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1 • Thursday, March 3, 2022 - The Elmhurst Independent

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Capital projects update offered at D205 Board meeting Some criticize Board for ‘Corwin Deep Equity Program’

FOR THE ELMHURST INDEPENDENT

The Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205 Board held a regular meeting on Feb. 22 at the District 205 Center, 162 S. York St. All seven board members attended

the meeting.

Eight people spoke during the meeting’s public-participation segment. Some of the speakers were district parents who criticized portions of the district’s curriculum, including the Corwin Deep Equity Program.

Some of the speakers said that pro- Schmidt, the district’s director of fagram does not belong in the district’s cilities. He noted that the project to schools. build the new Lincoln Elementary School is coming together. The new Update on capital projects school should be ready to open in The meeting included a brief up- August for the start of the 2022-23 date about capital projects from Todd school year.

ICGS 5th grade teams win tourney

Members of the ICGS 5th grade Blue and White Knights basketball teams have a celebration with their “Sibling Super Fans” following a successful Conference Tournament against Visitation. The ICGS White Team took home the regular season

Inside:

Schmidt said the work to build a new Field Elementary School will start at the end of the current school year. Demolition of the current building is scheduled to begin on June 17.

See PROJECTS, Page 9

SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

championship with an undefeated regular season record, while the Blue Team won the Conference Tournament. IC beat Visitation by a score of 25-19.

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The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, March 3, 2022 • 3

Cullerton resigns Senate seat, reportedly plans to plead guilty to federal charges Former labor committee chair was charged with being paid by unions without doing work

CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

State Sen. Tom Cullerton, D-Villa Park, resigned his seat on Wednesday, Feb. 23 and will reportedly plead guilty in March to federal corruption

charges.

Cullerton, 52, a former chairman of the Senate Labor Committee, was first elected to the Senate in 2012 and was seated in 2013. In August 2019, he was indicted on multiple charges of

embezzlement for allegedly receiving pay and benefits from Teamsters Joint Council 25 while doing little or no work for the union.

Cullerton had denied any wrongdoing and was originally scheduled to

CHRIS FOX PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

Leading scorer

Senior Drew Kircher (No. 3) of York’s boys basketball team scored a team-leading 19 points in last week’s 53-45 victory over Willowbrook in a semifinal game at the IHSA Class 4A Glenbard West Regional in Glen Ellyn. Kircher scored four baskets and made 11 of 13 free-throw attempts in the Dukes’ Feb. 23 victory over the Warriors. York’s season ended with Friday’s 64-26 loss to Glenbard West in the regional’s championship game.

Community Bank of Elmhurst

go on trial in 2020, but that was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. His most recent trial date was scheduled for April 18.

On Feb. 23, though, the Chica- Tom Cullerton go Sun-Times reported that Cullerton’s attorney, Daniel Collins, had requested a change of plea hearing and Cullerton submitted his resignation to the Senate.

U.S. District Judge Robert Gettleman scheduled that plea hearing for March 8.

“Tom Cullerton served his constituents in the 23rd Senate District for nearly a decade. I look forward to welcoming and working with a new senator from the district,” Senate President Don Harmon, D-Oak Park, said in a statement.

Cullerton’s indictment in 2019 grew out of a sprawling investigation

by U.S. Attorney John Lausch’s office into public corruption in Illinois politics. That investigation also led to indictments of former Sen. Martin Sandoval, now deceased, former Sen. Terry Link and former Rep. Luis Arroyo, all Democrats.

It also led to indictments of several officials at utility giant Commonwealth Edison for allegedly trying to bribe former longtime House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, in exchange for passing favorable legislation for the company.

Although Madigan himself was not charged and denied any wrongdoing, that controversy, among others, led to him being ousted from the speaker’s position by Democrats in the General Assembly and, in 2021, his resignation from the House.

In October 2021, Cullerton’s attorney filed a motion to dismiss most of the charges. In that motion, he explained that Cullerton had been a member of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and worked as a truck driver for Hostess Brands until that company filed for bankruptcy in

2012, the same year he was elected to the Senate.

“Cullerton had been elected to the state Senate, but like most members of the state legislature, he needed a second job—one with some flexibility, especially since he would be in Springfield during legislative sessions,” his attorney explained.

In March 2013, John Coli, the

See CULLERTON, Page 7

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4 • Thursday, March 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.

Periodical Postage Paid at Elmhurst, IL.

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

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

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

Advertising: Brenda Garcia

Subscriptions:

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

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

For home delivery information call 630.834-8244.

Reprints:

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

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

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Elmhurst St. Patrick’s Day Parade List of parade entries

Below are the entries as they are expected to appear in the Elmhurst St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 5 beginning at 12 noon. This list is the most accurate that was available at press time. Enjoy the parade!

• Medinah Oriental Band • Medinah Highlanders • Medinah Segway Unit • Medinah Shriners Fire Unit • Aurora Area Shrine Club • Medinah Car Club • Medinah Motor Corp • Antioch Brass Quintet • Medinah Marauders Shrine Club • Dupage Shrine Club Cruizin Coolers • Shannon Rovers Irish Pipe Band • Mulhern School Of Irish Dance • Elm Tree Lane • York Township Seniors • Judge Mike Reidy • Jillotte For Circuit Court Judge • Judge Kauita Athanikar • Casten For Congress • Chicago Blues Hockey Club • Ecsa- Elmhurst City Soccer Association & Ayso Elmhurst Region 399 • Elmhurst Youth Baseball- White Sox Mascot South Paw • American Royal Beauties State & National Royalty • School Of Rock Elmhurst • Foy School Of Irish Dancing • Grace Bible Church Kingdom Kids • Pazzi Di Pizza • Supreme Court Justice Mike Burker • John Noldan- Guarnteed Rate • Mia Mcpherson For Circuit Court • Hart For Dupage • Concrete Doctors • Cindy Cronin Cahill For Dupage • Medina Flying Carpets • Amy Schiller • Immaculate Conception Grade School • State Representative Deanne Mazzochi • Fitness Formula Clubs- Elmhurst

• City Of Elmhurst Elected Officials + Explore Elmhurst Trolly • Elmhurst Childrens’ Theatre • Trinity Irish Dancers • Elmhurst Armpit Orchestra • Jdog Junk Removal & Hauling • Elmhurst American Legion The Post 187 • Sbc Waste Solutions, Inc • Wandering Shamrocks Harmonica Band • Daniel Hebreard 2022 • Advanced Orthodontic Specialists • Superior Ambulance Service • L.W Reedy Real Estate • Medinah Aviators • Medinah Clown Unit • South West Side Shrine Club Mini-T’s • Paul Bunyon And Sons Tree Service • Dupage Chairman Dan Cronin • Community Bank Of Elmhurst • Darren Bailey And Stephanie Trussell For Illinois • Chiefs Hockey Club • Chicago Blues Hockey Club Entry #2 • Chicago Blues Hockey Club Entry #3 • Chicago Blues Hockey Club Entry #4 • Elmhurst Baseball and Softball League • Team Elmhurst Soccer Club a/k/a TESC • Pete DiCianni- DuPage County • Chi-Ill Grotto • Aloha Restoration • Great American Exteriors • DuPage County Sheriff • Visitation Catholic School • Elmhurst YMCA • Elmhurst Bears Youth Club • Club Pilates Elmhurst • Terry Koch • First Student Glen Ellyn Bus Company • Rabine For Governor • Chicago Blues Hockey Club Entry #5 • D+P Construction • Elmhurst Bears Youth Football Club Entry #2 • Roesch Family Auto Group • Republic Services • Elmhurst Eagles

• Baird & Warner Inc • Elmhurst Park District • West Suburban Shrine Club- “Roaring-57s” • Elmhurst Art Museum • Bob Dunn For DuPage County Board • Kilwins Elmhurst • Kelly Stetler Real Estate/ Compass • Goldfish Swim School • Spring Inn and Vipers Softball Alumni • IC Catholic Prep • Elmhurst Hospital • Elmhurst University • The Band of Brothers Pipes And Drums • McNally’s Heating & Cooling, Inc • Richard Irvin For Illinois • O’Hare Towing Company • Conforti For Congress • Evolution Dance Experience • Chicago Dogs Baseball • Sullivan For Illinois • Elmhurst History Museum/Elmhurst Heritage Foundation • Elmhurst Independent • O’Connor Garage Door • Olympia Chiropractic & Physical Therapy

ARCHIVE PHOTOS Elmhurst Independent

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

$10 million grant program will help non-profits most affected by COVID

DuPage County presented a check for $10.6 million to DuPage Foundation this morning to mark the launch of a strategic grantmaking partnership known as the DuPage Community Transformation Partnership (Partnership).

Over the next five years, the Partnership will implement a $10 million grant program to support social service notfor-profit organizations helping DuPage County residents most severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program will focus on providing assistance for food insecurity, housing instability, mental health and substance abuse.

In January, the County Board voted to execute an agreement to allocate $10.6 million to DuPage Foundation in federal funds received through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) for the grant program. The Foundation received $600,000 to administer the program and disburse the ARPA funds on behalf of the County.

“Together, the County Board, DuPage Foundation and our non-profit organizations will make a positive, lasting difference to those workers and families in DuPage County who have been hit hardest by the COVID-19 crisis,” said DuPage

“

This is a wonderful opportunity to provide transformative change for our community, and our staff and Board of Trustees are thrilled to commence our partnership with the County.”

– Dave McGowan, DuPage Foundation President and CEO

County Board Chairman Dan Cronin.

“This partnership fosters a sustainable, whole-community approach to supporting those in need.”

“This is a wonderful opportunity to provide transformative change for our community, and our staff and Board of Trustees are thrilled to commence our partnership with the County,” said DuPage Foundation President and CEO Dave McGowan.

Guidelines will be developed over the next few months and an announcement regarding the application process will be made in spring, 2022.

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6 • Thursday, March 3, 2022 - The Elmhurst Independent

Police beat

tal for treatment. Charges are pending.

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.

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

Criminal damage, criminal trespass Feb. 19 Police said an unknown suspect broke the seventh-floor wall sign in the Addison Parking Garage at 8:25 a.m. Graffiti was also located inside both elevators.

Feb. 18 The manager of a store in the 600 block of W. North told police at 3:50 p.m. that a suspect was in the store causing a disturbance and threatening the manager. The suspect left the store and was later located by officers at a gas station. The suspect was advised not to return to the store and was issued a no-trespass notice.

Domestic battery, domestic incident, disorderly conduct, disturbance Feb. 19 A complainant in the 300 block of E. Yorkfield told police at 11:39 a.m. that his mother grabbed him by the shirt for no reason. The complainant’s mother stated the victim was upset and grabbed her by her shirt. No complaints to be signed and the victim called a relative to go stay with him.

CALL 800-222-TIPS surance subsequent to a traffic stop in the 100 block of E. Lake at 3:23 a.m.

Feb. 19 Araceli Bustamante, 33, of Villa Park, was charged with DUI and possession of open alcohol subsequent to a well-being check near Walnut and Third at 7:50 a.m.

Andreu Osika, 47, of San Francisco, was charged with DUI, improper lane usage and no insurance subsequent to a traffic stop near North and Berteau at 2:34 a.m.

Harassment, threats Feb. 23 A victim in the 100 block of Cottage Hill related at 6:29 p.m. that after previously advising the suspect to terminate all contact, he texted her. The reporting officer spoke with the suspect who related there is a court order in place allowing him to contact her.

Feb. 18 Police said a former Elmhurst University employee filed a harassment report regarding a fellow employee on Feb. 16. On the above date, the university received several calls from the suspect who left threatening messages. An investigation is pending.

Feb. 20-Feb. 21 A victim in the 800 block of N. Parker reported at 10:19 a.m. that her ex-boyfriend from 2019 keeps calling and messaging her and she wanted him to stop. A reporting officer contacted the suspect who stated he would no longer contact her.

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

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

Feb. 22 Juan P. Carlin Ojeda, 21, of Chicago, was charged with no valid driver’s license, tinted windows and illegal transportation of alcohol subsequent to a traffic stop near York and I-290 at 4:58 p.m.

Feb. 20 Felix Cortez, 22, of Chicago, was charged with DUI, driving while license suspended, possession of cannabis by a driver, improper lane usage and no insurance subsequent to a traffic stop near Route 83 and Riverside at 12:55 a.m.

Jeremiah Kemp, 25, of Addison, was charged with DUI, improper lane usage and disobeying a stop sign subsequent to a traffic stop near Highland and Fremont at 2:59 a.m.

Paulina Rosol, 37, of Prospect Heights, was charged with DUI, expired registration, failure to carry driver’s license on person and no in-

Feb. 22 Luis J. Flores, 31, of Elmhurst, was charged with unlawful possession of cannabis over 100 grams in the 100 block of W. First at 9:14 p.m.

Feb. 21 Joseph Hadac, 31, of Cicero, was charged with no valid driver’s license, no plate light, unlawful possession of cannabis and unlawful possession of a controlled substance subsequent to a traffic stop near North and Villa at 10:47 p.m.

Feb. 20 Police said officers responded to the 600 block of S. Swain at 9 p.m. for a medic assist.

Upon arrival, the complainant told police that the suspect took his prescription medication with alcohol and that he may be overdosing.

