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At Home with Merle Burleigh – May 14, 2025

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At Home with Merle

MERLE’S CORNER

Blooming Fest blossoms forth from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 17, 2025, in the historic downtown area. In addition to the West Chicago Garden Club plant sale, there are craft and food vendors, business and local organization booths, and entertainment.

As of Friday, May 2, 2025, the garden club has more than 6,840 plants to sell— more than 2,500 perennials, 3,380 annuals, 900 vegetables, 60 Trees/shrubs. Club president Dan Bebee said, “As many of our members have started focusing on planting native plants in their gardens, we are seeing more native plants come in from our members. Quantities of many natives are limited, so we are encouraging people interested in natives to arrive early to the sale. We have a wide selection of perennials for sunny and shady gardens. Our selection of annuals looks good and includes old standbys, as well as many interesting new introductions. As always, our vegetable varieties include heirloom, dwarf, newer introductions, most of which have been grown by our members for several years and proven to be solid performers.” Members are available to answer questions about the plants. For individuals who want to take part in the other activities of the fest, the club has a watch area for their plants.

Opening ceremony begins with a welcome speech by Mayor Daniel Bovey.

The City Tent has information and give-aways. Coffee with the Mayor is from 9 to 11 a.m.

Entertainment on the Main Stage begins at 9:30 a.m. with Dan Riley, guitarist and vocalist, performing until 11:30 a.m. The District 33 Choir entertains from 11:30 to noon. Animal Quest offers a fascinating animal show that appeals to adults and youth from noon to 12:45 p.m. Katie Kostner takes the stage from 1 to 3 p.m. She sings and plays the guitar and ukulele .

Community organizations present fun activities in the Kid Zone. There will be a sticker card for each child to write their name and other information to enter a raffle. Children go to each table. do the activity and receive a sticker for their card. Raffle winners will be randomly selected the week following Blooming Fest. Activities in the Kid Zone include petting zoo from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., bubble creation station from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., stilt walking from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., face painting from 9 a.m.to1 p.m, and balloon twister from 9 a.m. to1 p.m.. Participating organizations are WeGo Together for Kids, The Conservation Foundation, Educare of West DuPage, Scouting America, West Chicago Park District, West Chicago Library and The Kitchen Table .Sponsors for Kid Zone are Groot Industries, Ball Horticultural Co, Daniel and Associates Real Estate, Fifth Third Bank, Buck Services, and FNBC Bank and Trust.

In front of the Legion post, 123 Main St., members of American Legion Post 300 Auxiliary asks for donations as they hand out poppies for Memorial Day.

At the West Chicago City Museum,132 Main St., is the opening day of the new exhibit, “Rooted in Time,” and a walking tour.

Gallery 200, 103 W. Washington St., is quite artful. Near the entrance there is a small table with information on the art class series, gallery news and ice water. The exhibit is “Art in Full Bloom Exhibit,” featuring the artwork of 13 artists. There is a painting demonstration starting at 10 a.m., and flower pot painting with Healthy West Chicago from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Participants also receive seeds. The Arteculture exhibit is at the 200 Main St. location and the table outside has lemon ice water, art and information.

Craft vendors, business and not-for-profit organizations have a variety of offerings. West Chicago participants are West Chicago Community High School Horticultural plant sale, West Chicago Environmental Commission-bare roots give away,WeGo for the People, City Bee Savers,West Chicago Elementary School District 33, West Chicago Public Library, Club Scikidz West Chicago, Sugar & Shine Cookies. and Western DuPage DuPage Chamber of Commerce.

Other vendors also offer a large variety of items. They are Abranda Icicle Art, Adore Jules Designs, Bellas Creation Studio, Busam Blossom, Collective 222, Creations by Carrie, D&M Craftworks, Diggity Dawg Bakery, DuPage Monarch Project, Earthly Ember Candle Co.,Giardino Twins LLC, Horror Holmes, Humble Home Gardens, Isartism, Kathleen's Plant Bar, LLC, KayDee Kay Creations LLC and Lora's Creations. Others are Matt Buko Studio LLC, Musing Scapes, Natas None of This is Cake, P2B Jewelry, Paper Perennial, Poupee Custom Hat Bar, Scented Soaks,Simple Beauty Rocks, Somara, Sweetbay Custom Woodworking, Timber21, Tricia's Seaglass and Things, Ursula Naturals, What Makes Your Heart Melt Candle LLC, and Wood Blossom Creations, LLC.

