for his top-down management style, his exacting business principles, his customer service-oriented philosophies and his commitment to quality as evidenced in every workplace with his oft-repeated admonition, “Don’t expect what you didn’t inspect.” His meticulous attention to detail was applied with military precision across all aspects of his life, down to his double-breasted suits and pocket scarves. Sightings of an impeccably dressed “Mr. D,” as he was affectionately called, walking the halls of his businesses were a common occurrence.

He was considered the embodiment of perseverance. Of the many organizations in Duchossois’ business portfolio over the period of his professional career, many would come to associate him most with Arlington Park, the thoroughbred racetrack located in Arlington Heights, Ill. Coming back after fire burns Arlington Park After an electrical fire destroyed the entire facility in 1985, the rebuild Duchossois championed set Arlington apart from other racetracks globally, with its striking cantilevered roof, world-class facilities and international stakes races. While a typical response to the complete devastation of the fire would have been to walk away, in a tour-de-force, Duchossois galvanized his employees to hold the famed Arlington Million race just days after the fire. This feat would go down in horseracing legends as the “Miracle Million” and it marked the first time a racetrack was ever awarded racing’s highest

Obituaries

Dale Wendell Stevens, 92 Dale Wendell Stevens passed away peacefully on January 24, 2022 at the age of 92.

Dale was born September 1, 1929 in Kalamazoo, Mich., and raised in Elkhart, Indiana. He spent many summers with his grandfather, Irving Wilfore, in St. Petersburg, Fla. Dale faithfully served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He graduated from Northwestern University with a BA in Communications. Dale began his career in broadcasting at WIND, becoming the general sales manager. He spent most of his career as owner of WMRO (AM) and WAUR (FM). Dale was also commodore of the Abbey Yacht

Richard L. Duchossois

honor, the Eclipse Special Award.

More about his life Born Oct. 7, 1921, to Ernestine and Alphonse Duchossois in the south Chicago neighborhood of Beverly, Richard Louis Duchossois was destined to lead a life that personified what Americans define as “The Greatest Generation.” In his 100 years of life, Duchossois left an indelible impression on the world as a veteran, entrepreneur, philanthropist, husband, father, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend.

The second of four siblings, Duchossois attended Morgan Park Military Academy during his formative years.

“I learned (at Morgan Park) discipline of the mind and that you have to try to win,” Duchossois explained in a family business retrospective book, Riding the Rails, published in 2016. “We had a professor of military science and tactics. He always said if we’re going to get ahead, we must be second to none.”

Duchossois credited this philosophy, combined with the leadership, honor and integrity that he learned in his year and a half at Washington and Lee University, as having laid the foundation for his ability to not

Club 1982-1983.

Beloved husband of 62 years to Joyce M. Stevens; cherished father of Holly S. Oberrieder and Laurie Stevens (Jim Voutiritsas); doting grandfather of Emily J. Horning (Dan) and Bradley Oberrieder; loving great grandfather of Everly and Lilly Horning. He is preceded in death by his grandmother, Jessie “Dadean” Cripe, and mother, Doris Anderson.

Services were held on Saturday, January 29, 2022 at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Elmhurst.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be written to Dale’s favorite organization, Lovin 4’s Rescue, 3226 N. Raynor Ave. Union Grove, WI 53182. Arrangements provided by Elmhurst Funeral Home The Ahlgrim Chapel. Info: 630-834-3515 or www.elmhurstfh. com.

only survive, but thrive under pressure. These moments would be far from few in his century-long life.

At just 20 years old, Duchossois was called to service with the U.S. Army following the United States’ entry into World War II. He was assigned to the 610th Tank Destroyer Battalion and served as commander of a Tank Destroyer Company throughout five European campaigns under General George S. Patton.

Although once feared for dead from a gunshot wound, Duchossois survived, recovered and returned to the front, leading his company through famed operations such as The Battle of the Bulge. Duchossois was awarded a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star for his sacrifice and, decades later, continued to garner recognition for his service. He received the Order of St. Maurice medallion, an honor that acknowledges both wartime distinction and ongoing character standards and accomplishments, as well as the distinction of the Legion d’Honneur, France’s highest award, presented to him by the French government in Normandy on the 70th anniversary of D-Day in 2014. As a trustee, Duchossois participated in several oral history projects for the National WWII Museum in New Orleans.

In July of 1943, Duchossois married his sweetheart Beverly (nee Thrall), who gave birth to their first son Craig in 1944 while Duchossois was on the frontline in Europe. The couple went on to have three more children, Dayle, Bruce, and Kimberly. They settled in Flossmoor, a southwest suburb of Chicago.

Business thrives in post-war years Upon his return home from the war, Duchossois was invited to join Beverly’s family’s business, Thrall Car Manufacturing Company - a modest railcar parts and repair company with 35 employees,

Harold “Harry” G. Samuel, 92 Harold “Harry” G. Samuel, a longtime resident of Elmhurst, passed away at home January 22, 2022, at the age of 92. He retired after 42 years of work at General Electric before going on to work for more than 30 years at Elmhurst Auto Parts. He was an avid racquetball player, a recreational private pilot, and an automobile enthusiast. He also enjoyed tinkering on all kinds of small engines.

