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THURSDAY, March 17, 2016

‘To The Moon and Back’ marches in parade

It was packed behind the banner of the Annie LeGere “To the Moon and Back” Foundation at the Elmhurst St. Patrick’s Day parade on March 5. The Foundation is planning a Walk on April 23 as a fundraiser. In mid-February, a kick-off event for the Walk drew more than 400 people. Behind the banner are Annie’s parents, John and Shelly LeGere at opposite ends with Annie’s four closest friends lined up between them.

photo provided

More time needed to discuss about Opus project

By Dan McLeister For The Elmhurst Independent

ELMHURST — In an unusual decision, the Zoning and Planning Commission

(ZPC) moved to extend to the next meeting deliberation on the Opus six-story mixed-use project proposed on the corner of Addison and First Sts., across from the train station. Commissioners raised questions about a number of issues including the impact of pedestrians on traffic and the placement of retail space. ZPC Chairman Darrell Whistler stated that overall the project, which features 160

Inside:

luxury units as well as retail space, was “great.” Currently the Opus site is occupied by a two-story commercial building with bank drive-thru lanes and a parking lot. Whistler said any project like the Opus should have all nine commissioners present to express their opinions. Five commissioners attended the March 10th meeting. A date was not set for the next

meeting until the absent commissioners could be contacted about the best date and time. “There would be a lot of weight on a vote of nine commissioners,” Commissioner Susan Rose said. “A split vote would make things murkier.” A recommendation by the ZPC, an advisory body to City Council, will go before the Development, Planning and Zoning (DPZ) Committee of three aldermen. Their report

goes to the full City Council, which has the final vote. Scott Day, the Opus attorney from Naperville, indicated that some changes could be made. More windows could be added to the exterior

See OPUS, Page 3

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The Elmhurst Independent / March 17, 2016 - Page 3

main news

Various types of residential units mentioned for Downtown Plan Zoning Group hopes housing will attract millennials, others By Dan McLeister For The Elmhurst Independent

ELMHURST — The Downtown Plan should have residential units which will attract single people in the millennials demographic segment, so they can get a foothold in the housing market in Elmhurst and move later into other types of housing, according to Susan Rose, a member of the Zoning and Planning Commission (ZPC). “This is the future we want,” she stated at a meeting on March 10, which included deliberations on the Downtown Plan after an earlier public hearing. Darrell Whistler, chairman of the ZPC, said it could take up to four weeks to get a final draft on the agenda of the Development Planning and Zoning (DPZ) Committee, a group of three aldermen who will make a report to the full City Council, which has the final vote. Since there were only five ZPC members present, Whistler said he hoped to have all nine mem-

}This is the future we want.”

— Susan Rose, member of the Zoning and Planning Commission

bers at their next meeting. “I did not see any problems that screamed out,” Commissioner Dan Corrado commented. Comm. Kurt Warnke added: “I agree wholeheartedly. I am excited about the Downtown Plan.” “I don’t see any information about 20-somethings,” noted Comm. Jordon Uditske. “They don’t live here yet,” Warnke replied. Talking about another segment of young people, Uditske, who is in the real estate business, said he had a client who was considering downtown student housing with a lease signed by Elmhurst College. Nick Davis, a consultant for the City, talked about larger townhouses and single-family housing, another segment of the residential market. The 146-page Plan by Housel Levigne also discusses many other topics such as varying building heights throughout the downtown.

Food Pantry Board honors Ruprecht

photo by Dee Longfellow

As Yorkfield Presbyterian Church Pastor Mike Toburen looks on (left), Nancy Peterson, a Board member with the Yorkfield Food Pantry, presents a small gift to Jim Ruprecht, who had a great deal to do with rebuilding the pantry. He not only served as the architect for the project, but also matched funds raised through his Thing 1.2.3. Foundation. Full story elsewhere in this issue.

• OPUS

Continued from page 1 or more retail could be placed within the building’s existing footprint. But to start all over would be questionable, Day said. Comm. Dan Corrado stated that his only hang-up was the amount and placement of retail on the first floor.

Comm. Jordon Uditsky said his biggest concern was the amount of retail space on Addison St. He was also concerned about the number of cars coming out of the alley. “Something needs to be done like flashing lights or people could get killed.”

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Page 4 - March 17, 2016 / The Elmhurst Independent

The elmhursT IndependenT Your Hometown Newspaper Locally owned and operated 240 N. West Avenue Elmhurst, IL. 60126 Main Phone 630.834-8244 Fax 630.834-0900 Visit us at: TheElmhurstIndependent.com The Elmhurst Independent USPS#022-607 is published every Thursday by Rock Valley Publishing, LLC, 240 N. West Avenue, Elmhurst, IL. 60126. Periodical Postage Paid at Elmhurst, IL.

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Pictured is a group of children with disabilities and their families surrounded by members the Elmhurst Bike Club. Each of the six children is on a bicycle made available through the fundraising efforts of the Elmhurst Bike Club. The Club presented the children with their new-found methods of mobility at its recent meeting on Thursday, March 10 at Community Bank of Elmhurst.

