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1 • Thursday, April 23, 2020 - The Elmhurst Independent

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Independent

Elmhurst’s Locally Owned and Operated Hometown Newspaper

VOL. 18 • NO. 18

WWW.THEINDEPENDENTNEWSPAPERS.COM

THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2020

Ahlgrim Funeral Home sells to new owners Business will remain family-owned, involved in community

By Dee Longfellow FOR THE ELMHURST INDEPENDENT

One of Spring Road’s most deeply rooted and established businesses is about to go through a change in ownership.

Scott Ahlgrim of Ahlgrim Funeral Home has announced that the business has sold to Eli Turnbaugh and

Chad Reuland of the Reuland and Turnbaugh Funeral Home in Lake Forest. The partners also own Muzyka Funeral Home in Chicago.

“Ever since I turned 60, I planned to start transitioning out, so by the time I hit 70, I’d be completely out,” Ahlgrim told the Independent in an exclusive interview. “I felt especially

fortunate to have found these owners because they are interested in maintaining the business as family-owned and that meant a lot to me.”

Ahlgrim said one of the owners and his wife will be moving into the residence and look forward to getting involved in the communities.

“A number of entities were in-

terested and, as they were checking us out, we were checking them out, too,” he said. “We wanted to make sure the move was not only good for Elmhurst and carrying on the business and keeping it successful, but also to stay as helpful and active in the community as [my wife] Charity and I have always been and my fa-

ther [Art Ahlgrim] before that.

“Just this morning, we were talking about the groups we’ve been involved in and I was looking forward to introducing them around town, all places we’ve had a connection with over the years, it was one of

See AHLGRIM Page 23

Elmhurst firefighter tests positive for COVID-19

City of Elmhurst was notified that one of its firefighters tested positive for COVID-19. The firefighter was notified of the diagnosis on April 14th and immediately informed the Fire Chief and City Manager.

The employee’s last day at work was Thursday, April 2nd. All employees who may have had potential exposure to the diagnosed employee have been notified and offered testing, although none of these individuals are experiencing any symptoms.

The diagnosed employee is taking every precaution as directed by healthcare providers and will remain under quarantine for 14-days. Due to the timeline of this employee’s last work day, there is a low probability that any City staff or members of the

See FIREFIGHTER, Page 6

The long and winding queue…

DAVID HOFFLICH, OSCAR & ASSOC. VISUALS PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

A long line of cars winds its way through the drive stretching all the way back to the street and beyond at Yorkfield Food Pantry (EYFP) on Saturday, April 18. Here, volunteers wear their PPE as they help with EYFP’s drive-up food distribution. Story and more photos on pg 4.

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Inside:

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to our employees and their families for their hard work, dedication and support during this very difficult time!

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2 • Thursday, April 23, 2020 - The Elmhurst Independent

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The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, April 23, 2020 • 3

SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

Feud family goes the distance The Bobek family went the distance, winning its way to five episodes and more than $40,000 on the iconic Family Feud game show. In the final and fifth episode that aired on April 15, the group, representing its Polish Highlander culture, was victorious and drove away in a brand new Jeep. The siblings, Jeffrey, Danuta, Jan,

Matt, and Daniel said they would be giving the car to their mother who watched them in the studio audience in Hollywood. Jan, a music teacher and orchestra director at Willowbrook High School in Villa Park, said they “can’t cut a car into five pieces, so we decided early on to give it to Mom.”

Community Bank of Elmhurst

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4 • Thursday, April 23, 2020 - 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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Local food pantry works tirelessly for neighbors in need

Submitted By Joan Letourneau

EYFP VOLUNTEER COMMUNICATIONS CONSULTANT

The coronavirus pandemic has changed lives literally overnight.

Many families planning their regular springtime activities just one month ago suddenly have found themselves needing assistance just to make ends meet.

The Elmhurst-Yorkfield Food Pantry (EYFP) has responded to the breathtaking speed of this crisis with an equally swift mobilization of resources to aid our community. In addition to helping those who were already struggling to put food on the table, the pantry is now serving people who have never needed to ask for food before.

“During the financial meltdown, we took away lessons on how to address a significant increase in food insecurity,” EYFP Executive Director Kathie Watts said, “but the tidal wave of need created by COVID-19 set us back on our heels.”

Watts and her operations team are resolute in their efforts to keep the pantry open during the statewide shutdown, adjusting client service and volunteer procedures beginning on March 16 to ensure a safe and healthy environment.

Instead of shopping for their own grocery items inside the pantry, clients now line up in the parking lot and remain in their cars while volunteers place boxes full of non-perishable items, fresh produce, bread, milk, eggs, and meats into their trunks.

Volunteers are required to have their temperatures taken immediately upon arrival at the pantry and to wear masks and gloves throughout their shifts.

“We set up the pantry with the dignity of our clients top of mind, so moving to this no-contact arrangement was a difficult but necessary decision,” Watts said.

EYFP also has been able to quickly scale up food distributions to make sure no one is turned away in the face of record job losses.

In the five weeks since shelter-inplace went into effect, the pantry has added 148 new clients and provided 667 food distributions during its regular client service shifts. EYFP serves residents of Elmhurst, Bensenville, Addison, Lombard, Villa Park, Hillside, Berkeley, and Oak Brook.

Many of the new clients are District

DAVID HOFFLICH, OSCAR & ASSOC. VISUALS PHOTOS Elmhurst Independent

EYFP operations team member Deb Rutter keeps the line moving during Saturday’s client service shift at the Elmhurst Yorkfield Food Pantry. One grateful person responded: “You do things that no one else would do and you help us without expecting anything in return, and the only thing we can do is say thank you.”

205 families that had access to the free/ reduced meal program before schools were closed due to COVID-19. EYFP, in coordination with the D205 Board of Education, provided groceries to 67 families during a special distribution on March 20. School social workers were kind enough to deliver groceries to several other families that lacked transportation. One of those families relayed this message back to the pantry: “You do things that no one else would do and you help us without expecting anything in return, and the only thing we can do is say thank you.”

With a generous donation from the District 205 Foundation, EYFP arranged for mobile pantries from the Northern Illinois Food Bank on March 27 and April 13, with another scheduled for April 27. Staged at Churchville Middle School, the mobile pantries have provided milk, eggs, produce, and non-perishable items to many more food-insecure families.

Watts said the turnout was “beyond anything we could have imagined,”

This photo shows the line of cars queuing up to get to the Elmhurst Yorkfield Food Pantry on Saturday, April 18.

with 215 D205 households served from the first mobile and 250 from the second. Volunteers from United Community Concerns Association and the No Frills Fun Run, as well as York, Churchville, and Conrad Fischer schools have been instrumental in

COVID-19 updates for DuPage County As of 11 a.m. on Monday, April 20, there were 1,759 total cases among DuPage County residents, including 94 deaths. Of those, 376 were outbreak-associated, while 1,383 were not. Since Saturday, there were 32 new cases and four deaths reported.

(Outbreak-associated cases are linked to a congregate setting, e.g., long-term care facilities, workplaces, schools, or large gathering, e.g., convention, concert.)

Regarding the 376 outbreak-associated cases (including 53 deaths) among DuPage County residents: • 43 cases (including 10 deaths) are attributed to the Willowbrook long-term care facility (LTCF), • 283 cases (including 43 deaths)

are attributed to 32 additional LTCFs, and • 50 cases are attributed to 21 outbreaks in other congregate settings and large gatherings.

DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) announces four additional deaths of persons with COVID-19 infection reported since Saturday: • Female resident of a Burr Ridge long-term care facility in her 90s with underlying conditions, • Female resident of a Wheaton long-term care facility in her 40s with underlying conditions, • Male resident of a Westmore long-term care facility in his 70s with underlying conditions, • Male resident of a Carol Stream

long-term care facility in his 90s with underlying conditions.

• Male resident of a Wheaton long-term care facility in his 60s with underlying conditions.

• Female resident of a Naperville long-term care facility in her 70s with underlying conditions.

• Female resident of a Naperville long-term care facility in her 90s with underlying conditions.

Number of cases by town At press time, these area communities reported the number of COVID-19 cases as follows: Addison 123, Bensenville 121, Elmhurst 91, Lombard 93, Oakbrook Terrace 9, Villa Park 65, Wood Dale 21.

making these a success.

“EYFP volunteers have gone above and beyond to ensure food distributions go smoothly so that we can continue to provide full service to our clients in this new normal,” Deb Rutter, a core EYFP team member, said.

Janet Cox, another core team member, can attest to the outpouring of support, having spent many hours responding to phone calls and emails from new volunteers that have stepped up to help out.

“The community support has been nothing short of miraculous as EYFP has worked to meet an unprecedented level of need,” Watts said. With less surplus food available for donation by grocery store partners, the pantry is sometimes forced to purchase more food to keep up with demand.

Fortunately, numerous local businesses, organizations, churches, schools, and families have come through with monetary, food, and/or volunteer assistance. And individual residents drive up with food and monetary donations every day.

“This is an absolutely amazing community,” Watts said.

The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, April 23, 2020 • 5

Edward-Elmhurst honored for excellence in Cardiac Care, Cardiac Surgery

Obituaries

Susan Kay Sakash Susan Kay Sakash, nee Kaminsky, passed peacefully at Elmhurst Hospital with her loving and devoted husband of 37 years, Bill, at her side; Susan was also the cherished mother of Pete (Brittany), Tom (Ashley) and Davy (Ben); beloved grandmother of Sam and Camden Sakash. Funeral services and Interment are private at this time. A Celebration of Life is being planned for later this year. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Susan to Education First Cambodia, World Relief DuPage/Aurora, 191 S. Gary Ave. Ste. 130, Carol Stream, IL 60188; or, your local food bank. Arrangements handled by Gibbons Funeral Home, Elmhurst. For more information about Susan and her generous spirit please visit gibbonsfuneralhome.com.

Kevin A. Pedote, 49 Kevin A. Pedote passed away unexpectedly and peacefully in Fort Collins, Colorado on March 25, 2020 at the age of 49. Loving son of Sheila nee O’Riordan and the late Edward

Pedote. Dear brother of Frank (Carrie) Pedote, Lisa Lawton, Lora Wisniewski and the late Dennis Pedote. Dear Uncle of Eddie, Noelle and Tommy Pedote, Alex, Ryan, Mikey and Elise Pedote, Ella and Jack Lawton, Grace and Matthew Wisniewski.

Kevin was a former employee of HB Jones and 100 South in Elmhurst and was the brother to local residents Frank Pedote and Lisa Lawton. He heroically donated a kidney to his brother in 2010. He will be missed.

Arrangements for Kevin have been entrusted to Russo’s Hillside Chapels in Hillside.

If you wish to send a Sympathy Card or Mass Card, please send it to Russo’s Hillside Chapels, in care of Kevin Pedote. For Monetary Donation please send it to The Pedote Children’s Education Trust, c/o Frank Pedote, 130 North LaGrange Road, Suite 103, LaGrange, Ill.., 60525. A Memorial Service will be celebrated for family and friends at a later date.

For more information, call (708) 4495300. Arrangements provided by Russo Hillside Chapels and by the family.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

Healthgrades has recognized Edward-Elmhurst Health as a national leader for Cardiac Care and Cardiac Surgery for 2020 by honoring Elmhurst Hospital with awards and achievements that include being named “Five-Star Recipient for Pacemaker Procedures five years in a row (2016-20)” and “Recipient of the Healthgrades 2020 Cardiac Surgery Excellence Award.”

“Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much.” - Helen Keller

The Elmhurst Heritage Foundation gratefully acknowledges the contributions of our past sponsors for the Elmhurst Craft Beef Fest fundraiser benefiting the Elmhurst History Museum and Churchville One-Room Schoolhouse. At times like this, we are reminded of the important role that our local businesses play in the life of our community. We encourage all of you to support our local businesses.

Plan to join us on the grounds of the Elmhurst History Museum on September 19th for music, craft beer and good cheer.