Beloved husband of 63 years to Frances Samuel née Dixon; loving father of the late Kevin (1981), Timothy (Christopher Gotschall), and Karen (Ron) Schnier; loved grandfather of Dawson and Savannah; son of the late Edward

and a rudimentary yard, based in Chicago Heights. Despite lacking in business experience, it was at Thrall Car that Duchossois honed his intuitive business instincts: He relentlessly strived for growth and improvement.

By 2001, when it was acquired

by Trinity Rail Group, Thrall Car Manufacturing Company had a production capacity of 16,000 rail cars per year and 3,000 employees.

Duchossois diversified his company over the years with the purchase of Chamberlain Manufacturing Group, broadcast outlets, Arlington Park and a number of other businesses.

Family Foundation is born Duchossois lost his wife Beverly to cancer in 1980. Her care and treatment received at The University of Chicago served as the catalyst for Duchossois’ first major philanthropic gift to UCMC in 1978. This gift supported world-renowned experts in lymphoma, Dr. John Ultmann as the first director of the cancer research center at the University of Chicago. The establishment of The Duchossois Family Foundation soon followed.

Beverly’s death became the vehicle for the family to support cancer research in partnership with the University of Chicago, as well as initiatives such as Patient Navigation Services with the American Cancer Society, among others.

During his tenure in horseracing, Duchossois brought the 2002 Breeders Cup to Arlington Park, owned one of the leading breeding farms in Illinois, and actively worked to influence and shape the racing industry and its legislation.

In 2019, Duchossois was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. In 2000, Arlington Park merged with Churchill Downs Incorporated.

“Dick sets a personal standard to which we should all aspire,” said Washington and Lee President Will

Albert Samuel and the late Carolyn (the late Bob) Strassinger; brother of the late Joan (the late Art) Beiner, the late Kenneth (the late Nancy) Samuel.

Services have already occurred at Elmhurst Community Funeral Home – THE AHLGRIM CHAPEL, 567 S. Spring Road, Elmhurst. Interment at Chapel Hill Gardens West, Oakbrook Terrace.

Info: 630-834-3515 or www.

ElmhurstFH.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the charity of one’s choice.

Ronald Eugene Vruble, 79 Services Friday Ronald Eugene Vruble passed away January 26, 2022, at the age of 79. He was born April 14, 1942 in Chicago, to the late Stanley and Matilda Vruble.

Beloved husband of 58 years to Nancy (nee Herold); loving father

Dudley in 2018. “His leadership, humility, generosity and dedication to the service of others are an inspiration to all those who know him.

We are indebted to him for his ongoing commitment to W&L.” His final days Among his survivors is wife Mary Judith (nee McKeage) of Barrington, who he married in 2000 and who has lovingly stood by his side for all business, philanthropic and family endeavors.

He is also survived by his son Craig J. Duchossois (Janet) of Chicago, daughter Dayle Duchossois-Fortino (Ed) of Chicago, daughter Kimberly Duchossois of Barrington, and step-sons Steve Marchi (Sherrie) and Paul Marchi (Judy), both of Palatine. Duchossois had seven grandchildren (and spouses), two step-grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren.

Duchossois’ first wife, Beverly, and their beloved son, R. Bruce Duchossois, predeceased him in 1980 and 2014, respectively.

Up to his final days, Duchossois could be found at his desk planning his next venture, legal pad and pen in hand.

To use the Miracle Million team’s motto - which Duchossois loved and had printed on post-cards – “Quit? Hell No!” No doubt Duchossois is marching on to his next tour. We salute you, soldier.

NOTE: As a result of COVID-19, to ensure the health and safety of others, there will be no visitation.

The funeral and burial services will be immediate family only. In memory of Dick, and in lieu of flowers, you may want to consider a donation to a favorite organization of your choice, the National WWII Museum, 945 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70130 (https://www.nationalww2museum.org/give), or Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital, 450 West Highway 22, Barrington, IL 60010 (https://advocategiving.org/).

of Victoria (Ken) Cripe, Christine (Alex) Zevan and Julie (Kenny) Glass; cherished papa of Charles; dear brother of Stanley, Ben, Marlene (Bill) Snyder and Ken; uncle to many nieces and nephews, and cousin to many. Above all things, Ron loved his family and will be remembered for his generosity and compassion.

He will be dearly missed.

A visitation will be held from 4 -7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 4 at Elmhurst Community Funeral Home – The Ahlgrim Chapel, 567 S. Spring Road, Elmhurst, with a prayer service beginning at 7 p.m. Memorials may be written to Holy Angels Catholic Church, 180 S. Russell Avenue, Aurora IL 60506. For info, 630-8343515 or www.elmhurstfh.com.

The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Feb 3, 2022 • 15

WorkNet DuPage issues ‘Year in Review’: Theme is ‘Recovery for All’ businesses Despite a prolonged global pandemic, workNet DuPage, the County’s workforce center-–funded by the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)-–provided exceptional services and value to DuPage County residents, as detailed in its first fully digital Year in Review: A Recovery for All. The “Recovery for All” theme of the annual report highlights how workNet designed its programs around the local, specific needs of the individuals and companies it serves. Thanks to the agility of its team and skillful usage of federal WIOA-funds, residents from entry to executive levels-–including laid-

off and furloughed workers, young adults, older residents, the homeless, those exiting the criminal justice system, new Americans, and individuals with disabilities-–all had positive employment outcomes.

