MERLE’S CORNER
Thursday, March 15, is known as the Ides of March, an unlucky day associated with misfortune and doom. It definitely was not a good day for dictator Julius Caesar. In 44 bce, he was assassinated in front of the Roman Senate. Then William Shakespeare dramatized the event in his play about Caesar with the quote, “beware the Ides of March.”
AROUND AND ABOUT
- “Virtual Chair Yoga” is the West Chicago Public Library program at 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 13, 2024. Susan from Dancing Cranes demonstrates the benefits of yoga without getting down on the floor. In an hour of Chair Yoga, persons breathe more deeply; stretch, strengthen and move their body; relieve stress and relax. To register visit info, under event calendar.
- West Chicago Public Library program, “Betty White: A Lifetime of Laughter,”is at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 13, 2024, in the main meeting program, 118 W. Washington St. Through a multimedia presentation of photos, video clips and captivating stories, film historian Dr. Anne Bochenek gives the presentation about White’s early years, career highlights and legacy. An actress and activist, comedian Betty White was a woman of many achievements both on and off the screen. To register, visit https://wcpld.info/, under calendar.
Dr. Bochenek is an archivist, professor, film historian, and avid scholar of Hollywood’s Golden Age. She manages the “Hometowns to Hollywood” blog. Her articles have appeared in many Hollywood related publications. https://merleburl.com
- West Chicago Park District hosts Paint & Sip, “Celestial Frontier .” at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 14, 2024, in the ARC at Reed-Keppler Park, 201 W. National St. The cost is $42, which includes all supplies. To register, visit https://www.we-goparks.org/adult-programs. The instructor is from Pinot’s Palette. The event is geared for persons 14 and over. Painters over the age of 21 may bring their own bottle of wine.
- “A Haunting in Venice” is the movie for the West Chicago Public Library Adult Saturday Film Series. It takes place at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 16, 2024, in the main meeting room, 118 W. Washington St. It is a 2023 American mystery film produced and directed by Kenneth Branagh from a screenplay byMichaelGreen, loosely based on the 1969 Agatha Christie novel, “Halloween Party.” It is set in eerie, post-World War II Venice on All Hallows’ Eve and is a terrifying mystery featuring the return of the celebrated sleuth, Hercule Poirot. Now retired and living in self-imposed exile in the world’s most glamorous city, Poirot reluctantly attends a séance at a decaying, haunted palazzo. When one of the guests is murdered, the detective is thrust into a sinister world of shadows and secrets. The stars are Kenneth Branagh and Tina Fey.. Snacks are served. https://merleburl.com)
- American Legion Post 300, 123 Main St., hosts a St. Patrick’s Day Party Friday, March 15, 2024 2024. 0n the menu from 3 to 9 p.m are Reuben sandwiches, plus the Fish Fry. Persons can eat in or take out. To order ahead, call 630 231-2112. Whiskey Creek band provides the entertainment for 7 to 10 p.m. The Southern rock band performs throughout the Midwest including the Arcada Theatre in St. Charles is as well as the House of Blues in Chicago. https://merleburl.com
- West Chicago Public Library offers a Microsoft Excel computer class at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 19, 2024, in the conference room, 118 W. Washington St. Topics covered include layout and basic functions; entering and editing data;using multiple spreadsheets in the same workbook; formatting and sorting data; writing and understanding formulas. To register, visit https://wcpld.info/, under calendar.
- Healthy West Chicago and West Chicago Public Library host a free virtual family cooking class, “Heart Healthy Recipes” at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March. 20, 2024, via Zoom. Chef Maria gives tips on eating healthy, saving time in the kitchen and involving children in food preparation, plus demonstrates how to make the featured recipe, Salmon with Honey-Balsamic Glaze. To register visit https://wcpld.info, under calendar. Following the class, all participants attending the class are entered into a drawing to win a $20 gift card.
