Elmhurst Independent

By Dee Longfellow FOR THE ELMHURST INDEPENDENT
The Public Works & Buildings (PWB) Committee has been in discussions about the potential vacation of the public right-of-way of Walter Street from Prospect to Myrtle Avenue based on a request from Elmhurst College. The College felt the measure would not only improve the safety of students who regularly cross the street to move across campus, but also to increase the number of parking spaces available on the campus. The total area of the land parcel is 55,950 square feet.
City staff reviewed the request and had no objection to vacating the street right-of-way. However, besides City water and sewer lines, there are utilities like ComEd and cable that require a public utility easement to be recorded for maintenance purposes. Engineering staff further discussed the proposed vacation with Fire Chief Thomas Freeman and Police Chief Michael Ruth, who both stated the vacation would not adversely impact their emergency responses.
The current City policy is for staff to calculate the value of the property based on 50% of the Equalized Assessed Value (EAV) of the adjacent land, but an issue arose because most of the adjacent land is owned by Elmhurst College, and therefore, there is no EAV. As an alternative, a random sampling of 10 residential parcels in the area was taken and the average EAV for those properties was calculated at $8.53 per square-foot, or
50% EAV at $4.26. While that is in line with City policy, the most recent EAV calculations used and recommended by the PWB Committee was a value of 25% of the EAV, or $2.13.
The parcel, at 55,950 square feet, at 50% value is $238,347; 25% value is $119,173. Most of the Committee recommended the 25% value due to the continued good working relation-
ship the City and the College share for the betterment of both parties and the community as a whole.
This was the majority report that was presented to the Elmhurst City
Council for approval at the City Council meeting on Monday, May 20. The majority report was signed
See WALTER STREET, Page 10
Ms. Sundling’s 6th grade class at Visitation School went outdoors to celebrate the last day of school on Thursday, May 30.
By Chris Fox FOR THE ELMHURST INDEPENDENT
The board voted unanimously to approve an all-day kindergarten op-
tion for the district. Board members and district administrators have discussed the implementation of all-day kindergarten option in several previ-
At Hawthorne School, a delighted Caroline Weaver gasps as she realizes her application for a Thiems grant from the District 205 Foundation for Excellence in Education was accepted and she would be receiving the money for the project she recommended. Her request was for $3,650 toward a “Rigama-WHAT? Rigamajig,” for Brain-Powered Learning. A Rigamajig kit, that includes wooden planks, pulleys, nuts, bolts and ropes, will be introduced into the library makerspace to allow students to build and create.
nearly $96,000
Supports innovation efforts by Elmhurst D205 leadership
District 205 Foundation Directors added to the excitement of this year’s Teacher Appreciation Week by paying surprise visits to extraordinary teachers, who were awarded the Thiems Educational Grants they had applied for last semester. All 13 Elmhurst District 205 schools benefited from a total of $95,516 funded grants that will be implemented next academic year.
Grant requests for elementary digital crayons and 3D printers were extended across schools to ensure that every elementary building has these resources for students. Two middle
school grants in PE and Science were also given to all three middle school buildings to provide equal opportunities for students.
The District 205 Foundation also awarded funding to district leadership in the amount of $5,000 to support the initial costs associated with the district’s participation in the Innovation and Transformational Leadership Network, and the Harvard Scaling for Impact Program. Foundation directors believe that supporting these efforts will further our partnership and benefit all students with work that focuses on relevant and rigorous curriculum and instruction that can be scaled and sustained district wide.
To view photos and a list of grants, visit elmhurst205.org
ous meetings. The district currently offers half-day kindergarten. An allday kindergarten study in the fall of 2017 reportedly showed the community’s interest in the district providing an all-day kindergarten option. The passage of the $168.5 million referendum in the election of Nov. 6, 2018, will provide renovations and additions to district schools that will help to provide the space to offer allday kindergarten. The district will continue to offer half-day kindergarten. District-wide implementation of all-day kindergarten will begin in the 2024-25 school year. According to information provided by the district, partial and full implementation
of all-day kindergarten will begin in the 2020-21 school year. That implementation will be based on available space.
The passage of last year’s referendum provided funding for the rebuilding of Lincoln Elementary School and Field Elementary School. Lincoln will not offer a full-day kindergarten option until the new school opens in the 2022-23 year. In 202122, Edison Elementary School and Hawthorne Elementary School will only provide a half-day kindergarten option while they house Lincoln students during construction of the new Lincoln school.
The district stated it will likely not have the capacity to offer an all-day
kindergarten option for all interested families during the partial implementation. A lottery system will be developed and presented to the board for approval no later than August of this year. Students with Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and students identified as At-Risk will receive preference for enrollment in the fullday program.
The cost of all-day kindergarten will be $2,700 per child. That tuition will reportedly be cost-neutral to the district. Fee waivers will be available. Families who qualify for a reduced fee will be charged half of the full fee, or $1,350. Students in self-contained special education or dual language programs will not be charged a fee.
Scheduled to open later this year on West Lake Street, just off Route 53 and I-355, Clarendale of Addison will offer a continuum of care under a simple monthly rental program. Discover residences for independent living, as well as apartments for assisted living and memory care, in a beautiful community where residents stay connected to the people and places they love most.
CALL 630-749-5699 TO LEARN MORE.
IC Catholic Prep (ICCP) has announced that Michael Fahey has been named the new athletic director effective July 1, 2019.
This
coaching and recruiting responsibilities with the Lewis University Flyers Women’s Basketball Program, oversaw video coordination for the WNBA Chicago Sky, and was the director of operations for UIC Flames Women’s Basketball Team.
Earlier in his career, he completed internships with the Chicago Bulls (NBA) and the Chicago Sky (WNBA).
Michael Fahey
“I am very excited to welcome Michael as our new athletic director,” said Tom Schergen, president and soon-to-be principal. “Michael is the perfect person to continue to integrate the school mission, including service and faith formation, into our athletic program. His strategic vision values academic excellence and integrity, and will engage students, parents, faculty, staff and alumni.”
Fahey, who is currently a special assistant to Steve McClain, the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) Flames men’s basketball head coach, will replace Adam Nissen who is leaving after two years in the role.
More about Michael Fahey
Fahey brings a wealth of collegiate and professional sports management experience to Cottage Hill Avenue.
He has honed his relationship building, leadership, team collaboration, and organization skills at multiple colleges and professional sports organizations, including several years working for Pat Summitt and the Tennessee Lady Volunteers Women’s Basketball Team.
He has also provided video and organizational support to the DePaul Blue Demons Women’s Basketball Team, performed
Fahey has a Bachelor of Arts in Management and Organizational Behavior with an emphasis in Sports Management from Benedictine University.
“It is an honor to join the IC Catholic Prep community where young men and women are prepared to be academically, physically and spiritually fit,” said Fahey.
“I am excited about the future of Knights athletics and I look forward to developing a positive and ethical learning environment for all student-athletes and coaches, and to lead by example in promoting the values, mission and community within a Catholic tradition.”
Other new head coaches
In addition, two new head coaches will join the Knights’ coaching roster this upcoming school year.
Todd Fisher will be the new head girls basketball coach. He joins the IC Catholic Prep community from Walther Christian Academy in Melrose Park.Miguel Garcia will be the new head boys soccer coach.
He is currently the president of the Berwyn Blazers Football Club and previously led the Fenwick High School boys and girls JV soccer teams.
As a public service, the Independent brings its readers important information for residents during a heavy rainfall event, issued by the City of Elmhurst.
On Monday, May 27, the City of Elmhurst experienced heavy rainfall of 1.4 inches of rain in the first 60 minutes of the storm, with a total rainfall for the day of between 2.1 and 2.6 inches of rain. The highest intensity of rainfall was 0.5 inches in the first 10 minutes (first round) and 0.4 in 10 minutes (second round). The City experienced citywide street flooding to some degree, which cleared within approximately an hour. The Southwest Wet Weather Facility was in operation
and water was being pumped to the 2 MG excess flow tank. The City is aware of 2 homes that took overland flooding, one through a window well. One home reported a sewer back up. All storm water detention facilities were open and active and operated as designed. Elmhurst Police and Public Works Crews worked throughout the night to monitor streets and clear debris from flooded areas. The majority of reports to the City during this storm event included backyard and street flooding.
It is important for residents to understand that street flooding will continue to occur during significant rain events as designed by the storm water
By Chris Fox FOR THE ELMHURST INDEPENDENT
The Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205 Board held a regular meeting on May 28 at the District 205 Center, 162 S. York St. Board member Karen Stuefen was absent from the meeting.
Option for all-day kindergarten approved
The board voted unanimously to approve an all-day kindergarten option for the district. See story elsewhere in this issue.
Board approves settlement agreement with PSRP
The board also voted unanimously to approve a settlement agreement between the board and the Elmhurst Paraprofessional and School Related Personnel Council (PSRP), Local 571, IFT/AFT. The agreement reportedly has to do with a contractual clause stating the district would maintain at least two permanent traveling substitutes who go to the district’s schools to fill in for educational assistants who are absent. The district stated it tried to recruit, hire and retain a person to fill one of those po-
Elmhurst Farmer’s
Beginning Wednesday, June 5, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., local farmers, bakers and other vendors will be at the municipal lot just east of York on Vallette street to sell fresh fruit, vegetables, bread, pastries, cheese, flowers, honey, soaps and more. An ongoing summer tradition, the York & Vallette Business Association brings the Elmhurst Farmer’s Market every Wednesday from June through October. Beat the lunch rush! For best parking, come before 10 a.m. or after 12 noon.
For more information, visit yorkandvallette.com.
sitions. One person who accepted the offer stayed in the position for one week, while another person stayed for two weeks. As part of the settlement agreement, the district will take the money it did not spend on the second position and spread it out to more than 100 employees in recognition of their efforts. The district reportedly has a commitment from someone to fill the second position during the 2019-20 school year. The person who did fill the one position during this last school year will reportedly return next year.
The board also voted unanimously to approve the 2019-20 non-union salaries as recommended. Each May, the administration recommends salary adjustments for the upcoming school year for all employee groups not covered by other negotiated agreements. The board traditionally awards an increase equal to the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
The board approved a CPI-related increase of 2.1 percent for the 201920 school year for most of the employees who are not covered by negotiated agreements or individual contracts. The board approved 5 percent increases for food service employees, summer help employees and student workers to proactively account for the minimum wage increase that was recently enacted.
The board also voted to approve a resolution to transfer $2 million from the district’s Operations and Maintenance Fund to its Capital Improvements Fund. The $2 million will fund several capital projects that will be completed at district buildings this summer. The projects include roof replacements at Madison Early Childhood Education Center and Jackson Elementary School and paving work at York High School, Bryan Middle School and Jackson. The projects also include district-wide seal coating and concrete work and district-wide exterior door replacement.
Beck’s
The board voted unanimously to approve a contract extension with Beck’s Bookstore for management services for book store operations at
detention operation plans. The storm water mitigation system is designed to relieve homes of flooding by redirecting the water into the streets, which then drains into the detention basins. This can take anywhere between 30 minutes to 1 hour based on the amount of water. Commuters are cautioned to avoid all flooded streets and not attempt to drive through standing water. Playing in floodwater is also extremely dangerous.
During a heavy rain event, the City often receives inquires on when the Elmhurst Quarry will be open to relieve Elmhurst of standing floodwater. The DuPage County Stormwater Management Team operates the El-
mhurst Quarry and is responsible for opening the facility during a heavy rain event. This system takes overflow water from Salt Creek and does very little in preventing flooding on Elmhurst streets.
In preparation of the rain in the forecast this evening, City staff has inspected all of the storm water basins and is in the process of sweeping and checking all low level inlets for debris. It is important to call the Elmhurst Police Department at 630-530-3050 to report street flooding or basement backups. The Police Department is equipped with dispatching the appropriate City Employees to the scene and also keeps record of the incident.
York High School. The district’s existing contract with Beck’s was set to expire on Sept. 30, 2019. The board voted to extend the contract for 21 months, through June 30, 2021. According to the district, sales of textbooks have plummeted at York’s book store, as parents, who are provided a list of textbooks used in each course, have an opportunity to purchase those books elsewhere. Additionally, the move to online purchases and digital textbooks have affected the business model for school bookstores.
The district paid Beck’s an annual administrative fee of $60,000 under the terms of the existing contract. The contract extension calls for that annual fee to be cut in half to $2,500 per month, or $30,000 per year.