While questioning the suspect, officers recovered 3.0 grams of cocaine. Medics arrived on scene and transported the suspect to the hospi-

Feb. 22 Identity theft was reported in the 600 block of N. Oaklawn at noon. A victim told police that an unknown suspect used her personal information to open a Verizon account and fraudulently purchased an iPhone 13 Max. Burglary was reported at a business in the 900 block of S. Route 83 at 8:18 a.m. A complainant related during a five-minute break, he left his office and filing cabinet unlocked.

Upon his return, seven files were missing from his filing cabinet. An investigation is pending.

Feb. 17 Theft was reported at a company in the 600 block of W. Grand at 12:09 p.m. A victim reports one of their checks was cashed fraudulently. The victim’s bank was notified and stopped the transfer.

83 told police several checks were deposited into the suspect’s bank account sometime between the above dates. The checks were determined to be fraudulent.

Theft of catalytic converters

According to information provided last week by the Elmhurst Police Department, police reported three incidents of catalytic converters being removed and stolen from vehicles at the following locations: a hotel in the 900 block of S. Riverside; a business in the 700 block and the 800 block of N. Church (eight total catalytic converters).

Warrant arrest

Feb. 23 Police said officers responded to the 400 block of W. Butterfield at 12:20 p.m. for the report of a suspect, Jaheim S. Jackson, 19, of Chicago, who was wanted for multiple warrants. The complainant, Roshelle A. Woods, 19, of Chicago, was found to have a warrant from the Will County Sheriff’s Office, according to police. Officers made contact with Jackson and learned he had five valid warrants for his arrest, police said. Jackson allegedly resisted officers as they attempted to take him into custody. Jackson was charged with resisting a police officer, and released to the custody of the Orland Park Police Department for its warrant.

Feb. 14 Identity theft was reported in the 100 block of E. Columbia at 4:55 p.m. A victim reports an unknown suspect(s) used his personal information to open a checking account with Wells Fargo Bank and attempted an online purchase using the victim’s debit card information. The victim was able to deny the transaction before it went through.

Feb. 21 Police said that subsequent to a suspicious Jan. 18 vehicle in the 100 block of S. Prospect, Adam Forgery was reported in the 400 block of E. Santiago, 35, of Chicago, was found to have a Parkside at 7:07 p.m. A victim reports an un- valid warrant out of the DuPage County Sherknown suspect(s) gained access to his business iff’s Office. Lillian Olvera, 33, of Chicago, a checking account and was able to fraudulently passenger in the vehicle, was issued a citation cash two checks. The victim is not missing any for possession of open alcohol. Santiago also checks from his checkbook. The account has was charged with possession of cannabis by a since been closed. driver.

Dec. 29, 2021 Forgery was reported in the 100 block of S. York. A victim reports an unknown suspect stole a check he sent in the mail and changed the payee on it.

Feb. 19 Police said that subsequent to a traffic stop near North and Indiana at 8:17 a.m., Angelo Oquendo, 20, of Chicago, was found to have an active warrant out of the Cook County Sheriff’s Office. He also was charged with driving Aug. 13-Aug. 16, 2021 while license suspended, tinted windows and A complainant in the 300 block of S. Route no insurance.

County announces grants available for flood control projects DuPage County’s Stormwater Management Department is accepting grant proposals from municipalities for flood control and water quality projects countywide.

The selected projects will be partially funded using an allocation of DuPage County’s American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) funding from the federal government.

“Unlike previous federal programs in response to the pandemic, ARPA allows for funding of stressors common across all forms of government, including stormwater management,” said DuPage County Stormwater Management Committee Chairman Jim Zay. “At the County, we’re taking advantage of these funds to not only construct County projects, but to also assist in funding local projects that align with our mission.”

Open to municipal governments, DuPage County’s grant will award funding to shovel-ready projects that demonstrate flood protection and

resilience measures. The County will provide a 50/50 cost-share of up to $500,000 per awarded project. The grant encourages projects that offer strong multi-jurisdictional and multi-purpose benefits.

“One of the goals of this funding is to build stronger communities in the face of adversity, specifically flooding,” added Zay. “We’re looking for projects that benefit local communities during times of hardship and beyond.”

In total, DuPage County was allotted $178 million through federal ARPA funding, which is being used by County departments and entities countywide for applicable projects and initiatives. This grant program will distribute an estimated $8 million of that funding.

Municipalities may apply for funding via DuPage County’s APRA grant webpage, which includes guidance on how to apply, project prioritization and scoring. The application deadline is 5 p.m. Thursday, April 21. To learn more, visit www.dupageco.org/swm/arpagrant/.

The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, March 3, 2022 • 7

Governor lifts Illinois indoor mask mandate leader in the Midwest,” said Gov. Pritzker. “Today, our hospitals are much better positioned to handle emergencies and more than half of all eligible adults have been boosted; this is the progress we needed to make to remove our state indoor masking requirements.

“As individuals, I encourage everyone to make the best choices going forward to protect your health, along with that of your family and community – and most importantly to treat each other with kindness and compassion.”

Masks will still be required where federally mandated (including on public transit), health care facilities, congregate settings, long term care facilities, and daycare settings.

Additionally, private businesses and municipalities may choose to implement their own masking requirements. Schools are urged to continue following state and federal guidance to help keep students and staff safe in the classroom. The Governor will review the results of lifting the indoor mask mandate before making any announcement regarding the school mask mandate.

In the last four months of 2021— following the reinstatement of the state’s mask mandate last August 30—Illinois had fewer COVID-19 hospitalizations per capita and fewer COVID-19 deaths per capita than the entire Great Lakes region. In the same period, Illinois out-tested the

entire Midwest on a per capita basis, providing residents with significantly better access to testing than any of its neighbors.

Even with a much greater testing capacity, Illinois saw fewer reported COVID-19 cases per capita during this time than neighbors such as Iowa and Missouri.

Illinois remains a standout in the Midwest for its vaccination rates. Illinois is home to the highest percent-

State files appeal to Supreme • Cullerton (Continued from page 3) Court on mask mandate ruling former president of Teamsters Joint Pritzker says clarity needed for ‘next emergency’

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The Illinois Supreme Court is being asked to review the state’s mask mandate and other COVID-19 mitigation orders for K-12 schools on an expedited schedule.

Attorney General Kwame Raoul filed a petition for appeal Feb. 22, along with a motion for an emergency stay of a Sangamon County judge’s order to block enforcement of the rules.

The state is asking for a schedule that would allow for oral arguments as soon as the week of March 20.

On Feb. 4, Sangamon County Circuit Judge Raylene Grischow issued a temporary restraining order blocking enforcement of the rules which, among other things, require schools to exclude students or staff from their buildings if they have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19, and require unvaccinated staff to undergo testing at least once a week.

In her ruling, Grischow cited a section of the Illinois Department of Public Health Act that says people may not be quarantined without their consent or a court order and concluded that the mitigation mandates amounted to a kind of quarantine.

Two weeks later, a three-judge panel of the 4th District Court of Appeals declined to review that decision, saying the issue was “moot” because, in the intervening time, the legislature’s Joint Committee on Administrative Rules voted not to extend the Illinois Department of Public Health’s emergency rules that put those mandates in place.

The appeal comes just days before Gov. JB Pritzker’s administration was scheduled to lift the statewide indoor mask mandate for most public places, except in schools and health care settings.

That went into effect on Monday.

Pritzker has said he intends to lift the school mandate as well, possibly within the next few weeks, saying schools need more time because of the large number of unvaccinated children in the buildings and the close proximity in which they work.

Asked last week why the administration continues to appeal the case,

Pritzker said he thinks it’s important to clarify the powers of the governor and state agencies in case of another public health emergency.

“This really is about what do we do in the next emergency, as much as anything, what happens when there is another omicron wave or, God forbid, at some future date, another pandemic or some other major emergency that affects everybody in the state,” Pritzker said during an unrelated news conference in Decatur. “We want to be able to do the right thing for the people across the state and so we hope that the Supreme Court will see that and rule on that despite the decision by the appellate court.”

In his appeal, Raoul’s office also argued that there needs to be clarity because different appellate courts have ruled differently on the same question.

In 2020, the 2nd District Court of Appeals in Kane County ruled against the owners of FoxFire Tavern in Geneva and upheld Pritzker’s indoor mask mandate for bars and restaurants. In that ruling, the court specifically found that the orders “were not tantamount to quarantine orders, isolation orders, or business-closure orders,” and that the governor’s actions were authorized under the Illinois Emergency Management Act. “As a result, the (Sangamon County) circuit court’s order has infused confusion into an area of law that was settled and holds the governor to a standard not required by statute,” Raoul’s office stated in the appeal.

In its motion to stay the Sangamon County restraining order, Raoul’s office said the order is creating confusion for entire communities.

“Today, parents, teachers, school staff, and members of their communities are faced with impossible choices,” the motion states. “Some schools have eliminated mitigation measures on the threat of legal liability, some parents have been forced to withdraw students from school, and uncertainty regarding the applicable legal regime reigns. This court should stay the circuit court’s (temporary restraining order) during the pendency of these proceedings and restore the status quo.”

Council 25 who has also been indicted, hired Cullerton and told him “to complete his political responsibilities and to attend picket lines and other union events,” according to a statement Coli made to a grand jury that was included in Cullerton’s court filing at the time.

Cullerton was charged with 39 counts of embezzlement—one for each paycheck he received—as well as illegally obtaining health care through the union’s health insurance plan.

Judge Gettleman denied the motion to dismiss the charges and ordered the case to proceed.

Cullerton’s seat will be filled by appointment from the Democratic party organization in the 23rd Senate district.

Prior to serving in the state Senate, Cullerton served as Villa Park village president from 2009 to 2013 and was a village trustee from 2005 to 2009.

age of residents who have received a COVID-19 vaccine as well as the highest percentage of vaccinated and fully vaccinated 5–17-year-olds.

Vaccines continue to be readily available at pharmacies across the state, many local health departments, doctor offices, federally qualified health centers, and other locations.

To find a COVID-19 vaccination location near you, go to www.vaccines.gov.

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Due to the continued decrease in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations (down 50 percent), and increase in available ICU beds (up 24 percent), Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker announced on Friday, Feb .25, that the state’s indoor mask requirement would end on Monday, Feb. 28, at 12:01 a.m.

More than eight million people in Illinois are fully vaccinated with an average of approximately 16,000 COVID-19 vaccines administered each day, including more than 4,600 first doses daily.

“Throughout this pandemic, we’ve taken action to save lives and keep our economy open – and I’m proud that Illinoisans have done the hard work that has our made our state a

8 • Thursday, March 3, 2022 - The Elmhurst Independent

The Elmhurst Independent

Viewpoint

March 3, 2022 • 8

York alum dad urges caution about EPIC’s mission, allegations A new angry group has made the scene in Elmhurst. Amidst the outrage over remote learning and masks and pandemic protocols, Elmhurst Parents for Integrity in Curriculum, EPIC, is the loudest voice in the room. They see politics being taught at York High School. They see indoctrination, not education. They are asking for special privileges from the district and warning about dangerous lessons being taught to our students.

The brainchild of vocal District 205 Board of Education critic Tom Chavez, EPIC’s mission statement says, “We welcome all political affiliations.” The mission says, “We strive for our schools adopting education strategies and curriculum that works” and “Curriculum should not be designed or taught for the purposes of biased political advocacy,” but instead of addressing the Illinois State Board of Education or Governor Pritzker who set the standards, they’re directing their anger at a much softer target: local teachers.

In name, photograph and one time before the website existed, with actual home address, they call out specific teachers and the evil “marxism” they are teaching. They refer to them as “teachers,” not legitimate enough to exist outside quotation marks. One only needs to see the open rage expressed at public comments at Board of Ed meetings to know that this targeting is irresponsible, unAmerican.

EPIC worries that our children are being taught to destroy the nuclear family, “Our family believes in the nuclear family structure. I do not want a ‘teacher’ trying to convince my child that the non-nuclear family structure is a better way,” writes Chavez, a concerning charge. But just like so many of EPIC’s arguments, it does not hold up to a quick Google search. There is no such lesson. To believe that York teachers are advocating for the abandonment of the nuclear family, parents are asked to make a leap through three completely unrelated organizations to get from there to here. …

To believe EPIC’s allegation about York teachers, parents have to be-

lieve that packed inside that module and through three independent tangents, there is a Trojan-horse lesson on the destruction of the nuclear family.

Let’s assume, however, it is the case. Let’s say the nuclear family is being destroyed in history class or witchcraft is being taught in social emotional learning. While that sounds absurd, no district should be beyond reproach and no curriculum should be above scrutiny. For any parent who wishes to investigate a questionable curriculum, there is a process in place at D205. EPIC knows this, as they have used this recourse again and again, to no avail.

All instruction has been passed muster.

But they are not satisfied. They want a do-over, a re-take. With scores of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests and demanded meetings, EPIC has legally obliged the district to dedicate resources, our children’s resources, to mount a defense for whichever curriculum EPIC is objecting to. A department head must construct an outline for the coursework’s validity, a sort of onehour crash course on American history or Black authors. Not surprisingly, calculus classes never get called into question. This all takes time and resources. Recently, one such meeting, presumably between one parent and one department chair, was preceded by a throng of non-parents and partisans, carrying signs outside York, desperately trying to make a media frenzy out of a regular school day.

Elmhurst has exceptional schools.

For decades, they’ve tasked our children to objectively analyze differing viewpoints; they’ve molded critical thinkers. Please view EPIC with that critical eye. Any organization dedicated to maintaining our schools is doing great work for the community.

