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MERLE’S CORNER
It is hard to believe Labor Day is almost here, Monday, September 2, to be exact. It is a federal holiday in the United States celebrated on the first Monday of September. According to Wikipedia, the holiday honors and recognizes the American labor movement and the works and contributions of laborers to the development and achievements of the United States,.
Before it became a federal holiday, Labor Day was recognized by labor activists and individual states. Municipal ordinances were passed in 1885 and 1886. A movement developed to secure state legislation. On February 21, 1887, Oregon was the first state to pass a law recognizing Labor Day. By the end of the 1880’s many states followed suit. Congress passed an act making the first Monday in September a legal holiday on June 28, 1894.
AROUND AND ABOUT
- As the“Olmec Trails: Culture and Legacy” exhibit nears its conclusion at the end of October, there are several activities for the public to enjoy. Mexican Cultural Center DuPage and City of West Chicago have several projects planned for the community.
- The outdoor exhibit features 33 large, brightly colored, hand-painted renditions of iconic Mesoamerican sculptures. The four located in West Chicago are at Kruse House Museum, 527 Main St.; West Chicago Public Library, 118 W. Washington St.; Reed-Keppler Park, Fremont and West National St.; and Kline Creek Farm, 1N600 County Farm Road. There are informational plaques on each of the Olmec heads.
A new exhibit, “Olmec History Comic Book” is at Gallery 200, 103 W. Washington St. The illustrations relate the stories behind 17 of the 33 unique sculptures. Hours are from noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, and from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.
There are two workshops for children ages 5 through 13 Wednesday, Aug. 28, at Gallery 200. The workshops, led by MCCD staff, feature storytelling, coloring pages, play-doh and clay sculpting, and creating small props inspired by the comic book exhibit. There is no chance, but reservations are required at https://westchicago.org/west-chicago-olmec-trails/.
- Partnering, the West Chicago Public Library and the West Chicago Park District offer a summer concert series in the Shell at Reed-Keppler Park, 832 Arbor Ave. The third concert features Hector Fernandez at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024. He has been playing the guitar since the age of 10. At first he played many different styles of music, but then he expanded his studies to Spanish Classical, Flamenco, Latin and South American Styles, traditional jazz, and pop. Among his many performances, his venues include McCormick Place, Chicago Botanic Gardens, The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium and Art Institute of Chicago.
- The West Chicago Public Library program, “The History of Billy Joel,” is at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024, in the meeting room, 118 W. Washington St. Gary Wenstrup discusses Billy Joel, the American singer, songwriter and pianist, known as the "Piano Man”. To register, visit https://wcpld.librarycalendar.com/events/month/.
Joel has had a successful career as a solo artist since the 1970s. From 1971 to 1993, he released 12 studio albums spanning the genres of pop and rock. Some of his hit songs include “Just the Way You Are,” “Movin’ Out,” “Only the Good Die Young” and “She’s Always a Woman.” Joel has been nominated for 23 Grammy Awards, winning six, inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1992 and was recognized at the 2013 Kennedy Center Honors.
After a rewarding career in advertising sales, Gary Wenstrup retired and developed courses on the Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel and Motown Records for the Continuing Education Department of College of DuPage. He has lectured at more than 200 libraries across the country. His Beatles presentation was deemed “The Best of The Best” by the Library Administrators Conference of Northern Illinois.
- “Better Late than Never” is the exhibit for the Month of September at Gallery 200, 103 W. Washington St. The display features the artwork of Blue Kubica. The artist’s reception is from 6 to 8 p.m.;Friday, Sept. 6, 2024; snacks and drinks are served.
Depictions of whimsey and strange are brought to life by Blue’s cute market art. Blue is a fan of horror and fantasy, and this comes through in his art. The artist used markers since a young child. Through online art communities, Blue started taking art and improvements seriously when about 15 years old. To reconnect with an art community and focus on the love and improvement again after the Pandemic, Blue joined Gallery 200. merleburl.com
- West Chicago Historical Society hosts its Annual Ice Cream Social from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, at the Kruse House Museum, 527 Main St. The $5 ticket price includes ice cream, homemade desserts and beverage. There are raffles for various items. The KHM is open for tours. Guests can tour the gardens, maintained by the West Chicago Garden Club. The event is a perfect time to visit with friends and neighbors on the large grounds of the KHM.