- West Chicago Public Library presents the virtual “Ruth E. Carter: Interweaving Tradition and Imagination Through Costume Design” program through Illinois Libraries Program at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 20, 2024. To register, visit https://wcpld.info/, under calendar.
Carter made history as the first Black person to win the Costume Design category, winning an Academy Award for “Black Panther” and “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.” Ruth E. Carter’s ability to develop an authentic story through costume and character makes her one of the most sought after and renowned costume designers today. Carter is known for her research and diligence to the craft of costume design, specifically for her work for period ensemble films such as Lee Daniels’ “The Butler, Selma, and Marshall. Joining her is Aisha Harris, co-host of NPR’s “Pop Culture Happy Hour” and author of “Wannabe.”
- West Chicago City Museum presents the Historiography program, a non-fiction book reading group, at 1 p.m.Thursday, March 21, 2024, in the Museum, 132 Main St .The book is “On Her Ground: The Life and Times of Madam C. J. Walker.” by A’Lelia Bundles. To get a copy of the book or for further information, visit Friends of West Chicago City Museum website, com or call 630 231-3376. It is not necessary to read the book to attend.
Written by her great-great-grandaughter, the biography of one of history's great entrepreneurs and philanthropists, Madam C. J. Walker, is told through personal letters, records, and never-before-seen photographs from the family collection. Per Amazon, “The daughter of formerly enslaved parents, Sarah Breedlove—who would become known as Madam C. J. Walker—was orphaned at seven, married at fourteen, and widowed at twenty. She spent the better part of the next two decades laboring as a washerwoman for $1.50 a week. Then—with the discovery of a revolutionary hair care formula for black women—everything changed. By her death in 1919, Walker managed to overcome astonishing odds: building a storied beauty empire from the ground up, amassing wealth unprecedented among black women, and devoting her life to philanthropy and social activism. Along the way, she formed friendships with great early-twentieth-century political figures such as Ida B. Wells, Mary McLeod Bethune, W.E.B. Du Bois, and Booker T. Washington.”
- West Chicago Park District hosts a Grand Opening for the new Cornerstone Lakes Park playground, 2199 Smith Road, at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 20, 2024. The event includes the official ribbon cutting, sweet treats and fun.Grand PlayCore’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.
- https://merleburl.com
- West Chicago Park District hosts a Grand Opening for the new Prince Crossing Park playground, 719 Hampton Course, at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 21, 2024. The event includes the ribbon cutting, treats and fun. 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.
- https://merleburl.com
- West Chicago Community High School, 326 Joliet St., hosts a Meet & Greet for the new Superintendent, Dr. Kurt Johansen, from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 21, 2024. It takes place in room 114. Refreshments are served. https://merleburl.com
- In March the artwork of students in Evergreen School at Benjamin School District 25 are on display at Gallery 200 103 W. Washington St. The reception is from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, March 21, 2024. https://merleburl.com
- West Chicago Park District holds a Flashlight Egg Hunt Friday, March 22, 2024, at Reed-Keppler Park,129 W. National St. Check-in begins at 7:15 and the hunt begins at 7:40 p.m. The charge is $10 per child for residents, $12 for non-residents, and no charge for parents. It is for children ages 3 to 12 with the hunt divided into age groups. Following the hunt, participants go to the ARC, 201 W. National St., to redeem eggs. To register, visit https://www.we-goparks.org/special-events . Pre-registration is not required. Persons can just walk up if not pre-registered. https://merleburl.com
- Prairie Landing Golf Club, 2325 Longest Drive, hosts an Easter Egg Hunt at 11 a..m. Saturday, March 23, 2024. The charge is $25 for adults , $30 for children. The children’s price includes 10 eggs per child hidden around the clubhouse or practice greens depending on the weather, kid-friendly buffet and pictures with the Easter Bunny. The buffet includes pulled pork, chicken tenders, salad, mac and cheese and French fries. Reservations are due by Monday, March 18, and can be made by calling 630 208-7641.
- 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.