Bike Club funds purchase of bicycles for six disabled children By Dee Longfellow For The Elmhurst Independent

t was a delightful evening for the members of the Elmhurst Bicycle Club on Thursday, March 10, who were on-hand to witness the excitement of six children with disabilities as they each received a bicycle from the Club. The Bike Club raised

$6500, matched by Project Mobility, which allowed for the purchase of the bicycles. “It was so cool to watch,” said Club member Kim Messina, who met with the Independent following the event. “One little boy got on his bicycle and just started riding around and around and around in a circle, happy as he could be. It was so wonderful to see the

smiles on those kids’ faces.” “We were humbled by their courage and g race,” said George Pastorino, president of the Elmhurst Bike Club. “Our members … had the experience of a lifetime that will never be forgotten.” “It was just such a wonderful thing to be able to do,” Messina added. “It’s nice to know that we may have made their lives better.” Pastorino offered a more

philosophical message. “My message is this,” he said. “Let’s think less about how fast we can ride from here to there, how many miles we pedal, or how steep of a hill we can climb, and focus on having a positive effect on our community. Because only when we touch the lives of those in need will our legacy be remembered, long after the miles and such are long forgotten.”

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The Elmhurst Independent is mailed at no charge by request to residents in the 60126 zip code area. Out-of-area mail subscriptions are $29.95 yearly. Single copies are also available at more than 80 newsstand locations in Elmhurst. For home delivery information call 630.834-8244.

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James is beaming a big smile as he gets set to take off on a mini-ride around the 2nd floor of Community Bank of Elmhurst on his new bicycle. James and five other children with disabilities were given the bicycles by the Elmhurst Bike Club at their recent meeting.

Pictured is Emmy getting adjusted and fitted into her new bicycle purchased by the Elmhurst Bike Club. The bikes were presented at a Club meeting on March 10, which six children with disabilities attended with their families.

The Elmhurst Independent / March 17, 2016 - Page 5

Yorkfield Food Pantry hosts VIP reception for donors Beyond nutrition, dignity provides food for the soul By Dee Longfellow For The Elmhurst Independent

ELMHURST — There was an overcast sky on Tuesday, March 8, but smiles were beaming brightly inside the Elmhurst Yorkfield Food Pantry’s newly-built facility, where Board members welcomed about 100 guests to a VIP Reception exclusive to the benefactors for the first official viewing of its fullycompleted incarnation. You’ve come a long way, baby. The food pantry began in a closet in the basement of Yorkfield Presbyterian Church, where two senior citizens came in every week to load up the grocery bags. When the pantry was moved to the small house on church property, it seemed like a mansion by comparison. But there was no indoor area where people could pick up their items, they just pulled up in their car. This is no longer the case. Considerably larger than that original closet, the new

photo by Dee Longfellow

Guests of the VIP reception held at the Elmhurst Yorkfield Food Pantry were treated to a taste of Thai Peanut Salad, made by a volunteer using ingredients available to clients of the food pantry.

facility has a spacious intake area where people check in when they arrive – no waiting in the car, no more volunteers running in the rain. Clients are given a card and a cart to

walk around the pantry store, choosing items. Whenever there is a surplus, the items are made available for clients to help themselves. While the first facility didn’t even have a

refrigerator, today’s EYFP has refrigeration cases from which to choose, just like a grocery store. It’s all about dignity. Relying on a food pantry can bring

Dog flu cancels Pet Parade again Still a concern, spring break will tell the tale, Dr. DeVries says By Dee Longfellow For The Elmhurst Independent

ELMHURST — When the news broke at the Elmhurst St. Patrick’s Day Parade, it was hard to believe the Spring Road Pet Parade might be cancelled again for the second year. The parade is put on annually by the Spring Road Business Association, where John DeVries, DVM, serves on the Board of Directors. The owner and principal veterinarian of DeVries Animal Hospital, located on Spring Road, directs the Pet Parade each year and ultimately made the decision to cancel this year’s event. “There is still some concern about the dog influenza and we didn’t want to take any chances,” Dr. DeVries told the Independent in an exclusive interview. “I think spring break will be the tell-all because [an outbreak] seems to happen when dogs are

confined in an indoor facility while people are on vacation.” He hastens to explain. “It’s not the fault of the boarding kennel or the people dropping off their dogs,” he assured. “This virus is just so very contagious and any time animals are confined in an indoor facility, things can spread. Plus once a dog is infected, the symptoms do not show for at least two days, so people may bring their dog around others, not realizing how contagious they are.” DeVries said there was a lot of discussion about the influenza at a national conference he just attended. “Yes, it’s still a concern,” he said. “We’ve seen about 40 cases [at DeVries Animal Hospital] over the past year since it started. We haven’t lost any dogs, but they are sick. Those poor dogs get really sick, it’s sad.” The Pet Parade typically uses the parking lot of Ahlgrim Funeral Home at Spring and Vallette as a staging area. Even though it’s outdoors, DeVries said with all those dogs in that small area, there is close contact among them.