Together, let us raise a glass to a bright future.

Saturday, September 19, 2020

2019 Elmhurst Craft Beef Festival Sponsors Event Sponsor - Pints Platinum DiCianni Graphics Lakeside Bank Suburban Bank & Trust, a Wintrust Community Bank Gold Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd. Community Bank of Elmhurst The Marke of Elmhurst by OPUS McGrath Lexus Anonymous Red Arrow Tap Room Siemens Slone Commercial, LLC Special T Unlimited Stolper State Farm Insurance Agency Storino, Ramello & Durkin Attorneys at Law U.S. Bank Silver 95.9 the River in Aurora Alpine Creek Dental Bartlett Tree Experts DeVries Animal Hospital DuPage Foundation Elmhurst Brewing Company

FSR Wealth Strategies Hauert Law Office Kilwins Elmhurst Michael V. LoCicero, Attorney at Law PMCO Elmhurst #2, LLC R.A. Peterson Company-RAPCO Asphalt Maintenance Schamberger Brothers, Inc. Elmhurst Tailgate, Inc. Top Golf Tree of Life Wellness Center Bronze Ken Bartels Constulting Edward Jones - Mike Hirsch Elmhurst Dental Care Elmhurst Dermatology Elmhurst Jaycees Guaranteed Rate - John Noldan Holly & Kelly Kost Lexington Square Senior Living Livia Italian Eatery Roberto’s Ristorante & Pizzeria Sal’s Beverage World Beerheads Bar & Eatery Program Sponsors 100 South Chop House & Grill C.B. Health Insurance

Diplomat West Inland Bank Mehta Motors My Mechanic Top Dog Retreat, LLC Media Sponsor Rock Valley Publishing Print Sponsor Tree Towns Imaging & Color Graphics In-kind Sponsors Barbeque Jim’s Catering Elmhurst City Centre Currito Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce & Industry Elmhurst Auto Clinic Elmhurst Park District Hamburger Heaven Livia Italian Eatery Participating Breweries & Distributors Pinot’s Palette Right Bee Cider Silverado Grill Special T Unlimited Tannins Wine Bar TITLE Boxing Club Elmhurst U.S. Foods

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Edward Hospital and Elmhurst Hospital • Recipients of the Healthgrades 2020 Cardiac Surgery Excellence Award™ • Recipients of the Healthgrades Coronary Intervention Excellence Award™ (Edward – 5 years in a row, 2016-2020; Elmhurst – 2017, 2020) • Edward Top 5% and Elmhurst Top 10% in the Nation for Cardiac Surgery in 2020 • Top 10% in the Nation for Coronary Interventional Procedures (Edward – 5 years in a row, 20162020; Elmhurst – 2012, 2020) • Five-Star Recipients for Coronary Bypass Surgery (Edward – 4 years in a row, 2017-2020; Elmhurst – 2012, 2020) Edward Hospital • Five-Star Recipients for • One of Healthgrades America’s Treatment of Heart Failure (Edward 100 Best Hospitals for Cardiac – 18 years in a row, 2003-2020; Care™ for 7 Years in a Row (2014- Elmhurst – 2006, 2012, 2020) 2020) “We’re honored that Healthgrades • One of Healthgrades America’s has recognized the quality outcomes 50 Best Hospitals for Cardiac for Edward-Elmhurst patients,” says Surgery™ in 2020 Mary Lou Mastro, System CEO, Ed• Top 5% in the Nation for Overall ward-Elmhurst Health. “The numerCardiac Services for 7 Years in a ous awards across the spectrum of Row (2014-2020) cardiac care reinforces and confirms • Top 10% in the Nation for the commitment of our doctors, nursCardiology Services for 17 Years in es and specialists to provide comprea Row (2004-2020) hensive, innovative and compassion• Cardiac Care Excellence ate cardiac care.”

Award™ for 7 Years in a Row Variation in hospital quality can (2014-2020) have a significant impact on the quali• Five-Star Recipient for Valve ty of care a patient receives.

Surgery in 2020 Every year, Healthgrades evaluates • Five-Star Recipient for hospital performance at nearly 4,500 Treatment of Heart Attack for 15 hospitals nationwide for 32 of the Years in a Row (2006-2020) most common inpatient procedures and conditions using Medicare data, Elmhurst Hospital and outcomes in appendectomy and • Five-Star Recipient for bariatric surgery using all-payer data Pacemaker Procedures 5 Years in a provided by 15 states. For more inforRow (2016-2020) mation, visit EEHealth.org/heart.

Edward-Elmhurst Health, which includes Edward Hospital in Naperville and Elmhurst Hospital, is recognized as a national leader for Cardiac Care and Cardiac Surgery for 2020 according to a national study by Healthgrades, the leading online resource for information about physicians and hospitals.

This achievement is part of findings released in the Healthgrades 2020 Report to the Nation.

The report demonstrates the importance of hospital quality to hospital leaders and consumers, and recognizes Edward-Elmhurst Health’s commitment to quality patient outcomes with 15 Cardiac awards and achievements, including:

6 • Thursday, April 23, 2020 - The Elmhurst Independent

Police beat

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

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

Criminal trespass, criminal damage April 10 Police said that while an officer was on a foot patrol of Berens Park at around 1:28 a.m., the officer observed damage to a vending machine.

Domestic battery, domestic incident, disorderly conduct, disturbance April 15 A 21-year-old Oak Park man was charged with two counts of domestic battery in the 100 block of Fellows Court at around 4:28 a.m.

A victim told police that the suspect woke up screaming at her, and then grabbed her and made her fall.

DUI, DUI-drugs, illegal transportation of alcohol, open alcohol in public, consumption of alcohol by a minor, public intoxication April 14 Mayumi Davila Carreras, 22, of Maywood, was charged with driving under the influence of drugs, disobeying a stop sign and improper lane usage near Madison and York at around 12:40 p.m.

Luis E. Gomez Garcia, 27, of Bensenville, was charged with driving under the influence of drugs, two felony counts of unlawful possession of a controlled substance, possession

• Firefighter

April 10 Property was reported stolen in the 600 block of S. Hillcrest at around 8:40 a.m. A victim told police that while shopping at various stores on the above date, she believes an unknown person(s) stole her iPhone. The iPhone was put into LEADS.

of adult use cannabis in a vehicle and possession of drug paraphernalia in the 800 block of N. York at around 9:05 a.m. Police said officers responded to the above location for the report of a subject asleep behind the wheel. The reporting officer arrived on scene and was able to make contact with Gomez Garcia. Upon waking the suspect, his vehicle rolled backwards, striking the reporting officer’s squad car, according to police. Upon further investigation police said it was found that Gomez Garcia was under the influence of narcotics. A search of the vehicle yielded drug paraphernalia and controlled substances, police said.

April 13 Michael Olinski, 43, of Elmhurst, was charged with aggravated DUI, unlawful possession of a controlled substance, aggravated driving while license revoked and failure to yield to an emergency vehicle subsequent to a traffic stop near Roosevelt and Commonwealth at around 5:53 p.m.

April 12 Johnny Stovall IV, 28, of Kankakee, was charged with DUI, improper lane usage and no insurance in the 300 block of W. St. Charles at around 12:01 a.m.

Theft/burglary/attempted

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

April 14-April 15 Theft was reported in the 400 block of S. Washington. A victim told police that sometime between 6 p.m. April 14 and 12:30 p.m.

April 15, an unknown suspect(s) removed a lawnmower and a snow blower from his garage.

April 6-April 14 Forgery was reported in the 900 block of N. Larch. Police said a reporting officer met with the complainant regarding a forged check that was made to her company sometime between the above dates. The check was attempted to be cashed by an unknown suspect in Nebraska.

Jan. 1-April 9 Theft was reported in the 800 block of Larch.

A complainant told police that his company did not receive several checks that had been mailed to his business between the above dates. After speaking with the customers, he learned that the checks had been cashed.

CALL 800-222-TIPS April 11-April 13 Theft of vehicle parts was reported at a car dealership in the 700 block of W. Lake at 11:53 a.m. Police said a reporting officer met with a complainant who stated six new vehicles had their tires stolen while they were parked in the storage lot sometime between the above dates.

Each vehicle had all four tires and rims removed, with the lug nuts left lying on the ground.

March 2-April 13 A victim in the 200 block of E. Second told police that an unknown suspect used his personal information to open a T-Mobile account sometime between the above dates. The victim contacted T-Mobile to report the incident and cancel the account.

April 11-April 12 Theft was reported in the 600 block of W. Belden. Police said a reporting officer met with a victim who stated an unknown suspect removed a package he placed on his front porch for pickup sometime between the above dates.

April 11 Retail theft was reported at a food store in the 100 block of E. Schiller at around 9:19 p.m. A reporting officer met with an employee who related a male suspect stole vodka bottles and other bottles of liquor. A male driver was waiting in a 2018 black Hyundai Sonata and both fled northbound Willow from the scene. An investigation is pending. The suspects were described as a white male and a black male.

Oct. 1, 2019-April 7 Financial exploitation of the elderly was reported between the above dates. Police said a corporate investigator for the victim’s bank related that the victim’s power of attorney is suspected to have stolen cash from the victim’s bank account. An investigation is pending.

March 30 Attempted fraud was reported in the 900 block of S. Kent at around 4:45 p.m. A reporting officer spoke with the victim who said she provided her personal information to a fraudulent Amazon website. She gave her credit card number, Social Security number, date of birth and home address.

The victim froze her Social Security number and has had no fraudulent activity at this time.

Unlawful visitation interference

April 10 A reporting officer responded to a lobby in the 300 block of S. West at around 3:58 p.m. for a child custody complaint. The victim stated the mother of his child violated the court order for child custody. The reporting officer attempted to contact the suspect with no results. An investigation is pending.

A victim in the 300 block of St. Charles told police at around 5:35 p.m. that according to court documents he is to have his child at 3:30 p.m. every other weekend. The victim tried getting in contact with the suspect with no results. A reporting officer attempted to make contact with the suspect with no results. An investigation is pending.

(Continued from front page)

public are at an increased risk for contracting COVID-19.

The Fire Department has taken immediate action to clean and disinfect any areas of the Fire Station that the employee may have come in contact with including the vehicles, equipment and work stations. This includes using a disinfectant machine inside the Fire Station, each vehicle, and on the apparatus floor.

Firefighters and Paramedics regularly train and adhere to all applicable safety precautions. During this pandemic, the safety precautions have increased as follows: • Following all pandemic guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) for first responders.

• Each Firefighter and Paramedic takes his/her temperature twice per day; those with temperatures over 100.4 are sent home for the shift to self-monitor their condition. They may return to work when their temperature returns to a normal baseline after at least 72 hours.

• Firefighters and Paramedics wear a full complement of personal protective equipment (PPE) on calls, including masks, gowns, glasses and gloves.

• Firefighters have limited patient contact and practice social distancing on each call to the extent possible.

The City of Elmhurst has plans in place to ensure that essential services are not affected due to the rapidly evolving COVID-19.

Last month, the City cancelled all non-essential events and meetings and all City facilities began restricting public access. Mayor Morley also declared a civil emergency and issued an executive order in response to COVID-19.

“We continue to be challenged by this pandemic and regretfully inform the community of this incident,” said City Manager Jim Grabowski. “We continue to take the necessary precautions and assure you that Fire Department operations will not be impacted.

City departments have been preparing for this scenario and we are ready to provide the community with the same

responsive and superior customer service that our residents expect.”

A community wide effort is being made to encourage residents of Elm-

hurst to abide by the Governor’s Executive Order. Please visit Elmhurst. org/ElmhurstStaysHome to see what your fellow residents are doing to

stay positive while the Stay at Home Order is in place. Visit Elmhurst.org for the latest updates from the City of Elmhurst on COVID-19.

No water rate increase for the next fiscal year On April 16, the DuPage Water Commission Board approved its Fiscal Year 2020 – 2021 budget which will maintain the current water rate at $4.97 per thousand gallons. On May 1, the Commission’s customers, which includes most of the municipalities and private water agencies in DuPage county, will not see their water rates increase.

