City of West Chicago, Illinois

Where History and Progress Meet

Experience New Art & Culture by Playing WeGo Loteria

By

WeGoLoteria_Web2-02

The City of West Chicago's Cultural Arts Commission has launched an exciting new initiative known as "WeGo Loteria". This initiative is closely connected to DuPage County's 2023 pop-art theme, which was inspired by the summer exhibit "Warhol," and it also celebrates West Chicago's Mexican culture. Loteria, often described as Mexican bingo, is a traditional game with a rich and centuries-old history, distinguishing itself from regular bingo by requiring players to match illustrations on playing cards.

To participate in WeGo Loteria, community members have two options: they can obtain a printed playing board from the entryway of City Hall or download one from the City's website at westchicago.org/loteria. Once in possession of a playing board, residents can explore various locations within West Chicago to discover 32 original artworks, all created by 16 talented local artists. To play, participants need to locate the artwork that corresponds with the specific Loteria images on their playing cards and record the unique ID code provided on each installation.

The primary objective of the game is to match the Loteria images on the artworks with those on your playing board. Participants can achieve this by connecting a horizontal, vertical, or diagonal row of found image artworks on their board. Upon completing the game, participants have the opportunity to email images of their completed boards to cultural@westchicago.org, which enters them for a chance to win a special prize (subject to availability).

WeGo Loteria is an inclusive initiative open to residents of all ages and will continue to run through mid-November. It offers a fun and interactive way for the community to engage with art, culture, and the local artistic community.

For further details about WeGo Loteria, including instructions on how to download a playing board and information about where to find the artworks located throughout West Chicago, visit the City’s website at westchicago.org/loteria.

At Home with Merle Burleigh – September 27, 2023

By

At Home with Merle

MERLE’S CORNER

 

On Facebook, in the afternoon Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023, there was a query about the helicopter activity over Route 59. One person had the correct answer—the Clarke Company helicopter. Members of the West Chicago Mosquito Abatement District were flying to look over the area the district covers and see the “hot ”mosquito breeding sites. Although these are discussed at the meetings, it truly helps to see them. Members of the district board are Merle Burleigh, Rose Campos, Becky Stout and Don Voelz. Voelz went on the first flight, Burleigh and Campos went on the second flight. Stout was out of town.Clark E. Wood,Vice President Service Operations, arranged for the flight and made certain we were securely ensconced on the helicopter. Rose and I felt the most difficult part of the ride was getting on the helicopter. With our headphones, we could clearly hear our pilot, Justin, point out the different areas. All in all, it was an educational and fun flight.

 

As a side note, the DuPage Health Department confirmed the West Chicago West Nile virus  fatality. There is another West Nile death in Addison. Wood  said, “Beyond the two extra District-wide sprayings, we did a special spraying in the neighborhood around the West Chicago human case.”

 

AROUND AND ABOUT

 

  • West Chicago Garden Club meeting is Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023, at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 N. Prince Crossing Road. Social time at 6:45 p.m., short business meeting at 7 p.m. and program at 7:15 p.m. The meeting is open to the public. Ken Benson presents “Sharpening Garden Tools.” He uses various sharpening stones and shows how to sharpen pruners, shovels and all other garden tools. Benson, a landscape architect with degrees in horticulture from the University of Illinois, discusses the myth that gardening tools come from the store sharp. He demonstrate how to use various sharpening stones to sharpen pruners, shovels, and all other gardening tools. Guests may bring a pair of hand pruners as Benson will try to sharpen as many pruners as possible, time permitting.

Benson was the host of cable TVs Landscaping with Ken Benson. He was a board member of the Chicago Flower and GardenShow and a founding board member of Midwest Ecological Landscapers Association. Benson is also a past member of the Men’s Garden Club of Villa Park and has been giving programs since 1972 to garden clubs throughout the area.

  • The haunted hayride, haunted barn and trails open Friday, Sept 29 through Sunday, Oct. 29, 2023, at Sonny Acres Farm, 29W310 North Ave. Persons can purchase tickets for the hayride and barn in advance at https://sonnyacres.com/. Other activities during the Fall Fest include classic hayrides through the landscape, food from the outdoor grill, amusement park rides and selecting the perfect pumpkin to take home. For further information, call 630 231-3859.(https://merleburl.com)

 

  • On the American Legion Post 300 menu for Friday, Oct. 29, 2023, is Chicken and Dumplings, served from 4 to 8 p.m. The cost is $15; pre-order is required by Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023. To order, call 630 231-2112. The Fish Fry also is the same evening. Post location is 123 Main St .https://merleburl.com)

 

  • Winfield Township holds its annual Recycling Extravaganza from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, at the Township Road District Facility, 30W575 Roosevelt Road. Included again is the collection of non-perishable food items for Neighborhood Food Pantries located in West Chicago. There is a $15 cash or credit card cost per car for electronic devices. Included among electronic items are computers, televisions, telephones and keyboards. Recycling for old latex paint is by Epaint Recycling Service, who accepts cash or credit card. The charges for latex paints are $1 for a one-quart can, $4 for a one-gallon can and $10 for a five gallon pail. Glad Can Recycling provides for the disposal of spray paint at the cost of $1 per can. PROSHRED Security provides on-site shredding of confidential paper documents. There is a limit of four banker boxes. DuPage County provided partial funding for this service. Among the acceptable miscellaneous items are cell phones, old flags, eye glasses, fire extinguishers, office furniture, clothing and musical instruments. Scrap metal items include gutters, metal hangers, metal lawn furniture, metal shelving, metal wheelbarrows and radiators. Items not accepted include hazardous waste, explosives, items containing mercury, air conditioners, batteries, dehumidifiers, fluorescent bulbs, motor oil, refrigerators, tires and smoke detectors. (https://merleburl.com)

 

  • The West Chicago PublicFamily program, “100 Years of Magic ,” is at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023, in the main meeting room, 118 W. Washington St. It is a celebration of 100 years of Disney magic.

 

  • Monthly brush pick up begins Monday, Oct. 2, 2023.

 

  • Due to the rain Tuesday, Sept. 26, the Healthy West Chicago Yoga in the Park is rescheduled to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023. It takes place in the Shell at Reed-Keppler Park, 832 Arbor Ave. It is the last 45-minute class this year. Participants need to bring a mat or blanket.

 

  • West Chicago Public Library offers a Microsoft Excel computer class at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023, 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.

 

  • Fandomers, the new West Chicago Public Library event open to teens and adults catering to the interests of those involved in “fandom culture,” is at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023, in the main meeting room, 118 W. Washington St. This month the screening is the 2019 animated film “Scooby Doo.” Other activities include music, crafts, games and snacks. To make a reservation, visit https://wcpld.info/, under calendar.