Getting caught up in today’s culture wars and attacking teachers is no way to keep District 205 one of Elmhurst’s Crown Jewels.

Guido Nardini District 205 father York ‘90

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Slices of life

Grief tutorial 2.0, Part 2

“In this world, nothing is certain but death and taxes.” – Benjamin Franklin Ben was a smart guy, but I’d like to add one item to his list: grief.

Death is nearly, almost always accompanied by grief; it is a third certainty in our world.

Last week I wrote advice for those grieving. Today the advice is for those helping another through a loss.

When you love someone who is grieving: Please don’t avoid me. Don’t walk in the other direction when we both find ourselves on aisle five at the super store. If you see me, I see you too and I also see you hurriedly turning your cart to walk in the other direction.

I know interacting with me can be scary because I am a reminder of what may very likely be you some day; it will be nearly all of us one day, because to love is to put oneself on the pathway to grief—and that thought is frightening. But to deny or avoid love is one of the only things I can think of that’s sadder than grief.

There are some things I wish you wouldn’t say. One of these is “I’m glad you seem to be doing so well.”

I bet that one surprises you.

I know you mean this as a compliment and I know you truly want me to do well, but please know I’ve mastered the art of the pleasant face and basic conversation. Gone are the days of my bursting into a cascade of tears at the grocery store,

By

JILL PERTLER Columnist

but that doesn’t mean I’m not crying the whole way home. Don’t ever assume you know how I’m feeling, because (and I’m saying this with all the love I can muster) you can’t know. I hope you never know.

Instead of assumptions, say something like, “I’ve been thinking about you and hope you are doing well.” Or, “It’s good to see you. You look great.” You can even substitute the word “young” or “skinny” for great. (Grief doesn’t negate humor.)

If you don’t know what to say, that’s OK. Silence can be golden; it often is.

Say my husband’s name. Those of us grieving long to hear our loved one’s name said out loud. We like to hear memories and fun anecdotes about the silly things they used to do. We like to remember the good times, and we love know you do, too.

For the grieving, everything is now measured by before and after.

Someone brings up a memory from 2018 and I think, “Yes, that was two years before.” My granddaughter will turn 4 this year and I think, “Yes, that will be two years after.”

Someone posts their wedding anniversary on social media and I think, “That should have been us.”

No date is just a date anymore; it’s a date that happened pre or post. I don’t believe this line of thinking will ever end, but I’m not sure.

Grief has taught me not to be sure of anything.

Understand that many holidays and anniversaries are difficult for us in The Club. New Year’s Eve when you are supposed to kiss someone at midnight—hard. A birthday when you wake up alone in your bed— empty. Valentine’s Day when you realize no one will send you flowers or buy you a cheesy Valentine’s card at the last minute—dreaded.

Grief never ends. But neither does life. If I am still here, I may be grieving, but I am also living—and not necessarily in that order. Include me in activities. I may choose not to participate, but keep inviting me. It helps me to know I’m not forgotten or invisible. The invitation itself feels very welcome and very alive, and who knows, I just may be ready to step out and be the life of the party at some point.

Most of all, be yourself and be honest. You may see me as a person smothered by grief, and I may see myself that way as well, but honesty can help break through barriers. It can help take the focus away from death and shed the light back on life. Truly I think that’s all any of us wants.

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

• Projects

The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, March 3, 2022 • 9

(Continued from front page) The new Field Elementary School budgeted amount of $1.2 million. The should be completed and ready to open bid for the roof replacement project at in August 2023.

Emerson Elementary School came in Schmidt said the project to add six at about $960,000, which was over the classrooms at Fischer Elementary budgeted amount of about $800,000.

School should start in mid-March and Some of the district’s other capital be completed by mid-September. He projects scheduled for this summer also noted that the classroom-addition include the renovation of York High project at Jackson Elementary School School’s library (with an estimated should begin in mid-March. The media cost of $750,000), restroom renovacenter additions at Jackson and Jeffer- tion at the restrooms on either side of son schools should also begin in mid- the Campbell Gymnasium (estimated March. at $150,000) and the replacement of Schmidt also referred to some proj- York’s stadium scoreboard (estimated ects planned for this summer. He said at $100,000). the bid for the replacement of the roof Summer programs discussed, at York High School’s fieldhouse came tough to find teachers in at about $728,000, well under the The meeting also featured an up-

date about the district’s programs for this summer. According to Kevin Rubenstein, the district’s assistant superintendent for student services, the district will offer a more unified summer program this year. Registration for summer programs should be available during the week of March 7. All summer programs will begin on Monday, June 6. Programs for students up to eighth-grade will run through June 30.

York’s summer program for all students will end on Thursday, July 14.

Rubenstein referred to the challenges of finding teachers for summer classes. He said the district is making an ongoing effort to recruit staff members to teach summer programs.

Campbell urges ‘climate of respect’ about mask preferences District 205 Superintendent Keisha Campbell noted near the end of the meeting that masking is strongly recommended but not required in district facilities. The district has been mask-optional since Feb. 7. Campbell said the choice to wear masks is personal for each student and staff member, and that the district does not interfere with the decision. She said the district continues to foster a climate of respect and acceptance for all community members.

Campbell reiterated that students and staff members who are feeling sick

should stay home and focus on getting better. Campbell added that the district had received COVID-19 vaccine records from 3,869 district students.

Re-evaluate lunch procedures?

Board member Christopher Kocinski said the district should consider re-evaluating its lunch procedures. He said that with optional masking, the policy of forced distancing might not make sense. Kocinski stated that since the district went mask-optional on Feb. 7, COVID-19 trends have continued along the same trend.

The board will hold its next regular meeting on March 15.

What is the Corwin Agreement for Deep Equity?

On June 9, 2021, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Scott Grens presented a proposal to the District 205 Board of Education to consider the Corwin Agreement for York High School Deep Equity/ for the 2021-22 school year, stating it was a continuation of work started in the 2020-21 school year.

“The Deep Equity program provides a framework for faculty and staff to discuss their own personal identities, as well as the honoring and embracing of diversity within schools,” the proposal read. “This research-based program is designed to build capacity among the school community to engage in strategic planning in the design of an equitable, welcoming learning environment for all students.

“York High School is seeking to continue the use of these resources as a way to engage more members of the York community in discussion of equity in providing opportunities for all to succeed.

“The goal of the program is to continue conversations that were started last school year among all members of the school community, resulting in an increase in the sense of belonging for all and a decrease in any measurable equity gaps in academic programming.”

The total cost for two days of Deep Equity training and two days of Youth Equity Stewardship training with support materials is $46,005.

Grens’ recommendation was “The the Board of Education provide approval

of the agreement between Elmhurst CUSD205 (York High School) and Corwin for YHS Deep Equity/YES! For 202122 in the amount of $46,005 to be paid from Title I funds ($26,005) and a D205 Foundation Grant ($20,000).

What does the training provide?

According to the Corwin.us web site, the foundational 5 Phases of Deep Equity underpin the process to establish a safe climate that allows staff and students to engage in open conversations about persistent inequities, identify the root causes of inequities in educational systems, focus on practical applications of culturally responsive practices for

classroom teachers, and create a longterm, sustainable plan for systemic transformation.

The program attempts to set a tone of trust, define cultural competence and connect it with student outcomes, and teach how lack of inclusivity can cause people to bring less than their full energy and focus to the classroom.

It explores issues of privilege, power and difference and offers tools to identify inequities and elicit strategies for addressing them.

The training helps school districts such as 205 development leadership teams at each school, which will lead reforms as needed and instill responsive practices into everyday school life.

Dr. Kelly Talks Straight

About Sciatica

Are you suffering from back pain or sciatica? Then it’s likely your biggest problem is pain. But there’s another major problem: bad information.

To end sciatica misery you must have the right information. Pay close attention because local doctor Kelly SynowiecMoroney DC is going to destroy sciatica myths and give you the facts.

MYTH: Sciatica will just “go away” with some rest.

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Left untreated, sciatica can lead to permanent nerve damage - and lifelong pain.

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FACT: Physical work or simply sitting at a desk for long periods can lead to sciatica. Accidents and trauma can also be the culprits. Pregnancy can cause sciatica.

Sciatica can affect anyone - including

super-fit celebrities like Tiger Woods, Sylvester Stallone, and British Olympic medallist Ian Wynne.

MYTH: Stop exercising and get several weeks of bed rest to overcome sciatica.

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Success rates are up to 88%.

MYTH: “There’s nothing anyone can really do. I’m just stuck with this for the rest of my life.”

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MYTH: Getting Sciatica properly diagnosed is expensive.

FACT: Not true. We are currently offering an initial consultation right here in Elmhurst for Just $43.

We have helped over 1,483 patients find relief from agonising back pain and sciatica. We are one of the first places to use Non-Surgical Re-Constructive Spinal Care.

This procedure does not require a hospital stay. The focus is on finding - and correcting - the original cause of the back pain and sciatica.

According to Dr. Kelly, “We use a combination of ultra-advanced technology, not found elsewhere in the region, for precisely diagnosing the cause of your low back pain and sciatica. This means superior long-term results for most people.”

Because the treatment is non-surgical, safe, and easy, most patients report an almost immediately relief from their back pain.

Patient Jeff P. from Berwyn wrote, “My back pain was unbearable but the worst thing was the searing burning pain I felt in my buttock and leg... my wife insisted I see doctor Dr. Kelly. I’m 95% better in just a couple of weeks.”

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You can even call on the weekend as there is always a staff member ready to assist you. During the week they are very busy, so if they don’t pick up straight away do leave a message.

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10 • Thursday, March 3, 2022 - The Elmhurst Independent

A petal drops from Elmhurst’s flower

By Dee Longfellow

Mary Eleanor Wall passes away at 92

FOR THE ELMHURST INDEPENDENT

Long-time Elmhurst resident Mary Eleanor Kidder Wall passed away on Monday, Feb. 21 at the age of 92.

She was born in Monroe, Mich., in 1930 to Ralph Wyman Kidder and Neva Springer Kidder. She attended public schools in Florida where her father was a researcher in cattle breeding and nutrition on a research station in the Florida Everglades. As a child she remembers belonging to the youth groups at the Methodist church. She played the piano and organ for Sunday school, and in high school played the piano for Rotary and Lions clubs where she heard politicians and community leaders speak every week. Her father was a community leader and her mother and two aunts provided leadership for the church women’s group and Woman’s Club. Having been exposed to urgent social issues in her youth, Mary Eleanor worked in favor of social justice, women’s and seniors’ rights, and fairness in society for the whole of her life.

Mary Eleanor received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Florida Southern College and a Master of Religious Education degree at Emory University. While at Emory she met her future husband, James McKendree Wall. In 1951 she was the Director of Christian Education, first at College Heights Methodist Church, Lakeland, Fla., and then at the First United Methodist Church in Decatur, Ga. In 1953 Mary Eleanor Kidder married James Wall in Belle Glade, Fla. They moved to Illinois in 1957, with their two young sons, David McKendree and Robert Kidder, where Jim continued post graduate studies at the University of Chicago Divinity School. In 1959 they moved to Elmhurst where their third son, Richard James was born. Jim became editor

of The Christian Advocate and then editor and publisher of The Christian Century magazine, where he remained for 27 years. He retired in 1999. Throughout their lives, Reverend James and Mary Eleanor Wall were to share some very exciting times.

Volunteer extraordinaire While her children were growing up, Mary Eleanor was an active volunteer in the community. She served on the steering committees for School District 205 Citizens Task Force, Elmhurst College Challenge, College of DuPage Century III Project, and the League of Women Voters of Illinois Juvenile Court Watching Project. She was on the Elmhurst YMCA Board of Directors and Elmhurst Human Relations Council (19651970). Mary Eleanor was a consultant on Public Policy for the Chicago Lung Association and served on their Clean Air Committee (1969-1982).

She still found time to be a Director of the United Methodist Foundation at the University of Chicago (196675) and on the Administrative Board (1967) at the Elmhurst First United Methodist Church, where she also sang in the Chancel Choir. In 1971 Mary Eleanor founded and chaired the DuPage County Democratic Women’s Caucus. She was elected in 1974 to the DuPage County Board as one of the first Democratic women ever to be seated on the board. That same year, her husband ran for Democratic state central committeeman in the same primary and won.

Involved in presidential elections Mary Eleanor and her husband, Jim, were active in the Jimmy Carter Presidential campaigns in 1975-76 and 1980. Jim was Illinois Chairman for the Carter Campaign in the Primary 1976 and 1980. They were

In 1978 during his presidential campaign, President Jimmy Carter (far right) stayed at the Wall home in Elmhurst. Also pictured are (from left): Jim Wall, son Richard Wall, and Mary Eleanor. Jim was the Chairman of Carter’s campaign in Illinois. In 1977 Vice President Walter Mondale personally phoned Mary Eleanor to tell her that President Carter had appointed her to serve on a nine-member Presidential Commission to select a new Director of the FBI.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS Elmhurst Independent

This picture from Mary Eleanor’s childhood shows her in the center surrounded by her cousins spending time at the summer home of Elliot Kidder in Jamestown, New York, in 1949. Mary Eleanor’s grandparents Flora and Samuel Kidder founded an independent church in 1906 in Jamestown, known as the Kidder Memorial United Methodist Church.

friends with the Carters and shared common interests. Jimmy Carter was elected President of the United States of America in 1976. In 1977 Vice President Walter Mondale personally phoned Mary Eleanor in Elmhurst to tell her that President Carter had appointed her to serve on a nine-member Presidential Commission to select a new Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

“While Carter was President he spent the night at our home on May 25, 1978, after speaking at a Democratic Cook County/City of Chicago dinner,” Mary Eleanor said. “Carter flew to Springfield the next day to address the Illinois legislature. In the fall of 1979, the two of us spent the night with the Carters at the White House and went to the opera with them to see Salome. We slept in the Lincoln bedroom.”