The board voted unanimously to award its bid for waste disposal and recycling services to Republic Services from July 1 of this year to June 30, 2020. Republic Services was the lowest of four bidders for the contract to provide waste disposal and recycling services for the district’s daily operations. Waste Management is the district’s current provider for waste disposal and recycling provider.
The board approved the reassignment of Christina Podraza to principal of Jefferson Elementary School. Podraza will have a base salary of nearly $114,000 and a start date of Aug. 1. Podraza had been the interim principal at Emerson. She joined the district in 2017, when she was named the as-
sistant principal at both Hawthorne Elementary School and Lincoln Elementary School.
As principal of Jefferson Elementary School, Podrazais is replacing the outgoing principal Leslie Weber, who will move to the district office to become the director of curriculum.
The board also approved the district’s contract with Elmhurst Hospital to continue to provide nursing services to the district. The salary increase and increase in paid school holidays will generate an overall cost increase of 4 percent for the district. There was reportedly an increased need for paid school holidays to keep compensation competitive.
Donations approved for acceptance
The board also voted to approve several donations to the district, including a donation of $100,000 from the York Athletic Boosters to purchase new fitness equipment during the upcoming renovation of the York Fitness Center. The equipment will be used by members of York’s athletic teams and the school’s physical education students. Other donations approved by the board included a $10,000 donation from the Jefferson Dads Club to purchase two Gaga pits, a $13,000 donation from the Jackson PTA to purchase items for the school’s art program and a $17,400 donation from the Hawthorne PTA for a classroom library.
The board will hold its next regular meeting on June 18.
Bethel United Church of Christ, 315 E. Saint Charles Road, will host its annual indoor rummage sale in its Welcome Center on Friday, June 14 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Saturday, June 15 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Buyers will find a wide range of housewares, linens, books, children’s toys and equipment, electronics, tools, jewelry and much more.
Those wishing to donate items for the sale can bring them to the church Welcome Center from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. June 10 - 12. Items should be clean and in good repair; no clothing or uphol-
stered furniture.
Proceeds go in part to Bethel’s Human Concerns budget, which benefits local groups such as Elmhurst Walk-In Assistance Network, United Community Concerns, Northern Illinois Food Bank, the Yorkfield Food Pantry and PADS.
Parking is located behind the church and can be accessed from Saint Charles Road or from Huntington Lane off Poplar Avenue.
Church facilities are fully accessible. For more information call 630279-4040.
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THE ELMHURST INDEPENDENT
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Office Hours: Monday-Friday 11am-3pm
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.
May 25-May 28
Police said a reporting officer responded for a criminal damage to property report in the 200 block of W. Lake at around 7:04 a.m. Upon arrival he observed the front window of the business to be broken with a large hole through the window. The business was checked and nothing appeared to be missing.
May 24
A victim in the 600 block of W. North told police at around 9:50 p.m. that an unknown suspect(s) shattered the rear driver’s side window of his vehicle. Nothing was disturbed or missing from the vehicle’s interior. The damaged window is valued at approximately $150.
May 29
Police said Subject 1 reported that Subject 2 threatened him in the 400 block of Argyle at around 8:31 p.m. Subject 2 related that Subject 1 became upset and started to yell. Subject 1 elected to leave for the evening.
May 26
A 39-year-old Elmhurst man was charged with domestic battery in the 500 block of W. Grand at around 7:16 a.m. Police said a victim and the suspect had a verbal argument which turned physical. The victim’s mother observed the victim pinned down on the floor by the suspect, according to police.
May 24
A complainant at a business told police at around 3:51 p.m. that the suspect often comes into the business and sits in the front lobby. The suspect became agitated after he was asked why he was there. The suspect was served with a no trespass notice and was released from the scene.
May 26
Fredy Garcia, 22, of Addison, was charged with DUI, transportation of open alcohol, im-
pect admitted to leaving a voicemail for the victim, according to police. An investigation is pending.
proper lane usage and failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident subsequent to a traffic crash near Grand and Industrial at around 8:46
Police said that subsequent to a report of a thorne and St. Charles at around 12:27 a.m., an unnamed suspect was found to be under the age of 21 and intoxicated. The suspect was cited for consumption of alcohol by a minor and was transported by the medics to the hospital for treatment. The suspect’s parent was advised.
May 25
Police said officers on patrol at around 2:34 a.m. heard several subjects in the York High School football field. The suspects were located and found to be drinking and underage, according to police. One of the suspects was found to be in possession of cannabis, Xanax®, and Adderall®. That person was placed under arrest, processed and released without charges pending lab results. Mateusz Bujno, 20 of Algonquin, was cited for possession of cannabis, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of alcohol by a minor and consumption of alcohol by a minor. Sydney Wormsley, 20, of Carbondale, was cited for consumption of alcohol by a minor. Police said Adam Froeschke was found to be in Possession of cannabis. Froeschke, 20, of Elmhurst, was cited for consumption of alcohol by a minor and possession of cannabis.
Arnoldo Garsia, 31, of Bensenville, was charged with DUI, illegal transportation of alcohol, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and no valid driver’s license subsequent to a traffic crash near Grand and Oaklawn at around 10:20 p.m.
May 24
Police said officers responded for the report of loud music and subjects in the backyard of a vacant home in the 200 block of N. Addison at around 8:20 p.m. Ten suspects under the age of 21 were found to have consumed alcohol, according to police. Each suspect—six juveniles and Sebastian C. Davenport, 18, of Elmhurst; Jack R. Doyle, 18, of Elmhurst; Julia B. Jumara, 18, of Bensenville; and Ian A. Sandstrom, 19, of Elmhurst -- was issued a citation for consumption of alcohol by a minor and released on scene. One juvenile suspect and Davenport were found to be in possession of cannabis and drug paraphernalia, police said. The juvenile and Davenport each received two additional citations for possession of cannabis and possession of drug paraphernalia and were released on scene. The juveniles were released on scene to their parents.
April 1-May 28
A victim in the 500 block of W. Third told police at around 7:18 p.m. of receiving telephone calls from the suspect. The victim has an active order of protection prohibiting the suspect from contacting the victim. The sus-
Nov. 1, 2018-May 22
A complainant in the 100 block of S. Prospect told police that the suspect is a former friend and has texted and called her numerous times. The complainant blocked the suspect from all of her social media outlets and blocked his incoming calls and texts. The suspect approached the complainant at work and told her he was done with their relationship and would make her life miserable. The complainant felt threatened by the suspect and would like him to no longer have contact with her. An investigation is pending.
May 28
Kevin Koziar, 21, of River Grove, was charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance, speeding and no seat belt subsequent to a traffic stop near Grand and County Line at around 7:13 p.m. Police said Koziar was found to be in possession of cannabis, cocaine and an oxycodone pill.
May 26
Alexander M. Lewis, 23, of Round Lake Beach, and Marisa A. Pacheco, 26, of McHenry, were charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia and unlawful possession of hypodermic syringes in the 400 block of N. York at around 1:01 a.m. Police said that subsequent to a suspicious vehicle investigation, officers observed suspected heroin in plain view. The vehicle and its occupants were searched. Lewis and Pacheco were found to be in possession of heroin, drug paraphernalia, and used hypodermic syringes, according to police. Demaya Young, 20, of Broadview, was issued a citation for possession of cannabis in the 900 block of N. York at around 10:47 a.m.
May 24
Police said a reporting officer responded to the 100 block of S. Prospect at around 7:24 p.m. for the report of a suspicious suspect. The complainant related that the suspect was acting unusual. The suspect was served with a no-trespass notice and was released on scene.
theft
May 29
Attempted forgery was reported at a business in the 500 block of W. Lamont at around 8:38 a.m. A complainant told police that the business issued a check to Orkin. The business received notification from their bank that the check was presented with an altered payee and an altered amount. The check was not successfully cashed and no money was lost.
May 22-May 29
Forgery was reported in the 200 block of
N. York. A complainant related that a check was issued to the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce. A complainant told police that they subsequently received a notification from Positive Pay Service that the check was flagged “Return Item-Fraud.” Upon review, it was found that the payee information was altered to show the suspect as the payee.
May 28
Theft was reported at a store in the 600 block of N. York at around 4:10 p.m. A victim told police that while she was shopping at the store, a suspect stole her wallet out of her purse. The suspect was seen on video surveillance leaving the store and entering a blue Dodge. The suspect attempted to use the victim’s credit card at two locations. An investigation is pending.
Retail theft was reported at a store in the 200 block of S. Route 83 at around 5;04 p.m. A store employee reported to police observing two suspicious subjects in the liquor aisle. The employee later noticed two whiskey bottles missing from the shelf. Upon reviewing surveillance video, the suspect is seen concealing two bottles of Maker’s Mark whiskey under his sweatshirt and leaving the store without paying for the items. The suspect was described as an Hispanic male, in his late 30s, around 5-8, 185 pounds, wearing a black baseball cap, a dark blue zip-up hooded sweatshirt with a red logo on the chest, dark cargo pants and black shoes.
May 24-May 28
Burglary to a vehicle was reported in the 600 block of W. Grand. A reporting officer located the vehicle with the rear latch broken. The unknown suspect removed tools and equipment. The case is pending investigation.
May 4-May 28
Identity theft was reported in the 600 block of Saylor. A victim told police that an unknown suspect(s) used her personal information and opened a Saks Fifth Avenue credit account. The victim contacted Saks and froze the account. A suspect attempted to use the account on May 28, but the charge was denied.
May 27
Theft was reported at Elmhurst Hospital at around 11:28 a.m. A complainant told police that her daughter was discharged from the hospital and inadvertently left her cell phone in the hospital room where she was treated. When she returned to retrieve the phone, it was missing. Security was contacted and the area was checked with no results.
May 26
Retail theft was reported at a store in the 100 block of E. Butterfield at around 6:51 p.m. Police said a store employee reports that a suspect removed a bottle of liquid tobacco from a display case and left the store without paying for the item. The suspect left the store parking lot in a black Mercedes Benz.
A complainant at a store in the 900 block of S. York told police at around 7:30 p.m. that a suspect described as a black female in her 30s, 5-5, 200 pounds, wearing a multi-colored summer style dress, exited the store with four bottles of tequila without paying for the items. The complainant followed the suspect, and confronted her when she exited a neighboring business. The suspect relinquished a shopping bag which contained the bottles of liquor and several gift and credit cards.
May 25
Octavya Feazell, 24, of Hillside, was charged with credit card fraud and theft of mislaid property at Elmhurst Hospital at around See POLICE, Page 7
(Continued
5:40 p.m. According to police, a victim stated she lost her credit card and discovered Feazell attempted to use it at a gas station in Lombard. The reporting officer made contact with Feazell, whom police said admitted that she found the credit card and attempted to use it, but was unsuccessful.
Samantha Pellegrino, 22, of Villa Park, was charged with retail theft and criminal trespass to property at a store in the 300 block of S. Route 83 at around 5:50 p.m. Police said a reporting officer met with loss prevention who stated that Pellegrino placed a makeup palette in her purse and proceeded past the last point of sale. According to police, Pellegrino had been served with a no-trespass notice following a previous retail theft and was aware she was not to return to the property.
Retail theft was reported at a pharmacy in the 100 block of W. North at around 2:12 a.m. A complainant told police that a suspect described as a white male around 30 years old with short, spiky hair, around 6’2”, 180 pounds wearing a brown jacket, jeans and a white T-shirt, was observed unboxing pain relief medication and personal care items and placing the items into his pockets. The suspect then exited the store without paying for the items.
July 10, 2018-May 25
Identity theft was reported in the 700 block of S. Bryan at around 9:33 a.m. A victim told police that an unknown suspect(s) used his personal information to open a fraudulent Verizon account between the above dates. The victim notified the credit bureaus.
May 24
A complainant related that the suspect was observed unboxing pain relief medication and personal care items and placing the items into his pockets. The suspect exited the store without paying for the items. stolen vehicle was reported in the 300 block of E. Parkview at around 7:18 a.m. A victim told police that an unknown suspect(s) stole his Dark Blue Infiniti and his brother’s black Infiniti while they were parked in the driveway. The vehicles were left unlocked with the key fobs inside. The vehicles were entered into LEADS as stolen. The unknown suspect(s) also entered an unlocked white Acura that was parked in the driveway and stole a wallet. At approximately 6:06 p.m., the black Infiniti was recovered abandoned in Chicago.