“I am proud of what the Commission has been able to accomplish over the last six years,” said Commission Chairman Jim Zay. “Board members and staff remain committed to the goal of maintaining our water rates as low as possible and operating the Water Commission as a best-inclass self-sustaining utility.”

Since January of 2015, the Com-

mission has done an outstanding job at minimizing water rate increase to its customers. During this time frame, the Commission has only raised its total water rate by two cents per thousand gallons.

“Since January of 2015, if you look at household affordability, an average family of four in DuPage using approximately 10,000 gallons per month, have seen their water bills increase by only 20 cents per month due to the Commission’s water rate changes,” Zay said. “That is less than one penny per day.”

The Commission has been able to maintain and minimize its water rates going back to 2015, even considering the following: • Water rate increases from the

City of Chicago, our supplier, which total $0.27 per thousand gallons, • Loss of approximately $35 million in annual revenue with the sunsetting of the sales tax each year since 2016, • Decrease in the Commission’s overall water sales of approximately 3%, • A much larger Capital Improvement Plan In October of last year, the DuPage Water Commission was one of the only two agencies in the nation awarded the 2019 Gold Award for Exceptional Utility Performance from the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies. The Commission was recognized for its overall responsible financial performance.

The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, April 23, 2020 • 7

Schools to remain closed for academic year Following the lead of nearby states, Gov. JB Pritzker on April 17 announced Illinois’ public and private schools will remain shuttered for the rest of the school year.

The announcement came one month after Pritzker first announced a temporary school closure amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pritker said the state’s COVID-19 curve is “flattening, not flat,” and key metrics to watch are hospitalization rate and how long it takes for the number of cases to double. Both are

IC Catholic Prep hires new assistant principal for 2020-21 school year

structional hours, and that Illinois is an education landscape in which some districts are better able to enact remote learning than others.

But Illinois administrators and educators are “stepping up to ensure that every child in this state receives the education they deserve,” he said, even if the method varies by community.

Guidance offered by the Illinois State Board of Education includes daily check-ins on each student by the teacher and grading reflective of “the unprecedented circumstances in which students are attempting to continue their studies,” Pritzker said.

Pritzker also announced another $569 million in federal funding will be available to Illinois schools as part of the recent federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security, or CARES Act. Districts will receive a portion of that funding proportional to how many low-income students they

Danielle Wagner takes over position as of July 1 IC Catholic Prep (ICCP) is pleased to announce that Danielle Wagner has been named Assistant Principal of Academics, Director of Curriculum effective Danielle Wagner July 1.

“We are excited to bring someone of Ms. Wagner’s background and experience to our school,” said Stephen Davidson, incoming Principal of IC Catholic Prep. “Her commitment to Catholic education, student success, teachers and their work, and her willingness to build on traditions of IC Catholic Prep were all demonstrated throughout the interview process.

We are eager to welcome her to our team.”

Since 2014, Wagner has been the Assistant Principal for Academics at Saint Joseph High School in Westchester. She has extensive experience

in teacher professional development, curriculum optimization and mapping, and making connections with her school community. Prior to her role at Saint Joseph, Wagner taught for seven years at Saint Patrick High School in Chicago.

“Ms. Wagner will be a fantastic addition to our administrative team and the Knights’ Family,” Davidson noted. “Her leadership experience in academics and curriculum aligns well with the work we have already begun at IC Catholic Prep. Her compassion for students and teachers makes Ms. Wagner the perfect person for the job. We are blessed that she will be a part of our school.”

Wagner received a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University Chicago and a Bachelor of Arts in English and Secondary Education from Marquette University.

She also holds a Learning Behavior Specialist Endorsement from Lewis University.

College programs named to Phi Theta Kappa Transfer Honor Roll Elmhurst College has been named to Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society’s 2020 Transfer Honor Roll, in recognition of the outstanding programs Elmhurst has created to support community college transfer students.

Elmhurst is one of only 122 colleges and universities across the U.S. that were named to Phi Theta Kappa’s 2020 Transfer Honor Roll, which rewards excellence in the development of pathways for students transferring from a community college to a fouryear institution of higher learning.

“The Transfer Honor Roll reflects the growing importance of recog-

nizing and responding to the needs of transfer students,” said Phi Theta Kappa President and CEO Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner.

“Elmhurst College has always valued transfer students as very important members of our College community, so it’s sensational that an outside organization that works solely with transfer students and community colleges thinks so highly of what we’re doing,” said Michelle Adams, senior director of transfer admission and articulations. Elmhurst College enrolls more than 500 new transfer students each year.

teach. ISBE officials will allocate additional money to communities most in need of resources, the governor said.

That funding may be spent on technology for students and teachers and meals to distribute to those youth that need them “Our school buildings may be closed, but the hearts and the minds of our teachers and students are wide open,” Illinois Superintendent of Schools Dr. Carmen Ayala said.

“This pandemic has altered the fabric of how we teach, how we learn and how we connect, but it has not shaken the core of what our schools do, and that is to take care of Illinois’ children and prepare them for what is next.”

She added state officials do not “expect” students to learn everything they would have this year had in-person classes continued. The agency plans to release guidance to assist schools address “learning loss.”

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CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

rest of the academic year.

“Folks, I’ve said time and time again, my decisions are hard ones, but they will follow the science. And the science says our students can’t go back to their normal routine,” Pritzker said. “... My priority remains unchanged—how do we save the most lives during this very difficult time.

In an average day, Pritzker said, 2 million K-12 students would meet in large groups in hallways, classrooms and extracurricular activities before going home.

That pattern “opens up a nearly limitless opportunity for potential COVID-19 infection in a time when our health care workers, our researchers, our scientists and our first responders need us to bend the curve downward,” he added.

Ezike said social distancing is working and needs to continue.

The governor said one of the difficulties in the decision was the fact that students would have fewer in-

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decreasing, but not at a level that indicates the curve is declining yet, he added.

As of April 17, the state had 926 of 2,979 intensive care unit beds available statewide, or about 30 percent.

There were 1,918 available ventilators of 3,213, or about 60 percent.

Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike said Friday’s new case count appears so high because health care personnel are testing more people, and she and Pritzker agreed that fatality and case count increase rates have not peaked yet.

As cases have now been confirmed in 92 of Illinois’ 102 counties, Pritzker made the call April 17 to cancel school, public and private, for the

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8 • Thursday, April 23, 2020 - The Elmhurst Independent

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

By Chris Fox

FOR THE ELMHURST INDEPENDENT

The Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205 Board held a regular meeting on April 14. All seven board members participated in the meeting, which took place remotely, with board members and staff members communicating online. The meeting lasted nearly four hours.

Public comments could have been submitted to the meeting in writing.

No comments were submitted.

Caforio thanks community Kara Caforio, the president of the District 205 Board, read a statement at the beginning of the meeting to thank members of the community for their contributions while schools have been closed to on-site instruction during the COVID-19 pandemic. (See sidebar story with her statement in full.)

Plans for Lincoln, Field discussed The meeting featured presentations with information about schematic designs of plans for the new Lincoln Elementary School and the new Field Elementary School. Both schools will be rebuilt with funding from the referendum of November of 2018. Voters approved that referendum, authorizing the district to borrow up to $168.5 million to improve the district’s facilities.

Craig Siepka and Leanne Meyer-Smith, both of Wight & Company—District 205’s architecture firm—delivered the online presentation during the remote meeting.

Siepka, the lead designer of the projects to rebuild the two schools, noted that the plans for both schools are in the early conceptual stage.

Siepka related that his firm is pursuing the placement of storm water detention underneath the parking lots of both new schools.

District 205 Superintendent David Moyer stated that the new Lincoln Elementary School will be built for 600 to 650 students, while the new Field Elementary School will be built for 400 to 450 students. He said both new buildings will have two more classrooms than buildings they will replace. Those additional classrooms, Moyer said, will accommodate future growth in enrollment.

The new Lincoln building is expected to be ready for the 2022-23 school year. The new Field building could potentially be open for the 2023-24 school year.

Siepka and Meyer-Smith said they will continue to refine the design plans for the two new schools.

They will provide their next presentation to the board at the board’s meeting on May 26.

Moyer said that there are plans for community involvement in the designs of the new schools. He also said that construction is moving forward as originally planned. He said that in light of the pandemic, there could be some future challenges, such as a potential limit on how many construction workers are

allowed in a particular space.

Student handbook presentation given The April 14 meeting also included a presentation about the student handbooks for York High School and the district’s middle schools for the 2020-21 school year. Scott Grens, the district’s assistant superintendent of innovation and growth, led the presentation. According to information provided by the district, York’s 2020-21 handbook will include general guidelines for average amounts of homework by grade. The guidelines state that freshmen should have no more than 90 minutes of total homework per day, while sophomores should have have no more than 100 minutes of homework per day. According to the guidelines, the time spent on homework rises to no more than 110 minutes per day for juniors and no more than 120 minutes per day for seniors. The estimates are intended for four or five days per week and encompass the total amount of homework for all classes. The guidelines note that individual students work at different rates.

Technology report includes budget of $3.15 million The April 14 meeting also included a technology report, with presentations featuring David Smith, the district’s outgoing executive director of technology, and R.J. Bialk, the district’s new executive director of technology. The presentations noted that the district has a preliminary technology budget of about $3.15 million for its 2021 fiscal year. That figure includes about $1.3 million in the category of equipment leases of items including computers, servers and copiers.

The technology presentation noted that York High School’s Internet bandwidth will receive an upgrade in the 2020-21 school year. York’s Internet bandwidth will be five times greater in the next school year. There will also be bandwidth upgrades at the administration center, and in the overall district network. If the upgrades aren’t completed this summer, they will be finished during the 2020-21 school year.

Moyer recommends professional learning days Near the end of the meeting, Moyer said he was recommending five professional learning days for the district’s teachers during the remainder of the current school year. He said those days, which would be implemented on Fridays, would give teachers time to collaborate more effectively with their grade-level peers. Moyer also said that the professional learning days would allow teachers to improve their ability to utilize technology while instruction is being delivered online. The first of the five proposed professional learning days took place on Friday, April 17.

School closed for remainder of school year The district’s schools have been closed to on-site instruction since

the end of regular classes on March 13. On April 17, three days after the April 14 board meeting, Gov. JB Pritzker announced that all K-12 schools in Illinois would be closed to on-site instruction for the rest of the 2019-20 school year. Pritzker had previously ordered the state’s schools to be closed through at least April 30.

Moyer said that online instruction is a new environment, and that teachers can’t replicate in-classroom instruction in a remote setting. He said teachers need more time to collaborate to make sure all students’ needs are met while remote learning is in place. Moyer added that teachers can give students activities to work on during the professional learning days.

Moyer described the first week of online instruction—the week of March 16—as “canned learning.”

He said that instruction—E-Learning—was essentially intended to provide for five emergency days, such as snow days. Moyer said that in the subsequent school days of the current school year, the district has transitioned to Remote Learning— what he described as an entirely different process than E-Learning.

“I think teachers are processing; most of them have really committed to wanting to get better at this,” said Moyer in discussing online instruction while school buildings are closed. “But they’re experiencing a lot of the same frustrations that families are, trying to figure all this stuff out.”

Moyer said the only differences students would notice on the professional learning days are that teachers wouldn’t be available in their normal 90-minute windows, and that students would not have to sign in for attendance purposes.

What about grades during online learning?

Board member Jim Collins asked how students’ grades would be handled during online learning. Moyer said that as of March 13—the final day of on-site instruction—no students’ grades could go down. Moyer said that those grades, by law, could not be reduced during the period of online instruction. He said part of that was due to inequities, including students’ home lives and different access to technology.

Moyer said that while students’ grades since March 13 cannot go down during the remainder of the school year, it is possible that students could complete work during the time of online instruction to improve their grade in a particular class.

