City of West Chicago, Illinois

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At Home with Merle Burleigh – January 8, 2025

By

At Home with Merle

MERLE’S CORNER

I am one of those people that likes Christmas cards, both sending and receiving.As the new year begins, I take the time to re-read the short notes and letters and enjoy the picturesque cards. The signatures not only bring back memories, but also the friendships I enjoy now. This is a tradition I keep and treasure.

 

AROUND AND ABOUT

 

  • West Chicago Park District holds Summer Jobs Drop-in interviews Thursday, Jan. 9,2025, in the ARC, 201 W. National St. Interviews for Turtle Splash positions are at 4 p.m.;positions open ar life guards and swim instructors-age 15+, deck attendants-age 14+ , and admission attendants-age 16+. Interviews for Summer Camp positions are at 4:30 p.m.; positions open ar summer camp directors age 21+, and summer camp counselors, age 16 p+. com

 

  • West Chicago Public Library holds a Microsoft Word computer class at 6:30 p.m.Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, in the conference room, 118 W. Washington St. Participants learn the basics, which includes creating a document, selecting and editing text, saving a document, and inserting page numbers and special characters. To register, visit https://wcpld.librarycalendar.com/events/month.

 

  • Through Illinois Libraries Present, the West Chicago Public Library presents the special program “Chicago Pizza-Past, Present & Future,” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025. This is a virtual event hosted on Zoom. To register, visit https://bit.ly/ILP_SteveDolinsky Steve Dolinsky, Food Guy reporter at NBC 5 and James Beard Award winner for his television, radio and podcast work presents the program. Dolinsky is host of the podcasts The Feed Podcast with Chicago chef/restaurateur Rick Bayless and Pizza City, author of two books about pizza, and creator of Pizza City Fest in four cities. com

 

  • The West Chicago Public Library Saturday Crafternoon program, is at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, in the main program room, 118 W. Washington St. Participants create a colorful collage of bottle caps. This project not only lets persons express their artistic flair but also helps the environment. To make a reservation, visit https://wcpld.librarycalendar.com/events/month.

 

  • Healthy West Chicago and West Chicago Public Library host a free virtual bilingual family cooking class, at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025, via Zoom. Chef Maria gives tips on eating healthy, saving time in the kitchen and involving children in food preparation, plus demonstrates how to make a nutritious soup. To register visit https://wcpld.librarycalendar.com/events/month. The first 20 families to register receive a $10 Jewel gift card. (com

 

  • The West Chicago Public Library program, “Pick Your Maker Craft!” is at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025, in the meeting room, 118 W. Washington St. Participants, age 9 and over, choose and create from a provided mix of Cricut or Sublimation crafts. Reservations can be made at https://wcpld.librarycalendar.com/events/month.

 

  • The West Chicago Park District offers Parents Night Out from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17, 2025, in the ARC, 201 W. National Street. Parents drop off children who are between the ages of three and 10, and then enjoy an evening together. Activities for the children include pizza dinner, games and crafts, plus staff-supervised free-play in the Tree Top Escape.The charge is $15 per child for residents and $18per child for non-residents. Registration deadline is 48 hours in advance.To make a reservation, visit we-goparks.org/youth-programs.

 

  • The City of West Chicago free recycling for the holiday lights and extension cords ends Friday, January 17, 2025. The offer is open to residents, businesses, clubs, churches and organizations. Drop-off locations are City Hall, 475 Main St.;New Hope United Methodist Church, by east exterior door at 643 E. Washington St.; Murphy Ace Hardware, 319 S. Neltnor Blvd; Water Treatment Plant, 1400 W. Hawthorne Lane; West Chicago Public Library, 118 W. Washington St.; the ARC Center, 201 W. National St.; and Jewel-Osco, 177 E. Roosevelt Road.Coordinating the the program are the West Chicago Environmental Commission, the City of West Chicago, SCARCE and Groot Industries.