 

  • “Fall in Love with Art” is the 2023 Artober Fest exhibit in Gallery 200, 103 W. Washington St., for the month of October. The eleven artists participating are Margaret Bucholz, Marge Hall, Blue Kubica, Kathi Kuchler, Sharon Malec, Clem Ondracek, Laurie Piper, Britta Renwick, Elisa Rijos, Starla Sneak and Sue Tripp.Artoberfest includes a variety of paintings, drawings, photographs and three dimensional work, plus some whimsical pieces for the fall season. The artists’ reception is from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23 https://merleburl.com)

 

  • West Chicago City Museum hosts its 33rd Annual Tales Tombstones Tell cemetery walk Friday, Oct. 6, 2023, at Oakwood Cemetery, Oakwood Avenue and York Street. Tours leave from the cemetery entrance at Garden Street starting at 6:30pm and every 10 minutes after, with the last group stepping off at 7:30pm. Lanterns and luminaries light the path through West Chicago’s oldest cemetery. While waiting, guests are entertained by the music of Roger Kotecki. There is no charge; donations are welcome. For more information call the Museum at 630 231-3376 or email museum@westchicago.org

The walk celebrates the 150th Anniversary of the incorporation of West Chicago as the Town of Turner in 1873. In 1986, it was incorporated as the Village of West Chicago. The interpreters tell the story of those who lived through the historic early years of the community. These include  John B. Turner, the man who created the railroad junction that would become West Chicago; Salome Wurtz whose husband ran the successful Turner Co-operative Creamer; Charles Clark who presented the petition for the incorporation of the Village of Turner in 1873’ Nicholas Reuter , the child of German immigrant parents; Clara Haffey Church, the wife of the first President of the Village of Turner; Sutter Conley whose husband served on the board of the Oakwood Cemetery; and Adelaide Evenden who was in the first graduating class from Turner School in 1878.

 

  • The First Division Museum at Cantigny Park presents its Date with History series program at 7 p.m.Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023, via Zoom or in person in the Visitors Center, 1S151 Winfield Road. Author David M. Chrisinger discusses his 2023 book, “The Soldier’s Truth: Ernie Pyle and the Story of World War II.” Registration is required. To register, visit org .Parking is complimentary for those attending in person.

At the height of his fame and influence during World War II, Ernie Pyle’s nationally syndicated dispatches from the front lines helped shape America’s understanding of what the war felt like to ordinary soldiers. Pyle had a genius for humanizing the soldiers he met overseas. Chrisinger brings Pyle’s journey to vivid life.

Chrisinger is executive director of the Public Policy Writing Workshop at the University of Chicago’s Harris School of Public Policy and the director of writing seminars for The War Horse, an award-winning not-for-profit newsroom dedicated to reporting on the human impact of military service. He is the author of several books.

  • Neighborhood Food Pantries holds its annual Harvest Fest, “An Autumn Evening,” at 6:00 p.m. Saturday, October 7, 2023, in Medinah Banquets, 550 North Shriners in Addison. There are several entree choices. The evening includes an auction. The emcee is CBS-2 investigative reporter Dave Savini. The ticket price is $90. To order tickets, visit https://www.neighborhoodfp.org/harvestfest. For further information, call 630 632-7014. (https://merleburl.com)

 

  • The West Chicago Park District monthly social gathering for senior citizens is at noon Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023, at the ARC, 201 W. National Street. The theme is “Fireman Fish Fry.” Members of Illinois Association of Fire fighters Local 3970 fry up the fish once again. There is no charge. Reservations deadline is Friday, Oct 6, and may be made at https://www.we-goparks.org/special-events. https://merleburl.com)

 

  • West Chicago Park District hosts Paint & Sip, “Pumpkin Patch Fun.” at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023, in the ARC in 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.

 

  • West Chicago Park District hosts its annual Boo Bash from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, in the ARC, 201 W. National Street. It is geared for children age two and older. The charge is $10 for residents, $12 for non-residents in advance or $15 at the door. Adults are free with a paying child and must accompany children.https://merleburl.com)

 

  • The West Chicago Lions and Rotary Clubs Pancake Breakfast is from 8 a.m. to noon Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023, in the Commons at West Chicago Community High School, 326 Joliet St., Entrance H. The ticket price is $6, $5 for senior citizens, $4 for children ages 4 to 12, and free for children under the age of 3. Tickets are available at the door or may be purchased from club members, Republic Bank, FNBC Bank & Trust, The UPS Store, Manna Real Estate, Daniel and Associates Real Estate, Edgerton & Edgerton Attorneys, Extra Value Liquors and Murphy Ace Hardware. There are door prizes and a 60/40 Raffle.

 

  • West Chicago Park District holds a Recreational Adult Bags Tournament from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023. The competition is against players from different skill levels across the DuPage and Kane County area. The fee is $40 for residents, $48 for non-residents and includes game-play, lunch and prizes for first, second and third place. Alcoholic beverages for purchase are available for persons age 21 and over. Players must form their own teams. Games are self-officiated. Registration deadline is Sunday, Oct. 15. To register, visit  we-goparks.org/athletics.

 

SUPPORT OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES

 

  • Hawthorne’s Backyard Bar & Grill, 1200 W. Hawthorne Lane, offers Painting & Potables at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023. The charge is  $45 for the workshop of a Halloween Gnome Pallet and all supplies are included. A professional artist instructor gives the guiding steps Registration deadline is Monday ,Oct. 9, and may be made at  https://www.hawthornesbackyard.com/upcoming-events. (https://merleburl.com)

 

  • The Slice Spot, 960 E. Roosevelt Road, is now open daily. Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon to 7 p.m. Sunday.(https://merleburl.com

 

  • Casa de Dios Sembrando en Tu Tierra opened its doors at 113 Turner Court, Unit 2. The business provides service, counseling, mentorship and Bible teaching.

 

  • Krage Auto Center, 120 E Roosevelt Road, is under new ownership of Great Water 360 Auto Care. Terry Krage remains as Shop Manager.

 

  • Moon Nutrition, an Herbalife Café, at 334 S Neltnor Blvd., Unit I, is under new ownership.

 

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, Sept. 25, 2023, there were 12,150 cases and 67 deaths; this is the number from the beginning of track recording.

 

REMEMBRANCES

 

  • Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Joseph M. Steadman, who at the age of 79 passed away Monday, Sept. 18, 2023.

 

SCHOOLS

 

  • Homecoming week is coming to the end. Friday,Sept.29, 2023, is the busiest day of the week. Students wear Blue and WhiteWeGo wear for dress day.School spirit abounds at the Pep Rally, when the Homecoming King and Queen are announced. Members of the Royal Court for Queen are Sophia Spinelli, Kylie Doyle, Clarissa Alvarez, Karen Huerta Garnica and Valerie Harris. Members for King are Michael Angeles, Sebastian Alvarez Soto, Fabio Piloni, Qssam Alwan and Brady Johnson. The Food Fest begins at noon.Members of student clubs sell hot dogs, hamburgers, tamales, walking tacos, beverages, snacks and desserts. The public is welcome to participate.