Board member Courtenae Trautmann said she was concerned that the five professional learning days would reduce the amount of structured learning during the rest of the school year. Moyer said the district is trying to mitigate that to the greatest extent possible. Moyer added that no matter what steps the district takes, students’ learning will suffer while school buildings are closed.

“There’s going to be learning loss over the summer, and on into next year,” he said. “We’re not going to

be able to prevent learning loss.”

Moyer stated that the implementation of the five professional learning days would have a greater upside than a downside. He said that at the next board meeting on April 28, district administrators will give the board options for the remainder of the school year.

Moyer said the district has been holding off on discussing those op-

tions because there are too many hypothetical situations, and it would frustrate people more than it would help them to not have certain information about topics including athletic schedules and York High School’s graduation.

The original schedule called for York’s Class of 2020 to hold its commencement on Sunday, May 17.

Caforio issues statement; thanks community, Foundation, food suppliers Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205 Board President Kara Caforio read a prepared statement at the beginning of the board’s meeting on April 14, which happened to be three days before the governor announced all K-12 schools in Illinois would be closed to on-site instruction for the remainder of the current school year.

“This is an interesting time, and there’s been a lot going on in the last month,” said Caforio in brief remarks before reading the statement. “I think we all, as a board, and also an administration, want to take a moment and say, ‘Thank you,’ to the community.”

Following is the statement Caforio read at the start of the April 14 meeting: “The District 205 community has always been known for quality schools—and in the middle of this crisis, our community has stepped up and shown that District 205 is not just about quality schools—it’s an amazing community of people who look out for each other.

“Our schools are the heart of our community, and having them closed is difficult for all of us, but especially our students.

“As we, the Board of Education, continue to serve our students and wisely steward our resources, we have been honored to witness the outpouring of support and generosity for our 8,500 students during this crisis and would like to pause and say, thank you.

“We are grateful for the ongoing partnership with the mayor and city council and the park district as we serve our community, coming together to find solutions to the challenges at hand.

“Thank you to the District 205 Foundation, who as schools closed, began working to support the growing needs of our students. They provided tech resources for distance learning to students in need, created mechanisms to support local businesses who for years have generously supported our schools and used their expertise to coordinate donations of over $60,000 to support the local organizations helping our students and families.

“Thank you to the Yorkfield Food Pantry, the United Community Concerns Association, the Elmhurst Walk-In Assistance Network and the Addison Township Food Pantry who have worked tirelessly to meet the ongoing needs of students and families.

“To these and other organizations and individuals who have reached out and are generously providing support to our students, thank you.

“To our District 205 staff, teachers and administration, thank you.

Words cannot express how grateful we are for the incredible amount of dedication and care that has been demonstrated by each of you in the last few weeks as we work together to serve our students during this time.

“Thank you for cleaning our facilities and maintaining our buildings, organizing and assembling breakfasts and lunches for student pick up, continuing operations remotely, delivering and supporting technology for approximately 10,000 users, communicating often, planning for multiple scenarios and then adjusting the plan as things change, creating and adapting online lessons to keep all our students learning, supporting parents and students in countless ways and answering question after question.

Most importantly, thank you for taking the time to work together and look out for both our students and each other.

“To our students and families, thank you. Thank you for taking the time to continue learning. We know it is challenging and involves sacrifice on top of the significant personal stresses we are all experiencing. We appreciate your commitment to learning.

“And finally, a note to our seniors. We know this isn’t the senior year you had envisioned. The weeks in March and April are historically filled with many memorable moments and time with friends as you prepare to leave York High School. We are aware you and your families want to know how the school year will end. We do not have an answer tonight, but we will continue to move forward one step at a time, and want you to rest assured that whatever comes our way, we will honor and celebrate the York Class of 2020.

“Thank you. We are so grateful to serve and be a part of this amazing community.”

The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, April 23, 2020 • 9

U.S. Department of Transportation awards grants to airports

DuPage Foundation donates $300,000 toward COVID-19 response The DuPage Foundation has announced the first round of grant recipients from its COVID-19 Response Fund.

Grants, totaling $300,000 have been awarded to 21 DuPage County not-forprofits.

“In reviewing the grant applications, the needs are incredible,” said Barb Szczepaniak, Foundation vice president for programs.

“There are so many people whose lives have been turned upside down as a result of this pandemic and our local notfor-profits are doing yeoman’s work to support them.

“To date we have received 69 applications totaling more than $1.3 million, which really reflects the need in our community. The Foundation will continue to do our part by securing financial resources and deploying them to the organizations that are directly assisting our DuPage neighbors.”

Among the recipients were Elmhurst Walk-in Assistance Network, $10,000; United Cerebral Palsy Seguin of Greater Chicago, $10,000; Ray Graham Association, $10,000; Bridge Communities, Inc., $10,000; and DuPage P.A.D.S., $25,000, among others.

No more matching funds needed, Feds take over all grants The CARES Act also provides funds to increase the Federal share to 100 percent for grants awarded under the fiscal year 2020 appropriations for Airport Improvement Program (AIP) and Supplemental Discretionary grants. Under normal circumstances, AIP grant recipients contribute a matching percentage of the project costs. Providing this additional funding and eliminating the local share will allow critical safety and capacity projects to continue as planned regardless of airport sponsors’ current financial circumstances.

Airports and their respective allotments:

O’Hare International $294,441,928 Midway International $82,301,882 DuPage Airport $157,000 Aurora Municipal $157,000 Chicago Executive (Palwaukee) $157,000

Gary/Chicago International $157,000 Lewis University Regional $69,000 Joliet Regional $30,000 Schaumburg Regional $30,000

Conroy’s Community Resource Corner The YWCA Metropolitan Chicago’s services have continued and in most cases expanded despite social distancing and stay-at-home measures. Services include: the DuPage and Kane County Child Care Resource and Referral, Sexual Violence and Support Services, Economic Empowerment and Small Business support and virtual home visits through a variety of programs to ensure families basic needs are being met. YWCA Metropolitan Chicago continues to work with the Governor’s Office of Early Childhood Development, Illinois Department of Human Services and the Department of Children and Family Services to support child care partners who are willing to help essential workers.

Essential workers may apply for child care supports by contacting our office at emergencychildcare@ ywcachicago. org or phone 800-781-7247. The YWCA will work to link essential workers to child care providers in the area.

The YWCA is working to promote the importance of the CENSUS 2020 across the entire Metropolitan Chicagoland area. During this pandemic we see families struggling for vital resources, we urge everyone to complete their 2020 Census at https://my2020census.gov/. For information on all programs and resources including a DuPage Kane County COVID 19 guide, visit us at https://ywcachicago.org/

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U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao announced on Tuesday, April 14 that the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will award $446,739,181 in airport aid to 78 airports in Illinois to help respond to the COVID-19 public health emergency. This historic grant funding is part of the Trump Administration’s newly created Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act Airport Grant Program, an effort to provide unprecedented and immediate relief

to American families, workers, and businesses.

“This $10 billion in emergency resources will help fund the continued operations of our nation’s airports during this crisis and save workers’ jobs,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.

This funding will support continuing operations and replace lost revenue resulting from the sharp decline in passenger traffic and other airport business due to the COVID-19 public health emergency. The funds are available for airport capital expenditures, airport operating expenses including payroll and utilities, and airport debt payments.

The FAA encourages airport sponsors to spend the grant funds immediately to help minimize any adverse impact from the current public health emergency.

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Real Estate/Business

April 23, 2020 •10

OHSEM helps county collect 165,000 PPE items DuPage County has collected more than 165,000 pieces of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) varying from N95 masks, gloves, gowns, face shields, and other critical items since March 26.

The Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (OHSEM) has championed the coordinated donation efforts specifically for Personal Protective Equipment for front line first responders and medical professionals in DuPage County. OHSEM has received a total of 15 pallets of PPE from private businesses, community groups, schools, universities, faith-based organizations, and private citizens and families. Materials have been distributed to local police, fire, and medical agencies.

“These donations represent the

core values of how a community rallies us together in our most challenging fight against the COVID-19,” said County Board Chairman Dan Cronin. “We are proud of our active communities who are willing to donate much needed supplies to help and protect all of us against this deadly outbreak not only across DuPage County, but for the safety of our nation.”

DuPage County is still accepting donations and has a greater need for N95 masks, surgical gowns, goggles, and face shields. To donate unused PPE, which must be in the original manufacturer’s packaging, visit protectdupage.org and complete the PPE Donations Offer Form.. If you have questions about the donation process, please send an email to: eoc. logistics@dupageco.org.

WorkNet DuPage supports workers impacted by COVID-19

WorkNet DuPage is committed to providing workers and businesses with every tool in our arsenal to come out of the COVID-19 pandemic stronger than ever. Through our new From Layoff to Launch webpage, DuPage County residents can quickly and easily access a wide range of assistance to take back control of their careers in these uncertain times.

In addition to no-cost career planning and job search services, employees facing COVID-19-related or other layoffs may qualify for up-to-$10,000 in federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) grant funding (money that does not need to be paid back).

Grants can be used to attend job training, certificate, or professional development programs that lead to in-demand careers that offer strong earning potential.

NOTE: Those receiving unemployment can continue to do so while attending these approved training programs.

To learn more and to submit an application, visit worknetdupage. org/launch.

“Despite societal shifts toward an online environment, remote work is not an option for hospitality and service industry workers and others who have been hardest hit,” said DuPage County Economic Development Chairman Tim Elliott. “WorkNet DuPage offers handson solutions for affected workers during this uncertain time.”

Free From Layoff to Launch webinars will be offered through the WorkNet DuPage website featuring representatives from DuPage County Workforce Development Division, the U.S. Department of Labor, and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES).

To sign up, visit worknetdupage.org/launch.

Topics include: • How to file for unemployment insurance benefits; • What to expect after filing; • Health insurance coverage and 401(k) options; • How to apply for up-to-$10,000 in professional training grants; • No-cost career services including virtual workshops and resume reviews.

“The unprecedented challenges facing DuPage County families and businesses make our team at WorkNet DuPage more acutely aware of and dedicated to our mission than ever,” said WorkNet DuPage Career Center executive director Lisa Schvach. “We will use every resource at our disposal, including remote technology solutions, to guide job seekers toward increased earning potential and reemployment.”

If you have any questions or comments, please contact Amy Ullo at aullo1@worknetdupage.org or (630) 955-2067.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

Pictured is the PPE collection site at the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (OHSEM). The OHSEM has coordinated donation efforts specifically for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for front line first responders and medical professionals throughout DuPage County.

County, SCARCE to host virtual sustainable design challenge Will be 14th annual contest for area high school students DuPage County and SCARCE have transitioned its 14th annual Sustainable Design Challenge, previously scheduled in-person for April 21, to a virtual format.

The Sustainable Design Challenge encourages students to construct building and landscape models using environmental and water-friendly design practices. Students will have until the end of the month to electronically submit designs.

“During these difficult times, we’ve been forced to cancel or postpone several events to ensure the safety of our DuPage County community,” said DuPage County Stormwater Management Committee chairman Jim Zay. “However,

in speaking with our partners at SCARCE, as well as participating teachers, we have decided to move the Challenge to a virtual format.

Many students have been working on their designs for quite some time, and we at the County want to recognize those efforts, as well as encourage new participation.”

Students may submit their building designs, project write-ups and presentations electronically. Teams are advised to collaborate remotely via online communication tools.

Like previous years, a panel of industry experts will judge the projects, and the DuPage County Board will award the top projects.

“We’re confident – given all the advances in telecommunications –

that this transition to a virtual format will be seamless for students,” said SCARCE founder and executive director Kay McKeen. “In fact, this technological component makes it a well-rounded STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) event.”

All DuPage County high schools are encouraged to participate. Registration will be open through April 24 with submissions due on April 30. For information on participating in this year’s virtual challenge, visit scarce.org/event/virtual-sustainable-design-challenge/.

Winners will be announced in mid-May. Following that, an online gallery of the building designs will be posted for public viewing.