 

  • West Chicago Park District hosts Candyland Carnival from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, in the ARC, 201 W. National St. Participants are transported into a magical land of sugary treats and fun-filled activities for the entire family. They stroll through Lollipop Lane, test their skills at the Gumdrop Games and other candy-themed actives, plus the meet and greet of a beloved character. The charge is $12 for residents and $15 for non-residents if made by Wednesday, Jan. 15. After this date the charge is $15 for residents and $18 for non-residents. To register, visit https://www.we-goparks.org/special-events. com

 

SUPPORT OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES

 

  • American English performs Friday, Jan. 17, 2025, at WC Social Club, 920 Roosevelt Road. Doors open at 7 p.m., performance at 8 p.m. The event is open to all ages, but must be age 21 and over to drink alcoholic beverages. The ticket price is $18 in advance, $20 at the door. To order tickets, visit https://www.thewcsocialclub.com/. 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.

 

The event in January is a Martini Making Class at 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25. The charge is $83 per person. To book a reservation, call 630 208-7541 or email rlynn@prairielanding.com by Tuesday, Jan. 21. Martinis attendees learn to craft and taste are French, Espresso and Peanut Butter Whiskey, while enjoying a variety of hors d’oeuvres. For further information on the celebration, visit www.prairielanding.com/30thanniversary. merleburl.com

 

  • Registration is now open for the fifteenth Annual Turkey Bowl fundraIser at Hawthorne’s Backyard Bar & Grill, 1200 W. Hawthorne Lane. It takes place at 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025. The event benefits Elliestrong Forever Foundation. 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.

Ellie was diagnosed at a very young age of 6 with a rare PXA (Pleomorphic Xanthoastrocytoma) Brain Tumor. Enduring much in a nine-year period, she passed away April 14, 2019, just a short time before her 15th birthday. During the nine years, Ellie had more than 1,600 Chemotherapy doses, nine brain surgeries, hundreds of MRI’s, blood transfusions, cat scans, Platelet transfusions, and doctor appointments. Through all of this she still did her best to go to school and do her best.  She was a cheerleader, golfer, martial artist, singer, and actress. She never let her brain tumor or chemo stand her in her way from doing things she loved. Yet what made her even more extraordinary was her outlook on life. Ellie chose green as her favorite color. “It represents growth. It’s the color of life and energy.” The Elliestrong Forever Foundation keeps Ellie's incredibly caring spirit alive by helping families affected by cancer.” For further information about the foundation, visit https://www.elliestrongforever.com/. merleburl.com

 

  • Raised Bakery & Cafe, 124 Main St., had a soft opening from 8 a.m. to noon Monday, Dec. 30, 2024. The limited offering and well stocked baked goods included snicker doodles and chocolate chip cookies, scones, muffins and cinnamon rolls. For seating, there is a section of high top and low tables with seatings for four and a larger table at the rear. As the owner Yolanda Peterson, who was raised here, becomes more comfortable with the operation of the business, the menu and \ hours will expand. At this time, the hours are from 8 a.m. to noon Fridays and Saturdays. The telephone number is 331 240-2176. Website is https://raisedbakery.com/. com

 

 

REMEMBRANCES

 

  • Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Salvador Robles Fernandez, who at the age of 79 passed away Dec. 24, 2024.
  • Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Robert L. Dabbert, who at the age of 86 passed away Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024.
  • Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Marcia Jo Tonchick, who at the age of 72 passed away Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024.
  • Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Juan Ramos Jiménez, who at the age of 66 passed away Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024.
  • Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Jozafin Sada Hopkins, who at the age of 57 passed away Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024.
  • Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Josephine Nicole DeMoss, who at the age of three months old passed away Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024.
  • Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Shirley Jean Pearson, who at the age 95 passed away Sunday, Dec, 29, 2024.
  • Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Kenneth Joseph Radavich, who at the age of 69 passed away Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025.
  • Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Ricard Cabot Long, who at the age of 84 passed away Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025.

 

SCHOOLS

 

  • West Chicago Community High School hosts a Town Hall session, District 94 Strategic Planning Community Feedback, Saturday, Jan 11, 2025, in the Community Room, 326 Joliet St. entrance B. Refreshments are served at 8:30 p.m.; the session is from 9 to 11 a.m.The district shares the key updates on the current strategic plan, presents important data and receives the input of the residents. This is to ensure WCCHS reflects the needs and aspirations of the community. For further information, visithttps://www.d94.org/strategicplan. com

 

  • The College Board recognized Wheaton Academy as an AP Gold Honor Roll School. The award honors schools that demonstrate a commitment to providing opportunities for students to earn college credits

 

