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Visitation

VanAken sees University poised for bright future

Funds are strong, global impact increases, focus on first-generation students

By Dee Longfellow FOR THE ELMHURST INDEPENDENT

It almost always falls on the same day as the Elmhurst St. Patrick’s Day Parade, but that doesn’t stop anyone from getting up early to attend Elmhurst University’s 54th Annual President’s Community Breakfast on Saturday, March 9 in the Frick Center on the University’s arboretum campus.

Drs. Troy and Annette VanAken were gracious hosts as people began to arrive, greeting everyone including alumni, Trustees and other dig-

nitaries as well as elected officials and local business and community leaders.

People mingled near the coffee service table, where, to most people’s surprise, for the first time, there was Irish whiskey available to add to your coffee. Whether or not anyone indulged is unknown but doubtful –after all, it was 7:30 a.m.!

Following the Invocation delivered by University Chaplain the Rev. H. Scott Matheney, Mayor Scott Levin was invited to the podium to say a few words about the City’s re-

lationship with the university.

“I always celebrate our partnership with the university,” Levin said. “Having a university is a great asset for residents and businesses as well. It is part of what makes Elmhurst attractive.”

The mayor went on to say that a large group of university students, particularly athletes, participate in Elmhurst Character Counts; there is an active Student Veterans Organization on campus; the “Town and Gown” Committee brings the City and the university together to

discuss issues and how to work together; and, he mentioned that after so many defeats, the “Town” Team finally beat the “Gown” Team last year in the Old-Fashioned Baseball Game played every year on the campus mall.

Watch for its return on Sunday, June 23.

VanAken and his wife Annette, also a doctorate, were both first-generation college students, which explains why VanAken is especially mindful of the first-generation students at Elmhurst and exceptionally

proud of the opportunities available on campus for first-generation students.

He still recalls the excitement of the groundbreaking on the new Health Science building. In addition, working with State Sen. Suzy Glowiak Hilton and Elmhurst Park District executive director Jim Rogers, a $200,000 grant has been procured to a new baseball field.

On the heels of the last few outstanding years for the men’s basket-

See UNIVERSITY, Page 7

Pictured are members of the Elmhurst City Council and the Elmhurst Park Board who turned out for the Elmhurst University’s 54th Annual President’s Community Breakfast. Pictured are (back row, from left): Alderman Rex Irby (7th Ward), Ald. Guido

Sardini (6th), City Treasurer Dan Curran, Ald. Jacob Hill (2nd), Karen Sienko (2nd); (front row): Marti Deuter (1st), Emily Bastedo (6th), Chris Jensen (3rd) and Collette Kubiesa of the Elmhurst Park Board of Commissioners. (Not pictured: Mayor Scott Levin.)

Give your children exceptional dental care in a fun and welcoming setting designed to put them at ease and promote a healthy smile for life.

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Dan Gibbons next inductee into Civic Hall of Fame

To be honored at ECCI Annual Awards Gala on Friday

Long-time Elmhurst charity organizer Dan Gibbons will be honored as the 2023 inductee into the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ECCI) Civic Hall of Fame at the Chamber’s 105th Annual Awards Gala in the Presidential Room at Elm West Banquets (681 West North Avenue) on Friday, March 22, from 5 to 9 p.m.

Other ECCI honorees who will be honored at the upcoming Gala can be found in the Business section.

Gibbons is the Founder and Executive Director of the Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot Foundation, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization that has raised some $4 million to feed the hungry across DuPage County over the past 40 years through its annual Thanksgiving Day 5K Fun Run.

When first staged in 1984, the Turkey Trot attracted 74 participants and raised $520, which was donated to WGN radio overnight talk show host Ed Schwartz at the Second Annual Good Neighbor Food Drive. Schwartz’s reporting on those in hunger sparked Gibbons and his fellow volunteer football coaches at Elmhurst’s Visitation Catholic Grade School into action.

The Turkey Trot’s 40th Anniversary last November drew more than 8,000 runners and walkers of all ages from across Chicagoland and some

30 states.

“It’s hard to fathom how such a simple, grass-roots concept to support the needs of others has developed into such a mass-participation event held on the day that American families gather to break bread and give thanks,” said John R. Quigley, ECCI president and CEO.

“It’s quite an honor to receive this award and to be part of the people who have received it before me,” Gibbons said in an interview. “I couldn’t do it without my Board of Directors and our cast of thousands who serve as our volunteers. Without them, there would be no Turkey Trot.”

Turkey Trot beneficiaries based in Elmhurst include the Elmhurst-Yorkfield Food Pantry, Elmhurst Walk-In Assistance Network (EWAN), Immaculate Conception Food Pantry and United Community Concerns Association (UCCA).

Donations also support the efforts of Catholic Charities-DuPage Community Services, Disciples Food Pantry, DuPage PADS, DuPage Senior Citizens Council, HCS Family Services, Loaves and Fishes Community Services, Neighborhood Food Pantries, People’s Resource Center, The Outreach House, Wayne Township Food Pantry, West Suburban Community Food Pantry and

York Township Food Pantry.

The Turkey Trot Foundation also generates revenue through an annual golf outing and Café Liberty’s catering service. Café Liberty assists unemployed and underemployed veterans who want to work in the culinary field. (See story inside.)

Prior to starting the Turkey Trot Foundation, Gibbons served as a Senior Development Officer for Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet, for 18 months and Executive Director of the Chicago Anti-Hunger Federation for more than seven years.

Gibbons is a graduate of Immaculate Conception High School (now IC Catholic Prep) and Quincy University.

About the Civic Hall of Fame

The Civic Hall of Fame was established in 1992 to recognize women and men who make major contributions to the Elmhurst community.

The late Joe Newton, legendary boys’ cross country coach at York Community High School was the inaugural Hall of Fame inductee.

Preceding Gibbons as Hall of Fame inductees were: Eleanor King Hookam (1993), Elmhurst Art Museum; Dr. Ivan E. Frick (1994), Elmhurst College; Joseph Wagner (1995), York Furrier; Jean Haselhorst (1996), Elmhurst Park District; Robert M. Magnuson (1997), Elmhurst Memorial Hospital; Virginia J. Harmon (1998), Unique Travel Services; Illinois House of Representative Lee A. Daniels (R-46th District) (1999); A.J. “Toche” Terrones

(2000), Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce & Industry; William C. “Bill” Gooch Jr. (2001), Community Bank of Elmhurst; Willis Johnson (2002), York Theatre; Fred Messerschmidt (2003), Elmhurst Federal Savings & Loan; Jim Van Ewyk (2004), Pfund and Clint Florists; Jacquelyn Haddad (2005), Elmhurst Junior Women’s Club; Thomas O. Myers Jr. (2006), Thomas O. Myers Real Estate; Abner Ganet (2007), Leonard’s Men’s Store and Mayor of Elmhurst; Jan Pauli (2008), Pauli’s Marathon; Bob Schiller (2009), Schiller Real Estate; Thomas D. Marcucci, fourterm Mayor of Elmhurst (2010); Rich Grodsky, Elmhurst Park District (2011); Pete Cruger, Elmhurst Independent (2012); Doug Beach, Elmhurst College Jazz Band Director (2013); Betsy Hanisch, Elmhurst businesswomen, civic leader and community volunteer (2014); Ralph Pechanio (2015), retired banker, civic leader and community volunteer; Darrell Whistler, retired businessman, civic leader and community volunteer; Jack Island (2017), Owner of The Silverado Grill; Genie Urick (2018), cable TV producer, author and community volunteer; and William “Bill” Shanklin (2019), Post 187 Sergeant-at-Arms; Scott and Charity Ahlgrim (2020) of Ahlgrim Funeral Home; Dr. Bryant and Jeanette Cureton (2021), former EC President and First Lady, and John DeVries (2023), Founder of DeVries Animal Hospital. For tickets and information about the upcoming Gala, visit elmhurstchamber.org.

Monday-Friday 11am-3pm 223499

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ARCHIVE PHOTOS Elmhurst Independent

Dan Gibbons of the Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot Foundation presents a check to the York Township Food Pantry for $3,700. The funds raised at the Turkey Trot are distributed among as many as 16 agencies committed to stop hunger throughout DuPage County. Gibbons will be inducted into the Elmhurst Civic Hall of Fame on Friday, March 22 at the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce &

nual Awards Gala.

Bundled up for the cold and holding a clipboard with numerous last-minute details, Dan Gibbons (right) pauses at the Turkey Trot to greet Jack Island (left), former owner of Silverado Grill, and Mayor Scott Levin. At the ECCI Gala this Friday, Gibbons will be inducted into the Civic Hall of Fame. To attend, visit elmhurstchamber.org.

History Museum, Heritage Foundation honor Nancy Wilson with Bates Award

Long-time staff member and volunteer gave 42 years of service and dedication

The Elmhurst History Museum and the Elmhurst Heritage Foundation, the fundraising arm for the museum, recently honored long-time volunteer and former staff member Nancy Wilson with the Alben F. Bates, Jr. Award. Established in 2007, the award is given to individuals or businesses which have made a significant and lasting contribution to the Elmhurst History Museum or Elmhurst Heritage Foundation.

Wilson joined the museum staff in 1973 supporting the museum’s educational initiatives and went on to become the museum’s full-time curator of collections until her retirement in June of 2017. Over her 42year career at the Elmhurst History Museum, Wilson played a vital role in professionalizing, organizing, and

growing the museum’s collection of artifacts and archives. Since retiring, Wilson has continued her work with the museum as a valued volunteer, assisting with research projects, collections care and records, and special curatorial projects to this day. Wilson was presented with the Alben F. Bates, Jr. Award at an Elmhurst Heritage Foundation reception celebrating the opening of the Elmhurst History Museum’s latest exhibit, “Victory at Home: 1941-1945” on Thursday, Feb. 29.