- West Chicago Park District hosts a 10th Anniversary Celebration of the opening of the ARC Center from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, in the facility, 201 W. National St. Many fun activities take place. There is a scavenger hunt throughout the facility. In addition to informational tables about the ARC and exclusive promotions, guests have complimentary access to the fitness center, gym, and the indoor playground Tree Top Escape. com
- West Chicago Parks Foundation hosts Partners Disc Golf Tournament at 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, at Kress Creek Farms, 30W150 Wilson Road. The charge is $40 for a team of two, and includes two Frisbee discs for participants to use and take home. To register, visit https://www.westchicagoparksfoundation.org/. Game play is nine holes, shotgun start and best disc. Persons not knowing how to play receive instructions. com
- Healthy West Chicago presents the program, “Seed Harvesting,” at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept.11, 2024, in the meeting room at the West Chicago Public Library, 118 W. Washington St. To register, visit https://www.healthywestchicago.org/gardeneducationprograms. The program demonstrates the benefits and basics of harvesting seeds from gardens and yards. Attendees can enter into a drawing for a free seed harvesting kit.
- West Chicago Park District holds an Adult Puzzle Pursuit at 6:30 p.m. 13, 2024, in the ARC, 201 W. National St. The event is for persons age 21 and over.Teams of 2 to 4 people race against each other to finish the same 500 piece custom park district puzzle, with up to two hours to complete it. There are prizes for the first three teams. Participants can bring their own adult beverages and snacks; concessions are available. The cost is $35 per team for residents and $42 per team for non-residents. Each team keeps their own custom puzzle. Registration is required by Monday, Sept.2, and may be made at https://www.we-goparks.org/adult-programs. merleburl.com
- West Chicago Park District hosts a trip to see the 3 Tenors program Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. Scheduled time is 9:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The charge of $67 includes transportation, lunch and the program. Registration deadline is Sunday, Sept. 1, 2024, and can be made at https://www.we-goparks.org/adult-programs. The lunch menu is chicken parmesan served with Italian green beans and garlic bread. Established in 2006, the Tenors 3 are Richard Gersten, Oscar Mineyo, and Luis Galvez. They are a professional trio of classically trained tenor vocalists presenting a diverse musical landscape encompassing opera, broadway, operetta, standards, ethnic favorites and holiday melodies.
- West Chicago Park District offers the 2024-25 Paramount Theater series season program for adults. The first of the four musical productions is “The Full Monty.” The time frame is noon to 5:30 p.m. Saturday. Oct.18, 2024. The $49 charge includes the bus ride and the show. Persons purchase lunch at a local restaurant. Seats are on the main lower floor. Persons under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Registration deadline is noon Monday, Sunday, Sept. 1. To make a reservation, visit https://www.we-goparks.org/adult-programs.
As a 10-time Tony Award nominee, the musical follows the fortunes of six unemployed steelworkers in Buffalo, New York. Together they create a male strip show to help pay their mortgages and provide for their families
SUPPORT OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES
- Hawthorne’s Backyard Bar & Grill, 1200 W. Hawthorne Lane, has a Painting Night at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024. Registration deadline is Monday, Sept. 2, and may be made at https://www.hawthornesbackyard.com/upcoming-events. The registration fee of $43 covers all supplies including stencils for Stars & Sports team logo. Participants paint their own Chicago Sports Themed 16x 20 inch canvas. After registration, artist instructor Kelley sends an email requesting choice of logo. com
- Prairie Landing Golf Club, 2325 Longest Drive, hosts a Pig Roast Luau Party at 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6, 2024. The $46 per person charge for the pig roast buffet includes whole pig roasted pork, chicken kabobs, build your own baked potato bar, creamy coleslaw, baked mac & cheese, corn on the cob, cornbread, bread pudding and assorted cookies. Reservation are required by, Tuesday, Sept. 3, and cam be made by calling 630 208-7641 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.