Unlawful entry to a vehicle was
reported in the 300 block of E. Webster at around 8:28 a.m. A victim told police that an unknown suspect(s) entered her unlocked 2007 Light Blue Honda Accord and went through the center console and glove box. Nothing appeared to missing from the vehicle.
Retail theft was reported at a store in the 100 block of S. Route 83 at around 5:05 p.m. A reporting officer spoke to an employee who related that two female suspects ran out of the store with unpaid merchandise. Both suspects fled the scene in a black Acura SUV, last seen heading southbound on Route 83.
Identity theft was reported in the 200 block of E. Wilson at around 12:20 a.m.
A victim told police that an unknown suspect(s) fraudulently used her credit card number and made purchases. An investigation is pending.
May 23-May 24
Burglary to a vehicle was reported in the 300 block of Webster. A victim told police that an unknown suspect(s) entered her unlocked vehicle and removed her Illinois driver’s license, a wallet, and a garage door opener. The victim’s driver’s license was entered into LEADS as stolen.
May 23
A complainant in the 200 block of N. Oak told police at around 7:12 p.m. that he received a phone call from a subject stating he was an officer in charge with the “county of Elmhurst, Illinois.” The subject related he was notifying the complainant of fraudulent credit activity associated with the complainant’s Social Security number. The complainant did not provide the subject with any personal or sensitive information. The complainant was provided information to protect himself from identity theft.
Identity theft was reported in the 200 block of E. Second at around 7:30 p.m.
A victim told police he received a call from a subject posing as a customer service representative from Verizon who stated his account was to receive a refund. The victim provided his account password and later received an email from Verizon confirming the purchase of six new iPhones. The victim did not authorize the purchase of any cell phones and believes his account was compromised. He was provided information to protect himself against identity theft.
May 22-May 23
Instances of attempted commercial burglary were reported at several
Starting the week of Monday, June 3, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) intends to close the Emroy Avenue Bridge to vehicular and pedestrian traffic in order to complete bridge maintenance work. The work, in general, will include bridge repairs to the deck and substructure.
For the safety of the public, the bridge will be completely closed during the entire period the maintenance work is being performed. The City has been notified that the work will start Monday, June 3rd and work
business suites at Elmhurst Hospital between the above dates. At 7:56 a.m., Pry marks were located on the main entry door, but no entry was gained. At 11:15 p.m., pry marks were located on the main entry door and the rear entry door. It appears that no entry was made to either business. At. 11:16 a.m., pry marks were located on the main entry door and the rear entry door. It appears that no entry was made to either business.
May 13
Theft was reported in the 100 block of Victory Parkway at around 7:53 a.m. A reporting officer was contact-
ed by the food services coordinator at York High School, reference cash that had gone missing at Churchville Middle School. It was reported money was placed in an office and later turned up missing.
May 25
Police said that during a patrol of the Addison parking deck, an officer observed Cinque D. Grant, 29, of Bensenville, sleeping in the sixth-floor elevator vestibule. Subsequent to a LEADS inquiry, police said Grant was found to have a valid warrant from the DuPage County Sheriff’s Office.
May 24
will last approximately 45 days (estimated mid-July). The timing of this project has been planned to avoid the school year schedule.
A detour route will be set up starting Monday morning June 3. Please follow this detour.
The City sincerely appreciates your patience and cooperation during this IDOT project. If you have questions or encounter any problems during the course of the work, please contact Daneill Spencer with IDOT at (847) 846-7106 or the City of Elmhurst at (630) 530-3020.
Police said an officer, while on patrol in the 300 block of N. York at around 1 a.m., observed several suspects with illuminated flashlights inside the building which was closed. Officers gained entry and located four suspects. The suspects related they were hanging out after hours with their friend who was an employee of one of the businesses. The property manager declined to press charges. Subsequent to an inquiry, police said Patrick Olynski, 23, of Franklin Park, was found to have a valid warrant from the McDonough County Sheriff’s Office.
Hiring someone to mow our lawn is a luxury for some, while it can be a necessity for the elderly or disabled. (We have to hire one ourselves).
However, my plea is for some outfit that offers to do the job in the least NOISY way. There are a number of such groups whose machines are deafening and their noise pollutes the air. It is one thing to cope with the aircraft which fly overhead, it is quite another to cope with noise that is right here on the ground. I do not suggest that they hark back to the scythe that was used in the 1800s before motors were invented (though that is tempting). I do yearn for the old push mowers because they were quiet. And what happened to the teenagers who want to earn a buck or ten?
I dare not suggest that our lawns should be wall-to-wall gardens. Instead, let us advertise that if an outfit wants to mow our lawns, let them boast in their advertising that they have found the MOST QUIET way to do it!
The Rev. Don Judson Episcopal Church of Our Saviour
The PowerPoint presentations that accompanied them were not posted on the public side of BoardDocs until after the meeting. I asked the responsible individual if this was a mistake and was told she “put them where she was directed to put them.” I do not understand the secrecy involved with:
• A presentation on teaching students to solve problems in a group or working on “blended learning.”
• All-day kindergarten recommendations that the community and the board has been requesting.
• The special education program analysis, which was complimented by a Board member as ‘well put together.’
“It is really so much easier to follow a presentation if I have reviewed it before it is presented. I am sure that you, as Board members, would agree with this.
“I am requesting that this Board move back to a more transparent time and ask the administration to again post backup material on BoardDocs BEFORE meetings.”
Jan Dorner
(Editor’s note: Elmhurst resident Jan Dorner, a long-time member of the League of Women Voters of Elmhurst, made the comments below during the public comments portion of the most recent District 205 School Board meeting. She agreed to share them with the readers of the Elmhurst Independent.)
“My name is Jan Dorner and I am representing the League of Women Voters of Elmhurst. As many of you know, I have been observing school board meetings for a long time. I believe it is going on 30 years.
“Whether I attended a meeting 29 years ago or a year ago, I was always given or allowed to access ‘back-up material’ before a meeting.
“Lately, that hasn’t been the case. I am not sure if this decision is the Board’s decision or the administration’s, but since the Superintendent reports to the school board, I am asking for transparency to return to the posting of BoardDocs and that the ‘public’ side of BoardDocs return to containing presentations BEFORE a meeting.
“At your last meeting on May 14, three presentations were given.
In response to Personal PAC President and CEO Terry Cosgrove’s comment during a recent press conference that Assistant House Republican Leader Avery Bourne was used as a “prop” during the abortion bill debate on Tuesday, the women of the House Republican Caucus have issued this joint statement:
“At a time when Democrats talk about the importance of empowering women and acknowledging their value in leadership roles, Terry Cosgrove’s efforts to degrade Assistant Leader Avery Bourne’s importance as a spokesperson for our caucus are indefensible. Avery is one of our caucus’ most outspoken advocates on the protection of unborn life, and any attempts to diminish the credibility of her voice is appalling.”
Rep. Deanne Mazzochi (R-Elmhurst)
Rep. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro)
Rep. Amy Grant (R-Wheaton)
Rep. Norine Hammond (R-Macomb)
Rep. Tony McCombie (R-Havanna)
Rep. Margo McDermed (R-Mokena)
Rep. Lindsey Parkhurst (R-Kankakee)
Regular readers of this column know that subject matter varies from week to week. Nearly any topic that has to do with everyday life is fair game. Quite simply, it’s often about whatever strikes a chord in any given week.
Sometimes column ideas spill forth freely. Other times, I have to eke them out like a stubborn sliver stuck in ones thumb. Occasionally, readers will approach me with column ideas. “I think you should write about fill-in-the-blank here.”
This comes across as a compliment and makes me happy. Someone trusts me to write about something that is near and dear to them. That’s great.
When this does happen, I thank them for their input. Then I smile and nod and try not to promise I will write about their topic, because most likely I won’t. It’s not that their topic isn’t a good one. It most often is. Problem is, it is most often newsworthy.
My column topics are hardly ever newsworthy. They are opinions, not journalistic masterpieces. Masterpieces are masterpieces. Opinions are opinions. I write opinions.
So when I do get a suggestion, I politely thank the person for their input and try not to make any promises I can’t keep. Most often, readers will leave it at that. They don’t press the issue.
By JILL PERTLER Contributer
This isn’t always the case. Years ago, someone wanted me to write about gun laws. I don’t even know what stance he took on gun laws –if he was for them or against them. He never said. I guess he assumed his stance was the right one and of course I’d agree with that and write from his perspective. Anyhow, he wouldn’t let it go. I’d run into him every once in awhile and he’d always remind me that I was supposed to write about gun laws. The first few times this happened I attempted to divert the conversation to something – anything – less controversial than gun laws: the weather, politics, climate change, Disney movies, teddy bears, the global decline of the bee population, the price of tea in China. He was not to be thwarted. Like Pooh, once he got his mind on something he stuck to it. Like bees to honey.
So, in a last ditch maneuver to be done with discussing the likelihood of me writing about gun laws,
I decided to do something unconventional and crazy. I decided to be honest. I told him I wasn’t feeling the gun law topic and didn’t think I’d write about it but if he felt passionate about gun laws perhaps he could address it in a letter to the editor.
He got mad and hasn’t spoken to me since. Seriously.
I have a few take-aways from this situation. First, no matter how bizarre and unorthodox it may seem, sometimes honesty gets you your desired outcome. I didn’t want to make this guy mad, but I don’t think I’ll ever have to talk with him about gun laws ever again.
Second, I got material for this column. It may not be about gun laws in the way he envisioned it, but I did mention gun laws. That’s got to mean something.
Third I was able to work in a mention one of my favorite characters, Pooh, in a column that is sortof but not really about gun laws. If that’s not the sweetest take-away of all, I don’t know what is. (Oh bother!)
Jill Pertler is an award-winning syndicated columnist, published playwright, author and member of the National Society of Newspaper Columnists. Don’t miss a slice; follow the Slices of Life page on Facebook.
City reminder: FREE trolley available now through summer
Experience Elmhurst by trolley throughout the summer using the Explore Elmhurst Express. The trolley is free to all riders and the program is running now through Sept. 14 on Fridays and Saturdays from 12 noon to midnight. The 30-minute route includes six stops.
The stops are (in sequential order):
1) York St. & Park Ave.;
2) York St. & Schiller Ct.;
3) Second St. & Addison Ave.;
4) Cottage Hill Ave. & Virginia St.;
5) Spring Rd. & the Illinois Prairie Path; and,
6) York St. & Vallette St.
The trolley is equipped with GPS and can be tracked by visiting ExploreElmhurst.com.
This program offers riders an unforgettable and relaxing experience while exploring Elmhurst. The City of Elmhurst takes great pride in showing its residents and visitors what fun and exciting opportunities await them. Riders can sit back and enjoy a narrative, which includes information on Elmhurst’s great sights and history. Riders also have the chance to win a prize by submitting a raffle ticket at the end of each ride. Four random winners will be chosen weekly.
The Explore Elmhurst Express has something to offer everyone, from families with young children to adults of all ages. Hop on the City’s summer trolley to shop local, eat local, and enjoy local! For more information, visit ExploreElmhurst.com/trolley.
Roberta A. “ Bobbie” Lemes, 83
Roberta A. “ Bobbie” Lemes, nee Roesch, of Elmhurst, passed away recently at the age of 83. Beloved wife of Anthony Lemes. Loving mother of Steven (Sue) Lemes, Kathy Stearn and Jane (John) Beckwith. Cherished grandmother of Melisa Stearn, Jamie (Matt) Vakicev, Ryan Beckwith, Jessica Lemes, Chase (Kate) Stearn, Janessa (Alex) Johnston, Joe Lemes and the late Anthony Stearn. Great grandmother of Joey, Vikira, Annabelle, Tommy, Danny and Emilia. Loving daughter of the late Paul and Pauline Roesch. Fond sister of Dennis (Regina) Shay, the late Larry (Lenore) Roesch and Judy (Ronnie) Banike. Aunt and great aunt of many. Memorial service was held on Sunday, June 2, 2019 at Steuerle Funeral Home, 350 S. Ardmore Avenue, Villa Park. Interment private. In lieu of
flowers, memorials to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation at jdrf.org appreciated.
Raymond E. Fiebrandt, 84
Raymond E. Fiebrandt, of Elmhurst, passed away recently at the age of 84. Beloved husband of Nancy E. Loving father of Chuck and Ed (Dawn). Cherished grandfather of Briana, Angelo, Rocco, Marie and Laura. Fond brother of Donald (the late Rose) Fiebrandt and Judy (the late Robert ) James. Uncle and great uncle of many. Funeral Service was held Friday, May 31 at Steuerle Funeral Home, 350 S. Ardmore Avenue, Villa Park. Interment to follow at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Hillside. In lieu of flowers memorials to stjude. org/memorials are appreciated. Info: 630832-4161.