While Mary Eleanor was in Washington she took the opportunity, as president of the American Association of University Women-Illinois, to meet with President Carter’s senior adviser on women’s affairs to discuss the prospect of her home state ratifying the Equal Rights Amendment.

And it was quite an extraordinary and unforgettable community event in 1978 when the President of the United States of America slept at the Walls’ residence (451 S. Kenilworth) right here in Elmhurst! In fact, it was one of the city’s highlights of the decade, especially for the Elmhurst Police Department. Elmhurst officers proudly and efficiently assisted the United States Secret Service in providing security and crowd control for the approximate five thousand Elmhurst residents who greeted President Carter.

In 1980 Mary Eleanor once again was appointed by President Carter as one of three public members on a 26-member federal Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Rela-

tions.

While serving as a DuPage County Board Member, Mary Eleanor was a Forest Preserve Commissioner (1974 -78). She also was a DuPage County Regional Planning Commissioner (1975-2000) and served as chairperson for 16 years (1980-96). In 1989, Elmhurst Mayor Charles Garrigues appointed Mary Eleanor to the Mayor’s Task Force on Senior Housing.

At the time, both the city and the county faced many issues concerning senior citizens. As a direct result of Mary Eleanor’s enterprising efforts with numerous people and organizations, the DuPage Senior Citizens Council had been established in 1975. Eventually a new not-for-profit group called Senior Home Sharing, Inc. was started in 1981. After serving on the Board, Mary Eleanor became the Executive Director in 1983 and continued in that position until she retired in May 2000. She also assisted in forming the Illinois Shared Housing Network in 1993 with support from the Illinois Department on Aging. She has been graciously referred to as the “Godmother” of DuPage senior citizens.

In addition to consulting and serving on many councils, committees and commissions, Mary Eleanor was the founding force behind the DuPage Community Foundation in 1987.

This nonprofit organization accepts bequests and donations, and in return awards monetary grants to deserving arts, civic, and social service groups in the county.

A proven leader of AAUW, more In 1966 Mary Eleanor Wall was the most dedicated and admired president of the Elmhurst Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW). It was quite clear from the beginning that she would go on to great achievements

within the organization. She served on several steering committees and chaired councils and commissions not only in Elmhurst but at the state level and nationally. Mary Eleanor Wall became the Illinois State President in 1979. Under her expert and thoughtful leadership, issues like ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment, childcare, job sharing and equal education for girls were studied. Strategies and action also were initiated. As a representative of the Illinois AAUW, Mary Eleanor traveled to Washington, D.C. to meet with legislators and to participate in discussions on the SALT II Treaty.

In 1998 she again was elected by the membership as co-president of the Elmhurst Branch. Her experiences in the AAUW were significant in nurturing her interests and her development in her adult years and gave her the opportunity to establish lifelong friendships and work with outstanding women of all ages and many experiences.

Mary Eleanor Wall has been formally recognized by the Elmhurst Branch of the American Association of University Women as an AAUW Educational Foundation Named Grant Honoree. In 1988 she was honored with the YWCA DuPage Outstanding Woman Leader Professional in Community Work Award.

Senior Home Sharing, Inc. presented her with the 2000 Merritt H Grim Award for her able leadership and many years of advocacy and outstanding service on behalf of seniors.

In appreciation of her extraordinary efforts, she was given the 2000 Gold L.E.A.F. Award (Leadership and Excellence in Advocating for Families)

by Metropolitan Family Services, DuPage. Mary Eleanor continued to facilitate organizational development through volunteer work with

See WALL, Page 21

The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, March 3, 2022 • 11

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12 • Thursday, March 3, 2022 - The Elmhurst Independent

State revenues $4.6 billion higher for current fiscal year than initially projected

By Jerry Nowicki

CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

A House revenue committee on Feb. 24 heard projections of an Illinois economy that is steadily moving back toward a level of pre-pandemic normalcy, which means revenue spikes realized due to temporary changes in consumer spending habits and federal stimulus packages are expected to subside.

Illinois Department of Revenue Director David Harris characterized the COVID-19 pandemic as a “black swan event” which sent state revenues tum-

bling by $400 million in 2020.

“A black swan is very rare, and rare events can happen and upset the financial apple cart,” Harris told the House Revenue and Finance Committee.

But in response to that so-called black swan event, consumers nationwide shifted to purchasing more goods than services, and the federal government provided direct financial payments to Americans and expanded unemployment insurance benefits.

That sparked a near two-year period of substantial state revenue growth, partially because Illinois taxes goods,

but not most services, so the redistribution of spending correlated directly to a rise in sales tax revenue. As well, unemployment benefits are taxable by the state, and many individuals who collected enhanced federal benefits saw greater income levels than before the pandemic.

Corporations have made out OK as well, according to Harris.

“To give you an example, in December alone, just in December, we received $961 million in corporate income tax receipts,” he said. “That’s in one month. In a given year, a normal

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The windfalls in the big three revenue sources—individual and corporate income tax and sales tax—created unprecedented, at least in modern times, flexibility for Gov. JB Pritzker to craft a budget for the upcoming year that dedicates surpluses to paying down old debts. Negotiations on a final budget continue in the General Assembly.

Specifically, revenues for the fiscal year ending on June 30 are expected to be about $4.6 billion greater than were projected when the governor signed the budget into law last year, according to a presentation by the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability.

COGFA expects state coffers will have taken in $48.5 billion by the end of the fiscal year, up from a $44.4 billion projection in the budget that lawmakers approved in May. The base state revenue sources actually grew by $4.6 billion, however, because the governor’s office amended its planned use of federal funds to offset General Revenue Fund spending downward by $500 million due to the surplus.

The updated FY 22 estimates include a $1.6 billion increase in personal income tax from initial expected levels, a $1.2 billion increase in corporate income tax, and a $926 million increase in sales tax revenue.

The revenues for January alone were $1.2 billion greater than the prior year, according to COGFA. Upcoming budget year Harris and other fiscal prognosticators projected that Fiscal Year 2023, which begins July 1, will continue to see a solid revenue performance, but it will also begin a period of leveling, where the last two years of fiscal breathing room trend back to normal.

COGFA’s FY 23 revenue estimate is $671 million lower than its updated FY 22 estimate, not including federal funding. Federal American Rescue Plan Act funding accounts for $1.5 billion of the FY 22 budget but no such expenditures are anticipated for FY 23 in terms of GRF replacement funding.

But representatives of IDOR, COGFA and the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget noted the picture for the upcoming fiscal year could change quickly as tensions continue amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which was escalating quickly at the time of the Thursday morning hearing.

“Will Russia’s invasion of Ukraine be a black swan event that causes disruptions that ripple across revenue streams? We do not know,” IDOR director Harris said. “But again, the trends so far are positive. And the forecasts presented today for FY 23 are positive ones.”

Republican lawmakers also inquired about inflation, and the budgeteers said projections generally anticipated “several months” of continued upward inflation before the trend reverses, and their current projections anticipate the inflation rate to be 7.9 percent.

Sustained Russian sanctions could impact anything from energy prices to the cost of wheat, so projections will be updated as needed, according to IDOR. As the projections stand now, according to House Majority Leader

Greg Harris, who is a chief budgeteer in the chamber, the governor and the General Assembly will have the flexibility to pay down old debt and prepare the state for future fiscal downturns.

Rep. Harris, who is not related to the IDOR director, said the preferred course is to use the major windfalls for one-time expenditures.

Included in the governor’s plan is an infusion of $600 million to the “rainy day” fund from the surplus in the current fiscal year, as well as $279 million from the upcoming fiscal year. That fund had been spent down to almost nothing during the budget impasse of 2015 to 2017.

The governor also proposed dedicating $898 million to pay down overdue health insurance bills. His proposal also includes spending $300 million of the surplus to pay down pension debt, with $200 million added to the statutory payment in the upcoming budget.

ARPA funding The House committee, and Harris at the news conference, also discussed the state’s plan for the remaining American Rescue Plan Act funding.

Illinois directly received $8.1 billion from President Joe Biden’s stimulus plan, and about $3.5 billion remains, Rep. Harris said.

He added that a working group made up of both parties as well as business and labor interests is currently discussing the plan for retiring $4.5 billion in debt to the federal government that the state incurred to keep its unemployment system running at the height of the pandemic. That borrowing has accrued $36 million of interest due by Sept. 30, according to the U.S. Treasury.

Republicans at the Feb. 24 hearing suggested the governor reapportion his planned $1.5 billion in ARPA spending for FY 22, using it to pay down trust fund debt instead of replenishing state coffers for COVID-19-related spending.

Rep. Harris said the working group is coming up with a “menu of options” for paying down the backlog which could include ARPA funds. Generally, such a solution includes some combination of decreases to benefits, increases to employer premiums or some infusion of state, federal or private funding.

While Pritzker’s proposed FY 23 budget is largely not reliant on ARPA funds, one major proposed expenditure – $250 million for violence intervention funding – would be funded primarily by a $235 million lump sum from ARPA. Rep. Harris said the intervention funding is often “short-term,” but the state will monitor the violence prevention program’s efficacy over the next few years as ARPA funding remains available and consider future expenditures in future budget years.

The governor’s plan to pay down debt with the one-time surplus this year could free up funds in the future, he said.

“Tens and tens of millions or hundreds of millions of dollars have been going out to repay debt that could otherwise be going to fund programs like that in future years,” he said of recently enacted budgets. “So being fiscally responsible now, it’s going to pay us a lot of dividends in the coming years.”

The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, March 3, 2022 • 13

The Elmhurst Independent

Real Estate/Business

March 3, 2022 •13

Chamber to honor Hayden posthumously

“

She was a walking billboard who promoted all of the benefits of chamber membership.”

– John R. Quigley, ECCI President and CEO

Coronavirus (COVID-19).

“Her sudden death left a deep mark on all who knew and loved her,” stated Quigley.

As ECCI’s public relations team, Ambassadors welcome new members at their Grand Opening celebrations with ribbon-cutting events, and join members celebrating Grand Re-Openings, major anniversaries and office expansions or relocations.

Aside from her decade as a Chamber Ambassador, Hayden was elected to two three-year elected terms on the ECCI Board of Directors (20102013 and 2013-2016), served on the Membership Committee and was a

member of the Business-to-Business Expo Subcommittee.

Prior to Delta, Hayden joined Weiss Insurance Agency in 2009 as an executive sales agent. Her insurance industry resume spanned nearly three decades, including sales and account management positions with

Midwest Insurance Agency (200408), The David Agency (1999-2004) and Midwest Certified Insurance Agency (1992-96).

She began at Illinois Surplus Lines Insurance Agency in 1982 and worked her way from wholesale to independent retail.

In 2000, Hayden was among only 200 agents nationwide to receive a National Commercial Achievement Honor from Safeco.

A resident of Hanover Park, Hayden was an elected Wayne Township Trustee.

20 arrests have been made in recent months related to expressway shootings and crime. The arrests included three first-degree murder charges, one involuntary manslaughter, three attempted murders, and other crimes such as aggravated discharge of a firearm, reckless discharge of a firearm, aggravated vehicular hijacking and aggravated fleeing and eluding.

While they were in the news conference, however, a shooting occurred on the Dan Ryan expressway, according to the Chicago SunTimes.

Kelly said expressway shootings have increased because of the prevalence of cameras—from doorbell cameras to store security systems—

almost everywhere else, other than expressways. Putting cameras there can help deter the shootings, he said.

“It’s almost like a modern, 21st century form of dueling,” Kelly said. “They say horrible things to each other on social media, they threaten one another and they say let’s take that out to the E-way. So let’s take this out to the expressway.

And almost like Main Street in the Old West, they’re using these expressways for this type of violence.”

Pritzker and Kelly pointed to the installation of 99 cameras with license plate readers on the Dan Ryan expressway in Chicago, where many

Governor, AG address expressway shootings, organized retail crime

By Jerry Nowicki CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

Two of the state’s top officials each held news conferences recently to outline current and proposed responses to increasing crime, including expressway shootings and organized retail thefts.

Gov. JB Pritzker appeared with Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly in Chicago to outline actions taken and arrests made in expressway shootings, while Attorney General Kwame Raoul appeared with the president of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association to outline a proposed legislative package taking aim at organized retail crime.

Pritzker and Kelly said more than

See CRIME, Page 17

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The late Jackie Hayden, former co-owner of Delta Insurance Advisors, will be honored posthumously as 2021 Ambassador of the Year at the Elmhurst Cham- Jackie Hayden ber of Commerce and Industry’s 103rd Annual Awards Gala in the Frick Center at Elmhurst University on Friday, March 25 from 5 to 9 p.m.

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

“Jackie served as an Ambassador for our Chamber above and beyond her green jacket role,” said John R. Quigley, ECCI President and CEO since 1999. “She was a walking billboard who promoted all of the benefits of chamber membership.”

