Master Gardener program turns 50
Volunteers are there to help others ‘grow’
By Jane Charmelo FOR THE ELMHURST INDEPENDENT
It often seems like necessity is the mother of invention, which one might say that of the creation of Master Gardener programs that are now available nationwide through individual state Extensions.
The program—which trains volunteers in a variety of horticultural and arbor topics that they share with the public—has its roots in the Northwest. In the early 1970s, several Washington State University Extension agents noticed they were receiving a lot of phone calls asking for advice on home garden maintenance.
According to a University of Illinois Extension news release on the
subject, “They devised a plan to educate volunteers on the science of gardening and then to disperse the information to the public. Their idea blossomed and branched out, eventually inspiring the spread of the Master Gardener program to all 50 states.”
The release notes that in 1975, a former Extension horticulture specialist and state Master Gardener named Floyd Giles created Illinois’ first Master Gardener program. It was based in Will County and neighboring Chicagoland, and DuPage and Cook counties. The first training session was held in a Des Plaines post office.
Jamie Viebach, a U of I Extension horticulture educator for DuPage, Kane and Kendall counties who
The University of Illinois Master Gardener program is celebrating 50 years. “We are incredibly proud of the growth in the Illinois Extension Master Gardener program and the impact it has made over the past 50 years,” Candice Anderson, state Master Gardener specialist, said in a release. “Our volunteers are the core of our program and each one is passionate about making gardening accessible to everyone across Illinois and serving their communities in impactful ways.”
teaches Master Gardener classes, went even further back in time, outlining that in the 1800s, specific “land-grant” universities—institutions that were formed to educate people in practical fields such as agriculture, home economics and mechanical arts—began creating Extensions, “to be an ‘extension’ of the university out into the community,” predominantly in the area of agriculture and farming.
That was “back in the days of the mule and plow,” she said with a chuckle, adding that agents were stationed at Extension offices and would hear from farmers about their concerns—perhaps insect- or crop-related—then report back to their respective Extension offices.
In turn, Viebach noted, the agents would then go back to the farmers with resources and/or techniques/ solutions to help them deal with those issues.
“The goal was to teach agriculture, science and engineering,” she said, to help farmers “learn new and better techniques for farming.”
Extension Master Gardener programs were formed when “agents— we now call ourselves educators— were becoming overwhelmed” with requests for horticultural assistance beyond farming, Viebach mentioned. There was “a need to help [people] out without having to hire more staff,” she added.
As an example, Viebach said, in 2024 alone, Master Gardeners spent over 7,500 hours volunteering, with a value of more than $200,000 in paid time.
The Master Gardeners undergo 40 hours of training by specialists and educators such as Viebach, in such areas as horticulture, insects, diseases, grasses, woody and herbaceous ornamentals, and fruits and vegetables.
Upon completion of the program, Master Gardener trainees must give
40 volunteer hours, with the first 24 of those hours spent staffing the Master Gardener Help Desk.
Viebach said the help desk receives questions of all types. “We go beyond agriculture, especially in these urban areas.”
“I never know what I’m going to be asked,” she said, so it is “one of the most fun parts of the job.”
“I get to learn alongside our clients,” Viebach added.
Master Gardeners further offer their services in such areas as speaking to groups or assisting with community gardens.
Viebach said that in 2024 alone, community gardens donated nearly 3,000 pounds of produce to local food pantries.
Elmhurst resident Nancy Shonts has been a Master Gardener for seven years, saying that her parents and grandparents had large gardens, so “I grew up gardening,” and she has a large garden herself.
After retiring, “I knew I wanted to volunteer to help my community,” she continued, and decided to become a Master Gardner.
Shonts worked at the Help Desk in Naperville and at several different gardens in the area; volunteered for the Elmhurst Garden Walk, the DuPage County Care Center and the Naperville Giving Garden, among others; led a Tree Walk for 26 gradeschool children; and recently completed her Tree Identification certification.
Karen Pachyn, also from Elmhurst, has been a Master Gardener since 2009. Like Shonts, she comes from a gardening family and wanted to expand her horticultural knowledge.
She also volunteered at the county care center, and has led a team of volunteers who work with developmentally disabled individuals at We Grow Dreams in West Chicago—a working greenhouse that provides
job training and employment to its team members.
Pachyn has worked with students at Wheaton Warrenville High School’s Transition Program, has given garden tours at Cantigny Park, along with her husband has helped plant a native garden at her church and has worked with the Elmhurst Cool Cities Coalition and the Elmhurst Park District, among others.
Both Master Gardeners say they value the camaraderie of other like-minded gardeners, and Schonts related that she enjoys spending time in required continuing education, “which is thoroughly enjoyable to learn new things about gardening.”
“I love working with other Master Gardeners,” Pachyn shared. “I feel like I’ve found ‘my people.’ They are a great group of really nice people with big hearts who just want to do good.”
And, she noted, because of her training, “I’ve tried to share that with our Elmhurst community in a number of ways.”
Viebach echoed their enthusiasm for sharing gardening knowledge and the important role Master Gardeners serve in their communities.
The volunteers “are teaching others how to grow their own flowers, their own food,” she commented. “I really love the Master Gardener program; a program that connects people, who are passionate about gardening, with each other and the community. It’s a win-win-win all around.”
“We help others learn to grow,” Viebach summed up. “The important thing is the ‘learn.’”
For more information about the Master Gardener program in DuPage County, visit https://extension.illinois.edu/dkk/dupage-county-master-gardeners.
Viebach also has a blog at https:// extension.illinois.edu/blogs/overgarden-fence.
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JOHN CARL HOSTETLER, 78
John Carl Hostetler, 78, passed away peacefully December 2, 2024, surrounded by his wife and children. John was married 54 years to his beloved wife, Betty. He was the loving father of Katherine (Tony) Ripper and John (Ashlee) Hostetler, Jr. Dear grandfather of AJ Ripper, Maddy Ripper, Hazel Ripper and Adaline Hostetler. Fond brother of Harry (Marie) Hostetler and Roberta (Bob) Kamerlander. John was preceded in death by his parents, Alice and Ben Hostetler.
Before retirement, John was a Regional Vice President of Herman’s Sporting Goods. He helped open many stores in Chicago, Detroit, and Atlanta before working at their headquarters in New Jersey. After he retired from Herman’s, he became a real estate broker in Elmhurst.
John loved sailing, scuba diving, home improvement projects, and playing the guitar. His favorite place for family fun was Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. He truly enjoyed spending time with his family.
A memorial visitation will be held on Friday, December 13, 2024 from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. at Elmhurst Community Funeral Home – THE AHLGRIM CHAPEL, 567 S. Spring Road, Elmhurst, 60126. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2024 beginning at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by interment of the urn at Mt. Emblem Cemetery, Elmhurst, Illinois.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in John’s name to the Parkinson Voice Project, https:// parkinsonvoiceproject.org/, or Parkinson’s Foundation, https:// parkinson.org.
For info. (630) 834-3515 or www. ElmhurstFH.com.
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Elmhurst Choral Union presentation on Dec. 15
Elmhurst Choral Union will present The Musical Magic of Christmas on Sunday, Dec. 15, at 3 p.m. in Hammerschmidt Chapel at Elmhurst University, 190 S. Prospect Ave. Celebrate the festive season with holiday classics, traditional choral-orchestra works and movie favorites performed with a professional orchestra. There might even be a special surprise visit from the North Pole! Pieces include a movement of Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, White Christmas, A Christmas Festival, Three Holiday Songs from Home Alone, Christmas Day, Ceremony of Carols, and a special performance of March of the Toys performed by the orchestra. Tickets are $25 (adult) and $15 (youth up to age 18). Purchase tickets online at elmhurstchoralunion.org/tickets or at the door the day of the concert. The group is led by Artistic Director Scott Uddenberg, and will be accompanied by a full professional orchestra. The 50+ member chorus has rehearsed and performed since its founding in 1952 at Elmhurst University, with a mission to create outstanding choral performances for the community to appreciate and enjoy. Elmhurst Choral Union is grateful for the financial support from the Explore Elmhurst Grant Program, DuPage Foundation, Wurlitzer Grant, and the Illinois Arts Council Agency. For more information, visit elmhurstchoralunion.org or email info@elmhurstchoralunion.org.
Build skills and memories with 11th annual Bridge Bust Contest
This winter, youth and families can build a bridge, memories, and lifelong skills with the 11th 4-H Bridge Bust Competition.
Registration is open through mid-December for the popular annual event, which will be Saturday, Feb. 8, in Yorkville. For a decade, this handson, challenging experience has encouraged engineering, problem-solving, and teamwork as group members build a balsa wood bridge together.
The community can join the fun in three categories:
• Youth teams (all team members must be ages 10 and up)
• Family/Club teams (including adults and youth ages 5 and up)
• School teams (open to 5th to 12th grades)
The cost is $40 per team. Each reg-
istered Bridge Bust team will pick up a packet that includes contest rules, general information about bridge busting, and project supplies. On the day of competition, bridges will be judged on their structural efficiency and aesthetics.
The competition will run approximately from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8, at Parkview Christian Academy (lower campus), 201 W. Center St., Yorkville. Learn more about Bridge Bust, check out the new
resource center, or sign up at go.illinois.edu/BridgeBust4Hdkk.
If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate or have any questions, contact 4-H Program Coordinator Katie McFarland at (630) 553-5823 or ksm@illinois.edu. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for meeting your access needs.
For more information on 4-H clubs in your county, fill out a 4-H interest survey at go.illinois.edu/info4Hdkk.