The good news? Dr. DeVries said there is a new vaccine available that he highly recommends to dog owners. “Some kennels are starting to require it,” he said. “The vaccination costs less than $40 which is a small price compared to the cost of the antibiotics, they can run into hundreds of dollars to treat a sick dog. Many people really can’t afford to put that much into their pet.” Then the veterinarian shared an interesting note. “You know, Chicago is the epicenter, it’s where it all started,” he said. “A dog came through O’Hare Airport about a year ago. It sounds terrible, but the canine may have been healthy or appeared so when he arrived. “When you bring in a new virus, it doesn’t take much for a dog to become infected.” Dr. DeVries hopes that the Pet Parade will be back next year, as usual on the first Saturday in May. He said he was planning a few extra attractions to the 2017 event. Hope everybody and his dog will be there.

its own blow to one’s dignity. It’s more comfortable for clients to be able to walk around and choose items from shelves. It feels more respectable than driving up and being handed a few grocery bags. In the back of EYFP, there is a garage door where cars and trucks can pull up to drop off deliveries right by the storage area. Next to it is a convenience drop-box, available 24 hours a day, for those wishing to contribute food items or financial donations. In the past, the Pantry could only accept donations on certain days and times. Board president Jacki Lawrence and Board member Nancy Peterson both spoke at the event, thanking everyone for their involvement and support. Jim Ruprecht received special honors at the reception, since he had not only served as the project’s architect, but also had increased the amount of funds raised by matching donations via his own “Thing 1.2.3. Foundation.” In addition to viewing all the new shelving and equipment, guests were also treated to a lesson in how to make Thai Peanut Salad, something easily created from peanut butter and other items at the food pantry. Recipes are made available to clients.

Elmhurst police to add extra patrols for St. Patrick’s Day festivities ELMHURST — The Elmhurst Police Department continues to take part in a year-long grant from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to reduce fatal and serious injury crashes with additional enforcement of DUI and seatbelt laws. The next campaign began Wednesday, March 9 and will continue through March 20. They will take place during all hours, however the focus will be from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m., which is reportedly the deadliest time frame on Illinois roadways. In addition, a Roadside Safety Check will take place on a major roadway in Elmhurst on Saturday, March 19 from 11:30 p.m. thru Sunday March 20 at 3:30 a.m. Motorists are encouraged to drive safely and to buckle up. If they are planning on drinking during any St. Patrick’s Day festivities, they should make alternate driving arrangements. People are also encouraged to contact police if they see a vehicle that appears to be driven by an intoxicated driver.

Page 6 - March 17, 2016 / The Elmhurst Independent

Police Beat

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

Battery March 6 Dheanna Fikaris, 50, of Clarendon Hills, was arrested in the 600 block W. North Ave. at around 5:25 p.m. According to police, a victim told police Fikaris battered him and he wanted to pursue complaints. Police said the suspect admitted to poking his chest and arm. She was processed for battery.

Criminal damage to property/motor vehicle/ criminal trespass to property/motor vehicle/ damage to property March 7 While on patrol at around 2:51 a.m., an officer observed the wire mesh fencing pushed out of the wall in the Larch Parking Deck. March 6 Timothy Redmond, 24, of Palatine, was cited by police in the 100 block of E. South at around 2:05 a.m. Subsequent to a call concerning an unknown male entering someone’s home, police said Redmond was located in the area of Poplar and the Prairie Path. According to police, Redmond was intoxicated and told police he thought he was at his cousin’s house. Redmond was cited for trespassing and public intoxication. Feb. 26 In the Addison Parking Deck, police said an unknown vehicle struck and damaged a metal fence, space #4729, on top level. A damage to city property report was completed, and the Elmhurst Public Works Department was notified.

Disorderly conduct March 6 Nathaniel Johnson, 22, of Geneva, was arrested in the 100 block of Adelaide at around 1:59 a.m. Subsequent to a call for someone standing in the Adelaide Parking Deck, police said Johnson was located and intoxicated. According to police, it was determined Johnson and an unidentified suspect has gotten into a verbal argument. Johnson was charged with disorderly conduct/public intoxication. March 5 Anthony Jaroscak, 25, of Elmhurst, and Adam Ross, 25, of Lake Moor, were arrested in the 300 block of W. Madison St. at around 2:34 p.m. At the end of the Elmhurst St. Patrick’s Day Parade, police said officers heard some yelling that turned out to be a resident upset with the above two suspects urinating in public. Both were charged with disorderly conduct. March 4 Tracy Veltri, 53, of New Town, Md.,

CALL 800-222-TIPS was arrested at a pizza restaurant in the 100 block of W. First St. at around 5:28 p.m. The restaurant called police to report an allegedly intoxicated person inside their establishment who was asked to leave, but was refusing to do so. Police said Veltri did eventually get up and leave and was found by officers at the train depot. According to police, Veltri said he was kicked off the train earlier for being too loud in the quiet car and then went to the restaurant. There was an active warrant for his arrest, police said.

Domestic incident March 9 Security at a local college told police that a victim was found crying in the college parking lot. The victim complained of pain and swelling in her right wrist. According to police, the victim reports that she and her boyfriend became involved in an argument and that her boyfriend pushed her to the ground causing her injuries. The victim refused to cooperate with the investigation and refused to identify the offender.

DUI/DUI-drugs/illegal consumption/ possession of alcohol by a minor/public intoxication/hosting an underage drinking party March 9 • Marisol Garcia, 26, of Villa Park, was arrested near North and Willow at around 11:31 p.m. and charged with DUI and speeding. • Lori Richardson, 52, of Bensenville, was arrested near York and Vallette at around 11:31 a.m. Subsequent to a traffic stop, police said Richardson was found to be under the influence of drugs. She was charged with DUIdrugs, no valid driver’s license, improper lane usage and no seat belt. March 6 • Felipe Herrera, 34, of Bensenville, was arrested near York and Crestview at around 12:45 a.m. Subsequent to a traffic stop, police said Herrera was found to be DUI. He was charged with DUI and speeding. • Misael Pascual Funes, 21, of Bolingbrook, Selvin Garcia-Lopez, 29, and Julio Pascual, 23, both of Bensenville, were arrested near Route 83 and St. Charles Road at around 11:03 a.m.