- Prairie Landing Golf Club and Color Me Mine Geneva pottery painting host a Paint and Sip at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, at the golf club, 2325 Longest Drive. The $65 charge includes one glass of house wine or domestic beer, assorted flatbreads and small pottery pitcher project supplies from Color Me Mine . To register , visit https://geneva.colormemine.com/events/, under events. com
- West Chicago Taverna, 956 N. Neltnor Blvd., is now open. To view the fusion restaurant menu, visit, https://www.facebook.com/westchicagotaverna/. Hours are 4 to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 3 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. Friday, 1 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. Saturday, and 1 to 11 p.m. Sunday. The telephone number is 331-240-2432. com
- Spartan Education Group, which operates the Illinois Aviation Academy at DuPage Airport, recently entered a partnership with Atlas Air Inc. to operate the Atlas Cadet Academy .Per the press release, “This initiative offers participants a defined pathway to potential career opportunities with Atlas by providing a comprehensive curriculum covering essential aeronautical knowledge and preparation for Federal Aviation Administration certification and rating exams.”
- Recently new to the staff at Kramer[s Tree Services areJeremy Lake as Production and Safety Manager and Sam Thiem as Marketing and Communications Manager.
REMEMBRANCES
- Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Dallas Reid, who at the age of 85 passed away, Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024.
- Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Patricia A. Murphy (nee Karvatt), who at the age of 88 passed away Tuesday Aug. 20, 2024.
- Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Lois Moede Israel, who at the age of 92 passed away Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024.
- Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of José A. "Chonito" Ballines,who at the age of 65 passed away Sunday, Aug. 25, 2024.
- Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Laurance E. Risch, who at the age of 87 passed away Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024.
- Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Timothy Irwin Reist, who at the age of 61 passed away, Monday, Aug. 21, 2024
SCHOOLS
- In West Chicago Elementary School District 33 the first day of the 2024/25school for first through eighth grade students is Thursday, Aug. 29, for kindergarten is Friday, Aug. 29, and for preschool is Wednesday, Sept.4.
- Some Leman Middle School and West Chicago Community High School students participated in the Teachers of Tomorrow program this summer. Gina Steinbrecher, District Assistant Director of Communications and Community Relations, explained, “District 33 is committed to education and the development of new teachers. District 33’sTeachers of Tomorrow program targets middle school and high school students who possess a passion for education and seek to become a teachers. Students in the Teachers of Tomorrow program work as classroom assistants during preschool and elementary summer and Extended School Year.” com
- The West Chicago Lions Club hosted its 58th annual New Teachers Recognition for West Chicago Elementary School District 33 at a breakfast Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024, in the cafetorium at Leman Middle School. District Superintendent Kristine Davis was among the guests attending. Western DuPage Chamber of Commerce gave bags filled with donations from its members to the new faculty and staff.
Dan Czuba, Lions Club member, was moderator for the program. Leading the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance was Lion Clubs member Sterling Price, owner of the UPS Store. Lions Club member Frank Lenertz gave the invocation.
Mayor Ruben Pineda welcomed teachers to the community. “ I was a Turner Tiger, attended elementary, junior high, now middle school, and high school. ”After I graduated from each one, an addition was built.”The school system is an important one for the community. “Education is a number one priority,” emphasizing the importance of Educare West Dupage. “The West Chicago location is eleventh out of twenty seven, and the only one located in a suburban community.” When these children enter Kindergarten, they can speak Spanish and English and know the basics. He also told of the many assets of West Chicago that teachers could and would enjoy.
Telling about the Lons Club were Andy Watson, Lions Club Zone 1, and Joann Watson, Lions Club Zone 2. The club can help with persons needing sight and hearing assistance. Tom Tawney, board member of Mexican Cultural Center DuPage and volunteer coordinator Neighborhood Food Pantries, related information on these two not-for-profit organization. West Chicago Park District Executive Director Gena Radun told about the facilities and programs of the district. Dave Sabathne, CEO/President Western DuPage Chamber of Commerce, gave a brief description of the chamber and then talked about teachers and education
Assistant Director for Teaching and Learning Jenny L. Brunke thanked the Lions Club for the breakfast. She then started the introduction of the new teachers starting with preschool. All Preschool classes are at Pioneer School.
Preschool principal Brenda Vishanoff introduced the new staff. They are Stephanie Garcia, Samantha Peck, Jennifer Brackmann, Emily Prowell, Talia Quiroga Quisaguano, Maria Jose Arocha Santiago, Taylor Ford, Maclaine Bartelt, and Michelle Garcia.
Currier School principal Anthony Hugelier introduced the new staff. They are Beth Backstrom, Christina Harkness, Jennifer Guzman, and Murphy Garcia.