Seventeen food vendors are on hand to whet the appetites of attendees. Also remember the restaurants in the downtown are open. Food vendors from West Chicago are Kindred Coffee Roasters, Cocina de Maria, and Raised Bakery and Cafe. Others are Candy Shenanigans, Dave's Atomic Hot Sauce with Garlic, Dave's Coffee Cake, Daves Holy Smokes BBQ, D's Treats & Ice Cream, Hello Boba, I Love Grill & Lemonade-Polish Bistro Truck, Kona Ice of SW Schaumburg, Kool Kat Ice Cream, Lincoln Land Kettle Corn, Nick's Pizza Truck, Poupee Puf and Sugar and Shine Cookies.

After the Fest is over, attendees will have some treasures and many blooming memories.For further information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Ze9mKc3vU/. https://merleburl.com

AROUND AND ABOUT

  • West Chicago City Museum presents the Historiography program, a non-fiction book reading group, at 1 p.m.Thursday, May 15, 2025, in the Museum, 132 Main St. The book is “Changes in the Land: Indians, Colonists and the Ecology of New England” by William Cronon. It is not necessary to read the book to attend. First published in 1983, the book is referred to as the one that launched environmental history and was the winner of the Francis Parkman Prize. https://merleburl.com
  • The West Chicago Public Library program,“Our Wild Animals, ” is at 7 p.m Thursday, May 15, 2025, in the main meeting room, 118 W. Washington St. A representative from DuPage County Animal Services discusses the wild animals in Chicagoland, explains how every animal benefits the environment and how to keep them safe. To make a reservation, visit https://wcpld.librarycalendar.com/.
  • Artéculture 2025, under the auspices of West Chicago Cultural Arts Commission, is at the Main Gallery, 200 Main St., from May through Saturday, June 28.The opening reception is from 6t o 8 p.m. Friday, May 16. Hours are 3 to 7 p.m. Thursdays, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. During Blooming Fest, the hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Organizing the exhibit is Buddy Plumlee. Artéculture features the works of 30 local artists and those in the Chicagoland area. The two-dimensional and three dimensional artwork features paintings, photographs, drawings, prints, mixed medias, computer art, stained glass, fiber and sculptures.

Artists are Abraham, Alec Renwick, Anke Richert-Korioth, Ann Blass, Andy Cristo, Benjamin Buchenot, Bruce Treudt, Buddy Plumlee, Chris Hodge, Christopher Lucero, Corinne Condos, Dan, David Linneweh, Emilia Hajduczenia and Gary Schirmer. Others are Iglika Godfrey, Jorge Jaen, Joshua Martinez, Karl Jahnke, Marge Hall, Maria Ananieva, Mark Hull, Matt Bukowski, Natalie Pivoney, Oksana Hrynenko, Owen O’Reilly, Paulina Garcia, Sarah Plumlee, Tom O’Bright and Uwe Gsedl. https://merleburl.com

  • Opening the first Sunday Live Entertainment for the season at Hawthorne’s Backyard Bar & Grill,1200 W. Hawthorne Lane, is Guitars 4 Vets. The benefit concert is from noon to 4 p.m. May 18, 2025. Student performers play their guitars. Guitars 4 Vets, a not-for-profit organization, is dedicated to providing guitars and music lessons to military veterans affected by post-traumatic stress disorder. The organization operates through volunteers, partners with medical facilities, and offers structured programs to promote self-expression and healing through music.
  • The Bilingual Gettin’ Crafty program, “Embossed Corazon,” is at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 21, 2025, in the main meeting room, 118 Washington St. Participants make the popular Mexican craft, Sagrado Corazon or Flaming Tin Heart. To register, visit https://wcpld.librarycalendar.com/events/month/.
  • West Chicago Public Library offers a Microsoft Excel computer class at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 22, 2025, 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.librarycalendar.com/events/month/.
  • West Chicago Garden Club meeting is Thursday, May, 22, 2025, 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. The meeting is open to the public. Presenting the program, “Birds in the Garden,” is Pam Karlson. She transformed her small one-tenth of an acre in urban Chicago into a haven for more than 100 different bird species. Karlson discusses which native plants, shrubs, trees, and water sources provide habitat for birds and other wildlife. She also talks about Chicagoland’s importance along the migratory route, bird species diversity, diet, foraging, nesting, and citizen science opportunities.