KIMBERLY FELTEN PHOTOGRAPHY Elmhurst Independent
SUBMITTED PHOTO Elmhurst Independent
Guest reader on the Holly Trolley
Officer Viktoria Baldacci of the Elmhurst Police Department was the guest reader on board the Explore Elmhurst Holly Trolley on Saturday afternoon. Officer Baldacci, who read holiday stories on the trolley, is pictured with some young passengers. The Holly Trolley runs from noon to midnight on Saturdays through Dec. 28. Visit ExploreElmhurst.com for more information, and to track the trolley.
Festive decoration
The Crestview Garden Club of Elmhurst has decked out its tree at Wilder Park in Elmhurst. Club members Mary Smith and Linda Fischer decorated this year’s tree in all things garden. For more information on the club, visit its website: https://www. crestviewgardenclub.com.
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Police beat
The Elmhurst Police Department recently reported the following arrests and citations. Persons charged with domestic battery are not named in order to protect the privacy of victims.
Readers are reminded that an arrest does not constitute a conviction, and that subjects are considered innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. Juveniles age 17 or younger are not named.
Assault, battery
Nov. 30
Darius Palmer, 28, of Hillside, was charged with Aggravated Battery near York and Butterfield at 2:44 p.m. A victim told police his Uber passenger battered him and fled the scene. Officers made contact with Palmer, whom police said agreed to turn himself in.
Nov. 27
Kurt Cortese, 49, of Elmhurst, was charged with battery, two counts of disorderly conduct and two counts of resisting a police officer in the 500 block of N. Indiana at 9:07 p.m. Police said that subsequent to a report of a disturbance, the complainant reported the suspect pushed him.
Criminal damage, criminal trespassing
Dec. 1
A complainant in the 300 block of E. Church reported her ex-husband showed up at her residence. The suspect was served with a no-trespass notice.
Nov. 27
A complainant at Elmhurst Hospital told police at 11:19 p.m. that a suspect was just released from the hospital and was refusing to leave. The reporting officer made contact with the suspect and issued him a no-trespass notice.
Disorderly conduct, domestic battery, dispute, domestic incident
Nov. 27
Gabriel Gonzalez, 20, of Addison, was charged with attempted disorderly conduct near St. Charles and Route 83 at 1:03 p.m. Police said that subsequent to a road rage incident, the victim reported that the suspect had flashed a firearm. According to police, the suspect denied possessing a firearm and claimed he had only raised his black phone. After a search, police said a black Colt Defender airsoft gun was found in a backpack. Gonzalez then admitted to pointing the airsoft gun at the victim.
DUI, consumption of alcohol by a minor, illegal possession of alcohol
Dec. 1
Michael Janis, 57, of Burr Ridge, was charged with DUI, speeding and improper lane usage subsequent to a traffic stop near Route 83 and Riverside at 12:10 a.m.
800-222-TIPS
Harassment, threats
Dec. 4
A suspect repeatedly called the police station, harassing staff and threatening to harm officers.
Identity theft, fraud
According to information provided by the Elmhurst Police Department, police reported eight incidents of identity theft or fraud.
Possession of cannabis in a vehicle
According to information provided by the Elmhurst Police Department, police reported 10 incidents of possession of cannabis by either the driver of a vehicle or a passenger: Carla Ballesteros, 21, of Cicero, near Clinton and North at 1:27 a.m. Nov. 27; Dontay Liggins, 28, of Chicago, in the 500 block of W. St. Charles at 8:48 p.m. Nov. 29; Ricardo Islas, 28, of Glendale Heights, and Andy Garcia, 20, of Glendale Heights, near York and Belden at 8:51 p.m. Nov. 30; Nicole Piccolo, 24, of Streamwood, near Commonwealth and Butterfield at 9:49 p.m. Nov. 30; Diana Thomas, 30, of Oswego, near Roosevelt and Butterfield at 10:21 p.m. Nov. 30; Ariana Rivera, 21, of Addison, near River Glen and North at 2:18 a.m. Dec. 1; Kevin Spivey Jr., 28, of Chicago, near York and Diversey at 7:05 p.m. Dec. 1; Darrell Davis, 26, of Downers Grove, near Route 83 and Lake at 7:31 p.m. Dec. 1; and Michael Kuzebski, 29, of Glenview, near North and Highview at 5:05 p.m. Dec. 2.
Possession of a fictitious ID
Nov. 30
Bianco Angiulo, 18 and Emma Caniglia, 18, both of Addison, was each issued citations for false use of an ID in the 100 block of N. York at 10:04 p.m. Police said the two subjects were using fictitious IDs in an attempt to purchase alcoholic beverages.
Theft, burglary, attempted theft or burglary, forgery, deceptive practice, obstruction, robbery
Dec. 3
A complainant at a store in the 300 block of S. Route 83 related he observed two unknown suspects described as Hispanic males concealing merchandise on their persons. The suspects then left the store without the items. A complainant at a business in the 300 block of N. York reported an unknown suspect described as a white male removed three reindeer decorations from the front of the business.
Dec. 2
A victim in the 100 block of N. Avon received an email regarding her package being delivered to her front porch. When the victim went to retrieve the package, she was unable to locate it.
Dec. 1
A complainant at a liquor store in the 900 block of S. York reported seeing three suspects enter the store. One of the suspects distracted the store clerk, the two others ran out of the store with several cases of liquor before fleeing the scene in a black Infiniti sedan.
Nov. 29
A complainant in the 500 block of S. Berkley told police he left his Ego 56V power mower unattended in his front yard. Upon returning to the yard, the mower was gone.
Nov. 28
A complainant at a business in the 100 block of W. Spangler told police that several Freightliner trucks were broken into and Common Powertrain Controller modules were stolen.
Nov. 19
A victim in the 100 block of Linden told police he was involved in an accident. The next day, a subject claiming to be from GEICO contacted the victim about towing his vehicle to prevent further damage. A tow company responded and towed the vehicle for repairs. When the victim visited the address on the tow paperwork, the vehicle was missing. The victim was informed by his insurance company that the towing company has been linked to several other vehicle thefts under similar circumstances.
Sept. 26-
Oct. 16
Jordan Dahbashi, 30, of Oakbrook Terrace, was charged with unlawful acquisition of a controlled substance in the 300 block of W. Butterfield. According to police, a victim reported she received notification from a pharmacy asking to verify a prescription of a controlled substance for the suspect, who currently works for her. Police said the victim stated the prescription was fraudulent, as she had not authorized it.
Court denies state’s motion to detain pre-trial Chicago man accused of fatal DUI Incident occurred at Villa Park intersection
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Villa Park Chief of Police Michael Rivas announced last week that Judge Joshua Dieden has denied the state’s motion to detain pre-trial a Chicago man accused of causing a crash that claimed the life of 69-year-old Jose Orizaba.
Luis Guzman Alvarez, 49, appeared in First Appearance Court on Dec. 3, and was charged with one count of aggravated DUI causing death, a Class 2 felony.
As conditions of Guzman Alvarez’s pre-trial release, he will be fitted with a secure continuous remote alcohol monitoring device (SCRAM), he will not be allowed to drive and he will report to pre-trial services as required.
On Sunday, Dec. 1 at approximately 7:41 a.m., Villa Park police officers responded to a call of a crash involving injuries at St. Charles Road and Villa Avenue. Upon their arrival, officers observed a Chevy SUV, driven by Orizaba, at the Shell gas station at the southeast corner of the intersection with significant driver-side damage and a minivan, allegedly driven by Guzman Alvarez, in the southbound lane of Villa Avenue with heavy front-end damage.
Orizaba was extricated from his vehicle using the jaws of life and immediately transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased at 11:40 a.m.
Following an investigation into the crash, it is alleged that Orizaba was traveling eastbound on St. Charles Road approaching the traffic signal at Villa Avenue. It is alleged that as Orizaba entered the intersection on a green light, Guzman Alvarez, who was traveling south on Villa at a high rate of speed, ignored the red light and crashed into Orizaba’s vehi-
cle, forcing it into the gas station parking lot. Guzman Alvarez was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment and subsequently released. It is further alleged that Guzman Alvarez was traveling at approximately 46 mph in a 30 mph zone at the time of the crash and that his BAC was .374.
When searching Guzman Alvarez’s vehicle, officers allegedly found two small open bottles of Jose Cuervo tequila, a small bottle of pre-mixed margaritas and a small bottle of premixed daquiri.
“Like all alleged DUI cases, the case against Mr. Guzman Alvarez was 100 percent avoidable,” Berlin said. “I offer my sincerest condolences to Jose Orizaba’s family and friends as they grieve and attempt to adjust to their new lives without the love and friendship Jose once provided. I thank the Villa Park Police Department, the Villa Park Fire Department and DuPage County MERIT Major Crash Investigation Team for their work in this tragic case.”
“It is indeed a tragedy for the Orizaba family to be faced with the loss of their loved one, Jose Orizaba, due to the actions of an alleged intoxicated driver,” Rivas said. “No words can comfort, and no actions taken will ever suffice to undo what has been done. The Villa Park Police Department will always vigorously investigate all reported cases of an intoxicated driver on the roadways of our village. We can’t say enough about the incredible, and thorough job, the Villa Park police officers and detectives performed in bringing about serious charges against the accused.”
Guzman Alvarez’s next court appearance is scheduled for Dec. 23 for arraignment in front of Judge Daniel Guerin.