SUPPORT OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES
- The course at Prairie Landing Golf Club, 2325 Longest Drive, is scheduled to open on Monday, March 18, 2024, weather permitting). Tee times will be available to book 72 hours in advance. The course will currently be cart path only. https://merleburl.com
- Hawthorne’s Backyard Bar & Grill, 1200 W. Hawthorne Lane, holds its second annual Talent Quest at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 23, 2024. Acoustic musicians perform, competing for prizes, which includes a guaranteed booking during Hawthorne’s 2024 Patio Live Music season. Secret judges are in the audience, scoring each performer on song selection, vocal abilities guitar abilities, sportsmanship and stage presence. For further information and to register to perform, email Robert at playguitar1@gmail.com. https://merleburl.com
- Many of the local eating establishments are having specials St. Patrick’s Day weekend and for Easter Sunday.
- Recently opening is Uzzana Occasions, 245 W. Roosevelt Road, Building 8, Units 54 to 57. The business offers event decorator services and floral arrangements.
- Slice Spot, 960 E. Roosevelt Road, has new signs made by Signage of West Chicago. They are striking and informational, showing graphically what the restaurant serves—pizza, pasta and wings. https://merleburl.com
- Opening recently is 5 Points Productions,1002 Carolina Drive. The business fabricates/assembles holiday props.
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, Feb. 26, 2024, there were 12,756 cases and 67 deaths; this is the number from the beginning of track recording.
REMEMBRANCES
- Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Dennis B. Moffatt, who at the age of 89 passed away Friday, March 1, 2024.
- Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Fidel Reyes, who at the age of 69, passed away Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024.
- Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Virginia “Ginny” Myers, who at the age of 81 passed away Friday, Feb. 16, 2024.
- Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Suzanne "Sue" C. Rahe, who at the age 83 passed away Wednesday, March 6, 2024,
- Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of David L.Skip” Higgins, who at the age of 92 passed away Tuesday, March 5, 2024.
SCHOOLS
- Benjamin Theater Club presents “Newsies” in the large gym at Benjamin Middle School, 28W300 St. Charles Road. Performances are at 6:30 p.m. Friday, March 15, and at 2 and 6 p.m. Saturday, March 16, 2024. Ticket price is $5 in advance and $6 at door. To order tickets, visit https://www.bendist25.org/.
- Summer School in West Chicago Elementary School District 33 is open to all students currently in Kindergarten through eighth grade. Accelerated and Enrichment programming also is running during summer school. This year, summer school's focus is to increase reading and math skills. Students engage in reading, writing, and math through STEM and thematic units.
Hours and dates are from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday, starting June 24 and ending July 25, 2024, in Leman Middle School, 238 E. Hazel St. Bus transportation is provided for those students who qualify. The deadline for registering is Friday, March 22. To register, visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScWP4W-dz80IlCvFSuO2W5E1Cl6p9EFWxzva9SOnwR0fCYaOg/viewform.
- Twelve students from Wheaton Academy represented the school in the DECA business competition at Rosemont. Of those attending, nine placed n the top ten of their competition, six placed in the top four and seven qualified for Nationals. DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe. Its flagship evaluation process involves students in both a written component such as an exam or report and an interactive component with an industry professional serving as a judge. https://merleburl.com
- The administrative team of West Chicago Elementary School District 33 recently had intensive Incident Command Structure training during its monthly safety meeting. The district continues to fine tune its emergency response to ensure common language throughout the district. The individual school incident command teams also receive this training.https://merleburl.com
- As part of the "For Generations to Come" campaign, Wheaton Academy introduces the Cross Plaza, a new addition at the heart of its campus. This plaza will serve as a visible proclamation of its faith and embody its commitment to Christ-centered education. https://merleburl.com
- West Chicago Community High School finished in first place at the 28th annual Illinois LifeSmarts competition Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2024. In the finals, West Chicago defeated DePaul College Prep High School by a score of 95-60. Senior Angie Jacobo was the captain. Other members were seniors Eric Diaz, Zitlaly Garcia-Medina, and freshman Alexander Jacobo. Don Zabelin is the coach.
