MERLE’S CORNER
April Fools’ Day is Monday, April 1, 2024. The day’s tradition includes playing hoaxes or practical jokes and then yelling April Fools’ My children loved trying to fool Dave and I.
Although we knew the scheme we laughed, but groaned inwardly. The history of April Fools” day are not truly known, but it has been celebrated for several centuries by different cultures.
April Fools' Day spread throughout Britain during the 18th century. In Scotland, the tradition became a two-day event, starting with “hunting the gowk,” in which people were sent on phony errands (gowk is a word for cuckoo bird, a symbol for fool) and followed by Tailie Day, which involved pranks played on people's derrieres, such as pinning fake tails or “kick me” signs on them.The celebration of this non-holiday continues to be international.
In modern times, people have gone to great lengths to create elaborate the hoaxes Newspapers, radio and TV stations and websites have participated in the April 1 tradition of reporting outrageous fictional claims, fooling their audiences. However with the spread of rumors and such on social media, every day could be considered April Fools’s Day.
AROUND AND ABOUT
- “History of American Pies: and Illinois Is Well Represented” is the West Chicago Public Library program at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in the main meeting room, 118 W. Washington St. Catherine Lambrecht, who achieved Grand Champion and Best of Show at the Lake County Fair for apple pie, presents the history of pies in America and Illinois. She shares a story from the Family Heirloom Recipe Contest at the Illinois State Fair. Guests enjoy a tasty treat and receive some pie recipes.To register, visit https://wcpld.info/, under calendar.
- West Chicago Garden Club meeting is Thursday, March 28, 2024, in St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 N. Prince Crossing Road. Social time is at 6:45 p.m., short business meeting at 7 p.m. and program at 7:15 p.m. Kim Hartmann presents “Best New Plants.”
Kim Hartmann has worked as a communication consultant, garden center manager and landscape designer for the last 35 years. On behalf of the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association, Illinois Green Industry Association, Perennial Plant Association and Garden Centers of America she has planned, organized and managed educational conferences, garden center and private garden tours and training sessions. She is a graduate of University of Illinois in Horticulture and Communication. Hartmann is an Illinois Certified Nursery Professional and was named ICN Pro of the Year in 2015.
- West Chicago Park District hosts a Doggie Egg Hunt at 11 a.m. Friday, March 29, 2024, at Wiggly Field Dog Park in Reed Keppler Park, 129 W. National St.. The dog-friendly event also includes a bonnet contest and photos with the bunny. Dogs must remain leashed at all times and proof of rabies vaccination is required to sign up for this event. The charge is $10 per dog for residents, $12 per dog for non-residents. To register, visit https://www.we-goparks.org/special-events.
- West Chicago Park District hosts a Recreational Adult Pickleball Tournament from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 30, 2024, in the ARC, 201 W. National St. This features a mixed-doubles Round Robin followed by single-elimination playoffs. Participants must be 18 and older. The fee of $20 per player includes game-play, lunch and prizes for first, second and third place. Players must form their own teams and have the Team Captain register. Games are self officiated. Registration deadline is Wednesday, March 20, 2024. To register, visit https://www.we-goparks.org/registration.
- The exhibit for the month of April is Gallery 200 Art Showcase. The display features the artwork of students from West Chicago Community High School. The opening reception is from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, April 4, 2024. Throughout the school year, students have grown in their mastery of materials, tools, techniques, and concepts. The student’s artwork is not only a demonstration of their technical skills but also an expression of their creativity and imagination. Artwork on display includes Drawing, Painting, Ceramics, Sculpture, Digital Photography, Graphic Art, and 3D Design. Art teachers are Megan Dulkinys and Suzanne Richardson.
At the reception, Scholastic Art Competition winners are honored at 5 p.m. Logan Reed, a junior was a Gold Key winner for his digital comic, “Paleolithic Winter.” He also was a Silver Key winner for his digital photography entry,“Industrial Batavia.” Itzel Carrasco, a senior, was Silver Key winner for the acrylic painting, “Antiques and Flowers.” Receiving an Honorable mention was Jessica Martinez Garcia,, a junior, for her watercolor painting, “The Magical Tree of Dreamland.” https://merleburl.com
- West Chicago High School Boosters hosts its popular annual Trivia Night Friday, April 5, 2024, at North Avenue Pub and Grill, 27W371 North Ave. Check in is at 6 p.m.;trivia contest begins at 7 p.m. Persons attending must be 21 years of age or older; trivia skills are optional. Trivia contestants can enter as a team of six or as an individual to be placed on a team.The cost is $20 per person, which must be paid at time of registration. To register, email Jamie Wasserstrom at Jwasserstrom@comcast.net. There is a first place prize for the winning team. Raffle tickets are $2, split the pot tickets are $5. All proceeds go to the Booster Club to benefit all West Chicago Community High School students.