The Homecoming Parade kicks off at 12:45 p.m. from the west parking lot. Led by the West Chicago Police Department and West Chicago Fire Protection District, the parade goes south on Wood Street and turns east onto Ann Street, proceeds south on Joliet Street, turns east on Hazel Street, south on Bishop Street and west on Brown Street, then turns north on Joliet Street, ending at Memorial Stadium.

Parade participants include West Chicago Police Department, West Chicago Fire Protection District, Homecoming Court, Principal, Dr. Will Dwyer;, Marching Band, Teachers and Support Staff, Horticulture Club, Orchestra, Tennis, Boys’ and Girls’ Cross-country/track, InterAct Club, WeGo Global, Football,  Student Council, OLAS, ROAR,,HOSA, Business Professionals of America, B Soccer, Art Club and Photo Club,Volleyball, Poms/Cheerleaders, WeGo Drama & Speech, and WeGo Buddies.

The Powder Puff Game with juniors competing against seniors is at 2:00 p.m. The Sophomore football game is at 5 p.m.The Hospitality Tent for alum and guests at the game opens at 5:30 p.m. followed by the Varsity Football game against Streamwood High School at 7 p.m. The band performs during halftime. The Wild Cat Booster Clubs sells a variety of foods including pizza, hamburgers, hot dogs and nachos. Spirit wear also is available. Homecoming dance is from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday,  Sept. 30, in Bishop Gym

 

  • The West Chicago Community High School Class of 1963 holds its 60th Class Reunion Friday and Saturday, Sept. 29 and 30.

 

  • In the Friday, Sept. 22, 2023, foot ball games, West Chicago Community High School beat Elgin High School with a score of 28-6; Wheaton Academy beat St, Edward Central Catholic High School with a score of 48-0. WCCHS heads into the homecoming game with a 3-2 record. Last year it was a 1-8 record.

 

  • Wheaton Academy Homecoming is from Monday, Oct. 2, through Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. Monday is color Day; students wear color of class. Tuesday is Career day; students wear future career attire. Wednesday is Advisor Day; advisory groups dress as a board or video game. 7 p.m. is the beginning of the service project at Sonny Acres Farm. I will have the rest of the week activities in the Oct. 4 column

 

  • At its Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023 meeting, Community High School District 94 Board of Education approved the purchase of three Multi-functional School Activity Buses from Southern Bus & Mobility in Breese for the individual amount of $78,852and a total amount of $236,556 for all three. This includes selected options and delivery. The expected delivery date is July 2024.

 

  • Wheaton Academy students Adrian Gear, Andrew Hancock and Daniel Titcomb are this year’s National Merit Semi-finalists. Less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors are selected as semi-finalists. (https://merleburl.com)

 

  • The WeGo Boutique for Homecoming Dresses pop-up shop held Thursday and Friday, Sept. 14 and 15, 2023, was successful. More than70 students attended to choose either female or male formal wear and/or accessories for the homecoming dance Saturday, Oct. 30. This is the first year for the event; previous boutiques were for Prom. Members of the high school counseling department organize the event.

 

  • Wheaton Academy Golf teams tee off well in the Chicagoland Christian Conference. Vivian Kutek, Megan Lindberg, Annie Claussen, and Eva Marquez earned All-Conference honors for their play at Monday Sept. 18, 2023, conference championship. Freddie Chan, Owen Coniaris, Henry Eldersveld, and Joe Luchtenburg were named to the Chicagoland Christian Conference All-Conference Team for the 2023 boys golf season. (https://merleburl.com)

 

  • Rafael Herrera Mota, a senior at West Chicago Community High School, is the Student of the Month for August 2023. His selection is due to his academic and extracurricular excellence.

He has been on the Honor Roll every semester, earning a cumulative Grade Point Average of 5.052. Also he is a member of the National Honor Society.

Mota is on the Wildcats Baseball team and Ola. He is a Student Ambassador. Outside of school, he volunteers at local food pantries, plus works in landscaping, construction and moving.

Upon graduation, Mota plans to attend college, studying either architecture or electrical engineering. Also he would like to continue playing baseball. (https://merleburl.com)

 

CHURCHES

  • The congregation of New Hope United Methodist Church, 643 E. Washington St., hosts an Open House from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. This is a means to celebrate and introduce he community to the church since.the merger of First United Church of West Chicago with Winfield Community United Methodist Church. In addition to refreshments there are beverages, games and take aways. Guests are asked to bring a non-perishable food item for Neighborhood Food Pantry or hats, scarves and/or mittens for area school children.

 

  • Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 N. Prince Crossing Road, holds Blessing of the Animals at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023. All pets are welcome, who receive individual blessings at the outside service.

 

CLUB/ORGANIZATION NEWS

 

  • Support Over Stigma is sending its next round of care packages to deployed troops. Persons wanting the free box sent can email Info@SupportOverStigma.org. Information needed is the name, APO/FPO/DPO address, and Male/Female. The cut off date is Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023. (https://merleburl.com)

 

  • WeGo Together for Kids received a grant from the Illinois Latino Caucus allowing the organization to hire a very part-time Communications Manager, Andrea. She has been involved with not-for-profit organizations in West Chicago. Andrea said she loves volunteering at food distributions in which she has been involved for more than two years. https://merleburl.com)

 

  • The College of DuPage presented the West Chicago Garden Club’s scholarship of $1,000 to Jennifer Suszek. Sheis working toward a career in Horticulture and will sit this fall for the certified arborist exam. Jennifer intends to maintain her 4.0 grade average and use her degree and
  • knowledge to help communities and the environment.

 

COMMUNITY MEMBERS HIGHLIGHTS

 

  • West Chicago resident Mike Day and Melissa Rafter were married Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023.

 

  • Former West Chicago resident Karen Carlson received a promotion to Branch Owner with TransactCard.

 

  • West Chicago resident Lori Chassee recently received the Master’s Degree from Lions Club University. The Master’s Program is intended to develop the skills for Lions to support Clubs as District leaders. This program is aimed at District Level leaders such as District Governors, Vice District Governors, Zone Chairs, District Committee Chairs, Certified Guiding Lions, and other leaders that are ready to foster quality clubs in their District. Chassee is the Council Chair of the Lions District Trustees. Lions University is offered by the USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forum. https://merleburl.com)

 

WEST CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT

  • At a recent department meeting, West Chicago Police Chief Colin Fleury recognized several police officers for outstanding work in the last year.

