By Dee Longfellow
For The Elmhurst Independent
A group of friends were having breakfast at a restaurant in downtown Elmhurst one day (pre-pandemic), when two people got involved in a discussion about a topic both were obviously passionate about – but on the opposite sides. The two friends listened to one another and had a long conversation and eventually, came to a peaceful conclusion to their disagreement overall.
One person at the table was Richard Reichert, president of Community Bank of Elmhurst (CBE). While he was not involved in the argument, he was able to listen in and observe.
“As I sat there listening, I realized that’s really what our town is all about,” Reichert told The Independent in an exclusive interview. “We are able to disagree, even argue over certain issues that may deeply divide us, and yet, we always maintain respect and dignity for others and we all walk away as friends with no bitterness.”
In these turbulent times of COVID-19, vaccines, mounting unemployment, economic uncertainty and finding the best way to educate our children, people are on edge and nerves can be raw, Reichert noted. While recognizing that Elmhurst is a resilient community, which can and will survive it all, he couldn’t help noticing that, even during tough times, Elmhurst residents are thoughtful, respectful and attentive to others’ feelings and opinions.
Reichert reached out to several business and community leaders to seek input into what RESPECT Elmhurst can and should be and the following statement was developed:
“The Mission of RESPECT Elmhurst is to promote kindness, respect and civility in all forms of Elmhurst’s interpersonal communication.”
Besides Reichert, others taking part in moving RESPECT Elmhurst forward include 7th Ward Ald. Mark Mulliner, Jim Collins, Kevin Diamond, Paul Kelty, Hosi Mehta, Bill Shanklin, Matt Toole; and Cassie Reichert and Megan Hanebuth, who are students at U of Illinois-Champaign.
Residents will be asked to take the RESPECT Elmhurst pledge and encourage friends and neighbors to do the same. The pledge can be taken by an individual or by groups, organizations, even extended families.
Pledge-takers are asked to agree to have their names used in RESPECT Elmhurst promotions, ads and on social media, primarily to urge more and more community members to step forward and take the pledge themselves.
Some ideas being considered for social media include posting inspirational stories or quotes, testimonials, videos, etc. Collins, who is a District 205 School Board member, said he would like to see students get involved. Someone suggested getting Elmhurst University to take part as well. Since the program is in its infancy, there will be more ideas and initiatives to follow.
While people are invited to pledge and to join, like, and follow the social media sites, at this time, social media will not be open for comments.
The RESPECT Elmhurst group plans to officially launch on Monday, Feb. 22, but details about the launch were undetermined at press time since the City remains mindful of COVID-19. More information will be published by the Elmhurst Independent as it becomes available and will be updated at www.thetindependentnewspaper.com.