The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, April 23, 2020 • 11

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Build to Suit

Amazing opportunity to work with one of Elmhurst’s top custom home builders. Steps from award winning Jefferson Elementary and the IL Prairie Path, in one of Elmhurst’s hottest neighborhoods. This generous plan offers ceiling detail

Amazing opportunity to work with one of Elmhurst’s top custom home builders. Steps from award winning Jefferson Elementary and the IL Prairie Path, in one of Elmhurst’s hottest neighborhoods. This generous plan offers ceiling detail throughout, exquisite millwork, a large mudroom, 1st floor office, huge kitchen with 2-tier island for prep sink/area and separate eating space. Open family room with gas fireplace overlooks 160’ deep yard. Superb from the curb with covered front porch and patio in the rear. Too many other details to list! Builder is also willing to build to suit at different price points. $1,175,000

Classic Red Brick Bungalow

Classic Red Brick Bungalow

Steps to Lincoln School, York HS & Prairie Path and Spring Road Business’, Features include: intricate moldings, arched doorways, gorgeous HW floors, Newer Maple Kitchen w/ Granite CT’s, NEW SS appliances. Awesome Addition w/

$1,175,000 WISE INVESTMENT BUILDERS

$537,000

Steps to Lincoln School, York HS & Prairie Path and Spring Road Business’, Features include: intricate moldings, arched doorways, gorgeous HW floors, Newer Maple Kitchen w/ Granite CT’s, NEW SS appliances. Awesome Addition w/ multiuse/over-sized/custom ISLAND that will be the HUB of the Home all of which is surrounded by the view of your incredibly private backyard. 1st floor offers an in-law/ arrangement w/ Full Bath & Bedroom. Functional Office & Formal Dining and Living Rooms round out the 1st floor. 2nd Floor has 4 spacious Bedrooms w/ a Full Bathroom.

Basement has HUGE Rec Room w/lots of storage! $537,000

Like New < $1M

Show-stopper newer construction in the heart of Jefferson/ Visitation school country - walkable to both. 5 bed up plan with 3 full baths. The owners have kept things current with custom built-ins, modern light fixtures and paint selections. Huge $975,000

Like New < $1M Show-stopper newer construction in the heart of Jefferson/Visitation school country - walkable to both. 5 bed up plan with 3 full baths. The owners have kept things current with custom built-ins, modern light fixtures and paint selections. Huge kitchen with peninsula island and separate eating area, all open to the family room. Newly finished basement with 6th bedroom + full bath, kids and adult area and storage room. Last but not least, great outdoor lounging and entertaining space in front and pack with stone patio space, fireplace with TV hookup, playset and “ninja warrior” course! Fully fenced backyard and oversized 2 car garage with epoxy flooring. Immaculate condition and move-in ready. $975,000

Spacious All Brick Home

MUST SEE enormous custom designed home! Unparalleled full brick and stone custom designed home in central Elmhurst has mammoth spaces & luxury features. Unique, elegant atmosphere w/ over 6000 sq. ft. finished living space on $1,075,000

Spacious All Brick Home MUST SEE enormous custom designed home! Unparalleled full brick and stone custom designed home in central Elmhurst has mammoth spaces & luxury features. Unique, elegant atmosphere w/ over 6000 sq. ft. finished living space on corner lot w/ 85-foot frontage in school district 205. Dramatic 2 story entry w/ granite floor opens to generous living & dining rooms & massive gourmet kitchen w/ walk in custom built pantry, double oven, 5 burner cooktop, double refrigerator, & large island, open to soaring family room w/ fireplace & wet bar. Huge 1st floor bedroom suite, office, laundry, mud room, & 3 car garage. Spectacular central double entry stairway leads to inviting library/seating area & 4 bedroom suites, each w/ a full bath. Enjoy your private retreat in the separate 2nd floor master wing w/ enormous bath featuring custom built curved shower wall w/ full body shower, double Jacuzzi spa tub, double sink granite top vanity, full wall mirror, & huge custom designed walk in closet adjacent to giant laundry/sewing room. $1,075,000 371735

371849

14 • Thursday, April 23, 2020 - The Elmhurst Independent

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

The Schiller Team • 5bed/5ba • $1,349,900 630.992.0582 • 330Kenmore.info

The Schiller Team • 4bed/4.1ba • $1,095,000 630.814.4065 • 271E3RdSt.info

Maria Gracik • 4bed/2.1ba • $750,000 630.306.7882 • 501Stratford.info

Anne Thompson • 5bed/4.1ba • $1,239,900 630.740.2221 • 599Chatham.info

Yvonne Despinich • 6bed/5ba • $950,000 630.989.9500 • 445EastCrescent.info

Nancy Ritter • 6bed/5.2ba • $1,175,000 630.707.4963 • 264ForestAvenue.info

The Schiller Team • 3bed/3.1ba • $839,900 630.814.4065 • 141SCottageHillAv.info

Linda Weber • 4bed/3ba • $585,000 630.779.6606 • 520NWalnut.info

Andrea Leu • 5bed/4.1ba • $750,000 630.202.8841 • 727NEmroyAvenue.info

Drury/Schiller • 5bed/3.1ba • $579,000 630.514.9961 • 787SChathamAvenue.info

MICHIGAN

Chuck Higgins • 4bed/2ba • $375,000 630.247.0375 • 355Highland.info

Linda Weber • 3bed/1ba • $350,000 630.779.6606 • 763SpringRd.info

NEW BUFFALO Jackson Matson • 4bed/6.3ba $5,950,000 • 269.214.0240 13160SunsetPt.info

STEVENSVILLE Kathy Virgil • 6bed/4.1ba $590,000 • 269.449.1159 5033Deerwood.info

The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, April 23, 2020 • 15

The Elmhurst Independent

Family Living

Slices of life

First we all measured this situation by days and then by weeks and now the days string together and I’m not always sure if it is Tuesday or Wednesday. By now, we are seasoned pandemic participants. We know how to kill a month by staying inside and following the rules. Cross that one off the bucket list.

As the days morph into weeks and the weeks possibly into months, I wonder: How are you doing? What are you doing to pass the time? How are you staying safe? Are you lonely or scared? Is your family wearing on you or are you finding you enjoy them more than you thought you would? For me it’s the latter.

Sometimes, though, the days get long. There is only so much cleaning, cooking and TV binging anyone can do. Some days, despite my best intentions, I can’t seem to get anything done. It’s as though I’ve lost my oomph.

Some of us have sewn masks.

Others are wearing them. When we do have to venture out for milk or eggs we are furtive, dodging oncoming customers in the toilet paper aisle. Trying not to breathe the same air – just in case. We carry hand sanitizer in our pocket and use it immediately upon leaving the grocery store. We try not to rub our eyes or touch our face.

People who are considered essential employees go out each day into the unknown. They come home and peel their clothes off and hop into the shower. And then get up the next day to do it all over again. Thank you.

Many of us have had to skip large family gatherings. We have

How are you doing?

By

JILL PERTLER Contributor

cancelled birthday parties, spring break trips, Easter dinners, Sunday fun days and even postponed weddings and funerals.

Our daughter and her family live about half a mile from us.

We haven’t seen them in nearly a month. Visitors aren’t allowed at my dad’s assisted living facility, and he doesn’t understand why. We all have similar stories to tell.

Students are now experienced distance learners. My senior in high school has actually been doing quite a bit of school work and he’s much more communicative about it than when he was in the regular classroom.

We’ve discussed economics, how to arrange food in the refrigerator, local government and “To Kill a Mockingbird.” Those discussions have been a plus.

Another plus – I don’t have to wonder who will be home for dinner. We’re all here every night, and we sit around the table together for our meal. It hasn’t been this way since they were in elementary school.

I thought I’d thoroughly stocked up on food, but things are thinning out. Over the last three weeks we’ve gone through 10 dozen eggs. One son eats four every day for breakfast, so he’s guilty for two-thirds of the overall consumption. We ran out of peanut butter more than a week ago. So

County provides COVID-19 relief funds to P.A.D.S., Catholic Charities The DuPage County Board on Tuesday, April 14 approved two resolutions that would provide funding to two local homeless shelters in response to their COVID-19 efforts.

The Board voted to provide $50,000 to DuPage Pads and $35,000 to the Hope House of the Catholic Charities Diocese of Joliet. The threat of COVID-19 caused DuPage Pads and Hope House to close their congregate sites for homeless clients and provide them with hotel rooms and food, resulting in additional expenses.

“Part of our mission is to promote

April 23, 2020 • 15

a high quality of life for all DuPage County residents,” said County Board Chairman Dan Cronin. “We remain dedicated to protecting our County’s most vulnerable residents and take pride in being able to help these two distinguished organizations.”

Funding for these projects was already included in the County’s FY2020 budget, which included $1 million for the Human Services Grant Fund. DuPage County created this fund to partner with local agencies to provide human service programs to County residents.

far so good on the toilet paper situation. (Phew!)

We watch TV together at night because no one can go out. We used to watch more news. We’ve pared it down to about half an hour a day – just to stay informed. More than that gets depressing. During the day I like shows that make us laugh out loud. “Impractical Jokers” and “The Carbonaro Effect” are two favorites. At night I’m up for something creepier like “The Outsider” or “The Man in the High Castle.” We just started watching “Ozark” last night.

Every evening we test our lung capacity by timing how long we can hold our breaths. When we exhale, we watch for coughing.

So far we are all good and holding in excess of a minute. One night I made it past two minutes. I’ve always wanted to be an overachiever.

We sleep in later and stay up later than pre-pandemic. Our schedule has slowed. We wait for word that we can return to normal, although I’m not sure that will ever truly happen. Like 9/11 COVID-19 has changed us forever. I do

believe we will have a new normal, someday – hopefully soon.

Each of us is dealing with the pandemic and stay-at-home directive in our own way. I’m sure you’re doing the best you can with what you have. I think we all are. In the meantime, know that I’m thinking about you and am wondering how you are doing.

Take care.

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

Grocery stores, pharmacies offer special hours for seniors Many grocery stores are offering designated senior citizen shopping hours as well as delivery options.

Please contact the below grocery stores directly for any questions.

Jewel 153 E. Schiller Phone: 630-530-8790 Current Hours: Daily 6 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Dedicated Senior Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays 7 - 9 a.m.

Mariano’s 678 N. York Phone: (630) 782-0017 Current Hours: Daily 6 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Dedicated Senior Hours: Daily 6 - 8 a.m.

Fruitful Yield 135 N. Addison Phone: (630) 530-1445 Current Hours: Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Sunday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Dedicated Senior Hours: None at this time Pharmacies Walgreens 160 N Robert Palmer Drive 630-782-1703 Current Hours: Daily 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Pharmacy Hours: Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Dedicated Senior Hours: Tuesday 8 – 9 a.m. (pharmacy not open at this time) Please call to set up curbside pick-up and delivery NuCara Pharmacy (Store not open to public) 101 W. Vallette St. Ste 100 630-834-1223 Current Hours: Monday – Friday 9 a.m – 6 p.m.

Saturday 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Sunday Closed Curbside Pick-up and Delivery available, call to set up Osco Pharmacy 153 Schiller 630-834-9122 Current Hours:

Monday - Friday 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Saturday & Sunday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Dedicated Senior Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays 7 - 9 a.m.

Curbside Pick-up and Delivery available, call to set up.

Osco Pharmacy 944 S. York St. 630-834-2000 Current Hours: Monday - Friday 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Saturday 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Sunday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Dedicated Senior Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays 7 - 9 a.m.

Curbside pick-up and delivery available, call to set up.

Walgreens Pharmacy at Elmhurst Hospital 155 E. Brush Hill Rd. 630-833-3724 Current Hours: Monday - Friday 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Saturday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Sunday – Closed Dedicated Senior Hours: none at this time Delivery available, call to set up.

CVS 110 W. North Ave 630-617-2830 Current hours: Open 24 hours Dedicated Senior Hours: Wednesdays 9 a.m. – 10 a.m.