Hayden passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 8 at the age of 59, two months after first being hospitalized due to

14 • Thursday, March 3, 2022 - The Elmhurst Independent

In the Heart of Downtown

Great opportunity to be in the heart of Elmhurst on an oversized 65 x 150 lot with alley access. A short walk or 9-iron away from downtown Elmhurst and its Metra, get a chance to work with this experienced Elmhurst builder to customize $1,429,000

FIRST OFFERING! In the Heart of Downtown Great opportunity to be in the heart of Elmhurst on an oversized 65 x 150 lot with alley access. A short walk or 9-iron away from downtown Elmhurst and its Metra, get a chance to work with this experienced Elmhurst builder to customize every detail. 4,700sf of finished living space across 3 levels with an attached 3 car heated garage with epoxy flooring. 4 large beds & 3 baths up with laundry room & bonus room (possible 5 bed up plan). 65’ wide lot will allow for a wide-open 1st floor, huge mudroom, wet bar, pantry, 1st floor office, great room with fireplace, breakfast room and sure to be a chef’s/entertainer’s dream kitchen. Finished basement with media room, bedroom, full bath, exercise room and storage. Rare, rear alley access allows for many build-to-suit options, i.e. detached garage with “man-cave” above. Endless options with this size lot & alley access. Get involved early to have a say in everything! Pictures are of other homes recently completed by this builder. $1,429,000

8 Years Young

All brick, 2014-built two-story with nearly 5,000sf of finished living space steps away from Berens Park. On trend decor and freshly painted interior with gleaming white oak hardwood floors throughout. Open first floor with white kitchen, study or $995,000

FIRST OFFERING! 8 Years Young All brick, 2014-built two-story with nearly 5,000sf of finished living space steps away from Berens Park. On trend decor and freshly painted interior with gleaming white oak hardwood floors throughout. Open first floor with white kitchen, study or 1st floor bedroom, large mudroom, powder room, separate formal dining room, large island, eating area and family room with fireplace overlooking backyard. Upstairs offers 4 large bedrooms all attached to bathrooms, 3 full baths, laundry room, and large primary suite with dual walk-in closets, soaking tub, walk-in shower, and dual vanities. Full basement with large rec room, play area, bedroom, full bath and plenty of storage. 2 car attached garage with epoxy flooring, fully fenced yard, and paver patios in front and rear. Short walk to Emerson Elementary, Wagner Community Center, & Berens Park - sledding hill, beach volleyball, playground, turf fields, and the Hub splash park for the little ones $995,000 Retail / Office For Lease

Retail / Office For Lease

Prime office or retail storefront available in the Spring Road Business District. Great exposure for your business with high visibility. Set near the IL Prairie Path in a vibrant business district with many well established businesses. 1,600 SF of

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Spring Road Business District

Prime office or retail storefront available in the Spring Road Business District.

Great exposure for your business with high visibility. Set near the IL Prairie Path in a vibrant business district with many well established businesses.

1,600 SF of “vanilla box” shell space with 2 bathrooms, 2 private parking spots + street parking in front and large municipal lot in rear for clients/ customers. Water included in rent, tenant pays for all other utilities.

Available immediately. $2,667/mo base rent + gas + electric.

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

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

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

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

Squeaky Clean 3 BR

Squeaky Clean 3 BR

LOCATION..LOCATION...LOCATION... Move in ready 3 bedroom ranch just steps from schools and Berens Park.

Gorgeous refinished dark hardwood floors, fresh paint throughout, updated kitchen and bathroom with ceramic tile,

LOCATION..LOCATION...LOCATION...

Move in ready 3 bedroom ranch just steps from schools and Berens Park.

Gorgeous refinished dark hardwood floors, fresh paint throughout, updated kitchen and bathroom with ceramic tile, newer washer/dryer, newer 2.5 garage.

Surrounded by million dollar homes, ideal one level living and an alternate to condo or perfect investment for positive rental income. $299,900

$299,900 FIRST OFFERING!

Rare College View Rental

Rare College View Rental

Charming Tudor Home. Great opportunity to live in the center of town. Walking distance to town, train, and all downtown Elmhurst amenities. 4 good sized bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms upstairs. Hardwood floors throughout. 2 car $3,000/mo FOR RENT

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

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

Medical Office Building

Medical Office Building

Medical professional building in the east/west corridor within one mile of the Elmhurst-Edwards campus. 11,775 sf of turnkey orthopedic space available fall 2021, space features generous reception & waiting room, private offices, exams

Within$3,500,000 1 Mile From Elmhurst-Edwards

FOR SALE OR LEASE

Center of Town

Center of Town

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 over 4,800 sf of finished living space with its fully finished basement - exercise room, 1,350,000

Charming Tudor Home.

Great opportunity to live in the center of town.

Walking distance to town, train, and all downtown Elmhurst amenities. 4 good sized bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms upstairs. Hardwood floors throughout. 2 car detached garage. $3,000/mo

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 over 4,800 sf of finished living space with its fully finished basement - exercise room, rec room, custom bar and wine room!

Gracious 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 2.5 car garage, custom kitchen w/ huge island, high-end SS appliances (Wolf & Sub-Zero) & eating area open to family rm w/ fireplace, master suite w/ spa bath, designer plumbing/lighting fixtures, surround sound + more! .

1,350,000

Medical professional building in the east/west corridor within one mile of the Elmhurst-Edwards campus. 11,775 sf of turnkey orthopedic space available fall 2021, space features - generous reception & waiting room, private offices, exams rooms, onsite X-ray and MRI, ADA compliant entry, hallways, & doors, private and public restrooms, onsite billing office, record storage, IT rooms, state of the art security and surveillance technology, conference rooms, kitchen and break room space for staff, with entire building on backup generator. Adjacent 5,766 sf of Physical Therapy space is available Jan 2022 for a possibility of 17,541 total sf $3,500,000

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

$499,900

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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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 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

16 • Thursday, March 3, 2022 - The Elmhurst Independent

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The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, March 3, 2022 • 17

Elmhurst Eagles football, cheer programs gear up Open house, registration event on March 10 State Cheer championship trophies over the years, the goal has always been to make as much of an impact off the field as on the field.

This past season the Eagles raised

Mazzochi to host discussion on transportation infrastructure funding and needs State Rep. Deanne Mazzochi (R-Elmhurst) is hosting a forum on public funding of road construction.

The online webinar will take place via zoom on Thursday, March 3 from 6-7 p.m.

Rep. Mazzochi will host Mike Sturino, president and CEO of the Illinois Road and Transportation Builders Association, and a representative from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). They will discuss motor fuel taxes, funding, and the contract procurement process. IDOT will address issues of road construction, maintenance, and how future IDOT construction projects affect travel for district res-

• Crime

idents.

“This is an event to learn how your tax dollars pay for new construction and the maintenance of existing infrastructure,” Mazzochi said. “It’s an event to get answers to questions like, ‘when are they going to fix those potholes all over Route 83?”

Interested participants can register for the zoom at RepMazzochi.com or watch via Facebook live at her page, Facebook.com/RepDeanneMazzochi.

If you have any questions or concerns, you can reach out to Rep. Mazzochi’s legislative office at (630) 852-8633 or email mazzochi@ilhousegop.org.

(Continued from page 13)

of the shootings have occurred, with “hundreds more” cameras coming.

In recent weeks, the ISP has worked with the Chicago Police Department, Homeland Security and local law enforcement agencies, Pritzker said, leading to the 20 arrests.

Kelly said the agency increased patrol presence on Chicago expressways by over 150 percent at “peak criminal activity times.”

Since October, that has led to nearly 5,000 traffic stops, 132 DUI arrests, 69 firearm recoveries and 133 criminal arrests in the Chicago area.

The news conference touting the Pritzker administration’s approach came as he and Democrats in the General Assembly have faced consistent attacks from Republican lawmakers and political opponents amid the recent rise in violent crime.

Republicans have painted a criminal justice reform bill passed one year ago in January as a contributing factor to rising crime rates.

That bill, known as the SAFE-T Act, overhauls police certification, reforms use-of-force standards, improves police accountability and abolishes cash bail beginning in 2023 in favor of a system that prioritizes risk of re-offending over an offender’s ability to afford release.

The GOP has introduced a package of bills looking to create mandatory minimums for certain violent crime offenses and to create a special, $125 million grant fund to beef up officer hiring and retainment efforts.

State Sen. Chapin Rose, a Mahomet Republican, is the sponsor of the Senate GOP’s crime package. In response to the governor’s budget address, he outlined his view of the

GOP and Democratic differences when it comes to crime.

“This is, I believe, a major difference between Gov. Pritzker and the Democrats and the Republicans,” he said. “They refuse to lock up truly violent people talking about so called low-level nonviolent offenders … all Gov. Pritzker wants to do is throw money at something that may or may not work years down the road. Republicans want to take violent criminals off the streets today.”

In recent budgets, Pritzker said his administration has increased funding for ISP officers to retrieve illegally owned guns and to hire new ISP cadets, including 300 in the upcoming fiscal year.

He also touted violence interruption spending, which he’s more than doubled in his tenure, an increase made possible due to hundreds of millions of dollars in federal COVID-19 response funding.

“Stopping the cycle of violence also means tackling poverty and root causes of crime, access to housing, health care, education and jobs,” Pritzker said.

He also noted recent state spending on crime labs which was included in the 2019 Rebuild Illinois capital infrastructure plan.

“Catching and prosecuting perpetrators can reduce and deter crime right now. And that’s what our excellent Illinois State Police troopers, new cameras and new crime labs are doing,” he said. “Between the stepped up patrols and the new technology we’ve brought to bear, anyone, anyone even thinking of committing violent crimes on our expressways ought to be on notice that they’re more likely today than ever before to get caught.”

several thousands of dollars for St. Baldricks and childhood cancer during a Go Gold in September fundraiser.

The Eagles support local Elmhurst philanthropic institutions like the Elmhurst Walk-In Assistance Network (EWAN), the No Frills Fun Run, and Olympia’s Turkeys On Tables program. During the most uncertain days of the pandemic the Eagles prided themselves on raising funds within the community and supporting local small business and restaurants.

Today, the Elmhurst Eagles find themselves as a standout program with many success stories to share.

For the graduating class of York H.S. the Eagles do a special How It Started/How It’s Going tribute for former Eagles who went on to play for York and beyond. Some highlights include: • Former Eagle and York team captain Luke Malaga is currently at Cornell University as a wide receiver on the football team. More impressive, Luke made the Dean’s list in his first year at Cornell.

• Former Eagle and York standout Mike Bojesen is playing football for Carthage College, majoring in sports broadcasting, and about to head to Barcelona to play internationally.

• Hayden Renier is a former Eagle

and York Duke, playing for Indiana Wesleyan University, who had only one loss this past season and earned their first conference championship.

• Jeffrey Grace III is a former Eagle and York Athlete of the Year, now playing basketball for Arizona State University. When asked about how things are going today he states, it “feels like I’m on vacation each and every day. #EaglePrideLivesOn.” It’s the follow-through and the real results that separates the Elmhurst Eagles from the others. There is an open house and registration event on Thursday, March 10 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at York High School. You can learn more at ElmhurstEagles.com.

Elmhurst University to host webinar on many facets of public health Public health is about more than pandemics and epidemiology. Public health professionals are on the front lines of preventing gun violence, cleaning the air and water, and making workplaces safer. They bring fresh approaches to persistent problems.

On Tuesday, March 8, Molly Tran, who leads Elmhurst University’s undergraduate and graduate programs in public health, will present the free, hour-long webinar “More Than Epidemiology: The Many Facets of Public Health.”

Tran will explore the wide array of challenges public health professionals address every day and discuss how Elmhurst’s public health program is preparing students to lead with innovation. During the webinar,

participants will learn: • The various facets that make up the field of public health • The social determinants of health and their impacts on people’s lives • The biggest public health issues we are facing today aside from the pandemic, including an increasing focus on mental health • Tools for public health transformation and innovation, including policy, social norms, laws and engineering • Career opportunities in public health and how these professionals join forces to improve population health The webinar will conclude with a Q&A session for participants.

Tran has worked extensively in the public health field as an instructor,

researcher and physician. Besides leading the public health programs at Elmhurst, she also is an assistant professor in the Department of Nursing and Health Sciences, Before coming to Elmhurst, she taught most recently at the Colorado School of Public Health.

“More Than Epidemiology: The Many Facets of Public Health” will begin at 11:30 a.m. CT on Tuesday, March 8. The webinar is free and open to the public, but registration is required to obtain the access link.

Register at elmhurst.edu/mph-webinar. The webinar is hosted by the Office of Admission at Elmhurst University.

For more information on the public health programs at Elmhurst University, visit elmhurst.edu/publichealth.

413054

The Elmhurst Eagles football and cheer program are celebrating their 58th year as a staple within the Elmhurst community. Along with the dozens of Super Bowls and Illinois

18 • Thursday, March 3, 2022 - The Elmhurst Independent

Community calendar

Saturday, March 5 • At 12 noon, the Elmhurst St. Patrick’s Day Parade returns to step off on Spring Road at Wilson Street. The 25th annual parade has been on hold for two years, thanks to COVID-19, but will return this year, as will the Elmhurst Armpit Orchestra, which will serve as Parade Grand Marshal.

• At 7:30 p.m., there will be a concert recital presented by professional musician and Elmhurst resident Uli Widmaier. The concert will be held

at Congregation Etz Chaim, 1710 So. Highland Ave. in Lombard. It will also be available virtually via live stream. Free, but contributions appreciated to The People’s Music School. Masks required. For tickets, visit events.idonate.com/uli.