Weekend Worship Saturdays at 5:00 p.m.
Sundays at 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Education Hour at 9:45 a.m.
142 E. Third St. Elmhurst, IL Handicapped accessible immanuelelmhurst.org 630-832-1649
St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church
37 W. Army Trail Blvd. Addison, IL 60101 630-543-6909 www.StPaulAddison.org
Saturday at 5:30 pm
Sunday at 9 am
315 E. St. Charles Rd., Elmhurst www.bethel-ucc.org 630-279-4040
Sunday Worship & Sunday School at 10:00am
Where diversity is celebrated, and everyone is welcome.
By Dee Longfellow FOR THE ELMHURST INDEPENDENT
Elmhurst readers will likely remember Dan McLeister who used to cover City Hall for the Elmhurst Independent, until health concerns caused him to have to step away.
Addison readers will recall Dan’s wife Eileen who worked for the Addison Public Library for over 25 years.
Their daughter Kathy was working at the Theatre Historical Society in downtown Elmhurst in the fall of 2002 when the Independent began publication.
She picked up this “new newspaper” and took it home to show her dad in Carol Stream and explained we were seeking freelance writers. The rest is history.
Dan attended every City Council meeting without fail and always stayed until the bitter end.
He could be counted on to ‘get the story’ even when a meeting occasionally lasted as late as 11 p.m.
He also enjoyed covering the Zoning & Planning Commission (ZPC) meetings.
Dan’s stories were thorough and readable and we rarely received any complaints of inaccuracies.
McLeister on their wedding day, June 21, 1969.
bler, Pennsylvania. They met while attending Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. After graduation, Dan worked for Ann Arbor News and Eileen taught elementary school in Flint and Ypsilanti, Mich. They were married June 21, 1969. Their first child, Natalie, was born in December 1973.
In 1977, they moved to Carol Stream, Ill., where Dan took a job with Professional Builder magazine. In January 1978, Eileen gave birth to twin daughters, Carol and Kathy. Eileen was a stay-at-home mom for several years and then returned to the classroom as a substitute teacher and later worked in the school library at Western Trails Elementary School.
The couple will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on July 21, and their daughters are organizing a “card shower” for their parents.
by PWB Chair Jim Kennedy (6th), Vice Chair Marti Deuter (1st) and Alderman Norman Leader (2nd). A minority report was also submitted from Committee member Alderman
If readers are so inclined, a 50th anniversary card or letter of congratulations would be greatly appreciated to be mailed in care of:
(Continued from front page)
Michael Bram (3rd Ward). The minority report was worded similarly to the majority report, but instead recommends 50% value or $238,906.
“When looking at an issue like
Kathy McLeister, 2112 Sherwood Lake Dr., Apt 6 Schererville, Indiana 46375
More about the McLeisters
Eileen Rayburn born and raised in Lima, Ohio, while Dan McLeister grew up in Am -
this, we always ask two questions,” said Deuter. “Is it a good idea? And at what price? That’s always the next thing, the value of the land. The committee’s [majority] recom-
In 1987 she started working at Addison Public Library as in the Children’s Department. While there, she went to Northern Illinois University to complete her Master’s in Library Science and became the Assistant Head of the Children’s Department, a position that she held until she retired in 2013. Dan remained with Professional Builder magazine for nearly 23 years until 2000. From 2000 until his retirement, he worked as a freelance journalist for a variety of publications, including the Elmhurst Independent.
Besides their three daughters, Dan and Eileen have two grandchildren Mikayla and Evan. Dan and Eileen McLeister currently live in Crest Hill.
mendation of 25% is consistent with recent vacations. The justification is that, it’s not like we can use that land for anything else. We couldn’t do a long-term lease or anything like that.”
Deuter also noted that the City was aware the College was planning to do some development on the campus, but plans are not drawn yet.
Are you suffering from back pain or sciatica? Then it’s likely your biggest problem is pain. But there’s another major problem: bad information.
To end sciatica misery you must have the right information. Pay close attention because local doctor Kelly SynowiecMoroney DC is going to destroy sciatica myths and give you the facts.
MYTH: Sciatica will just “go away” with some rest.
FACT: If you are dealing with back pain, buttock pain or leg pain, then you must seek help from a doctor who is knowledgeable in sciatica immediately. Left untreated, sciatica can lead to permanent nerve damage - and lifelong pain.
MYTH: Pain is the only problem associated with sciatica.
FACT: In severe cases, sciatica can lead to the inability to control your bowels or bladder - leading to embarrassing situations.
MYTH: You must take pain medications to deal with sciatica.
FACT: Drugs like muscle relaxants, pain killers, narcotics, antidepressants, and antiseizure medications have serious potential side-effects and do not cure the root cause of sciatica.
MYTH: “I must have done something wrong to get sciatica.”
FACT: Physical work or simply sitting at a desk for long periods can lead to sciatica. Accidents and trauma can also be the culprits. Pregnancy can cause sciatica. Sciatica can affect anyone - including
super-fit celebrities like Tiger Woods, Sylvester Stallone, and British Olympic medallist Ian Wynne.
MYTH: Stop exercising and get several weeks of bed rest to overcome sciatica.
FACT: Staying active can help to relieve sciatic pain and prevent the pain getting worse. Staying inactive in bed could be the worst advice - based on a recent study in the Netherlands.
MYTH: Sciatica requires surgery.
FACT: NO! There’s been a huge breakthrough in the treatment of sciatica and lower back pain. It’s a new procedure called Non-Surgical ReConstructive Spinal Care. The excellent results from this treatment have been published in major medical journals. Success rates are up to 88%.
MYTH: “There’s nothing anyone can really do. I’m just stuck with this for the rest of my life.”
FACT: With the correct treatment from a healthcare professional who specialises in sciatica, you can find relief from the core cause - and the symptoms.
MYTH: Getting Sciatica properly diagnosed is expensive.
FACT: Not true. We are currently offering an initial consultation right here in Elmhurst for Just $43.
We have helped over 1,483 patients find relief from agonising back pain and sciatica. We are one of the first places to use Non-Surgical Re-Constructive Spinal Care.
This procedure does not require a hospital stay. The focus is on finding - and correcting - the original cause of the back pain and sciatica.
According to Dr. Kelly, “We use a combination of ultra-advanced technology, not found elsewhere in the region, for precisely diagnosing the cause of your low back pain and sciatica. This means superior long-term results for most people.”
Because the treatment is non-surgical, safe, and easy, most patients report an almost immediately relief from their back pain.
Patient Jeff P. from Berwyn wrote, “My back pain was unbearable but the worst thing was the searing burning pain I felt in my buttock and leg... my wife insisted I see doctor Dr. Kelly. I’m 95% better in just a couple of weeks.”
Take the Next Step - END the Suffering... Initial Consultation Just $43 Call (630) 941-8733 to schedule your appointment. Mention this article (CODE: IND43SCS12)
Only 100 reader consultations are available at this exclusively discounted rate. Call her office now and get a full and thorough examination to pinpoint the cause of your problem for just $43. You can even call on the weekend as there is always a staff member ready to assist you. During the week they are very busy, so if they don’t pick up straight away do leave a message
Children have their own view of local history and their colorful perspectives on the subject were well-documented in the entries received for the 2019 Ruth Strand Poster Contest.
First place poster contest winner Mia Ofiara, who drew a poster of York Theater, gets a hug from the York’s owner Willis Johnson. Mia is a student at Field School, who met Mr. Johnson at the reception held at City Hall on Wednesday, May 22 for all the winners in the Elmhurst History Museum’s Ruth Strand poster contest.
This picture of the Elmhurst Quarry, submitted by Lincoln student Anya Denninger, took second place in the Ruth Strand poster contest. It reads: “This is the Elmhurst Quarry. If we did not have the Quarry, limestone would not just be right there. It would have to be shipped to us.”
The annual Ruth Strand Poster Contest, which is sponsored by the Elmhurst Heritage Foundation and the Elmhurst History Museum, challenged second grade students to depict and describe a scene from Elmhurst history.
The contest honors Ruth Strand, the long-time director of the Elmhurst Public Library and a founding member of what is now the Elmhurst History Museum.
More than 300 students from nine Elmhurst schools participated in the contest and members of the community voted to select the winners.
The first place poster, created by Mia Ofiara of Field Elementary School, was an attractive rendering of the York Theatre complete with dimensional letters and gold decorative touches to echo the art deco style of the theatre’s original marquee.
The second place winner Anya Denninger from Lincoln School selected the Elmhurst Quarry as her topic.
Third place winner Natalie Wierzbicki of Jackson School drew a picture of the Bicentennial Fountain in downtown Elmhurst.
The winning contest posters will be displayed at Elmhurst City Hall on the 2nd floor.
The following students received honorable mention for their entries: Parker Byford, Jackson; Emma Famarin, Field; Aimee Glorioso, Emerson; Brenner Harges, Hawthorne; Anna Herron, Edison; Lanie Shish, Lincoln; Sam Sianis, Jefferson; Brithney Solis, Fischer.
The poster contest winners were honored on May 22 at a reception at Elmhurst City Hall, and they were to be recognized at the June 3rd Elmhurst City Council meeting.
Students received gift bags from the Elmhurst Heritage Foundation, and schools with ten or more participants received a $100 grant toward their library. The winners also marched with the Elmhurst Heritage Foundation in the Elmhurst Memorial Day Parade held on May 27.
The third place winner in the Ruth Strand poster contest is this picture of Bicentennial Fountain, made by Natalie Wierzbicki, a student at Jackson School. It reads: “I picked the Bicentennial fountain. The Bicentennial fountain was built in 1976. one thing. The Bicentennial fountain is built to celebrate 200th birthday of the United States of America and that is all about the Bicentennial fountain.”
SUBMITTED PHOTOS Elmhurst Independent
This is the first-place winning poster in the Elmhurst Heritage Foundation’s Ruth Strand poster contest. Depicting York Theater, this poster was created by Mia Ofiara, a student at Field Elementary School. It reads: “The York was very popular in the past and still is today. At 95 years old, it is still very young at heart.”
De Jager inducted into Honors Society at Wheaton College
Wheaton College student Christina De Jager, of Elmhurst, was recently inducted into the Sigma Delta Pi National Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society. Sigma Delta Pi, the National Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society, recognizes academic excellence and promotes scholarship of the study of Hispanic language and culture.
Resident joins the ranks of DePauw graduates
A group of 505 students became the 180th graduating class of DePauw University. The day’s events included a speech by actor and 1998 DePauw University graduate Drew Powell. Graduates from Elmhurst include: Brooke Bandy, who received a BA in Economics; Harrison Bell was awarded a BA in Biochemistry; Richard Budicak earned a BA in Computer Science; and, Madilynn Stern who received a BA in Environmental Geoscience.
Bradley recognizes Swartz The Slane College of Communica-
tions and Fine Arts announced the remainder of its Spring Semester 2019 Awards for outstanding students at Bradley University. Adeline Swartz of Elmhurst received the Dean’s Student Advisory Committee award. Swartz is a class of Senior Communication-Organizational Communication major at Bradley.
Belmont U Spring Dean’s List includes residents
The following Elmhurst residents achieved the Dean’s List at Belmont University for the Spring 2019 semester. They are: Danielle Fite, Grace Foster, Hanna Kikos, Jeanette Morley, Luke Sacksteder, James Wareham, Emily Whitcomb, Calvin Widener and Justin Zemgulys.
Wheaton College honors Elmhurst resident
Wheaton College student Hannah Hurst, of Elmhurst, recently received the Jameson First-Year Writing Contest Fall 2018 - Honorable Mention award. This essay contest recognizes outstanding essays written by students in First-Year Writing.
Degrees bestowed upon 754 undergrads, 271 graduate students
In an atmosphere that was festive despite looming clouds and an early sprinkling of rain, Elmhurst College held its 148th Commencement exercises for undergraduate students on Saturday, June 1.
A total of 754 seniors graduated with bachelor’s degrees from the College. During a separate ceremony earlier in the week, 271 graduate students received their master’s degrees.
“The fact that you are here shows you have the ability to do great things, and the potential to do even more after you leave Elmhurst and begin to forge your own paths in the world,”
President Troy D. VanAken said to the graduates on Saturday.