Homeless man sentenced to 66 years for sexually assaulting woman near Illinois Prairie Path
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin has announced today that a homeless man found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman near the Illinois Prairie Path in 2018 has been sentenced to 66 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.
Robert Davison, 45, appeared at his sentencing hearing in front of Judge Margaret O’Connell, who handed down the sentence.
On May 21, 2018, Davison appeared in Bond Court where bond was set at $750,000 with 10 percent to apply. He has remained in custody since that time.
On May 18, 2018, at approximately 12:30 a.m., the Wheaton Police Department respond-
On Jan. 25, 2024, following a three-day-long trial, a jury found Davison guilty of 12 counts of aggravated criminal sexual assault, a Class X felony, and one count of unlawful restraint, a Class 4 felony.
Two suburban residents sentenced to federal prison
for conducting online inheritance and romance scams
An undercover law enforcement investigation has resulted in federal prison sentences for two Nigerian nationals residing in the suburbs who conducted online inheritance scams and other fraud schemes.
Using aliases, Anthony Emeka Ibekie and Samuel Aniukwu communicated with victims throughout the United States, convincing them they had received substantial inheritances and needed to send money to individuals associated with the defendants in order to claim it.
In addition to the inheritance scam, the pair carried out an online romance scam that involved communicating with victims via social media and dating websites, building trust with the victims through a purported online romance, and convincing them to send money to a predetermined recipient.
Aniukwu and Ibekie also orches-
trated a “business email compromise” scam that targeted corporate email accounts.
The fraud schemes were uncovered by a covert law enforcement investigation. The scams resulted in losses to victims of at least $3.5 million.
A federal jury earlier this year convicted Ibekie, 59, of Oswego, on all 14 counts of wire fraud, mail fraud, money laundering, making false statements to a bank, and passport fraud. U.S. District Judge Steven C. Seeger on Thursday sentenced Ibekie to 20 years in federal prison.
Aniukwu, 50, of Romeoville, pleaded guilty last year to wire fraud and money laundering charges. Judge Seeger on Nov. 8 sentenced Aniukwu to 10 years in prison.
A third defendant, Jennifer Gosha, 52, a U.S. citizen from Oak Park, pleaded guilty earlier this year to charges of wire fraud and making
Court grants state’s motion to detain man charged with leading police on high-speed chase/illegal possession of a loaded firearm
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Oak Brook Chief of Police Brian Strockis announced last week that Judge Joshua Dieden has granted the state’s motion to detain pre-trial a Round Lake Beach man accused of leading police on a high-speed chase, illegal possession of a firearm and illegal possession of methamphetamine.
Fernando Poblete Lopez, 29, appeared at First Appearance Court on Dec. 3, and was charged with one count of possession of methamphetamine (Class 1 felony), one count of unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon (Class 3 felony), one count of possession of a firearm with a defaced serial number (Class 3 felony) and two counts of aggravated fleeing and eluding a police officer (Class 4 felony).
On Dec. 2 at approximately 3:22 p.m., an unmarked Oak Brook police vehicle attempted a traffic stop on a black Ford Explorer near 22nd Street and Midwest Road for improper lane change and a tinted windshield.
It is alleged that after officers activated their emergency lights and sirens, the driver of the vehicle, later determined to be Poblete Lopez, did not stop and instead disobeyed the stop sign at Midwest Road and Comar, entered southbound traffic on
• Sentenced
Midwest Road and then entered the parking lot of a gas station.
It is further alleged that Poblete Lopez left the gas station westbound on 22nd Street and ultimately made his way to eastbound I-88. It is further alleged that Poblete Lopez continued to flee from police onto eastbound I-290 where he exited the highway at Mannheim Road southbound.
Poblete Lopez then allegedly traveled to westbound Roosevelt Road where he exited the vehicle near Roosevelt Road and Euclid Avenue and fled on foot. He was taken into custody after a brief foot pursuit.
It is alleged that prior to entering the expressway, Poblete Lopez reached speeds of approximately 81 mph in a 45-mph zone and once on the expressway, he reached speeds of approximately 91 mph. It is further alleged that Poblete Lopez was in possession of approximately 24.2 grams of methamphetamine, which he threw away during the foot pursuit. Additionally, when searching Poblete Lopez’s vehicle, officers allegedly located a loaded 9mm Sig Sauer handgun with a fully loaded magazine and defaced serial number.
Poblete Lopez’s next court appearance is scheduled for Dec. 23 for arraignment in front of Judge Mia McPherson.
(Continued from page 6)
ed to a call of someone screaming for help near the PADS Shelter in Wheaton. Upon their arrival, officers found the victim with dirt on her face and scratches and cuts to her upper body.
Following an investigation into the matter, authorities learned that a short time earlier, Davison approached the woman near the Prairie Path and demanded sex from her.
After the woman declined Davison’s demand, he dragged her into a wooded area by her hair and sexually assaulted her.
Following the assault, Davison fled. An investigation by the Wheaton Police Department led to Davison being arrested and taken into custody without incident on May 20, 2018. At the sentencing hearing, the state proved and used in aggravation, that Davison sexually assaulted another homeless woman in Oak Park approximately forty-three days prior to this case.
Davison will be required to serve 85 percent of his sentence before being eligible for parole.
false statements to a federal agent. Gosha is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Seeger on Dec. 18.
Aniukwu’s and Ibekie’s sentencings were announced by Morris Pasqual, acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illi-
nois; Ramsey E. Covington, acting special agent-in-charge of IRS Criminal Investigation Chicago Field Office; Sean Fitzgerald, special agentin-charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Chicago; and Ruth Mendonça, inspector-in-charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in Chicago.
Valuable assistance was provided by the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paige A. Nutini and Megan DeMarco represent the government.
Hillside man charged in battery of rideshare driver
Suspect reportedly battered driver in parking lot of Elmhurst gas station; suspect turned himself in two days after incident
On Saturday, Nov. 30, at 1:43 p.m. Elmhurst Police were dispatched to the BP gas station at 217 E. Butterfield Road for a battery involving a rideshare driver and passenger. Upon arrival, officers interviewed the victim, who indicated he was driving for a rideshare company and picked up a male passenger from a restaurant location in Oak Brook. The passenger requested a ride to an address in Hillside.
During the trip, the victim reported the passenger became angry about the route the driver was taking. The
driver reported not feeling safe and pulled into the gas station parking lot due to the disturbance. The victim alleged the passenger struck him in the back of his head while seated inside the car. The passenger then ran from the car northbound through a rear business alley.
Police officers conducted a search of the area and alerted the public of the incident via the Elmhurst Alerts system, but the suspect was not located. The victim was transported to Elmhurst Memorial Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.
Officers went to a residence in Hillside that the suspect originally requested transportation to, however, the suspect was not there. On Dec. 1, officers made contact with the suspect via phone regarding the incident.
On Monday, Dec. 2, the suspect turned himself in at the Elmhurst Police Department. Darius D. Palmer, 28, of Hillside, was charged with one count of aggravated battery in a public place and transported to the DuPage County Judicial Center for first appearance court.
The sounds of the season
for the new ECPA. If you missed the Winter Carolers this year and want to support the ECPA mission, donations can be made at ecpa-elmhurst.org.
The Elmhurst Centre for Performing Arts Winter Carolers perform on Manchester Lane in Elmhurst on Sunday evening, Dec. 8. The talented Winter Carolers spread the sounds of the season throughout Elmhurst under the direction of Becky Marianetti, York High School Drama Director and Choir Director, and ECPA Board Member. The ECPA Winter Carolers spread holiday cheer while helping to raise funds
PETE CRUGER PHOTO Elmhurst Independent
Viewpoint
Slices of life
Contemplating the topic of hate
“When hate feels easy, be very wary, lest your hate becomes greater than the one who is hated. Because it is at that point you turn the corner toward evil.”
Today, I’ve been contemplating hate.
It’s a definitely switch for me. I prefer to focus on love, because love is so much more important and impactful and life-changing. When you truly embrace love, there is no room for hate.
But the recent political activities have brought up strong feelings in many people and some of those involve hate. I’ve listened to the news. I’ve heard people vent in real time. I’ve read posts on social media. And, sadly, there is much hate circulating the airwaves.
It’s made me wonder and ponder the topic.
I don’t purport to have all the answers. In this column, as in many others, I’m only answering for myself and from my perspective. I hope to encourage thought, discussion and awareness, but I certainly don’t have any of the answers, much less all of them. What I do have are questions.
My first: Is hate ever justified? I think not. Stay with me here.
But what about serial killers? What about parents who horribly abuse their children? What about sadists and sociopaths? What about elder abuse? What about schoolyard bullies? What about leaders who use their power in inhumane ways? Isn’t that worth our hate? I think not.
We can have many negative emotions about the actions taken by very bad people, but those emotions do not need to lead to hate.
Hate is a very strong word when it comes to describe feelings toward other people.
We can hate Brussels sprouts. We can hate a rainy Saturday when we had plans to go to the beach. We can hate cancer. We can hate the death of a loved one.
But hating another person—even if they do unquestionably bad things? I think not.
Here’s the thing: we can hate the actions—the bad things—without hating the person. I know I may be splitting hairs, but I don’t think it’s in our capacity to hate others. It goes against our DNA. Hate is counterintuitive to what we are meant to be. We are meant to be inclusive. To be brothers and sisters. To be family. To love.
Hate is contrary to love. The two cannot co-exist. And we simply cannot live without love.