Sunday, March 6 At 12 noon, the Elmhurst History Museum is hosting a free Gallery Talk with the Curator of Exhibits, Dan Bartlett, will lead participants

A BIG “THANK YOU”

411999

Welcome to Elmhurst Independent Community Calendar.

If your club or organization is gathering during this time or planning a special event, 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.

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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through highlights of the “People of 315 East St. Charles Rd. Tickets are the Prairie: 12,000 Years in DuPage $20 available by calling 630-2794040, or at the door. Students are County” exhibit. free.

Tuesday, March 8 Beginning at 11:30 a.m., Molly Monday, March 17 The Chicago Accordion Club Tran, who leads Elmhurst University’s undergraduate and graduate pro- meets on the third Monday of evgrams in public health, will present ery month from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at the free, hour-long webinar “More the Elmhurst American Legion, 310 Than Epidemiology: The Many W. Butterfield Rd. Visitors are welFacets of Public Health.” Tran will come. Every meeting fee includes explore the wide array of challenges professional musical entertainment public health professionals address and pizza. Admission is $12 for every day and discuss how Elm- members and $15 for non-members. hurst’s public health program is preparing students to lead with innova- March 28-April 1 The Elmhurst History Museum tion. Free and open to the public, but registration is required to obtain the presents Spring Break Activities access link. Register at elmhurst.edu/ for Families: Families are invited mph-webinar. For more information, to participate in different programs including a free Meet an Archaeolvisit elmhurst.edu/publichealth.

• At 6:30 p.m., the Father McDon- ogist! drop-in day, an off-site workald Council #1911 of the Knights of shop at St. James Farm called From Columbus will hold an event to cel- Atlatl to Archery: Ancient Hunting ebrate the presentation of donations Technologies ($5 per person), and a from its annual Tootsie Roll drive to free Three Sisters Make-and-Take various intellectual disability chari- activity where participants will learn ties at the Knights of Columbus, 537 to grow corn, squash and bean plants So. York St. A buffet dinner will be together following native traditions. served. Casual attire. Please RSVP the number of adults and children to Elmhurst History Museum Ongoing programs: gmarinier@comcast.net.

• The Elmhurst History Museum hosts an online pre-recorded lecture Wednesday, March 9 At 7 p.m., columnist and author called From Prairie to Tree Town: George Will will deliver “The Politi- Tales of Old Elmhurst presented by cal Argument Today,” this year’s Ru- Museum Executive Director Dave dolf G. Schade Lecture on History, Oberg. For access: visit elmhursthisEthics and Law in Hammerschmidt tory.org/320/Programs for the link to Chapel on the campus of Elmhurst the pre-recorded program. Available University. Admission is $15 for the through Tuesday, March 1. general public and free for University students, faculty, staff, alumni. • By All Accounts: Tickets available at elmhurst.edu/ The Story of Elmhurst Experience local history through cultural. Info: email marketing@elan award-winning exhibit about how mhurst.edu. the City of Elmhurst grew and developed over the years, including a hisThursday, March 10 From 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., the El- tory of the Glos Mansion and family.

Elmhurst History Museum, 120 E. mhurst Eagles football and cheer program will hold an open house Park Ave., Elmhurst. Info: elmhurstand registration event at York High history.org or call 630-833-1457.

School. For more information, visit ‘People of the Prairie’ now ElmhurstEagles.com. open at EHM The Elmhurst History Museum at Saturday, March 12 At 7 p.m. at Elmhurst Christian 120 E. Park Ave. in downtown ElReformed Church, 149 W. Brush mhurst, will use an archaeological Hill Rd., the Elmhurst Symphony lens to gain a deeper understanding will perform Bach’s St. John Pas- of the vibrant Native cultures and sion along with the Apollo Chorus of communities of the earliest inhabiChicago. Dr. Ted Hatmaker lecture at tants in their latest exhibit, People of 5:45 p.m. The church has accessible the Prairie: 12,000 Years in DuPage parking. Masks and proof of vaccina- County. The exhibit remains on distion required. Tickets are $35/adults, play through June 5. Info: www.elm$32/seniors, $12/students (must be at hursthistory.org. least 12). Tickets: 630-941-0202 or Elmhurst Art Museum’s elmhurstsymphony.org. new exhibition opens Beginning Saturday, Feb. 5, the Sunday, March 13 At 4 p.m. Music at Bethel Unit- Elmhurst Art Museum hosts its newed Church of Christ presents “The est exhibit “Houses of Tomorrow: Magic of Mendelssohn,” featuring Solar Homes from Keck to Today.”

Bethel’s artistic director and pianist It will remain through May 29.

Jeffrey Panko, flutist Jennie Brown, Sponsored by DuPage Foundation, and cellist Paula Kosower, perform- Graham Foundation, Artis Grant ing two beloved piano trios by Felix Program and Room & Board home Mendelssohn. Bethel is located at furnishings.

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ABDOMINAL ACUTE ANEMIA BLADDER BLOOD CREATININE DIALYSIS DISEASE DONOR EXCHANGE EXCRETION FAILURE FILTRATION GLOMERULI HEALTH IDIOPATHIC INFLAMMATION KIDNEY MEMBRANE NEPHROLOGY RENAL URINARY URINATION

SUDOKU

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

Puzzle answers on page 23

CLUES ACROSS 1. Neckwear 7. Fish parts 13. Cooking 14. Quality 16. Rural delivery 17. Popular superhero 19. Partner to Pa 20. Shivering fits 22. Wrath 23. Linguistics pioneer 25. Large integers 26. A way to prepare food 28. Group of badgers 29. Peyton’s little brother 30. Rock out 31. Danish krone 33. Take from with force 34. Baroque musical instrument 36. Zodiac sign 38. Hebrew alphabet letter 40. Independent member of a clone 41. Type of garment 43. Satisfy 44. One point south of due east 45. A way to wipe out 47. Moved quickly on foot 48. Bar bill 51. An idiot 53. Performed with the voice silent 55. Body fluids 56. Rhythmic patterns 58. “__ my i’s” 59. Type of wrap 60. It shows who you are 61. Carousel 64. Type of college degree 65. Molding 67. Closes again 69. Verses 70. Surface CLUES DOWN 1. Short, thick stick 2. Rhode Island 3. Animals of the horse family

4. Very important persons 5. Folk singer Di Franco 6. Boredom 7. Long speech 8. Footballer Newton 9. Expression of sorrow or pity 10. Linear accelerator 11. One quintillion bytes 12. Smallest interval in Western music 13. Box 15. Cheese dish 18. Make a mistake 21. Done by all people or things 24. Circumference 26. Chum 27. Electrocardiogram 30. Sandwich chain Jimmy __ 32. Showed old movie 35. Important event on Wall St.

37. Where wrestlers work 38. Free from contamination 39. Eastern Canada coastal region 42. Slang for gun 43. High schoolers’ test 46. Fathers 47. Call it a career 49. Productive 50. Musical groups 52. Yellowish-brown 54. Lowest point of a ridge 55. Beloved late sportscaster Craig 57. Fill up 59. Cardinal number that’s the sum of 5 and 1 62. Frost 63. Jewel 66. Atomic #45 68. Top lawyer

20 • Thursday, March 3, 2022 - The Elmhurst Independent

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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.

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• Wall

The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, March 3, 2022 • 21

(Continued from page 10)

not-for-profit and public policy work.

She was elected co-president of the National Shared Housing Resource Center Conference.

Comptroller calls for ending penalties on late payments

By Peter Hancock

CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza is calling for repealing a law that imposes a 12 percent interest whenever the state is late paying its bills, along with a program that allows private investors to purchase the debt owed to vendors and collect that interest penalty.

Speaking to a Senate budget committee last week, Mendoza said the state is nearly caught up on its bill backlog and that those two programs are no longer needed.

“This program has allowed private lenders to loan money to state vendors, then rake in the 12 percent interest that state taxpayers were on the hook for with these late bills,” Mendoza said. “Now happily the days of connected private lenders profiting off the state’s financial problems can and should be over.”

Mendoza was referring to a 1993 law known as the Prompt Payment Act, which says that whenever the state fails to pay a bill within 60 days, the state must pay an interest penalty of 1 percent per month, or 12 percent per year.

During the height of the two-

year budget impasse that stretched from 2015 to 2017, the backlog of past due bills climbed to as high as $16.7 billion, with interest penalties accruing on those bills. So in 2016, lawmakers authorized the Vendor Payment Program, which authorized “qualified purchasers”—typically, wealthy investors—to purchase the bills by paying off the principal owed to those vendors, then collecting that money back from the state with 12 percent interest.

In 2020, however, some of the investors taking part in the payment program criticized Mendoza for paying off the principal owed to the vendors, but not paying off the interest owed to the investors.

Mendoza’s spokesperson, Abdon Pallasch, said Tuesday that more than $665 million in interest penalties have now been paid to those investors and that about only $41 million is still owed to them.

Meanwhile, the state’s bill backlog is now down to about $3.6 billion as of Feb 22.

That includes about $900 million in late health care bills from the state’s group health insurance plan, which Gov. JB Pritzker has proposed

paying off in next year’s budget.

Bills paid out of the state’s General Revenue Fund, Mendoza said, are now paid, on average, within 17 days of being received by her office.

With the state’s cash flow problems now largely ironed out, Mendoza said, she believes it is time to phase out the Vendor Payment Program, and she said she believes the Prompt Payment Act has failed to achieve its purpose.

“I understand that the intent of the act is supposed to have a deterrent effect on budget makers that forces them to keep a budget living within its means,” she said. “However, I would argue that this interest expense is not penalizing state government, it penalizes taxpayers.”

She said that during the budget impasse, the state paid out more than $1 billion in interest penalties, something she said was proof that the penalties did not force lawmakers or other state officials to be more disciplined with their budgets.

“The days of taxpayers being on the hook for billions of dollars in late payment interest penalties should be over at a time when we finally have our heads above water,” she said.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS Elmhurst Independent

Here are Mary Eleanor Kidder and James Wall relaxing under a tree in 1969. Throughout their lives, Reverend James and Mary Eleanor Wall were to share some very exciting times.

and connected in who I am at the present moment, still forming, processing and learning.”

She enjoyed archaeological study tours in the Near East and the Mediterranean, choral singing, opera and reading related to Biblical and classical archaeology. And of course, she was always there for her family.

About the family “As her eldest son, I missed living with her when she returned to work, that occurred when Richard was in high school,” David said. “But one thing I am certain of -- her faith, belief in fairness and Methodist upbringing left me with the internal drive that service to others is the rent we pay for living on this Earth. I can attribute that to her.”

The Wall family included three sons four grandchildren and now, six great-grandchildren.

“There were two great grandkids born just a week apart in early November,” David said.

Beloved mother of David McKendree (Robin) Wall, Robert Kidder (Renae) Wall, and Richard James Wall; loving grandmother of Rachel Michelle (Jesse) Welliver, Adam McKendree (Kimmie) Wall, Melissa Grace Wall, and Mariah (Carlen) Cyphers; cherished great-grandmother of Norah Ruth Welliver, Lydia Noelle

LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE CERTIFICATE NO. 78554 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on FEBRUARY 9, 2022, wherein the business firm of EPOCH LOCATED AT 111 W. 3RD 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) VIVIAN MABRY, HOME ADDRESS 111 W. 3RD STREET, ELMHURST, IL 60126.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 9TH day of FEBRUARY, A.D. 2022.

JEAN KACZMAREK Jean Kaczmarek DuPage County Clerk (OFFICIAL SEAL) (Published in The Elmhurst Independent Feb. 17, 24 & March 3, 2022) 412780

Welliver, Clara Eden Welliver, Tessa Joanna Welliver, Chance McKendree Wall, and Luca James Wall; dear sister of the late Clarence Kidder and the late Dorothy Overbey.

Memorial contributions in Mary Eleanor’s name may be made to Seraj Library Project, https://www. serajlibraries.org/ 636 N. Harvey Avenue, Oak Park, IL 60302; First United Methodist Church of Elmhurst, https://umcelmhurst.org 232 S. York Road, Elmhurst, IL 60126; or to the DuPage Foundation, https://dupagefoundation.org/donate.html 3000 Woodcreek Drive #310, Downers Grove, IL 60515-5408.

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

WORKING IN TANDEM

“Binocular fusion” is the enhanced, in-depth vision that results when both eyes work in tandem properly. This capability blends the eye muscles’ mechanical ability to work together and the brain’s ability to convert visual messages from both eyes into a single coherent image. However, as eye muscles tend to weaken with age, they may lose their ability to maintain good motor fusion. The most common fusion problem is associated with the age-related condition called “presbyopia,” which makes reading glasses necessary. As the ability of the eyes to focus on near objects (accommodation) deteriorates, along with the ability to focus both eyes together on the page (convergence), reading becomes very difficult.

Fortunately, both problems may be helped with eyeglasses. Presbyopia can cause headaches, eye strain and visual fatigue that makes reading and other near vision tasks less comfortable and more tiring. Progressive lenses are the most popular solution for presbyopia for most people over age 40. To schedule an appointment, please call SKOWRON EYE CARE. Using the latest in technology, we provide professional eye care exams, contact lenses, and optical services for the entire family. At Skowron Eye Care, our mission is your vision.

P.S. People who read, perform a lot of close work, or use computers extensively are more prone to developing signs and symptoms from accommodative or convergence dysfunction.

