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At Home with Merle Burleigh – April 2, 2025

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At Home with Merle

MERLE’S CORNER

 

            Here it is April, already. Gardeners work on cleaning up their gardens, and seeing some signs of future plants peeking their way up through the ground..When I was living in my house, I looked forward to seeing the pussy willows, knowing soon they would be leafing out. My favorite sight was the Virginia bluebells, a sea of blue bringing forth a feeling of happiness. Members of the West Chicago Garden Club are busy with potting parties and plant sitting as they prepare for the Plant Sale during the City’s Blooming Fest, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 17, 2025.

 

AROUND AND ABOUT

 

  • West Chicago Public Library hosts a virtual workshop, via Zoom,“ Financial Fitness Series: Planning for Retirement,” at 7 p.m. Thursday. April 3, 2025. John Daly, CFP®, discusses getting ready to retire. Participants learn to consider when to retire, amount of money needed, time to take Social Security and investing when retired. To register, visit, https://wcpld.librarycalendar.com/events/month.
  • During the month of April, “Spring Awakening,” is the exhibit at Gallery 200, 103 W. Washington St. The display highlights the artwork by the members of the Wayne Art League. The artists’s reception is from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 4, 2025.

Wayne Art League meets weekly on Mondays to work on individual projects or the provided still life set up in the center of the meeting area. Its meetings take place at Little Home Church by the Wayside, 32W120 Army Trail Road. The League welcomes artists of varying skill levels working in all types of mediums and encourages camaraderie, encouragement, and support.

  • To celebrate and kick-off National Library Week and the 100th anniversary of the Great Gatsby, the West Chicago Public Library hosts an afternoon tea with a Gatsy flare from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, April 6, 2025, in the meeting room, 118 W. Washington St. It is geared for youths ages 8 and up, teens and adults.. To make it a fun and memorable time, there are several different activities .Making a bookmark using the library’s sublimation printer, is the special craft project. Costumes are encouraged, think flapper dresses, straw hats for men-the casual look. A small photo area is available for patrons to take pictures.

Per Wikipedia, “The Great Gatsby is a 1925 novel by American writer F. Scott Fitzgerald. Set in the Jazz Age on Long Island, near New York City, the novel depicts first-person narrator Nick Carraway's interactions with Jay Gatsby, the mysterious millionaire with an obsession to reunite with his former lover, Daisy Buchanan.” National Library Week is an annual celebration highlighting t he valuable role libraries, librarians and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthen communities.

  • West Chicago Park District holds Member Appreciation Week from Monday, April 7, through Sunday, March 13, 2025. Included during this time are free healthy snacks, daily prize drawings and free fitness classes Monday through Thursday at the ARC Center, 201 W. National St. A Fitness Open House is from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 10. It includes free facility access. Hourly fitness challenges with prizes, free three-month membership drawing, free fitness classes and fitness orientations. For further information call 630 2319474 or email info@we-goparks.org.
  • In its Financial Fitness series, the West Chicago Public Library presents the virtual program via Zoom, “Navigating Student Loans: Understanding Your Options,” at 7 p.m. Monday, April 7, 2025. To register, visit https://wcpld.librarycalendar.com/events/month. Barbara Ginty, CFP® CEPA®, guides guests through the complex landscape of student loans, emphasizing how these debts can impact long-term financial goals, including retirement savings. This program explores strategies for managing student loan repayments while also building a secure financial future, helping borrowers balance their immediate obligations with the need to save for retirement.

Ginty is now the owner of a wealth management firm she purchased from her family in 2013. In 2018 she was chosen for the “The American College of Financial Services Millennial Financial Services Professional Award”. In 2019, she was selected for Investment News 40 under 40. In 2020, Future Rich, the podcast was selected by NextAdvisor as one of the 10 Best Finance Podcasts for 2021.