Karlson spent her spent her career as an artist working in graphic design and illustration for marketing, promotion, and advertising. She also is a watercolor landscape painter and alumni of the American Academy of Art. She is a certified professional gardener and garden designer through the Joseph Regenstein, Jr. School of the Chicago Botanic Garden. https://merleburl.com

  • The annual Community Memorial Day ceremony is at 10 a.m. Monday, May 26, 2025, at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument in Oakwood Cemetery, Oakwood Avenue and York Street.
  • The West Chicago Public Library program, “Container Gardening,” is at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in the main meeting room, 118 W. Washington St. To register, visit https://wcpld.librarycalendar.com/events/month/. A DuPage County Master Gardener discusses how to select, plant and maintain container gardens for the season. Program includes directions for outstanding container displays.
  • West Chicago Park District hosts Wine in the Park from 1 to 4p.m. Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Reed Keppler Park, 129 W. National St. The price for tickets purchased before Saturday, May 17, is. $35 for residents,$42 for non residents; then it increases to $40 for residents and $52 for non- residents. To register, visit https://www.we-goparks.org/special-events. The event includes eight three-ounce wine tastings and entertainment by Adam Cartwright, guitarist and singer. He has played more than 250 gigs in the Chicagoland area and Midwest, plus played with the band, BackForward. https://merleburl.com

SUPPORT OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES

  • Club Scikidz franchise is now open and is located in New Hope United Methodist Church, 643 E. Washington St. The STEM summer camps, geared for youths ages 4 to fourteen, are available from Monday, June 16, to Monday, July 14, 2025.The registration fee is $450. To register or for more information, visit clubscikidz. com or call 630 461-4211. West Chicago franchise owners, both graduates of Western Illinois University in Macomb, are Rupali with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health, and Krupali with a Bachelor of Business in Human Resource Management. Assisting them is their uncle Ketan Navadiya, who brings more than15 years of IT management experience along with Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Computer Science and his career as an engineer.

The owners of Scikidz, Bob and Sue Hagan, have been offering STEM-based programs since 1997. The business has evolved by adding new innovative curriculum for all of its many programs and offering high quality science themed enrichment throughout the United States. “We believe there is nothing more rewarding than the education of our children... our future.” As a side note, I remember former West Chicago resident Sue Stibal enrolling her two sons in science summer camps here, and often asking friends and neighbors for some household items for experiments in the camps. I was able to get rid of a broken vacuum cleaner. https://merleburl.com

  • 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.
  • As part of the celebration, the club has added a Pickleball Tournament, its very first. The completion takes place four times. The first one is from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, May 16, 2025. The charge is $50 per twosome; winners receive prizes. For further information , call 630 208-7641 or email rlynn@prairielanding.com. Food and drinks are available for purchase. High noon tastings begin at 5:30 p.m. in the tent. Other scheduled dates are Fridays, July 11 and 16. The date for June is to be determined. https://merleburl.com

The patio is now open at McChesney’s Pub & Grill at Prairie Landing Golf Club. Hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m.a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. It is closed Friday, May 30, for a private event. https://merleburl.com

  • Hawthorne’s Backyard Bar & Grill, 1200 W.Hawthorne Lane, has a full line of activities for summer 2025. Patrons can enjoy games and live music while dining and sitting on the patio. https://merleburl.com

REMEMBRANCES

  • Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of John J. Sciackitano, who at the age of 85 passed away Thursday, May 8, 2025.
  • Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Karla Frances Van Der Molen, who at the age of 77 passed away Sunday, May 4, 2025.
  • Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Ronald “Ron”Richard Reinecke, whos at the age of 89 passed away Thursday, May 1, 2025.
  • Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Margarita Maribel Bautista, who at the age of 55 passed away Wednesday, May 7, 2025.

SCHOOLS

  • Last day for seniors at West Chicago Community High School is Wednesday, May 14, 2025. Honors Night is Monday, May 19. Commencement is Tuesday, May 20, in the Convocation Center at Northern Illinois University. https://merleburl.com
  • District 33 Ballet Folklorico performs a special program to celebrate its 10th Anniversary Saturday, May 17, 2025, in the cafetorium at Leman Middle School, 238 E. Hazel St. Doors open at 5 p.m.; performance is at 5:30 p.m. Ticket price is $3; tickets are available at the door. Snacks are available for sale.