- West Chicago Public Library hosts a Super Smash Bros Tournament at a 2:30 p.m. Saturday. April 6, 2024, in the main meeting room, 118 W. Washington St. The event is for persons age 18 and older. Participants show off their Smash skills and spectators cheer for their favorite. The top three winners receive a prize. snacks are served. To register, visit https://wcpld.info/, under calendar.
- The West Chicago Park District monthly social gathering for senior citizens is at noon Thursday, April 11, 2024, at the ARC, 201 W. National Street. It is the popular annual Chicken Luncheon with the West Chicago Police Department. Reservation deadline is at noon Friday,April 5, and can be made at https://www.we-goparks.org/special-events.
- We Go History, a partnership of Friends of West Chicago City Museum and Kruse House Museum hosts“Tasting the ’30s” at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 13, 2024, in the Fox Community Center, 306 Main St. Seating is limited. The ticket price is $20 for members, $22 for non-members. To reserve tickets call 630 231-3376, email wegohisoty@gmail.com or stop by the Museum, 132 Main St. Hours are 9:30 to 2:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 9:30 to 3:30 p.m. Saturdays. Guests learn about and taste foods from the 1930s during the presentation by Ellie Carlson, Chicago area performer. She is the presenter of the popular and funny “Speaking of Unmentionables: the Rise and Fall of Ladies’s Underwear” program, which she performed twice in West Chicago.
- West Chicago Park District offers the Paramount Theater series season program for adults. The fourth of the four musical productions is “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.” The time frame is noon to 5:30 p.m. Saturday May 18, 2024. The $48 charge includes the bus ride and the show. Persons purchase lunch at a local restaurant. Seats are on main lower floor. Persons under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Registration deadline is noon Monday, April 1. To make a reservation, visit https://www.we-goparks.org/adult-programs. “The show tells the inspiring true story of King’s remarkable rise to stardom as part of the hit songwriting team with her husband Gerry Goffin and going on to become one of the most successful singer, songwriter, and musicians in music history.” https://merleburl.com
SUPPORT OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES
- Friday, March 29, 2024 is National Vietnam War Veterans Day. Bunker Bar & Grill, 216 Main St., is honoring all Vietnam veterans. Owner Allan Gilbert said, “March 29 is a day to remember all of those who fought and lost their lives and those who are still fighting the battle.” https://merleburl.com
- Andrews Golf & Country Club, 2241 Route 59, holds Spring Scrambles on two courses from 8 to 10:40 a.m. The first course is the St. Andrews Course Saturday, April 6, 2024. The second course is Joe Jemsek Course Sunday, April 7. Persons can play one or both days. The foursome entry fee is i$360 pre-paid.. The fee includes the green fee, golf cart, warm up range balls, drink ticket and prize fund money. To make a reservation, visit www.standrewsgc.com/tee-times/. For further information, call 630 231-3100, extension 114. https://merleburl.com
- Hawthorne’s Backyard Bar & Grill, 1200 West Hawthorne Lane, hosts its annual Backyard Golf Outing, Saturday, May 4, 2024. The shotgun start is at 8:30 a.m. at Prairie Landing Golf Club, 2325 Longest Drive.The $125 charge includes golf, green fees, cart, driving range at the golf course, food at the course, followed by the pig roast at the restaurant. There is a $10,000 hole in one prize. The name of the winning team is engraved on the annual golf outing plaque. Visit Hawthorne’s to register with the bartender of manager. Although the outing is not until May, the spots are filling up quickly. To register, visit the restaurant and talk to the bartender or manager. (merleburl.com)
- Jorge's Paleteria, 110 S. Neltnor Blvd., has a new and tasty product, perfect for welcoming spring. It is strawberries and cream with cheesecake as a topping. https://merleburl.com
COVID-19
The DuPage County Health Department developed a dashboard to provide information on the total number of people, in DuPage County, who have tested positive for COVID-19. In addition, the dashboard includes a map which shows the distribution of reported cases by municipality and is updated at 4:00 p.m. daily. DuPage County's "COVID-19 Dashboard" is a one-stop-shop for all the information it offers including a town-by-town breakdown of cases. As of Monday, March 25, 2024, there were 12,765 cases, the same as March 18, and 67 deaths; this is the number from the beginning of track recording.
REMEMBRANCES
- Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Connie Dutchak, who at the age of 76 passed away Sept. 23, 2021.
- Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Jerome "Jerry" Worel, who at the age of 67 passed away Thursday, March 21, 2024.
- Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Robert Ricciarelli, who passed away in January 2024.
SCHOOLS
- Samantha Battaglia is the new Assistant Director of Students for West Chicago Elementary School District 33. She has 14 years of experience in special education and general education settings. In her current role as an IEP Specialist in District 33, she has helped lead teams in creating inclusive learning environments where every student can reach their full potential. She has provided various professional development opportunities for staff members, including modifying curriculum and implementing backward design, data collection and analysis, and creating meaningful learning targets for all learners. Prior to her work in D33, Samantha was a special education teacher in Glen Ellyn School District 41.
Battaglia holds a degree in elementary education with a middle school endorsement from Western Illinois University. She earned her Learning Behavior Specialist 1 endorsement from Roosevelt University and has a master’s degree in Differentiated Instruction from Concordia University in River Forest. She recently earned her principal endorsement through The American College of Education in Indianapolis. https://merleburl.com
- The boys volleyball team of Leman Middle School brought home the trophy from a recent tournament. https://merleburl.com
- Fifteen members from Business Professionals of America Chapter of West Chicago CommunityHigh School attended the State Leadership Conference. Financial Analyst Team, comprised of Ryan Slattery, Mason Ostapa, Sean Blickhan and Brian Nguyen, participated in the competition and placed 4th out of 11 teams. Aidan Ryan will be the 2024-25 BPA Illinois Vice President-Historian State Officer. https://merleburl.com
- Each semester teams in the Wheaton Academy Business Club compete against other schools in the area in the Calamos Investments MarketWatch Stock Picking Competition. Students receive portfolio selection advice, discuss market conditions, and learn about the wealth management industry while managing a $1 million virtual portfolio they build. In the Fall Semester, Wheaton Academy’s FTX Brothers, Charles Scherer, Daniel Ciszek, Thomas Sias, and Alex Bounds, won the competition, accumulating total gains of $143,000 in three months on their portfolio.
- They accomplished this impressive feat with only 14 trades. Students are building their portfolios for the Spring Semester now.https://merleburl.com
CHURCHES
- The following is a schedule of worship services and Easter activities planned by local churches for Maundy Thursday, April 6; Good Friday, April 7; Holy Saturday, April 8 and Easter Sunday, April 9, 2022.
- Community Fellowship Church, 28W240 North Ave., Good Friday services are at 6 and 7 p.m. The Easter worship services are 9 and 10:45 a.m.
- Faith Community Church, 910 Main St., Good Friday service at 6:30 p.m. The Easter worship service is at 9:30 a.m.
- Glen Arbor Community Church, 204 Church St. Good Friday service is at 7 p.m. Easter service is at 10 a.m.
- New Hope United Methodist Church, 643 East Washington St., Maundy Thursday service is at 7 p.m. Good Friday service is at 7 p.m. The Easter worship service is at 10 a.m.
- New Life Bilingual Church, 468 Ann St. Easter worship service is at 10:30 a.m.
- Real Life Church, 525 N. Neltnor Blvd., Good Friday Service is at 7 p.m. The Easter service is at 10 a.m.
- Renewal Church Easter services are at 9:30and 11 a.m. at the ARC in Reed-Keppler Park, 201 West National Street.
- Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 North Prince Crossing Road, bilingual Maundy Thursday service is at 7:00 p.m. On Good Friday, the bilingual Via Crusis (Stations of the Cross) begins at noon at the intersection of Easton and Main Streets, proceeds east on Main Street, then north on Prince Crossing Road to the church. The Good Friday service in English is at 7:00 p.m. The Easter Vigil in Spanish is at 7 p.m. Saturday.The Easter worship services are traditional at 8:00 a.m., contemporary at 10:00 a.m. and Spanish at noon. The brunch is at 11 a.m.There is an Easter Egg Hunt at 11:15 a.m.
- Mary’s Catholic Church, 140 N. Oakwood Ave. Holy Thursday is Tennebrae in Latin at 5 a.m. in chapel, the multi-lingual and Eucharist adoration.at 7 p.m. into; midnight. On Good Friday, Tennebrae in Latin at 5 a.m., the Liturgy Passion of the Lord is at 3 p.m., the live Stations of the Cross is at 4:30 p.m.and the Station of the Cross bilingual is at 7 p.m. On Holy Saturday, Tennebrae is at 5 a.m., Our Lady of Sorrow at 11 a.m. Comp Live Stations of the Cross is at 4 p.m.any Lady of Sorrow at 11 a.m., the Blessing of Meal/Baskets at 1 p.m., the Easter Vigil at 8 p.m. Easter Sunday observations take place at the regular Mass schedule.