Receiving a Police Commendation Award for his work on an Indecent Solicitation of a Minor case was Detective Dan Herbert. He worked on the case for four months, executing numerous search warrants and traveling to Tennessee to ensure the criminal was caught.

K9 Officer Justin Rigler, along with Mondo, received a Letter of Commendation for their help to the Bartlett Police Department. They helped locate and capture a Motor Vehicle theft suspect, who fled to West Chicago.

Receiving a Meritorious Conduct Award for his work on several motor vehicle theft cases was Gerardo Solis. Upon learning of the thefts, he checked cameras and patrolled parking lots, where he found the vehicles and identified the suspects. His actions helped other law enforcement agencies with investigations in their towns.

Community Service Officer Megan Sollis received a Letter of Commendation for her assistance in a Hit and Run Accident. She canvassed businesses in the area of the accident and, while doing this, she located the vehicle of the suspect, which led to his arrest. https://merleburl.com)

 

  • At 8:05 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023, West Chicago police officers were dispatched for a pedestrian, who had been struck by a passing freight train at the Union Pacific Railroad tracks at Route 59 .The victim was transported to an area hospital. Succumbing to the injuries, the victim died. The name of the deceased is currently being withheld pending notification of their next of kin. Union Pacific Railroad is working with the police department in the investigation of the accident.

 

CITY OF WEST CHICAGO

 

  • At the Monday, Sept. 18, 2023, meeting, City Council approved the purchase of three 2023 Ford F150 Police Responder Vehicles from Haggerty Ford for the cost of $142,149 and to authorize the City Administrator to contract with a third party to install the necessary appurtenances/equipment for those three vehicicles at an estimated cost of $36,000. Per the Item summary, “The anticipated delivery time frame is within four to five months.”

Also approved was the purchase of two 2023 Ford-F150 Regular, 4x4, pickup trucks from Haggerty Ford for the cost of $86,750.

Council approved a contract with KWCC of Montgomery for Metra Train Station Repairs Project in the amount of $166,490. The Item Summary states, “The Base Bid of the Metra Station Repairs Project includes the repair and replacement of exterior wood trim, frames and windows, including the cupola, and repainting of the exterior facades and metal roof areas.”

Approved at the meeting was a Stop Intersections Ordinance. Per the Item Summary, “Educare West DuPage at Glen Arbor has renovated space within the Glen Arbor Community Church, 204 Church St., and provides 32 children for the West Chicago community with early care and education. The program has a drop-off/pick-up between 7 a.m. to 9 a.m and 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.” Educare requested a drop off/pick-up zone at the entrance of the of the church, creation of a three-way stop at the corner of W. Geneva and Wood streets,. and the addition of a crosswalk from the sidewalk running east on on Church and Wood streets. The approved ordinance allows for a stop sign for northbound traffic on Wood Street at Church Street and an east/west crosswalk on the south side of Wood Street at Geneva Street.

With an 11-1 vote, City Council voted to amend the Code of Ordinances regarding animal control. Voting approvalt were Ward 1 Aldermen Lori Chassee and Dan Bebee, Ward 2 Alderman Jayme Sheahan, Ward 3 Aldermen Chris Dettman and Al Hallett, Ward 4 Aldermen Sandy Dimas and Melissa Ferguson, Ward 5 Aldermen Chris Swiatek and John Smith, Ward 6 Alderman Jeanne Short and Ward7 Alderman Joe Morano. Voting against it was Ward 2 Alderman Heather Brown. Ward 6 Alderman Becky Stout was absent. The definition of control now reads, “fence or within the premises of its owner or another person with the consent of the person and prevented from leaving said premises by a fence, barrier or other restriction which contains the animal, or is confined within a crate or cage, or confined within a vehicle."Animal Care is amended to create a new subsection…Each owner of any animal shall keep such animal exclusively on such owner’s premises, except that any such animal may be of  the premises if restrained by a substantial leash or chain or other appropriate restraint or physical device and under the direct supervision and immediate control of a competent person.” Violation now reads that upon finding of liable “to a fine not less than $500 for the first offense; a fine not less than $1,000 for the second offense; a fine not less than $1,500 for the third offense and every subsequent offense thereafter, up to statutory violation fine limit of $50,000.

Council also approved appointments to the Cultural Arts Commission. Bruce Treudt was appointed for an unexpired term ending, April 2024. Persons appointed to terms ending April 2026 are Debbie Walsh, Paulina Garcia and Uwe Gsedl.

Council approved the appointment of Ward 6 Alderman Rebecca Stout to handle the duties of the Office of the Mayor from Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023.

 

ODDS AND ENDS

 

  • As outlined in the the Strategic Plan of the West Chicago Public Library, there now is a drive-up book drop in the parking lot, parallel to Turner Court. https://merleburl.com)

 

  • As DuPage County communities, including West Chicago, connected with the College of DuPage Warhol exhibit this summer, local artists created traditional Loteria images in pop art styles. Persons can play this traditional Mexican game by finding the art and exploring the various sites .in the community. Site locations are Biscuits and Gravy, Carniceria Jimenez, Dr. Thadius Bieniek, Educare DuPage, Gallery 200, Gloria’s Jewelry, Happiness N’ Hair, Office of State Senator KarinaVilla/State Representative Maura Hirschauer, Jorge’s Paleteria, The Journey's Path Metaphysical Supply & Wellness Center, Kindred Coffee Roasters, La Cocina de Maria, La India Grocery, La Michoacana, Lupita Bakery, Metra Station, Parra’s Bakery and Republic Bank. Others are Sign-a-Rama, The Slice Spot, Supermercado Tampico, The ARC, Turtle Splash Water Park, City Hall, West Chicago City Museum, Chicago, Burlington, & Quincy Railroad Depot, Pioneer Steam Train Model at Sesquicentennial Park, West Chicago Fire Protection District, West Chicago Police Department, West Chicago Public Library, Zone250, Western DuPage Chamber of Commerce and The Whistle Stop.

After picking up a playing board at one of the locations, participants record the ID code found on the left side of the Loteria image in the space provided on their playing board. Once the card is completed, participants upload an image of it to Cultural@westchicago.org. There are prizes, one per person, while they last. For further information or to download a board, visit https://westchicago.org/wego-loteria/. https://merleburl.com)

  • Per the Conservation Foundation the oldest White Oak tree in Illinois is in West Chicago at the intersection of Geneva and Prince Crossing roads. It is 350 years old. Only 17 percent White Oaks exist and they are listed as number one for being environmentally beneficial; the hickory tree is number 2.

My email address is merleburl@earthlink.net.

2023 Sidewalk & Curb Maintenance Program Begins Oct. 9

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Sidewalk

The City of West Chicago’s 2023 Sidewalk and Curb Maintenance Program is anticipated to begin on Monday, October 9, and is anticipated to be completed by November 2023, weather dependent. The work will be performed by Schroeder & Schroeder, Inc.