Police said that during a three-car crash investigation, Pascual Funes, the driver, was found to be driving under the influence of alcohol. Garcia-Lopez and Pascual, both passengers in the vehicle, were charged with transporting open alcohol, while Pascual Funes was charged with DUI, transportation of open alcohol, no valid driver’s license, failure to reduce speed and no insurance. March 5 Aldolfo Delgado-Antunez, 31, of Melrose Park, was arrested near North and Route 83 at around 5:48 a.m. Subsequent to a missing person report, police said Delgado-Antunez was located and found to be DUI. He was charged with leaving the scene of an accident, DUI, failure to reduce speed and no valid driver’s license. March 4 • Peggy Karadimas, 48, of Elmhurst, was arrested in the 400 block of Ida Lane at around 7:45 p.m. Police said officers responded for a large fight at the above location. According to police, upon arrival, officers found an underage drinking party going on. A victim stated he was battered by an unknown suspect, whom police were unable to locate at the time. Karadimas was charged with hosting an underage drinking party. Juvenile suspects were charged with consumption of alcohol by a minor and released to their parents. Another juvenile suspect was charged with possession of cannabis and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was released to a parent. • Reyvin Rivas, 19, of Addison, was issued a citation by police for possession of alcohol by a minor near York and North at around 1:34 a.m. Subsequent to a traffic stop, police said a juvenile was found to be driving without ever being issued a driver’s license. The driver was charged with no valid driver’s license, no insurance, an obstructed windshield and a curfew violation. Rivas was a passenger in the vehicle.

Gunshot wound March 8 An officer assisted a Chicago Police Department at around 12:14 a.m. concerning a person who was admitted to the Elmhurst Hospital emergency room for a gunshot wound. The officer spoke with a nurse who related that the victim had been released prior to the officer’s arrival. She stated victim suffered a gunshot graze to the arm/shoulder area, and the incident occurred in Chicago. The Chicago Police Department was contacted and advised detectives would follow up.

cle. Frank T. Connell, 30, of Big Rapids, Mich., the driver of the vehicle, admitted to having “weed” in his possession, and during a consent search, suspected cannabis was recovered, according to police. A homemade cannabis smoking pipe was also located, police said. Connell was cited for expired registration and possession of cannabis. Jack Parpan, 21, of Elmhurst, who was a passenger in the vehicle, was issued a ticket for possession of drug paraphernalia. • Daniel R. Jimenez, 20, of Elmhurst, was arrested near St. Charles and Fellows Court at around 9:49 p.m. Subsequent to a suspicious vehicle, police said Jimenez was found to be in possession of cannabis. He was charged with possession of cannabis. • Charlie Rubin, 20, of Naperville, was arrested near Prospect and Winthrop at around 12:12 a.m. Subsequent to a traffic stop, police said Rubin was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia and a fraudulent ID. He was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a fraudulent ID and having unsafe vehicle equipment. • Two juvenile suspects were arrested near York and Lake at around 3:29 p.m. Subsequent to a traffic stop, police said the first juvenile was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia, and the second juvenile—the driver of the vehicle—also was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. Both were charged with possession of drug paraphernalia. The driver was also charged with speeding. March 3 • Subsequent to a suspicious auto near Freemont and Elm at around 7:03 p.m., police said a juvenile suspect was found to have been in possession of cannabis, numerous electronic cigarettes and nicotine products. The suspect was charged with possession of cannabis and released to a parent. • Officers responded to the report of a suspicious auto in the 100 block of W. Butterfield at around 7:44 p. m. where a witness believed the occupants were using drugs. An officer made contact with the suspects inside the vehicle who were juveniles; they were found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia and 1.6 grams of cannabis. All were charged with possession of cannabis and possession of drug paraphernalia, and released to their parents. • Officers responded to the report of suspicious people walking into a wooded area near Fay and Garden at around 9:32 p.m. Police said the officers located four suspects who admitted to smoking cannabis. One of the suspects, a juvenile, found to be in possession of cannabis, was charged with that crime and released to a parent.

Possession of cannabis/drug Suspicious paraphernalia/controlled circumstances substance/tobacco March 2 March 8 • Police said that during a traffic stop near Prairie and South, an officer smelled burnt cannabis inside the vehi-

Officers responded to a house under construction in the 300 block of N.

See POLICE, Page 7

The Elmhurst Independent / March 17, 2016 - Page 7

• POLICE

Continued from page 6 Myrtle with people in the basement with flashlights. The suspect was located and had been installing a furnace. He was informed of the construction hours. The suspect and his assistant agreed to leave for the night. Feb. 22-Feb. 23 A complainant in the 700 block of N. Industrial Drive told police his company’s IT employee notified him that an unknown suspect(s) attempted to gain unauthorized access to their website. No access was gained and no loss has been incurred.