  • The West Chicago Public Library program, “Zelda Fitzgerald This Side of Paradise…Her Story,” is at 7 p.m.Tuesday, April 8, 2025, in the main meeting room, 118 W. Washington St. To make a reservation, visit https://wcpld.librarycalendar.com/events/month. Relating the story of Zelda is Lynn Rymarz, owner of Tales in History. Dressed in vintage attire, she makes history come alive as she portrays her character, Zelda, and shares some little known history. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald had it all. They lived the American dream. He, the famous author of such novels as “The Great Gatsby” and “This Side of Paradise, ”and she, a beautiful southern belle. Attendees learn about how they rubbed shoulders with the rich and famous and the part she played in his fiction. She was called “the First Flapper” because of her passion for dancing. Zelda became an accomplished writer and painter. Then their world began to crumple and fell apart.
  • “West Chicago Roaring Through the 1920s” is the West Chicago Public Library program at noon Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in the main meeting room, 118 W. Washington St. Presenting the program is Sara Phalen, West Chicago City Museum director/curator. To make a reservation, visit https://wcpld.librarycalendar.com/events/month. The Roaring 20s that saw prosperity spread throughout the United States was no different here in West Chicago. During the 1920s West Chicago’s population grew by 30 percent, ending the decade with 3,477 residents. Industry grew including an expansion of boxcar camps that brought first Mexican immigrants to town; a major street improvement program added nine miles of concrete streets; four new schools were built, including a new high school and the first parochial school at St. Mary’s Catholic parish. The decade ended with development for what would become the DuPage County Airport and the industrial development to the west of town.
  • West Chicago Park District hosts Doggie Egg Hunt at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 12, 2025, at South Paw Dog Park, west of Reed-Keppler Park, 129 W. National St. The charge per dog is $8 for residents; $10 for non-residents.Registration deadline is Friday, April 4; to register visit we-goparks.org/special-events.Hidden treat-filled eggs are scattered through the park. There are some prizes, games and activities for both dogs and owners.
  • The West Chicago Public Library Saturday Crafternoon program, is at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 12, 2025, in the main program room, 118 W. Washington St. Participants make an Art Deco style plate suitable for display. To make a reservation, visit https://wcpld.librarycalendar.com/events/month. The craft fits in well with the library’s celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Great Gatsby. Art Deco, a popular design style of the 1920s and 30s, is characterized by sleek, geometric forms, bold colors, and lavish ornamentation, emphasizing symmetry, balance, and order. Its name was derived from the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes held in Paris in 1925, where the style was first exhibited.
  • The West Chicago Park District monthly social gathering for senior citizens is at noon Thursday, April 17, 2025, at the ARC, 201 W. National Street. The event is the popular Chicken Luncheon with the West Chicago Police Department.There is no charge, but reservations are required by Friday, April 11. To register, visit we-goparks.org/adult-programs.
  • West Chicago City Museum presents the Historiography program, a non-fiction book reading group, at 1 p.m.Thursday, April 17, 2025, in the Museum, 132 Main St. The book is “Spies, Soldiers, Couriers, & Saboteurs: Women of the American Revolution” by K.M. Waldvogel. 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 Goodread, “The Revolutionary War has divided the country. Neighbor has turned against neighbor. Family members argue with family members. Angry rumblings of "no taxation without representation" are prevalent. During this time, ordinary women stepped out of the safety of their homes and risked their lives in America's fight for independence. Some women spied on the British, some fought in battles. Others took different roles, but each woman stood up for what she believed.”

Waldvogel is a member of the Society of Children Book Writers and Illustrators, Wisconsin Writers Association  and local writing groups in Wisconsin and Arizona. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education and a Master of Science degree in education. She taught fifth grade for four years and eighth grade language arts for ten years.