Drive up window open 24 hours, delivery available, call to set up.

Marianos 678 No. York St (630) 782-0031 Current Hours: Monday - Friday 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Saturday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Sunday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Dedicated Senior Hours: 6:00 - 8:00 a.m. (pharmacy not open at this time) Please call to set up curbside pick-up and delivery.

This information was gathered from the City of Elmhurst web site at elmhurst.org.

16 • Thursday, April 23, 2020 - The Elmhurst Independent

Two York students earn Wheeler scholarships The West Suburban Teachers Union Local 571 of the American Federation of Teachers recently awarded scholarships to seven area high school students including two from York.

Ronan Doyle and John (Jack) Schiltz each received $2,950 from the program, which provides scholarships to children and grandchildren of members.

Winners are also chosen for high academic

standards and involvement in school and community service.

The scholarships are named for Mary Wheeler, who was a teacher at Proviso High School from 1924-65. She was actively involved in the AFT and founded not only the Proviso Council of Teachers during the 1938-39 school years, but also helped in the formation of several councils throughout the western suburbs.

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IndEpEndEnt

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City offers ‘Restaurant Support Guide’ Lists dining establishments with special services available The following Elmhurst establishments have confirmed with the City that they plan to modify their business plan during the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic to remain open in some capacity offering drive-thru, carryout, curbside, or delivery options to patrons.

Please note that restaurants and bars may have modified hours and menu offerings during the stay-athome mandate.

Diners are encouraged to check their social media pages, websites, or call the establishment directly to learn more about their operations for the next several days and weeks.

Changes to local business operations are ongoing and the City will try to keep this list as updated as possible; please continue to check back as this list will change as the days progress and watch for new short-term temporary “Curbside & Carry-Out Pick-Up Only” parking signs around the City designed to further assist our local business community at this time. *If you are an owner/operator of a restaurant in Elmhurst not currently listed herein that is still providing services please contact Business Development Coordinator Erin Jason at erin.jason@elmhurst.org to be added.

Fred’s Place, 544 W. Lake Fresh Start Café, 1038 S. York Fry the Coop, 632 W. North Fulla Balogna, 118 S York Gloria Jean’s Coffee, 111 E. First Guac n Tacos, 522 W. North – NOTE: City Centre location will be closed Hamburger Heaven, 281 N. York HB Jones, 551 S. York Jersey Mike’s Subs, 297 N. York Jimmy John’s, 105 S. York Jimmy John’s, 696 S. North Johnny & Tony’s Italian Beef & Pizzeria, 426 N. York KFC, 872 N. York Kimmer’s Ice Cream, 110 W. Park Lezza Bakery, 544 S. Spring Livia Italian Eatery, 116 E. Schiller Lou Malnati’s, 110 W. Park Mama Maria’s Pizzeria, 130 W Vallette Mangia Napoli, 940 N. York Manny’s Ale House, 683 W. St. Charles Rd. Market Table, 130 N. York McDonald’s, 190 E. Butterfield McDonald’s, 920 N. York Mr. G’s Restaurant & Pizza, 929 S. York 100 South Chop House, 100 S. Nana’s Hotdogs, 582 W. Lake York Nathan’s Noodles, 683 N. York 151 Kitchen & Bar, 151 N. York Ni Hao, 116 W. Park Angelo’s Ristorante, 247 N. York Nothing Bundt Cakes, 355 S. IL Armand’s Restaurant, 105 W. First Route 83 Bacci Pizza, 162 N. York NuCrepes, 115 W. Schiller Court Bambu Thai Cuisine, 1035 S. York Panera Bread, 108 W. North Beerhead Bar & Eatery, 100 N. Pazzi di Pizza, 105 S. York York Pilot Pete’s Coffee & Treats, Inside BNK Thai & Sushi, 111 W. Second Metra Station BrewPoint Coffee Founders, 124 Pints, 112 S. York W. Park Portillo’s Hot Dogs, 155 S. IL Buffalo Wild Wings, 149 N. York Route 83 Burger King, 620 W. North Potbelly Sandwich Shop, 544 W. Burger King, 176 E. Butterfield St. Charles Chick-Fil-A, 235 S. IL Route 83 Prairie Café, 109 W. Vallette Chipotle, 353 S. IL Route 83 Red Arrow Taproom 111 E. First Chipotle, 139 N. York Riley’s Gathering Place, 590 S. Cilantro Taco Grill, 677 N. York York Courageous Bakery, 108 W. Park Roberto’s Ristorante & Pizza, 487 Culver’s, 436 N. York S. Spring Rd. Cuvee Cellars, 545 Spring Rosalia’s Deli, 247 N. York DiLeo’s Pizzeria, 193 E. Butterfield Rosati’s Pizza, 687 N York Dunkin Donuts, 936 N. York Sarpino’s Pizza, 623 W. North Egg Harbor Café, 140 N. Robert Smallcakes a Cupcakery, 623 W. Palmer North El Famous Burrito, 904 N. York Southtown Hotdogs, 103 E. Vallette Elijah’s Specialty Coffee, 136 W. Stray Hen Café, 105 S. York Vallette Subway, 113 E. Schiller Elmhurst American Legion, 310 W. Subway, 183 S. IL Route 83 Butterfield Subway, 1034 S. York Elmhurst Brewing Co., 171 N. Sushi Nest, 142 N. York Addison Sweetberry Bowls, 156 N. York Elmhurst Family Restaurant, 441 Tannins, 112 N. York W. Lake The Silverado Grill, 447 S. Spring Emperor’s Kitchen, 1022 S. York Two Brothers From Italy, 128 W. Fitz’s Pub, 172 N. Addison Park Fitz’s Spare Keys, 119 N. York Wendy’s, 956 N. York Flavah, 570 S. York Yorky’s, 836 N. York Francesca’s Amici, 174 N. York Zenwich, 416 N. York

The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, April 23, 2020 • 17

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PUBLISHER’S NOTICE All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, familiar/ status or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law.

Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD toll-free at 1-900-669-9777.

The toll-free tele phone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800927-9275. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

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FOR SALE Announcements

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

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

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18 • Thursday, April 23, 2020 - The Elmhurst Independent

The Elmhurst Independent

Sports April 23, 2020 • 18

York’s Pechous headed to Butler University

Senior to play wide receiver at Indianapolis-based NCAA Division I FCS school

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

People tend to gravitate to places that feel like home.

Such is the case of York senior Owen Pechous, who will continue his football career this coming season at NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision Butler University in Indianapolis.

“I had talked to their old recruiting coach when I was a junior, but he left the program and I had stopped talking to them for a little while,” Pechous said. “Coach (BJ) Coad came in as recruiting coordinator.

They offered me a little late. I went on a recruiting visit there and committed a week later. It really felt like it was home for me. When I went on campus I enjoyed all the people I encountered. They all were nice

and welcomed me with open arms.

Coach (Jeff) Voris (Butler head coach) and coach (Mike) Fitzgerald (York’s head coach) are friends and that helped. Coach Fitz talked up the program and the coaches. When I was on campus there, I felt like I was at home.”

The 6-3, 165-pound Pechous was recruited to play wide receiver. He’s one of 35 student-athletes in Butler’s 2020 recruiting class.

“The campus is a little bigger than some of the other schools I was talking to in the process, but it’s not too big,” Pechous noted. “It’s in a really good part of Indianapolis. It’s a little north of the city in a nice little area. It’s not exactly the same as Elmhurst, but it’s a nice area and community. It’s a bigger school with a smaller-campus feel to it.”

Pechous, who played in the Elmhurst Eagles youth football program from second through eighth grade, said getting to play college football at this level checks off a big box for him.

“It has been a dream of mine since I was a kid,” he said. “These last two years of school, I have worked a ton for this. Having that dream since I was young and to make it come true makes me feel good that I accomplished something I always wanted to do. It’s very satisfying.”

Pechous said this past season he became more adept at the nuances of the wide receiver position.

“I would say my route running was my biggest improvement,” he noted.

“It’s something I took a lot of pride working on. After my junior season, I wasn’t very polished running routes.

I didn’t really know what I was doing. In the off-season I played 7-on-7 football and did a lot of work on my own and with our quarterback Max Asaad and I got smarter and a lot better at running routes.”

Pechous said he had a blast playing the last two seasons in Fitzgerald’s program at York.

“Coach Fitz definitely is a gift to York,” he said. “We went 4-5 the last two years, but the types of change he is making football-wise and in peoples’ lives in pretty crazy. He is such a great person and a great football coach. He definitely is taking the program in the right direction. That 4-5 record doesn’t define us or show how we bonded as a team and the fact I will have some life-long friendships that I don’t think would have happened if he didn’t come around two

years ago. We all owe a lot to him.”

Pechous thought he might go into Butler as an elementary education major with visions of possibly teaching and coaching in the future, but noted he may head to Indianapolis undecided. “I’m not totally sure about a major,” he said. “I may change to undecided because I don’t have a good idea about it yet.”

Pechous said he will report to Butler the first Friday in August. “I’m definitely looking forward to it,” he said. “It will be a grind. It will be football from 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. at night. It will be a challenge, but I am definitely up for that challenge.”

In terms of the current COVID-19 pandemic, Pechous said he and his senior classmates are struggling with

See PECHOUS, Page 19

Independent presents final three yet-to-be-published spring sports previews to honor student-athletes in those sports

By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT

Despite the news late last week that Gov. JB Pritzker had cancelled in-person schooling for the rest of the school year in Illinois, the Illinois High School Association, as of press time, still had not officially cancelled spring sports state tournaments.

However, IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson hinted in an email to state media outlets late last week that would be the likely outcome after a board meeting that was scheduled to take place earlier this week.

“The IHSA Board of Directors is scheduled to meet via video conference on Tuesday, April 21,” the note read. “At that meeting, the board will make a final determination on the IHSA’s spring sports state tournaments based on the governor’s announcement April 17 that Illinois high schools will not return to in-person learning this school year. As we previously indicated, the cessation of in-person learning will make it difficult for the IHSA to conduct spring state tournaments this year. More information will be provided following Tuesday’s board meeting.”

Thus, with the word likely coming down earlier this week that spring high school sports are officially scuttled, the Elmhurst Independent presents the final three spring previews it had waiting to publish in order to give those student-athletes their proper recognition.

York boys tennis The York boys tennis team got just

more than a week’s worth of practices prior to the COVID-19 pandemic shutting things down.

The Dukes were coming off a 2019 season where it went 11-13, a massive improvement from a 3-18 mark the year prior. The Dukes won two West Suburban Conference Silver Division matches and finished fifth and had three doubles teams earn all-conference honors (4 of the 6 players graduated).

York’s top returning players include junior Gage Burkhardt, sophomore Sam Wit, sophomore TJ Paul and senior Max Damewood. Burkhardt went 17-7 last year and will play No. 1 doubles. Wit played No. 2 doubles with Paul and they earned all-conference honors after going 21-3 overall and taking third in the WSC Silver. Damewood played No. 2 singles last year and won 13 matches.

Wit and Burkhardt were earmarked for No. 1 doubles prior to the shutdown. “They will be a team to be reckoned with,” said York coach Courtney Bison. “They have set a goal for themselves to make it to state. They blend well, are aggressive and are extremely competitive players.”

Paul was slated to play No. 2 doubles with a partner to be determined.

“We haven’t had enough time to test this out,” Bison said. “TJ’s mental game and his competitive edge will bring any partner up to his level.”

Damewood was slated to York’s No. 1 singles player. “He is a solid, consistent player and will lead our

team to be a competitive and positive team,” Bison said.

Damewood was voted the varsity team’s captain this season.

York had eight of 14 varsity players graduate last year. “We are a young team this year,” Bison noted.

“These 13 young men have drive and are open to all sorts of tips and strategies. I am excited for the experience these young men will have competitively. I am most excited for this year because of our senior leadership.