He urged them to maintain their connections to the College. “We can’t wait to see what you’ll do next. We know you’ll continue to make us proud.”
Stanger accepts doctorate, addresses grads
An honorary doctoral degree was conferred on the Rev. Dr. Richard Stanger, a minister and scholar whose family ties to the College span 130 years and include his father, Robert, who served as Elmhurst College’s ninth president.
After accepting his Doctor of Divinity degree, Stanger spoke to the graduates about “Claiming the Power of Previously” by staying open to new experiences and taking the time to draw meaning from life’s milestones.
“May you dare to live your ‘Yes’ as your life unfolds in the years ahead, with Elmhurst College as a significant ‘Previously,’” he said.
At the ceremony for the College’s graduate students, held on May 30, master’s degrees were awarded in the fields of business, education, health care and technology.
Honorary doctorate presented to Reich
In addition, an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters was awarded to Howard Reich, an author, filmmaker and longtime arts critic for the Chicago Tribune, who has spoken several times at the College about his work involving the Holocaust.
During his remarks to the graduate students, President VanAken noted that this year marks the 20th anniversary of graduate studies at Elmhurst College.
“Today belongs to you, your family and friends,” he told them. “The entire Elmhurst College community is proud of you, and wishes you every success.”
Edwards receives two honors from Iowa State
Elmhurst resident Jennifer Edwards, who is studying athletic training at Iowa State University, was recently honored with the Frank Randall Distinguished Athletic Training Student Award in the athletic training category and the Barbara E. Forker Leadership Award in Athletic Training in the undergraduate student category from the Iowa State University Department of Kinesiology.
Commencement
When Elmhurst resident Alexandra Preuss attended York High School, she was a four-year letter winner and a two-time captain of the women’s volleyball team. She carried her skills to Lewis University and, thanks to her efforts, she is now in possession of not one, not two, but three NCAA championship rings for helping the Lewis team place 3rd in the most recent national competition.
While at York, Alexandra was named to the all-area and all-conference volleyball teams after contributing 466 kills, 250 aces and 250 digs as a junior. She was an honor roll student for her entire high school career. Alexandra also played club volleyball for the First Alliance Volleyball Club and Lions Juniors. She graduated from York in May of 2016.
As a freshman at Lewis University, Alexandra appeared in 28 matches including 16 starts She was named to the Academic All-GLVC team, and was the recipient of the Br. David Delahanty Award, given to student athletes for academic excellence.
Lewis University went to the NCAA Final Four in Sioux Falls, where the team tied for third place in the country, giving Alexandra her first NCAA ring.
As a sophomore, Alexandra appeared in 35 matches with starts. She was named to the All-GLVC Second team, again was the reception of the Delahanty Award and also was an Academic All-GLVC selection. She was also selected for Baden/GLVC Women’s volleyball defensive Player of the Week. She had 257 kills for the season. She picked up a career high of 19 kills in a five set win over McKendree. They won the Midwest Regional contest and Alexandra received her second NCAA ring.
During her junior year, Alexandra had 345 kills and 34 aces (highest on the team) and scored 415.5 points for the season. She was high scorer in 10 games. She scored a career high against Bellarmine with 23 kills, one ace and one block. Her team earned the AVCA Team Academic Award (for a GPA of 3.3 or above). Alexandra was selected as Baden/GLVC Women’s Offensive Player of the Week. She was named to the Google Cloud Academic All District Women’s Volleyball Team.
Along with four other Lewis players, Alexandra was named to the AllMidwest Regional Team. Lewis won the Midwest Regional and advance to the NCAA Final Four by sweeping Wheeling Jesuit, tying for third place in the country. This resulted in Alexandra receiving her third NCAA ring.
The team is currently training hard for the fall season. During the school year and over the summer, Alexandra has been coaching for her previous clubs, Lions Juniors and First Alliance.
Alexandra Preuss was a junior at York when this photo was taken on Sept. 26, 2014, when the York girls volleyball team gained a home victory over Nazareth Academy Roadrunners. Preuss went on to play for Lewis University, where she has earned numerous accolades including three NCAA rings.
Call
You hear the ads on the radio. The allure of having a new smile in a day sounds incredible. So how does it actually work?
The actual “teeth in a day” advertisement is for a procedure where a patient would have all of their remaining diseased teeth removed, implants are placed in each arch, and a denture is fixed in the mouth which occurs in the same day. This method of teeth in the day eliminates the need for denture glue/adhesive, such as polygrip. The implants are the closest thing to one’s own teeth. For many patients who may have suffered from dental problems for years, the allure of having the bad teeth out and a new smile instantly is a realistic opportunity. And fortunately as dental implant technology continues to improve, this option for dental care is a predictable option.
What many people are not aware of is that many general dentists and oral surgeons are able to provide this care for their patients as well. This treatment does not have to be performed at a special facility for implants. Additionally, there are many options for patients to suit individual needs. Patients may not need a full denture and may be just missing a few teeth that could be replaced with a single implant or an implant bridge for example. The other benefit of working with a general dentist and oral surgeon is the continuity of care. The dentist will be with the patient for the entire process, from the diagnosis, the treatment plan/design phase, the actual surgery and denture delivery and most importantly, the follow up for years to come.
If you would like to find out if “teeth in a day” could be an option for you or a family member, Dr. Thurmon and Dr. Best would be happy to discuss your options. Please contact our office to schedule an appointment at 630.941.9299.
alpinecreekdental.com
The Elmhurst Area AAUW Branch has announced that Claudia Oropeza and Paulina Rzeszowska have been chosen as recipients of its 2019 annual scholarships. Proceeds from the sale of books at the branch’s annual Used Book Sale are used to fund these scholarships. The success of the 2018 Used Book Sale provided funds for two $2,500 Returning Student Scholarships and one $1,000 Dare to Dream Scholarship.
The Returning Student Scholarship is awarded annually to a local woman or women aged 25 or older, who is returning to continue her education at the undergraduate or graduate level. About the winners
Claudia Oropeza graduated from the University of California San Diego in 2002 with a BS in Biochemistry & Cell Biology. She then accepted an opportunity at the University of Illinois at Chicago to work on several projects related to the hepatitis B virus. Claudia next completed an MBA program at Elmhurst College with an emphasis on data science. She is currently enrolled part time in the University of Chicago’s master’s in biomedical informat-
ics program while working as a Senior Research Specialist in the Department of Microbiology & Immunology at UIC. Her goal is to become an interdisciplinary research leader to help solve challenging biomedical research problems. Claudia is very grateful for the AAUW scholarship and hopes to be able to give back to the organization by assisting with the 2019 Used Book Sale.
Paulina Rzeszowska was born in Poland and moved to the United States after high school. Her desire for higher education was strong, even though it was not thought to be necessary in her homeland. When Paulina arrived in the United States, she accepted a job working in cleaning services and caregiving. She has worked her way up to Property Manager/Housekeeper. Paulina never wavered in her desire to advance her education and to help others. At 30 years of age, she went to an open house at the College of DuPage and enrolled in the nursing program. She chose nursing because she feels that “being a nurse is making a difference in someone’s life.” Paulina is expected to graduate from COD in December of
2019 and hopes that her children are proud of her accomplishments. About Dare to Dream: Get Educated
Founded by the AAUW Elmhurst Area Branch ten years ago, Dare to Dream: Get Educated! is a one-day conference for Latina middle school girls that focuses on the personal, professional and financial value of higher education. A mentoring program follows to help each young lady develop a vision of her future and start on a path to make her dreams a reality.
Gabriela Hurtado has been awarded the $1,000 Dare to Dream Scholarship. A resident of Melrose Park, Gabriela attended West Leyden High School, where many of her classes were at the Honors or AP level. Her school activities included National Honor Society, Student Council, Future Business Leaders of America, basketball team Captain, track and field, tennis team, and L-Club. Gabriela spent many hours volunteering, primarily with High School Heroes and Make a Difference Day. She attended the Dare to Dream Conference in 8th grade and was inspired by the stories and atti-
tudes of the successful Hispanic women presenters. This experience helped to shape her perspective that you control your own fate and said the Conference impacted how she lived her high school years. Still deciding on a college, Gabriela’s intended major is Bioengineering/Biomedical Engineering.
Congratulations to the scholarship recipients. The 60th annual Used Book Sale will be held this year from Thursday-Sunday, July 25-28 at Sandburg Middle School. For more information on AAUW, please visit aauwelmhurst.org or send an email to: info@ aauwelmhurst.org.
HISTORY MUSEUM
HINSDALE IN BURLINGTON PARK JUNE 8 – JUNE 9 • 10AM-5PM JULY
TASTE OF CHICAGO
PARK JULY 10 – JULY 14
“AN AFTERNOON IN THE GARDEN” WALK AND FAIRE ELMHURST WILDER PARK JULY 14 • 10AM-4PM
FIREWORKS SHOWS NAVY PIER JULY 3 – JULY 4 • 9:30PM
DAUGHTERHOOD CIRCLE- SUPPORT FOR CAREGIVERS THE BIRCHES ASSISTED LIVING, CLARENDON HILLS AUGUST 13 • 7PM-8PM
UNIQUELY THURSDAYS SUMMER CONCERT BURLINGTON PARK AUGUST 8 • 6PM – 9PM
LINCOLN PARK FARMERS MARKET 700 W. ARMITAGE AVE, CHICAGO SATURDAYS • 7AM-1PM
Well kept, all brick 2-story built by Sun Construction. Freshly painted & ready for new owners.
granite counters, large family room w/ fireplace, formal dining &
bedrooms, finished bonus room over garage, 3 full baths, & large
full bath, exercise/bedroom, & 2 large storage rooms. Fenced rear yard w/ paver
The Elmhurst Garden Club (EGC) May meeting in Wilder Mansion took advantage of Cinco de Mayo by offering a variety of Mexican foods to the more than 90 members and guests in attendance. Festive decorations and attire rounded off the themed luncheon.
Laura Ekasety, Director and Head Horticulturalist for The Lurie Garden in Chicago’s Millennium Park, was the guest speaker who gave an informative and enlightening presentation on the development and sustainability practices at the Lurie. Included in her presentation were a number insights about tourists perceptions on how a garden should look, decisions by the staff on how to best utilize signage in order to protect the plant life, and crowd control during citywide events held at or near Millennium Park.
The crowds attending the Chicago Cubs World Series 2016 victory ral-
ly in Grant Park, very near Millennium Park and the Lurie Garden, were the largest ever in Chicago’s history. Thankfully, the Lurie sustained only very minimal perimeter damage in relation to the enormous size of the crowds.
In addition to the luncheon, meeting, and presentation, tickets for the club’s 24th annual “An Afternoon in the Garden” Walk and Faire to be held Sunday, July 14, will soon be available for purchase at local Elmhurst retail stores and establishments.
Proceeds from EGC Walk & Faire fund scholarships awarded to students majoring in horticulture, environmental studies. biology, botany and/or other related sciences; funds are also directed toward related community endeavors.
For more details on the club and the Garden Walk, visit elmhurstgardenclub.org.
Decked out in their finest Mexican attire including sombreros, members of the Elmhurst Garden Club gathered at Wilder Mansion to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, with a variety of Mexican foods and a program by the head horticulturalist for the Lurie Garden in Chicago’s Millennium Park.
(Editor’s. note: The Elmhurst Independent has been given the opportunity to bring stories of local history to its readers, courtesy of the Elmhurst History Museum. These stories, taken from a publication called “Old Elmhurst,” were printed serially in the Elmhurst Press, during the winter of 1919 and 1920. The Independent will print Dr. Bates’ recollections periodically in its upcoming issues. For the most part, Dr. Bates’ language has been unchanged, but part of the story has been edited for length.)
Gerry Bates: Elmhurst’s “first” resident
For the first 36 years of the existence of this community, known as Cottage Hill until 1869, when the name was changed to Elmhurst, Gerry Bates was most intimately identified with its history. He purchased, for $1.25 per acre, much of the present territory in 1842. Bates was the first Postmaster, the first Supervisor of York Township, Justice of the Peace, and was a members of the first School Board of District No. 1, organized in his residence, built in 1849, later owned and occupied by his son Chas. W. Bates.
For lovers of craft beer, live music, and the camaraderie of a good beer fest, make plans to be at Pints Elmhurst on Saturday, June 15 for a special Elmhurst Craft Beer Fest ticket pre-sale event.