Theft/burglary/ attempted theft or burglary/identity theft/fraud/forgery/ deceptive practice/ obstruction/ robbery March 9 A victim in the 500 block of E. Adams told police that an unknown suspect who claimed to be with the IRS told her she needed to withdrawal $9,000 and deposit it into an account which he gave her. He told her she was in trouble and this is how she could take care of the matter. She followed his instructions and deposited the money at a bank in Villa Park. Further investigation is pending. March 8 A victim in the 400 block of Verret told police that upon returning from a two-month vacation, he discovered a letter from the Secretary of State containing an Illinois driver’s license addressed to the suspect who used the victim’s mailing address. The victim does not know the suspect and was advised by the Secretary of State Fraud Department to return the letter and license to the nearest Secretary of State’s office. March 6 Retail theft was reported at a store in the 200 block of S. Route 83 at around 8:18 p.m. Police said suspects removed one bottle of vodka and one bottle of tequila and left the store without paying. The first suspect was described as an Hispanic male, around 5’9”, 19-20 years old with a thin build, wearing glasses and a yellow hat. The second suspect was described as a female Hispanic, 19-20 years old with a thin build, and long, bright brown hair. The suspects’ vehicle was described as an older

model white 4-door Buick. March 5-6 • A victim told police he parked his vehicle in his driveway in the 300 block of Shady Lane at around 11 p.m. March 5. When he returned to the vehicle at 8:45 a.m. on March 6, he found an unspecified amount of cash and change missing, and his passenger door was open. He also checked another one of his vehicles and noticed his glove compartment opened, but nothing was missing. • A victim in the 300 block of Shady Lane told police that an unknown suspect entered his two unlocked vehicles while they were parked in his driveway between the above dates. • A victim told police he parked his unlocked vehicle in the 600 block of Fay at around 9 p.m. on March 5. When he returned to the vehicle at 8 a.m. on March 6, he found the vehicle’s center console open and his brown leather tri-fold wallet missing. • A victim in the 600 block of Fay told police he parked his vehicles in his driveway on March 5. The next day, the victim discovered all three of his vehicles were missing change. Also missing was a GPS and a Fit Bit. • A victim told police he parked his vehicle in his driveway in the 500 block of Fay Avenue at around 6 p.m. on March 5. When he returned to the vehicle at 9:42 a.m. on March 6, he noticed the vehicle’s center console open and an unspecified amount of cash missing. • A victim in the 500 block of Fay told police that his unlocked vehicle was parked in the driveway overnight when it was entered by an unknown suspect who displaced items in the glove compartment and center console. • A victim in the 500 block of Fay told police that his unlocked vehicle was parked in the driveway overnight when it was entered by an unknown suspect, who removed a pair of sunglasses. The victim did not immediately report the burglary due to minimal loss. • A victim in the 200 block of S. Fairview Ave. told police his vehicle was burglarized overnight. He found the glove box ajar and items displaced. • A victim in the 200 block of S. Fairview Ave. told police an unknown suspect(s) entered his vehicle while it was parked in the driveway and removed change. March 5 • Angelo Desimone, 23, of Elmhurst, was arrested at a local convenience store in

the 500 block of S. Spring at around 6:30 p.m. Subsequent to observing a suspicious suspect, police said Desimone was found to have several food products in his possession. After further investigation, it was found that he had taken these items from the store without paying, according to police. He was charged with retail theft. • A victim reported he went to a local fitness center in the 600 block of W. North Ave. and locked his gym bag, jeans, and wallet in a locker in the men’s locker room. When the victim went back to his locker to gather his belongings, he noticed the lock was missing and his wallet was missing from his jeans’ pocket. The victim’s credit card company reported that his cards had been used at multiple stores. March 4-7 A victim in the 300 block of Shady Lane told police that an unknown suspect burglarized his work van while it was parked in his driveway. The victim left the vehicle parked and unlocked in the driveway between the above dates. March 4 Retail theft was reported at a local store in the 300 block of S. Route 83 at around 9:05 p.m. Police said juvenile suspects took merchandise and attempted to leave without paying. They were charged with retail theft and released to their parents. March 3-March 4 Victim in the 100 block of

W. Brush Hill told police while making her bed she found her jewelry arbitrarily on the bed and floor. The last time she saw the jewelry was on Feb. 21. Upon investigating, she found jewelry missing from her jewelry box and an unspecified amount of cash missing from her safe. A neighbor saw a man she didn’t recognize knocking on her door the day before; when she answered he stated he had the wrong apartment. March 2-March 4 A victim in the 800 block of N. York Road told police that at around 5:30 p.m. March 2, he parked his blue vehicle in a parking lot in the above location. When he returned to the vehicle at 6:30 p.m. on March 4, he discovered multiple items missing from his vehicle. There was no damage to the car or signs of forced entry. Feb. 23-Feb. 26 At around 10:15 a.m. Feb. 23, the controller of a packaging company in the 700 block of N. Oakland told police he received an e-mail from what he thought was the owner of the company to wire an unspecified amount of cash for a product. The controller had the amount wire-transferred through the company’s bank account. At around 11:03 a.m. on Feb. 26, the controller received a similar request. The controller was able to contact the owner of the company, who stated he did not request any of these wire transfers. An officer was supplied with copies of the e-mails and wire transfers.

Feb. 22-March 2 An employee of a roofing company told police it was discovered that roofing materials were missing from the front yard of the job site in the 600 block of S. Chatham. After checking with the roofing company, the employee discovered that the materials had been delivered late last month and were now missing.