They have modeled what it means to be a true teammate—off-season workouts, camaraderie and most importantly, morality. This is the first year where all of my players have only had me as head coach and consistency has truly paid off. We are all on the same page competitively and mentally, and players always put sportsmanship above all else. They truly represent what it means to be a Duke.”

IC Catholic Prep girls soccer Coach Antonio Godinez’s squad went 15-8 overall last year and advanced all the way to a Class 1A supersectional, winning regional and sectional titles along the way. The Knights took second in the Metro Suburban Conference Blue Division with a 5-1 record.

Back for the Knights are seniors Annie Guinan (defender), Bella Leslie (midfielder) and Abi Wagner (forward). All three have started since freshmen season and all three were part of the 2017 team that made the state finals. Leslie and Wagner were

all-MSC Blue picks last year.

“This team has great chemistry and is very selfless,” Godinez said.

“What has impressed me so far is their ability to work together and listen. They are very good listeners, good leaders and a good group of young people to be around.”

Godinez noted prior to the COVID-19 stoppage that he was expecting the Knights to be very attacking-minded on offense. “We love what we’ve seen so far,” he said.

Guinan and Cassandra Serrano were slated to anchor the back line, while senior Cate Radoha was to be in goal for the Knights. “Cate has been training well at practice,” said Godinez prior to the shutdown.

York girls badminton York girls badminton coach Gena Fite’s return to the varsity sidelines last season after well more than a decade away was a smash hit.

The Dukes went 7-8-2 overall in duals and 2-3 in West Suburban Conference Silver Division action, but won the Glenbrook South sectional title and qualified four players for the state meet.

“Last year was a rebuilding year,” said Fite, who had great success previously as York’s varsity coach and was the program’s freshman coach in 2017 and 2018. “It was my first year back as varsity coach after like 19 years. We started slow but finished strong by winning the sectional title.”

York returns all four of its state players. Senior Rachel Kayman and

junior Grace Wilton made it to the third round of the consolation bracket at state, while senior Aleksina Jovic also made it to the third round of the singles consolation bracket. Senior Regan Toole also played at state last year.

Fite said juniors Anjaly Kappan, Sarah Wilms and Maritza Gallegos are strong additions to the varsity team.

“The team strength is their athleticism, taking on any challenge I present to them, and also their determination to be the best they can be in a complex and fast-paced sport,” Fite said.

“We had started our practices with a great strength base due to preseason conditioning and were able to immediately implement higher-level strategies. We had been working on improving our understanding of shot selection in both singles and doubles, and working on further development of the nuances of badminton.”

Fite saw plenty of positives in practice prior to the pandemic shutdown. “I was pleasantly surprised at the strength of the new varsity doubles duo of Sarah Wilms and Maritza Gallegos,” she said. “They spar well against Wilton and Kayman. Lefty Regan Toole is a stronger player now than she was last year, and I would play her again in the top singles lineup. Aleksina will be a strong contributor to the team no matter where I put her.”

York was slated to open play against Downers Grove South just days after the pandemic shutdown.

The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, April 23, 2020 • 19

Illinois joins regional states to coordinate reopening economies Pritzker administration announces ramped-up testing, PPE acquisitions

By Peter Hancock CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

Gov. JB Pritzker announced April 16 that he and five other Midwestern governors have agreed to coordinate with one another as they make plans for reopening their economies after the COVID-19 pandemic subsides.

Pritzker, a Democrat, joined Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D), Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R), Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers (D), Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) in announcing the regional effort.

“Our number one priority when analyzing when best to reopen our economy is the health and safety of our citizens. We will make decisions based on facts, science, and recommendations from experts in health care, business, labor, and education,”

• Pechous

the governors said in a joint statement.

The governors said they will consider at least four factors in determining when best to reopen their economies: sustained control of the rate of new infections and hospitalizations; enhanced ability to test for the disease and trace the routes of its spread; sufficient health care capacity to handle a resurgence; and best practices for social distancing in the workplace.

The governors stressed that not all parts of the economy, and not all regions, will reopen at the same time.

“Phasing in sectors of our economy will be most effective when we work together as a region,” the governors said. “This doesn’t mean our economy will reopen all at once, or that every state will take the same steps at the same time. But close coordination will ensure we get this right. Over time, people will go back to work, restaurants will reopen, and things will go back to normal. We look forward to working together as

(Continued from page 18)

the end of their high school tenures concluding in this fashion. “A lot of kids are pretty devastated,” he said.

“It was going to be a pretty fun time with prom and graduation and getting to finish off the year with the people you have known your whole lives. A lot of people are pretty sad.

I have been staying ready for next year, but it’s a pretty sad time.”

But even in trying times, Pechous added that he will walk away with lifelong memories from his time as a York student-athlete.

“For sure, and a lot of those memories come from football,” he said.

“The ones I appreciate the most come from football like when we won our homecoming game this season against LT and the fans rushed the field. We hadn’t won a homecoming game in so long that nobody knew the last time. And the tradition is if York wins that game, the students rush the field. That night it was packed. It was crazy and all the students came down when the buzzer rang. The friends I have made at York in and out of football, these are people I will talk to the rest of my life. I definitely have good memories of York.”

Player of the week sponsored by

LENDER

YORK HIGH SCHOOL PLAYER OF THE WEEK YORK FOOTBALL - ANTONIO CARRILLO CHRIS EDKARD - LIAM ENRIGHT JACK WALL - OWEN PECHOUS The York football team was well-represented during the most recent round of NCAA college signings. Carrillo will continue his football career locally at Elmhurst College, while Eckard is headed to Augustana.

Enright will play next season at Wisconsin-Eau Clarie, while Wall is headed to Bucknell and Pechous will play at Butler University.

100380

of Elmhurst

pacity of thousands more tests per day at our state labs alone,” Pritzker said.

Illinois’ recommended testing criteria will now include “all those who are experiencing COVID-like symptoms,” according to the governor’s office. The new guidance will apply to state-run drive-thru testing centers and will be offered to medical providers across Illinois, although those with mild symptoms are still encouraged to call a medical provider before seeking a COVID-19 test.

Finally, Pritzker said the state has also managed to purchase enough personal protective equipment to keep hospitals and first responders in supply for at least the next few weeks.

Pritzker said the administration has 28 million N95 and KN95 masks, which protect workers from inhaling the virus, along with nearly 30 million surgical and disposable masks, gowns and coveralls, 27 million gloves and 7.6 million face shields.

Currently, the statewide 10-day “burn rate” for those items—the number used in an average 10-day period—is roughly 1.5 million N95 masks, 25 million gloves, 4.4 million gowns and 700,000 surgical masks for hospitals and long-term care facilities.

Some businesses that are currently open

As a service to its readers, the Independent is pub- Elijah’s Specialty Coffee & Tea lishing a short list of some of the businesses that re136 W Vallette, Unit 1 main open, despite the COVID-19 Coronavirus pan(630) 530-2864 demic.

Elijahs-Coffee.com Tree of Life Wellness Center Kelly Synowiec-Moroney, D.C. 551 Spring Rd 630-941-8733 elmhurstwellness.com

Elmhurst Toyota Kurt Schiele 440 W Lake St 630-279-2160 elmhursttoyota.com Hours: M-F 8 a.m. till 6 p.m., Sat 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Member FDIC

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creased its capacity to perform COVID-19 screening tests and its ability to supply hospitals and health care centers with personal protective equipment, or PPE. One of the biggest obstacles to expanding the state’s testing capacity, the governor’s office said in a news release, has been the lack of testing equipment, and specifically the swabs and “viral transport media,” or VTM. Pritzker announced April 16 that it had secured commitments from state universities and outside vendors to supply the state with “an abundance” of those materials to stock state laboratories and other labs throughout the state.

In addition, the administration announced that the equipment manufacturer Thermo Fisher Scientific has addressed problems previously identified with its COVID-19 testing machines, and the five machines it provided to the state are now operational, and Thermo Fisher has prioritized Illinois as a customer of its equipment and testing procedures.

“Those five machines that we had concerns about are now up and running with reliable results, so reliable that as we ramp up over the next week, we’re estimating additional ca-

Tree Towns Imaging & Color Graphics 1041 S. Rte. 83 treetowns.com or treetownsdigitaldecor.com

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

one region to tackle this challenge together.”

The six-state Midwest agreement is the third such regional compact to be announced so far. Earlier, California, Oregon and Washington said they would coordinate their reopening.

Also, New York announced earlier last week that it will coordinate with six other northeastern states.

During his daily media briefing in Chicago, Pritzker gave little by way of response to questions about why the states of Missouri and Iowa were not included in the group.

“We would love to have as many states as want to join as a part of it.

Iowa chose not to be part of this,” he said. “I know they don’t have a stayat-home rule, you know, yet in place.

They’ve made a lot of different decisions than we have.”

The Midwest compact was announced on the same day the U.S. Department of Labor reported another 5.25 million Americans filed firsttime unemployment claims during the week that ended April 4, including 141,049 in Illinois.

Testing and PPE purchases ramp up Also April 16, Pritzker announced that the state has significantly in-

Elmhurst BMW Kurt Schiele 500 W Lake St 630-833-7945 elmhurstbmw.com Hours: M-F 8 a.m. till 5 p.m., Sat 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Fresh Start Café 1038 S. York Rd. 630-279-9997 FreshStartCafeInfo.com Open daily 6:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Shoemaker Shop of Elmhurst Rory Dunne 187 E. Butterfield 630-833-2818 shoemaker-shop-of-elmhurst.business.site/

Blossom Wellness Centre 120 N. York Suite 110 Karen M Stringer, LAc, Dipl.OM, FABORM 630-699-2481 Couch Clarity, P.C. Melissa Bercier, PhD, LCSW 630-280-9299 couchclarity.com Hamburger Heaven 281 N. York Rd. hamburgerheavenelmhurst.com Luscombe Music Inc 122 W. Vallette St Laura Luscombe-Pearson 630-833-7381 Luscombemusic.com Tannins 112 N. York St. Cyndi Schofield-Allas 630-834-4800 tanninswine.com

Want to be included on this list?

Send the following information: your business name, address, contact person, phone number and web site to: Independent@rvpublishing.com. Please put “We’re Open” in the subject line.

20 • Thursday, April 23, 2020 - The Elmhurst Independent

STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: MOTHER’S DAY

ACROSS 1. “Ali Baba and the Forty ____,” sing.

6. Eureka!

9. Schools of thought 13. Sound of artillery 14. Car nut 15. Without illumination 16. Nosey one 17. Kind of trip?

18. Lasso loop

19. *Little Women’s mom 21. *Tracee Ellis Ross on TV 23. ____ o’ shanter 24. Quitter’s word 25. Like a fiddle?

28. Like Charles Dickens’ Tim 30. Quarantine state 35. *Egyptian goddess of fertility 37. Insane, in Spain 39. Mother or daughter, in Italy 40. *Biblical Rebecca’s son

41. Online reviews 43. Research facil.

44. Fisherman’s decoys 46. Daytime entertainment 47. Furniture wood 48. End of the road, pl.

50. Blatant promotion 52. Swedish shag rug 53. Yours and mine 55. Little squirt 57. *Mother’s mom

61. *She fought for Mother’s Day, 24. One-eyed giants 25. *She played Forrest Gump’s then against it mother 64. In advance 26. May edition, e.g.

65. *Bambi’s mom 27. *Worn atop the Queen Mother 67. Fancy tie 29. Denials 69. Less than fernier 31. Nike’s “Just ____ ____” 70. I have 32. Private 71. “Lifestyles of the Rich and Fa33. “Take it back!” mous” host 34. *Mother in KrakÛw 72. Fairies 36. Lard cousin 73. Galley equipment 38. October birthstone 74. Feed the fire 42. Plural of sputum DOWN 45. Rundown 1. Kitchen meas.