The Elmhurst Heritage Foundation will host the 5th Annual Elmhurst Craft Beer Fest on Saturday, Sept. 14 on the grounds of the Elmhurst History Museum. Funds generated from the event benefit educational programs and exhibits at the Elmhurst History Museum and Churchville Schoolhouse.
To kick off ticket sales, beer lovers can save $5 per ticket by attending a Father’s Day Pre-Sale Party at Pints—the event sponsor—located at 112 S. York St. in downtown Elmhurst on Saturday, June 15 from 7 to 9 p.m. The first 20 ticket buyers at the Pints party will receive a free pint of Wild Onion Crazy Fingers. Everyone 21+ is welcome, and don’t forget dad! Elmhurst Craft Beer Fest tickets make a great Father’s Day gift.
The 2019 Beer Fest will feature more than 100 special beers/ciders from more than 50 craft brewers from the Chicago area and around the country. Live music will be provided by The Moonshine Brothers and Petty Cash who will rock the fest throughout the day. A People’s Choice Best Brewer Contest will be held with the winner announced at the fest. The Elmhurst Brewing Company will offer a special 5th anniversary craft beer to taste. Early entry is from 12 to 1 p.m. and general admission is 1 to 6 p.m.
A specially priced designated driver ticket will also be available. This event is for adults 21 and over. Online ticket sales start June 16 at www. elmhurstcraftbeerfest.com.
Also, Early Bird pricing on fest tickets will be available online (www. elmhurstcraftbeerfest.com) through September 7 with a discounted ticket price offered for Elmhurst Heritage Foundation members. Discounts will not be available on the day of Beer Fest.
If you are interested in becoming a sponsor or volunteering to work the 2019 Elmhurst Craft Beer Fest, please contact Dave Oberg, Executive Director, Elmhurst History Museum, at 630-530-3321. Cheers!
When the Galena & Union Railway was built through this section in 1849, Bates was appointed Station Agent. These duties were not so onerous but that he found time to look after the interests of his general store, located opposite the Northwestern station. Gerry Bates was Postmaster of Elmhurst for nearly 40 years, holding the office, with the single interruption of the Democratic administration of Buchanan. When Lincoln was elected, he was reinstated and remained Postmaster until his death on July 29, 1878.
Twice a Pioneer
Gerry Bates, the Founder of Elmhurst, was named after Elbridge Gerry, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence from the Massachusetts Colony. He was born at Chesterfield, Mass., on August 24, 1800. During the early years of the Revolutionary War, his grandfather Captain Benjamin Bates was a master of whaling vessels, as his own father and grandfather were for more than 100 years. Captain Bates’ ship was commandeered by the “Continental Congress” for war purposes and it was not until nearly 20 years after the end of the struggle that he received payment for the vessel. He was given a land grant of 8,000 acres of virgin forest, in what subsequently became the state of Ohio (1817).
To take possession of this land, the old sea captain, then 84, with his son Benjamin Bates and family, of which Gerry Bates was the third son, migrated in the early summer of 1808 from Eastern Massachusetts. They took with them many of the descendants of Clement Bates, who came from Kent, England, in 1635. The company numbered about 100 wagons, and several families joined the caravan for the protection afforded by numbers. The journey was made by ox teams through Massachusetts, New York, and Pennsylvania to the eastern part, bordering on Lake Erie, or “The Western Reserve,” an ill-defined territory stretching vaguely westward.
The migration took nearly two
months, being necessarily slow, because of the lack of roads and bridges; the route was, in fact, nothing but a “blazed trail.” The country through which they passed at first was sparsely settled, but as they penetrated the wooded section of western New York, all signs of civilization disappeared.
The country was full of wild game and the streams were alive with fish, so that the little column, as it plodded along, almost “lived off the country.”
Occasionally a “bee tree” was found. In one instance, my father related, “we found one large bee tree, which, when cut down and split open, yielded four tubsful of delicious white honey-comb.”
They did not lack variety of food with plenty of bear-steak, venison, wild turkeys, prairie-chickens, ‘possums and fish, as well as an abundance of wild berries.
As the new settlers went farther into the wilderness they met wandering bands of Indians which, while not particularly threatening, frequently stole or tried to steal their stock. For this reason, a strict watch had to be kept when the aborigines were about. I recall how I listened breathlessly to the recital of these stories of adventure when a child.
out of church only to face a bear
One incident I remember: My great-grandfather Captain Benjamin Bates after his enforced retirement from the sea, turned his attention to religious matters and was elected an elder in the church and was very strict in the observance of the Sabbath. (I have the old leather-covered bible he used during the last 20 years of his life, the one he preached from during this pilgrimage.)
One Sunday, while the company was listening to the good old elder’s preaching, my father, only 8 years old and not especially interested in the expounding of the gospel, strayed away from camp into the woods.
The stentorian voice of the preacher did not penetrate far into the thick woods and, after going a short dis-
tance, the truant came upon a bear eating berries. Without attracting the bear’s attention, he withdrew as quietly as possible back to the place of encampment, being guided by his grandfather’s voice. Seizing a loaded rifle that leaned against a tree, he returned to where the bear was still feeding and, resting the gun over a fallen tree, he shot the bear dead. Of course the report broke up the meeting and, while he was censured for not attending services, the feat brought him considerable praise.
Arriving at their destination, about 20 miles from the present site of the city of Painesville, Ohio, the usual activities of incoming settlers followed: log-houses were built and the ground was cleared for crops. One winter my father and his five brothers cut down, trimmed and burned the brush of six acres of heavily-timbered land.
During the 34 years of my father’s residence in Ohio, he took a very active part in the affairs of the community. He married soon after reaching his majority, the union being blessed with 11 children. He was elected Justice of the Peace when 28 years old, “Select Man” several times afterward, and was successful in all of his enterprises. He became an expert in the use of tools of all kinds, working in iron and wood equally well. He built and ran two saw-mills, a “grist”-mill and a general store, which he kept until after the death of his parents in 1837. His father had become one of the sureties on the bond of “The Receiver of Public Monies,” some years before. This official absconded with nearly $75,000, which the sureties were obliged to make good to the government, taking all of my grandfather’s property. Being homeless, my father gave his parents a comfortable little farm of 80 acres but unfortunately vested the title in my grandfather with the result that, as soon as the deed was recorded, it was also taken from them. To be reduced from the wealthiest member of the community to poverty in his old age caused his death less than a year afterward. My grandmother died six weeks later.
Wednesday, June 12
From 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Active Senior Expo will be held at Abbington Banquets, 3S002 IL Route 53 in Glen Ellyn (at Butterfield Rd.). Info on topics of interest to seniors as well as free health screenings, door prize drawings, live entertainment at 11:30 a.m. Free seminars. No registration required, admission $2, however, free admission coupons are available at activeseniorexpo.net.
Saturday, June 8
From 12 noon to 2 p.m., there will be a clean-up effort called “Salt Creek Trail and Beyond.” Meet at Rotary Park at 600 E. Wildwood Ave. in Villa Park. Supplies and water provided. Dress appropriately, bring your own gloves. Kids younger than 12 welcome, but must be accompanied by an adult. Sign up at cleanupgiveback.org or register on site on June 8. Info: 630-758-0667 or keepelmhurstvibrant@gmail.com.
Saturday, June 15
At 10 a.m., Elmhurst Senior Commission and the City of Elmhurst
present another Community Conversation about the Park District’s Vision 2020 Plan, particularly the plan of a new Senior Center, led by Jim Rogers, executive director of the Elmhurst Park District. Held at Elmhurst City Hall, 209 North York Rd. Free but reservations are required, as space is limited. To register, call 630306-7077.
• Beginning with a flag ceremony at 5 p.m., the Elmhurst Elks Lodge, 711 W. St. Charles Road, is holding an All-American Dinner and Trivia Night to support the local military. Hosted by the Elmhurst Elks, Scout Troop 199 of Villa Park, the Villa
Park VFW Post #2801, dinner and live music begin at 6 p.m., and trivia at 7 p.m. $20 per person suggested donation.. Dinner includes hamburgers, hot dogs, bratwurst, traditional sides, and desserts. Reservations via email to carlemaeder@netzero.net, or send a text to (630) 439-5748. No voice calls, please.
Monday, June 17
From 1-4 p.m., the Elmhurst History Museum invites the public to explore the museum on a day when it is traditionally closed. Come in to play games, make crafts and picnic on the grounds, weather permitting. Crafts available while supplies last. Drop in program appropriate elementary school age children, accompanied by an adult. Free, no registration required. Info: 630-833-1457 or elmhursthistory.org.
Thursday, June 20
From 6:30-8:30 p.m., the Spring Road Business Association hosts Music At The Gazebo, Spring Road and the Prairie Path. Bring lawn chairs or blankets, picnics. NO ALCOHOL. This week: Lake Effect, performing pop and standards.
Friday, June 21
The Park District offers Party in the Park, this month at Pioneer Park, where all ages are invited for fun activities. The Park District will provide bubbles, hula hoops, jump ropes, giveaways and refreshments. Eco the Rac-coon might make an appearance. Free and open to all ages.
Sunday, June 23
Beginning at 2 p.m., Olde Tyme Base Ball returns to the community, played by the wildly different rules of 1858. Learn to cheer and jeer in fine Victorian fashion as two Elmhurst clubs, chock full of local celebrities, play for your favor. Bring a picnic basket and lawn chairs for a family-friendly game played by true sportsmen from an era of wooden bats and iron men. Game takes place at the Elmhurst College Mall (in front of Hammerschmidt Chapel). Free and open to the public.
Ongoing programs: Elmhurst Farmers Market
• The Elmhurst Artists’ Guild (EAG) will host A Myriad of Media, a solo exhibition featuring the art of Charlene Lee-Freislinger. The show will feature works in graph-ite, pen and ink, watercolor, acrylic, collage, and photography. The show runs now through June 7 in the EAG Gallery at the Elmhurst Art Museum (EAM), in Elmhurst’s Wilder Park.
• Widows or Widowers (WOW) meet every third Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 537 S. York Road. Admission: $5 per person includes live entertainment. Info: Dave at 630-620-4060 or visit WOW.cfsites.org.
• The Elmhurst American Legion, T.H.B. Post No. 187, hosts a fish fry every Friday night from 6-8:30 p.m. New York steaks are available first Friday of the month. Musical entertainment follows. Karaoke on the second Friday of each month. Bingo on Wednesdays, starting with Early Birds at 6:45 p.m. Info: 630-8337800.
• Every Wednesday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. now through Oct., the Elmhurst Farmers Market will be held at the municipal lot just east of York Road on Vallette. Local farmers, bakers and others will have fresh fruit, vegetables, bread, pastries, cheese, flowers, honey, soaps and more. For best parking, come before 10 a.m. or after 12 noon. Info: yorkandvallette. com
Established Montessori Preschool & Daycare in Lombard
Steel Rule Diemaker Rotary. Experienced and entry level positions available. Also delivery driver needed. Must apply in person: 850 N. DuPage Ave. #5 in Lombard.
• 2 POSITIONS AVAILABLE • PRESCHOOL TEACHER with some preferred experience PRESCHOOL ASSISTANT Exp. not necessary, will train Monday-Friday, FT and PT Creative Montessori 630-620-5505 630-789-6607 348021 348123
for Hire-Nelson Co.
Come in and fill out application at 325 W. Factory Rd., Addison, IL 60101. Part Time to Full Time as work load will dictate. Requirements are: knowledge of internet, Microsoft Word/Excel software, Quickbooks software, filing, printing and other duties as assigned. Must be dependable and flexible. Willing to train the right person.
Dental Specialty Practice in Elmhurst is seeking a mature part-time assistant. Prefer to train the right person. Approx. 12-16 hrs. per week. Please call 630-530-4808. 347149
6/8, & Sunday, 6/9, 8am-2pm. Furniture, tools, electronics & misc. items. Downsizing.
300 S. CRAIG PL., LOMBARD, BLOCK YARD SALE, Fri., 6/7 & Sat., 6/8, 8am-3pm. Various holiday items, 6 1/2 ft. lighted christmas tree, baby bassinet & stroller, h’hold items, furniture, wedding dress sz. 10, Rogers & Hollands sapphire/diamond ring sz. 7 1/2 (new-never worn), VHS & DVD movies, cassette tapes & board games.
505 W. HARRISON, LOMBARD, MULTI FAMILY G.S., Sat., 6/8, 8am-3pm. Household items, motorcycle, tools, decorations, baby clothes, womens clothes, gun cabinets, mounts, etc. (Venmo accepted).