- Michael’s United Church of Christ, 400 W. Washington St., Easter worship service is at 10 a.m. followed by brunch.
- Trinity Lutheran Church, 331 George St., Maundy Thursday service is at 7 p.m. The Good Friday service is at 7 p.m. On Easter the English worship service is at 9:30 a.m., fellowship at 10:30, Easter Egg Hunt at 11 a.m. and Spanish service at 12:30 p.m.
- West Chicago Bible Church, 209 South Oakwood Ave.,Good Friday service is at 6 p.m.Easter worship service is at 9 a.m.
- West Chicago Church of Christ, 350 James St., Easter worship service is at 9 a.m.
- Wheaton Bible Church, 27W500 North Ave., Good Friday contemporary service is at 5 p.m. and traditional service at 8:00 p.m. Easter worship services are traditional at 9:30 a.m., contemporary at 11 a.m.
CLUB/ORGANIZATION NEWS
- Southbound provides the entertainment from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, April 5, 2024, at American Legion Post 300, 132 Main St. The band performs Pop and Classic Country, Southern Rock, and some Texas Blues. Also the Fish Fry is from 4 to 8 p.m. merleburl.com)
- Gallery 200, 103 W. Washington St., has extended hours. It is now open from noon to 6 p.m. Wednesdays as well as Thursdays and Fridays, from noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
- Celebrating 41 years, the Wayne/Winfield Area Youth /Family Services Luncheon & Silent Auction was a successful fundraiser. The total amount raised was $5,886. The online bidding becomes quite competitive at the end. WAYS, having the silent auction online, finds it much more efficient and allows guests to return to work at a reasonable time
COMMUNITY MEMBERS HIGHLIGHTS
- West Chicago resident Louise Handel performs with Voices of Hope Community Chorus in its concert, “And the Oscar Goes To…Great Songs From the Movies.” The first concert is at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 13, 2024, at Pilgrim Congregational Church of Oak Park, 460 Lake St. The second concert is at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, April 14, at Glenview Community Church, 1000 Elm St. Ticket price is $25 in advance, $30 at the door.; $20 for students age 17 and under, $20 for survivors; and $22 for groups of 10 or more. Proceeds support breast cancer research and survivorship.merleburl.com)
- State Representative Jed Davis (R-Yorkville) honored former West Chicago resident Amy (Koltz) McNamara, who recently attended the Emerging Women Leaders event in Springfield. McNamara is Executive Director of CASA Kendall County. She was one of nearly 50 women from across the state that attended this event. House Republican Leader Tony McCombie also honored the contributions of these women.The event included a brunch, listening session, and informational seminars from other women in leadership roles.
CASA Kendall County is a not-for-profit membership organization, which advocates for the best interest of abused and neglected children in the Kendall County court system. “We train and support dedicated community volunteers who serve to protect our abused and neglected children’s right to a safe and permanent home. We are the child’s voice in court.” www.merleburl.com)
- Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists recognized three West Chicago Police officers for their exemplary performance in DUI Enforcement. The officers are Adam Chapman for 100 DUI arrests, Blake Bertany for 75 DUI arrests and K9 Officer Justin Rigler for 75 DUI arrests. Alcohol impaired drivers are responsible for a significant amount of motor vehicle crashes involving serious injury and loss of life. The Police Department asks the public not to drink and drive; make arrangements for a sober driver and/or Uber/Lyft/Taxi. merleburl.com)
- Maggi Capettini, former educational director at West Chicago City Museum, has artwork on display in the Batavia Fine Art Centre Gallery, 1250 W. Wilson St., through May 2024. The exhibition, “Home,” showcases various artists’ exploration of home through their surroundings, memories, fantasies, and more.
CITY OF WEST CHICAGO
- The City free leaf pickup takes from the week of Monday, April 1, through Friday, April 12, 2024, on regularly scheduled garbage pick up days. Leaves must be in “Kraft” bags. Stickers are not required. No other yard waste is to be mixed with the leaves.
- Yard waste collection begins Monday, April 1, 2024, and continues through November on regular garbage pick up days. These must be placed in a “Kraft” bag with a universal sticker or a 9-gallon yard waste can.