“I am delighted to introduce the workNet DuPage Year in Review in a digital format for the first time,” said DuPage County Board Chairman Dan Cronin. “As we adapt to new ways of staying connected with County residents, there is perhaps no better way to share the significant accomplishments of our WIOA-funded projects. The report is packed with inspiring client success video testimonials. Each story is unique, but

one thing unites them all: they found opportunity at workNet DuPage.”

Client video testimonials illustrate the stories behind the numbers and provide a snapshot of the individuals and businesses who benefited from intensive job search support, training, or funding assistance.

Their compelling stories showcase the myriad ways workNet DuPage changes lives and contributes to the success of the local economy.

The organization successfully improved conditions for 944 job seekers. Thousands more residents benefited from workNet DuPage virtual job search workshops and seminars.

WorkNet DuPage clients didn’t just

return to work: they increased their earnings, on average, by 11%. Upon completion, the average annual salary of program participants was $71,000.

The Lisle-based center helped businesses strengthen their workforce with training grants and recruitment assistance. WorkNet also boosted the skills and efficiency of existing employees, granting $140,000 to provide training and career advancement skills to 96 DuPage County employees.

Year-round, the center carried on with its primary mission: catalyze career pathways in the County’s fastest-growing industries. WorkNet

DuPage awarded more than $2.2 million dollars in job training scholarships to boost the skills of residents mostly advancing careers in four key sectors: 40% of clients pursued training and employment in Information Technology, followed by 19% in Transportation/Distribution/Logistics, 13% in Healthcare, and 12% in Advanced Manufacturing and Skilled Trades.

To view the Year In Review document in its entirety, go to worknetdupage.org

open house, where its latest exhibit will be introduced, Houses of Tomorrow: Solar Homes from Keck to Today.

4-6 p.m. Open House 6:30-8:30 p.m. members-only reception. Info: elmhurstartmuseum. org.

Thursday, Feb. 10 From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., State Rep. Deanne Mazzochi is hosting a blood drive and COVID testing event at her office at Westmont Centre, 1 S. Cass Avenue, Westmont.

Walk-ins are welcome, but as a COVID-19 precaution and to save time, making an appointment for blood donation is strongly preferred. To make an appointment, call 630-852-8633 or visit RepMazzochi.com.

The event is entirely free and you do NOT need to donate blood in order to get the free COVID testing.

begin at 7 p.m. CST on Tuesday, Feb. 22. Admission is free but reservations are required at elmhurst.edu/cultural.

An access link to the program will be provided closer to the event date.

Golf Club, being a member of the Sun Lakes Pickleball Club, playing the trumpet in the New Horizons Band DuPage, and traveling the world with his wife and friends. His absolute joy was watching his four grandchildren grow and achieve many accomplishments in school and sports.

Beloved husband of 51 years of his high school sweetheart, Jane Fogle Nunemaker; loving father of Bradley (Krista) of Elmhurst and Scott (Kira) of Chandler, Ariz.; proud grandfather of Kyle, Carter, Nixon, and Monroe Nunemaker; cherished son of the late Clifford Eugene (the late Bertha Rutt) Nunemaker, and the late

Vivian Ruth nee Grandstaff; loving brother of the late John Eugene (Sally) Nunemaker; fond uncle of many nieces and nephews.

Visitation Sunday, Feb. 6 from 3-8 p.m. at Elmhurst Community Funeral Home – The Ahlgrim Chapel, 567 S. Spring Rd., Elmhurst. Funeral Service Monday, Feb. 7 at 10 a.m. at St. Peter’s United Church of Christ, 125 E. Church St., Elmhurst. Interment Chapel Hill Gardens West.

For info, 630-834-3515 or www.

ElmhurstFh.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Peter’s UCC Music Fund or Cure SMA.

(This was provided by the office of the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce & Industry.)

Community calendar The Elmhurst Independent’s Community Calendar returns

With the continued volatility in the fight against COVID-19, the Elmhurst Independent has brought back its Community Calendar.

Please remember to be safe at live events by wearing masks, using hand sanitizer and maintaining social distance.

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

Thursday, Feb. 3 Friday, Feb. 4 Saturday, Feb. 5, Sunday, Feb. 6 By special permission, York Drama will perform the musical, Ace in Baker Auditorium. Curtain times are 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 available at yorkdrama.org.

Sunday, Feb. 6 At 2 p.m., all ages are invited to the Elmhurst History Museum for a free program called Journeying Through the American Indian Way of Life, led by award-winning Ojibwa author Kim Sigafus McIver, who will interweave history, storytelling, songs, and drumming to present the tribes that once inhabited Illinois as well as their native traditions and culture prior to the Indian Removal Act that moved them westward. For reservations, visit elmhursthistory.org/320/Programs.

Museum is holding a free open house, sponsored by Lakeside Bank, in celebration of the opening of its 25th anniversary exhibition, Houses of Tomorrow.

Get a first glimpse of the recent Education Center renovations. Info: elmMonday, Feb. 7 hurstartmuseum.org.

• From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Elmhurst Art Museum and RGL MarketSaturday, Feb. 5 Friday, Feb. 4 The Elmhurst Art Museum hosting ing for the Arts is holding Art from the From 4-6 p.m., the Elmhurst Art its 25th Anniversary Kick-off at an Heart: Valentines for Seniors, a special gathering to prepare valentines to be delivered to seniors at Park Place of Elmhurst for Valentine’s Day. If you cannot make the event on Feb. 7, free Valentine’s Day card-making kits are available at the Museum’s main entrance to pick-up and prepare at home. Finished cards can be put in the mailbox on the exterior of the muGet great service & seum by Mon, Feb. 7 to be included in great rates. the delivery to Park Place.