550 W. EDGEWOOD RD., (FLOWERFIELD), between Finley and Route 53, N. of Roosevelt and S. of Wilson), LB, 17th ANNUAL MULTI-FAMILY G.S., Sat., 6/8, 8am-4pm. LOTS OF JEWELRY and H’HOLD MISC.! Home decor, seasonal items, some furniture, books, toys and much, much more! All proceeds benefit American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life.
By Jerry Nowicki CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS
A constitutional amendment that would allow the General Assembly to set higher tax rates on greater amounts of income passed its last legislative hurdle Monday and will head to the voters for final approval about 18 months from now.
After more than three hours of debate in which all 44 House Republicans spoke on the floor, the vote cleared its constitutionally mandated three-fifths majority by two votes. All 73 representatives voting in favor were Democrats.
While Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker played no formal role in the legislative process to put the amendment on the ballot, at least one Democrat who previously said he would vote against the bill credited the governor for his sudden switch.
“I was a very vocal critic about this, obviously, I came out with some concerns,” Rep. Jonathan Carroll, a Northbrook Democrat, said. “… Gov. Pritzker reached out to me right away, had some conversations with me and heard that my issue is property taxes.
“Along with his help and the help of my colleagues in the House and the Senate, we’re going to form a property tax task force to review how we tax in Illinois for property taxes and make sure that we do it better and we do it right.”
The state does not levy or collect property taxes in Illinois; only local
taxing bodies such as school boards, municipal governments and counties have that authority. The largest contributor to most local tax bills are K-12 schools, which for years have faced funding shortfalls and proration from insufficient revenues provided by the state.
Still, Carroll and Rep. Sam Yingling—a Grayslake Democrat who also said at one time he would vote against the graduated tax—said state action is needed to overhaul the property tax system and the graduated tax is part of that process.
“The current system does not work and we all know that,” Yingling said in his floor speech. “The process of property tax restructuring will not be easy. But I submit that that process begins today.”
Republicans, however, were more skeptical of any actual tax relief coming from the bill, and House Minority Leader Jim Durkin, R-Western Springs, accused the governor of “horse trading” in order to get the 73 votes in favor.
“Let’s make no mistake. Today’s vote is the end result of the Illinois Democrats’ historical, ravenous, irresponsible budgeting and spending,” Durkin said. “However it was also clear that today’s vote was a fait accompli. It’s a foregone conclusion.
“I know how this bill went down. I know how this amendment went down. And please, don’t think that there wasn’t any horse trading to get
NOTICE
NOTICE
CERTIFICATE NO. 76903 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on MAY 16, 2019, wherein the business firm of EXCELSIOR ENTERPRISE LOCATED AT 820 LIVINGSTON COURT, NAPERVILLE, IL 60540 was registered; that the true or real name or names of the person or persons owning the business, with their respective post office address(es), is/are as follows: NAME OF PERSON(S) SHAHID Z. CHOUHDRY, HOME ADDRESS 820 LIVINGSTON COURT, NAPERVILLE, IL 60540 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 16TH day of MAY, A.D. 2019.
JEAN KACZMAREK Jean Kaczmarek
DuPage County Clerk (OFFICIAL SEAL)
(Published in The Elmhurst Independent May 23, 30 & June 6, 2019) 346976
NOTICE
CERTIFICATE NO. 76920 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on MAY 29, 2019, wherein the business firm of HUSBANDS APPAREL LOCATED AT 420 74TH STREET APT 204, DOWNERS GROVE, IL 60516 was registered; that the true or real name or names of the person or persons owning the business, with their respective post office address(es), is/are as follows: NAME OF PERSON(S) BRANDON BALA, HOME ADDRESS 420 74TH STREET APT 204, DOWNERS GROVE, IL 60516. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 29TH day of MAY, A.D. 2019.
JEAN KACZMAREK
Jean Kaczmarek
DuPage County Clerk (OFFICIAL SEAL)
(Published in The Elmhurst Independent June 6, 13 & 20, 2019) 348126
these votes. I know better, you know better, we know better.”
Senate Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 1’s passage means the voters, in November 2020, will be given the opportunity to decide whether the state can have the authority to set graduated tax rates. Either 60 percent of those voting on the question or the majority of those voting in the election will have to support the measure for it to become law.
While Pritzker’s political capital helped guide the measure through the Legislature, his financial capital is expected to play an outsized role in the media campaign for its passage.
The billionaire is an admitted donor to the dark money group Think Big Illinois, a 501(c)4 organization that has already sustained months of advertising efforts in favor of the graduated income tax the governor has dubbed the “fair tax.”
For the next 18 months, Think Big will likely be joined on the air by two other dark money groups on the other side of the issue: Illinois Policy, the advocacy wing of conservative think tank Illinois Policy Institute, and Ideas Illinois, a business-backed group which has aligned itself against the tax.
These groups have dubbed Pritzker’s marquee initiative a “jobs tax,” a “blank check” to lawmakers and an “unfair tax.”
The rhetoric of each side was matched on the House floor Monday and mirrored that of the Statehouse debate that has been ongoing since March.
Democrats said added funding is needed to pay down debts and prevent ongoing cuts to education and programs designed to help the state’s neediest populations.
“We’ve made year-after-year cuts to budgets like DCFS (Department of
Children and Family Services), and now you have children dying because you have case workers that are overburdened and underpaid,” Rep. Rob Martwick, a Chicago Democrat and the bill’s sponsor, said. “So what are the solutions to these problems? The solutions are to eliminate our deficits, eliminate that structural deficit. When you do that, you start to right the ship. You can fund education, you can pay down debts.”
The options to do so, Martwick said, were to raise the state’s flat tax from 4.95 percent to 6.5 percent or higher, or to raise the $3.5 billion anticipated to come from the graduated rates.
Republicans said the bill more likely provided incentive for the state’s wealthiest taxpayers and job creators to leave, and warned that no matter what rates are approved by this Legislature, they can be raised in the future.
Friday, June 7 from 3-4 p.m.
Wine Club
Learn about and discuss wine with other aficionados. No registration required.
Saturday, June 8 or Monday, June 10 from 9:30-9:50 a.m.
Chicka Chicka Baby Drop-in
Twenty minutes of songs and rhymes perfect for infants. Make visiting the library a regular part of your baby’s week. No registration required.
Monday, June 10 from 7-8:15 p.m.
CERTIFICATE NO. 76890 was filed in the office of the County Clerk of DuPage County on MAY 9, 2019, wherein the business firm of HD PRO STUDIOS LOCATED AT 376 E. ST. CHARLES ROAD, LOMBARD, IL 60148 was registered; that the true or real name or names of the person or persons owning the business, with their respective post office address(es), is/are as follows: NAME OF PERSON(S) HENRY HERNANDEZ, HOME ADDRESS 215 N. FRANZEN STREET, BENSENVILLE, IL 60106 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at my office in Wheaton, Illinois, this 9TH day of MAY, A.D. 2019.
JEAN KACZMAREK Jean Kaczmarek
DuPage County Clerk (OFFICIAL SEAL)
(Published in The Elmhurst Independent May 23, 30 & June 6, 2019) 346977
Book Discussion: The Billionaire’s Vinegar
Read The Billionaire’s Vinegar and join us for a book discussion at Cuvée Cellars Wine Bar, 545 Spring Road, Elmhurst.
A riveting story of the world’s most expensive bottle of wine, this book tells the true story of a 1787 Château Lafite Bordeaux, purportedly owned by Thomas Jefferson, that sold for $156,000 at auction. Suspenseful and thrilling, this is the vintage tale of what could be the most elaborate con since the Hitler diaries. Registration required.
Tuesday, June 11 from noon-2 p.m.
In Stitches Needleworkers Knitters, crocheters, and needleworkers of all skill levels: Bring a project on which to work, share knowledge with others, and have fun! No registration required.
Thursday, June 13 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Is Your Business Website Relevant for 2019?
Learn which elements make a great website and how to determine if you are providing the right content for your customers. Presented by Virginia Weiskopf, CEO of Weiskopf Consulting. Registration required.
Thursday, June 13 from 7-8 p.m.
TED Talk Conversations: The Creative Spark
Join us for our monthly TED talk viewing and conversation. We will watch TED talks on creativity: 4 Lessons in Creativity by Julie Burstein
Where Does Creativity Hide? by Amy Tan
Take Imagination Seriously byJanet Echelman Registration required.
On Thursday evenings from 6:308:30 p.m., the Spring Road Business Association invites the public to Music At The Gazebo, Spring Road and the Prairie Path.
Bring lawn chairs or blankets, picnics. No alcohol allowed. The schedule is as follows:
Thursday, June 20
Lake Effect, performing pop and standards.
Thursday, July 11
Friday, June 14 from 7-8:30 p.m.
Facebook for Business Facebook is great for connecting us with friends and family, but did you know it could be great for your business, too? Get started creating a Facebook page for your business and learn about tools that can be used to promote your business within the community. Registration required. For more information, (630) 2798696 or visit elmlib.org/events.
Elks Lodge to host dinner, trivia event for Military Morale Fund
Several veterans and community groups from the Elmhurst/Villa Park area are planning an All-American Dinner and Trivia Night to support the local military on Saturday, June 15 at the Elmhurst Elks Lodge, 711 W. St. Charles Road.
Hosted by the Elmhurst Elks, Scout Troop 199 of Villa Park, the Villa Park VFW Post #2801 and other friends, the event begins with a flag ceremony at 5 p.m., followed by dinner and live music at 6 p.m., and trivia at 7 p.m.
Thursday, July 18
Thursday, Aug. 1
Chorus of DuPage, a capella and barbershop harmony.
Small Potatoes, Chicago-based folk duo.
Cathy Richardson, Elmhurst’s own Grammy-nominated Rock Goddess. Thursday, Aug. 8
Lake Effect, performing pop and standards.
Thursday, Aug. 15
Mr. Myers Band, reggae, calypso and beach music.
The suggested donation for the evening is $20 per person. Dinner will include hamburgers, hot dogs, bratwurst, traditional sides, and desserts. The trivia competition will feature questions about the USA, including history, culture, geography, states, Presidents, etc. Trivia teams may include up to eight members. Team reservations are greatly appreciated, especially for teams of more than four. Smaller groups (three or fewer) may be combined into larger teams to make the evening more manageable). Reservations can be made via email to carlemaeder@ netzero.net, or by sending a text to (630) 439-5748. No voice calls, please. The event will also include a Split-the-Pot raffle.
All proceeds will go to the Morale Fund of our local military, which was recently cut.
By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT
The York softball team was rewarded for a strong 2019 season.
The Dukes placed four players on the all-West Suburban Conference Silver Division team. That quartet features Katherine Karnatz, Sydney Fugslang, Izzy Smith and Lauren Derkowski.
York finished the season with a 17-14 mark and tied for second in the WSC Silver with a 9-3 mark.
The Dukes lost to Chicago Whitney Young in a Class 4A regional championship game.
York coach Elizabeth Munn said defense helped her team excel this
By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT
The York girls lacrosse team went down to the wire with the defending state champions.
The Dukes lost a tough 11-10 contest in overtime to Hinsdale Central in the championship game of the Lyons Township sectional.
York was up 9-6 in the game with 4:30 left in regulation.
“We came into the Hinsdale Central game believing we had a good chance to beat them,” said York coach Ryan Walz. “We lost to them by five earlier in the year and we were so happy with our performance then.”
York finished the season 17-5 overall and went 4-1 in West Suburban Conference play.
“We knew we had to work hard and we did all season,” said Walz.
Cate Duhig led the Dukes this season with 63 goals. Jenna Hughes had 58, while Eileen O’Donnell scored 38 and Ellie Bernard had 32.
Emily Fleckenstein had 60 draw-control wins.
The Dukes were golden in goal with Caroline Fritsch and Sami Kraus. Fritsch was third in the league in save percentage, while Kraus was seventh. “Caroline and Sami were fantastic all year in goal,” said Walz. Fritsch was third in goals against in the state, while Kraus was fifth in the state in goals-against average.
“Senior Caroline Fritsch was awesome,” said Walz. “She kept our spirits high and played fantastic.”
Walz especially liked how York played during the tail-end of the season. “We were excellent down the stretch, winning 12 in a row and beating some very good teams,” he said.
Walz noted Hughes, Duhig, Bernard, Fleckenstein and O’Donnell led the way on offense. “They were stellar offensively,” he said.
Mollie Grasse keyed York’s defensive effort, while a host of freshmen players also helped out in back.