49. Bottom line 2. Stay out of its way!

51. Kind of ungulate, pl.

3. Pelvic parts 54. Where you’ll find AM 4. Tennis great Chris ____ 56. Living room centerpiece?

5. Particular arrangement 57. Gamecock’s spur 6. Away from wind 58. *Greek goddess of fertility 7. *Mother’s favorite gift?

59. Bald eagle’s nest 8. Ancient marketplace 60. *Mums’ mums 9. Part of a scheme 61. Opposite of cheer 10. No neatnik 62. International Civil Aviation 11. Sushi restaurant soup Org. 12. One-pot meal 63. Puppet precursor, possibly 15. Like the States 66. *Female gametes 20. *One of the Gilmore girls 68. CafÈ alternative 22. Hill dweller

The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, April 23, 2020 • 21

Maintaining mental health amid COVID-19 pandemic

By Ben Orner

“We’re going to go through tough times, but there is an end to State lawmakers put mental this. And at some point, it will be health on center stage during a over,” he said. recent virtual town hall in which medical professionals offered ad- Impact on families vice to Illinoisans struggling with Hill, a psychologist with Jewish the mental and emotional pressures Family and Children’s Services in of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chicago, pointed out that the major Hosted by Chicago Democrats routines of school and family life Rep. Ann Williams, Rep. Yoni Piz- have been upended, as many parer and Sen. Sara Feigenholtz, the ents have to juggle working from town hall laid out the mental health home, running their households challenges related to COVID-19’s and helping their kids with remote social and economic disruptions learning. and offered therapies and solutions She said that parents should lowto people affected. er the academic expectations they “I don’t think any of us is im- have for their children because we mune to the challenges we’re fac- are in “survival mode” during this ing. Many of us feel anxious, fear- crisis. ful, sad, and we’re experiencing a “Our two primary goals right range of emotions, a lot of ups and now are, one: to make sure everydowns,” Williams said. body’s healthy; and two, to mainThe three lawmakers presented tain positive relationships,” Hill questions to three Chicago-area said. “And then outside of those, a medical professionals on the vid- lot of our other expectations may eoconference. The experts included need to be adjusted in order to the president of the Illinois Psy- achieve those goals.” chiatric Society, Dr. Hossam MahFor kids having trouble coping, moud, psychologist Dr. Carri Hill Hill suggested that parents impose and licensed clinic social worker some structure, like having dinner Alexa James. at a normal time, setting a regular James, who is executive director bedtime and making kids finish of the Chicago affiliate of the Na- their school work before talking tional Alliance on Mental Illness with friends.

(NAMI), said people are dealing Most importantly, Hill said, with four main mental health chal- parents should talk openly and lenges during COVID-19—having honestly to their children about fulfilling connections with oth- COVID-19. er people; the ability to adapt to “Trying to protect them by not change; the ability to handle trau- sharing things with them actually ma; and maintaining productive just makes them more anxious,” activity. she said.

“In an instant, much of that was Along with age-appropriate indiminished for us. Much of it was formation about COVID-19 and complicated or disrupted,” she its impacts, Hill said children need said, as people’s work lives, per- emotional support when they may sonal lives and daily routines were be acting out or seem down because changed by social distancing and of underlying stress and anxiety.

Gov. JB Pritzker’s stay-at-home “What they need is additional order. support and love from everyone, so An American Psychiatric Asso- more hugs, more cuddles, that type ciation survey last month found 36 of stuff,” she said. percent of Americans said the coronavirus pandemic is having a seri- Staying connected ous impact on their mental health, Mahmoud, the psychiatrist, while 59 percent said it is seriously said that telehealth services have impacting their daily lives. increased in the past four or five James said unsettled routines weeks as therapy sessions have have especially disrupted people’s moved online. sense of purpose, which is why people stuck at home should not suddenly expect themselves to be more productive. ublic otices “Be compassionate with yourself. Be kind to yourself,” she said.

NOTICE “Our expectations, we get married CERTIFICATE NO. 77494 was filed in to them, and then when we don’t the office of the County Clerk of DuPage do them we get really disappoint- County on APRIL 6, 2020, 2020, whereed. And I don’t think we have any in the business firm of TEENY TASKS LOCATED AT 170 E. ELMHURST room for that right now.”

AVENUE, ELMHURST, IL 60126 was James suggested people try registered; that the true or real name or something positive every day in names of the person or persons owning the name of self-care, whether it is the business, with their respective post ofaddress(es), is/are as follows: NAME “one creative thing,” “one connec- fice OF PERSON(S) SARAH CONNELLY, tive thing,” “one productive thing” HOME ADDRESS 170 E. ELMHURST or “one self-care thing.”

AVENUE, ELMHURST, IL 60126.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereJames said she told her sister, who lives in “the middle-of-no- unto set my hand and Official Seal at my in Wheaton, Illinois, this 6TH day where, Michigan,” to do simple office of APRIL, A.D. 2020. things like wash her hair and put JEAN KACZMAREK on mascara, because they “may just Jean Kaczmarek DuPage County Clerk make you feel more human.”

(OFFICIAL SEAL) Mahmoud said it is important to (Published in The Elmhurst Independent process what is happening by using April 16, 23 & 30, 2020) what he calls “radical acceptance.”

371509 CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

P

He said psychologists, psychiatrists and social workers have quickly learned videoconferencing so they can stay connected with patients.

Gov. Pritzker issued an executive order in March that requires health insurance companies to cover telehealth services.

Mahmoud also suggested ways that people can stay connected as this period of social distancing is merely just physical distancing.

“Maintain interactions with your social network as much as possible,” he said, adding that video chatting and phone calls offer a more personal experience than just texting, especially when staying in touch with loved ones at nursing homes.

Feigenholtz said she experienced a hidden upside to videoconferencing this month when she held Passover Seder with her family over Zoom—calling it a “Zeder.”

“I was able to have my East Coast and Midwest family in a Seder, which would have never happened,” she said. And although she was reluctant at first, “it was such a positive experience.”

Feigenholtz also predicts that expanded telehealth access will continue past the pandemic, especially because of its benefits for rural and underserved communities.

“I don’t think you’re going to see the genie go back in the bottle. I think that having telehealth access is going to be the new normal,” she said.

Mental health is one of a handful of issues that state lawmakers are focusing on in anticipation for a return to the Capitol, as both chambers have divided their members into “working groups.” The Illinois House of Representatives has a working group of seven members dedicated to “mental health and addiction.”

While no plans to return to Springfield have been announced, lawmakers are currently “on call” to return at any time.

They were last in session on March 5. The 2020 session is scheduled to run through May 31.

Resources The state launched a mental health hotline called “Call4Calm.”

When someone texts “talk” to 552020, they will receive a free call from a counselor at a local community health center. Spanish speakers can text “hablar” to the same number.

People can also text “unemployment,” “food” or “shelter” for assistance with those things.

James added that if feelings worsen, people can call the National Suicide Hotline (1-800273-8255), their local or personal health care provider or, in the most extreme cases, 9-1-1.

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22 • Thursday, April 23, 2020 - The Elmhurst Independent

ARCHIVE PHOTO Elmhurst Independent

At Ahlgrim’s Serenity Garden

Scott and Charity Ahlgrim stand in the serenity garden tucked into the grounds of Ahlgrim Funeral Home. Charity Ahlgrim wanted to create a peaceful space after her father Mickey Finn passed away.

An Irish proverb etched in granite reads, “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Love leaves a memory no one can steal.” Anyone is welcome to the garden, which will remain in place as new owners take over.

Ahlgrim’s to change hands

Scott Ahlgrim (center) of Ahlgrim’s Funeral Home has announced that the business has been sold to Eli Turnbaugh (right) and Chad Reuland of the Reuland and Turnbaugh Funeral Home in Lake Forest.

The partners also own Muzyka Funeral Home in Chicago. The business will remain family-owned and will stay involved in the community.

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• Ahlgrim’s

The Elmhurst Independent - Thursday, April 23, 2020 • 23

(Continued from front page)

the reasons I wanted to stay involved for a while. But with the situation right now with the COVID-19 virus, so many places are not open and groups aren’t gathering.

“Most of all, people can be reassured that Ahlgrim’s Funeral Home is in very good hands. It’s very positive.”

Keeping up with a changing industry Ahlgrim recalls how it was 30 years ago when he joined the business with his father.

“At that time, computers were just coming on the scene, we didn’t even have a FAX machine, so [my dad] was happy to have me come in as the ‘young kid’ who knew the new technology, how the industry was changing, etc. He’d built up his reputation so he felt that was the time for someone else to take on new challenges.

“I see the same thing in myself right now. The industry is starting to change, it needs somebody who’s excited about where the industry is going and who has the energy and drive to take it into the future.

“We realize we are more of the

past than of the future. For the funeral home to stay relevant and keep serving the community in the way it expects to be served, we knew we needed someone with the knowledge and desire to move forward.”

Funeral industry adjusts to limits due to Coronavirus The Independent’s readers were curious as to why there have been so few obituaries in the newspaper lately.

“Because of the 10-people-or-less rule of gathering, over the last few weeks, the disposition, that is, burial, cremation, will take place with a very small intimate group of immediate family. It’s just the very closest family members.”

Ahlgrim said most people are waiting to put in the notices until there is a chance to hold a memorial service in the future.

Ahlgrim admits it can be very very hard on the family.

“It’s one thing to have a cremation or a wake and service in a week or so but at this time, you can’t schedule anything at all,” he said. “Even local neighbors, can’t come over to

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offer support, even if you are there, you have to stay away. That personal touch is missing – literally – no hugs, no kisses, no gentle hand on the shoulder.”

How can families get through this time?

“That’s what’s so difficult for us, we are in the business of comforting people in a tough time and we can’t be there for them. All we can do is say once we can gather again, we will be there for them for services and recognition of their loved ones.

Remembering the “last responders” “There is a lot of notice going to first responders, grocery store clerks, and that’s all a good thing, they should be commended,” Ahlgrim said. “But one key element that gets forgotten is what you might call the ‘last responders,’ and that is the funeral directors.

We’re keeping ourselves and the families safe, but it’s really changed our industry for the short term.”

The Independent noted it was difficult to watch the number of cases and the number of deaths grow every single day.

“Well, you do have to look at the numbers in perspective,” he said.

“Remember, a certain number of people would be dying anyway, with or without the virus, so when you look at the numbers in your area, ours are certainly not as traumatic as in New York. If you keep everything in perspective, it may not be quite as bad as it seems.”

During these troubled times, we’d like to thank you for your unwavering support of local businesses like ours.

We appreciate your patronage and your trust in us more than words can say!

As we join the community in enduring this current crisis, we wish to advise you, our readers, that the Elmhurst Independent will continue its usual schedule in both print and digital formats.

During the stay-at-home order as directed by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, our office in Elmhurst will be closed for walk-in traffic, but we’ll still be on the job.

Connect with us on social media for our online version at TheIndependentNewspapers.com

The Elmhurst Independent 240 N. West Avenue | Elmhurst, IL 60126 630-834-8244

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The print version will be published Thursday as usual with newsstand copies available Wednesday afternoons and mail home delivery arriving Thursday. Free access to the online print version is always available at TheIndependentNewspapers.com and is posted Thursday afternoons.

24 • Thursday, April 23, 2020 - The Elmhurst Independent

435 North York Street Elmhurst, Illinois www.PedersenRyberg.com info@pedersenryberg.com 630-834-1133

Robert “Bob” Chapelle has served many families at Pedersen Ryberg over the last 30+ years and we are excited to have him back! He is truly committed to each family that walks through the door and treats them as his own.

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Pedersen Ryberg Funeral Home is dedicated to providing a full range of services by our staff of compassionate professionals. From pre-planning and pre-funding to an unexpected death, we are here for you and your family 24 hours a day, 365 days a year - no matter the situation.

For well over fifty years, we have been providing meaningful and proven options with total respect in keeping with family values – and budget. We strive to respect your wishes with uncompromised quality and value and help create a way to memorialize yourself or a loved one.

Our commitment and goal is to assist families in any way we can during what is considered one of the most difficult times in their lives.

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