Gary School principal Amie Correa, introduced her two new staff members. They are Brooklin Swierenga and Keziah Silva.
Indian Knoll principal Whitnie Del Toro introduced new staff. They are Caela Masibhera, Ashley Fowler, Janeth Carrasco, and Janeth Carrasco.
Turner School principalMorgan Efrom introduced the new staff. They are,Megan Haque, Christine Goolish, Mikayla Jasek, Alexia Salzman, Zachary Manibog, and Melissa Trippett.
Wegner Interim Principal Mark Truckenbrod introduced the new staff. They are Emily Ballines, Jessa Mae Mendiola, Moriah McRae, Alicia Ehrhard, and Brenda Guerrero.
Leman Middle School principal Maggie Lay introduced the new staff. They are Jennifer Eisenmenger, Jennifer Wegloski, Rachel Jankiewicz, Rebecca Salvo, Sara Peace, Jacob Kaufman, Stephanie Schmitt, Wilhelmina Asis-McNelis, Tracy Johnson, Christy Perez, William Moore, Donald Hoener, Alethea Hicks, and Patricia Dopp.
New administrative staff are Catherine Park,Director of Assessment and Accountability at ESC (new to D33)Samantha Battaglia, Assistant Director of Student Services; Jenny Brunke, Assistant Director of Teaching and Learning; Jennifer Dalrymple, Assistant Principal at Turner (new to D33);Leah Nelson, Assistant Principal at Pioneer Preschool (new to D33); Dan Guerrero, Assistant Principal at Indian Knoll; and Sara Gillmar, Interim Assistant Principal at Wegner. merleburl.com
- Wheaton Academy held its Freshman Orientation Friday, Aug. 23, 2024. Assisting were Project IX, a team of student leaders, who guided the freshman around the campus. com
CHURCHES
- The new Spanish ministry at New Hope United Methodist Church is Iglesia Nuevo Esperanza. The worship services are at 2 p.m. Sundays, beginning Sept. 1, 2024, at the church, 643 E. Washington. St. The pastors are Dr. Henry Alvarez and Etny Lopez. com
CLUB/ORGANIZATION NEWS
- Gallery 200, 103 W. Washington St., offers various art classes from September through December 2024. Class sizes are limited. Brochures are available at the Gallery. To view the classes and register, visit https://www.gallery200.net/gallery-200-shop/art-classes..
Kiddo Nature classes for toddlers through fifth grade students are at 5:30 p.m. the first Thursday of the month. The first class is Sept. 5. The teacher Amelia A. uses things found in nature and recycled materials to create art.
Journaling, a creative writing class taught by Julia P., is from 2 to 4 p.m. Sundays, September 1, 8 and 15. The charge is $20 per class. Here participants explore and practice various writing techniques, using any type of writing.
There are two choices of dates for Introduction to Calligraphy, a six week workshop; one is Mondays, Sept. 9, through Oct.14. the other is Thursdays Sept. 12, through Oct. 17. The charge is $150. The teacher Stala S. teaches basic calligraphy alphabet, the Italic hand.
Grown Up Girls Club classes take place the first Wednesday starting Sept. 4, and ending Dec. 4. The other choice is the third Sunday starting Sept. 15, and ending Dec. 15. The charge is $25 per class. Participants work on whatever projects they wish. Patty D. Is available to help with projects when needed.
Artful Flower Wire Jewelry Workshops are at noon and 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. The charge is $25. Instructor Marita V. assists participants in creating a necklace and earrings or a necklace and bracelet. merleburl.com
WEST CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT.
- West Chicago Police Chief Colin Fleury administered the oath of office to Jonathan LaPorta Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024. La Porta is now attending the Suburban Law Enforcement Academy. com
CITY OF WEST CHICAGO
- The 26 banners of the West Chicago Cultural Arts Commission 15th Annual Community Banner Project Competition are on display on the poles in the downtown area until September. They are on Main Street from Washington Street to Wilson Avenue, and along Galena Street from Main Street to Arbor Avenue. The theme is “Time to Celebrate/Tiempo para Celebrar.” There still is time for persons to nominate their favorite banner for the People’s Choice winner. To view the banners and cast a vote or for further information, visit https://westchicago.org/artbannerexhibit/. com
- Monthly brush pick up begins Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024.
- Due to the Labor Day weekend, City Council meeting is at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024.