- The City of West Chicago is currently accepting statements of interest for its vacant Ward 7 alderman position. This is for the unexpired term of John Jakabcsin, who resigned for personal reasons in June 2023. Applicants must be residents of Ward 7. To view current council members and a map of the Council wards, visit https://westchicago.org/elected-officials/#citycouncil. The statements should include a brief summary of how one’s life experiences, education and/or professional background/expertise have prepared one for this position, one’s interest in the position and reason for interest, areas of interest in local government, areas in which one has volunteered or contributed to the community and any other information one feels is pertinent. To submit statements of interest email aadm@westchicago.org by Sunday, March 31, 2024.
- The West Chicago Historical Preservation Commission can assist persons on discovering if their home has historical significance. If a home is deemed historic, it may qualify for local landmark designation, fostering pride in ownership and honoring the City’s heritage. Additionally, eligible homes undergoing substantial restoration projects may benefit from a property tax assessment freeze through the Illinois State Historic Preservation Office. For further information, call 630 293-2247 or visit https://westchicago.org/community-development/historic-preservation/. To check to see if the home has historical significance, visit https://westchicago.org/news/does-your-home-have-historical-significance/#form.
A Preservation Ordinance was enacted in 1990 that established the West Chicago Historical Preservation Commission The commission consists of seven members who are appointed by the Mayor with the consent of City Council and who have demonstrated special interests, experience or education in history, architecture or the preservation of historic resources. There are two historic districts in West Chicago, East Washington Historic District and Turner Junction Historic District.
The West Chicago City Museum is a good source for discovering the history of one’s home, whether it is of historic significance or not. Researching the history of a home is a rewarding experience. For further information, call the Museum at 630 231-3375 or email email wegohisoty@gmail.com. www.merleburl.com)
- At the Monday, March 18, 2024 meeting, City Council approved the contract with Windy City of West Chicago in the amount of $53,026.69 for new holiday light pole decor of snowmen and snowflakes.
Also approved was a contract for the 2024 Roadway Rehabilitation Project in the amount of $94,0368.23 to Schroeder Asphalt Services, Inc. of Huntley. The Item Summary states, The project “includes resurfacing approximately 1.55 miles of various streets in the City…The scope of work generally consists of pavement milling, Hot Mix Asphalt resurfacing, full-depth HMA pavement patching, intermittent concrete sidewalk, including ADA curb ramps, intermittent combination concrete curb and gutter removal and replacement, storm and sanitary sewer repairs, including storm and sanitary structure replacement and adjustments, parkway restoration, thermoplastic pavement markings and all incidental and miscellaneous work necessary to to complete the work.”
Council approved a contract amendment No. 1 with Cemetery Management, Inc. (John B. Reynolds) for Cemetery Sexton Services in an amount of $25,000 for a revised not to exceed contract amount of $45,00 for FY 2024. The time summary states, “Annually the City employs, as an independent contractor, a Cemetery Sexton to supervise and direct all activities in the Glen Oak and Oakwood Cemeteries, including, but not limited to, sales of gravesites, performing grave openings and closings, ground maintenance, and preparation and maintenance of records and reports for submittal to the City.”
Also approved was a zoning text amendment to update design standards. The Item Summary states the amendment“allows greater flexibility in the type of materials allowed to be used in construction and renovation projects in commercial and multi-family buildings”…Design standards in the Zoning Code permits only brick and and stone to be used for commercial structures and requires that multi-family buildings contain at least 90 percent brick and stone. The amendment allows other primary materials than brick and stone, including fiber cement siding, textured CMU and stucco.
ODDS AND ENDS
- A fire was reported just before 10:30 p.m.Tuesday, March 19, 2024, on W. Pomeroy St. West Chicago Fire Protection District companies arrived on scene within four minutes of being dispatched and found a rear deck fully engulfed that had extended into the attic space. Crews quickly knocked the bulk of the fire down from the exterior. They then entered the structure and extinguished the fire in the attic. There were no reported injuries to occupants or firefighters. The cause of the fire is undetermined, but appears to be accidental in nature. The home suffered significant damage and is uninhabitable. Assisting were Carol Stream Fire Protection District, Wheaton Fire Protection District and Winfield Fire Protection District. merleburl.com)
- The weather certainly was different for the West Chicago Park District’s Grand Openings and Ribbon Cuttings for the new playgrounds at Cornerstone LakesPark and Prince Crossing Park. The weather for the Cornerstone Park was more springlike on Wednesday, March 20. On the other hand, the weather for the Prince Crossing Park was definitely winter like on Thursday, March 21, requiring cold weather wear. GrandPlayCore’s Center for Outreach, Research, and Education awarded its National Demonstration Site® Designation to WCPD for thoughtfully aligning with evidence-based design best practices to promote youth physical activity, nature play, and inclusive play for all abilities. merleburl.com)
My email address is merleburl@earthlink.net.