MERLE’S CORNER
With the reading of the Arbor Day proclamation saying Friday, April 26, 2024, is Arbor Day in West Chicago and the passage of the ordinance amending the the Municipal Code for Parkway Tree Regulation at the Monday, April 15, 2024, City Council meeting, the City can become a member of Tree City USA. Prior to this the City completed a Citywide Geographical Information System and preparation of an Urban Forestry Management Plan, which are part of the criteria to become a member.
Started in 1976, Tree City USA is one of the Arbor Day Foundation’s oldest programs. The first Tree City USA cohort was comprised of 42 communities in 16 states. Today, the program includes more than 3,600 communities from all 50 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico.
In 1883, the American Forestry Association made Birdsey Northrup of Connecticut the chairman of the committee to campaign for Arbor Day nationwide. He was responsible for globalizing the idea when he visited Japan in 1895 where he delivered his Arbor Day and Village Improvement message. According to its website, https://www.arborday.org/, urban forestry has many advantages. These include trees absorbing the sound of traffic, neighborhoods with trees are seven to nine degrees cooler than those without, trees, reduce energy costs up to 25 percent by shading buildings and protecting them from winter winds, green space plays a major role in improving mental and physical health, and planting and maintaining trees absorb carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. https://merleburl.com
AROUND AND ABOUT
- The West Chicago Public Library hosts a program for senior citizens, “Knowledge is Power: Understanding and Communicating Your End-of-Life Wishes.” It takes place at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 24, 2024, in the main meeting room, 118 W. Washington St. Nancy Betker and Rachel Cook, volunteers for the national organization Compassion and Choices, facilitate a presentation and dialogue about end-of-life options currently available in Illinois. They discuss Advance Directives and why it is important to decide and discuss end-of-life wishes. To register, visit https://wcpld.info/, under calendar.
- West Chicago Garden Club meeting is Thursday, April 25, 2024, in St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 N. Prince Crossing Road. Social time is at 6:45 p.m., short business meeting at 7 p.m. and program at 7:15 p.m. Nina Koziol presents the program, “Elegant Edible Gardens.” She discusses the portager, which is an elegant, productive kitchen garden, large or small, that provides seasonal vegetables, berries, and cutting flowers.
She is a horticulturist who tends plants on a deer-infested acre about 40 miles from Chicago. She taught horticulture, landscape design and garden design history for the Chicago Botanic Garden and the Morton Arboretum since 1997. Koziol wrote garden articles for the Chicago Tribune for 22 years as well as for Chicagoland Gardening, Old-House Journal, Organic Gardening and The American Gardener. She is the author of several books. Her most current is “White Gardens: Creating Magnificent Moonlit Spaces: Guide to White and Luminous Plants” and another is “Small Kitchen Gardens” to be released in 2025. She was born in Paris, France, to a father who was a life-long, decorated military photographer. He met her mother in England during WWII. Her grandparents had an incredible garden in Chelmsford, Essex, England, with a lovely greenhouse her grandfather built. “I credit my love of all things gardening--plants, birds, insects and clouds to my mum who encouraged me at age seven to do my science project on the parts of an Impatiens flower. After that, I was hooked. ” For further information on Koziol, visit her website www.beautyandthefeast.net https://merleburl.com
- WeGo Drama presents “Mean Girls: High School Version,” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, April 25, 26, and 27, 2024, in the auditorium, 326 Joliet St. The hilarious musical is from a book by Tina Fey, lyricist Nell Benjamin and a composer Jeff Richmond. The ticket price is $8, $5 for students.
It tells the story of Cady Heron, who was raised on an African savanna, but nothing prepared her for the wild and vicious ways of her strange new home in suburban Illinois. Along the way, Cady meets “The Plastics” and their leader, Regina George.. But when Cady and her friends devise a "Revenge Party" to end Regina’s reign, she learns the hard way that you can’t cross a Queen Bee without getting stung.”
- West Chicago Public Library hosts El Día de Los Niños Fiesta at noon Saturday, April 27, 2024, in the main meeting room, 118 W. Washington St. The special event for families includes activities and a visit from the special guest, Mirabella from Fairytale entertainment. Reservations are not required.