All construction activities are scheduled to begin at 7 a.m. each day. Traffic flow may be restricted temporarily during the construction operations; however, all streets will be open to traffic and accessible at the end of each working day.

If driveway access is being impacted along any of the properties, affected occupants will be properly notified in advance. In addition, those affected property owners may be forced to park on the street overnight for 5-7 days if access to their driveway is limited due to curb and gutter or sidewalk removal and to account for concrete cure time after concrete is placed.

Residents can view a map of the areas scheduled for improvements on the City’s website.

Monthly Brush Collection Begins October 2

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Brush Collection Program

The next brush collection begins Monday, October 2; brush can be placed no earlier than Saturday, September 30.

Please note the following reminders for the Brush Collection Program:

  • Brush may be placed two days prior to the listed collection date; placing brush earlier may result in a fine.
  • Brush collection does not coincide with regular residential garbage pickup days, and is typically completed within five business days.
  • Brush collection crews alternate the start of collection from the north and south side of the City each collection period.
  • Branches and limbs must be no larger than 8-inches in diameter and stacked neatly on the parkway with cut ends facings towards the street; do not place brush in the street.
  • If brush is not accessible, piles will not be picked up.
  • Do not tie or bundle brush piles, or place brush in containers.
  • Brush piles containing logs, large limbs, stumps, or foreign materials will be rejected.
  • Brush poles placed after crews have passed, or piles that have been rejected, must be removed until the next collection period.

If brush is not picked up, crews will leave a notice explaining why the pile was rejected.

Brush Collection Program

The City's Brush Collection Program is done through the first week of the month from May through November. As part of the program, brush collection crews make a single pass on each residential street to collect brush placed on the parkway by the curb. The Program is only available to incorporated residents; residents are charged a small monthly charge, which is reflected in their quarterly garbage and recycling collection bills.

Visit https://westchicago.org/brush-collection-program/ for more information about this program.

At Home with Merle Burleigh – September 20, 2023

By

At Home with Merle

MERLE’S CORNER

 

“West Chicago Pal Joey’s: We are sorry to say that we are closing our West Chicago location. Our Batavia location is still open. Please contact us at 630-593-6600 for the same delicious menu and party reservations. We Will Miss All of You!” With this notice, an era in West Chicago ended. It was a part of the community for 50 years.

In the spring of 1973, Pal Joey’s opened its doors at 920 Roosevelt Road, the current location of WC Social Club. Although the name of the  original owner wasJoey, the name originated from the movie and the musical, “Pal Joey.” John Hamel, purchased the restaurant in February 2001. Around 2004 or 2005, the restaurant moved its location to the current address of 440 E. Roosevelt Road. In 2012, the restaurant opened its second location in Batavia, 31 N. River St. At this time, Greg Miller managed the West Chicago location.

To many in West Chicago, the restaurant holds dear memories.Many a romance bloomed here—first date, engagement, wedding rehearsal dinners and wedding receptions. It was the place to celebrate birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, reunions, date nights and sometimes meals after a funeral. When Dave and I first moved here, we would dine there with friends on either a Friday or Saturday evening. Even with reservations, we knew we would be standing in line for at least a half hour. In recent years, when out of town friends visited, we would gather at Pal Joey’s .Now we are glad we did this. When Mark and Ann Cowden came for the West Chicago Community High School class reunion of 1983, we went to Pal Joey’s Friday, Sept. 8, not realizing this would be the last time we could do this. As we chatted and laughed, we recalled eating here for different occasions. Another memory-making time. “Memories are made of this.”

 

AROUND AND ABOUT

 

  • The Young Professionals Group, a part of the Western DuPage Chamber of Commerce, host a “Green & Greet Par-Tee, Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023, at Coyote Crossing Mini Golf Course, 27W650 North Ave., in Carol Stream. The event is open to the public. The charge is $25 for members, $30 for non-members, and for a foursome $80 for members and $100 for non-members. It begins at 5 p.m. with the shotgun start at 5:30 p.m. Other activities include trophies most fun foursome and best dressed, food, hole-in-one contest for a new mini car sponsored by Haggerty Ford, and raffles. Raffle proceeds benefit People’s Resource Center in Wheaton. Title Sponsors are Buck Services Inc., and Groot Industries. Jel Sert Company sponsors 2nd Hole Trophy. To register, visit https://bit.ly/45p5PfY. For further information, call the chamber office at 630-231-3003.

 

  • West Chicago Public Library has a family program, “Stargazing with the Naperville Astronomical Association,” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023 in the main meeting room, 118 W. Washington St. The program focuses on what persons can see in the night sky in the suburbs. Weather permitting, participants go outside for a view with the telescope. Depending on the light, there is the opportunity to see Saturn, multiple stars and various clusters. To make a reservation, visit https://wcpld.info/, under calendar.

 

  • In partnership with Robert R. McCormick House at Cantigny Park, the League of Women Voters of Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, Central Kane County, Naperville and Roselle/Bloomingdale host the Civic Awareness Series at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept 21, 2023, via Zoom and in person in the Cantigny Visitors Center, 1S151 Winfield Road. The program is “Racial and Economic Justice.” The speaker is Audra Wilson, President and CEO of the Shriver Center on Poverty Law. Registration is required. Register at https://cantigny.org/.../civic-awareness-series-racial.../ .

 

Wilson has been a champion for racial and economic justice for more than 20 years as a public interest lawyer and teacher, policy shaper, community mobilizer, and experienced executive manager. Wilson began her legal career as a Welfare Advocacy Staff Attorney with the Shriver Center on Poverty Law, where she focused on welfare reform implementation and food security issues in Illinois. She served as Director of Diversity Education and Outreach and Adjunct Professor at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law for seven years. At Northwestern, she co-founded the first formal consortium of law school diversity professionals in Chicago, seen as a national model. As Executive Director of the League of Women Voters of Illinois, Wilson advanced the League’s advocacy on issues of race equity and voting rights and built organizational capacity for fundraising and communications. Wilson is also a board member for Bucknell University and Woodstock Institute, and serves on the Illinois Commission on Poverty Elimination and Economic Security and the Illinois Commission to End Hunger.

League of Women Voters of Wheaton includes West Chicago, Warrenville, Winfield, Wheaton and Carol Stream. The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan organization that does not support or oppose any political party or candidate, but whose purpose is to promote political responsibility through informed and active participation of citizens in government.

  • West Chicago City Museum presents the Historiography program, a non-fiction book reading group, at 1 p.m.Sept. 21, 2023, in the Museum, 132 Main St .The book is “Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI” by David Grann. 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.