“Nancy Wilson couldn’t be more deserving of the Alben F. Bates, Jr. Award,” said Dave Oberg, Elmhurst History Museum executive director.

“The institutional knowledge she has of our organization is priceless, and her vast command of Elmhurst his-

tory is unsurpassed. We are so grateful for Nancy’s commitment and her steadfast support of our heritage.”

The Alben F. Bates, Jr. Award was named in honor of beloved Elmhurst resident Alben F. “Pete” Bates, a long-time supporter of the good works of the Elmhurst History Museum and Elmhurst Heritage Foundation, as well as numerous charitable causes in the community and beyond. Wilson joins a distinguished group of recipients, including Feze Roofing, former Elmhurst Mayor Thomas D. Marcucci, Pints Elmhurst, Pete Cruger, Tony Gambino, Mae Pearson, Ted Kross and Frank Catalano, Jr.

For additional information on the Elmhurst History Museum, please visit elmhursthistory.org.

Turkey Trot provides $220,000 to distribute among 16 agencies fighting hunger

Café Liberty culinary training program for veterans seeks applicants

By Dee Longfellow FOR THE ELMHURST INDEPENDENT

About a week ago, the Independent caught up with Dan Gibbons to find out the results of the 40th annual Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot that took place as usual on the morning of Thanksgiving Day to raise funds for the Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot Foundation (DGTT).

The event had another sensational year with record-breaking attendance and an opportunity to raise enough to be able to distribute $220,000 to 16 agencies committed to stopping hunger in DuPage County.

“People don’t realize it takes $160,000 to put on the Turkey Trot,” Gibbons said.

“And of course, numerous volunteers.”

Some of the local recipients of the funds include the Elmhurst Walk-in Assistance Network (EWAN), the Elmhurst-Yorkfield Food Pantry, the Immaculate Conception food pantry, United Community Concerns Association (UCCA) and others.

Café Liberty seeks applicants

Gibbons is also working diligently on Café Liberty, an 11-week program to prepare its students for a career in the culinary field.

The training is available only to veterans and first responders and their immediate families.

The current class graduates on Wednesday, April 3 and the next one begins on Monday, April 22.

Café Liberty is part of the DGTT Foundation’s three-year Strategic Plan established in 2015, which included expanding their community outreach by establishing a job training facility by 2019.

A year ahead of schedule, Café Liberty opened in January, 2018.

Café Liberty was represented at the Elmhurst Hospital Foundation’s Chef Fest this year and plans to be at the upcoming Wilder Mansion

“Taste of the Town.”

If you know a veteran or a first responder looking for a career, go to cafeliberty.org to learn more

about it. Café Liberty is located at 120 E. Liberty Drive, Wheaton.

To check in on next year’s plans, visit DanGibbonsTurkeyTrot.org.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent Dave Oberg, executive director of the Elmhurst History Museum, presents long-time staff person and volunteer Nancy Wilson with the prestigious Alban F. “Pete” Bates Award, given to those who have made a significant and lasting contribution to the History Museum or to the Elmhurst Heritage Foundation.

Police beat

The Elmhurst Police Department recently reported the following arrests and citations. Persons charged with domestic battery are not named in order to protect the privacy of victims. Readers are reminded that an arrest does not constitute a conviction, and that subjects are considered innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. Juveniles age 17-or-younger are not named.

Assault, battery

March 13

Bartlomiej Kornacki, 51, of Elmhurst, was charged on the above date with three counts of aggravated assault with a weapon on either an officer, volunteer, fireman, EMS or utility worker in the 100 block of E. Schiller for an alleged incident that occurred March 4. Police said officers responded to the above location on March 4 for the report of a verbal domestic. Upon arrival, police said Kornacki was located in the lobby of the complex with a large knife. Kornacki allegedly pointed the knife at officers and took a step towards them before he was taken into custody.

March 11

Jan Balak, 54, of Frankin Park, was charged with aggravated battery to a police officer, criminal damage to property, resisting arrest, and battery at a store in the 100 block of E. Schiller at 9:22 a.m. Police said that subsequent to a call of a subject refusing to leave the business, Balak was highly intoxicated and refused to comply with lawful orders to cease trespassing. Balak allegedly pushed an employee and resisted arrest after reportedly kicking the officer in the leg.

March 10

Ryan Nelson, 23, of Aurora, was charged with aggravated battery and resisting a police officer in the 100 block of S. Kenmore at 9:05 p.m. Police said

Criminal damage, criminal trespass

March 12

A complainant reports an unknown person(s) used a black Sharpie to draw on the electrical box located outside of the Schiller parking deck. ComEd was notified.

March 9

Dennis McNamara Jr., 44, of Chicago, was issued citations for improper lane usage, no seat belt, damage to city property and no insurance near Industrial and York at 10:55 p.m. Police said speaking with the resident of an apartment unit, the suspect kept interrupting and shouting at the officers. The suspect then approached an officer and allegedly punched him. While the officers were attempting to place the suspect in custody, he reportedly kicked another officer.

A victim in the 500 block of S. Washington reported an unknown suspect(s) kicked the storm door causing the glass panel to fall out of its frame. The unknown suspects ran to a vehicle and fled northbound on Washington Street. This case is pending investigation.

Domestic battery, domestic incident, disorderly conduct, disturbance, dispute

March 8

Gregory D. Baskin, 53, of Maywood, was charged with DUI and failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident near Roosevelt and York at 2 p.m.

CALL 800-222-TIPS

DUI, DUI-drugs, transportation of open alcohol, possession of open alcohol, consumption of alcohol by a minor

March 13

Bryan Martinez, 28, of Elmhurst, was charged with DUI-drugs, no valid driver’s license-expired more than a year and disobeying a stop sign subsequent to a traffic stop near West and Armitage at 9:18 p.m.

March 10

Brian Jordan, 38, of Chicago, was charged with DUI, unlawful possession of cannabis by driver, possession more than 30 grams but less than 100 grams of cannabis, disobeying a traffic control device and no insurance subsequent to a traffic stop near Addison and York at 1:45 a.m.

Gustavo Palacios Solis, 27, of Addison, was charged with DUI, improper lane usage and failure to signal when required subsequent to a traffic stop near North and Route 83 at 3:06 a.m.

March 9

Edson Y. Castellanos, 22, of Addison, was charged with DUI and failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident near Route 83 and St. Charles at 12:05 p.m.

Casey Nieves, 21, of Park Ridge, was charged with DUI, disobeying a stop sign and no insurance near Madison and Spring at 3:54 p.m.

Servando Salazar, 59, of Rolling Meadows, was charged with aggravated DUI, aggravated driving while license revoked, resisting a peace officer, illegal transportation of alcohol and no insurance subsequent to a report of a subject sleeping behind the wheel near Howard and Armitage at 7:34 p.m.

March 8

Kerry Washburn, 52, of River Grove, was charged with DUI, possession of open alcohol and engaging in a fight in the 100 block of E. Lake at 3:33 p.m.

March 7

Lance Alexander, 61, of Chicago, was issued a citation for possession of liquor on public property in the 100 block of W. First at 6:27 p.m. On March 8, police said Alexander was heavily intoxicated and refusing to leave a restaurant in the 100 block of W. First. He was charged with trespassing and given a no trespass notice. On March 9, police said a reporting officer heard someone calling for “help” at the Elmhurst police station. He located Alexander in the men’s lobby bathroom. Alexander was allegedly highly intoxicated and unable to stand. He was charged with possession of liquor in public.

Identity theft, fraud, forgery

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

Local ordinance violation

March 7

Dawood Salim, 69, of Elmhurst, was charged with unlawful sale of a product containing THCO in the 600 block of N. York at 4:34 p.m. Police said that subsequent to a local ordinance violation, the suspect was found selling Delta 8 synthetic cannabis containing THCO at the business.

Possession of cannabis in a vehicle

According to information provided last week by the Elmhurst Police Department, police reported four incidents of possession of cannabis by either the driver of a vehicle or a passenger: Nicole C. Hughes, 33, of Chicago, near North and York at 1:07 a.m. March 7; Timothy J. Ruth, 34, of Wilmington, Ill., near York and Palmer at 9:01 p.m. March 7; Cesar Landa Aguilar, 24, of Belvidere, near Route 83 and Elizabeth at 10:20 p.m. March 9; and Alfredo Torres-Garcia, 38, of Streamwood, near North and Villa at 7:20 p.m. March 13.

Possession of a controlled substance

March 7

Police said that subsequent to a call for a suspect who refused to leave a hotel in the 900 block of S. Riverside, the reporting officer arrived on the scene and made contact with the suspect, Luke J. Valentinas, 43, of Blue Island, whom police said was found to be in possession of a controlled substance. Valentinas was charged with unlawful possession of controlled substance.

Service of order of protection

March 10

Police said officers responded to an area near Addison and York at 8:53 p.m. for a solicitor complaint. Upon arrival, officers made contact with the suspect who was found to have an order of protection that had not yet been served. The suspect was served with the order of protection on a short form notification and released on scene.

Theft, retail theft, burglary, attempted theft or burglary, forgery, deceptive practice, obstruction, robbery

Feb. 29-March 13

Police said a victim in the 400 block of S. West advised she made a payment to rent a home in the 400 block of S. West Ave. through a payment portal for the real estate company. The day before the lease was to be signed, the company advised the victim it was not going to rent the property and sent her a check. The victim deposited the check through her mobile app with Chase bank who advised the check was fraudulent. A reporting officer made contact with the real estate company, which said its checks don’t always scan properly but this

Elmhurst dine and dasher arrested for being an armed habitual criminal Chicago man was reportedly in possession of a loaded pistol

On Wednesday, March 6, at approximately 3:30 p.m. the Elmhurst Police Department responded to Buffalo Wild Wings, located at 149 N. York St., for a 911 call reporting that a man and woman left the restaurant without paying for their meal.