• From 7-8 p.m. at the Elmhurst Public Library, there will be an introduction of the Elmhurst Art Museum’s current exhibition, Houses of Tomorrow. Program also available virtually.

Info: elmhurstartmuseum.org.

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Obituary

Richard Alan Nunemaker, 73 Richard Alan Nunemaker passed away on January 27, 2022, in Chandler, Ariz., at the age of 73. He was a lifetime resident of Elmhurst, and of Lake Geneva, Wisc., and Sun Lakes, Ariz.

Richard was a longtime member of St. Peter’s United Church of Christ, former CFO of Varlen Corp., a 1966 graduate of York High School, he received his Master of Accountancy from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and is an alumnus of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. He enjoyed spending days boating on Geneva Lake, golfing at Old Wayne

Thursday, Feb. 24 From 6:30-8 p.m., the Elmhurst History Museum is hosting a Black History Month book discussion of The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America’s Great Migration, with its author, Pulitzer Prize-winner and National Humanities Medal recipient, Isabel Wilkerson. Free.

Limited to 20 participants. Reservations required. Register by email Sunday, Feb. 13 ehmprograms@elmhurst.org.

Beginning at 12:15 p.m. the Sin- to: gle Mothers will host another SHE Includes after-hours access to exevent at Elmhurst Christian Reformed hibits.

Church, 149 W. Brush Hill Rd. Come and be inspired by speaker Jeff Klein, Thursday, Feb. 24 whose topic is “Walking with God.” Friday, Feb. 25 Complimentary lunch and free child- Saturday, Feb. 26 care for ages 3-12 during the program. Sunday, Feb. 27 The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, John Beasley’s MONK’estra and the Wednesday, Feb. 16 At 4 p.m. in the Frick Center, Found- Elmhurst University Jazz Band will ers Lounge, Elmhurst University will be among the featured artists at the present author and historian Michelle 55th Annual Elmhurst University Duster, who will present the annual Jazz Festival, which audiences can MLK Lecture. Admission: free but attend in person or remotely this registration encouraged at elmhurst. year. For more information and to edu/cultural. Program also available purchase tickets, visit elmhurst.edu/ virtually. An access to the virtual event jazzfestival. will be provided closer to event date.

Info: send an email to marketing@el- Monday, Feb. 28 This is the deadline to place an ormhurst.edu. der for organic vegetable and herb seedlings through First Congregational Tuesday, Feb. 22 Washington, DC Archbishop Wilton UCC for pick up at the Green Garden Gregory will present this year’s Joseph Fair on May 7. To place an order, call Cardinal Bernardin Lecture for Elm- 630-832-2580, visit elmhurstucc@ hurst University. The program will be sbcglobal.net, or find the church on presented remotely. Gregory’s talk will facebook.

16 • Thursday, Feb. 3, 2022 - The Elmhurst Independent

The Elmhurst Independent

Sports

Feb. 3, 2022 • 16

York girls bowling team wins conference title for third year in a row Bolden wins WSC individual title; JV team extends undefeated streak to seven years

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

Another year and another West Suburban Conference title for the York girls bowling team. The Dukes went 8-0 in conference play this season, winning the WSC for a third year in a row. York’s JV team also won the conference title and extended its undefeated streak to seven years — not a misprint.

JJ Bolden earned the individual WSC title, while Kat Svehla finished second. Madeline Mountcastle, Kara Jensen and Michaela Tully earned all-WSC honors as well. Bolden averaged 208.04 in conference with a high series of 710 and a high game of 269. Svehla finished second in conference at 202.71 with a high series of 707 and a high game of 255. Jensen was eighth in the conference at 183.25 with a high series of 644 and a high game of 243. Mountcastle was 10th at 177.33 with a high series of 599 and a high game of 237. Tully was 16th in conference with an average of 171.29 with a high series of 600 and a high game of 233. York averaged 1,106 per game, better than 7-1 Downers Grove South’s 1,058 average. York’s high game in conference was 1,262 and its high series was a 3,679.

In addition to winning the conference title, York also racked up a bevy of invite accolades dating back to the holiday break. York was second at the Oswego East invitational. The Dukes’ JV was split into two teams and finished second and third in that division at Oswego East. Bolden was second with a 1,281 and was 17 pins behind the champion. Svehla was 10th at 1,125 for six games and Jensen 11th at 1,117.

At the Harlem invitational, York took third. Svehla was seventh, while Mountcastle was 10th. Svehla tied for the tournament high game with a 279. After the holiday break, York’s JV won the Plainfield South tournament, while the varsity took second. At the varsity level at Plainfield South, Bolden took fourth (1,209 in a loaded field — 1,428 won it), while Svehla was ninth at 1,159. At the JV level, Abby Nacyk won the tournament and Tully took sixth.

York also recently won back-toback tournaments on consecutive days, winning the Hinsdale South and Hinsdale Central invite titles. Svehla won the Hinsdale South individual title, while Bolden won the Hinsdale Central individual title. The Dukes also were third at the Minooka invite where Svehla was sixth and Bolden

took seventh. York bowled in the WSC invitational at Stardust earlier this week and will compete in the Leyden regional Saturday at Stardust Bowl in Addison.