 

  • Per the National Book Foundation, “The book tells the story of the brutal murders behind white settlers’ attempted dispossession of an Osage family’s Oklahoma lands, under which lay some of the world’s most valuable oil fields. That this conspiracy of theft, terror, and genocide helped launch J. Edgar Hoover’s FBI deepens the narrative’s moral complexity.” Time magazine listed Killers of the Flower Moon as one of its top ten nonfiction books of 2017 and was a finalist for the National Book Award and a winner of the Edgar Allen Poe Award for best true crime book.

 

Grann is an American journalist, a staff writer for “The New Yorker, ”and best-selling author. He received a master’s degrees in international relations from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy in Medford, Massachusetts and creative writing from Boston University. After graduating in 1989 from Connecticut College in New London, he received a Thomas J. Watson Fellowship and did research in Mexico, where he began his career in journalism.

  • West Chicago Park District holds an adult Puzzle Pursuit at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22, 2023, in the ARC, 201 W. National St. Teams of two to four people race against each other to finish the same 500 piece 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 and may be made at https://www.we-goparks.org/special

 

  • The West Chicago 5K Fun Run, organized by Healthy West Chicago, is at 7:30 a.m.Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, by Zone 250 at Reed-Keppler Park, 250 W. National St. The 5K Certified Course Run is on the Illinois Prairie Path.The One Mile Youth Run is at 8:30 a.m. All funds received assist with the enhancement of nutrition and physical activity programs organized by Healthy West Chicago.

 

The registration fee is $30 for adults, student price, aged 17 and under, is $10, youths aged 10 and under can participate in the 1-mile youth run for $5. To register, visit https://raceroster.com/events/2023/74652/healthy-west-chicago-5k-fun-runwalk. For further information, visit https://www.healthywestchicago.org/. To volunteer, email Carly Smitherman at caryls@healthywestchicago.org.

Sponsors include Friends of the West Chicago Parks Foundation, City of West Chicago, Hawthorne’s Backyard Bar & Grill, Athletico Physical therapy, West Chicago Community High School, Kindred Coffee Roasters, FNBC Bank & Trust, WeGo together for Kids, West Chicago Elementary School District 33 and Republic Bank.

 

  • We Grow Dreams Greenhouse and Garden Center, 1055 W. Washington St., hosts its annual “Fall Festival of Color” formerly known as Fall Fest, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday Sept. 23, 2023. In addition to the 50 different colors of mums, fall flowers and decor, kale and cabbage, there are fall beverages and treats, such as apple cider doughnuts. (https://merleburl.com)

 

  • The West Chicago Community Garden and Peace Jam Infinity hold their first Community Volunteer Day and Hydroponics Open Lab event from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, at Neighborhood Food Pantry, 123 Fremont St. Guests learn about his "growing" youth-led community project focused on sustainable agriculture, small-scale engineering, and community-building in West Chicago. This Peace Jam group works out of St. Michael’s United Church of Christ, under the leadership of Alex Galvin. It is open to all youth, not just member of the church.

 

The Mission of the PeaceJam Foundation is to create a new generation of young leaders committed to positive change in themselves, their communities and the world through the inspiration of 14 Nobel Peace Laureates who pass on the spirit, skills, and wisdom they embody.Since the PeaceJam program was launched in March of 1996, more than one million young people worldwide have participated in the program. Each youth has had an average of 45.5 contact hours with their teacher, mentor, community leader, or PeaceJam staff member. (https://merleburl.com)

 

  • Healthy West Chicago hosts Yoga in the Park at a 6 p.m. each Tuesday in September., in the Shell at Reed-Keppler Park, 832 Arbor Ave. The last45-minute class is Sept. 26, 2023. Participants need to bring a mat or blanket. (https://merleburl.com)

 

  • The West Chicago Public LibraryGettin’ Crafty program, ““Paint & Sip Watercolor ” is at 7 p.m.Thursday, Sept. 27, 2023, in the main meeting room, 118 W. Washington St.. To register, visit https://wcpld.info, under calendar. Sipping juice, participants create the media piece with water colors, shapes, stickers and acrylic paint markers.

 

  • West Chicago Garden Club meeting is Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023, at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 N. Prince Crossing Road. Social time at 6:45 p.m., short business meeting at 7 p.m. and program at 7:15 p.m. The meeting is open to the public. Ken Benson presents “Sharpening Garden Tools.” He uses various sharpening stones and shows how to sharpen pruners, shovels and all other garden tools. (https://merleburl.com)

 

  • Prairie Landing Golf Club, 2325 Longest Drive, hosts OktoBEERfest at 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29, 2023, in the tent. The $42 charge includes German style buffet and live music. There are assorted beer samplings from local vendors. Reservations are due by Monday, Sept. 25, and may be made by calling 630 208-7641.

 

  • Winfield Township holds its annual Recycling Extravaganza from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, at the Township Road District Facility, 30W575 Roosevelt Road. Included again is the collection of non-perishable food items for Neighborhood Food Pantries located in West Chicago There is a $15 cash or credit card cost per car for electronic devices. Included among electronic items are computers, televisions, telephones and keyboards. Recycling for old latex paint is by Epaint Recycling Service, who accepts cash or credit card. The charges for latex paints are $1 for a one-quart can, $4 for a one-gallon can and $10 for a five gallon pail. Glad Can Recycling provides for the disposal of spray paint at the cost of $1 per can. PROSHRED Security provides on-site shredding of confidential paper documents. There is a limit of four banker boxes. DuPage County provided partial funding for this service. Among the acceptable miscellaneous items are cell phones, old flags, eye glasses, fire extinguishers, office furniture, clothing and musical instruments. Scrap metal items include gutters, metal hangers, metal lawn furniture, metal shelving, metal wheelbarrows and radiators. Items not accepted include hazardous waste, explosives, items containing mercury, air conditioners, batteries, dehumidifiers, fluorescent bulbs, motor oil, refrigerators, tires and smoke detectors. (https://merleburl.com)

 

  • Hawthorne’s Backyard Bar & Grill, 1200 W. Hawthorne Lane, hosts the Third Annual Charity Kent Kopinski “This Tournament Sucks” Golf Outing Monday, Oct. 2, 2023, at Arrowhead Golf Club, 26W151 Butterfield Road in Wheaton. It is a 10:30 a.m. Shotgun start. The four man scramble price is $125 per person. The price includes golf, cart, green fees, driving range, food at the course and pig roast at Hawthorne’s.There are prizes and raffles. Register with the bartender or manager. Proceeds benefit the Kent Kopinski Caddy Scholarship Fund. (https://merleburl.com)

 

  • West Chicago Public Library offers a Microsoft Excel computer class at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023, 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.