Officers spoke to restaurant employees and learned the suspects were last seen walking northbound from the scene. Officers searched the area and located the 22-year-old man and 22-year-old woman walking on Michigan Street near North Avenue. They were positively identified as the theft suspects.

Officers placed the man and woman under arrest. According to the Elmhurst Police Department, officers located a loaded Glock pistol with an extended magazine in the front waistband of the male suspect’s pants.

The handgun had 20 rounds of ammunition in the magazine and one round chambered. Officers reportedly also located controlled substances in his possession. The man and woman were transported to the Elmhurst Police Department for investigation and processing.

In consultation with the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office, the following charges were filed:

Teiwan J. Bergman, a 22-year-old male of the 100 block of E. 70th St., Chicago, was charged with armed violence, armed habitual criminal, unlawful use of weapon by a felon and theft. Bergman was transported to the DuPage County Jail.

Investigators determined Bergman had no FOID card, no concealed carry license and was a convicted felon. Bergman had been convicted at least twice before for aggravated unlawful use of weapon offenses and sentenced to the Illinois Department of Corrections.

At First Appearance Court on March 7, Bergman was ordered detained until his next court date on April 1.

The 22-year-old Elmhurst woman was charged with misdemeanor theft and issued pretrial release.

time, it showed that it had cleared. The victim will try depositing the check at a branch location.

March 12

Natalie C. Kalina, 40, of Orland Park, was charged with two counts of felony retail theft, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia and unlawful possession of controlled substance at a pharmacy in the 100 block of N. Robert Palmer at 9:56 p.m. Daniel Siegfried, 58, of Justice, was charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance. The suspects allegedly took several items and exited the store without paying. Police said Kalina also was found to have an active warrant out of Grundy County.

March 1-March 10

A victim in the 100 block of Fullerton told

ball team, two Elmhurst University track and field student athletes attended a national indoor track-and-field event, where one of the participants set a world record for the 60-meter hurdles. Having just completed a successful $55 million fundraiser and with the Strategic Plan approved, VanAken sees a bright future for the university looking forward. He talked about global impact and the numbers of partnerships taking place in other parts of the world. VanAken had just returned from overseas, where he discussed a new program with a university in southern India.

“I was a novelty!” he said. “I was on TV four times!”

Another great source of pride to VanAken is how many students come from other countries to study at Elm-

hurst University.

There are students from Bangladesh, Botswana, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, South Sudan, and many others, as well as various cities in Europe. In addition, there are opportunities for university students to study at outside destinations, such as countries in Europe, as well as Argentina, Japan and Washington, DC.

In conclusion, VanAken reminded people about some upcoming programs and events, such as a lecture on Tuesday, April 16 featuring Douglas Ripley, Jazz Night on Saturday, June 15 and on Saturday, June 8, the Elmhurst Cycling Classic returns.

And don’t miss the Old-Fashioned Baseball Game between the Town and Gown teams on Sunday, June 23. Whose team will reign supreme?!

• Police

(Continued from page 6)

police at 1 p.m. that the suspect was over at his house and stole his vehicle while he was using the bathroom.

The suspect has taken the car before and has always returned it but has not returned the vehicle this time. The vehicle has been entered into LEADS as stolen.

March 7

A victim in the 300 block of N. Highview told police she was applying for a loan and received a call from an unknown male with whom she provided her login information into her bank account. The unknown male deposited seven checks into her account and she was instructed to buy Target gift cards. The victim bought gift cards and provided the suspect with the barcode and security codes over the phone.

Police said victims in the 300 block of W. Lake related that an unknown suspect(s) burglarized their vehicle and stole their purses. This case is pending investigation.

A victim in the 700 block of N. Church told police that an unknown suspect(s) entered his unlocked Volkswagen Jetta. Three bags were missing from the vehicle.

March 5

A complainant at a store in the 300 block of S. Route 83 told police that an unknown suspect was seen on video surveillance hiding various boxes of perfume and cologne in his pockets. The suspect exited the store, entering a white, 1995 Toyota Corolla and leaving the area.

Sept. 1, 2021-Feb. 18

A complainant at a company in the 400 block of W. Fullerton told police that an employee has been taking money from the company for approximately three years. An investigation is pending.

“ I always celebrate our partnership with the university,” Levin said. “Having a university is a great asset for residents and businesses as well. It is part of what makes Elmhurst attractive.”

– Mayor Scott Levin

Among the guests mingling prior to the Elmhurst University 54th Annual President’s Breakfast on Saturday, March 9 were (from left): Peter Hilton, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton, Mayor Scott Levin, his wife Marisa Mancini, Dr. Annette VanAken and University President Dr. Troy VanAken.

Viewpoint

Slices of life

Northern cold versus southern cold

I’m a recent transplant—from a northern state to a southern one. I now spend winters in Florida, but for most of my life, I endured the (harsh, frigid, bitter, unending, Arctic, hyperborean) winters of Minnesota, aka Minnesnowta (cold nose, warm heart).

I like to think it made me stronger. Hell, I know it did. You can’t survive and endure 30 degree negative temperatures (with a windchill of unspoken proportions) without cultivating some sort of inner fortitude (not to mention frostbitten fingers).

It’s been a cold winter in Florida. By, cold, I mean about May or September in Minnesota terms. The lows have hovered around the 40s and 50s. We’ve had a night or two in the mid 30s.

People cover their plants and wear winter coats to the grocery store. I’ve even seen gloves and a stocking cap or two, but I haven’t yet seen my breath.

People who think it’s cold when you can’t even see your breath outside don’t really understand cold. They’ve probably never even had their cheeks burn while walking from the car to the front door.

Let’s just put this out there: it doesn’t get cold in Florida. 50 degrees Fahrenheit is not cold. 40 degrees is not cold. Even 32 degrees, while technically freezing, isn’t cold—if you are from Minnesota.

In the north, we wear shorts in 32 degrees—without a second thought. Anything near or above freezing is not cold. We consider it warm.

We do the polar bear plunge into any one of our 10,000 frozen lakes, but before we dive into the cold water, we have to cut a hole through the ice to actually get there.

In the south, people complain when the pool temperature dips below 80 degrees (Fahrenheit).

In the south, it’s a blustery day if you have to wear socks. In the north, blustery requires layering two sets of leggings—before you put on your fleece-lined jeans. And that’s just for life inside your house.

Yesterday I was listening to the radio and a winter warning

By JILL PERTLER Columnist

came on—for pets. The overnight low was a predicted 35 degrees and pet owners were advised to be cautious and careful about the hypothermia levels of their beloved’s paws.

In the north, humans are a sturdy lot, nearly impervious to the frigid temps. Pets take that one step further. They lie on the snow for a relaxed state of fun.

When it is really cold - like a windchill of negative 30—we let them out and then in again within five minutes or less because, well, that’s the smart thing to do. When the weather is 35 degrees (above zero), we let them play outside for as long as they want because fur coats were invented for a reason, and that reason is winter.

Today I got a text message from the HVAC folks who service my unit. They reassured us that they are on call 24/7 during this cold snap, in case someone’s heater should stop working, causing an obvious emergency to ensue.

I had to stop myself from laughing. I’ve slept with an open window (and ceiling fan on) every night during this cold spell. Heat hasn’t even been in my vocabulary.

Winter in the north versus south is indeed very different— and I haven’t even touched on the subject of snow days. That’s probably a column all its own.

But let’s get down to the nitty gritty. We live in a very big, very beautiful nation. There is north, south, east and west and there is good in every corner. Some may find it in a white, sandy beach— others in a glistening white snowfall.

And there is beauty in both— and everything in between. Let’s all relish in that.

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

School Board capsules

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

By Chris Fox For The Elmhurst

Independent

The Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205 Board held a regular meeting on March 12 at the District 205 Center, 162 S. York St. All seven board members attended the meeting.

• In the spotlight

The meeting began with its spotlight/recognition segment, starting with Sean Gibbons, an eighth-grader at Bryan Middle School, who recently won the DuPage County Regional Spelling Bee. Sean will represent the DuPage County region at the 2024 Scripps National Spelling Bee, which will take place in Maryland in May.

Also in the spotlight was the York High School speech team, which recently won an IHSA sectional championship for the first time in the team’s history. York won firstplace honors at the IHSA sectional at Hoffman Estates High School on Feb. 10. One week earlier, on Feb. 3, York’s speech team won an IHSA regional title at Wheaton Warrenville South High School. The

York team earned a fourth-place finish at the IHSA state meet, which took place Feb. 16-17 in Peoria.

Next the spotlight saluted Daniel Calenberg, the industrial technology department chair at York High School. Calenberg recently received DuPage County’s Career and Technical Education Teacher of the Year award.

• Public forum

There were two speakers during the meeting’s public-participation segment. One of those speakers was Tom Chavez, who spoke at the board’s last regular meeting on Feb. 20. Chavez is circulating a petition that asks if written consent from parents and guardians of minors should be required for children to take part in gender modification procedures, gender ID counseling and gender therapy. He said that if enough people sign the petition, it will be placed on the ballot in this November’s election. Chavez thanked board member Jim Collins for being the lone board member to sign the petition.