I remember the Broadway musical, “Wicked.” It is the backstory to “The
By JILL PERTLER Columnist
Wizard of Oz” and tells of the origins of the Wicked Witch of the West. As a child I feared her. She was mean and vengeful. She was threatening and combative. She was scary.
She demonstrated no meaningful attributes, because that is what the 1939 movie showed us. But upon seeing the history in “Wicked,” the viewer came to understand the witch who was labeled wicked. Her story illustrated why she became who she was and in knowing that it was much more difficult to see her in the light of all the negative adjectives listed above. It became more difficult to hate her.
I think that might be the case with most people we deem hate-worthy We don’t know them or their history.
I’m not making excuses for inexcusable behavior, but I am saying that people—each of us—live out our own history, and while behaviors might be inexcusable and hateful, people themselves are not.
We may have to put them in prison for the rest of their life. We may have to relegate them to whatever justice suits their actions. We may renounce their actions and mourn with the people they hurt. We may never get over the impact they made on our lives.
But we need not hate.
Hate brings about such negativity to the person experiencing it. Hate hurts the person doing the hating, much more than it hurts the hated.
Hate does not heal. It does not inspire. It does not illicit compassion. It does not foster kindness. It does no good.
Instead it eats one from the inside out. Hate is black and bleak where there could be light and love.
So, go ahead, hate broccoli or the smell of mothballs, but reject hate against other humans. It does them no good. But more importantly, it does you no good. Compassion, on the other hand goes a long way to accomplishing something.
Something beautiful. And loving and lovely.
And that, my friends, is my wish for you. Today and every day.
Jill Pertler is an award-winning syndicated columnist, published playwright and author. Don’t miss a slice; follow the Slices of Life page on Facebook.
Analysis: How RFK Jr.’s health proposals could affect Illinois
The federal health department nominee has a history of spreading false information, but he could find a partner in Illinois on food regulations
By Ben Szalinski CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS
Every new presidential administration comes with policy changes, but the incoming second administration of President-elect Donald Trump and his proposed secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., could dramatically reshape the public health landscape.
Kennedy, a former political rival of Trump, became a close ally of Trump over the final months of the 2024 campaign and was named to the HHS post shortly after the election. The department houses the National Institutes of Health, Food and Drug Administration, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Kennedy’s views on health and his stated policy initiatives could have far reaching effects on public health, including on policies in Illinois. Kennedy has often encouraged healthier food consumption for Americans—a goal Illinois Democrats could support.
But Kennedy holds other views at odds with science. In a 2023 Fox News interview he said he believes a debunked theory that vaccines cause autism. He has also proposed discouraging fluoridating public water—a public health measure that supports dental health, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health
Kennedy is not receiving a warm reception from Democratic U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, of Illinois, who will vote on Kennedy’s nomination if it advances to the U.S. Senate floor.
“This is one of the most important and sensitive appointments that a president can make,” Durbin said at an unrelated news conference in Chicago in November. “Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. may be qualified in some areas; he is totally unqualified for this job. He has engaged in quack science and crazy theories right and left and drawn a lot of attention because of it. I fear this man is going to bring the same ideas to the administration of this life and death agency and that would be a disaster.”
If Kennedy becomes the HHS secretary, his administration’s work could put Illinois health policy at odds with federal directives in some areas. But the state might also find a partner in Kennedy as the General Assembly considers food regulation.
Floride in water
If Kennedy gets his way, the Trump administration’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention would recommend public water systems stop putting fluoride in public drinking water on the very day Trump is sworn in on Jan. 20, according to a social media post Kennedy made days before the election.
“Fluoride is an industrial waste,” Kennedy said, claiming it causes bone
and neurological issues as well as other problems.
Fluoride keeps teeth strong and is a naturally occurring mineral that is often used in toothpaste because of its benefits for dental health, according to the CDC. Putting it in water supplies was named by the agency one of the 10 greatest public health achievements of the last century
As for Kennedy’s claim that it causes health problems, one National Toxicology Program study found a possible link between fluoride levels of 1.5 milligrams per liter or higher and lower IQs in children.
However, researchers noted more studies are needed to draw specific conclusions. Illinois water systems keep fluoride levels at 0.7 parts per million and are required to notify customers when levels exceed 2 milligrams per liter, according to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.
Nearly every Illinois resident consumes fluoride in their drinking water, according to a 2023 CDC report. The annual report found 90 percent of state water systems had fluoride. Together, they serve 98 percent of the state’s population. Fluoride is required in Illinois drinking water under a 1967 state law, which was amended in 2016 to lower the amount of fluoride water systems are required to use. However, the 2016
law says the levels “shall be in compliance with the recommendations on optimal fluoridation for community water levels as proposed and adopted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.”
Additional rules established by the state’s Pollution Control Board also govern the level of fluoride in water. It’s not clear how Illinois’ fluoride use would change if federal recommendations change.
“Illinois EPA cannot speculate on what actions may be taken if such decisions are made at the federal level. State regulations can be more stringent than federal regulation but cannot be less stringent,” agency spokesperson Kim Biggs said in an email.
Vaccines
Kennedy is known for being skeptical of vaccines and spreading false information about them. What he would do about vaccines as HHS secretary is unclear. He has said in recent weeks he wouldn’t take any vaccines away. However, he has pushed for significant deregulation and changes at HHS and its agencies that could affect approval of future vaccines.
The Illinois Department of Public Health requires a schedule of 12 vaccines children must receive and stipulates parents present their child’s school with proof of immunization for certain vaccines by certain grade levels. There are also various vaccine requirements for college students and health care workplaces.
Illinois’ school vaccine policy is set at the state level based on recommendations of a CDC advisory committee on vaccines, according to IDPH.
The state’s history of requiring vaccines in schools goes back more than a century. The Illinois State Board of Health first required children to get vaccines against smallpox to attend school in 1894. The World Health Organization eventually declared smallpox eradicated in 1977 after decades of vaccination against the virus.
Broader vaccine requirements that apply today were mandated by the
General Assembly beginning in 1967.
The State Board of Health, a division of IDPH, is primarily responsible for any changes to Illinois’ vaccine requirements, even if recommendations change at the federal level. Any changes to the requirements would be recommended by the Board of Health following a public hearing, according to IDPH, and are based on recommendations issued by a CDC review panel. States bear the responsibility of setting specific requirements for vaccines, according to the CDC
Some common vaccines such as Hepatitis A, flu and COVID-19 are not required for children to attend school in Illinois despite appearing on the CDC’s recommended vaccine schedule. Illinois law requires school districts to provide parents with information about flu shots, however.
State law also allows parents and guardians to skip vaccines for their children for religious or medical reasons.
Food ingredients
Another of Kennedy’s priorities is establishing healthy diets to combat obesity and chronic diseases. He has called for more regulation of food ingredients in a pledge to crack down on ultra-processed foods and ingredients linked to health problems.
“Given the current nominee’s interest, it’s likely something like this could be on the docket on the federal level,” University of Illinois Chicago School of Public Health Senior Associate Dean and Professor Jamie Chriqui told Capitol News Illinois. “Usually what we see is it gets tested first at the state and local level before it becomes a federal push, unless there is a champion at the federal level who is interested in making changes.”
Despite controversy around Kennedy, the Trump administration could have a partner with Illinois on ingredient restrictions. The state Senate took a bipartisan vote this spring to advance a bill that would ban brominated vegetable oil, red dye No. 3, propylparaben and potassium bromate—which are all used in food manufacturing—in food sold in Illinois beginning in 2028. The bill is currently stalled in the House.
“I agree with the science and in this case; it appears RFK does as well,” bill sponsor Sen. Willie Preston, D-Chicago, told Capitol News Illinois. “We’re in alignment. I’m happy to work with him if that’s possible to move this issue forward, certainly here in Illinois, which I have a responsibility to do, but across this country.”
Kennedy is “problematic” on other issues, Preston said, but he said he believes on the issue of food additives, Kennedy’s appointment shows the country is moving toward further regulation to make food healthier.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which Kennedy hopes to reduce in size and scope, has considered revoking authorization for brominated vegetable oil. These
ingredients are all linked to health issues from cancer to nervous system issues, Chriqui said.
California has already cracked down on several artificial ingredients Illinois lawmakers are targeting, though food and business organizations have opposed such regulations, including in Illinois. Chriqui pointed to the FDA’s ban on artificial trans fats as evidence food manufacturers can make changes when prompted by the government.
“There was a similar push back, and ultimately when the FDA came out with federal regulations related to trans fats, manufacturers were able to comply,” Chriqui said.
While the FDA plays a key role in shaping federal food regulations, states maintain similar power, Chriqui
said. She stressed that doesn’t mean it would be a good idea for Kennedy to abolish parts of the FDA, but that states have historically been the initial drivers of nutrition policy changes, such as regulating trans fats and food in schools.
“States like California and Illinois, who have a history of leading important food safety regulations, can continue to demonstrate how sciencebacked policies can make a positive impact,” Chriqui said.
While Kennedy has also suggested reforms he would make to school lunch programs, those are managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. An Illinois State Board of Education spokesperson said ISBE receives four grants from HHS, but they are not related to the lunch program.
Worship Services Directory
St. Timothy Evangelical Lutheran Church 547 N. Main St. Lombard, IL 60148 (630) 627-2435 Sunday Worship at 10:15am Sunday School & Bible Study 9am
Advent Services on Wednesday, Dec. 18th at 7pm Christmas Eve Candlelight Service 7pm Christmas Day Service 10:15am Everyone is Welcome!