  • The West Chicago Public Library program, “Chasing Mother Nature,”is at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 17, 2025, in the main meeting room, 118 W, Washington St. The presentation takes attendees on an electrifying journey through the thrilling world of storm chasing. To make a reservation, visit https://wcpld.librarycalendar.com/events/month. Presenting the program is an experienced storm chaser, who delves into the science behind severe weather phenomena showing awe-inspiring footage. The presenter tells of close encounters with nature's most powerful storms
  • West Chicago Park District holds a Flashlight Egg Hunt Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Reed-Keppler Park, 129 W. National St. It is for children ages 3 to 12. Check-in begins at 7 p.m.and the hunt begins promptly at 7:40 p.m. The charge is $10 per child for residents, $12 for non-residents, and no charge for parents. To register, visit https://www.we-goparks.org/special-events. Following the hunt, participants go to the ARC, 201 W. National St., to redeem eggs and a special visit with the Bunny.https://merleburl.com
  • West Chicago Park District hosts a Mayslake Peabody Estate Tour Thursday, April 24, 2025. Scheduled hours are 9:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The charge is $20, which includes tour and transportation. Attendees purchase lunch at a local restaurant. Registration deadline is Tuesday, April 1. To make a registration, visit https://www.we-goparks.org/adult-programs. The estate has stairs, no elevators. Mayslake Hall was built between 1919 and 1921 as the retirement home for Francis Stuyvesant Peabody, one of the nation’s largest coal producers. Today, Mayslake Hall, with its rural setting and formality, stands as a rare reminder of the magnificent country houses that once graced the landscape of DuPage County.
  • West Chicago Park District hosts its Disc Golf Tournament from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Kress Creek Farms, 30W150 Wilson Road. For a team of two, the charge is $40 for residents, $45 for non-residents, which includes two Frisbee discs for participants to use and take home. To register, visit https://www.we-goparks.org/athletics. Registration ends Sunday, April 13. Game play is nine holes, shotgun start, and best disc.

SUPPORT OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES

 

  • Prairie Landing Golf Club, 2325 Longest Drive, celebrates its 30th Anniversary in 2025. Each month there is a special event with the grand celebration taking place in June. In April there are three events.

The All You Can Eat Friday Fish Fry is from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and ends April 18 in McChesney’s Pub& Grill. The charge is $24, $20 for one plate.

The Easter Brunch is Sunday, April 20. Seating times available are 10 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. The cost is $57 for adults, $29 for children ages 4 to 13, and no charge for children under the age of 4. There are special prices for members. Reservations are due by Monday, April 14 and may be made by calling 630 208-7641 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Credit card is required for reservations.The menu includes omelet and carving stations, breakfast and lunch favorites, fresh seafood station and kids buffet. The Easter Bunny is the special guest.

The Spring Scramble is Sunday, April 27, 2025. The Shotgun start is a 10:30 a.m. The price is $125 per person, $100 per member; lunch at the turn is included. To make a reservation, call the Pro  Shop at 630 208-7600. Players must have a CDGA or a GHIN handicap. Prizes are recorded accordingly, Gross and Net Divisions and closest to the Pin on Par 3’s. https://merleburl.com

  • Jacob Buchholz, Customer Care Associate at Buck Services, Inc., celebrated International Cleaning Week by volunteering with others in the cleaning service business. They joined the cause, Cleaning for a Reason, and cleaned the homes of cancer patients. “No matter the situation a clean environment always makes a difference in anyone’s life.” Since 2006, the not-for-profit organization and its partners have donated more than $20 million in services, helping more than 59,000 cancer patients.https://merleburl.com

 

REMEMBRANCES

  • Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Charles P. Brummel, who at the age of 84 passed away Saturday, March 22, 2025.
  • Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Socorro Zacatzi, who at the age of 60 passed away Tuesday, March 25, 2025.
  • Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Pamela Joan Rawls, who at the age of 73passed away Friday, March 21, 2025.
  • Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of William (Bill) August Malmberg, who at the age of 95 passed away Friday, March 21, 2025.
  • Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Rose Klaibor, who at the age of 84 passed away Friday, March 28, 2025.

SCHOOLS

 

  • The Spring Jazz Showcase is at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 16, 20025, in the Commons at West Chicago Community High School, 326 Joliet St., Entrance H. Featured in the program are the WCCHS Honors A Capella Chamber Choir, WCCHS Jazz Band and the Leman Middle School Jazz Band. In addition to the musical entertainment there are awards and Senior Recognition. While enjoying the music, attendees can also enjoy some yummy baked goods and coffee.
  • West Chicago Community High School seeks nominations for the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award. The purpose of the program is to recognize West Chicago Community High School graduates whose accomplishments serve as an inspiration for current students to dream and achieve. Nomination deadline is Thursday, May 1, 2025. The nominee must be a graduate of the high school for at least 10 years prior to the nomination, be distinguished by accomplishments in academics, the arts, athletics, business, community service, the environment, human rights, justice, medicine, research or science that reflect outstanding ability and dedication which contributes to the betterment of the community. Also the nominee must be available by telephone, email or in-person interview by the selection committee, willing to participate in the Distinguished Alumni Award Ceremony, willing to submit a photograph and available to interact with WCCHS students in a forum, seminar or assembly. To submit a nomination, visit d94.org/alumni/awards .