  • In the various boys basketball tournaments Friday. Dec. 27,2024,West Chicago Community High School lost to Sycamore High School with a score of 24-57. Wheaton Academy won over St. Rita High School with a score of 69-36, and Bartlett High School won over Elk Grove High School with a score of 55-30. In the various boys basketball tournaments Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, West Chicago Community Center won over Elmwood Park high School with a score of 43-29 and St. Charles East won over St. Rita High School with a score of 56-36/In the various girls basketball tournaments Saturday, Dec. 28, Wheaton Academy won over Timothy christian High School with a score of 48-47, West Chicago Community High School won over IC Catholic Prep with a score of 44-43, and St. Charles east High School won over York High School with a score of 53-46. In the various boys basketball tournaments Monday, Dec. 30, 2024, St, Charles East won over Plainfield East High School with a score of 67-42 an Wheaton Academy won over Morgan Park High School with a score of 57-48.In the girls basketball Lisle Cage Classic Holiday tournament, Wheaton Academy won over Timothy Christian high School with a score of 57-29. In the Friday, Jan 3, 2025 boys basketball games, BartlettHigh School won over Streamwood High School with a score of 68–42. West Chicago Community High School lost to Glenbard South High School with a score of 39-42. In the girls basketball games. West Chicago Community High School lost to Glenbard West High school with a score of 31-67.

CHURCHES

  • West Chicago Community Clothing Closet, operated by St. Michael’s United Church of Christ, is open from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan.11, 2025, in the basement of the Rockwell Building, 108 Sherman St. There is no charge for the clothing and shoes. Each family may choose five articles of clothing per person in their family. The Closet is open the second Saturday of each month. Bagged or boxed clothing donations can be dropped off at the entrance of the Rockwell Building.

 

CITY OF WEST CHICAGO

 

  • To evaluate the demand for later hours at the lobbies in West Chicago City Hall, 475 Main St., and Police Department, 325 Spencer St. will be open later Wednesdays in January 2025. Starting Wednesday, Jan, 8, both will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

 

  • Free Christmas tree pick up collection dates continues from Monday, Jan. 13 through Friday, Jan. 17, 2025, on regular scheduled garbage pick up days. Trees need to be free of lights, garland, tinsel and other decorations. Trees should not be placed in containers or plastic bags.

 

  • The City of West Chicago free recycling for the holiday lights and extension cords ends Friday, January 17, 2025. The offer is open to residents, businesses, clubs, churches and organizations. Drop-off locations are City Hall, 475 Main St.;New Hope United Methodist Church, by east exterior door at 643 E. Washington St.; Murphy Ace Hardware, 319 S. Neltnor Blvd; Water Treatment Plant, 1400 W. Hawthorne Lane; West Chicago Public Library, 118 W. Washington St.; the ARC Center, 201 W. National St.; and Jewel-Osco, 177 E. Roosevelt Road.Coordinating the the program are the West Chicago Environmental Commission, the City of West Chicago, SCARCE and Groot Industries.

 

  • At the Monday, Dec. 16.2024, meeting, City Council approved an ordinance to allow alcohol sales, beer and wine only, at gas stations with a vote of 9-5. Those voting against it were Ware Ward 1 Alderman Dan Bebee, Lori Chassee, Ward2 Alderman Heater Brown, Ward 3 Alderman Al Hallett and Ward 4 Alderman Melissa Birch-Ferguson.

The memorandum explained that until the passage of this ordinance, the only gas station allowed to sell beer, wine and hard liquor was True North on the southeast corner of routes59 and 64. This was grandfathered in. Owners of other gas stations wanted to be allowed to sell the same items, which would make the total of six Class C-4 Liquor Licenses. Council directed staff to write an ordinance regarding this, stressing it should not include sale of single cans/bottles. Andy Patel, owner of Mr. A’s Liquors. came to a City Council meeting and stated he understood competition, but felt ordinance should be limited to beer and wine. Council then tabled.The following City Council meeting, Kyle Churillo, owner of Extra Value Liquors, stated that gas stations should not be allowed to sell beer and wine. Council then directed staff to bring forth an ordinance at the Dec. 16 meeting. At each of the Council meetings, the Council members discussed the issue.