Día de los Niños is a holiday celebrated particularly in Mexico, and has a strong connection to literacy, books, and libraries. The last day of April every year marks a special occasion all across Mexico. El Día del Niño or Children’s Day, a national celebration of children and childhood, often surprise visitors with its importance and genuine warmth. While the United Nations has recommended every country set aside a day to celebrate children each year since 1954, Mexico had already been celebrating its own Children’s Day for almost 30 years by that point. In 1924 then President Alvaro Obregon signed the now defunct League of Nations’ Declaration of the Rights of the Child. https://merleburl.com
- The Spring Final Concert of West Chicago Community High School is at 6 p.m.Wednesday, May 1, 2024, in Bishop Gym, 326 Joliet St. The concert features all bands, choirs and orchestras. Some of the featured songs are “Battle Hymn of the Republic ,”which will be performed by all of the music students and Tchaikovsky's March Slav which will be performed by the Honors Wind Ensemble and Honors Symphony Orchestra. Also all graduating seniors are recognized and awards and scholarships are presented.
- “Using Butterflies and Native Plants for Sustainable and Pretty Gardens” is the West Chicago Public Library program at a 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 1, 2024, in the main meeting room, 118
Washington St. The Conservation Foundation presentation demonstrates how individuals can have an attractive landscape as well as providing an enriched habitat for birds, butterflies and other pollinators. Native plant guides are available for attendees. To register, visit https://wcpld.info/, under upcoming events. - “Art in Full Bloom” is the exhibit at Gallery 200, 103 W. Washington Street, for the month of May. The display highlights the beautiful artwork of thirteen artists. They are Maria Ananieva, patty Donahue, Emilia Hajduczenia, Dan Holt, Shari Hohl, Kathi Kuchler, Owen O’Reilly, Laurie Parker, Kari Pozzessere, Britta Renwick, Elisa Rijos, Starla Snead and Marita Valdizan. Using a variety of mediums, artists display the delights of Spring with flowers, butterflies, garden art, and more. The artists’ reception is from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday, May 3, 2024. https://merleburl.com
- West Chicago Park District holds a Cinco de Mayo 2-mile Color Crawl at 6 p.m. Friday, May 3, at Kress Creek Farms Park, 30W150 Wilson Road. Along the route, participants are showered with vibrant color made from safe, food-grade, biodegradable cornstarch and by the time they cross the finish line are covered by a color palette of hues. The cost is $20 for residents, $24 for non-residents. There is no deadline for registering; people can register the day of the event. To register, visit https://www.we-goparks.org/special-events. https://merleburl.com
- The West Chicago Park District monthly social gathering for senior citizens is at noon Thursday, May 9, 2024, in the ARC, 201 W. National Street. Each year in May, the District celebrates Older Americans Month to recognize the countless contributions that older adults make to their communities. Their time, experience, and talents enrich the lives of those in the communities.All members of the community regardless of their age tare invited to this celebration. Guests enjoy a lunch, dessert and refreshments. There is no charge, but reservations are required and can be made at https://www.we-goparks.org/adult-programs. Reservation deadline is at noon Friday, May 3. https://merleburl.com
- West Chicago’s 20th annual Citywide Collection takes place on regularly scheduled garbage pickup days beginning Monday, May 6, and ending Friday, May 10, 2024. Using eight “refuse” stickers, residents can dispose of an unlimited amount of acceptable items. These include barbecue grills, bicycles, furniture, box springs and mattresses and household fixtures excluding electronics. Also included is carpeting ,if rolled into sections not exceeding four feet in length and not weighing more than 50 pounds per roll; and household construction materials such as lumber, drywall, plywood and doors if bundled or placed within 33-gallon refuse containers and/or not weighing more than 50 pounds;
Some unacceptable items are hazardous waste; tires; automotive parts, fluids and batteries such as oil, transmission fluid, windshield washing fluid, starters and brake shoes, household batteries, oil-based paint, pesticides, and propane tanks, and large household appliances. Small household appliances such as toasters, televisions, microwaves, computers, monitors, speakers, stereo equipment are no longer acceptable items as they are now banned from Illinois landfills from all sources under penalty of law. Helpful hint,-attach your eight stickers to your garbage container, as your junk may be someone else’s treasure. For a list of acceptable items or for more information, visit https://www.groot.com/waste-management-chicago/city-of-west-chicago. https://merleburl.com
- West Chicago Park District offers a tour of the Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford Friday May 10, 2024. Scheduled hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The trip is geared for persons age 18 and older. The charge of $23 includes garden entrance fee and transportation. Attendees purchase lunch. Reservation deadline is noon Friday, April 26. To make a reservation, visit https://www.we-goparks.org/adult-programs. The group tours the gardens with a guide and then enjoy the gardens at their own pace. There is a great deal of walking with limited garden tour seating.