“The Leman Ballet Folklorico welcomes participants of all backgrounds and skill levels, fostering a supportive environment where diverse individuals celebrate Ballet Folklorico traditions. Through mentoring, experienced members guide and nurture newer participants, enhancing artistic skills and instilling leadership qualities. The organization actively participates in local events and cultural celebrations, sharing the beauty of Ballet Folklorico with a wider audience. ” https://merleburl.com

  • Wheaton Academy recently honored its faculty and staff. Celebrating 25 years were Corbett Burick and Kori Hockett. Ruth Linstedt celebrated 20 years. Celebrating 10 years were Sandy Dede, Betsey Doebler and Chip Dykema. Patrick Brooke, Melanie Marr, Jennifer Sezonov and Phil Strzałka celebrated 5 years. https://merleburl.com
  • Some students from West Chicago Elementary School District 33 were honored at the Illinois Principal Association Student Recognition Breakfast held at the Abbington in Glen Ellyn. Principals of their schools selected them for their aptitude, citizenship, academics, character and integrity. The students are Emiliano D. and Kylie S. from Leman Middle School, Principal Maggie Lay; Jonah G. and Angel C. from Indian Knoll School, Principal Whitnie Del Toro; Kylie W. and Eliza H. from Gary School, Principal Amie Correa; and Emiliano M. and Melanie Gutierrez M. from Currier School, Principal Anthony Hugeli. https://merleburl.com
  • The Senior Prom of West Chicago Community High School was Friday, May 2, 2025, in the AON Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier in Chicago. A record number of students attended, 642, and enjoyed a delightful evening. The King was Santino Milazzo. The Queen was Arizbeth Zuniga. Other members of the court were Keaisja Williams, Brooklyn Abundez, Dawn Petrie and Abby Wing. There were ties on the vote for King; the royal court was expanded. Members of this court were Diego Contreras, Jacob Edler, Ali Nasib, Omar Sarmiento, Nathan Moesch, Mekhai Warsaw, Jaxon Williams and Antwan Angeles. https://merleburl.com
  • At its meeting Tuesday, May 6, 20125, the Community High School District 94 Board of Education held a reception for outgoing members Gary Saake for his 16 years of service and Jovany Zuniga for his four years of service. The board also welcomed the newly elected officials, Catalina Chavez and Tammy Murphy. https://merleburl.com
  •  Dr. Limaris Pueyo is the new Principal of West Chicago Community High School, effective July 1, 2025. She replaces Dr. Will Dwyer who resigned. She brings nearly two decades of experience in public education, with a strong record of instructional leadership, equity advocacy, and a deep commitment to multilingual learners. Currently serving as the Director of Multilingual Learners & Equity for Community Unit School District 200, she has led efforts to improve curriculum access and instructional quality for all students. Her work has focused on ensuring equity in educational programs, guiding strategic curriculum adoption, and supporting professional development in culturally responsive teaching and data-informed instruction. Prior to this, Dr. Pueyo served in Glenbard Township High School District 87 as Dean of Students, English Learner Coordinator, and Title I Coordinator. A first-generation college graduate and bilingual educator fluent in Spanish, Dr. Pueyo earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from National Louis University. She also holds a Master's in Educational Administration and a Bachelor's in History and Secondary Education, along with multiple certifications, including Superintendent, ESL, and Social Science endorsements. Dr. Pueyo is a resident of West Chicago . https://merleburl.com

CHURCHES

  • Glen Arbor Community Church, 204 Church St., hosts a bilingual program, “Connect with Other Parents,” which is open to all regardless of church affiliation. It takes place at 7 and ends at 8:15 p.m. Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Attendees receive encouragement and resources, and join with other parents in conversation over how to help their children reach their fullest potential. Refreshments are provided. For children, there is a supervised movie and popcorn. https://merleburl.com

 

COMMUNITY MEMBERS HIGHLIGHTS

  • The reading and signing of the book, “Unicorn, Go To Bed,” by West Chicago resident Mike Hensel at Harvey’s Book Store is rescheduled to1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 14, 2025.
  • West Chicago resident Jake Muzzy is the guest soloist cellist in the Candlelight Classics, which features Embellished Baroque Ensemble. The concert takes place a 7 p.m. Thursday, May 22, 2025, in St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 330 W. Highland Drive in Chicago Heights. There is no charge, but donations are accepted at the family-friendly concert. For further information, visit https://www.lakesideartistsguild.com/ . https://merleburl.com
  • The West Chicago Park District celebrated Older Americans Month with a breakfast Saturday, May 3, 2025, in the ARC Center. The event honors and recognizes their time, experience, and talents that enrich the lives of those in the communities. Marilyn Earley was the winner in several of the categories, oldest woman at age 93, most grandchildren with 12, and longest living in West Chicago. The oldest man in attendance was Ronald Ahnell at age 85. Having the most great grandchildren with the number of 10 was Trini Cantu. Youngest woman attending was MaryBeth Martinec at age 62. Having the longest marriage was Shirley and her husband, the late Chuck Schramer, who were married for 67 years.