LifeSmarts, a program of the National Consumers League, evaluates students’ knowledge of personal finance, technology, the environment, health & safety, and consumer rights. LifeSmarts begins as an online competition and concludes in a quiz bowl, in person competition. https://merleburl.com
- The Wheaton Academy Varsity Quizbowl team recently competed in Regionals at Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy. The team competed in three rounds with the final round facing IMSA. It was a tight game but the team won 470- 450. The team now goes to sectionals. https://merleburl.com
- The Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave., currently is currently hosting the Upstate 8 Conference Art Show through Monday, April 1, 2024. This is a conference wide juried art show, where students from all 10 conference schools submitted artwork in different categories, which included Painting, Digital Photography, Drawing, Digital Illustration, Ceramic sand Sculpture and more. There are approximately 100 pieces in the show.
West Chicago Community High School students participated in the show, some receiving recognition from the judges. In the Drawing category were Ruben Coss and Mildred Varagas Morales, who received an Honorable Mention. Digital Photography participants were Logan Reed ,receiving First Place, and Sabrina Anderson. Participants in the Painting category were Jessica Martinez Garcia, Grecia Slazar and Itzel Corrasco, winning Third Place. Marlene Perez was the entrant in Ceramics. The entrant in Sculpture was Brektti Hernandez. https://merleburl.com
- Dan Guerrero is the next assistant principal of Indian Knoll School. He obtained his first teaching position as a second-grade dual language teacher at Gary School. He then moved away from the area for two years, where he spent some time as a sixth through twelfth grade English as a second language teacher in Galesburg.Guerrero returned to District 33, teaching third-grade dual language at Currier School for eight years before taking on his first leadership position in the district. His most recent role has been as a Multilingual Learner Instructional Coach at Pioneer School with a designation as a Teacher On Special Assignment.
He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Northern Illinois University, a Master of Arts Degree in Teaching English as a Second Language from Dominican University in River Forest, and is currently earning a Master of Education Degree in Educational Leadership with Principal Endorsement from North Central College in Naperville.
As a West Chicago resident, he and his wife, Kristen, a math teacher at Leman Middle School, are also District 33 parents to a child at Gary School and one at Pioneer Preschool. As youth, Guerrero was a student at Gary School, Currier School, West Chicago Middle School, and West Chicago Community High School. https://merleburl.com
CHURCHES
- Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 N.Prince Crossing Road, hosts Lifeline Screening Thursday, March 21, 2024. The four screenings take 60 to 90 minutes to complete. To register call 844 591-7160, text the word “circle to 215 279-1607 or online https://llsa.social/HC. The screenings go beyond regular checkups to identify dangerous plaque buildup or blockage.
- Faith Community Church, 910 Main St., hosts “Bach’s Cross & Irish Music,” a chamber music concert, at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, March 23, 2024. Jake Muzzy plays the cello and Heather Muzzy plays the harp. To reserve seats, visit us. The concert also will be streamed at: https://realconcerts.us/. There is a pay what you want with a request for a one dollar minimum. https://merleburl.com
- United Women in Faith of New Hope United Methodist Church are once again baking homemade pecan pies. The price is $9 for a half pie and $18 for a whole pie. Deadline for ordering is Sunday, March 24, 2024. Pies will be ready for pick up after 12:30 p.m. Friday, March 29, from 10 a.m. to noon.Saturday, March 30, or 10 a.m.Easter Sunday, March 31, at the church, 643 E. Washington Street. Deadline to order is Sunday, March 24. Call the church office at 630-231-3344 or email office@newhopeum.church to place an order. Proceeds benefit a variety of mission and relief programs. https://merleburl.com
COMMUNITY MEMBERS HIGHLIGHTS
- The American Horticultural Society honored the late Jim Nau, posthumously, as the recipient of the Liberty Hyde Bailey Award. He was a distinguished figure in the horticultural field, serving as the greenhouse, gardens, and trials manager at Ball Horticultural Company for 37 years. “Nau excelled in plant variety trialing, becoming a leading researcher recommending top varieties to North American growers. Beyond trials, he was a respected historian in the seed and horticulture sectors, documenting key industry figures and legacies, including Claude Hope. Nau’s impact extended through publications and speaking engagements on plant-related topics. As a mentor and leader, he held leadership roles in professional organizations and mentored numerous interns, leaving a legacy of knowledge and passion for future horticulturists.” Nau, at the age of 65 passed away July 20, 2023.