 

WEST CHICAGO FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

 

  • West Chicago Fire Protection District hosts a retirement, promotion and probation completion event at 3 p.m. Friday, January 10, 2024, in District headquarters, 200 Fremont St. Fire Chief Patrick Tanner retires after 40 years of service. Deputy Chief Jeffrey Keefe is promoted to the rank of Fire Chief. Firefighter/paramedic Jacob Rainey completed his probation period. com

 

  • After almost three years of planning and anticipation, the West Chicago Fire Protection District new Tower Ladder, a 2024 Seagrave Areialscope 95 foot, replaces the old Tower and is now in the District headquarters, 200 Fremont Street. It is not in full service yet sit is awaiting the mounting of tools and organizing cabinets. Once this is done, the District plans to have a "push-in" ceremony to invite the community to see their new Tower Ladder. Residents may see it on the streets as the firefighters receive training and practice operations and set ups.

West Chicago is one of a few departments in the area to have this type of truck. The new ladder truck has increased lifting capacity and maneuverability at fire scenes, plus differs from the old as it is a mid-mount apparatus. Deputy Fire Chief Rick Ciszewski said, “This will complement our surrounding departments' aerial devices without duplicating. This change will make us more effective for our community and beyond our borders.”

 

ODDS AND ENDS

 

  • Winfield Township seeks people to serve on its new mental health board for four year terms and must be residents of the Township.The board of seven will will focus on supporting people in enhancing, maintaining and restoring mental health, with the authority to build, maintain or repair mental health facilities and services, and to contract with other service providers. To apply, email a resume with a statement of reason for applying to Township Supervisor Nicole Prater at

nprater@WinfieldTownship.com.

 

  • Each year Hawthorne’s Backyard Bar & Grill, 1200 W. Hawthorne Lane, holds its Stocking Charity Drive. Working with West Chicago Police Department, the restaurant’s owner Lou Kopinski makes Christmas special for three deserving families in the community. Hawthorne’s provides the stockings and art supplies and patrons provide the creative art work plus make monetary donations. The owner Kopinski matches the contributions, with the money purchases presents off the lists of the families.

This year the combined total of the  three “adopted” families was 24 people. A total amount of $8,500 was raised, which includes the $1,500 donation from FNBC Bank & Trust. The donations allowed every item of the wish lists of the families to be fulfilled.These included four complete beds, a television set-the first one the family has ever owned, two bicycles, two microwaves, two pots and pans sets. In addition, each family received between $250 to $1,000 in Walmart gift cards, plus a family from last year ( grandmother raising the three daughters of her deceased son) received a surprise Christmas Eve dinner and an $800 gift card. The co-shopping elf was Maggie, who along with Alissa Roy helped wrap all the gifts. merleburl.com

 

  • Metra unveiled a specially painted locomotive to honor all veterans and active-duty service members and reservists on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2024. The special permanent paint scheme features a bald eagle on the front and sides decorated with the American flag and blue camouflage with silhouetted military figures saluting. It served on the other Metra routes in the latter months of 2024 and in January 2025 will serve the three lines operated by Union Pacific.

Locomotive 120, which first entered Metra service in 1977, received the new paint scheme during its fourth rehab. The design was created by in-house by Metra graphic designer Falecia Woods and was brought to life by the skilled team at Metra’s Kensington Yard Facility paint shop lead by General Foreman Paul Jurlow.

Metra has long supported of veterans in the workforce and earlier in 2024 signed on to the U.S. Army’s Partnership for Your Success (PaYS) Program, which is designed to help soldiers prepare for a career after their military service by connecting them with employers who understand the skills, discipline, and work ethic that military veterans bring to business roles. The program provides soldiers with an opportunity to interview for jobs with Metra and gives Metra access to job candidates with valuable skills and leadership qualities they learned serving their country. Metra was also named one of the 839 recipients of the 2024 HIRE Vets Medallion Award during a virtual award ceremony presented by U.S. Department of Labor. merleburl.com

  • Kevin Coyne is the new DuPage County GOP Chairman; he was the Vice Chairman. He replaces Jim Zay, who retired from this position. com
  • It was a fun time for all who attended the Grinchmas Breakfast hosted by the West Chicago Park District Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024. In addition to the breakfast, attendees had the opportunity to meet Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and the Grinch, plus play some games and make some crafts. com
  • The Elgin Community College Board of Trustees unanimously voted to appoint Peggy Heinrich, EdD as the ninth president of the College. This is the first time a woman serves as president in the college’s 75-year history. Heinrich succeeds Dr. David S. Sam, who ended his 17-year tenure at the institution on July 31, 2024. com

 

My email address is merleburl@earthlink.net.