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

412552

Honored by DuPage Foundation In February of 2020, when Mrs. Wall turned 90, David McGowan and Michael Sitrick of the DuPage Foundation came to her residence at Park Place to honor her birthday and recognize her contributions to the Foundation, which she helped develop from the beginning. The highlight of the day was when McGowan and Sitrick presented a book made especially for her, showcasing her years with the Foundation from its inception when she was at the helm. Needless to say, she was delighted.

“Mary Eleanor was a force for collaboration and community impact throughout her many years of service to our county,” said McGowan, DuPage Foundation president and CEO. “The foresight that she and our other co-founders, the late Brooks McCormick and Jerry Bradshaw, had to create an enduring institution wholly focused on raising the quality of life Pictured here are Mary Eleanor and James Wall in their later years throughout DuPage County is a tes- of life, which they spent at Park Place in Elmhurst. tament to their wisdom and shared “This was a love of both our par- Self-reflection vision. Her early efforts established a Mary Eleanor Wall said this about culture that has endured and has been ents and Mom was equally invested a cornerstone of our becoming DuP- as Dad was in that mission,” said son herself: “I am loyal, persistent, unDavid. “It was truly a joint venture predictable, interested in history, preage County’s philanthropic leader.” for them.” historic early humankind... I am also Mary Eleanor was interested in keenly interested in current events .

Seraj libraries the archeology of the land of Pales- . . as contemporary history unfolds. in Palestine earn tine and traveled there to see some The foundation of this interest comes place in her heart One of the efforts near and dear to “digs.” After making a connection from being a liberal Protestant ChrisMary Eleanor’s heart was the Seraj with Estephan Salameh, the Walls tian woman which brings me to beLibrary Fund, which raises money to considered him one of their children ing a feminist and a Democrat conbuilding libraries in Palestine. There and welcomed him into their home cerned about human rights and jusis a James and Mary Eleanor Wall Li- when he visited from Palestine, Da- tice for all people and especially for brary fund which was started just for vid said. When Estephan married his the most vulnerable persons, often wife Laurie, an Elmhurst resident girls and older women ... I am always that purpose.

The Seraj Library in Jiftlek in the whose father had once been Chief thinking, processing information and Jordan River Valley was established of Police, the Walls stood in as his experiences, making connections to through their financial contribu- parents, when his own were unable solve problems ... All of these expeto attend the ceremony in the U.S. riences are now somehow integrated tions.

22 • Thursday, March 3, 2022 - The Elmhurst Independent

The Elmhurst Independent

Sports

March 3, 2022 • 22

York’s Groya wins two state boys swimming championships First-ever York boys swimmer to win state crown

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

York senior boys swimmer Connor Groya made some history and then some this past weekend. Groya won a pair of state individual championships at the IHSA boys state finals meet held at the FMC Natatorium in Westmont. Groya won both the 50 and 100 freestyle titles, becoming the first swimmer in York boys history to win a state title, let alone two.

Prior to Groya, the closest any York swimmer had come was Matthew Billenstein’s efforts in the athletes with disabilities category in the 2019 and 2020 state meets. Billenstein finished second in the 50 in 2019 and took third in the 50 and 100 in 2020.

Groya is the sixth swimmer in York

program history to medal at the state meet.

In the 50, Groya swam 20.59 in the preliminaries and was the leader in the clubhouse heading into the final round. Groya won the state title with a time of 20.27. He beat Niles West junior Nikola Tadic, who swam 20.47.

For the 100, Groya swam 44.69 and again was leading heading into the final day. He was 0.02 seconds ahead in that race going into the finals. Groya won the crown with an identical finals time of 44.69, better than Rockford East junior Camden Taylor’s 44.86 finish.

To put those times in perspective, the state-qualifying cutoff this year in the 50 was 21.76 and Groya swam 20.27 to win the state title. The state cut in the 100 was 47.71 and Groya

went 44.69. Groya swam 20.92 in the 50 to win the sectional and 45.08 in the 100 to pick up his second sectional title.

York’s 200 relay team finished 20th in the state with a time of 1:26.89.

That group included Nick Maiers, Charlie McKenna, Jeremy Harrington and Groya. The York 400 relay team finished 22nd in the state at 3:12.82 with Maiers, Martin Polomsky, Harrington and Groya.

Harrington finished 25th in the state in the 500 with a time of 4:45.25.

In the 1-meter diving competition, Owen David took 39th with a 172.60 score, while Joseph Qualtier finished in 42nd place with a score of 165.80.

York tied for 12th in the state as a team in Westmont with 32 points.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing

Jeremy Harrington (left) and Connor Groya swam as individuals at the recent IHSA boys swimming state finals meet in Westmont.

Groya won the state title in both the 50 and 100 freestyle events.

IC Catholic Prep Wrestling team competes in dual-team state finals

By Mike Miazga

Knights finish in top eight in the state in Class 1A

CORRESPONDENT

The fun was far from over for the IC Catholic Prep wrestling team. After three wrestlers won individual state titles a week earlier, the Knights got right back on the mat and qualified for the Class 1A dual-team state finals in Bloomington.

IC Catholic Prep defeated Burbank St. Laurence 66-12 to advance to the Class 1A finals at Grossinger Motors Arena in Bloomington. The Knights then lost 39-34 to Tremont in the state quarterfinals in Bloomington to finish

the year 13-6. Against Tremont, the meet started at 132 pounds where IC Catholic Prep’s Omar Samayoa was a 13-2 major decision winner. That put the Knights up 4-0.

The Knights then dropped a close 2-1 match at 138 that closed the lead to 4-3. Joseph Gilatta won his match at 145 by pin in 4:26 to put the Knights up 10-3. IC Catholic Prep than had to forfeit its 152 and 160 matches, which gave Tremont a 15-10 lead. Tremont won the 170-pound contest by fall in 1:04, which put it up 21-10.

Individual state champion Michael

Calcagno was a 6-4 winner at 182 pounds, which cut the lead to 21-13.

The Knights fell behind 27-13 after Tremont won the 195-pound match by pin in 18 seconds to earn the maximum six points. Individual state champion Jaden Mims won his match at 220 pounds via forfeit. That trimmed the Tremont margin to 2719. IC Catholic Prep’s Isaiah Gonzalez further cut into the lead with a sixpoint pinfall win in 5:04 that brought the Knights to win 27-25.

Tremont took the 106-pound match by forfeit, which increased

the lead to 33-25. Andrew Alvarado was a winner for IC Catholic Prep at 113 pounds. His 8-4 decision made it 33-28 Tremont. Nick Renteria, another state champion for the Knights, won his 120-pound match via forfeit, which gave IC Catholic Prep a 34-33 win.

The dual meet came down to the 126-pound bout, which Tremont won via fall in 2:51. That gave Tremont the final 39-34 margin. Tremont went on to defeat Harvard 41-28 in the semifinals and lost to Yorkville Christian 48-24 in the Class 1A dual-team state

championship meet.

IC Catholic Prep was making its second appearance all-time in the dual-team state finals tournament. It qualified in 2018 and lost to Vandalia in the quarterfinals. Alvarado finished with a 25-15 record. Renteria ended 33-1 and won a state title. Bryson Spaudling finished 16-13. Calcagno finished with a mark of 27-1 and won a state title Mims ended 32-3 and won a state crown, while Gonzalez ended 34-2. Nathan Brown finished 20-9, while Vinnie Gonzalez ended with a mark of 13-8.

Timothy Christian girls basketball team competes at sectional

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

Trojans won 14 games and a regional title this season

It came right down to the wire for the Timothy Christian girls basketball team.

The Trojans lost a tough 48-45 decision to Chicago Noble/Butler in the semifinals of their own Class 2A Timothy Christian sectional in Elmhurst.

Noble/Butler went on to defeat IC Catholic Prep for the Timothy Christian sectional title and played earlier this week in the Class 2A Morton College supersectional against Minonk Fieldcrest for an opportunity to play in the state semifinals this weekend.

“We really did lose a tough one,” Timothy Christian coach Jill Groene-

wold said. “We were right there and could not finish in that last minute.

It was a real tight game. I think, at most, the biggest lead anybody had was five points. It was back and forth. Their pressure got to us in the last minute and created some situations for them. We had a chance, but it didn’t go in. This was probably the best game we played this year. They left everything they had on the court.

I know that’s an adage, but they did. I am so proud of them. Butler is a very talented team. They have five 6-footers. The have a girl going to University of Illinois and a sophomore point guard who can shoot out the lights in the gym from half court and in. She’s a phenomenal shooter.”

The two teams played to an 11-

11 tie after the first quarter and the Trojans held a 23-20 lead at halftime. Butler outscored Timothy 16-13 in the third quarter to tie the game at 36-36 and outscored the Trojans 12-9 in the final quarter.

Maddie Drye led the Trojans with 15 points, while Grace Roland added 14 points. Ella Vandermolen had six points and Mili Martens scored five points. Butler had three players score in the game.

Timothy hit 8 of 16 three-point attempts with Drye shooting 5-for-8 from the 3-point line. Sami Drye, Roland and Martens each hit one 3.

Maddie Drye had eight rebounds, while Roland had five rebounds.

Maddie Drye had four assists, while Julia Voss had three assists.

Timothy advanced to the sectional by downing Chicago Phillips 32-27 to win a Class 2A regional title. Timothy led 10-5 after the first quarter and 14-13 at halftime. The Trojans outscored Phillips 11-4 in the third quarter and withstood a Phillips 10-7 fourth-quarter run.

Roland led the way with 23 points on 8-for-15 shooting. Maddie Drye had nine points to round out Timothy’s scoring. Drye hit two 3-pointers. Roland made 7 of 9 foul shots and also led the team with eight rebounds. Martens had six rebounds, while Drye had five. Roland also blocked three shots.

“They couldn’t stop Grace,” Groenewold said. “We slowed them down a little bit and Grace had a

great game. Our guards did a great job of breaking their pressure. They might have been the MVPs of the game by consistently doing that.”

Groenewold liked how her team finished up the season. The Trojans ended 14-16 overall.

“We really solidified together as a team,” she said. “We might have been hoping for a little bit more going into the season with our preseason goals. We had a lot of kids play in a lot of different spots and they embraced the challenge. They did that and that’s all you can ask as a coach.

Grace went down after Thanksgiving and they had a hole to fill and did the best they could.”

See BASKETBALL, Page 23

The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, March 3, 2022 • 23

• Basketball

(Continued from page 22) While the all-Metro Suburban Con- It has been very rewarding to coach ference Blue Division team was voted them. It’s always hard to lose kids who on just after press time, Roland and have been in the program four years.

Maddie Drye would be prime contend- Those are kids who gave their blood, ers for that honor, Groenewold noted. sweat and tears and did everything they In terms of the future, the Trojans could do. The good thing is it doesn’t lose seniors Vandermolen, Cailey empty us out. We still have Grace and Schurrman and Tegan Gunn, one of Maddie and Mili and Sami Drye got the team captains along with Maddie experience this year. There are other Drye. “Those are three seniors who kids who have worked very hard this have been in the program four years,” year and we’ll take a good look at them Groenewold said. “Oh my gosh yes, and assess that as well. We have two they were an important part of this three-year starters to build around in team. They are good kids who work Maddie and Grace. That’s a great base hard and do whatever is asked of them. right there.”

“

Those are kids who gave their blood, sweat and tears and did everything they could do.”

– Jill Groenewold, Timothy Christian coach

Answers PUZZLE 1

PUZZLE 2

Knights of Columbus to present Tootsie Roll fundraiser proceeds The Father McDonald Council #1911 of the Knights of Columbus will be holding a special dinner event to celebrate the presentation of donations from the Council’s annual Tootsie Roll drive to various intellectual disability charities. It will be held on Tuesday, March 8 at 6:30 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus, 537 So. York St. A buffet dinner will be served. Casual attire.

The Intellectual Disabilities or “Tootsie Roll” Fund Drive is one of the most recognizable activities that the Knights of Columbus does. The

funds generated from this drive are used to support local programs which help people with special learning needs.

Thanks to the generosity of the people of the Elmhurst area and the efforts of many volunteers, last year’s fund drive allowed for the donation of more than $26,000 to local organizations devoted to the care of individuals and particularly those inflicted with one or more forms of intellectual disability.

This year, our efforts will help the following groups: • Special Olympics

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• Ray Graham Association • Northeast DuPage Special Recreation Association (NEDSRA) • SPRED - Special Religious Education • UPS for DownS - United Parent Support for Down Syndrome • Misericordia • Elmhurst Access Sports • K of C Illinois State Council To attend, please indicate the number of adults and children that will attend by sending an RSVP to George Marinier mailto:gmarinier@comcast. net.

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SPORTS 19

24 • Thursday, March 3, 2022 - The Elmhurst Independent

Elmhurst Armpit Orchestra celebrates 10 years of Parade Queens

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

sports

IC Catholic Prep graduate Leslie headed to Le Moyne

2012 Queen O’Connor Will playMary volleyball Queen Mary first proposed the EAO a Queen II each year. for name Division school Recognizing her support of the By Mike Miazga organization and the Parade, she CORRESPONDENT was named its first queen. Her Recentwas ICalso Catholic Prep when graduservice recognized ate Leslie wanted to head theBella EAO’s enormous bass drumeast was for college. named in her honor.