CLUB/ORGANIZATION NEWS

  • GardenWorks Project is building new beds at New Hope United Methodist Church, 643 E. Washington St. Volunteers help transform this space into a flourishing garden that will directly support local food pantries. Seedlings are added to the gardens from noon to 1 p.m. Sunday, May 18. To register for volunteering, visit https://gardenworksproject.org/volunteer/#volunteerform, and scroll down to May 18. For further information, email info@gardenworksproject.org.
  • After nearly a decade of leading the coordination of Mexican Independence Day Fest, the Mexican Cultural Center announced it will step away from its organizing role to focus on its expanding public art and cultural programs throughout DuPage County.

The City of West Chicago is now seeking a community organization to coordinate the 2025 Mexican Independence Day Festival, scheduled for Sunday, September 14, 2025.

The City has budgeted for a one-day event and will provide City services to support operations on the day of the festival. The festival typically features music, food, vendors, a large piñata, and other activities, which draws residents and visitors from across the region.

Organizations interested in helping celebrate West Chicago’s vibrant Mexican heritage and playing a leading role in this longstanding community tradition, email Nicolette Stefan, Special Events Coordinator, at  nstefan@westchicago.org no later than Friday, May 16, 2025.

  • Western DuPage Chamber of Commerce hosts a panel discussion, "From Idea to Impact: Building Business with Local Partners,” Tuesday, May 26, 2025, in the Fox Community Center, 306 Main St. Doors open at 4:45 for networking; panel introduction and panel discussion is at 5:30 p.m. The free event is geared for established or new entrepreneurs, whether chamber members or not.

The panel covers everything from municipal grant opportunities to comprehensive entrepreneurial training. Highlights include the “Owner to CEO” program from Innovation DuPage, which helps business owners scale operations and leadership capacity, and free expert-led workshops from Fox Valley Score covering essential business areas such as marketing, accounting, and legal compliance.

The five panelists are Dave Sabathne, Chamber President/CEO, who has an extensive background regarding business development and resources; Kelley Chrisse, City of West Chicago Business & Community Relations Director, who leads economic development initiatives, connections and opportunities; Jim Bell, director of Operations, who is a key representative of Innovation DuPage, part of College of DuPage ;Larry Bussow, Master Mentor/Co-Chairman, who represents Fox Valley SCORE, an organization that mentors entrepreneurs, and organizational leaders; and Amy Emery, City of Warrenville Community & Economic Director, who focuses on supporting the business community. https://merleburl.com

  • West Chicago Parks Foundation hosts a Children’s Sensory Garden Fundraiser from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, June 1, 2025, at Hawthorne’s Backyard Bar & Grill, 1200 Hawthorne Lane. The funds raised go towards the installation of the garden in honor of Melissa Medeiros, a long time employee of the West Chicago Park District. The foundation plans to construct it in phases with the first stage of demolition, hopefully this summer. Persons unable to attend the fundraiser, but want to donate can visit https://www.westchicagoparksfoundation.org/ .The foundation also plans to look and apply for grants.

The $40 ticket includes meal, beverage and five raffle tickets. The meal includes appetizers, a pig roast, BBQ chicken, mac & cheese and baked beans; a vegetarian meal is available upon request. Raffle prizes include a $100 gift card to The Forge, wine tasting for six to Lynfred Winery, four tickets to a Chicago Fire Game, four tickets to a Kane County Cougars Game and four tickets to an Ice Hogs Game, Battle House Laser Tag and a Portillo’s swag bag. The West Chicago Fire Protection District and West Chicago Police Department compete in a game of volleyball. Attendees can participate in a Trivia game, play whiffle ball, bags or lawn pong To order tickets, visit https://www.westchicagoparksfoundation.org/sensory-garden/. https://merleburl.com

  • This year American Legion Post 300 Auxiliary is responsible for the annual poppy distribution and is asking for donations. Persons wanting to make a donation can drop it off at Legion post or mail to American Legion Post 300, 123 Main St., West Chicago, IL 60185. Make checks payable to American Legion Auxiliary and write Poppy Fund in the memo line.