 

  • West Chicago Park District offers a Morton Arboretum Tour Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023. Scheduled hours are 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The tour includes a scheduled tram tour of the arboretum and the opportunity to walk the trails before or after the tour.The charge of $28. includes entry into the arboretum, the tram tour and transportation. Persons purchase lunch in the Gingko Restaurant located in the visitors center. Registration deadline is Wednesday, Sept. 20. To register, visit https://www.we-goparks.org/adult-programs.

 

  • West Chicago Park District offers the Paramount Theater series season program for adults. The first of the four musical productions is “Little Shop of Horrors.” The time frame is noon to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023. The $48 charge includes the bus ride and the show. Persons purchase lunch at a local restaurant.Seats are on main lower floor. Registration deadline is Saturday, Sept. 23. To make a reservation, visit https://www.we-goparks.org/adult-programs.

 

Seymour Krelborn ekes out a living at the failing Mushnik’s Flower Shop. Until one day, he discovers a strange and unusual plant he names Audrey II, one that feeds on human blood. Seymour becomes caught up in a wild scheme of trying to acquire fresh blood for his carnivorous plant, all while attempting to save the love of his life from her evil dentist boyfriend. The musical is a wild ride filled with some of the catchiest songs including “Suddenly Seymour” and “Suppertime.” As a side note: I just attended with my son and grandson. We truly enjoyed it, the plant is unforgettable. The musical is receiving food reviews. (https://merleburl.com)

  • West Chicago City Museum hosts its annual Tales Tombstones Tell cemetery walk Friday, Oct. 6, 2023, at Oakwood Cemetery, Oakwood Avenue and York Street.The 45-minute tours begin at p.m., start at 10-minute intervals, with the last tour beginning at 7:30 p.m.

 

  • West Chicago Park District offers a trip to see Sweet Reminder, a dynamic duo that entertains audiences with the hits of yesterday in their unique playful style. It takes place Saturday, Oct. 7, in the Jacob Henry Mansion in Joliet. Scheduled hours ar 9:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.The $65 fee includes transportation, lunch and the show. Reservations are due by Monday, Sept. 25, and may be made at https://www.we-goparks.org/adult-programs. Nancy With their upbeat personalities, Baumet and Dia Madden, former Legacy Girls, provide an entertaining time with their great vocals. (https://merleburl.com)

 

  • Neighborhood Food Pantries holds its annual Harvest Fest, “An Autumn Evening,” at 6:00 p.m. Saturday, October 7, 2023, at Medinah Banquets, 550 North Shriners in Addison. There are several entree choices. The evening includes an auction. The emcee is CBS2 investigative reporter Dave Savini. The ticket price is $90. To order tickets, visit https://www.neighborhoodfp.org/harvestfest. For further information, call 630 632-7014.

 

  • Save the date of Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023, for the West Chicago Lions and Rotary Clubs Pancake Breakfast.

 

SUPPORT OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES

 

  • WeGo Places of West Chicago Community High School recently interviewed Class of 2021 graduate, Kevin Arriaga, Owner/Project Manager at Everlast Landscape. To view the podcast, visit https://wegovox.podbean.com/.../wego-places-kevin.../. Arriaga said, “Our company has grown over the years from a two person operation into a full staff of professionals able to meet your every landscaping need.”

 

Everlast Landscape offers professional services residential and  commercial landscaping, hardscaping, paver patio, paver walkway, paver driveway, retaining walls, seat walls, steps paver overlays, outdoor fireplace, fire pit, pergola, landscape lighting, plants, trees and flower bed needs. The company also offers comprehensive landscaping services that include design, construction, installation, removal, maintenance and repairs. (https://merleburl.com)

  • The new black awning with the happy, yellow sun at Good Morning Family Restaurant, 116 Main St., gives a feeling of brightness and cheer. Also I find the Wildcat paintings on the window and door reminiscent of the past during the West Chicago Community High School homecoming. The students would paint the windows at various businesses in the downtown district. The windows were judged in different categories. It was fun to walk around and see the colorful windows. The community did know it was homecoming. (https://merleburl.com)

 

  • Augustino’s Rock & Roll Deli and Grill was featured on “Your Everyday Heroes.” Cathy Morelli explained why she and her husband Jerry, as owners were honored by this recognition. “We are beyond proud of the 45 years not only being in business but for our three generations of fans and friends.” Augustino’s has two locations, one in West Chicago at 300 W. North Avenue, and one in Carol Stream, which was the original location. To view the segment, visit https://youreverydayheroes.com/. (https://merleburl.com)

 

  • Great Recruiters recognized Collinwood Technology Partners a a Top Rated IT and Engineering Staffing Firm. Staffing Industry Analysts recognized the company a a 2023 Best Staffing Firm to Work for staffing firms with 10 to 20 employees in North America. Collinwood Technology Partners is a veteran-owned IT recruiting firm providing permanent placement, contract placement, contract-to-hire or recruitment process outsourcing. The business is located at 480 E, Roosevelt Road, Suite 200.

Great Recruiters helps recruiters and staffing agencies collect real-time reviews while providing third party validations. Founded in 1989, Staffing Industry Analysts is the global advisor on staffing and workforce solutions. Our proprietary research covers all categories of employed and non-employed work including temporary staffing, independent contracting and other types of contingent labor.

 

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, Sept. 18, 2023, there were 12,131 cases and 67 deaths; this is the number from the beginning of track recording.

 

REMEMBRANCES

 

  • Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Frank Alberto Martinez Lara, who at the age of 33passed away Friday, Sept. 8, 2023.

 

  • Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Sharlene S. Anderson, who at the age of 76 passed away Tuesday, Sept.12, 2023.

 

SCHOOLS

 

  • Turner Elementary School celebrates its 70th Anniversary this year. More details of the celebration to be held Friday, Oct. 20, 2023, will be forthcoming. At this time the Turner PTO Board is seeking old photos, swag or memorabilia, anything with the former logos basically, or even just stories to share.  Also the board is looking for donations of items for the possible auction to help raise funds for current Turner students. For more information or Persons with items to donate and/or lend or, can email turnertigerspto@gmail.com. (https://merleburl.com)

 

  • With the approach of Homecoming 2023 at West Chicago Community High School, there is a full schedule of events. Homecoming week is Monday, Sept. 25, through Saturday, Sept. 30. The theme is ”Under the Sea,” with each class having a colored shirt with the different shades of the blue water theme.

 

With different modes of styles each school day, fashions vary. Monday is Beach Day. The Dodgeball Tournament also takes place in Bishop Gym. Tuesday is Tourist Day. At sunset, there is a movie on the football field, Memorial Stadium. Wednesday is Class Shirt Day.The Pep Club has a pre-game tailgate before the soccer game Thursday is Floaty Day. There is a volleyball game and Mr. Wildcat Competition , hosted by WeGo Drama.and Friday is the Wildcat Blue and White Day, I will highlight the Homecoming Day activities in next week’s column. (https://merleburl.com)

  • West Chicago Community High School football game was played Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023, instead of Friday. The Wildcats beat Fenton High School with a score of 56-28.