• Insurance services contract approved

Board members voted unanimously during the meeting to

approve a three-year contract with Alliant Insurance Services, Inc., at $84,000 annually, for insurance consultant services. The district’s four-year contract for insurance consultant services with Assured Partners ended on Feb. 29 of this year. According to the district, its significant health insurance premium increase of 36.8 percent in the 2024 calendar year resulted in the need to seek a potential change in insurance brokers.

• Student fees reviewed

Board members voted during the March 12 meeting to approve student fees for the 2024-25 school year. One of those fees is a $459 fee for the cost of a Chromebook for students who will be freshmen at York in the 2024-25 school year.

The Chromebooks are expected to last throughout a student’s four years in high school.

The Chromebook fee for York freshmen in 2023-24 was $433. The increase in Chromebook fees is reportedly due to taxes, licenses and warranty costs trending higher.

• Next meeting

The board will hold its next regular meeting on Tuesday, April 16.

State Rep. Blair-Sherlock hosts free Solar Seminar

On Wednesday, March 27 from 7-9 p.m., State Representative Diane Blair-Sherlock will host a Solar Seminar at her District Office at 28 S. Villa, Villa Park.

Learn how to power your home with the sun. Jeff Gahris, a Solar Ambassa-

dor for the Illinois Solar Education Association, will explore the basics of how solar energy works, considerations for homeowners considering solar including costs and incentives and how to “electrify your home.”

Here is some background about this

educational program: https://illinoissolar.org/solarambassadors

Registration is requested; walk-ins welcome as space permits. To RSVP, call 630-415-3520 or email JaxWest. D46@gmail.com.

District 205 staffing proposals presented; Collins urges caution

By Chris Fox FOR THE ELMHURST INDEPENDENT

The District 205 School Board meeting held Tuesday, March 12 included a presentation on the district’s staffing proposals for the 2024-25 school year.

Joseph Schumacher, the district’s assistant superintendent of human resources, stated that the district is in the process of staffing its schools for the 2024-25 school year. According to information provided by the district, the district has 717.62 certified

full-time equivalent positions during the current 2023-24 school year. The district is proposing to add another 7.62 full-time equivalent positions in the upcoming school year. Those additional positions include 4.13 English Language (EL) positions and 2.73 special education positions.

Board member Jim Collins noted that he joined the board in 2009. He commented that in early 2010, the district did not have enough money to pay its bills and that it had paid some of its May bills in June of that

year. He said the district avoided a crisis and had to ask certified staff members to take zero pay raises for two years. He said the district also had to lay off more than 50 people.

Collins said that over the last 10 years, the district’s enrollment has grown by about 100 students. He said the district has added about 95 teachers during the last 10 years. He said the district should be very careful and vigilant to make sure it can afford what it is doing.

District 205 Superintendent Kei-

New scoreboard to be installed at York High School stadium

By Chris Fox FOR THE ELMHURST INDEPENDENT

At the Elmhurst School District 205 Board meeting onTuesday, March 12, Board members voted unanimously to approve the installation of a new scoreboard at the stadium at York High School. Purchasing and installing the new Daktronics full color video display scoreboard will cost nearly

$260,000.

The new scoreboard will include an LED video display that’s about 13 feet high and 25 feet wide. It will replace the current scoreboard at York’s stadium, which is more than 20 years old.

The cost of almost $260,000 includes the purchase, shipping and installation of the new scoreboard, as well as removing the old scoreboard

and existing steel beams. The cost also includes the installation of new steel beams and connecting the new scoreboard to the electrical panel and to the stadium’s press box.

Other area schools with new scoreboards have been able to sell advertising on those scoreboards. District 205 plans to sell advertising on its new scoreboard.

Glowiak Hilton takes lead to expand services at Philip J. Rock Center

State Sen. Suzy Glowiak Hilton is leading an initiative to extend the services offered at the Philip J. Rock Center and School in Glen Ellyn to children who are deaf or blind across the community.

“The Philip J. Rock Center and School is a vital resource for our community—this measure will give the center the ability to serve more children, including those with

Obituary

Fern I. Barrie, 104

Fern I. Barrie, 104, of Elmhurst, passed away March 11, 2024.

She was born April 21, 1919 in Chicago.

Fern was known for her exceptional knitting, crafts, and baking skills.

Fern and her husband, Vic, always enjoyed going to the beach and collecting sea shells. She was dearly loved and will be deeply missed.

She is survived by her son, Thomas C. Barrie; grandchildren, Debra (David Sr.) Weese, David (Kerry) Barrie, Julia (Jon) DeNood, Jeffrey (Lori) Barrie, Edward (Rosemarie) Barry, Donna (Jeff) Sandt; daughter-in-law, Nancy Ellen Barry; great grandchildren, David Weese Jr., Cassandra Weese, Marissa Sonnenberg, Ryan Barrie, Amanda Barrie, Luke Barrie and Nicholas Sandt.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Victor Edward Barrie; son, Ronald Victor Barry; grandson, Thomas C. Barrie Jr., and her siblings.

Funeral Services were held on Monday, March 18, 2024 at Elmhurst Community Funeral Home – THE AHLGRIM CHAPEL.

For information, 630-834-3515 or www.elmhurstfh.com.

hearing and visual impairments,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “We have to update the existing state law to make this facility more accessible to the children in our community who need it.”

Currently, the Philip J. Rock Center and School only serves students who are both blind and deaf. It is the only publicly funded residential school in the country for deaf-blind students.

The school currently assists nine students from age three through 21.

Senate Bill 3768 would allow the

center to serve children who have visual or hearing impairments, as well as those who have both. With construction underway on a new facility that will accommodate up to 20 students, Glowiak Hilton’s measure will allow the Philip J. Rock Center and School to expand their services to more children in the community with hearing or visual impairments.

Senate Bill 3768 unanimously passed the Senate Education Committee last week and heads to the full Senate for further consideration.

sha Campbell noted that state mandates require the district to add some additional positions to meet the needs of its English Language (EL)

learners. Collins said he didn’t question the need for the additional positions, but he cautioned the district to plan carefully.

Affordable health screenings coming to Elmhurst

Residents can learn about their risk for cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, and other chronic, serious conditions with affordable screenings by Life Line Screening. American Legion THB Post 187 will host this community event on April 2. The site is located at 310 W Butterfield Rd in Elmhurst.

Screenings can check for:

The level of plaque buildup in your arteries, related to risk for cardiovascular disease, stroke and overall vascular health.

· HDL and LDL Cholesterol levels

· Diabetes risk

· Kidney and thyroid function, and more

Screenings are affordable and convenient. Free parking is also available.

Special package pricing starts at $159, but consultants will work with you to create a package that is right for you based on your age and risk factors. Call 1-877-237-1287 or visit lifelinescreening.com. Pre-registration is required.

real estate/Business

ECCI to present 105th Annual Awards Gala

Dalough,

Sanchez, Gibbons, Alan Energy to be honored

The Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ECCI) is holding its 105th Annual Awards Gala in the Presidential Room at Elm West Banquets, 681 West Avenue, on Friday, March 22, from 5 to 9 p.m. During the Awards Program, the Chamber will recognize Alan Energy Services Air Conditioning and Heating Company as the 2023 A.J. “Toche” Terrones Business of the Year, current Board Chair Colin Dalough of Endeavor Health as the Chairman’s Award recipient, Director Eva Sanchez of See Your House Right Here @properties Elmhurst as the first repeat Ambassador of the Year and Dan Gibbons of the Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot Foundation as the 34th inductee into the Civic Hall of Fame.

Endeavor Health’s Dalough to receive ECCI Chairman’s Award

Colin Dalough, Manager of Community and Government Relations at Endeavor Health, will receive the 2023 Chairman’s Award at the ECCI’s upcoming 105th Annual Awards Gala.

Traditionally, the annual award is given to a member of the Chamber’s Board of Directors for his/her outstanding service to the Board, Chairman and President/CEO or to a non-Director for praiseworthy contributions or performance.

As First Vice Chair of ECCI’s Board of Directors in 2023, Dalough played an instrumental role in our Chamber’s staging of both the Elmhurst Police Department-led Active Shooter Preparedness Training at Elmhurst Hospital

in July and August’s Multi-Chamber Hunger Action Luncheon in Lisle for the benefit of more than a dozen local food pantries, including fellow Chamber member Elmhurst-Yorkfield Food Pantry.

“Colin took on responsibilities above and beyond the scope of his Director duties,” said John R. Quigley, ECCI’s president and CEO, “all while planning for his September wedding in Michigan and honeymoon in Mexico!”

Dalough currently serves as both ECCI’s 2024 Board Chair and Acting Chair of the Marketing Committee and is a long-time member of the Governmental Affairs Committee.

Dalough was appointed to fill a Board vacancy in 2021 and was elected to his first threeyear term as a Director in 2022.

Before joining Endeavor Health, Dalough served as the Director of Government Affairs and Business Development at the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce.

Realtor Eva Sanchez once again named 2X Ambassador of the Year Elmhurst real estate agent Eva Sanchez will be honored as the first repeat Ambassador of the Year at the ECCI’s 105th Annual Awards Gala.

The award is presented annually to a member of the green-coated Chamber Ambassadors for his/her outstanding service.

“Eva is among those very special of Cham-

ARCHIVE PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

Colin Dalough of Endeavor Health will receive the Chairman’s Award at the upcoming 105th Annual Awards Gala for the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

ECCI PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

Eva Sanchez is pictured accepting the award for Ambassador of the Year from ECCI’s John R. Quigley. She will receive the award for a second time at the upcoming Gala.

The

Peter DeFilippis

Pikulik/Schiller

Debbie Obradovich

The

Schiller/Bogdanowicz

Alex

(Continued from page 10)

ber Ambassadors,” said Quigley, “who attends most every ribbon-cutting and proudly dons her traditional green sport coat or logoed polo shirt at monthly networking events.”

