The Independent / December 1, 2016 - Page 3VP
WB names Julian DeMuro 88’s Best for November Julian DeMuro has been named as Willowbrook’s November recipient of 88’s Best recognition for his highly improved performance. DeMuro, a senior, was recognized during the Nov. 14 District 88 Board of Education meeting. DeMuro’s story is one of perseverance, commitment, determination and overcoming obstacles to create a new path. DeMuro admits when he first came to Willowbrook, school wasn’t his focus and, at times, he was prepared to leave it all behind. But during his sophomore year, DeMuro resolved to live his life, go to school and work hard. He began the transition back to Willowbrook and completed his junior year earning 15 credits and grades of A’s and B’s. He has continued to improve during his senior year, maintaining a GPA of 3.33 and preparing to become the first member of his family to cross the stage at graduation. “DeMuro is an incredible young man, who has gotten to where he is by internal strength and the guidance of staff he has known here at Willowbrook and beyond,” said English teacher Tara Murphy. “DeMuro is in my English 12 class, where he does quite well. He asks questions and participates. He is a successful and thoughtful student. One of my favorite parts of class is when DeMuro finds the confidence to share something he’s thinking, because it often is insightful and brilliant. The world can and will learn a lot from DeMuro, and for that reason and others, he is so deserving of this award.” Math teacher Carrie Skala agreed.
“I have known DeMuro for his entire high school career,” she said. “He has grown and changed so much during the past four years. He is always a positive addition to any classroom environment, whether helping a struggling student or trying to get the highest grade on an assessment. DeMuro is always polite and says hello and asks how you are in the hallway. He will go out of his way just to say hello. I am incredibly proud of him and the bright future he has ahead of him. He really is the definition of a Willowbrook Warrior.” ACHIEVE Social Worker Irene Mason said DeMuro’s strong work ethic and ability to focus on the positive are what make him stand out as a student. “DeMuro is one of the most persistent and resilient students I have ever had the opportunity to work with,” she said. “His ability to overcome daily obstacles, adversity and major life challenges never ceases to amaze me. Watching DeMuro’s selfawareness and confidence grow during the past four years has truly been remarkable to witness. Even when DeMuro goes through some of the lowest points in his life, he always tries to make the best of the cards he is dealt and better his situation, and he does it with a sense of humor and an inner drive to be the best he can be. The personal and academic growth he has made are a testament to his motivation and willingness to never give up.” DeMuro looks forward to continuing his education and training in cosmetology after he graduates.
Interplan LLC brings annual donation to food pantry
COURTESY PHOTO Villa Park Independent
Pictured are (from left): York Township Supervisor John W. Valle, Food Pantry Director Angela Tanner with Margaret Strojny and Dennis Cabala of Interplan LLC in Oakbrook Terrace. As a way of giving back to the community, employees of Interplan have held a food drive for the past four years around Thanksgiving time and donated the proceeds to the York Township Food Pantry. This year 15 employees delivered a van load of food items on Monday November 21. Located at 1 South 280 Summit Avenue in Oakbrook Terrace, Interplan LLC provides development solutions for restaurant, hospitality and commercial programs.
Terra Vista presents ‘Eating, Dining & Alzheimer’s’ On Wednesday, Dec. 7 at 2 p.m, Terra Vista, located at 1635 S. Ardmore Oakbrook Terrace, is hosting a program for Alzheimer’s caregivers about eating and dining with those with dementia. The holidays are the perfect time to look at your loved one’s eating habits, according to Natalie McFarland, RN, BSN and certified dementia care trainer for Terra Vista. Research has shown the importance of maintaining good nutrition and eating habits
for those living with Alzheimer’s or dementia, which can help to improve behavioral symptoms as well as avoid weight loss, dehydration and choking hazards. Creating more interest in the overall experience for your loved one can also help to stimulate their appetite leading to better eating and drinking practices. What you’ll learn at this seminar: Dining and family gathering tips
Joyful Traditions coming Saturday
THOMAS E. OPOLONY, 70 Thomas E. Opolony, of Freeport, Ill., formerly of Villa Park, at the age of 70. Beloved husband of the late Christine nee Bishop; loving father of Kathleen Opolony, Dawn Opolony and Thomas J. (Heather) Opolony; fond brother of Carolyn (the late Richard) Gibson, Donna (Thomas) Stadermann, James (Susan) Opolony; dear uncle and great uncle of many; brother-in-law of Elizabeth Kulikowski and Kathy Bittler. Visitation was held Sunday, Nov. 27,
On Saturday, Dec. 3 from 6-8:30 p.m., the Villa Park Chamber of Commerce and the Village of Villa Park will host the 18th Annual Joyful Traditions Family Fun Festival at the Ruggard Gazebo at Ardmore & Park Blvd. in downtown Villa Park. Take photos with Santa, build your own s’mores, check out the SnoMan Cave and make sure to catch the treelighting. Enjoy trolley car rides, stop by the tasting tent, listen to the strolling carolers and witness the world’s largest stocking. The lights will be thrown to light the many decorated trees that line the Prairie Path during the holiday season. For more information, call COURTESY PHOTO Villa Park Independent Pictured is Willowbrook senior Julian DeMuro, who has been named 630-941-9133 or contact the Villa as Willowbrook’s November recipient of 88’s Best recognition. With Park Chamber of Commerce through invillapark.com. him is Willowbrook Principal Dan Krause.
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Nutrition tips and guidelines How to make mealtimes more successful How to create a dementia capable dining environment Encouraging independence during meals Tools for managing weight loss To RSVP, call 630-534-0886 or send an e-mail to info@terravista. org.
2016, at Steuerle Funeral Home, 350 S. Ardmore Ave., and on Monday Nov. 28, at Schwarz Funeral Home Park Blvd. Chapel, 608 S. Park Blvd, Freeport, Ill. Funeral services were held Nov. 29 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 704 S. State St., in Freeport. Mass. Interment to follow at Calvary Cemetery, Freeport, IL. Arrangements provided by Steuerle Funeral Home. Call (630) 832-4161 or visit steuerlefh.com for more information.
(Continued from front page) and Wisconsin. ried workers, but just seven percent After the original lawsuit was today. “The overtime rule is designed filed last September, U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas Perez said he felt to restore the intent of the Fair Laconfident in the legality of the rule, bor Standards Act, the crown jewel referring to the lawsuit as “a partisan of worker protections in the United States,” Perez said in September. “I and obstructionist tactic.” He further noted that over the look forward to vigorously defendyears, overtime protections have re- ing our efforts to give more hardceded. While in 1975, they applied working people a meaningful chance to 62 percent of U.S. full-time sala- to get by.”