Her landing spot ended up being at2013 NCAA Division II Le Moyne Queen Beverley Krohn College the former Queenwhere Beverage, as she isKnights volleyball and known, soccer standout will affectionately was continue herforvolleyball recognized her service career to the at the Syracuse, New York school EAO and the Parade, where she as asupported libero. her husband’s effort to “All of the schools I was looking supply parade marshals to ensure a atsafe were the East Coast,” andon efficient parade eachLeslie year. told the Independent last week. “I visited Le Moyne and really liked 2014 Queen it.Colleen It reminded me of high school Sutherland because was a small school,for and QueenitColleen was honored inher a smaller school you willEAO know a hard work entertaining lot more faces I would have families beforethan eachifyear’s parade gone a bigger Theparade camat hertohome.

Herschool. spirit made pus is really pretty.

It sitsto. on daythere an event all looked forward aSadly, big hill scenery around weand lostthe Queen Colleen in it is2015. great.

Everything is pretty close The EAO’s highest honor, its together.

They Service have very nice has facilDistinguished Award, ities.

The volleyball program has been named in her honor. good workout facilities and a nice locker room. I liked howAhlgrim modern it 2015 Queen Charity was.”

Queen Charity was recognized Leslie plans on studying nursing for her service to the families of the atEAO Le during Moyne.each “They haveParade. a good St. Pat’s nursing program,” she said.

She hosted these families at “As her far ashome whatonkind of a nurse want to the parade route Ieach year. be, not quite sure yet.”

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

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.

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

• Stopka

the birthplace of the EAO.

2016 Queen Gail Robertson Queen Gail was coronated in recognition of her support of the EAO’s chief carpenter, her late husband, Bob Robertson, Jr. She I wore feel like I wouldproudly be so bored her crown and without because has been such a big willit accept theitColleen Cecile part of my life.”

Sutherland Distinguished Service Leslieonsaid has before plentythis of Award behalfshe of Bob memories from IC Catholic Prep’s year’s parade. coach Nancy Kerrigan’s program.

“I loved playing 2017 Queen Jen there,” Damershe said.

“I probably schoolforvolleyQueen Jenenjoyed was honored her ball more club because I love service to than the EAO’s post-parade my teamwhere and she thekept coaching staff parties, the campfire burning entertained was veryand supportive on all andwith off her the interpretation fire’s colors. court.

It madeofit the a really good enShe dutifully the EAO’s vironment to supports be in. Coach (Kerrimaster painter, husband Norm. gan) was great.her I have known her for a while. When I was little, I did 2018 Diane McGinnis all the Queen little kids camps, and her Queenwas Diane recognized daughter in was my brother’s grade her service to the EAO and our atfor IC.” community, Leslie saidwhere she she willspent missmany plenin community government tyyears about IC Catholicand Prep.

“I will relations miss how with closeElmhurst knit of aHospital. communiwas unceremoniously pushed tyShe it was,” she said. “I knew everyasideatonthe liveschool. local TV in 2019, as body It will be weird her replacement going on campuswas andannounced. not knowing all the faces. I’ll miss those close 2019 Queen Amy connections with theRoesch coaches and Queen Amy wasbehonored teachers.

It will weird for her the support EAO on social media first yearoforthe so.” and via the usepandemic of her family’s Leslie said life hasn’t electric tow vehicle which safelyher been overly exciting, though pulls volleyball Mary, the World’s Largest club team has started Drum, through each year’s parade practicing again.

“We have been route. She two was crowned live a practicing or threeontimes local TV at said. the expense of Queen week,” she “We are going to Diane. be starting tournaments again. Before that I haven’t been doing any2020because Queen senior Victoria Ferguson thing soccer season Victoria was recognized andQueen the club volleyball season were cancelled. We were supposed to go to a few club volleyball qualifiers in Grand Rapids and Louisville.

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.”

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

“

I’m really excited to be able to play volleyball in college. It gives me something to do. I feel like I would be so bored without it because it has been such a big part of my life.”

– Bella Leslie

been cancelled due to the pandemic. “I will probably leave Aug. 10-11 because it’s a far drive,” she said. “We had Zoom call with the team recently and they said they should have an answer about our season in the next 7-10 days.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent They talked about three scenarios herehappen with Elmhurst andPictured what could like if weArmpit Orchestra co-founder Scott Sutherland is Queen Mary O’Connor, whothe firstseason proposed the EAO gets name a Queen each year. Recognizing her support of the organization and start and someone the Parade, named first queen. Her service was also recognized when the EAO’s enormous sick and we she havewas to stop andits go. bass drum named in herthey honor as well.

That’s one ofwas the reasons why are looking at moving the season to for spring. her service tonow the EAO and,isinto recruit and train scores of volunteer Rich “Rick” Reichert leading up to the Right the plan particular, the Parade.

Each year each year’s parade and would be a have a season, but we won’t know parade marshals from Elmhurst much-needed voice of wisdom for she helps the parade committee University.

Queen Victoria is the until the next 7-10 days.” our fearless leader.

But if all systems are a go, Les- only EAO queen to reign for two The EAO queens and their years. lie can’t wait to take her skills as CHRIS FOX PHOTO Elmhurst Independent courts will accompany the EAO a libero to the next level with the in this year’s St. Patrick’s Day 2022 Queen Jennifer Reichert Dolphins. “I feel like being a libeQueen Jennifer is recognized for Parade aboard a special Queen ro you have to be really quick and a pitch recent for U12 baseball trolley,asuitable royalty. service to Bucolo the EAOfires as our long during that is typically what I am good at. her Anthony game.First Lady of the EAO. Look for them and try to imitate I have really good reaction time,” serving their queens’ waves on March 5. she said. “I like diving on the floor She would support EAO Leader 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 Player of the week sponsored by 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.”

(Continued from page 18)

They lost to West Chicago on huge rah-rah person. I’m a little bit ble and transparent and communicate I think an own goal in the last five more of an individual players’ coach. with everybody.” minutes. That was against the state I will pull kids to the side at practice As far as the future, Stopka wants champs in the sectional finals. That’s and games and teach them.”

York competing at a high level on a hell of a season if you ask me.”

Stopka noted York has been doing a consistent basis. “The short-term Stopka will teach Spanish at York. conditioning drills and said the plan goal is to restock and build up the He taught Spanish and one math class as of earlier last week was to start team,” he said. “A large portion of at St. Pat’s. “My philosophy is I am summer camp pending District 205 last year’s team was seniors, espemore of a players’ coach,” he said. approval. “I have probably been able cially the starting 11. We have to “I have been a big Liverpool soccer to meet 60 to 70 percent of the play- make sure the now juniors are up to supporter ever since 2015 when Jur- ers so far,” he said. “If it does get ap- the speed of the varsity level and are gen Klopp came over and he’s known proved that would be the start of our ready to contribute. We want to keep as a players’ coach. He’s kind of my contact days with four days a week that pipeline going with the younger coaching idol. I want to related to the for three weeks straight. And even groups of players. We want to make players and form bonds with them. though the IHSA waived the black- sure we are not only competitive, but I am more light-hearted and smil- out dates before the school year, we that we are competing for regioning. I like to have fun and joke with won’t take advantage of that. I’m als, sectionals and supersectionals. the kids. The goal is understanding pretty sure families have plans to do It starts for me with this junior class where each player can be successful things before school starts. I’m the that is coming in. We want them ARCHIVE PHOTO Elmhurst Independent andColleen the provide the best way possiblebe new and I’mafter not going to say ready EAO to goQueen and setting the standard Sutherland couldn’t moreguy delighted she was crowned in 2014.

Wife of to convey theScott knowledge they need you unfortunately can’t go with passed your family. fora these othervaliant classes fight that come in co-founder Sutherland, Colleen awayGo after long and against atcancer, the position I amthe notEAO big named do it and enjoy it. This is a crazy and Award so theyafter can also but inthey herplay. honor, their Distinguished Service her. contribute right off

U12 baseball action

Community Bank Member FDIC

LENDER

of Elmhurst

www.communityelmhurst.com (630)782-1234

100380

Ten years ago, the men of the Elmhurst Armpit Orchestra (EAO) decided to recognize service to the organization by the wives of its members. The EAO Queen was born. Previous EAO Queens are:

proudly presents proudly presents

YORK HIGH SCHOOL PLAYER OF THE WEEK YORK HIGH SCHOOL PLAYER CONNOR GROYAOF THE WEEK YORK GIGI BOYSBARR SWIMMING YORK GIRLS VOLLEYBALL Groya, a senior, won two individual titles at the recent boys swimming state finals meet in Westmont.

Barr IHSA was the recipient of the 2019-2020 York Val Cothern Groya won the 50 freestyle and 100 freestyle state junior female athlete of the year award. Barr wenttitles, over the becoming the first York boys swimmer to stand on the top of 1,000-career kill threshold last fall for the Dukes girls volleythe podium. ball team and still has a season to add to that total.

SPORTS 19

The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, March 3, 2022 • 25 The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, July 16, 2020 • 19

celebrates Catholic Schools Week ICICGS Catholic Prep graduate Leslie headed to Le Moyne

sports

“

I’m really excited to be able to play volleyball in college. It gives me something to do. I feel like I would be so bored without it because it has been such a big part of my life.”

– Bella Leslie

been cancelled due to the pandemic. “I will probably leave Aug. 10-11 because it’s a far drive,” she said. “We had Zoom call with 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.”

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.”

LEARN MORE AT OUR OPEN HOUSE & REGISTRATION EVENT:

R

N! E P O

• Stopka

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.”

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

U12 baseball action

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

Player of the week sponsored by

Community Bank Member FDIC

(Continued from page 18)

They lost to West Chicago on I 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.”

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.

I 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

CHRIS FOX PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

LENDER

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

of Elmhurst

www.communityelmhurst.com (630)782-1234

100380

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

Leslie said she has plenty of

By Mike Miazga memories from IC Catholic Prep’s CORRESPONDENT coach Nancy Kerrigan’s program.

Recent IC Catholic Prep gradu“I loved playing there,” she said. ate Bella Leslie wanted to head east “I probably enjoyed school volleyfor college. ball more than club because I love Her landing spot ended up being my team and the coaching staff 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 envolleyball and soccer standout will vironment to be in. Coach (Kerricontinue 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 a libero. all the little kids camps, and her “All of the schools I was looking daughter was in my brother’s grade at were on the East Coast,” Leslie at IC.” told the Independent last week. “I Leslie said she will miss plenvisited Le Moyne and really liked ty about IC Catholic Prep. “I will 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 lot more faces than if I would have going on campus and not knowing gone to a bigger school. The cam- all the faces. I’ll miss those close pus there is really pretty. It sits on connections with the coaches and a big hill and the scenery around it teachers. It will be weird for the is great. Everything is pretty close first year or so.” together. They have very nice facilLeslie said pandemic life hasn’t ities. The volleyball program has been overly exciting, though her good workout facilities and a nice club volleyball team has started locker room. I liked how modern it practicing again.

“We have been SUBMITTED PHOTOS Elmhurst Independent was.” practicing or three times a Members of the ICGS Student Council andtwo Administration orgaLeslieseveral plans on nursing week,” she said.

“We are goingwith to nized funstudying activities including, lighting up Arthur Street atluminary Le Moyne.

“They a days, good BINGO, be starting tournaments again.

Bebags, dresshave down a special kindness project, nursing program,” she said.

“As far models fore thatsuch I haven’t doing and learning about kindness role as St.been Padre Pio.anyas what kind of a nurse I want to thing because senior soccer season be, I’m not quite sure yet.” and the club volleyball season were Leslie played volleyball and girls cancelled. We were supposed to go soccer at IC Catholic Prep all four to a few club volleyball qualifiers years. She was a center-midfielder in Grand Rapids and Louisville. on the Knights soccer team.

This summer, we have some tourLeslie’s volleyball journey naments planned over the next few started in the fifth grade, the first weekends. They are little tournayear she could play the sport at IC ments with all of the local clubs.

Grade School. She’s been play- Nothing large and really local. ing club volleyball since seventh Other than that, I have been trying grade, most recently with the Chi- to work out a lot and stay in shape. cago Elite group that practices out I’ve been running a lot, so I got into of Scores in Willow Springs and that. I try and run every day.”

Montini High School in Lombard.

Leslie said she is scheduled to th 6:30-8:30pm “I’m really excited toon be able report to Le in the Aug. 12March 10Moyne ti to play volleyball tin college,” she 15 timeframe, but noted preseason a r issomething to do. volleyball York High School said. “It gives activities already have egme

proudly presents proudly presents

YORK HIGH SCHOOL PLAYER OF THE WEEK YORK HIGH SCHOOL PLAYER OF THE WEEK 2021 WL & GIGI BARR ER BO SUP E CHEER YORK GIRLS VOLLEYBALL STAT MPS! CHA 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.

413347

Will play volleyball for Division II school

26 • Thursday, March 3, 2022 - The Elmhurst Independent

ICGS celebrates Catholic Schools Week

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The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, March 3, 2022 • 27

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St. John’s Passion Saturday, March 12, 7:00 p.m.

Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church 149 W. Brush Hill Road, Elmhurst With the Apollo Chorus of Chicago Erik Gustafson, tenor Hannah De Priest, soprano Ryan Belongie, Countertenor Ryan Townsend Strand, tenor Evan Bravos, bass

Tickets available at elmhurstsymphony.org click on the “Tickets and Events” tab Check the “Visit Us” tab for detailed information on attendance, ticketing, and safety.

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28 • Thursday, March 3, 2022 - The Elmhurst Independent

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