Feb. 3-Feb. 4 A victim in the 600 block of W. Comstock told police that between the above dates, an unknown suspect cashed five of her personal checks. The victim is still in possession of the checks and did not authorize the transactions. Her bank has since closed the account and refunded the money.

Trespassing

March 5 Domenic Benati, 25, of Lombard, was issued a citation by police for trespassing at around 9 p.m. Police said Benati was observed walking on the train tracks near the York High School stadium. When officers began to approach him, Benati ran, police said. March 3 Xavyer Gardiner, 24, of Berwyn, was issued a citation for trespassing at a local recreational facility in the 200 block of W. First St. at around 12:52 p.m. Police said an employee at the facility reported that Gardiner had violated a notrespass order.

The Elmhurst Independent

Viewpoint

March 17, 2016 • 8

Daylight saving – nighttime snoozing S pring forward; fall back. Twice each year we reset the clocks. In the fall, I relish the extra hour of sleep I think I get because 6:00 a.m. is really 7:00 a.m. – or it feels that way for a couple days at least. But you know what they say. There’s no such thing as a free lunch or free extra hour of sleep. Come spring, it’s time to pay the piper and relinquish an hour. Suddenly 7:00 a.m. feels like 6:00 a.m. – for at least a couple days. Why do we do this to our-

selves? (Good folks in Arizona and Hawaii, please ignore the question, since you are smart enough to set your clocks and leave them be.) Daylight saving time. Just what are we saving and when do we save it – when we fall back or spring ahead? I’ve always been told the practice has to do with farmers. Make hay while the sun shines, and all that jazz. I was misinformed. According to Wiki: “Historically, retailing, sports and tourism interests have favored daylight saving,

while agricultural and evening entertainment interests have opposed it.” If farmers didn’t invent daylight saving time, who did? Some credit the creation of the phenomenon to Benjamin Franklin, who suggested getting up at sunrise and going to bed at sunset would help save candles. “Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.” Although Mr. Franklin was a practical man and in favor of saving candles, he is not the father of daylight saving

Letters to the Editor Don’t form GLCs, citizen pleads to District 205 At the March 8th Elmhurst School Board meeting, Focus 205 sessions were discussed, as was a perceived community concern regarding more balanced class sizes. At one point, Vice President Jim Collins referenced how the possibility of grade-level centers (GLCs) had been addressed but wasn’t warmly received by the community. In response, Dr. David Moyer replied it was “too early to rule any ideas out.” Though GLCs may not have been a formal talking point of Focus 205 presentations, several parents recall Dr. Moyer conversing about them (albeit informally) during the sessions. Regardless, the topic of GLCs is not--nor will it ever be--embraced by anyone who grasps the priorities of a district that already embodies a wellknown standard of excellence. From a fiscal/time-management standpoint, how would GLCs impact the cost and length of student travel? What would bussing look like? If a parent has to be doing pickup at one center, is it pragmatic to expect them to (sanely) do pickup from multiple others, as well? From a volunteer standpoint, how would GLCs impact parental involvement? Inevitably,

parents of more than one child will be expected to race across a broader range of locations. Many will endeavor to rise to the challenge. But many will also be stretched thin attempting to self-divide between class parties and PTA meetings held at multiple facilities. From a social-emotional standpoint, how would GLCs impact a student’s ability to cope with excessive transitions? Wasn’t this the very same notion we were concerned about when it came to relocating 18 multi-needs children from Field to Emerson? Also, what will interaction look like-or will it even exist--between different age groups? Part of what I love at Edison is that my younger kids have a chance to learn from older peers (some of whom are their own siblings). The reverse is true, too. These are lessons that can’t necessarily be duplicated at home because home is a totally different learning environment. From a real-estate standpoint, how would GLCs impact the idea of neighborhood schools? People move to specific neighborhoods in this town for access to specific schools. Take that away, and we would be foolish not to anticipate an interesting discussion about real-estate trends and property values. We repeatedly hear how the situation in Springfield will force us to make difficult choices, though one could argue that our district appears to be fiscal-

ly sound. Either way, there are certain choices we are unwilling to contemplate, including those that would strip us of those qualities that we, as stakeholders, cherish. Yes, there are facets of 205 that could use a makeover, and we are always willing to self-reflect and strive toward improvement. But we are not willing to consider--and nor are we in need of--fullbody plastic surgery in the form of GLCs or any other idea that would detract from what is truly an already exceptional community. Katie Marsico Elmhurst Parent and Co-Administrator of Parents’ Advocacy Group of Elmhurst (PAGE)

Reader agrees Elmhurst is turning into ‘Oak Park East’ As a refugee from Oak Park East, I appreciated the letter from James Sanchez. The Hahn St. development is allowing many more residents. It is assumed that with the new garage, the city has allowed for additional parking for them. It is the traffic that concerns me. Oak Park E. became overly congested with cars. If something is not done here, a lot of our streets will be like York, St. Charles and North Ave. at 5 p.m. Don Judson