The personification of the American Dream ethos, Sanchez is a self-made success who immigrated from Guatemala as a Hispanic teenager.

Sanchez and her son James Sanchez, ECCI Ambassador of the Year for 2016 when they worked together at Coldwell Banker, are the only mother and son team to earn top Ambassador honors.

Currently a realtor for See You House Right Here @properties Elmhurst, Sanchez boasts more than 25 years of residential real estate experience, along with a handful of industry-recognized designations, including Graduate Realtor Institute (GRI), Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES), Seller Representative Specialist (SRS) and Luxury Listing Specialist (LUXE).

A Chamber member since 2015, Sanchez joined the ECCI Board of Directors in 2016 and was a third-year member of the Executive Committee, serving as Past Chair in 2023. Prior to her service as 2022 Board Chair, Sanchez was First Vice Chair and chaired the Membership Committee in 2021. She also has served on the Marketing Committee.

Sanchez twice chaired the Dare to Dream Annual Conference for the Elmhurst chapter of the Amer-

ican Association of University Women (AAUW). Sanchez gives back to the Elmhurst community in numerous ways, including her service as a member of Elmhurst Lions Club.

Sanchez holds a Bachelor of Arts degree (2005) from Elmhurst University (then a College), with a major in marketing.

A.J. Toche Terrones

Business of the Year –Alan Energy Services

Alan Energy Services Air Conditioning and Heating Company will receive the A.J. “Toche” Terrones Business of the Year Award for 2023 at the ECCI’s 105th Annual Awards Gala.

A long-time member of the Spring Road Business Association and an active Chamber member since 1967, Alan celebrated its 75th Anniversary in 2023, including co-hosting ECCI’s Business After Hours last October.

“Service businesses like Alan provide the bedrock upon which neighborhood business districts and the Elmhurst business community at large maintain their vibrancy and impact, while mega marts and shopping centers come and go,” said Quigley.

The annual award is given based on a member’s contributions to the Chamber’s success, to the betterment of both the business community and Elmhurst community, and impact in their field of business, each in the given year and historically, along with years in business

and years as a Chamber member.

The award presentation will be made by Gosia Baran, Owner of Helping Hands Cleaning Service, the 2022 Business of the Year honoree, and Quigley.

Alan Heating Air Conditioning was founded in 1948 by John Alan Macnider, who passed away in 1975 at the age of 72. The family-owned and -operated business later included Macnider’s son, Roger Alan, in 1949 and then grandson, Michael Alan, in 1977.

Energy Services purchased Alan in January of 2020.

Eric Weech, Alan’s vice president of operations, currently serves as President of the Spring Road Business Association and has played an instrumental role in the organizing and staging of the Association’s many community-focused events.

The annual award, which features a traveling trophy and permanent plaque, is named in memory of A.J. “Toche” Terrones, who served as Chamber President for nearly a decade until his death in July of 1999.

Business of the Year honorees include Elmhurst University (2022), Edward-Elmhurst Health (2020), Elmhurst Auto Group (2019), Elmhurst Independent (2018), Brewpoint Coffee (2017), Roberto’s Ristorante & Pizzeria (2016), Café Amano (2015), West Suburban Office Products (2014), Community Bank of Elmhurst (2013 and 1999), York Furrier (2012), Elmhurst Memorial Healthcare (2011), OEC Business Interiors (2010), Harris

Bank Elmhurst (2009), Diplomat West Banquet Halls (2008), Suburban Bank & Trust Co. (2007), Larry Roesch Chrysler Jeep Dodge (2006), York Theatre (2005), Synergistic Networks, Inc. (2004), The Silverado Grill (2003), Great

American Exteriors (2002), Cardinal Cartridge, Inc. (2001) and Unique Travel Service, Ltd. (2000). For tickets and information about the ECCI Annual Awards Gala on Friday, March 22, visit elmhurstchamber.org or call 630-834-6060.

Holy Week/Easter

Immaculate Conception

132

(Please

Holy Thursday - March 28

Morning Prayer: 8:00 a.m., Church

Mass of the Lord’s Supper: 7:00 p.m., Sacred Heart Chapel

(Adoration of the Eucharist will follow in the Church)

Night Prayer: 11:45 p.m., Church

Good Friday - March 29

Morning Prayer: 8:00 a.m., Church

Stations of the Cross: Noon, Church

Passion of the Lord: 3:00 p.m., Church A Day of Fast and Abstinence

Holy Saturday - March 30

Morning Prayer: 8:00 a.m., Church

Blessing of Easter Food: Noon, Church

Easter Vigil: 8:00 p.m., Church

Easter Sunday - March 31

Mass: 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., Sacred Heart Chapel

Mass: 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., Church

ARCHIVE PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

Eric Weech (seated) of Alan Energy Services chats with ECCI’s John R. Quigley at the recent State of the City Address held at Community Bank of Elmhurst in early January. Just shortly after this event, Weech learned that Alan Energy Services had been chosen to receive the A. J. “Toche” Terrones Business of the Year Award at Friday’s Gala.

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Celebrate Holy Week and Easter with us

Palm Sunday | 8:30 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.

Maundy Thursday | 6:30 p.m.

Good Friday | 6:30 p.m.

Easter Sunday | 6:00 a.m., 8:30 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. Handicapped

142 E. Third St. Elmhurst, IL ImmanuelElmhurst.org 630-832-1649 450692

FAITH CHURCH OF ELMHURST

FAITH C HU R C H

FAITH C HU R C H

FAITH C HU R C H

LAUNCHING A NEW GLOBAL METHODIST CHURCH

LAUNCHING A NEW GLOBAL METHODIST CHURCH

LAUNCHING A NEW GLOBAL METHODIST CHURCH

Sunday Worship: 10 am

Sunday Worship: 10 am

Sunday Worship: 10 am

:

HO LY WEEK AC TIVITIES :

Maundy Thursday (March 28) 6:30 pm

Maundy Thursday (March 28) 6:30 pm

HO LY WEEK AC TIVITIES : Maundy Thursday (March 28) 6:30 pm

Good Friday (March 29) 7 pm

Good Friday (March 29) 7 pm

Good Friday (March 29) 7 pm

Easter Sunrise Service (March 31) 7:45 am

Easter Sunrise Service (March 31) 7:45 am

Easter Sunrise Service (March 31) 7:45 am

Easter Celebration (March 31) 10 am

Easter Celebration (March 31) 10 am

Easter Celebration (March 31) 10 am

111 W North Avenue Elmhurst, IL 60126 www.faithchurchelmhurst.org 630-941-0212 faithelm@gmail.com

111 W North Avenue Elmhurst, IL 60126 www.faithchurchelmhurst.org 630-941-0212 faithelm@gmail.com

111 W North Avenue Elmhurst, IL 60126 www.faithchurchelmhurst.org 630-941-0212 faithelm@gmail.com

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130 W. Butterfield Road Elmhurst, IL 630-279-4775

Good Friday Tenebrae Service

March 29 at 7:30 p.m.

Easter Celebration

March 31 at 10:00 a.m. 452640

Sunday Worship at 9:45 AM

Come worship with us!

300 East Belden Avenue, Elmhurst, IL 60126 www.ODMFellowship.Org 452638

452122

Six tax breaks parents can’t afford to forget

With tax time right around the corner, parents need a break—a tax break.

Consider a recent LendingTree study, which found that the average annual essential cost to raise a child rose 19.3 percent nationally between 2016 and 2021, the latest year for which complete data was available.

According to the study, families are projected to spend $237,482 over 18 years to raise a child. Illinois ranked 19th in the study, where it’s estimated a family will spend $22,310 annually on raising a child when accounting for expenses like rent, food, child care, apparel, transportation, health insurance premiums, and state tax exemptions or credits.

With that in mind, the Illinois CPA Society suggests parents speak with their CPAs—certified public accountants—to get help maximizing the many tax breaks available to them, like these:

Child Tax Credit

The most common tax credit is the Child Tax Credit, which is worth up to

$2,000 per qualifying child or dependent who has a valid U.S. Social Security number. Taxpayers qualify for the full amount if all eligibility factors are met and annual income isn’t more than $200,000 (single) or $400,000 (married filing jointly). Parents and guardians with higher incomes may be eligible to claim a partial credit.

Child and Dependent Care Credit

Did you pay someone to care for your child or another qualifying person so you (and your spouse if filing jointly) could work or look for work? If so, you may be able to claim a credit of up to $3,000 (or $6,000 for two or more qualifying individuals) for your child and dependent care expenses. Dependent care expenses such as daycare and day camp (not including overnight camps) for dependents under the age of 13, or dependents of any age who are incapable of self-care and who live with you for more than half of the year, may qualify for this federal credit.

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

The EITC allows qualifying lowand moderate-income workers and families to reduce taxes owed, potentially increasing a tax refund.

The credit is based on various factors, such as adjusted gross income (AGI), filing status, dependents, and more, but could be worth up to anywhere from $600 to $7,430 depending on eligibility.

State Tax Dependent Credit

All Illinois taxpayers who qualify for the federal EITC are automatically eligible for the credit on their Illinois tax return. In 2022, legislation was passed to increase the state’s EITC to 20 percent of the federal credit and expand eligibility to older workers, younger workers, and Individual Taxpayer Identification Number filers.

American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC)

The AOTC is a credit for qualified education expenses paid for an eligible

student for the first four years of higher education. The maximum annual credit is $2,500 per eligible student, and if the credit brings the amount of tax owed to zero, 40 percent of any remaining credit amount (up to $1,000) is refundable. To claim the credit, you or a qualified dependent must have received Form 1098-T from an eligible educational institution and must meet the income limits.