- Healthy West Chicago and City of West Chicago host a Fit4Fall 5K Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024 by Zone 250 at Reed-Keppler Park, 201 W. National St. The 5K race, a certified course along the Prairie Path, starts at 7:30 a.m., followed by the 1 Mile Youth Run at 8:30 a.m.The charge is $35 for persons age 18 and over and$15 for persons age 17 and under. For persons registering on Race Day, the charge is $40.The charge for the 1 Mile Youth Run for children age 10 and under is $5. Runners in the 5K race receive a Fit4Fall 5K custom medal and Fit4Fall 5K shirt. 5K runners registering before Friday, Sept. 6, receive a free waffle with unlimited toppings from All Belgian Raffle There are pre and post-stretching and massages by Athletico.To register, visit https://www.healthywestchicago.org/fit4fall5k
All 5K runners are entered into the Race Day Raffle. Raffle prizes include West Chicago Park District three-month Classic Fitness Membership, five West Chicago Park District tickets for Spooky Trail, Dick Pond $25 gift card, La Birria $25 gift card, St. Andrew Golf Club complimentary green tee, Naperville Running Club $20 gift card toward shoe purchase and Hawthorne’s Backyard Bar & Grill $25 gift card. In addition to the All Belgium Food Truck, All Belgium Food Truck, there are health and wellness vendors. For further information, email specialevents@westchicago.org or info@healthywestchicago.org.
Sponsors are City of West Chicago, Jacobs Engineering Group, Athletico Physical Therapy, Hawthorne’s Backyard Bar & Grill, Fifth Third Bank, FNBC Bank & Trust, West ChicagoPark District, Groot, Comcast, West Chicago Parks Foundation and West Chicago Elementary School District 33. merleburl.com
- At the Monday, Aug. 19, 2024, meeting, City Council approved the annexation of the Trillium Farm Residential subdivision, east side of Purnell Road and south of Gary’s Mill Road. The item summary states, “On August 3, 2020, the City entered into a pre-annexation agreement with Pulte Home Company.LLC and the owner of 34.97 acres of unincorporated property…The agreement provides for the eventual annexation of the property, which was developed as an 84-lot residential subdivision in DuPage County known as Trillium Farm. The agreement stipulates the City will annex the Trillium Farm once contiguity of the property with municipal limits of the City is accomplished and once the last residential home is sold. The contiguity was achieved with the annexation of a portion of the Blackwell Forest Preserve last year and the last home was constructed and sold this summer.”
ODDS AND ENDS
- The West Chicago Food Festival held Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024, was a big success. In addition to savoring the delicious eats from the food trucks, attendees had activities for all to enjoy. One chalk mural highlighted the 175th Anniversary of West Chicago; the West Chicago City Museum had an exhibit with displays on different aspects of the history. Outside Gallery 200 had a This Together chalk mural with a memorial portrait of Selena by Artist @asias_artistry; Chalk was available for persons to create some artwork to add to the mural. Face painters, balloon artists and caricaturists added fun for the families. All said the musical performances by Good Clean Fun, 28 Days and Alika Arlynn were perfect. Attendees went home with great memories of the time spent at the Food Festival. com
Ralph Gross and Shaunna Richardson of the Illinois Section American Water Works Association presented the 2023 Water Ambassador Gold Level plaque and certificate to the DuPage Water Commission at the Aug. 18, 2024 meeting. This is the second year in a row that the Commission earned Gold Level status through the ISAWWA Water Ambassador Program. Jim Zay County Board 6 member and Water Commission Chairman said, “We look forward to continuing to elevate public perception, knowledge, and consumer education of the water industry in 2024-2025.” ISAWWA is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to safe and sustainable water for Illinois. merleburl.com
- The West Chicago Park District has renewed its Arboretum Accreditation at Level II from the Morton Arboretum. The recognition highlights the district’s commitment to excellence in tree conservation and public garden standards. As part of the Morton Register of Arboreta, the district plays a crucial role in advancing the shared mission to plant and preserve trees. The Level II accreditation includes meeting all criteria for Level I accreditation, maintaining a diverse collection with at least 100 species, varieties, or cultivars of trees or woody plants, and implementing a comprehensive arboretum collections policy that aligns with professional standards and the Saint Louis Declaration on invasive species. com
My email address is merleburl@earthlink.net.