Each year during the month of May, veterans’ organizations support the poppy program. Each poppy is handmade by a disabled veteran. Donations received from poppy distribution are used for relief and aid of service men and women through veteran affairs and rehabilitation programs. Legion 300 contributes a majority of its funds locally to support residents at the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans and those residing in the DuPage County Care Center and Franciscan Way, as well as by contributing to the DuPage Veterans Foundation.

  • West Chicago American Legion Post 300 has been servicing our veterans and community for almost 75 years; in the downtown district for more than 50 years. The legion needs some maintenance and updating at its location, 123 Main St, The projects are replacement of the HVACC unit, addressing several plumbing issues and updating of the restrooms. To make a GoFund Me donation, visit https://www.facebook.com/alpost300/.
  • The Bike Rodeo, hosted by WeGo Together for Kids, Saturday, May 3, 2025, was quite successful. Attending were more than 75 youths, plus parents and caregivers. The We Go Night with the destination of Morton Arboretum was Saturday, May 10. Molly Dean, executive director WGTK, said 850 signed up for this excursion. “We had to close registration because we would be over capacity. Love that people are wanting to explore new places.” https://merleburl.com

CITY OF WEST CHICAGO

  • Monday May 5, 2025, the newly elected mayor, and elected aldermen were sworn in as members of the West Chicago City Council. They are Mayor, Daniel Bovey; Ward 1 Alderman, Julieta Alcantar-Garcia; Ward 2 Alderman, Heather Brown (incumbent); Ward 3 Alderman, Denise Carreto-Muñoz; Ward 4 Alderman, Sandy Dimas (incumbent); Ward 5 Alderman, Christopher Swiatek (incumbent); Ward 6 Alderman, Carlos Aviña Soto; and Ward 7 Alderman, Matthew Myers. Administering the Oath of Office was Bonnie Wheaton, Chief Judge of the 18th Judicial Circuit Court, DuPage County. https://merleburl.com
  • The City of West Chicago published the 2025 Lead Service Line Inventory and an updated Lead Service Line Replacement Plan on its website. To support these documents, a new online resource page, https://westchicago.org/.../lead-service-line…/ was launched to keep residents informed about the City’s Lead Service Line Replacement Project. The page will be updated throughout the course of the project and includes links to project updates, the latest inventory, updates to the replacement plan, a FAQ section, and an option for residents to submit questions directly, if that is their preferred method of communication. The City will continue sharing updates through its primary communication channels, with this page serving as the central hub for project information. Persons with questions or concerns can call the Public Works Department at 630-293-2255 or email publicworks@westchicago.org
  • West Chicago City Museum started a new series, “Museum Monday.” The May 7, 2025, series highlighted choosing exhibits. For further information on exhibits, visit https://www.facebook.com/FriendsoftheWestChicagoCityMuseum/.

Anniversaries and milestones are a natural time for reflection, commemoration or celebration. Another is Local State and National events. “From statewide programming to national commemorations, we consider how larger conversations affect our community. These themes offer opportunities to draw connections between local history and broader cultural moments.” State Initiatives, such as the commemoration on the 250th Anniversary of the United States, often inspire collaborative efforts across museums and cultural institutions. Hosting Traveling Exhibits gives the Museum an opportunity to share stories and artifacts it might not otherwise have access to, and allows visitors to experience regional, national, or even international perspectives. The questions of residents about a historic building, a former industry of notable resident can lead to an exhibit. “Community curiosity is one of our favorite starting points.” https://merleburl.com

 

WEST CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT

 