To claim the full credit, modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) must be $80,000 or less ($160,000 or less if married filing jointly). A reduced credit is available if MAGI exceeds $80,000 but is less than $90,000 (over $160,000 but less than $180,000 if married filing jointly). Taxpayers with MAGI exceeding $90,000 ($180,000 if married filing jointly) are ineligible.

Student Loan Interest Deduction

As the moratorium on student loan interest accruing has ended, taxpayers incurring interest expenses should be mindful of the student loan interest de-

duction. Eligible taxpayers may be able to deduct the lesser of $2,500 or the amount of interest actually paid during the year. The deduction is gradually reduced for taxpayers with MAGI exceeding $75,000 or $155,000 (married filing jointly) and eventually phases out when MAGI reaches $90,000 or $185,000 (married filing jointly).

Every year, the costs of raising a child and caring for loved ones increase. Fortunately, there are many tax credits and benefits available to help alleviate some of the financial burden. While it’s not always easy to find and claim all the credits and deductions available, know that a CPA can help. A CPA can strategically prepare and file your tax return to ensure all eligible credits and deductions are maximized.

The Illinois CPA Society’s free “Find a CPA” directory can help you find the trusted, strategic advisor that’s right for you and your family based on location, types of services needed, and languages spoken.

Find your CPA at www.icpas.org/ findacpa.

Worship Services Directory

Visitation Catholic Church 779 S. York Street

Elmhurst, IL 630 834 6700

www.visitationparish.org

HOLY WEEK SERVICES

Holy Thursday, March 28:

Mass of the Lord’s Supper, 7 PM Night Prayer, 11:45 PM

Good Friday, March 29

Celebration of the Passion, 3 PM Stations of the Cross, 7 PM

Holy Saturday, March 30

Easter Food Blessing, Noon Easter Vigil, 7:15 PM

Easter Sunday, March 31

Masses at: 7:30, 9:30 & 11:30 AM

Confessions:

Saturday: 3 3:45PM

Sunday: 5�5:45 PM

Adoration: Our Lady Mother of the Eucharist Chapel 24/7

First C ongregational C hurch

235 South Kenilworth Avenue Elmhurst, Illinois

You are invited to be a part of our Holy Week observance and Celebration

Palm Sunday, March 24 10:00 AM

7:00 PM Good Friday Evening Service, March 29

Easter Service & Children’s Easter Party, March 31 10:00 AM

Fill your spirit with heart-warming music, prayers, and inspiring messages

elmhurstucc.org

St. Timothy Evangelical Lutheran Church

547 N. Main St., Lombard, IL 60148 630-627-2435

Lent and Easter Services at 7 p.m.

“The Crucial Hours”

Holy Week and Easter Worship

Second Lenten Service March 9, 2022

Maundy Thursday Communion 7:00pm, March 28

Rev. David Ernest “Satan Has Asked to Sift All of You” Jerusalem Lutheran, Morton Grove Matthew 27:15-26

Good Friday Tenebrae 7:00pm, March 29

Third Lenten Service March 16, 2022

Rev. Paul Spaude “What to Remember When Your are St. Matthews, Niles Seized with Remorse” Matthew 27:3-4

Easter Festival 10:15am, March 31

Fourth Lenten Service March 23, 2022

✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝

Rev. Jonathan Bergemann “I Will Keep the Passover”

Sunday Worship at 10:15 am

Good Shepherd, Downers Grove Matthew 26:18

Sunday School & Bible Study 9am

Fifth Lenten Service March 30, 2022

Wednesday Service at 7pm

Rev. Tom Nicholson “They Bound Him” Resurrection, Aurora John 18:12

Sixth Lenten Service April 6, 2022

Ladies Bible Fellowship Mondays at 6:30pm

Rev. Phil Schupmann “The Semblance of Legality” Resurrection, Aurora Luke 22:66

Saturday, March 23 Game Night at 4pm

Everyone is Welcome!

Maundy Thursday Communion 7 p.m., April 14

All services are live streamed. SaintTimothy.org

Good Friday Tenebrae 7 p.m., April 15

Easter Sunrise 6:30 a.m., April 17

Easter Breakfast 8 a.m., April 17

Easter Festival 10:15 a.m., April 17

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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 toll-free at 1-900-669-9777. The toll-free tele phone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275.

Mount Carmel Prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary

flower of Mt. Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of Heaven. Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in

necessity, Oh Star of the Sea, help me and show me here you are my Mother. Oh Holy Mary, Mother of God

of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor me in my necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand your power. Oh Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (say three times). Holy Mary, I place this prayer in your hands (say three times). Amen. Say this prayer for three consecutive days and then you must publish and it will be granted to you. I am confident my prayers will be answered. Thank You Mother of God!!!

Sport S

York softball team has high hopes

Dukes return key talent from 2023 regional-championship team

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

The York softball team has plenty of reasons to be optimistic for the 2024 season. The Dukes are coming off a 2023 campaign where they went 18-15 overall, finished third in the tough West Suburban Conference Silver Division with an 8-4 mark and won a Class 4A regional title. And from that team, the Dukes return six starters, headlined by junior pitch-

er Avery Kanouse and sophomore shortstop Lilly Burda.

Kanouse was an all-WSC Silver selection after posting a 2.79 ERA and striking out 181 batters in 140 2/3 innings of work, while issuing only 47 walks. Burda joined her on the all-WSC Silver team after hitting .366 in 101 at-bats with four homeruns, 16 RBIs, a .443 on-base percentage and a .926 fielding percentage from that shortstop position. “With

six returning starters, we are looking to capitalize on our experience defensively and in the circle,” York coach Lisa Fraticola said.

Key newcomers for the Dukes include senior outfielder Anna Kapotas, sophomore third baseman-first baseman Morgen Balfanz and freshman third baseman-catcher Sara Steinecker.

In addition to those key returners, Fraticola lauded the efforts of

Steinecker and Sophia Lanciloti in preseason workouts. Lanciloti struck out 39 in 32 2/3 innings last year on the junior-varsity team.

“Sara is a freshman who brings with her a solid defense both behind the place and at third base, a strong bat and a high level of energy and confidence to the team,” she said. “Sophia played on our JV team last year and compliments our upperclassmen

pitchers in the circle.”

Fraticola said this group has a strong desire to simply get better. “The 16 girls we have are eager to improve both the physical and mental aspects of the game,” she said.

As is the case in most sports, Fraticola anticipates a tough conference schedule. “The West Suburban Conference is always competitive,” she said. “We are looking to move up in the conference rankings this year.”

IC Catholic Prep softball team looking to build on spectacular 2023 Raffaelli hits for cycle in season-opening win against Nazareth

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

The 2023 season was a banner one for the IC Catholic Prep softball team. And with the firepower the Knights have coming back, coach Frank Reaber naturally has high hopes.

ICCP went 24-9 last spring and took third in the Metro Suburban Conference Blue Division with an 8-4 record. More importantly, the Knights won a Class 2A regional title and advanced to a sectional-championship game. Four of the team’s five all-conference selections are back.

Senior shortstop Analisa Raffaelli, an Illinois Coaches Association all-state first-team pick, hit .596 with 59 hits, 15 doubles, 14 homeruns, 41 RBI, 60 runs scored, while stealing

34 bases. She was the Metro Suburban Blue player of the year. Senior AJ Dwyer, a pitcher-first baseman, also returns. She hit .506 with 45 hits, 16 doubles, nine homeruns, 39 RBI and 33 runs scored. Dwyer also was 8-2 in the pitching circle on her way to ICA all-state second-team honors. Senior second baseman-pitcher Kayla Carrillo, also an all-conference selection, hit .472 a year ago with 50 hits, six triples, four homers and 34 RBI. Sophomore Maddy Dinino earned all-conference honors as a freshman. The pitcher-outfielder hit .404 with 36 hits and 20 RBI, while posting a 12-6 mark in the circle.

Key newcomers include freshmen Kelly Cahill, Lexi Russ and Ari Zito. Raffaelli is headed to Colgate University, while Dwyer is off to

College of Lake County. “Our senior leadership is definitely one of our biggest strengths,” Reaber said. “The seniors have all played a majority of their softball games, if not all, at the varsity level. They have experienced our highs and lows over the past three years and are already showing our younger players what it means to play varsity softball at IC Catholic Prep.”

This will be ICCP’s first year in the tough Girls Catholic Athletic Conference (GCAC). “There are a number of new schools that we will be facing for the first time,” Reaber said. The Knights were off to a 3-0 start on the young season with wins over Nazareth Academy, St. Ignatius and De La Salle.

In a 15-4 win over Nazareth, the

Optimism abounds for Timothy Christian softball team

Trojans return three key veterans in Younglove, Mook and Wetterquist

By Mike Miazga

CORRESPONDENT

Timothy Christian softball coach Lindsey Slovey has a nice luxury this spring with three key contributors back on the field. The Trojans return senior Kaleigh Sue Younglove, along with juniors Sophia Mook and Chloe Wetterquist.

Younglove is a returning all-conference pitcher in the old Metro Suburban Conference Red Division, while Mook, a shortstop, also earned all-MSC Red accolades. Wetterquist returns at second base. “Kaleigh Sue, Sophia and Chloe were among the best the program has seen in years,” Slovey said. “They are very important to the defense and the offense. They are coming back stronger and better.”

Timothy was 8-10 a year ago and took third in the MSC Red with a 6-4 record. The Trojans advanced to

the second round of the regional playoffs.

Key newcomers to the team include a quartet of freshmen in third baseman Grace Hoffman, catcherinfielder-outfielder Lauren Kottke, catcher-outfielder Lucy Melzer and first baseman-picher Alex Johnson. Five starters are back from last year’s group. “Of the nine starters, six of them play year-round softball,” Slovey said. “We have never had a team that has this many travel players.”

