E-Newsletter: December 18, 2020
Santa made his way through Elmhurst in the City of Elmhurst Hometown Holiday Parade on Thursday, December 17th. Video coverage of this event can be found here.

COVID-19 Testing Site Dec 20th Illinois Mobile COVID-19 in cooperation with City of Elmhurst, District 205 and theVillage of Bensenville will be hosting a one day testing site at Churchville Middle School, 155 Victory Pkwy. The testing site is open to anyone wishing to have a test regardless of symptoms and is free of charge. The site will be open from 8am - 4pm. Details...


Protecting Yourself from COVID-19
To help reduce mitigation measures, the spread of COVID-19 must decrease. Please do your part to stop the spread and protect your community by remembering to:
  • Maintain a 6 foot social distance minimum.
  • Wear a face mask when in public. 
  • Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Clean and sanitize commonly used surfaces.
  • Quarantine for 14 days if returning from a COVID-19 hotspot.
  • Avoid group gatherings.
  • Stay home when you are sick or experiencing symptoms of respiratory illness with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing.
  • Get tested https://www.dupagehealth.org/601/COVID-19-Testing.
  • Avoid contact with others that are sick or experiencing COVID-19 like symptoms.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

Holiday Safety Reminders During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Since COVID-19 has impacted our society, we have missed out on many community and family traditions. Fall and winter celebrations typically include large gatherings of families and friends, crowded parties, and travel that may put people at increased risk for COVID-19. We understand that this year, holiday gatherings may not be what anyone had hoped for, however we are asking our community members to take the safety precautions necessary to protect themselves, their friends, family and our community from COVID-19. Before you celebrate, please consider this Holiday Season Safety information provided by IDPH.

Mental Health
The COVID-19 pandemic may be stressful for people. The fear and anxiety can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Public health actions, such as social distancing, can make people feel isolated and lonely and can increase stress and anxiety. However, these actions are necessary to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Coping with stress in a healthy way will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger. 

Knowing the facts about COVID-19 and stopping the spread of rumors can help reduce stress and stigma. Understanding the risk to yourself and people you care about can help you connect with others and make an outbreak less stressful.

Mental health is an important part of overall health and wellbeing. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It may also affect how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices during an emergency. People with pre-existing mental health conditions or substance use disorders may be particularly vulnerable in an emergency. Mental health conditions (such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia) affect a person’s thinking, feeling, mood or behavior in a way that influences their ability to relate to others and function each day. These conditions may be situational (short-term) or long-lasting (chronic). People with preexisting mental health conditions should continue with their treatment and be aware of new or worsening symptoms. If you think you have new or worse symptoms, call your healthcare provider.

Call your healthcare provider if stress gets in the way of your daily activities for several days in a row. Free and confidential resources can also help you or a loved one connect with a skilled, trained counselor in your area. Get immediate help in a crisis by calling 911. Please visit cdc.gov for more information on how to cope with anxiety and depression and resources for help. Local resources include the Illinois Department of Human Services line (800) 843-6154 or DuPage County Mental Health Center (630) 627-1700.

Wellness Checks
Now more than ever, it is important for our community to look out for each other. If you see suspicious activity or are concerned about your neighbor's wellbeing, please contact the Elmhurst Police Department by calling 9-1-1 for an immediate response. Non-emergency information may be provided at (630) 530-3050 or email policeinfo@elmhurst.org. 
City Hall will be closed for the holidays at noon on Thursday, December 24th and all day on Friday, December 25th as well all day on Friday, January 1st. The Elmhurst City Council and City Staff wish you all a joyous holiday season and a happy new year!
The threat of winter fires is real. Watch the following video for some winter fire facts:
Stay Safe Elmhurst!
Help kids, teens, and adults stay warm this winter by donating gloves, mittens, scarves and socks to our Mitten Tree. Fasten your donations on the Christmas tree in the center foyer of City Hall (209 N. York St.). Clothes pins are in the basket at the Fire Department Administration counter. Mittens, socks, scarves and gloves will be distributed by Yorkfield Food Pantry in Elmhurst.The Mitten tree will accept donations until December 31st.
Elmhurst Loves Local Contest! 
Put your money where your heart is this holiday season! 
Kicking off on Small Business Saturday, this virtual contest encourages individuals to support all Elmhurst businesses. How do you participate? Take a photo showing how you or a family member are loving local by supporting Elmhurst businesses. Photos are then emailed to econdev@elmhurst.org by 10:00 p.m. that night for a chance to win a daily prize. Contest runs daily from November 28th – December 21st. Participants can enter new pictures every day for a chance to win one of two daily prizes - a $50 gift card to the Elmhurst small business retailer, entertainment venue, service provider, or restaurant/bar of their choice. More info...


The City of Elmhurst’s Commission on Youth is currently seeking nominees for its 2020 Youth of the Year Award. Eligbility requirements include:
  • Volunteer must be an Elmhurst resident (Elmhurst address), live within School District 205 boundaries, or attend an Elmhurst school.
  • Volunteer must be elementary school age through senior in high school.
  • The award is focused on individual achievement.
  • The service must be voluntary and unpaid.
  • The service must have occurred between March 13, 2020, and the present.
  • The service must be COVID-19 related.
For more information, visit elmhurst.org. Deadline for submissions is February 1, 2020.
The City of Elmhurst Commission on Youth is hosting a series of “Youth Issues During Covid”. Our next virtual live event is: “Depression in Kids During Covid”. Sponsored by Amita Health and Dr. Jason Washburn. 

Thursday, January 14th, 7:00-8:30pm

When is the change of mood we are seeing in kids considered temporarily stress? When is it something you need to take action on where it could be the onset of a mental health disorder? We will cover emotional/behavioral difficulties related to covid and remote/hybrid learning. Many kids are struggling. Anger outbursts, strong mood fluctuations, and isolating are some areas parents are having concern. 

The free event will take place live on the Elmhurst TV YouTube channel. For the Q&A portion at the end, please email any questions to Jackie.Haddad-Tamer@elmhurst.org. A link to the live event will be posted as the date gets closer.
The Elmhurst 2021 Restaurant Guide is available online with updated restaurant information - please support our local restaurants with delivery or takeout - Choose to Eat Local!  
Recycle holiday lights at Courts Plus (186 S. West Avenue), Elmhurst Park District Admin Office (375 W First St.), Wagner Community Center (615 N. West Ave.), The Abbey (407 W Saint Charles Rd), or City Hall (209 N. York St.) thru Monday, January 25.
City of Elmhurst
630-530-3000 
Weekdays: 8:30am - 5pm