Jill Pertler

SLICES OF LIFE

time. That honor goes to a guy in New Zealand named George Hudson. He proposed modern daylight saving time in the 1800s because he was interested in having more daylight after work to pursue his hobby of collecting bugs. Creepy, but true. An Englishman, William Willett, came up with the same idea a few years later because the setting sun was cutting into his evening round of golf. Bogey to that. Golf and insect-collecting may have been fine and good reasons to spring ahead, but the idea didn’t catch on here until there was an even bigger rationale for widespread implementation: war. During World War I, The U.S., Russia and many European countries implemented daylight saving time as a way to conserve coal. (Similar to Ben Franklin’s idea, but without the candles.) The war ended and so did daylight saving time in most places. There was no federal law regulating the practice, which caused confusion between times zones and espe-

cially with the transportation industry. Apparently people kept missing their trains. So, in 1967 a federal law resurrected widespread daylight saving time. Individual states could follow certain rules to opt out, but most were all in – where they remain today. In addition to keeping people from missing their plane or train, daylight saving time saves energy because people naturally sleep later the morning and stay up to all hours of the night (burning more proverbial candles as they do). If the sun is shining later in the day, less energy is needed to light the streets and heat our homes. A 2008 report that undoubtedly required the time and energy of a number of U.S. Department of Energy employees reported a nationwide electricity savings of about 0.03 percent during daylight saving time. Electrifying results for sure. There you have it: palpable evidence that daylight saving time benefits us. I only wonder why we switch back and forth. If setting our clocks ahead is a good thing, maybe we should just stick with it and save on energy ourselves. You know, the energy it takes to reset the clocks twice a year. I’ll light a candle to that. Jill Pertler is an awardwinning syndicated columnist, published playwright and author. Don’t miss a slice; follow the Slices of Life page on Facebook.

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The Elmhurst Independent / March 17, 2016 - Page 9

Park Board News Here’s what’s going on at the Elmhurst Park District ELMHURST — The Elmhurst Park District Board held a regular meeting on March 9 at the district’s administrative building at 375 W. First Street. Commissioner Doug Ennis was absent from the meeting. There were no comments from the public.

Update on IGA discussed

about $6,000. That onsite training will reportedly take place during early April. The district recently published a request for proposal (RFP) to seek the services of a consultant who would review the online registration process. Rogers said the district wants to have that consultant in place when Vermont Systems begins its onsite training on April 4. Rogers said the district is seeking a consultant who will work with park district staff to identify the root cause of the online registration software’s performance issues and test the system to make sure it works correctly. He also stated that Vermont Systems’s software system was launched too soon and not ready when the district’s spring/summer registration began on Feb. 20.

districts and special recreation associations. PDRMA was formed in 1984 with 25 inaugural members, including the Elmhurst Park District. As the presentation noted, those 25 public entities pooled together their own money to create their own insurance company. The presentation noted that the district is planning on making plumbing and storm water improvements at Courts Plus in 2016. Additionally, the district will have an engineer examine if there are practical measures the district can take to reduce or eliminate flooding issues at Sugar Creek Golf Course.

new town-home unit, and $900 for each new multi-family unit. Rogers said the ongoing Nitti development at the former Elmhurst Memorial Hospital site generates a special contribution of $1,700 per unit. He said the Nitti development will feature 56 single-family homes, which will generate a contribution of $95,000 to the district. The district has already received about $25,000 of that amount, Rogers said. Other developments that will impact the district include the Hahn Street project, which will feature 192 multi-family units. At $900 per unit, that development will generate about $173,000 for the district under the city’s subdivision ordinance. The Plass Appliance building redevelopment, which calls for a projected five multifamily units on the 100 block of North York Street, would generate $4,500 for the district. A proposed redevelopment at 100 N. Addison Ave. calls for

Elmhurst Park District Executive Director James Rogers provided a brief update about the park district’s ongoing negotiations to allow the City to construct storm water detention basins on park district property. Rogers noted that Elmhurst Park District Board President Carolyn Ubriaco signed the intergovernmental agreement (IGA) regarding the construction of a detenThe park district meeting tion basin at York Commons also included a summary of on Feb. 22. That agreement has the potential budget impacts of been returned to the City. Rogresidential building projects in ers said there are still engineering details to be ironed out The board meeting also Elmhurst. As Rogers noted, the in the agreement, and that the included a presentation by rep- city’s current subdivision ordiBrenda Garcia 630-834-8244 questpublishing@sbcglobal.net nance states that the park dispark district is waiting for a resentatives from the Park Disa financial contriresponse from Newspaper: the city. The trict Risk Management Agency trict receives Client: park district is also awaiting (PDRMA). The district is due bution following a subdivision, Elmhurst York Chiropractic the City’s response regardingIndependent for its four-year loss control resubdivision or development of any property within the park details of an IGA that would review with PDRMA this year. allow a similar storm deten- According to information pro- district’s boundaries. Rogtion facility at Golden Mead- vided by the district, the review ers said the ordinance exists ows. Rogers said the city coun- is a comprehensive, in-depth because the additional residents cil may discuss the terms of process PDRMA conducts with generated by development prothe agreement at its March 21 each member agency to evalu- duce demand for park district meeting. ate, develop, maintain and services before the district can collect tax revenues from those “On both of these [York enhanceHere the revised layout Dr. Noelle O’Connor: riskismanagement best for Commons and Golden Mead- practices. PDRMA is an inter- new residents. He said that the ows], the ball is in the city’s governmental cooperative con- ordinance states that the discourt,” Rogers said. sisting of over 150 agencies, trict receives a contribution of including park districts, county $1,250 for each new singleforest preserves, conservation family unit, $1,000 for each