This will be the Trojans’ first year in the new Chicagoland Christian Conference. “We are in a new conference this year. We will see some of the same teams, but a few new teams as well,” Slovey said. “We are excited to play the teams that beat us last year and see how we compete.

The Trojans were scheduled to play RiversideBrookfield and Fenton this week.

Knights pounded out 18 hits. Raffaelli hit for the cycle, going 4-for-5 with four runs scored, three RBI. She had a single, a double, a triple and a home run. Dinno went 3-for-4 with a double and four RBI. Russ was 3-for5 with two runs scored and a double. Dwyer went 2-for-4 with two runs scored, a double and three RBI. Cahill had two RBI. Zito went 2-for-4 with a double, two runs scored and two RBI. Dinno was the winning pitcher. She allowed three earned runs and struck out three while walking one.

In a wild 13-12 win in 10 innings against St. Ignatius, the Knights had 17 hits. Raffaelli went 3-for-6 with three runs scored, a home run and an RBI. Senior Zoe McMillen went 3-for-5 with two runs scored, a dou-

ble and two RBI. Russ went 3-for-5 with four runs scored and a double. Dwyer was 2-for-5 with two runs scored, a double, a homer and two RBI. Cahill went 2-for-5 with an RBI. Dinno was the winning pitcher. She struck out five and pitched all 10 innings.

In a 10-8 win over De La Salle, Raffaelli was 3-for-5 with two runs scored and a double. Carrillo went 2-for-4 with a run scored. Junior Isabella Jelic went 2-for-4 with a run scored and two RBI. Russ was 3-for-4 with a run scored and an RBI.

Dwyer went 2-for-3 with two runs scored, a triple, a homer and three RBI. Zito had two RBI. Zito was the winning pitcher in relief. She struck out two in 6 1/3 innings.

Senior leadership will be key for York girls soccer team Dukes coming off Class 4A regional-title season

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

York girls soccer coach Stevan Dobric sees senior leadership as one of his squad’s key strengths this spring. “I am counting on all the seniors for their leadership and to bring their A-games every day,” he said.

Key senior returners back for York include defender Ava Hansmann, midfielder-forward Michaela Quinn, defender Mia Barton and midfielder-forward Hannah Meyers. “Michaela and Hannah are huge threats going forward and they are looking to continue to provide in the final third,” Dobric said. “Mia and Ava will provide the leadership in the backline.”

Hansmann is a returning all-sectional and all-West Suburban Silver selection who had three goals and six assists last season. Quinn also earned all-sectional and all-WSC Silver honors. She had 11 goals and nine assists in 2023 and has 26 goals and 16 assists in her York career. Barton had a goal and an assist last year out of the backfield, while Meyers had four goals and 10 assists last year and has career totals of seven goals and 14 assists.

York did add two new key players in senior forward Sophia Musial, a first-year varsity performer who will play at DePaul University in the fall.

IC Catholic Prep graduate

Leslie headed to Le Moyne

Will play volleyball for Division II school

By Mike Miazga

CORRESPONDENT

Recent IC Catholic Prep gradu ate Bella Leslie wanted to head east for college.

Her landing spot ended up being at NCAA Division II Le Moyne College where the former Knights volleyball and soccer standout will continue her volleyball career at the Syracuse, New York school as a libero.

“All of the schools I was looking at were on the East Coast,” Leslie told the Independent last week. “I visited Le Moyne and really liked it. It reminded me of high school because it was a small school, and in a smaller school you will know a lot more faces than if I would have gone to a bigger school. The cam pus there is really pretty. It sits on a big hill and the scenery around it is great. Everything is pretty close together. They have very nice facilities. The volleyball program has good workout facilities and a nice locker room. I liked how modern it was.”

teachers. It will be weird for the first year or so.”

• Soccer

(Continued from page 16)

Stella Kohl also is a first-year varsity addition. The senior will play at Loyola-Chicago in the fall. York is coming off a 2023 season where it went 15-4-2 overall and finished second in the WSC Silver with a 5-1 record. The Dukes also won a Class 4A regional title. The Dukes have six starters from that regional title team back. Of those six, Quinn and Hansmann are four-year varsity starters. “Michaela is a dynamic player who brings a lot of options in the final third,” Dobric said. “Her ability to beat players on the dribble or create chances is a great luxury to have as a coach. Ava provides stability in the backline, but also provides options to our players moving into the attack. Ava excels on 1v1 matchups and this year should be no different.”

Dobric also is a big fan of the team’s chemistry. “This team has a tremendous sense of humor that makes training an enjoyable experience for everyone,” he explained. “Even though they love to make jokes and have a good laugh, they still know how to work hard and get the job done. This combination of working hard and having fun will only lead to improvement and success on the field this season.”

Crowd gathers as TV cameras roll

A big crowd gathered in downtown Elmhurst on the afternoon of Friday, March 15. A person involved with the production indicated they were filming for an upcoming TV series called “Emperor of Ocean Park,” a 10-episode dramatic tale set in Chicago, based on Stephen L. Carter’s best-selling novel.

Leslie plans on studying nursing at Le Moyne. “They have a good nursing program,” she said. “As far as what kind of a nurse I want to be, I’m not quite sure yet.”

By Jerry Nowicki CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

Leslie played volleyball and girls soccer at IC Catholic Prep all four years. She was a center-midfielder on the Knights soccer team.

The state’s two main fiscal forecasting agencies agree: Illinois’ finances will see a strong close in the final 3 ½ months of the fiscal year before things tighten a bit next year.

Leslie’s volleyball journey started in the fifth grade, the first year she could play the sport at IC Grade School. She’s been playing club volleyball since seventh grade, most recently with the Chicago Elite group that practices out of Scores in Willow Springs and Montini High School in Lombard.

It’s a picture laid out in Gov. JB Pritzker’s budget proposal last month, and it got a vote of confidence last week from the legislature’s fiscal forecasting body, the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability.

“I’m really excited to be able to play volleyball in college,” she said. “It gives me something to do.

• Stopka

“So looking into fiscal year 25, what are we seeing? There is some concern going forward that the economy, or not necessarily the economy, but the revenues are slowing down,” COGFA revenue manager Eric Noggle said at the annual revenue briefing to the bipartisan commission of lawmakers.

Leslie said pandemic life hasn’t been overly exciting, though her club volleyball team has started practicing again. “We have been practicing two or three times a week,” she said. “We are going to be starting tournaments again. Before that I haven’t been doing anything because senior soccer season and the club volleyball season were cancelled. We were supposed to go to a few club volleyball qualifiers in Grand Rapids and Louisville.

subsided, and the scope of the potential slowdown is reflected in Pritzker’s proposed spending plan for the upcoming fiscal year.

This summer, we have some tournaments planned over the next few weekends. They are little tournaments with all of the local clubs. Nothing large and really local. Other than that, I have been trying to work out a lot and stay in shape. I’ve been running a lot, so I got into that. I try and run every day.”

“During our last annual revenue meeting, we mentioned that many of the economic firms were still forecasting such a chance of a recession,” COGFA executive director Clayton Klenke said. “But we mentioned that the data that we saw coming in month to month gave us greater confidence that the economy would continue to chug along. And that is what we have continued to see.”

Leslie said she is scheduled to report to Le Moyne in the Aug. 1215 timeframe, but noted preseason volleyball activities already have

(Continued from page 18)

They lost to West Chicago on think an own goal in the last five minutes. That was against the state champs in the sectional finals. That’s a hell of a season if you ask me.”

COGFA’s revised revenue estimates expect the current fiscal year to end with $52.6 billion in revenue, or about $2 billion ahead of what lawmakers budgeted for last May.

the team recently and they said they should have an answer about our season in the next 7-10 days. They talked about three scenarios and what could happen like if we start the season and someone gets sick and we have to stop and go. That’s one of the reasons why they are looking at moving the season to the spring. Right now the plan is to have a season, but we won’t know until the next 7-10 days.”

Dobric said the WSC Silver will be tough as always. “Every year, the West Suburban Conference is incredibly difficult,” he said. “Every match provides challenges, and no opponent should be taken for granted. Our team goal is to win the conference, but that will only happen with a lot of hard work and focus.”

With recession fears subsiding, new state economic forecast expects ‘firm but steady growth’

COGFA. That includes $633 million received from the federal government as reimbursement for Medicaid services the state failed to collect in previous fiscal years.

Because those one-time sources are not expected to repeat, COGFA is expecting revenues to decrease to about $52.1 billion in the fiscal year that begins July 1.

But if all systems are a go, Leslie can’t wait to take her skills as a libero to the next level with the Dolphins. “I feel like being a libero you have to be really quick and that is typically what I am good at. I have really good reaction time,” she said. “I like diving on the floor and saving balls. It’s a really good feeling when you make a save. The position fits my personality, too. You have to be the loudest one on the court. I have a loud personality. You have to be pretty loud if you want to be a libero. I think I match that description.”

That’s $916 million below GOMB’s estimate that was included in Pritzker’s budget proposal. But Pritzker’s plan also anticipates raising more than $1 billion in additional revenue through tax law changes, including more than doubling the state tax on sports betting and extending a cap on a tax credit for net operating losses that businesses can claim.

a slowdown in big-item purchases.

He said that was a result of the federal reserve keeping interest rates high, which discourages borrowing. Growth in sales tax has also slowed as federal stimulus funds have waned, he said, and consum-

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

ers are slowly moving back toward pre-pandemic trends of spending more money on untaxed services than on taxable goods. Wages and employment are still growing in Illinois, but at a slower pace than one year ago.