Weekend Masses: Saturday: 4 PM (Vigil) Sunday: 7:30, 9:30 & 11:30 AM and 6 PM
Daily Masses: Monday—Friday: 6:15 and 8:15 AM Saturday: 8:15 AM
Confessions: Saturday: 3-3:45PM
Adoration:
Available in Our Lady Mother of the Eucharist Chapel 24/7
CHRISTMAS MASS TIMES:
Christmas Eve: 3 & 5 PM and Midnight Christmas Day: 7:30, 9:30, 11:30 AM
Real estate/Business
Elmhurst City Council meeting summary
By Chris Fox ELMHURST INDEPENDENT
The Elmhurst City Council held a regular meeting on Dec 2. Thirteen council members attended the meeting at City Hall. One member—Brian Cahill—was absent.
The meeting included a brief public hearing on the city’s tentative 2025 budget, which covers the 2025 calendar year. One resident asked questions during the public hearing.
The speakers during the regular meeting’s public forum included Eric Pulia, the commander of American Legion T.H.B. Post 187. Pullia noted that the post will hold its annual kids Christmas party from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14. The post is located at 310 W. Butterfield Road, Elmhurst. The event is free for members of the American Legion or affiliate organizations, as well as for any veteran or first-responder and their children.
Shortly after the kids Christmas party, the post will hold a watch party, beginning at 2 p.m., for the Army-Navy college football game. Proceeds from that watch party at the post will benefit the construction of a memorial monument at York High School dedicated to the 118 York graduates who gave their lives in service to the country.
Near the end of the meeting, council members voted unanimously to approve the city’s annual budget for 2025. The city’s 2025 fiscal year runs from Jan. 1, 2025 through Dec. 31, 2025.
According to the city’s proposed annual operating budget for 2025, the city’s proposed revenues for 2025 total about $211.6 million, while proposed expenses/expenditures for the year total about $214.7 million. The revenue and expenditure figures in the budget ordinance, which included different totals and noted that those totals did not include contributions/uses of the city’s fund balance.
Before council members voted to approve the budget, council member Jacob Hill proposed a $40,000 reduction, from $260,000, to $220,000, in social media spending. Council members spent several minutes discussing the issue. Several members said that an expense in the amount of $60,000 for a paid media/influencer campaign was unclear and confusing. Mayor Scott Levin noted that council members were spending a lot of time discussing the issue. The discussion noted that the city has an annual overall communications and marketing budget of about $1.1 million.
Council members voted 7 to
Community calendar
Now through Jan. 3
Penguin scavenger hunt. Presented by the Elmhurst City Centre and recurring daily, there are 100 plush penguins hidden in City Centre Merchant Windows this holiday season. Come explore the heart of downtown Elmhurst, find the penguins and see what City Centre is all about—great shopping, delicious dining and top notch, hometown service. Player cards available at all participating merchants and online at elmhurstcitycentre.com. For more information, call 630-993-1600 or email: info@ elmhurstcitycentre.com
Thursday through Saturday, Dec. 12-14
Christmas in Elmhurst. Starting at 7:30 p.m. each night and presented by the CityView Community Church, 343 S. York St., the Elmhurst Community Choir and Orchestra, under the baton of Dennis Criser, invite you to celebrate “Christmas in Elmhurst.” Admission is free. All are welcome! For more information, call 630-530-5018 or email: barb@westsub.net
Saturday, Dec. 14
The Agape Ringers. The Agape Ringers, Chicago’s premier handbell ensemble, and guest artist Big
6 in favor of the motion to make the $40,000 reduction. The seven members who voted in favor of the reduction were Hill, Rex Irby, Karen Sienko, Chris Jensen, Michael Bram, Emily Bastedo and Guido Nardini. The members who voted against the motion were Mike Brennan, Marti Deuter, Jennifer Veremis, Noel Talluto, Tina Park, and James Nudera.
Mayor Levin then stated he would vote against the motion. He initially thought that eight votes were needed to pass the motion, but he was advised that eight votes would be needed to pass an ordinance, and the motion was not an ordinance, so he did not have to vote.
Near the end of the meeting, Levin congratulated the York High School football team for its recent second-place finish in the IHSA Class 8A playoffs. He also noted this year’s successful Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot, which took place on Thanksgiving morning, Nov. 29.
City manager Jim Grabowski mentioned at the end of the meeting that the week of Dec. 2 marked the final week of the year for the city’s free leaf pickup. He said that the leaf pickup had to end that week because landfills would be closing and not accepting any more organic materials for the year.
City Jazz, will be performing at 4 p.m. at Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church, 149 W. Brush Hill Road. Featuring familiar favorites and fantastic finds, this show is sure to get you in the holiday spirit. Tickets are available at the door for $27 (general) or $36 (patron). For more information, visit: www.agaperingers.org
“Elf” film screening. Starting at 10 a.m. at Classic Cinemas York Theatre, 150 N. York, celebrate the holiday season with a screening of the 2003 holiday classic, Elf, on the big screen. A film the entire family can enjoy, it features Will Ferrell, Bob Newhart, and more, telling the story of a man raised by elves in the North Pole who sets out to find his real family in New York City. After the Christmas comedy, enjoy family-friendly holiday activities in City Centre Plaza.. Admission: $5. For more information, call 630-833-1457 or visit: www.classiccinemas.com/f/ elf/201
Family Day: Holiday party. From 1-4 p.m. at the Elmhurst Art Museum, 150 S. Cottage Hill Ave., celebrate the winter holidays at the museum with a visit from Santa (2-3 p.m.) and a card-making activity. Create festive decor in honor of the holiday season. Admission: $18 for adults, $15 for seniors, $10 for stu-
dents over 18 with a school ID, $5 for children ages 5-17 and free for children under 5 and for museum members. For more information, call 630-834-0202 or email: info@elmhurstartmuseum.org.
Hometown holiday family fun day. Presented by the Elmhurst History Museum from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., enjoy a DJ spinning all your seasonal favorites, a face painter and balloon twister (inside a heated tent), meet Santa and princesses Anna & Elsa from Frozen, and more. Admission: free. Also stop by the Elmhurst History Museum table for added holiday fun. For more information, call 630833-1457 or visit: https://elmhurstcitycentre.com/events/family-fun-day
We Care Winter Coat Drive. Presented by the Spring Road Business Association from 1-4 p.m., the Association, in partnership with Warm Coats for Cool Kids, is sponsoring a Coat Drive as part of its “We Care” campaign. Donate a new winter coat for a child in need, sizes 2T to XXL. Coats can be dropped off at a participating Spring Road business with a Coat Drive Box. Look for the poster with the red coat. Coats can also be dropped off at our Spring Road Winter Fest event on Saturday, Dec. 14 from 1-4 p.m. Warm Coats for Cool Kids will distribute the coats to stu-
Dec. 12,
DuPage County Health Department: Flu vaccine can take the flu from wild to mild
The DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) promoted National Influenza Vaccination Week (held last week), which is a call to everyone 6 months and older to get their annual influenza (flu) vaccine.
This week serves to remind everyone that there is still time to get a flu vaccine and to stay healthy this winter.
The best way to prevent flu is by getting the flu vaccine each year. Getting vaccinated against the flu can also help protect loved ones, like children younger than 5 years old, pregnant people, adults 65 years and older, and people living with chronic conditions.
These groups of people are at a higher risk of having serious complications if they get the flu.
“During this holiday season, getting the flu vaccine is an important step to protect yourself and your loved ones. Let’s stay healthy and enjoy a safe holiday season together,” said Adam Forker, executive director, DuPage County Health Department.
Flu vaccines are safe and effective. The flu vaccine has been shown to reduce the risk of flu illness, and if someone who is vaccinated gets sick, vaccination has been shown to reduce the severity of illness.
Opportunities to get flu vaccines are available in and around DuPage County through pharmacies and medical providers—visit www.vaccines. gov to find a location near you.
Stop the flu and other respiratory viruses with these preventive actions:
• Get the annual flu shot and stay up to date with other vaccines.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub with at least 60 percent alcohol.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow. Masks also can help reduce the spread of respiratory virus.
Flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue, vomiting and diarrhea. People may be ill with the flu without fever.Visit the CDC’s website to find out what to do if you get sick with the flu.
dents in District 205 and other nearby suburban districts. For more information regarding additional drop off locations, call 630-833-1100, email: Eric.Weech@energyserv.com or visit: SpringRoad.com/we-care/ Winter Fest on Spring Road
Presented by the Spring Road Business Association from 1-4 p.m., enjoy a sleigh ride and see the reindeer on parade (decorated reindeer in front of local businesses) on Spring Road. Next, visit with Santa, share your Christmas wishes and meet your favorite holiday characters and pose for a holiday photo. Don’t forget to bring your smartphones for pictures. Be sure to indulge in some delicious cookies from Lezza and hot chocolate while listening to Christmas carols. Caroling provided by the Elmhurst Choral Union singers and the Immaculate Conception Student Choir. The event will conclude with tree lighting. For more information, call 630-833-1100, email: eric.weech@energyserv.com or visit: https://springroad.com/ our-events/#winter
Sunday, Dec. 15
Jump with Santa. From 10 a.m.noon, presented by Sky Zone Elmhurst, 325 W. Lake St., Suite A, get ready for some holiday magic. Santa
will be visiting Sky Zone at 10 a.m., take some adorable photos, and share their holiday wishes. For more information, call 630-478-8339 or visit: www.skyzone.com/elmhurst The Musical Magic of Christmas. Starting at 3 p.m. at Elmhurst University, the Elmhurst Choral Union presents its holiday spectacular, The Musical Magic of Christmas. Celebrate this festive season with holiday classics, traditional choral-orchestral works and movie favorites performed with a professional orchestra. There might even be a special surprise visit from the North Pole! Pieces include a movement of Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, White Christmas, A Christmas Festival, Three Holiday Songs from Home Alone, Christmas Day, Ceremony of Carols and a special performance of March of the Toys performed by our orchestra. Price: $25 for adults, $15 for youths (up to age 18). For more information, email: info@elmhurstchoralunion.org or visit: https://elmhurstchoralunion.org/concerts Elmhurst History Museum Info: elmhursthistory.org.
