City of West Chicago, Illinois

Where History and Progress Meet

At Home with Merle Burleigh – January 11, 2023

By

At Home with Merle

MERLE’S CORNER

 

I do not make New Year’s Resolutions. However, each year, I try to get together or, at least, talk to friends and family I have not seen for some time, or evet those that I have. I seldom say, “Let’s get together some time.” Instead I say. “Let’s set up  a date for coffee or a meal.”This is perfect for all parties involved as the shared time creates memories. Sometimes, there are circumstances that prevent the get together event, but the attempt was made and, even this, is uplifting.

 

AROUND AND ABOUT

 

  • To provide the public an opportunity to make their positions known for the potential construction and operation of a solid waste station facility in West Chicago, a series of dates are scheduled for January 2023. The last public hearing is  from 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 12, at West Chicago Community High School, 326 Joliet St. There may be two more public meetings, but not confirmed at this time; check the City’s website, https://westchicago.org/. The first hearing was held Tuesday, Jan. 3.

 

The City received a formal application and proposal from Lakeshore Recycling Systems,, LLC Friday, Sept. 16, 2022, for the facility to be located at 1655 Powis Road. As part of the siting and application process, the City is required to hold at least one public hearing no sooner than 90 days, but no later than 120 days from the receipt of the application.

 

The City Council’s role in the siting process is solely to determine whether the nine criteria have been met by the applicant. A statement justifying the siting decision must be made in writing by the City Council. The Council cannot simply decide that it does not want a transfer station or another transfer station located within the City limits.

 

  • West Chicago free Christmas tree pick up ends Friday, Jan. 13, 2023. Lights, garland and decorations must be removed from the tree. Do not put the trees in plastic bags. After the trees go to the Groot recycling center, the trees are loaded onto larger vehicles and sent to Thelen Materials, a yard waste and compost disposal facility in Antioch.

 

  • Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 N. Prince Crossing Road, hosts a Versiti Blood Drive from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023, in the Fellowship Hall. A photo ID is required. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome. To schedule an appointment, visit veristi.org.Il, load the Versiti Donor app or call 800-780-4483.

 

  • West Chicago Public Library offers a computer class, Microsoft Word, at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023, in the conference room, 118 W. Washington St. Topics include creating a document, selecting and editing text, saving a document, and inserting page numbers and special characters. To register, visit https://wcpld.info/, under calendar.

 

  • This event is cancelled .The West Chicago Park District monthly social gathering for senior citizens is a Luau at noon Thursday, Jan.12, 2023, at the ARC, 201 W. National St.

 

  • West Chicago Park District plans to offer an Open Mahjong Play in the early spring. As the game is no a familiar one with many people, the district is hosting two informational sessions. The first one takes place from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023, at the ARC, 201 W. National St. The second one is from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21. Refreshments are served. To register, visit https://www.we-goparks.org/adult-programs. Mahjong is a tile-based game that was developed in the 19th century in China and has spread throughout the world since the early 20th century. It is commonly played by four players.

 

  • People Made Visible hosts Re-New Year’s Wardrobe from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023, at Gallery 299, 103 W. Washington St. Persons bring clothes, shoes and accessories they no longer need or wear and are in good condition.Then they can look around and take  some items for free. All unclaimed clothes, shoes and and accessories will be donated to the Community Closet at St. Michael's Church. (https://merleburl.com)

 