Past honorees are 2008, Kirk Johnson, Class of 1998, Human Rights; Class of 2009, Pam Kuhl Davis, Class of 1967, Justice; 2010, Michael Lach, Class of 1986, Education, and Tom Marziani, Class of 1943, Entrepreneurship; Class of 2011,Butch Hansen, Class of 1955, Education, and Scott Dierking, Class of 1973,Athletics; Class of 2014, Beth Barrett, Class of 1986, Visual Arts; 2015, Ray Stejskal, Class of 1982, Community Service; 2016, Chris Voelz, Class of 1966, Athletics; 2018, Bruce Guevara, Class of 2006, Entrepreneurship, and Dr. Don Stockton, Class of 1979, Academic Leadership; 2019, Abe Mashal, Class of 1998, Justice, and Rachel Moguel, Class of 2003, Immigration Law; 2022, Karina Villa, Class of 1996, Public Policy, and Matthew Potts, Class of 1997 Humanitarian; and 2023, Sarah Toney, Class of 1996, Restorative Justice

  • Wheaton Academy students in Spanish classes joined together to collect donations for Neighborhood Food Pantries at 123 Fremont St. They donated 300 pounds of food. https://merleburl.com
  • The Community High School District 94 World Languages Division inducted 51 students into the French, German and Spanish language Honor Societies Monday, March 10, 2025. Membership in these Honor Societies represents outstanding achievement in at least two years of study of a foreign language, academic excellence in all other classes, and the intent to continue the study of a foreign language.

The newest members of the Société Honoraire de Français areAbigail Ballard, Arturo Bautista Munoz Jr., Jahnett Cholula, Dimas Granados, Michelle Guevara Patino, Piper Kiser, Kimberly Ramirez, Guadalupe Vargas and Ja’Nyah Villa.

The new members of Delta Epsilon Phi, the German National Honor Society, are Yasiel Barajas-Ramirez, Sophia Bormann, Sage Brady, Omar Casimiro, Sylvia Cherney, Adam Dabrowa, Ruby Guerrero Lopez, Emilio A. Guzman, Alexander Jacobo, Mason Mullen and Esau Ruben Ruiz Medina.

New members inducted into la Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica:are Elio Bregu, Natalie Brown, Rosario Cuautle, Yizel Duran, Andre Dzwiniel, Olivia Ebelt, Sean Folen, Alexis Garcia, Emily Gee, Ana Hurtado, Monika Jankowska, Rachel E. Knaack, Kaylee Kreitzer, Lauren Krupp, Joey Kurby, Angel Lopez, Omar Lutfiyev, Joseph Marszalek, Deisy Najera, Gabrielle Newell, Gwenneth Nika, Niyati Patel, Michael Richardson, Gavin Roster, Christopher Salinas, Caleb Salzman, Erika Vargas, Leo Volk, Lucas Wheat, Ginger Zenter and Olivia Zurko.

The WCCHS World Languages philosophy emphasizes target language use and development of all modalities to increase students’ second language ability and exposure. Language teachers use innovative teaching strategies to provide authentic writing and listening experiences approximating the target language fluency using expansive resources. The World Languages Division is comprised of Emily Brown, Carolina Espino, Sarah Gill, Elizabeth Mastroianni, Anna Munoz, Brittany Nelson, Arabia Patino, Michael Princer, Laurie Van Gorp, Nora Wessels and Jenna Windt, Division Head.