“Mollie led the charge on defense and three freshmen, Bella Swanson, Julia Kogan and Ellie Duhig, were just what we needed,” said Walz. “They played aggressively and smart in the defensive zone.”
The mental side of the game and physical fitness were two key areas of improvement that Walz pointed to. “Our mental preparation and physical stamina were most impressive this season to me,” he said. “We got better as the season progressed. We really just had one bad game against Evanston. We were not mentally ready for that one and we played like it.”
Walz pointed to several other areas where gains were made. “Our transitions and physical play got better each game,” he said. “Defensively, we kept getting better. The experience for our freshmen and new varsity players really helped us grow as a team.”
Walz is looking forward to making even more improvements next season. “For next season we have to find ways to beat opposing teams on the circle,” he said. “It’s the hardest part of the game to conquer, but we will continue to get better.
“This season was fantastic. Our motto always is to work hard and have fun. We accomplished this. Although we are disappointed, we know we put everything on the table and we will come back stronger next year.”
York had no shortage of postseason accolades. Duhig was named to the all-state first team. Duhig, Fleckenstein, Fritsch and Hughes were allWSC first-team selections. Bernard and O’Donnell earned all-WSC second-team honors, while Grasse was an all-WSC at-large selection.
Duhig, Fleckenstein, Hughes and Kraus earned all-sectional honors.
Earlier in the Lyons Township sectional, York was a 15-1 winner over Nazareth Academy and then downed Montini 13-6 in the semifinals.
season. “This group was impressive on defense,” she said. “We didn’t make many errors and we understood the importance of backing up our pitcher by playing quality defense.”
Munn said her squad made advancements in plenty of other areas as well. “Our biggest strides were making adjustments at the plate and learning the game and improving their game,” she said.
Sophomore Madeline Modica was one individual who provided a key spark. “Madeline is only a sophomore and stepped it up with her hitting,” Munn said. “She had some key hits in our first regional game and in several conference games.”
Katherine Karnatz will continue her softball career at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, while Izzy Smith will continue her career at
Northern Illinois University.
“The raw talent and ability of this group will be missed,” said Munn. “Katherine is moving on to play at UMKC and she was stellar for us at shortstop and Izzy at third who is moving on to play at Northern Illinois.”
Karnatz was equally impressive at the plate this season. She led the team with a .565 batting average. She had 48 hits in 85 at-bats. She scored 44 runs, walked 16 times, stole 24 bases and drove in 21 runs. She hit nine doubles, four triples and five home runs.
Karnatz turned in a .651 on-base percentage and struck out only eight times in 107 plate appearances.
Fugslang hit .429 with 42 hits. She had seven doubles, five triples, two home runs, 24 RBI and 17 stolen bases to go with 34 runs scored.
Smith hit .366 with 34 hits, including eight doubles and team bests in home runs with six and RBI with 26. She also stole 11 bases.
Julia Derkowski hit .354 with seven doubles. Gina Westphal had four triples and four homers.
Lauren Derkowski hit four home runs as well. York hit 22 homers as a team.
In the pitching circle, Lauren Derkowski had a 2.20 ERA and struck out 241 batters in only 124 1/3 innings. She gave up 96 hits and walked 32.
Munn said next year’s group will be on the younger side. “Our outlook for next year includes a young group, however, they are continuing to improve their game and are making the necessary adjustments they need to back-up their pitcher on defense and offense,” she said.
By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT
It was another banner year for the Timothy Christian boys tennis team.
The Trojans finished 11-5 in dual matches this season and posted a 4-2 conference record. More importantly, Timothy qualified five players for the recent Class 1A state tournament.
The doubles team of Micah Bosman and Ben Rowell finished the season 16-4 at the No. 2 position and went 1-2 in the state tournament.
James Shervheim and Jack Rhiner went 15-5 at No. 1 doubles and were 2-2 at state. However, Shervheim was injured prior to the state tournament. Payton Ward substituted and won two matches with Rhiner.
“That shows the depth we have for a third doubles player to step in and win two matches,” said Timothy coach Keith Mills.
Winston Chen also made it to state and played in two matches.
Mills calls Matt VanZeelt the team’s “super sub.” He went 16-5 this season at various positions in the lineup.
Ward, Christian Morrow, Bosman and Rowell earned all-conference honors, while Shervheim, Rhiner, Bosman, Rowell and Chen were conference medalists.
“The team worked very hard despite the weather conditions and were very much behind each other throughout the season,” said Mills.
Mills said the team’s biggest strides this season were overcoming losses and “learning from them and keeping on track with our strategy and focus,” he said.
Getting five players to the state tournament was a crowning achieve-
ment for the Trojans this season.
“Getting five boys was exciting and a first for Timothy,” said Mills. “Playing with Wheaton Academy in our conference—they took third in state—makes winning conference tough, so the goal was the state tournament.”
Mills said he’ll remember the fun his players had and the team camaraderie that was highly evident. “It was a very fun group with seven seniors leading the way,” he said.
The Trojans do graduate those seven seniors, but the outlook for next season is far from bleak. “We graduate seven, but the JV looks to be able to fill spots,” said Mills. “The JV was conference champs and only lost one dual all season.”
Timothy returns No. 1 singles player Chen and top doubles player Bosman. “Zach Orange and John Stremler are waiting in the wings to play second doubles and will do well,” said Mills.
The Timothy Christian boys tennis team qualified a school-record five
Class 1A state tournament. From
Winston Chen, James Shervheim, Jack
Ward (injury replacement for Shervheim)
By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT
The IC Catholic Prep girls track team had a productive postseason run.
The Knights brought home state medals from freshman Kennedy Calcagno in the 800 and 1,600, as well as classmate Carly Manchester in the 3,200 and 1,600.
Alia Johnson qualified for state in the long jump and 400. Jaida Smith qualified in the long jump, while Hannah Johnson qualified in the triple jump. Olivia Slavin ran at state
in the 100 and 300 hurdles. The Knights also ran the 400 and 1,600 relays at state.
IC Catholic Prep’s state qualifications occurred at the Class 1A Chicago Latin School sectional held at Chicago Hope Academy.
The Knights were sectional runners-up with 129.5 points. Latin won the sectional title with 137 points. Ciara Stephens took 10th in the 100 with a time of 14.56. Hannah Johnson was fifth in the 200 at 29.58.
Alia Johnson was second in the 100 at 1:04.32, while Frankie Chaidez was fourth at 1:07.32.
Calcagno was second in the 800 at 2:23.33. Manchester was third in the 1,600 at 5:26.89, while Calcagno was fourth at 5:28.07. Manchester took second in the 3,200 at 11:25.93.
Slavin won the 100 hurdles in 18.83. She was second in the 300 hurdles in 58.22. The Knights won the 400 relay in 51.71. The Knights were third in the 800 relay at 1:51.75.
IC Catholic Prep took second in the 1,600 relay at 4:16.49 and was third in the 3,200 relay in 12:22.94.
Faith Laluya was third in the high jump at 4-4, while Smith tied for fifth at 4-2. Alia Johnson won the long jump at 16-5, while Smith was second at 16-0 1/2, giving the Knights 18 points in that single event.
Hannah Johnson was second in the triple jump at 32-8. Carly Holden was third in the shot put at 32-1. She also was fifth in the discus at 78-0.
Earlier, the Knights competed in the Metro Suburban Conference Red Division meet at Chicago Christian.
Loluya was seventh in the 100 at 15.65. Alia Johnson placed second in the 200 at 27.56.
Manchester won the 1,600 in 5:30.74. She also won the 3,200 in 11:27.08. Slavin won the 100 hurdles in 17.96 and took the 300 hurdles title in 57.12.
The Knights won the 400 relay in 52.34 and won the 800 relay title in 1:54.75.
Holden won the shot put title with a throw of 30-10 1/2. She was fourth in the discus with a toss of 72-7.
Loluya tied for third in the high jump at 4-2.
Alia Johnson won the long jump with a mark of 16-9. Smith was second at 15-8.
Hannah Johnson took second in the triple jump at 31-8 1/2.
Duhig led the Dukes this season with 63 goals, helping the team to a 17-5 overall record and an appearance in the sectional championship game. Duhig earned all-state first-team honors and also was named to the all-sectional and all-West Suburban Conference first team.
The Elmhurst FC and Team Elmhurst Soccer Club 15U teams squared off at Eldridge Park on Saturday, June 1. The FC scored a late goal for the 5-4 victory and City of Elmhurst bragging rights.
The Elmhurst FC team celebrates after their victory on Saturday, June 1. The FC scored a late goal for the 5-4 victory and City of Elmhurst bragging rights.
ARDMORE BUSINESS DISTRICT AT ARDMORE AND PARK BLVD. | NEXT TO THE ILLINOIS PRAIRIE PATH
*Kid’s entertainment and attractions are only on Saturday until 8 pm. **See villaparksummerfest.com for details on bags tournament. Event attractions subject to change. Beer tent brought to you by the Villa Park Chamber of Commerce and the Villa Park Lion’s Club
FRIDAY ENTERTAINMENT
5:30 pm bags tournament registration 6 PM Bags Tournament** 6-9:30 pm Car Show on Park Blvd. 6-8 pm Hip Pockit 8:30-11 pm Good Clean Fun Band
SATURDAY ENTERTAINMENT
12-12:30 pm Villa Park Rec Fitness
12:15-1:45 pm Roaming Magic & Balloon Animal Art
12:45-1:30 pm Discover Dance
1:50-2:50 pm Minors of Rock
3:10-4:10 PM Pippin and the Frogs
4:30-6 pm Serendipity
6:30-8 pm Money Beats Soul 8:30-10:30 pm CK and The Gray
CAR SHOW FRIDAY NIGHT!
“...home sweet home could never be more true than right here.”
“How about a partner?”
was the response from Peter Dolan to Frazer Donaldson when Frazer had called him to discuss a possible interest in investing in a proposed Elmhurst Brewing Company ‘idea’. The response was a surprise, but it led to further conversations and eventually to an agreement, a plan and a new brewery in Elmhurst. In 2015, both men were looking for what their next life challenges might be. Frazer, a twenty-year success in executive search, and Peter, with a recently sold, three-generation, family elevator business, were both searching at the same time. Both men lived in town, knew each other, but not much else. As their partnership emerged, it was clear the brewery had to be in Elmhurst as they wanted to be close to home and family. It was also clear they wanted to own, not lease, so a building needed to be found.
There were not many available sites in the City Centre that worked. The concept was to be a brewpub, brew distinctive beers, serve excellent food, have an outside beergarden, and provide both a family and adult experience. One spot they visited early was at 171 North Addison Street, a former operational hub for a security business. They kept looking and viewed twenty other sites, but then a plan emerged for 171 - an ambitious plan. It was to be a complete rehab of the 6,000 square foot structure, downstairs, upstairs and everyplace inbetween. Now, even with interested investors, and a sound, but flexible business plan, they needed a bank and financing to get underway.
They talked to several banks. They explained their dream. They explained their commitment to Elmhurst. They told the bankers, “we quit our day jobs, we are all-in on this project”. They considered the responses they received and decided to stay local and chose the Community Bank of Elmhurst for their financing and construction loan. “The loan allowed us to do everything we wanted all at the same time. That overall confidence CBE displayed in us created the attitude of success that has carried forward to this very moment”, stated Frazer. With CBE’s strong help and important assistance from City of Elmhurst staff, the Elmhurst Brewing Company was fully engaged in its building effort.
It was eighteen months from the start of construction to the opening in 2018 with challenges all along the way. But Frazer and Peter were always convinced that the outcome would meet all of their expectations and equal their shared vision for their brewpub. When asked about personal memories they will always have prior to opening, they shared, “seeing the brew tanks arrive and working to get them in place” and “hiring the brewmaster, Cam Horn and the chef, Jason Kurosaki”.
The opening of the Elmhurst Brewing Company in 2018 has led to over 50 jobs, civic involvements, and a number of outstanding local brews. “My personal favorite is ‘Smooth Jammies’ ”, said an enthusiastic Peter. “Mine is ‘Fool’s Gold’ which features Elmhurst-based Brewpoint Coffee”, chimed in Frazer.
“Things are going very, very well”, said Frazer. “The project at times was very stressful, but we always had our friends and neighbors fully behind us”, he added. In year two, they are looking at expanding into new markets by canning their beers into 16 oz. cans, and selling their beers at the Elmhurst Farmer’s Market.
“Elmhurst is home”, stated Peter, “and home sweet home could never be more true than right here”.