SUPPORT OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES
- Hawthorne’s Backyard Bar & Grill, 1200 W. Hawthorne Lane, has several Star Wars themed events. Painting & Potables of an 11 by 20 inch pallet is at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 2, 2024. The charge is $45 for the workshop, which includes all supplies. Participants have the choice of painting a pre-drawn Yoda or Vader. A professional artist instructor gives the guiding steps Registration deadline is Monday ,April 29, and may be made at https://www.hawthornesbackyard.com/upcoming-events. (
The Star Wars Trivia Night at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 4, 2024. The free event is open to all ages. There are prizes for first and second place teams. To make a reservation, call 630 293-6700. https://merleburl.com
- We Grow Dreams Greenhouse & Garden Center, 1055 W. Washington St., has vigorous dahlias available. The flowers rebloom throughout the season, June- to October. The more you cut the more they produce. When dug up in the fall, they can be replanted next spring. https://merleburl.com
- Cocoa Notes Bakeshop, 151 W. Washington St., added new items to its menu. They are blueberry and raspberry bundt cakes, lemon bars, rosemary roast beef sandwich box and citrus ham sandwich box. https://merleburl.com
COVID-19
The DuPage County Health Department developed a dashboard to provide information on the total number of people, in DuPage County, who have tested positive for COVID-19. In addition, the dashboard includes a map which shows the distribution of reported cases by municipality and is updated at 4:00 p.m. daily. DuPage County's "COVID-19 Dashboard" is a one-stop-shop for all the information it offers including a town-by-town breakdown of cases. As of Monday, April 22, 2024, there were 12,805 cases and 67 deaths; this is the number from the beginning of track recording.
REMEMBRANCES
- Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Esteban S. Sandoval, who at the age of 94 passed awayTuesday, April 16, 2024.
- Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Miguel Angel Duran, who sat the age of 36 passed away Monday, April 15, 2024.
SCHOOLS
- Through its scholarship program, West Chicago Lions Club offers one $1,000 scholarships to a graduating senior for post high school education in the area of human services including teaching, social work, doctors, nurses, physician assistants, and mental health clinicians. The scholarship will be awarded to the institution of higher education to assist with the cost of tuition, books and materials.
Graduating seniors who attend West Chicago Community High School or any other West Chicago resident defined as one who resides within the Community High School District 94 boundaries, including all residences with a 60185 zip code regardless of school attended, are eligible to submit an application. Judging is based on high school grade point average, participation in community and school activities, intent to enroll in a post-high school education leading to employment in the human service areas that include teaching, nursing, other health careers such as counseling and social services, an essay describing one’s accomplishments and service, as well as why one has chosen the intended field, and strength of character as evidenced by two letters of recommendation.
Applications forms are available in the counseling offices of each of the high schools. A completed application with the essay, a list of school and community activities, two letters of recommendation and an official copy of the applicant’s transcript should be mailed to West Chicago Lions Club, 1879 North Neltnor Boulevard, Suite 254, West Chicago, IL 60185, and be postmarked byThursday, May 2, 2024. Incomplete applications will not be considered. The West Chicago Lions Club Scholarship Committee will notify applicants of their decision by mail.
- Leman Middle School accepted the penny war challenge. The sixth graders collected the most spare pennies for Special Olympics. As a reward, they received pizza from theWest Chicago Police Department, Al Gilbert and The Slice Spot. The total donation at the school was $161.86 with the sixth graders donation of $94.28. https://merleburl.com
- The Community High School District 94 World Languages Division inducted 73 students into the French, German and Spanish language Honor Societies Thursday, April 4, 2024. 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 guest speaker for the evening was Brian Robles, who shared how growing up bilingual has created numerous opportunities for him.