  • Illinois Association of School Boards.recognized Gary Saake, Community High School District 94 Board of Education member, as a Distinguished Board Leader.
  • Niko Bubaris is the new Assistant Principal at Wegner School, beginning with the 2025/26 school year. He currently is Assistant Principal at Resking Elementary School in Marquardt School District 15 in Glendale Heights. He started his career in education as a fourth grade teacher, then taught a third/fourth grade multi-age classroom before transitioning to the role of Library Innovation Teacher. Bubaris has a Bachelor of Arts in Education with a minor in Psychology, a Master’s in School Leadership, and an Instructional Technology Specialist Endorsement. https://merleburl.com
  • Kelly Reinmann is the new Assistant Principal at Turner School for the 2025/26 school year. She currently is the Sixth Grade Dean at Leman Middle School, a position she has held since 2023. Prior to this, she was a third and fourth grade teacher for 15 years in Medinah District 11. Additionally she participated in committees responsible for the evaluation and selection of curriculum programs for Math, Reading and Science, and facilitated the training of teachers in the new curriculum and standards. Reinmann earned a Master's Degree in Education from National Louis University in Chicago and a Master's Degree in Principal Preparation from Concordia University in River Forest. https://merleburl.com
  • Under the direction of the Counseling Department, the WEGO Boutique, Sunday, March 23, 2025, was a huge success. Fifty-three students attended. A total of 165 items were selected, which included dresses, men's formal wear, accessories and shoes. All items were free. Julie Hensley, counselor, said, “Due to generous monetary donations, we were also able to raffle off nine free Prom tickets to attendees. ” The cost of the tickets is $160 per person. This year, WEGO Boutique officially was made a school club; there are nine student members. https://merleburl.com

 

COMMUNITY MEMBERS HIGHLIGHTS

 

  • Maggie Capettini, former West Chicago City Museum education director, artwork is on display from Monday, April 7, through Saturday, May 3, 2025, in the juried exhibit, “Food for Thought,” at the  McCord Gallery and Cultural Center, 9602 W. Creek Road in Palos Park. The artists’ reception is from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 11. She painted “Citrus on a Red Tray, ” from life in her kitchen. Gallery hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and closed on Sunday. https://merleburl.com

CLUB/ORGANIZATION NEWS

 

  • American Legion Post 300 has Taco Tuesday; all dishes are made to order. Hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The organization also has Monday Burger Night and Friday Fish Fry. Often on Friday, there is a special meal. Dining hours ar3 4 to 8 p.m. https://merleburl.com
  • The Auxiliary of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6791 hosts Bingo on Sundays at the post, 431 N. Neltnor Boulevard. Doors open at noon, games start at 1:30 p.m.
  • Attendees at the West Chicago Rotary and Lions Clubs Pancake Breakfast fundraiser Sunday, March 23, 2025, enjoyed delicious pancakes and the entertainment provided by Ballet Folklorico from Leman Middle School. Sponsors were Republic Bank, FNBC Bank & Trust, The UPS Store, Manna Real Estate,, Edgerton & Edgerton Attorneys,DuPage Cremations, LTD. and Funeral Chapter, West Chicago Park District, Lexicon Networks, Rite Way Automotive, Ball Horticultural Company, QuestFood Management Service, Community High School District 94, RKA Applied Solutions, Weiss Lawncare, Cheese Merchants, Hawthorne’s Backyard Bar & Grill, McFadden Sports Performance, NBC Packaging, Cantigny Park, Educare DuPage, Carnicerias Jimenez and Raised Bakery and Cafe. https://merleburl.com

 

CITY OF WEST CHICAGO

 

  • The City of West Chicago is accepting applications from vendors through Friday, April 11 2025, for its annual Blooming Fest, which takes place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.Saturday, May 17. Craft and limited food vendor spaces are available. There are no fees for not-for-profit organizations and West Chicago Downtown TIF District vendors. Available vendor spaces are limited, and all fees are non-refundable. Direct sales companies will not be approved. To submit an application, visit https://westchicago.org/?s=Blooming+Fest. For further information, email nstefan@westchicago.org.
  • City of West Chicago hosts a West Chicago Projects & Partnerships Open House from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at City Hall, 475 Main St.
  • West Chicago City Museum started a new series, “Museum Monday.” The March 24, 2025, series highlights the Administration Department. This small team serves as the organizational backbone, ensuring that day-to-day operations run smoothly and the museum’s mission is fulfilled. The Administration Department oversees operations, financial management, human resources, and strategic planning. While their work may not always be visible to visitors, it is essential for keeping the museum functional and sustainable. The part-time staff spends on average one to two days a week on administrative duties.