York coach Katie Turnbull noted the Dukes are ranked sixth in the state as they move into the final stages of the season. “We know we have so much more left in the tank,” she said. “We have just started narrowing in on specific areas to focus on and improve. This team is so incredible because they don’t quit. They want to get better every day and believe in their ability to succeed at every competition we walk into, whether that is a dual meet or tournament. They come into each practice each day with purpose and focus on what they want to work on to be a little bit better than they were before, knowing it makes a difference.”

York is ranked sixth according to the website IHSABowlingRankings. net behind Lockport (1), Harlem (2), Andrew (3), Joliet West (4) and Oswego (5). York’s JV team finished with a 904-per-game average, way ahead of second-place Downers South’s 757 average.

York had a high game of 1,073 at the JV level and a high series of 2,857 in WSC play.

IC Catholic Prep’s Gunther competes at state bowling meet Knights boys basketball team piles up four wins in a row

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

IC Catholic Prep junior boys bowler Jacob Gunther finished 71st during the first day of competition at the IHSA boys bowling state finals meet held at St. Clair Bowl in downstate O’Fallon. The top 12 teams and top 30 individuals advanced to the final round of the tournament.

During the morning session, Gunther bowled games of 193, 180 and 215 to finish with a 588 series. He came back after the lunch break with games of 207, 182 and 224 for a 613 series and a 1,201 total series for six games. He averaged 200.2 pins during his time in O’Fallon. Gunther advanced to the state finals after bowling a 1,432 series at the Glenbard East sectional. Gunther had games of 246, 226, 245, 229, 236 and 250 there.

At the Hinsdale South regional, Gunther won the regional individual title with a 1,395 series. His next closest competition was a 1,280 series. Gunther had regional games of 279, 203, 216, 246, 231 and 220 to

finish with series of 698 and 697. He averaged 232.5 pins at the regional.

Also at Hinsdale South, Jacob Sloan was eighth with a 1,159 series and averaged 193 pins per game. Sloan earned a ticket to the sectional with that effort.

“Jacob started with a 279 first game and never looked back,” IC Catholic Prep coach Dan Gunther said. “Jacob Sloan stayed consistent all day, averaging 193.”

See photo on page 17.

IC Catholic Prep boys basketball The IC Catholic Prep boys basketball team put together a recent fourgame winning streak that moved its record to 13-9 overall. The Knights were 68-27 Metro Suburban Conference Blue Division winners over Aurora Central Catholic at home on Coaches vs. Cancer night. John Hilgart led the way with 19 points, while Antonio Richardson had 10 points and five rebounds. Jake Gallagher had four assists. Liam Johnson had four steals.

The Knights then upended Chicago Christian 53-21 in another MSC Blue game. Hilgart enjoyed 12 points, while Richardson had 10 points and Johnson had nine points in a balanced scoring effort. Hilgart made two 3-pointers. Richardson added eight rebounds, while Hilgart had six rebounds and Augie Wassman had five rebounds. Kal Kilgast had four assists, while Johnson had five steals.

IC Catholic Prep then downed Westmont 66-37 in a MSC crossover game. Kilgast led the way with 21 points. Hilgart finished with 11 points, while Richardson had 10 points and Gallagher had nine points.

The Knights also defeated Chicago Academy 57-39 in non-conference play. Wassman had 13 points.

Hilgart had 12 points and eight rebounds, while Richardson had seven points and 11 rebounds. Wassman and Matthew Karsten each made two 3-pointers.

Hilgart had six rebounds, while Kilgast had five rebounds. Kilgast also had four assists.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

The York girls bowling team recently won back-to-back tournament titles on consecutive days, first winning the Hinsdale South invitational and then taking first at the Hinsdale Central invite. York also won the West Suburban Conference title for a third year in a row with an 8-0 record with JJ Bolden winning the WSC individual.

York girls gymnastics team making big strides Shockey wins gold medals at Palatine invitational

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

The York girls gymnastics team is starting to see tangible results from all its hard work this season. “The last two meets have been a big jump from our previous score,” York coach Nick Criel said. “At the beginning of the season, we were scoring 128-132.

Now, we have stepped up our score at our home meet and our invite to a 137.6.”

Criel pointed to the recent Palatine invitational as another example of hard work paying off. “The Palatine invite is where they stepped up their game and got their score into

the 130s,” he said. At Palatine, Maryalice Shockey, a senior, won the gold medal on bars and all-around.

“I think this year our coverage levels have improved,” Criel said, when talking about the team’s improvement. “I have seen the girls push themselves to do skills they have been afraid of and that definitely boosted their confidence.”

On the individual front, Criel noted Shockey has improved her skills and overall form on floor and added high-valued skills to her beam routine. Criel also cited strong ef-

See GYMNASTICS, Page 17

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 the Syracuse, New 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 said she will miss plenvisited Le Moyne and really liked ty about IC Catholic Prep. “I will – Bella Leslie it. It reminded me of high school miss how close knit of a communibecause it was a small school, and ty it was,” she said. “I knew everyin 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. 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 the season and someone gets was.” practicing two or three times a sick and we have to stop and go.