  • The West Chicago Public Library Saturday Crafternoon program is at 2 p.m. Jan. 14, 2023, in the main program room, 118 W. Washington St. Participants make a snow globe. To make a reservation, visit https://wcpld.info/.
  • “Virtual Chair Yoga” is the West Chicago Public Library program at 3 p.m. Monday, Jan. 16, 2023. Susan from Dancing Cranes demonstrates the benefits of yoga without getting down on the floor. In an hour of Chair Yoga, persons breathe more deeply; stretch, strengthen and move their body; relieve stress and relax. To register visit info, under event calendar.
  • West Chicago Cultural Arts Commission sponsors its 15th Annual Community Banner Project Competition. The theme is “Vitality/Vitalidad.” The artwork may be any media with no limitation to technique or subject matter. Persons may submit three separate artworks. An independent juror selects the 24 works of art. Each winning design is reproduced and featured in the 2023 West Chicago Banner Exhibition from May to September. All entries are due by Wednesday, Jan.18. For further information, visit org/artbannerexhibit.
  • West Chicago Public Library holds a virtual and in-person Gettin’ Crafty program, ”Quilled Snowflake,” Thursday, Jan. 19, 2023. The virtual program is at 6 p.m. The in-person program is at 7p.m. in the main meeting room, 118 W. Washington St. Using several different techniques, participants make a quilled snowflake; remember each snowflake is different.To register visit info, under event calendar.

 

  • Now that holiday de-decorating is taking place, persons may discover strands of incandescent and LED holiday lights that no longer work. The City of West Chicago provides the “green” solution for disposing this items through Friday, Jan.20, 2023. The offer is open to residents, businesses, clubs, churches and organizations. Drop-off locations are First United Methodist Church of West Chicago, by exterior door at 643 East Washington Street; Murphy Ace Hardware, 319 South Neltnor Boulevard; West Chicago Public Library, 118 West Washington Street; and the ARC Center, 201 West National Street. The West Chicago Environmental Commission coordinates the program with Groot Industries. (https://merleburl.com)

 

  • Hawthorne’s Backyard Bar & Grill, 1200 W. Hawthorne Lane, hosts its Thirteenth Annual Turkey Bowl Charity Event Fundraiser at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 5, 2023.The charity again this year is for Tessa Dante, a three-year old girl undergoing treatment of Stage 4 Neuroblastoma, which is a rare and aggressive form of pediatric cancer. Tessa has been undergoing treatment since early 2021. She is winning her Fight Against Cancer, but sadly now two of her biggest supporters, her Aunt Christina and her Great Uncle Joe are facing their own wars against cancer and need help.

 

The parking lot is transformed into a bowling alley and participants bowl with frozen turkeys. There are many prizes, give away items and a 50/50 raffle. The charge is $80 per four-person teams. Pre-registration is required. Teams must register at the bar or see a manager. The event is limited to 100 teams. For individuals not on a team, this is a fun event to watch and cheer on your favorite team. For further information call (630) 293-6700.

 

  • West Chicago Community High School offers a 12-week Wildcat Preschool for local children ages 2.5 to 5 years of age and is taught by students enrolled in Child Development 2 courses under the supervision of teacher Brittany Bauer. The classes are held from 12:30 p.m. to 2:05 p.m.Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, beginning Feb. 7 and ending May 4, 2023. The cost is $200. Orientation date is from 11:30 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 2. To register and for more information, visit d94.org/preschool. For further information , email bbauer@d84.org or call 630-876-6377.

 

SUPPORT OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES

 

  • Slice Spot, 960 E. Roosevelt Road, re- opens Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023. It was closed while the owner was on vacation.

 

  • Hawthorne’s Backyard Bar & Grill, 1200 W. Hawthorne Lane, offers Painting & Potables at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023. The charge is $37 for the workshop of a Tranquil Moon painting and all supplies are included. A professional artist instructor gives the guiding steps Registration deadline  is Tuesday, Jaan. 24 and may be made at  https://www.hawthornesbackyard.com/upcoming-events. (https://merleburl.com)

 

  • Pampered Pet, 191 North Ave., is permanently closed.

 

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, Jan.9, 2023, there were 11,445 cases and 67 deaths; this is the number from the beginning of track recording.

 

REMEMBRANCES

 

  • Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Bill Albrecht, who at the age of 80 passed away Friday, Jan. 5, 2023.

 

  • Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Phyllis C. O’Connell, who at the age of 81passed away Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022.

 

  • Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of David Rubio Sanchez, who at the age of 75, passed away Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023.