 

  • In the Friday night football game, Wheaton Academy lost to Chicago Hope Academy with a score of 30-29.

 

CHURCHES

 

  • The congregation of New Hope United Methodist Church, 643 E. Washington St., host an Open House from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. This is a means to celebrate and introduce he community to the church since.the merger of First United Church of West Chicago with Winfield Community United Methodist Church. In addition to refreshments there are beverages, games and take aways. Guests are asked to bring a non-perishable food item for Neighborhood Food Pantry or hats, scarves and/or mittens for area school children. (https://merleburl.com)

 

  • Glen Arbor Community Church, 204 Church St., once again offers Awana Kids Ministry, which takes place from 7 to 8:15 p.m. Wednesdays. The organization is for youths age three through twelve. Clubs for this school year include Cubbies for three and four-year-olds, Sparks for kindergartners through second graders, Truth & Training for third through sixth graders and Trek for seventh and eighth graders. (https://merleburl.com)

 

  • Trinity Lutheran Church recently held a Ladies Event Baby Shower with gifts being donated to Redeeming Life Outreach Ministries. Among the gifts were 42 handmade blankets by church organist Carrie Tedrahn and some handmade gifts by Patty Gaede, the pastor’s wife.

 

CLUB/ORGANIZATION NEWS

 

  • Girls of Today Leaders, of Tomorrow host and USAgain hold Quince Dress Drive, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, at 1555 W. Hawthorne Lane. It is open to girls age14 and attend Leman Middle School or West Chicago Community High School. The girls have a private dress fitting for quinceañeras dresses. Pre-registration is required. The suggested donation is $20 with proceeds benefitting Girls of Today Leaders of Tomorrow.

 

COMMUNITY MEMBERS HIGHLIGHTS

 

  • West Chicago resident Roxanne Matejovsky Hamlin is one of the more than 35 participants in the St. Charles Moose Craft Show, sponsored by St. Charles Women Women of the Moose. Her booth is “Not Your Grandma’s Aprons.” The show takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, at the Moose Family Center, 2250 Lincoln Highway.

 

  • Former West Chicago resident Gail Cannata directs the actors in the “History Lives” 36th annual Bluff City Cemetery Walk, presented by the Elgin History Museum. It takes place from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 23, and from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023. The ticket price is $20. Tickets must be purchased in advance at https://elginhistory.org/2023-cemetery-walk/. (https://merleburl.com)

 

WEST CHICAGO FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

 

  • In the early morning Friday, Sept. 1, 2023, the Glenview Police Department through Red Alert requested the West Chicago Fire Protection District K9 team to assist is locating a missing juvenile who never came home from school. K9 Thor started a track at the school, tracking for about a mile when K9 Roy from the Romeoville Fire Department arrived to assist. Both dogs tracked the nine hour old track to an area where the police on foot were able to locate the missing juvenile. Also assisting were the Glenview Fire Department with drone support and the Lincolnshire Riverwoods Fire Protection District providing chiefs and ground support. (https://merleburl.com)

 

 

ODDS AND ENDS

 

  • Cycle for Life, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation fundraiser, takes place Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023. Starting at St. Charles, the riders, approximately 75, use the Illinois Prairie Path, and are scheduled to be in the West Chicago area between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.(https://merleburl.com)

 

  • The Spotlight Chicago team of Channel 9 highlighted the Tae Kwan Do program offered by Frank Panzek of Lions Panzek Martial Arts in Winfield and Western DuPage Special Recreation Association. Community High School District 94 Board of Education member Kathe Doremus and her daughter Kerry are involved in this program and were featured on the television program. Panzek said, “I am inspired always by the students-their energy, dedication, drive to improve-and pride in learning! They also make me laugh-their joy, unique personalities, and delight in life-every Saturday, I get an attitude adjustment just watching them! I also get challenged to do a push-up or two just watching Kerry work.” To learn more about the program, visit https://panzek.com/. The telephone number is 630 797-6698. (https://merleburl.com)

 

  • Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2023, DuPage County Board members and Chief Judge Kenneth Popejoy held a ribbon cutting to celebrate the expansion and renovation in the judicial facilities in the county complex. The work included the addition of a third floor into which the public defender’s office is moving, Enlarging the grand jury room, adding two domestic relations courtrooms, plus enlarging and remodeling the bond courtroom at the jail.

 

  • Justin Fierz and Michael Androwich’s Midwest Industrial Funds recently sold its new speculative warehouse development to an East Coast firm for more than $41 million. Boston-based Stag Industrial bought the 400,000-square-foot facility, which sits on 23 acres at 537 Discovery Drive. in a deal recorded Aug. 11, according to DuPage County public records. William Crooker is the CEO of Stag Industry, a real estate investment trust focused on the acquisition and operation of industrial properties throughout the United States.

 

  • More than 200 persons attended the Ribbon Cutting and Open House for Main Street Lofts, hosted by Western DuPage Chamber of Commerce, Association for Individual Development and North Arrow Partners . Among those attending were Ward 3 Alderman Al Hallett, Ward 4 Alderman Melissa Ferguson and Ward 6 Alderman Becky Stout, plus representatives of DuPage County. The facility at 487 Main St. has 21 one bedroom apartments and three two bedroom apartments, plus is the first supportive housing building in DuPage County. The apartments are for individuals, not families.

 

  • Lore Baker, President/CEO of AID, welcomed all who attended. “To build this building took perseverance.” She mentioned its beginning with the approval of the grant in January 2020 the ground breaking in July 2020. Then COVID-19 hit. After restrictions lifted, delays continued with shortage of supplies and more. “Yet we continued to persevere and today we have two residents.” Mayor Ruben Pineda said this was a wonderful facility, located by the train station and two grocery stores. Also speaking were State Senator Karina Villa and State Representative Maura Hirschauer. Also the brother of one residents, Raymond, spoke, saying the family is thankful that such a facility is now available.

Following the ribbon cutting, guests toured the building. On the first floor is a kitchen with a comfortable seating area, fitness room, library, recreation room, laundry room, and management office. The upper three floors house the apartments which have a full kitchen, fully equipped bathroom, large living room area and bedroom. Supportive housing combines affordable housing with services that help people who face the most complex challenges to live with stability, autonomy and dignity. It is usually for those lacking housing who face a multitude of complex medical, mental health and/or substance use issues that are co-occurring. Individuals can apply for a HACC voucher online by visiting https://hacc.net/housing/apply-for-housing/. For further information, call 630 966-4000. https://merleburl.com)

 

  • My email address is merleburl@earthlink.net.