Leslie plans on studying nursing week,” she said. “We are going to That’s one of the reasons why they at Le Moyne. “They have a good be starting tournaments again. Be- are looking at moving the season to nursing program,” she said. “As far fore that I haven’t been doing any- the spring. Right now the plan is to as what kind of a nurse I want to 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 years. She was a 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 SUBMITTED have to be really quick and PHOTO Elmhurst Independent started in the fifth grade, the first weekends. They are little tourna- that is typically what I am good at. year she could play the sport at IC ments with all of the local clubs. I have really good reaction time,” Grade School. She’s been play- Nothing large and really local. she said. “I like diving on the floor Catholic Prep since boys seventh bowling Other standout recently competed IHSA good boys ingICclub volleyball thanJacob that, I Gunther have been(left) trying and saving balls. in It’sthe a really bowling state finalswith in O’Fallon.

Gunther won Hinsdale individual regional grade, most recently the Chi-Earlier, to work out a lot andthe stay in shape.South feeling when you make atitle. save.TeamThe mateElite Jacob Sloan finished at running Hinsdale South earned a trip to sectional.

Alsotoo. piccago group that(right) practices out eighth I’ve been a lot, so Iand got into position fitsthemy personality, tured is ICinCatholic coach Gunther (middle). of Scores Willow Prep Springs andDan that.

I try and run every day.”

You have to be the loudest one on 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 something to do. volleyball activitiesothers, already that description.”

Friday, Feb. 4me from 2-4 p.m. and have have fun!

Friday Features: Jungle Cruise [In-person] In-person event. No registration required.

Enjoy an afternoon at the movies.

(Continued 18) featured Tuesday, Feb. 8 from 1-2:30 p.m.

No registration required.

Find from each page week’s film at elmlib.org/friday.

They lost to West Chicago on huge rah-rah person.Canva I’m a Basics little bit ble and transparent and communicate Get an introduction to Canva, an online graphic design I think an own goal in the last five more of an individual players’ coach. with everybody.”

Monday,That Feb.was 7 from 10 the a.m.state – 2 p.m. can be used to create social media graphics, minutes. against I will pull kids to thetool. sideCanva at practice As far as the future, Stopka wants Scrabble Club [In-person] posters, and other visual content. champs in the sectional finals. That’s and games and teachpresentations, them.”

York competing at a high level on Play of Scrabble.

All skill levels welIn-person event. Registration required. elmlib.org/ a hell ofaafriendly season ifgame you ask me.”

Stopka noted York has been doing a consistent basis. “The short-term come. events.

Stopka will teach Spanish at York. conditioning drills and said the plan goal is to restock and build up the event.and Noone registration required.

HeIn-person taught Spanish math class as of earlier last week was to start team,” he said. “A large portion of Wednesday, Feb. 9 from 10 am. – 1 p.m. at St. Pat’s. “My philosophy is I am summer camp pending District 205 last year’s team was seniors, espeMonday, 7 from 7-8 he p.m.

American Open Play more of a Feb. players’ coach,” said. approval. “I have probably been Mah able Jongg: cially the starting 11. We have to Houses of Tomorrow [Hybrid] Gather every Wednesday Mah Jongg, a “I have been a big Liverpool soccer to meet 60 to 70 percent of the play- make surefortheAmerican now juniors are up to Get a sneak peek 2015 at Elmhurst Art Museum’s newest game of skill, strategy, calculation, and a certain amount supporter ever since when Jurers so far,” he said. “If it does get ap- the speed of the varsity level and are exhibit: “The of he’s Tomorrow.” how the chance luck. gen Klopp cameHouses over and known Discover proved that would beofthe start and of our ready to contribute. We want to keep original glass-walled House at the 1933 event. No registration required. as a players’ coach. He’s kind of of Tomorrow my contact days with fourIn-person days a week that pipeline going with the younger Chicago idol.

World’s Fairtoled to breakthroughs in architeccoaching I want related to the for three weeks straight. And even groups of players. We want to make ture andand solar power andwith consider possibilities and Wednesday, Feb. 9 from 7-8 p.m. players form bonds them.thethough the IHSA waived the black- sure we are not only competitive, but limitations of “green” buildings. on Slavery, I am more light-hearted and smil- out dates before theLincoln school year, we that Emancipation, we are competing for regionrequired. andofEquality ing.Hybrid I like event. to haveRegistration fun and joke with elmlib.org/events. won’t take advantage that. I’m[Hybrid] als, sectionals and supersectionals.

This historical

by Kevin Wood shares the kids. The goal is understanding pretty sure families have plans to do reenactment It starts for me with this junior class Tuesday, from p.m.

Lincoln’s perspectives on the subjects of slavwhere eachFeb. player8 can be12-2 successful things before schoolPresident starts. I’m the that is coming in. We want them In Stitches Needleworkers [In-person] ery,going emancipation, and equality, including the relationand the provide the best way possible new guy and I’m not to say ready to go and setting the standard Knitters,the crocheters, andthey needleworkers all skill lev- ship between the white and black races during his time. to convey knowledge need youofcan’t go with your family. Go for these other classes that come in els: Bring a project to work on, share knowledge with event. required. elmlib.org/events. at the position they play. I am not big do it and enjoy it. ThisHybrid is a crazy andRegistration so they can also contribute right off

“

IC Catholic Prep boys bowling

Elmhurst Public Library programs

• Stopka

The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Feb. 3, 2022 • 17 The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, July 16, 2020 • 19

IC Catholic Prep wrestling team enjoying outstanding season; Knights win Metro Suburban Conference tournament

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

The IC Catholic Prep wrestling team continues to operate at a highoctane level. The Knights were 11-2 overall in dual meets and 7-1 in Metro Suburban Conference duals through late last week.