The newest members of the Société Honoraire de Français are Guadalupe Carreto, Yazmin Castro Mora, Rosie Escalante, Gloria Vianey Granados, Jacob Hayward, Naomi Hernandez, Mia Marin, Lia Mazurski, Rodrigo Perez, Julio Sanchez, Olivia Vittone and Jayna Vock.
The new members of Delta Epsilon Phi, the German National Honor Society include Jocelyn Cortes, Arlo Gomez, Dylan Kraft, Matthew Krysinski, Stephanie Miguel, Ayleen Mondragon, Johana Ruiz, and Avery Unger.
Inducted into la Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica were Sarhat AlHammo, Alexis Avila Hernandez, Valeria Ballines, Alina Baranska, Jacob Benitez, Judith Alicia Benitez, Julia Bloss, Isabela E. Callapina, Lizbeth Castro, Alex Durkin, Alyson Dusing, Manuel Figueroa Pagan, Alexandria Garcia, Lesley Garcia, Sneha George, Giselle Mia Gonzalez andEmily Hanania,
Others were Aubrina Hosticka, Audrey Kenny, Cassiella Koeune, Julia Sophia Koput, Grace Kuehn, Kody Leano, Jasmin Leyva, Aaron Lorenc, Ava Lowell, Haylee Majer, Patricia Marszalek, Ale Muñoz, Jessie Myers, Brian Nguyen, Alina Ortiz, Mason Ostapa and Ansh Parikh.
Also inducted were Romina Pietanza, Karina Reyes, Aaqil Riaz, Nick Riconosciuto, Isaac Rodriguez, Nicholas Roskilly, AJ Rotger, Lucas Rudden, Dana Salgado, Valeria Salinas Fuentes, Cindy Salinas, Cristal Salinas, Magdalena Schave, Ryan Slattery, Hailey Teran, Nataniel Felipe Valenzuela, Noelia Vargas, Vanessa Karina Villafuerte and Candy Zaruma.
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 staff of the World Languages Division are Emily Brown, Sarah Gill, Elizabeth Mastroianni, Anna Munoz, Brittany Nelson, Arabia Patino, Michael Princer, Alejandra Rosas, Carol Skala, Nora Wessels and Jenna Windt, Division Head. https://merleburl.com
- The Wheaton. Academy Math team continues to show its prowess in numbers. The team placed third in State. In December 2023, the team dominated the Chicago Christian Conference Championship, placing first in every category. https://merleburl.com
- At the Tuesday, April 16, 2024, meeting, Community High School District 94 Board of Education presented a citation for Brady Johnson, a senior at West Chicago Community High School District 94. The Boys Swim team won the State Championship. Johnson was a four-year swimmer and a three year State Qualifier. He compiled a record of 44 wins. In the 2023 State Championships, he took second place in the 50-yard Freestyle won first place in the 100-yard backstroke, becoming the first Boys Swimming State Champion in school history. In the 2024 State Championships, Johnson won first place in both the 100-yard Freestyle and the 100-yard Backstroke. https://merleburl.com
CHURCHES
- Faith Community Church, 910 Main St., hosts “The Quartet Club 2,” a chamber music concert, at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, April 27, 2024. Performing the music by Felix Mendelssohn and Wolfgang AmadeusMozart, Caroline Jones, Beth Novak play violins, Benton Wedge plays the viola and Jake Muzzy plays the cello. To reserve seats, visit us. The concert also will be streamed at: https://realconcerts.us/. There is a pay what you want with a request for a one dollar minimum. https://merleburl.com
CLUB/ORGANIZATION NEWS
- WeGo Together for Kids hosts two pop up Early Childhood events for parents with children who are ages birth through eight. One is at 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at Casa Michoacan, 900 Roosevelt Road, and the other is at 11 .m. Saturday, June 1, in the West Chicago Public Library meeting room, 118 W. Washington St. Parents learn about early childhood development and the free resources, services and programs available. Food and activities for children are provided.