  • To heighten awareness and raise donations for the Law Enforcement Torch Run to benefit Special Olympics Illinois, West Chicago police officers participate in the 22nd annual Dunkin’ “Cop on a Rooftop” It takes place from 5 a.m. to noon Friday, May 16, 2025, at four Dunkin’ businesses. Locations are 185 W. North Ave., 330 S. Neltnor Blvd. 1491 W. Roosevelt Road and 110 W. Roosevelt Road. Persons making a donation to the Torch Run receive a free doughnut coupon. Persons donating at least $10 receive a Law Enforcement Torch Run travel mug and a coupon for a free medium coffee. Also on sale are Torch Run t-shirts and raffle tickets.
  • During April's Distracted Driving Awareness Month enforcement campaign, the West Chicago Police Department issued 58 citations for hands free law violations, 1 child restraint violation, 1 seatbelt violation, 5 suspended registration offenses, 9 uninsured vehicle offenses, 7 speed violations, 5 no valid or suspended driver's license offenses, and 20 other miscellaneous violations. The WC Police Department joined with other law enforcement and highway safety partners for this enforcement effort. The campaign is funded with federal traffic safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.
  • Members of the West Chicago Police Department Honor Guard were in Springfield for the Illinois Police Officers Memorial Ceremony Thursday, May 1, 2025. They were Sergeant Antonio Reyes, Sergeant Jonathan Jones, Officer Jean-Claude Chassagne and Officer Elvira Serrano. They took one of the new police Command Vehicles to participate in the precession. Honored were officers killed in the line of duty in 2024. The names of nine fallen Illinois Police Officers were engraved onto the memorial wall. Other members of the West Chicago Honor Guard are K9 Officer Justin Rigler, Detective Daniel Calabrese and Officer Gerado Solis.

It is the 40th anniversary of the Illinois Police Officers Memorial. It was established in1985 as a way to honor Illinois police officers who died in the line of duty. Five organizations were involved in the founding of the memorial. They were the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police, Illinois State Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police, Illinois Police Association, Illinois Sheriff’s Association, and the Illinois Police Benevolent and Athletic Association. Per the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police, “A permanent statue and memorial site were established on the west lawn of the Illinois State Capitol complex in 1990. The names of more than 1,000 police officers, dating back to the 1800s are engraved on the memorial.” https://merleburl.com

  • Multi police departments participated in Honor Guard Training held by the Elmhurst Honor Guard Training Academy. The three-day training program took place from Monday, May 5, through Wednesday, May 7, 2025. As West Chicago was the host City, the training was at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6791, 431 N. Neltnor Blvd. https://merleburl.com
  • West Chicago Police Department is celebrating the May work anniversaries of its police officers. Celebrating 19 years are Detective Daniel Herbert and K9 Officer Rick Sauseda. Officer Robert Kowalik celebrates 17 years. https://merleburl.com

 

WEST CHICAGO FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

  • The West Chicago Fire Protection District has a smoke detector give away/install program for senior citizens and residents who have difficulty purchasing devices. For more information or questions, call 630 231-2123.

 

ODDS AND ENDS

  • The construction is completed on the front entrance of the West Chicago Public Library, 118 W. Washington St.
  • Illinois Department of Transportation crews are set to resurface a stretch of Roosevelt Road from West Chicago to Wheaton. The $8.6 million project runs from Technology Boulevard near the DuPage Business Center to Pierce Avenue in Wheaton, passing through Winfield. The work requires daytime intermittent lane closures was to begin Monday, May 12, weather permitting. In addition, IDOT will modernize traffic signals and construct new ADA-compliant sidewalk ramps. The project is expected to wrap up in November. Drivers can expect delays, and alternative routes are advised.
  • Kim V. was the winner of the Throwback Photo Contest by the West Chicago Park District. The contest was the first district activity to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Turtle Splash Water Park, formerly Prairie Oaks Family Aquatic Center. Persons submitted a favorite photo and/or photos taken at the water park from 1995 through 2024. https://merleburl.com
  • Laura Flamion is the new Administrator of DuPage County Animal Services. She was appointed interim administrator in 2024. She worked for the department, formerly called DuPage County Animal Care and Control, for almost seven and a half years.
  • Trustee Clare Ollayos retired after 30 years of service on the Board of Trustees for Elgin Community College. https://merleburl.com
  • Undersheriff Edmund F. Moore along with the DuPage County Sheriff’s Office Hazardous Device Unit recently announced the arrival of its brand-new Hazardous Device Response Vehicle. This customized vehicle was put into service by the Hazardous Device Unit to support critical incident response throughout the county. “Outfitted with advanced tools and technology, the vehicle enhances our ability to respond to suspicious packages, explosive devices, and other hazardous threats, keeping our residents and first responders safer in high-risk situations. This addition represents our ongoing commitment to public safety and preparedness across DuPage County. ” https://merleburl.com
  • Former Elgin Area School District U-46 Superintendent Jose Torres passed away Friday, May 2, 2025. He was superintendent from 2008 through 2014.

My email address is merleburl@earthlink.net.