IC Catholic Prep won the recent MSC tournament title where it had four individual champions in senior Nick Renteria, sophomore Michael Calcagno and freshmen Nathan Brown and Andrew Alvarado. The Knights also had six wrestlers finish second at the conference tournament in senior Brandon Navarro, senior Jadon Mims, junior Isaiah Gonzalez, sophomore Joseph Gliata, sophomore Omar Samayoa and sophomore Bryson Spaulding. Coach Jay Renteria had particular praise for sophomore Vinnie Gonzalez, who earned a third-place finish at the league meet.

“Vinnie came up big at conference avenging two losses, one coming from the first round at conference,” he explained. “He lost his first match and then pinned a kid he lost to before, and then was able to avenge his firstround loss and pinned the kid he lost to for third place. That really helped us in the team race at conference.”

Renteria pointed out Nick Renteria earned his 100th career win this season. He had a 17-1 record through

• Gymnastics

late last week while Gonzalez was 221. Calcagno had a 19-1 record. “The team has really improved on learning how to come together and push each other, and learning how to be mentally stronger during tough situations in matches,” Jay Renteria said. “Nick, Jadon, Michael and Isaiah have really stepped up this year in duals and tournaments when it comes to scoring points and making sure the team is in the lead and that they get it done. The guys have been killing it in workouts giving it 100 percent and pushing their teammates to their limits in workouts as well.”

Renteria added team camaraderie has been a major factor in the team’s success as well. “What has impressed most is how they are coming together into a real brotherhood and learning to become a family, which creates a bigger drive in workouts, which then leads us into competing at a high level and the boys start wrestling for something bigger than just themselves,” he said. “I’m excited for the rest of the season as we are closing in on the first part of the postseason. With the way the boys are working, we may be coming home with multiple bracket boards and hopefully a trophy at team state.”

IC Catholic Prep will compete in the Class 1A Walther Christian regional this weekend in Melrose Park.

(Continued from page 16)

forts from senior captain Martha Miklyukh. “Martha has stepped up her skills on floor and vault and improved her overall all-around score,” he said. Senior Lily Cmiel, Criel said, has added high value tumbling into her floor routine to bring her score up by nearly a point. Additionally,Anthony junior Sharonee has BucoloChakravarti fires a pitch come up to the varsity from the JV1 game. team “and brings in a solid floor and

bar score,” Criel said.

York competed earlier this week at the Glenbard East regional with the host Rams, Kaneland and the DeKalb coop team. Advancing teams FOX PHOTO Elmhurst Independent andCHRIS individuals compete in the Glenbard West sectional next Thursday (Feb. 10) in Glen Ellyn. “What has impressed me the with this during a recent U12most baseball group is their ability to fight fear and go after their goals,” Criel said.

U12 baseball action

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YORK HIGH SCHOOL PLAYER OF THE WEEK YORK HIGH SCHOOL PLAYER OF THE WEEK YORK GIRLS BOWLING TEAM GIGI BARR The York girls bowling teamVOLLEYBALL won the West Suburban ConYORK GIRLS

ference championship with an 8-0 record. JJ Bolden also Barrthe was the individual recipient of the It2019-2020 Cothern won WSC title. was York’sYork thirdVal WSC title in a row.

The Dukes’ JV team also won the WSC title for a junior female athlete of the year award. Barr went over the third year in a row and extended their undefeated streak to 1,000-career kill threshold last fall for the Dukes girls volleyseven years. ball team and still has a season to add to that total.

18 • Thursday, Feb. 3, 2022 - The Elmhurst Independent

Catching the bug

For the past 14 months I’ve been anticipating it. Waiting. Knowing it was lurking in the corners or behind By JILL a large, formidable rock. I figured PERTLER I was immersed in grief and that Columnist would lower my defenses and I’d be overcome eventually by some sort of bug—COVID or otherwise.

It finally got me. For the past so sick!”) Not cool at all, not in week I’ve been officially sick. any sense. Hot was more like it, Not sick as in cool (like “That’s but not hot as in cool hot. Hot as

in feverish. My face throbbed. My eyeballs ached. My breath felt like an overheated radiator spewing unwanted steam with each exhale.

The lymph node under my right jaw screamed as if it were about to explode at any second.

My sinuses pounded with the pressure of 100 power washers.

My shoulder blades threatened to disconnect from the rest of

A BIG “THANK YOU”

411999

Slices of life

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

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IF YOU THINK THE INDEPENDENT IS WORTH 50¢ an issue, it would be $26.00; 75¢ an issue - $39.00 or $1 an issue - $52.00 You won’t need to wear a mask. You won’t have to stand six feet away. You won’t need to get a shot or even a booster. You can do it in your COVID-comfy clothing without leaving the house. What you’ll get in return is the satisfaction of knowing that you have helped to support your favorite local newspaper.

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my body. My chest was more congested than Atlanta during rush hour on a Friday afternoon. It was as though a family of phlegm moved in and brought all their friends. My body broke out in cold sweats at random times, day or night. Every muscle in my being let its existence be known through pain. You take your arms and legs for granted, until they hurt upon the slightest movement.