Elmhurst Art Museum Info: 630-834-0202 or visit elmhurstartmuseum.org.
This Saturday, December 14th from 1:00-4:00PM
Enjoy a sleigh ride and see the decorated reindeer on parade (in front of local businesses) on Spring Road. Next visit with Santa, share your Christmas wishes and meet Anna and Elsa from Frozen and pose for a holiday photo. Don’t forget to bring your phones for pictures!
Be sure to indulge in some delicious cookies from Lezza, hot chocolate from Phase Three and candy canes while listening to Christmas carols.
Caroling provided by: Immaculate Conception Student Choir Acappellago Elmhurst Choral Union
The event will conclude with tree lighting around 4 pm
Masonry - And More!
Gift-Giving Solutions!
GreenMan Theatre Troupe holds auditions tonight and on Dec. 14
It’s (almost) showtime! Thespians who are just dying to play a role in a murder mystery comedy are invited to audition for GreenMan Theatre Troupe’s “The Ghost with the Most…Murders!”
Auditions will be held tonight— Thursday, Dec. 12, at 7 p.m., and on Saturday, Dec. 14, at 1 p.m. at First United Methodist Church of Elmhurst, 232 S. York St. Callbacks, if needed, will be by invitation on Sunday, Dec. 15 at 6 p.m.
In “The Ghost with the Most… Murders!,” written and directed by Justin Vidovic, a murderer is on the
loose…but so is the juice! And that must mean that somebody has said his name three times. But who? Character Lillia’s friends are all ghosts, so when she finds out they may have been murdered, she’s on the case. But when the murderer strikes again, Lillia realizes that she’s in over her head and that maybe Buggle Shoes, the ghost with the most, is the only one who can save her.
GreenMan Theatre’s annual murder mystery, “The Ghost with the Most…Murders!” “will offer the
See AUDITIONS, Page 16
New organization makes its first charitable contribution
On Nov. 11, a group of women gathered at Crazy Pour in Villa Park for the inaugural meeting of the Prairie Path 100+ Women Who Care. At that meeting, presentations for three local non-for-profit organizations were made by certain members. Warm Coats for Cool Kids, a 501(c)3 organization based in Elmhurst, was selected to receive the first charitable contribution made by the Prairie Path 100+ Women Who Care. The photo shows a check for $6,400 being presented last week to Garry and Debra Vaccaro—the founders of Warm Coats for Cool Kids—near the Rugaard Gazebo in Villa Park. Pictured left to right are: Dawn Feldt, Lisa Grover, Katherine Hirsch, Sharon Marinier, Christine Wood, Debra and Garry Vaccaro, Kimberly Stoltz, Rae Rupp Srch and Sue Grzadziel. Led by its founders (Christine Wood, Katherine Hirsch, Kimberly Stoltz, and Teri Wood), the Prairie Path 100+ Women Who Care group intends to meet quarterly with its members to learn about local non-for-profit organizations. At each meeting, the group will award funding to one organization. The Prairie Path 100+ Women Who Care plan to hold their next meeting at 7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 10, at Crazy Pour, 105 E. North Ave. Any questions or inquiries can be sent to 100womenprairiepath@gmail.com.
IC Catholic Prep proudly nominates the ICCP Wrestling Team for Athletes of the Month. Some highlights of the team include Deven Casey, who recently wrestled a great tournament. Deven shows exemplary leadership, and he sets the tone for the team. Next, Aidan Arnett is one of four freshman who are in our Varsity lineup, and it was great to see him step his game up and compete at the Varsity level. Brody Kelly was named outstanding wrestler in the upper weights, and was able to show off his offensive skills and put points on the scoreboard. Finally, Foley Calcagno wrestled a great tournament and was dominant throughout. We look forward to seeing him continue with that pace and high output all season long. Our three additional freshman had solid performances, Mike Bird at 113, Jacob Alvarez at 138, and Isaac Barrientos at 190. We think this team is very special and we look forward to seeing them continue to work hard and improve throughout the year!
SUBMITTED
PHOTO Elmhurst Independent
Sport S
York boys basketball team notches pair of wins
Dukes at full strength with return of state runner-up football players; DeCicco lauded for strong play
By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT
The York boys basketball gained some good momentum coming out of the Thanksgiving holiday. The Dukes won non-conference games against Chicago Westinghouse and Naperville North to move to 4-2 on the young season with West Suburban Conference Silver Division action starting this week.
In a 52-47 win over Westinghouse, James DeCicco led the Dukes with 19 points. Hunter Stepanich added 18 points. York made 100 defensive plays in coach Mike Dunn’s defense rewards program with Eddy Sica leading the way with 26. “That was our first game with the football kids back,” Dunn said. “The practiced for the first time (last week) and played against Westinghouse and Naperville North.”
York had been missing six players who were part of the school’s historic Class 8A state runner-up football team, including starters Stepanich and Sica. “It’s crazy because the football squad the last couple years had made the semifinals, but we usually had a lot of kids who played basketball only and we had some football kids,” Dunn explained. “We lost eight seniors from last year and this year we have more kids playing football and basketball. It was kind of a crazy first three weeks of the season trying to adapt without
“It’s crazy because the football squad the last couple years had made the semifinals, but we usually had a lot of kids who played basketball only and we had some football kids.”
–Mike Dunn, York basketball coach
those kids and now we’re trying to reinvent with them back. It’s been great having them back. Practices are much more competitive. We were practicing with only 11 at one point and now we have a full squad that plays and practices and we can be more competitive. They are working themselves back into basketball shape and working through the bruises and soreness of football.”
Dunn was impressed with how quickly the football players joined the team after a five-week playoff run.
“These guys came in right away,” he said. “Time off wise, we told them
take whatever time you need and come back when you are ready. They were here (last) Monday (York football played in the 8A state title game two nights earlier). That’s a testament to those kids. We are getting better every week. We kept our composure and got a win against Westinghouse and pulled it out with sort of the same thing against Naperville North. I give the kids a lot of credit.”
York went up against a strong Class 3A Westinghouse team. “Westinghouse is very well-coached,” Dunn said. “They are a very competitive 3A school that went 20-9 last year and reached the sectional semifinals. Their coach does a great job, and they played extremely hard. It was a game the whole time. It was not a cupcake. We knew it would be a challenge, and it was.”
The Dukes then recorded a 47-40 non-conference win against Naperville North. DeCicco had 20 points, while Stepanich chipped in with 15. York made 93 defensive plays, led by DeCicco with 23. “This was a backto-back game situation,” Dunn said. “We played the night before and then against Naperville North at noon. They did the same thing. It was the ultimate mentality game. The tougher team wins. We struggled against their 1-3-1 zone. We’re still figuring out rotations with the football kids back. I thought we defended really
well holding them to 40 points and we made some winning plays in the fourth quarter and that’s how we got to where we are.”
Dunn heaped high praise on DeCicco for his early season work. He was an all-tournament pick at Palatine over the Thanksgiving weekend. “James had a really nice weekend against Westinghouse and Naperville North,” Dunn noted. “He’s a solid senior leader who we ask to do a lot. He was off the ball at the start of the season, and we had to move him on the ball (after point guard Brendan Carroll was injured at Palatine). He’s done a nice job. He’s scoring 1516 points a game. He’s hit some big shots. He’s a kid who didn’t play a lot last year because we had so many seniors. He’s solid.”
Dunn noted Stepanich also has looked sharp since his football return. “Hunter is the ultimate winner,” he said. “He’s a three-sport athlete that was part of what the football team did this fall and was part of the volleyball team that finished second in the state. He was up with us as a sophomore. He’s one of the better athletes I have coached in my career. To do what he does in three separate sports and the success he has had is pretty impressive. He had a nice two games for us (Westinghouse and Naperville North).”
Dunn also lauded the efforts of
Sica, Carroll and junior Ethan Iacob. “Eddie Sica is a tough kid who gives us some juice within our defensive system,” he said. “Brendan Carroll had two good games at Palatine before he got hurt. When he comes back, he is going to help us. Ethan had a nice Thanksgiving tournament.”
At the Palatine tournament, York opened play with a 35-33 win over Hampshire and then defeated Glenbrook South by a 49-46 count. The Dukes lost to host Palatine 64-56 and also dropped a 63-42 decision to Stevenson out of Lincolnshire
In the Hampshire game, Iacob led York with 11 points, while Connor Fitzgerald had nine points and DeCicco had eight points. York made 72 defensive plays led by Iacob with 19. In the win against Glenbrook South, Iacob again led York with 23 points, while DeCicco had nine points. York had 57 defensive plays led by Carroll with 20.
In the Palatine loss, Fitzgerald led York with 23 points, while DeCicco had 13 points. York made 56 defensive plays led by Iacob’s 12. In the finale against Stevenson, DeCicco led York with 22 points. Iacob had nine points. York made 68 defensive plays led by Noah Moskal’s 12.