- Support Over Stigma hosts a “Stuff the Squad” event from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at the Warrenville American Legion Post 589 Burger & Cruise Night. The DuPage County Military Squad car takes center stage at the Post, 3S371 Mignin Drive. The goal of the event is to stuff the car with supplies to fill the care packages for deployed military and veterans. Some of the items include Beanie babies, soup, puzzle books, tuna/chicken pouches, sandwich crackers, playing cards, pens, lotion, lip balm, socks, plain t-shirts, hard candies, “and anything else you would want if you were 9000 miles away from home,” said Zoeie Kreiner, executive director of Support Over Stigma. Hot dogs, burgers, brats, fries and beverages are available for purchase, which benefits the Post. Support Over Stigma mission is to reduce the number of suicides among Military, Veterans and First Responders.
- In addition to the American Legion Post 300 Fish Fry Friday, April 26, 2024, the special meal is stuffed peppers, with new potatoes, jalapeño corn bread and a side salad. https://merleburl.com
- For the first time in three years,Wayne/Winfield Area Youth/Family Services again offers Summer Day Camp from Monday, June 3, through Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, in the Wayne Township building, 27W031 North Ave. It is for children ages six, who have completed first grade, through 13, who have not started the high school year. Regular hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; extended hours are 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The charge for regular hours is $125 per week; the charge for the extended hours is $40 more. A sliding scale is available, plus there is a $5 reduction if paid by Tuesday of the week prior to the designated week. Youths can attend certain weeks or all summer. https://merleburl.com
Some of the activities planned are arts and crafts, indoor and outdoor games, camp garden, social skill/character building activities, appropriate movies, Camp Olympics field day event and weekly field trips.Trips are subject to change as weather and circumstances permit. Any fees for off site trips are additional, and are not included in weekly fee. For further information and to register, call 630 231-7166. https://merleburl.com
- Turner Elementary School celebrated its 70th anniversary this year.To honor the occasion, the Friends of the City Museum have a Turner School ornament for sale. The cost is $12 for members and $15 for non-members. The ornament will be available in early May, but persons can place their order now at wegohistory@gmail.com or call the Museum at 630 231-3376. All proceeds benefit the Turner School PTO.
- The College of DuPage presented the West Chicago Garden Club’s spring 2024 $1,000 scholarship to Francisco Garcia. He finished his Horticulture Associate in Applied Science degree work and earned his Permaculture Design Certificate. Currently he is pursuing a Horticulture Business Management.degree. In the future Garcia plans to teach as an adjunct instructor in COD’s horticulture program.
COMMUNITY MEMBERS HIGHLIGHTS
- West Chicago resident Louise Handel is a member of the DuPage Chorale, which presents“A Night at the Opera” at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, May 5, 2024, in the Belushi Performance Hall in the College of DuPage McAninch Arts Center, 425 Fawell Blvd. in Glen Ellyn. The ticket price is $17 for adults, $15 for senior citizens and $7 for students; tickets are available at the door. One dollar of each ticket sold supports the COD Applied Scholarship Fund to support music students who cannot afford private tutors. The performance features selections from Purcell to Puccini, with even a taste of Gilbert and Sullivan. https://merleburl.com
- West Chicago resident and artist Britta Renwick is the Gallery 200 Manager, which is a new part time position. Having a manger, the Gallery is able to expand its opening hours, which now are from noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. The Gallery also will be able to expand its art classes. Renwick is looking forward to collaborating with the community, West Chicago businesses, West Chicago schools and the City of West Chicago. https://merleburl.com
WEST CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT
- DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and West Chicago Chief of Police Colin Fleury announced Judge Joshua Dieden has denied the State’s motion to detain pre-trial a West Chicago man accused of fatally striking a pedestrian with his car early Monday, April 15, 2024 .James Vaughn, age 43, of the 600 block of W.Forest Avenue, appeared in First Appearance Court Tuesday, April 16, charged with two counts of Aggravated DUI Causing Death, a Class 2 Felony. Vaughn’s next court appearance is scheduled for May 13, 2024, for arraignment in front of Judge Margaret O’
At approximately 2:36 a.m. April 15, 2024, officers with the West Chicago Police Department responded to the area of Roosevelt Road and Pearl Road for a report of a motor vehicle crash involving a pedestrian. Upon their arrival, officers found the victim, Miguel Duran, age 36, lying face down in the roadway. He was not breathing and was bleeding from the head. Duran was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased. Following an investigation into the matter, it is alleged that Vaughn was traveling westbound on Roosevelt Road in his 2011 Jeep Liberty. It is further alleged that when Duran started to cross Roosevelt Road, Vaughn hit him with his vehicle. When Vaughn was speaking with officers at the scene, officers allegedly detected an odor of alcohol as well as glassy and blood shot eyes. It is alleged that at the time of the crash Vaughn’s Blood Alcohol Content was 0.11. When searching Vaughn’s vehicle, officers found a can of Monaco, a canned alcoholic cocktail, behind the front passenger seat of the vehicle.