Swallowing was burdensome; my throat was on fire. I struggled to breathe, but not because my lungs weren’t working. My nostrils were to blame. They took turns being completely clogged. I’ve been breathing out of one nostril for what seems like weeks. It does wonders for a good night’s sleep. I don’t have to tell you that.

I can hear your questions already. Was it COVID? Which variant? Delta? Omicron? Were you vaccinated? Did you get your boosters?

To be honest, I don’t know exactly what I had. It felt like the common cold and influenza met, got married and were now going through a very ugly divorce right within my own body.

I tried to get my hands on a rapid test, but none were available—at stores or online. It appears people were hoarding them, sort of like in the 1990s when we hoarded Beanie Babies. Look how far we’ve come since then.

I didn’t want to make an appointment to go in for a test because I was surviving at home. I was sick but I was beating it. And what do you not want to do when you are so very, very sick at home?

Go out. Go anywhere.

So I stayed stuck to the couch. I didn’t need a specific diagnosis to tell me I was sick. It was my own version of isolation and quarantine.

Sick used to be simple. You were sick; people understood and gave you space to get well. Maybe on a good day they even made you chicken soup.

You didn’t have to explain the details leading up to your illness.

When you got the flu, people took it at face value. They didn’t ask which type of influenza you had, if you were vaccinated or whether you’d had your boosters. They didn’t blame you.

Sick has changed during the past two years. We no longer are simply sick. We are fully vaccinated sick or non-vaccinated sick. We are COVID sick or non-COVID sick.

And depending on which category you fit into, judgment could very well ensue.

I have been sick. I am getting well. I am doing everything I can to protect myself and others. That is the lifestyle I practice. But I stay steady with a couple key beliefs.

We can’t live life in fear of dying or becoming ill. We should practice due diligence in reducing any spread of illness, but life is not meant to be lived in quarantine or isolation. We are a social society.

We need each other.

It’s worth repeating. We need each other. Please let us not forget that.

Stay healthy. Stay safe.

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

Cullerton: DuPage County businesses to receive recovery assistance Dozens of local businesses in and around DuPage County were recently awarded over $2.3 million in funding from the Back to Business Program to help them recover from the COVID-19 pandemic thanks to the support of State Sen.Tom Cullerton (D-Villa Park).

“Businesses across the state have been negatively impacted in the last two years, especially in the tourism and hospitality industry,” Cullerton said. “These grants are giving DuPage County businesses a much-needed boost to get back on their feet as we continue to recover.”

The B2B program grants are awarded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity using funds allocated to them by the American Rescue Plan through last year’s state budget, which had the strong support of Cullerton. So far, DCEO has provided $111 million in B2B grants to nearly 3,000 small businesses throughout

the state with an emphasis on disproportionately impacted areas.

In the district Sen. Cullerton represents, 52 businesses were awarded grants ranging from $5,000 to $150,000 to help them cover the costs of safely staying open in these unpredictable times. Businesses ranged from coffee shops to ballet studios and more.

“The B2B program’s focus on hard hit sectors like restaurants, salons, fitness centers and organizations focusing on the arts really make it a nation-leading example of small business recovery,” Cullerton said. “I am glad to see so many businesses in our community getting this important assistance.”

Grant recipients in Elmhurst include the Elmhurst Art Museum ($50,000); Gia Mia Elmhurst, LLC., ($35,000); Rainbow Café ($90,000); and, Manny’s Ale House ($15,000).

(This was received from the office of State Sen. Tom Cullerton.)

The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, Feb. 3, 2022 • 19

Cullerton measure giving voice to veterans becomes law “The new Veterans Accountability Unit will give our veterans and those who care for them a direct way to voice any concerns they have.”

The new law, Public Act 1020695, creates the unit, with offices to be housed in IDVA buildings and

Glowiak Hilton: Timeliness a major concern for residents needing professional licenses To improve convenience and accessibility for working people, state licenses from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation would be issued in four weeks under an initiative by State Sen. Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs).

“Health care workers, accountants and cosmetologists are ready to enter their respective industries but are unable to get started without a professional license from the state,” she said.

“With this initiative, I hope to expe-

dite the time it takes IDFPR to process applications and allow residents to enter the work force sooner.”

As chair of the Senate Commerce Committee, Glowiak Hilton prioritizes legislation to benefit workers and support economic development throughout the state. Under the legislation, IDFPR will be required to process applications within four weeks as long as there were no deficiencies submitted.

“My office has heard concerns from

veterans’ homes. The unit will be responsible for reporting complaints and recommendations from veterans, IDVA employees and other Illinois residents to the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor.

Additionally, the unit will establish a toll-free helpline and email, maintain regular office hours and create an annual report that includes a summary of complaints and actions taken in response to them.

our community about workers waiting six weeks or more for licenses to be distributed,” she added. “While I appreciate the department’s efforts to reduce processing times with electronic renewals, I believe our state could improve the timeliness and let residents get to work.”

Senate Bill 3002 awaits to be assigned to a committee.

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“Our veterans sacrificed so much to protect our country, and if they’re being mistreated or not helped in a meaningful way, they should be empowered to say so,” Cullerton said.

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(This was received from the office of State Sen. Tom Cullerton.)

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