York opens WSC Silver play this week against Oak Park-River Forest (earlier this week) and on the road Saturday at Hinsdale Central.
Youthful Timothy Christian boys basketball team turns in fine performance at Coal City Gamble, Drye named to all-tournament team; Gamble hits for 30 against Westmont
By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT
The Timothy Christian boys basketball team isn’t going to let its apparent youth stop it. The Trojans, with only one senior on the roster, finished second at the season-opening Coal City Thanksgiving tournament co-hosted by Coal City and Manteno.
Timothy Christian went 2-2 there, losing to Morris, but beating Coal City and Gardner-South Wilmington to earn the No. 1 seed in its pool after winning a free-throw percentage tiebreaker. Timothy, Morris and Coal City each went 2-1 in pool play. The Trojans advanced to the tournament title game where they lost to town neighbor IC Catholic Prep.
In the Morris game, a 55-50 loss, Timothy led 15-12 after the first quarter and trailed 28-26 at halftime. Morris went on an 18-11 run in the third quarter to further pull away. Junior Marc Gamble led the Trojans with 25 points, while junior Charlie Crichton had 14 points and junior Adam Roland had seven points. Crichton and Gamble each canned four 3-pointers. Timothy had nine
3-pointers in the game. Gamble also was 7-for-7 from the foul line. Crichton had nine rebounds, while sophomore Charles Rieger and Gamble each pulled in six rebounds. Junior Wes Hueber had five assists, while Gamble had four steals and Roland had three steals.
Timothy then downed Coal City 56-43. Gamble had 28 points on 11-for-19 shooting. Dylan Drye, a sophomore, had seven points. Gamble was 5-for-8 from 3-point range and the Trojans made seven 3s in the game. Gamble had seven rebounds, while Huber had four. Drye had six assists, as did Hueber. Drye added three steals.
The Trojans concluded pool play with a 68-38 win over Gardner-South Wilmington. Gamble scored 20 points on 7-for-9 shooting, while Drye had 13 points. Junior Gavin Ozinga had eight points, while senior Rich Parsons had seven points and junior Colton Timm had six points. The Trojans hit 12 three-pointers in the contest on 40 attempts. Gamble was 5-for-7 from 3-point range, while Drye had three 3-pointers and Ozinga and Timm each hit two. Ro-
land had six rebounds and Drye had four steals.
In the title game, a 47-46 loss to ICCP that saw the Knights hit a 3-pointer to win it, Gamble had 18 points, while Parsons and Roland each had seven points. Rieger had six points. Gamble hit two 3-pointers. Roland had seven rebounds, while Gamble had six.
Sophomore Isaac Plasier ha five assists, while junior Matthew Buikema had four assists. Gamble and Drye were named to the Coal City all-tournament team.
Timothy trailed ICCP 15-0 early in the first quarter. The Trojans rallied all the way back and took a twopoint lead with 1:48 to play in regulation. “It was good to see the kids come back,” Timothy coach Scott Plaisier said. “They drilled a three at the buzzer to beat us. It was an exciting game for the guys and a good learning experience for us. We are really young. We have three sophomores, 10 juniors and one senior on the team. It was good for them to go against an IC team like that with 10 seniors and some good players back and to get their first championship
bout like that. It was a good game for us, and we got to get our teeth cut a little bit.”
The Trojans followed that up with a 60-43 win over Westmont in non-conference action. Westmont led 15-11 after the first quarter and 2119 at halftime. Timothy then scored 30 points in the third quarter to take a 49-32 lead. Timothy moved to 3-2 with the win. Gamble led the way with 30 points.
“We have been getting really consistent play from Marc,” Plaisier noted. “He has been scoring the ball really well and rebounding the ball well.” For a five-game body of work, Plaisier said he has been impressed with a variety of things. “I really like how hard the kids compete,” he said. “They, for sure, will go through a youthful learning mode, but they compete hard and want to win. They also can turn it up and ratchet it up defensively if things aren’t going their way. We can score it in a hurry. We were down two against Westmont at halftime and then scored 30 in the third quarter. I also really like the play we are getting from our young guys. They share the ball really well
and play for each other. We have a lot of things we can build on. Right now, we have to find more consistency.”
Plaisier also lauded the play of the three sophomores on the varsity, Drye, Isaac Plaisier and Rieger. “The three sophomores played really well against Westmont,” Plaisier said.
“We’re getting different play from different guys each game. Our one senior is Rich Parsons, who has been really consistent and is giving us really good minutes. Adam Roland is coming off the bench and has been really good, especially on the glass.
He’s been rebounding well. Every game, we have a couple guys step up.”
Timothy was slated to start Chicagoland Christian Conference play this week against Chicago Christ the King and St. Edward. The St. Edward game is at home Friday night.
“I like this group,” Plaisier said. “They play hard for each other. What we might lack in skill and experience right now, we are making up for with heart. They are fun to coach and fun to watch and I have a feeling they are going to get even better as the year goes on.”
Chicago House AC semi-pro soccer club exits U.S. Open Cup Tournament
The Chicago House AC Men’s Soccer Club suffered a heartbreaking loss this past Sunday in front of more than 400 passionate Chicago House fans at Langhorst Field on the campus of Elmhurst University. The loss eliminates the Chicago House from qualifying for the 2025 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Tournament.
“Obviously the team is disappointed in the result today.” said Shannon Seymour, head coach of the Chicago House. The hard-fought match was tied 0-0 after 90 minutes of regulation time and decided by penalty kicks after two 15-minute overtime periods. “The Chicago House controlled the play throughout much of the game and were able to get several quality chances to score but just could not find the back of the net.” Seymour continued, “The Tulsa team is a talented group and we congratulate them on advancing into the U.S. Open Cup in 2025”.
During the game, Peter Wilt, the President and CEO of the Chicago House, was seen visiting with Chicago House fans from throughout the Elmhurst community and surrounding Chicagoland metro area. “The crowd today in Elmhurst was amazing and passionate throughout the entire game,” said Wilt. “While we wanted to win for the fans and the Elmhurst
community, we are so proud to include our fans and our Elmhurst community partners in our game day activities”.
The pregame activities featured a ceremonial first kick from Tim Glennon, a graduate of the Access Sports Elmhurst sports programs for the special needs community.
The Chicago House and Access Sports Elmhurst announced a community partnership last month.
The partnership will feature Access Sports Elmhurst athletes in Chicago House pre-game activities in 2025 at
Langhorst Field. The Chicago House was also excited to feature players from the Elmhurst Soccer Club and AYSO United SC who played an exhibition scrimmage on the field during half time of the House/Tulsa match. Fans also enjoyed the hot cocoa tastes from Brewpoint – Elmhurst. The Chicago House post-game festivities continued with a dinner gathering at Fitz’s Pub with Chicago House fans, players, coaches, and team staff.
The Chicago House AC will now turn their attention to preparations for
the 2025 soccer season which will bring both their semi-pro women’s and semi-pro men’s home games to Langhorst Field at Elmhurst University. Watch the Chicago House website at www.chicagohouseac.com for season ticket purchase offers for the 2025 season.
About Chicago House Athletic Club
Founded in 2020, Chicago House Athletic Club is a community-based soccer club with semi-profession-
al women’s and men’s teams, U-23 men’s and women’s squads, boys and girl’s academies and recreational camp programs.
By leveraging the passion and dedication of our players, staff, and fans, Chicago House AC aims to ignite a ripple effect of positive transformation throughout our city. Our commitment extends to partnering with local organizations, supporting grassroots initiatives, and championing causes that address systemic inequalities.
York’s Joe Reiff named to all-state football team
ICCP’s Bryk, Hulak also earn honors; Members of York girls cross country team run at Nike Midwest regional
By Mike Miazga CORRESPONDENT
The postseason awards have been plentiful for the York football team. Senior Joe Reiff, headed to Notre Dame University to continue his athletic and football careers, was recently named to the 89th Champaign News-Gazette all-state football team, one of 33 players across the state to earn what is considered the media gold-standard honor in the state.
Reiff helped lead York to the Class 8A state championship game over Thanksgiving weekend.
U12 baseball action
Anthony Bucolo fires a pitch during a recent U12 baseball game.
Reiff also was named the co-defensive lineman of the year in the West Suburban Conference Silver Division. Reiff was one of seven York football players to earn allWSC Silver accolades. Running back-linebacker Jimmy Conners was named the WSC Silver Division co-defensive MVP.
Quarterback Bruno Massel, defensive back Eddie Sica, outside linebacker Riggs Kohl, linebacker Evan Gaughan and defensive lineman Costa Kampas were also named to the all-conference team. Massel threw for 1,685 yards and 11 touchdowns and ran for 1,248 yards and 18 touchdowns, while averaging 8.5 yards per carry.
IC Catholic prep football
DeCicco played a key role in a pair of York nonconference wins. DeCicco hit for 19 points in a 52-47 win over Chicago Westinghouse and also had 20 points in a 47-40 win over Naperville North. He was named to the alltournament team at the Palatine Thanksgiving tournament.
Two IC Catholic Prep football players also earned all-state recognition. ICCP senior quarterback-defensive back Will Bryk was named to the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association Class 4A allstate honorable-mention team. Senior defensive lineman Dominic Hulak earned Champaign News-Gazette all-state honorable mention status.
• Auditions
Kroy girls cross country
Members of the York girls cross country team, which recently took second in the IHSA Class 3A state meet, competed at the recent Nike Cross Nationals Midwest Regional meet held at Indiana State University in Terre Haute, Indiana, on the LaVern Gibson championship course. Members of the York girls team took eighth in Terre Haute.
