E-Newsletter: April 26, 2022
The City of Elmhurst Public Arts Commission
is excited to share it with you!

We’re thrilled to announce that Murals have been approved and will start to be created and displayed in our hometown. Their purpose is to enliven public spaces, and are designed to make you think, feel, appreciate and spark discussion.

The first piece is located at Faganel Hall on the campus of Elmhurst University. It faces North, adjacent to the train tracks. It’s being created by Elmhurst University faculty artists, Andrew Sobol and Rafael Blanco. We hope you’re inspired by this initial installation and look forward to new murals dotting our cityscape soon.

Curious about who we are? The Elmhurst Public Arts Commission is an all-volunteer city commission made up of your peers, with a mission to implement a citywide plan for the promotion and thoughtful placement of public art that enhances the business climate and improves the overall aesthetic appeal of our community.

Visit www.elmhurst.org/artscommission  for updates about what we’re up to!
Elmhurst Police Department Drug Take Back Day

The Elmhurst Police Department is partnering with the Drug Enforcement Administration for the Prescription Drug Take Back Day at the Elmhurst Police Department on Saturday, April 30, 2022. Officers will be on hand in the parking lot of the police station to collect expired, unused or unwanted prescription drugs for safe destruction, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

Unused or expired prescription medications are a public safety issue, leading to accidental poisoning, overdose and abuse. The non-medical use of prescription drugs is one of the most common forms of drug abuse in America. The majority of teenagers abusing prescription drugs get them from the home medicine cabinets of family and friends. Unused drugs that are flushed into toilets or thrown into the garbage are also environmental hazards, as they contaminate the water supply. More information.
Commissioner Bill Shanklin receives
2022 Darrell Whistler Special Service Award

Mayor Levin presented the annual "Darrell Whistler Special Service Recognition Award" to Bill Shanklin for his years of loyal and distinguished service to the City of Elmhurst. The award is typically given by the mayor to a volunteer who has displayed exceptional service to the City of Elmhurst.

Commissioner Shanklin has been a resident of Elmhurst since 2001. He serves on a number of boards and commissions, including the Economic Development Commission as Chairman, the Library Board of Trustees, the Veterans Commission, Memorial Day Parade Committee, and the Masters of Ceremonies for the Memorial Day Military Program and Veteran’s Day Military Program.
 
Bill is also a member of the Advisory Board for the Russel G. Weigand Center for Professional Excellence where he has worked with interns and a mentor to students at Elmhurst University. He also is a guest speaker for the First Semester Seminar class.
 
He is a life member of the Chapter 37 of the Special Forces Association, the Elmhurst American Legion T.H.B. Post 187, the Former Intelligence Officers Association, the 82nd Airborne Division Association and the Ranger Association. He has been a member of the Rotary Club of Elmhurst since 2006 and has served as past president.

 
Bill recently retired as President and CEO of Champion Container Corporation. He now continues to fill his time serving his community and supporting the causes that he feels connected to.
 
Whatever he is doing for our community, he gives his all. He’s played leading roles in organizing the American Legion Military Ball fundraiser and serving as a master of ceremonies for several parades. His working with the Economic Development Commission has undeniably made a difference in the economic success of the Elmhurst community.


Commissioner Shanklin is the fourth recipient of the Darrell Whistler Special Service Recognition Award. The "Darrell Whistler Service Award" is the highest form of recognition given to a volunteer who has gone above and beyond in their outstanding commitment to the City of Elmhurst. 
 
Darrell Whistler was an exceptional example of a resident who worked tirelessly to serve the City of Elmhurst. Darrell played a major role in the City’s transformation during his tenure as Chairman of the Zoning and Planning Commission. Darrell’s commitment and leadership, along with his professional and personal investment, will forever be a part of the legacy of Elmhurst. He represented the City of Elmhurst with the qualities of a true leader, exhibiting a firm and fair approach to planning and zoning cases. 
 
Darrell’s goal, like so many other City Commissioners and Volunteers, was to ensure the prosperity of our great City. The Darrell Whistler Service Award goes to people, like Darrell, who have gone above and beyond in their commitment to the City of Elmhurst.
National Arbor Day is April 29, 2022.
The Team Behind Elmhurst's Vibrant Trees


Arbor Day is a day to celebrate the importance of trees. Elmhurst is known for its tree lined streets, and we sure do appreciate all that our Forestry Division does to keep those trees healthy and vibrant! Here are a few fun facts provided by the City’s Forestry Superintendent, Mark Stevens.

The Forestry Department is responsible for maintaining all trees on public properties and parkways. This includes the trimming, planting, grinding of stumps, and restoration of parkways.

There are seven full-time employees in the Forestry Department, many of which are certified arborists.

Elmhurst has 30 different varieties of trees throughout the City. The Department plants around 650 trees each year and has an ongoing tree-trimming schedule with a goal to touch every tree in Elmhurst at least once every eight years.

When it comes to the health of trees, dangers can include incorrect mulching and dealing with Emerald Ash Borer and Dutch elm disease. Forestry can be a dangerous job and safety is a primary concern when it comes to staff. Residents are urged to call rather than try to trim trees themselves.

Stevens spends Arbor Day at a different Elmhurst school each year, where a celebration takes place, which includes the planting of a new tree. Another favorite part of his job includes watching the cycle of a planted tree and seeing them flourish.
City of Elmhurst
630-530-3000 
Weekdays: 8:30am - 5pm