‘It creates positivity’: Messages of good character being etched on sidewalks throughout Elk Grove

Be kind. Do good. Believe in yourself. You are loved. You matter.

Then there’s the play on words in front of Jarosch Bakery: Life is what you bake of it.

Those are among the dozens of messages etched on the sidewalks of Elk Grove Village this week, where the local Community Character Coalition chapter distributed chalk to schools, businesses, governmental organizations, churches and residents to spread messages and pictures of good character.

“It creates positivity. It creates something wonderful for our village,” said village Trustee Tammy Miller, a member of the coalition and one of the organizers of this week’s “Chalk It Up To Character” initiative. “Good character is always important. It’s the foundation of what we all have as values.”

Among the chalkers Wednesday were students at Queen of the Rosary School, Admiral Byrd Elementary School, business park employees at Tasty Catering and That’s Caring gift basket company, and members of the police, fire and public works departments.