One of the key responsibilities is Financial Management, which includes budgeting, fundraising, and grant writing. Other responsibilities are human resources, strategic planning, visitor services, compliance and governance. https://merleburl.com

 

WEST CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT

 

  • During the St. Patrick’s Day enforcement period, the West Chicago Police Department issued 19 seat belt citations, five child restraint citations, four speeding citations, six suspended registration citations and made one warrant arrest. The Police Department joined forces with state and local law enforcement and highway safety partners in this campaign. The safety effort was funded by federal highway safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.
  • The sun was shining, but the water was very cold. Twenty-three persons signed up to take part in the West Chicago Police Department’s Polar Plunge Saturday, March 8, 2025, at Hawthorne’s Backyard Bar & Grill. Both the plungers and the spectators enjoyed the event, which was demonstrated by the amount of money raised at the event,-$13,000 for Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Illinois

 

WEST CHICAGO FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

 

  • Tuesday, March 25, 2025, marked the eighth anniversary of a defining moment for the West Chicago Fire Protection District—a Mayday call that put its training, teamwork, and courage to the ultimate test. In the face of danger, the firefighters worked together to rescue one of their own, proving that no one is ever left behind. “This day serves as a powerful reminder of the risks firefighters take and the unbreakable bond we share. We honor the dedication of those who answered the call that day and continue to stand strong for our community.”

”WCFPD Deputy Chief Rick Ciszewski described the incident. “We had a large fire at Groot garbage transfer station. During the firefight, a firefighter fell from a significant height into a truck loading bay that was heavily involved in fire. A MAYDAY was called, and a Rapid Intervention Team was activated. That firefighter was rescued by his own Company, but suffered multiple injuries. He was treated at a local hospital and made a full recovery. He was back to work in a couple of weeks and still continues to serve our community. It was a testament to the challenges of our jobs and the daily dangers posed to firefighters. There were many lessons learned from this incident, and it has changed how we train for these situations and strengthened us as a fire district. The phrase we use is, "Everyone goes home," and that was tested that day, but the members of that fire company came through for the member and made good on that promise.

 

ODDS AND ENDS

 

  • The Wayne Township Annual Town Meeting is Tuesday, April 8, 2025, in Wayne Township Hall, 27W031 North Avenue. Sign is at 7 p.m.; meeting is at 7:30 p.m.The Wayne Township Hall, 27W031 North Avenue. For further information, visit https://www.waynetwp-il.org/home or call 630 231-7140. The Winfield Township Annual Town Meeting is Tuesday, April 8, 2025, in the West Chicago Park District ARC Center, 201 W. National St. Sign is at 6:30 p.m., meeting is at 7 p.m. For further information, call 630 231–3591.

Every year on the second Tuesday of April all Illinois townships conduct an Annual Township Meeting. All of the electors (registered voters) in the township may attend this meeting and have a direct voice in electing a moderator and determining how their township operates. Specific issues are addressed and each elector has an equal vote. All elector votes are cast, the votes are tallied, and the majority wins.

  • 2025 marks the 30th Anniversary of Turtle Splash Water Park, formerly Prairie Oaks Family Aquatic Center. West Chicago Park District plans to celebrate with activities, events and special surprises. The first activity is a Throwback Photo contest. Photo submissions are accepted through Monday, April 14. To submit photos, visit https://forms.gle/cydu3j9w5wj76QYZA. For further information, email Danielle Spence at dspence@we- goparks.org.

To enter, persons submit a favorite photo taken at the water park from 1995 through 2024. Each participant receives one entry into a random drawing for five daily admissions to Turtle Splash Water Park, a $75 value. The winner is announced Friday, April 25.

My email address is merleburl@earthlink.net.