Berlin thanked the West Chicago Police Department, the West Chicago Fire Department and DuPage County MERIT Major Crash Investigation Team for their work in this tragic case.Also thanked wereAssistant State’s Attorneys Bethany Jackson and Michael Paup. Fleury also thanked DuPage County MERIT Major Crash Investigation Team for their assistance as well as DuPage County State’s Attorney Bob Berlin and his team for their legal guidance.
- April is Records and Information Management Month. The West Chicago Police Department thanks the three women who are in its Record Division. https://merleburl.com
CITY OF WEST CHICAGO
- At the meeting Monday, April 15, 2024, City Council approved blanket easement access for 2747-2757 Freedom Drive. DuPage Airport Authority is constructing a new multi-tenant hanger at 2747-2757 Freedom Drive, with each tenant space having its own water meter and water valve. The city will require the ability to operate each leading valve from the exterior of the building. The blanket Easement Access allows the City access to enter private property to maintain and service the utilities on the private party.
ODDS AND ENDS
- The Chicago Botanic Garden and Cantigny are partnering to support military veterans and ease their transition to the civilian workforce. This summer, the Veteran Internship Program is being offered at both Cantigny and Chicago Botanic Garden from Monday, May 20 to Friday, Aug. 9, 2024.
The paid 12-week program for veterans offers hands-on training in assigned areas suited to each intern’s career goals and interests. Cantigny and Chicago Botanic Garden are now seeking qualified candidates, with up to seven positions available at each location. VIP applications are ongoing until positions are filled. In addition to practical work experience, program participants receive help with career assessment, job searching, interviewing, resume writing, cover letter preparation, and networking.
At Cantigny, departments with VIP positions available include security, guest services, horticulture, McCormick House (artifacts/collections), and forestry. At Chicago Botanic Garden, internships are in horticulture, greenhouse management, restoration ecology, bonsai, database management (membership), GIS documentation (plant collection), construction, accounting, education/camps, and public programs.
To apply for the 2024 Veteran Internship Program for Cantigny placements, candidates can apply on line at https://cantigny.org/veteran-internship-program/ and for Chicago Botanic Garden placements, can apply at https://www.chicagobotanic.org/internship/veteran. Questions about VIP for Cantigny is via email at : recruiting@mccormickfoundation.org and for Chicago Botanic Garden, it is eboehm@chicagobotanic.org or agreen@chicagobotanic.org.
Funded by the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, VIP started in 2016 at the Chicago Botanic Garden and was designed to combine training, pre-vocational internships, and nature-based experiences to help individuals transition into the civilian workforce while addressing their workforce reintegration challenges in a supportive environment. Over the course of its nine-year history, the program has helped provide paid internships for 62 veterans in more than16 different departments across the Garden.
- According to the report released by the Illinois Community College Board,, among the 48 Illinois community colleges, College of DuPage had the highest dual credit enrollment in fiscal year 2023 with 7,391 actively enrolled students. Since 2019, COD experienced a 28 percent increase in enrollment in its Dual Credit program demonstrating the institution's ongoing commitment to expanding opportunities for students.
- As part of DuPage County’s Oak Ecosystem Conservation Project, many volunteers planted trees and shrubs along the Prairie Path in West Chicago. Also joining in the effort to return native plants to the trail were DuPage CountyTransportation Committee Chair Mary Ozog, District 6 CountyBoard Members Jim Zay, Sheila Rutledge and Greg Schwarze. Co-sponsoring the project were Nicor Gas and Morton Arboretum. https://merleburl.com
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