 

SCHOOLS

 

  • Chicago Arts Partnerships in Education presents the movie, “Song of the Sea,” at 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, in the cafetorium at Leman Middle School, 238 E. Hazel St., Door 14. Families can bring their own dinner to eat while watching the movie. CAPE provides the popcorn. This is part of “Dreaming Us: A Community Film Series.” The movie follows the story of a 10-year-old Irish boy named Ben, who discovers that his mute sister Saoirse, whom he blames for the apparent death of his mother, is a selkie who has to free faerie creatures from the Celtic goddess Macha (https://merleburl.com)

 

CHURCHES

 

  • First United Methodist Church of West Chicago worships at the 10;30 a.m. service Sunday, Jan. 15, 2023, at Winfield Community Methodist Church, OS347 Jefferson St. The two churches have merged into one-First United Methodist Church of West Chicago.

WEST CHICAGO FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

  • In 2017, the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance worked with the General Assembly to pass a law which requires Illinois residents to replace their old smoke alarms with the type that has a long-term,10-year sealed battery beginning Jan. 1, 2023. This applies to residents still using alarms with removable batteries or alarms that are not hardwired.

 

The West Chicago Fire Protection District is working cooperatively with the not-for-profit Illinois Safety Alliance and Office of the State Fire Marshal to provide no-cost smoke alarms to senior citizens and low-income residents of the District. The “Be Alarmed!” Smoke Alarm Installation Program provides smoke alarms and fire prevention materials to Illinois fire departments and districts to both educate residents on fire safety as well as provide them with life-saving devices in their homes. By utilizing 10-year concealed battery smoke alarms, it ensures that the power source cannot be removed from the unit and, if properly maintained, it will last the lifetime of the device. Residents who wish to receive more information about the smoke alarm installation program should contact the Fire District at 630-231-2123 or info@wegofpd.org. (https://merleburl.com)

 

  • The West Chicago Fire Protection District is accepting applications for full-time firefighter. For more information, visit West Chgo 2023. (https://merleburl.com)

 

COMMUNITY MEMBERS HIGHLIGHTS

 

  • Alice Stout celebrated her 90th birthday Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023.

 

  • John Blane is the recipient of the Jazz Presidents Service Award.Education Network. He is the brother of West Chicago resident Barbara Toney. (https://merleburl.com)

 

CLUB/ORGANIZATION NEWS

 

  • Mexican Cultural Center DuPage joins with Mexican Cultural Arts Alliance in a tribute to the great writer Elena Poniatowska, "Divergent Looks, Collective Exhibition" in Mexico City. In the celebratory photography exhibit are two Illinois photographers, Salvador Tamayo and Margarita Morelos. MCCD president Fernando Ramirez will attend the opening. This project was organized with the help of Portales del Arte en Chiapas and sponsored by the National Museum of Mexican Art.

 

  • Hélène Elizabeth Louise Amélie Paula Dolores Poniatowska Amor, known professionally as Elena Poniatowska is a French-born Mexican journalist and author, specializing in works on social and political issues focused on those considered to be disenfranchised especially women and the poor. In 1979, Poniatowska was the first woman to receive Mexico’s National Journalism Prize, which she was awarded for her outstanding contributions to the diffusion of Mexican cultural and political expressions. Throughout her career, Poniatowska has been dedicated to the promotion of equality, humanitarianism and human rights, particularly among women. She lives in Mexico, where she continues to write.

 

  • West Chicago resident Salvador Tamayo is a bilingual Social Studies seventh and eighth grade teacher at Leman Middle School. He uses technology to build his students' skills, knowledge and confidence while contributing to the community. Collaborating with the West Chicago City Museum, Tamayo and his students created several award-winning Web sites about the museum, the local Hispanic community, and the history of West Chicago. Tamayo teaches bilingual teacher education courses at Wheaton College, and is a facilitator for a Fermi Lab instructional technology class for teachers.

 

Morelos is the Founder, director and CEO of the organization, Shine Powerful Women, which, through various means, promotes the powerful stories of success from women to help other women in their personal and professional growth. She is a bilingual Spanish/English speaking Realtor licensed in the State of Illinois, and is with Coldwell Banker Real Estate Group in Plainfield.

 

My email address is merleburl@earthlink.net.