Still ironing out registration software

The March 9 park district board meeting included an update on the district’s registration software system, which failed to perform at an acceptable speed during the first day of spring/summer registration on Feb. 20. While more than 800 households were able to complete as many as 3,500 registrations that day, generating about $200,000 in revenue for the park district, Rogers described the registration process as unacceptably slow. The district is working with its registration software vendor—Vermont Systems Inc.— to improve the process. Rogers said the company has offered a week of onsite training at no charge to the district—a reported value of

Board hears presentation on risk management

New developments’ impact on budget summarized

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168 multi-family units, which would generate about $151,000 for the district. Rogers noted that there is no restriction on how the park district uses the money collected through the subdivision ordinance. He also said that the Hahn Street project and the proposed redevelopment at 100 N. Addison Ave. may attract residents who don’t have an especially strong demand for park district services. The Nitti development, on the other hand, is expected to attract families with young children. Those families, he said, will have a greater demand for park district programs and services. Rogers noted that the recent renovations at East End Park will serve the area of the Nitti development homes. He said the development’s homes are in the $900,000 price range. The park district board will hold its next meeting on March 23.

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The

Obituaries

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Lois J. Aurand, 87 ELMHURST — Lois J. Aurand nee Nelson, of Elmhurst, passed away recently at the age of 87. Beloved wife of George D.; loving mother of Linda G. Loda, Robert R. (Catherine), David N. (Tina) and William G. (Nancy); proud grandmother of Christy

(Patrick) McLaughlin, Laurie (Joseph) Sabath, Carolyn Matz and Elizabeth, Alexandra, Spencer, Jacob and Elijah Aurand; dear great grandmother of Patrick McLaughlin, Joseph and Adelaine Sabath, Kieran, Keanan and Killian McLaughlin and Carlina and George Matz. Member of Westchester P.E.O. Chapter GN and longtime member of St. Peter’s United Church of Christ. Lois also played in the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra and sang in the Elmhurst Choral Union and St. Peter’s United Church of Christ Choir. Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 19, 2016, at 2 p.m. at St. Peter’s United Church of Christ, 125 W. Church St. Private interment Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Memorials will be appreciated for the United Ostomy Associations of America, P.O. Box 512, Northfield, MN 55057; the American Cancer Society, 1801 S. Meyers Rd., Suite 100, Oakbrook Terrace, 60181; or the Alzheimer’s Association, 8430 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Chicago, 60631. Arrangements provided by Ahlgrim Funeral Home. Call (630) 834-3515 or visit ahlgrim.com for more information.

Peter Cairo, 89

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Peter Cairo, long-time resident of Elmhurst and Bloomingdale, passed away on March 4 surrounded by his loved ones at the age of 89. Peter is survived by his loving wife, Celia (née DiVito) married for 66 years. Proud father of Mary (Jim) Rieber, Carmen (Jean) Cairo, Laura (Gary) Johnson, Diane (Harry) Howarth and Caroline Cairo. Devoted brother of Caroline (the late Gus Nudo and Nick) Speroni, Louis (Rosemary) Cairo and Rosalie (Marco) Benassi. Fond Brother in law of the late Fr. John DiVito, the late Tony (Floria) DiVito, Emily (Guido) Melone and the late Ettore (Lydia) DiVito. Preceded in death by his parents Carmen and Maria, nee Sorrentino, Cairo. Papa cherished his grandchildren Victor, Jimmy (Michelle), Jackie, Billy, Jenny (Matt) Crystal, Candice, Randy, Angela (Justin) Sean, Peter, Grace and Nicholas. He was blessed with four great grandchildren, Mikala, Jimmy, Fiona, Leonardo and one on the way. Uncle Pete’s

many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews will keep him in their hearts. Pete’s legacy as a barber in the Elmhurst community (Pete’s Barber Shop) spanned generations of families that came to Pete for the best hair cut in town. Pete and Celia raised their family in the Mary Queen of Heaven parish and Pete was proud of his role as Head usher for Sunday mass and member of the Society of Villa Scontrone. Always an amazing chef, Pete took great pride and pleasure in his cooking whether it was making a family meal or cooking for his comrades in the Elmhurst chapter of the Knights of Columbus. Pete was an avid sports fan who followed all Chicago teams but the White Sox and Blackhawks were his favorites. Golf became a passion in his life after retirement from cutting hair and he found much enjoyment as a ranger and starter at Salt Creek golf course along with the occasional round with his golf buddies. He also found his fountain of youth while spending time with family and friends in the sunshine of Palm Springs, CA. A special thanks to his caregivers and the staff of the Claremont of Hanover Park. Funeral services were held on Monday, March 7 at SalernoRosedale Chapels, 450 W. Lake St., Roselle. Interment to follow on cemetery grounds of the church. Arrangements provided by family members. For additional info call 630889-1700.

ILS invites community to its Easter Egg Hunt ELMHURST — The public is invited to join Immanuel Lutheran School’s Easter Egg Hunt on March 19 at the school, located at 148 E. Third St. The Hunt for preschoolers through kindergarten begins at 10 a.m.; a Hunt for grades 1-3 at 10:15 a.m.

The Elmhurst Independent / March 17, 2016 - Page 11

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