Freshman Karlin Janowski took 11th on the 5,000-meter layout with a time of 17:33.19. Junior Sophia Galiano-Sanchez took 63rd with a time of 18:38.66. Junior Scarlett Moriarty was 159th with a time of 19:31.22, while junior Maggie Quinn took 166th with a time of 19:34.29. Junior Lila Stanley placed 167th with a time of 19:35.07. Senior Sofia Stoddard was 220th with a time of 20:13.43 and
(Continued from page 14)
chance to do comedy, thrilling and dramatic acting, singing and dancing – all in one show,” Vidovic said.
“The Ghost with the Most…Murders!” will feature the talents of 10 actors. Auditions will be cold reads. Rehearsals will be held four days a week based on casting. Not every actor will be called for every rehearsal. The ages listed below are of the characters, not the actor:
• Buggle Shoes (Age: dead; Gender: any)—Buggle Shoes is a vulgar and erratic ghost...he attended Juilliard, is a graduate of Harvard Business School and lived through the Black Plague.
• Seelia (30 to 55)—Seelia is an avant-garde artist from New York City who is struggling with being bored in Connecticut. She wears men’s sweat-
ers as pants.
• Marvin (30 to 55)—Marvin is a low-level real estate guy who loves bird watching and sweater vests. Married to Seelia, but fears that he bores her.
• Lillia (15 to 25)—Lillia is strange and unusual, gothic, dry. She can see ghosts.
• Alan (27 to 45)—Alan is a ghost who tucks in his shirts. He is strait laced, friendly and very in love with his wife.
• Betty (27 to 45)—Betty is kind, friendly, cheerful, strait laced like her husband, Alan, and dead.
• Otto (24 to 65, any gender)—Otto is a pretentious con-artist. A weasel who manipulates those around him for minor gain. He does, however, have
Jack Tosh tournament celebrates 50 years
The York Jack Tosh Holiday Classic boys basketball Christmas tournament will celebrate its 50th anniversary later this month. The 32-team tournament, regarded as one of the top Christmas tournaments in the Chicagoland area if not the state, runs from Dec. 26-31 with the consolation championship slated for noon on Dec. 31, the third-place game takes place at 1:30 p.m. and the Tosh final is slated for 3 p.m. on New Year’s Eve.
The event has turned into a fiveday tournament that features 67 games. Sixteen games are played in two gyms over the first four days of the tournament.
some knowledge of the supernatural.
• June (24 to 50)—June sells houses with a falsely sweet persistence. Betty’s cousin.
• Scott (15 to 25)—Goes to school with Lillia. Has a crush on her. He plays softball and loves ska music (a lot).
• Pluto (40 to 5,000)—Pluto is an overworked, chain-smoking, burnt-out caseworker for the dead. She is Buggle Shoe’s old partner. GreenMan Theatre’s “Ghost with the Most…Murders!” murder mystery dinner will be held on Feb. 14, 15, 21, 22 and 23, 2025, at Angelo’s Ristorante, 247 N. York St., Elmhurst. For more information, about GreenMan Theatre Troupe, visit www.greenmantheatre.org.
CHRIS FOX PHOTO Elmhurst Independent
The Chicago House AC Men’s Soccer Club played last Sunday in front of more than 400 Chicago House fans at Langhorst Field on the campus of Elmhurst University. The 2025 soccer season will feature both their semi-pro women’s and semi-pro men’s home games at Langhorst Field. Watch the Chicago House website at www.chicagohouseac.com for season ticket purchase offers
KIMBERLY FELTON PHOTO Elmhurst Independent
sophomore Julia Weseloh was 221st with a time of 20:14.81.
Elmhurst Bears compete in national event
The Elmhurst Bears Cheer teams are set to compete at the prestigious Pop Warner National Cheer and Dance Championship in Orlando, Florida this week. The Bears’ teams that are participating in the national competition include the Mitey Mites (below), the Junior Varsity team (above) and the Junior Pee Wee team (top right). This exciting news follows their outstanding performance in regional competitions, showcasing their dedication, talent, and teamwork—with each team receiving first-place honors in its respective division. The Elmhurst Bears Cheer program offers a range of programs for cheerleaders ages 4 to 13. The competition teams, starting at age 6, have consistently demonstrated exceptional skills and sportsmanship, earning them the opportunity to compete on a national stage. The teams have been diligently preparing for this momentous occasion, practicing tirelessly to perfect their routines and showcase their best performances. Their hard work and commitment have been evident throughout the season as the majority are undefeated within their division, and they are now ready to take the national stage by storm. The Elmhurst community is rallying behind these talented young athletes, cheering them on as they embark on this incredible journey. We wish the Elmhurst Bears Cheer teams the very best of luck at the Pop Warner National Championship! The Elmhurst Bears Cheer teams are part of the Elmhurst Bears Youth Football and Cheer organization, providing opportunities for young athletes to develop their skills, build teamwork, and foster a love for the sport.
DuPage Foundation’s annual benefit raises nearly $700,000 to date
DuPage Foundation celebrated an impactful evening of community philanthropy at its Annual Benefit: Through the Looking Glass, on Nov. 9 at The Westin Chicago Lombard, with more than 425 guests in attendance.
Thanks to generous support from donors, community partners, and sponsors, the event has grossed nearly $700,000 to date for the Foundation. This funding is critical in fueling the Foundation’s operations and programs as it works to address our community’s greatest challenges and opportunities through collective impact while supporting area donors and businesses in achieving their philanthropy, locally and beyond.
Additional contributions toward the event are expected through year end.
During the event, more than $225,000 was contributed through a paddle raise, thanks in part to a generous $50,000 combined matching challenge provided by Duly Health and Care, Julie and Jeff Curran of Hinsdale, and Earl and Kay Harbaugh of The Villages, Fla.
“We are deeply grateful for the amazing generosity displayed by our friends and partners, said Mike Sitrick, DuPage Foundation president and CEO. “It highlights both their trust in our work and the commitment so many in our community share toward investing in local philanthropy.”
As a part of the event, the Foundation announced a $1 million gift from Trustee Emerita Carole Cline of Wheaton to establish the Richard G. and Carole J. Cline Community Impact Fund, a permanently endowed fund at the Foundation to support its annual community grantmaking.
A part of Cline’s gift will also help bolster the Foundation’s Operating Endowment.
Benefit guests enjoyed live music and dancing provided by Blue Water Kings and other themed activities.
Members of the event’s Host Committee included Mike and Elizabeth Sitrick, Lombard.
Amid concerns about blast exposure, VA launches new outreach campaign to enroll Illinois veterans in health care
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is launching a new outreach campaign to encourage all eligible veterans to enroll in VA health care—including approximately 32,000 unenrolled Illinois veterans who served in Vietnam, the Gulf War, Iraq, and Afghanistan. This campaign will include text messages and emails directly to veterans, public service announcements, paid advertising, and events. VA is launching this campaign after reports of concerns from veterans about health issues—including mental health challenges and thoughts of suicide—potentially related to repeated blasts and head trauma (low-level artillery blasts, IEDs, missile launches, heavy fire, and more). Since the first reporting
about these concerns, VA researchers have been urgently studying this matter to learn more about the potential health impacts of blast exposure on veterans.
Veterans enrolled in VA can access specialty screenings and services to address any health issues related to blast exposure. Importantly, veterans who served in Vietnam, the Gulf War, Iraq, and Afghanistan, and other specific locations are eligible for VA health care based on their deployments—they do not need to have any health conditions specifically associated with their service in order to be eligible for care.
Eligible veterans can enroll today by visiting www.va.gov or calling 877-222-8387.
Business & Service
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7 CEMETERY PLOTS Willing to sell as a group or individually. Located at Roselawn Memory Gardens 3045 WI-67, Lake Geneva, WI 53147. This is a private sale. Contact Randy, the seller at randy@slpublishers.com.
all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD tollfree at 1-900-669-9777. The toll-free tele phone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY
Elmhurst Garden Club decorates for the season
For well over half a century the Elmhurst Garden Club (EGC) has decorated the Elmhurst Public Library (EPL) with holiday cheer. Beginning at some time in the mid 1940’s, when the EPL was located in the Wilder Mansion, the EGC began offering several floral holiday arrangements as decorations in the library. By the 1960’s, decorating evolved to include themed display arrangements, holiday trim throughout, one or two decorated trees, and festive displays in the children’s section. By 2003, when the library moved to its current location at 125 S. Prospect, decorating again expanded where today it includes, on the main floor, three trees covered with ornaments of all kinds and shapes, garlands, bows, bells, and colorful lights; two decorated trees on the second floor along with an additional three table top trees; and a winter wonderland display along the top of the shelves behind the main circulation desk that includes a golden sled filled with greens and ornaments. One photo (above) shows EGC members after completing this year’s decorations of the tree in the main lobby. Another photo (left) shows Teri Litavsky (on the ladder) and Georgia Dolan decorating the circulation desk shelf. The transformation of the library for the holidays is great outlet for creative expression and civic beautification, two of the objectives included in the mission of the Elmhurst Garden Club. The primary mission of the club centers on advancement and interest in horticulture and the environment through education. Meetings are held in the Wilder Mansion on the first Monday of each month and include a professional presentation, free and open to the public, on myriad facets of gardening, floral design, ecology, conservation and environmental concerns. For more information, visit elmhurstgardenclub.org.