Still, COGFA staff noted general nationwide fears of a recession have subsided, and the scope of the potential slowdown is reflected in Pritzker’s proposed spending plan for the upcoming fiscal year.

Stopka will teach Spanish at York. He taught Spanish and one math class at St. Pat’s. “My philosophy is I am more of a players’ coach,” he said.

“I have been a big Liverpool soccer supporter ever since 2015 when Jurgen Klopp came over and he’s known as a players’ coach. He’s kind of my coaching idol. I want to related to the players and form bonds with them.

“During our last annual revenue meeting, we mentioned that many of the economic firms were still forecasting such a chance of a recession,” COGFA executive director Clayton Klenke said. “But we mentioned that the data that we saw coming in month to month gave us greater confidence that the economy would continue to chug along. And that is what we have continued to see.”

Still, COGFA staff noted general nationwide fears of a recession have

am more light-hearted and smiling. I like to have fun and joke with the kids. The goal is understanding where each player can be successful and the provide the best way possible to convey the knowledge they need at the position they play. I am not big

huge rah-rah person. I’m a little bit more of an individual players’ coach. I will pull kids to the side at practice and games and teach them.”

That estimate tracks closely with the revenue estimate released by the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget in February. The GOMB estimate was about 0.7 percent, or $374 million, below COGFA’s updated projection.

Current-year revenue estimates have been driven upward by strong economic performance, as seen by an annual transfer from the state’s income tax refund fund that exceeded expectations by $255 million. Larger than expected transfers from that fund are a general indicator that individual household incomes are performing strongly, driven by such factors as strong stock market or interest gains in the previous fiscal year.

But state coffers also saw about $881 million in unexpected onetime revenues this year, according to

Stopka noted York has been doing conditioning drills and said the plan as of earlier last week was to start summer camp pending District 205 approval. “I have probably been able to meet 60 to 70 percent of the players so far,” he said. “If it does get approved that would be the start of our contact days with four days a week for three weeks straight. And even though the IHSA waived the blackout dates before the school year, we won’t take advantage of that. I’m pretty sure families have plans to do things before school starts. I’m the new guy and I’m not going to say you can’t go with your family. Go do it and enjoy it. This is a crazy and

Factoring in those changes, COGFA’s estimate would be about $182 million above what the governor’s office projected in February – a difference of just 0.3 percent.

Benjamin Varner, COGFA’s chief economist, said the state’s economic projections are largely based on data from the financial analytics group S&P Global.

S&P projected a 55 percent likelihood that the economy will progress “with firm but slowing growth.” It projected a 30 percent likelihood of a “pessimistic” scenario which would entail “a short, two-quarter recession.” A more optimistic scenario, marked by “stronger consumer demand and more banking support,” was given a 15 percent likelihood.

Noggle noted sales tax revenues are a main area of concern, driven by

ble and transparent and communicate with everybody.” As far as the future, Stopka wants York competing at a high level on a consistent basis. “The short-term goal is to restock and build up the team,” he said. “A large portion of last year’s team was seniors, especially the starting 11. We have to make sure the now juniors are up to the speed of the varsity level and are ready to contribute. We want to keep that pipeline going with the younger groups of players. We want to make sure we are not only competitive, but that we are competing for regionals, sectionals and supersectionals. It starts for me with this junior class that is coming in. We want them ready to go and setting the standard for these other classes that come in so they can also contribute right off

YORK HIGH SCHOOL PLAYER OF THE WEEK LAINEY PAUL YORK GIRLS TRACK AND FIELD

Paul won three events at the West Suburban Conference indoor meet recently. Paul won the pole vault title with a mark of 11-0. She also won the 55-meter dash title in 7.17 and also was crowned an indoor conference champion in the 200 dash with a time of 25.91.

Barr was the recipient of the 2019-2020 York Val Cothern junior female athlete of the year award. Barr went over the 1,000-career kill threshold last fall for the Dukes girls volleyball team and still has a season to add to that total.

CHRIS FOX PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

PETE CRUGER PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

Elmhurst Public Library programs

Friday, March 22 from 2-4 p.m.

Friday Features: The Artist

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

Saturday, March 23 from 10 a.m.-noon

Canasta

Join us for a friendly game of Canasta every week. Prior experience is

required. Live in-person. No registration required.

Monday, March 25 from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Streaming Video

Learn how to navigate the fast-changing world of streaming services. We’ll teach you about available streaming platforms and how to access them. Live in-person. Registration with EPL card required.

Monday, March 25 from 7-8:30 p.m.

Fake News, Real News, and How to Tell the Difference

Whether you call it propaganda, urban legend, misinformation, disinformation, or alternative facts, fake news is nothing new. Learn some of the history of fake news, how to identify fake news and pictures, and evaluate the biases of the real news you’re consuming. Live in-person

and on Zoom. Registration required.

Tuesday, March 26 from 7-8:30 p.m.

Discovering the Silent Cinema

Before the giant blockbuster films of today, there was the silent cinema. Learn about the early history of films, then watch a silent comedy with musical accompaniment from an authentic theater organ. Live in-person. Registration required.

Wednesday, March 27 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

American Mah Jongg: Open Play

Gather every Wednesday for American Mah Jongg, a game of skill, strategy, calculation, and a certain amount of chance. Live in-person. No registration required.

Thursday, March 28 from 7-8:30 p.m.

Biomimicry: Looking to Nature to Solve Today’s Problems

How has a gecko helped astronauts? How are hedgehogs helping to reduce the chances of a concussion? With the help of live animals, naturalist Kim White covers these and many more ways the natural world has helped inspire change and new technologies. Live in-person and on Zoom. Registration required.

Friday, March 29 from 2-4 p.m.

Friday Features: Creed III

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

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

National University of Health Sciences partners with the University of Akron

University of Akron students interested in chiropractic medicine will have a new opportunity to complete their bachelor and doctorate degrees in less time as part of the Advanced Scholar Program. National University of Health Sciences (NUHS) has partnered with the University of Akron to allow students to complete both their undergraduate and Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degrees in as little as seven years. The Advanced Scholars Program is a joint recruitment and dual ad -

mission effort that creates a coordinated curriculum specifically for exceptional students who maintain a 3.5 GPA or higher at The University of Akron. Students have the option of enrolling in the chiropractic program at NUHS’s Illinois campus at 200 E. Roosevelt Road in Lombard, or at its Florida site.

After satisfactory completion of all coursework in the first three trimesters or their first year at NUHS, they will earn a Bachelor of Science degree from The University of Akron.

LEGAL NOTICES

9. Resolution of Electors: Public Question “Shall the Township of York expand its transportation services to include all able-bodied people between the ages of 19 and 64?”

10. Public Comment (limit to 3 minutes)

11. Announcement of Next Annual Town Meeting on April 8, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.

12. Benediction

13. Adjournment

Anthony Cuzzone Town Clerk

(Published in the Elmhurst, Independent, Addison Independent, Bensenville Independent & Villa Park Review and Lombardian March 21, 2024) 452669

NOTICE

CERTIFICATE NO. 79381 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on MARCH 14, 2024, wherein the business firm of I HEART HOSTAS LOCATED AT 240 N. OAK STREET, ELMHURST, IL 60126 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) JENNIFER HILTON, HOME ADDRESS 240 N. OAK STREET, ELMHURST, IL 60126. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 14TH day of MARCH, A.D. 2024.

JEAN KACZMAREK Jean Kaczmarek

DuPage County Clerk (OFFICIAL SEAL)

a. Fiscal Year 2023/2024

8. Resolution of Electors: Authority to Sell

or Lease Property

(Published in The Elmhurst Independent March 21, 28 & April 4, 2024) 452854

Taking the plunge for a great cause

Approximately 350 participants from around the Chicago area, and around the state, who took part in Saturday’s Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge at the Oak Brook Bath & Tennis Club were greeted with above-average temperatures for this time of year. However, when they stepped into a pond at the Bath & Tennis Club, well, it sure felt like winter, as the water temperature was around 35 degrees. Nevertheless, these individuals, along with teams comprised of police departments, schools and corporations—as well as teams consisting of friends, families and from around the community—gladly plunged into the frigid water in order to help benefit Special Olympics Illinois. Over $2.3 million was raised for Special Olympics Illinois—a not-for-profit

Athletes of the Month for IC Catholic Prep

sports organization that offers year-round training and competition in 18 sports to a community of more than 55,000 traditional athletes, young athletes, unified partners, coaches, volunteers, and more. Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet (above left) was on hand for the event … and took the plunge himself! Mike McLaughlin (above right) of Elmhurst was the Special Olympics Illinois Polar Plunge ambassador. McLaughlin is a Special Olympics Illinois athlete for 35 years. This is the fifth year McLaughlin has taken the plunge. He currently participates in basketball, bowling, bocce ball, volleyball and softball. In the past, he has competed in tennis, swimming, cross country skiing and track and field. He has worked at Jewel-Osco in Elmhurst for 21 years.

Recognized by

IC Catholic Prep is proud to nominate their Wrestling Team for Athletes of the Month. The amazing ICCP Knights Wrestling Team had 10 athletes qualify for the Individual State, Class 2A Tournament in the IHSA Wrestling State Finals this year. The Wrestling Team walked away from the tournament with outstanding achievements. They had two champions, Michael Calcagno and Deven Casey! In addition, the following wrestlers finished the season with high standings: Brody Kelly was a State Runner-Up, Bryson Spaulding, Pat Mullen, Joey Gliatta and Foley Calcagno were Third place finalists and Omar Samayoa was a Fifth-place finalist. Congratulations to the Wrestling Team for their remarkable success this season!!

MIKE SANDROLINI PHOTOS Elmhurst Independent

Funeral and Memorial