The Liberty Hyde Bailey Award is the Society’s highest award and is given to an individual who has made significant lifetime contributions to at least three of the horticultural fields, teaching, research, communications, plant exploration, administration, art, business, and leadership.It was first awarded in 1958. Bailey, 1858-1954, was an American horticulturist and reformer of rural life. He was co-founder of the American Society for Horticultural Science. He was instrumental in starting agricultural extension services, the 4-H movement, nature study movement, parcel post and rural electrification. https://merleburl.com
CLUB/ORGANIZATION NEWS
- People’s Resource Center hosts its Ninth Annual Career Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, March 14, 2024, in the Wheaton Public Library, 225 N. Cross St. Visitors have the opportunity to interact with more than 20 employers from DuPage County. Also they learn about other resources to help them land a job. Registration is free and required for participation. To register, visit https://bit.ly/prc-cf.. https://merleburl.com
- West Chicago and Taufkirchen (Vils) Germany are Sister Cities and this year are celebrating the 25 year partnership. Visitors from Germany are here from Thursday, May 9, through Monday, May 20, 2024. West Chicago Sister Cities is seeking host families for these guests, approximately 20, all adults, singles and couples, ranging in age from the 20s to senior citizens. For further information or to volunteer, email wcsistercities@gmail.com
Host families provide room and some meals. Guests need some transportation to events; other volunteers can assist with this. The guests have a busy schedule and at some of the evening events, host families can join. On the weekends, host families entertain the guests. This is a great opportunity to learn about another culture, plus host families and guest usually for a lasting friendship. https://merleburl.com
- The “chefs” were busy cooking pancakes for the more than 250 people attending the Pancake Breakfast of the West Chicago Lions Club and West Chicago Rotary Club Sunday, March 3, 2024. Entertaining the guests were students from Front Street Dance in Winfield, District 33 Ballet Folklorico and District 33 Mariachi Band. Jeff won $191 in the 60/40 Raffle and donated his winnings back to the clubs. Assisting at the breakfast were members of Interact Club and National Honor Society at West Chicago Community High School. They were Neeraj Vangara, Fenil Patel, Darsh Singh, Jessica Thunberg and Mariana Sandoval. Probably one of the most enjoyable parts of the breakfast is visiting with the other guests. https://merleburl.com
CITY OF WEST CHICAGO
- For the first time, West Chicago Police Department is entering a retired police car in the 2024 Five 0 race for Special Olympics at Grundy County Speedway, 8890 N Rt. Illinois 47. This is a stock car race in which law enforcement personnel race vehicles decked out in their department’s patrol colors and decals. Emergency lights are encouraged to add to the fanfare. The race takes place Saturday, June 15, 2024. At this time West Chicago Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 85 is seeking sponsors to help cover costs of getting the squad car ready, plus raise funds for Special Olympics Illinois. Sponsors logos are placed on the car. The more funds raised, the better the starting position. Businesses, clubs and organization interested in being a sponsor, email Detective Sergeant Robbi Peterson at rpeterson@westchicago.org or Officer Gerardo Solis at gsolis@westchicago.org. https://merleburl.com
ODDS AND ENDS
- West Chicago Park District has an Early Bird Sale for season passes at Turtle Splash Water Park, 129 W. National St., through Tuesday. April 30, 2024. The charge is $80 for residents and $97 for non-residents. To purchase a pass, visit https://www.we-goparks.org/registration or at the front desk in the ARC, 201 W. National St. https://merleburl.com
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