City of West Chicago, Illinois

Where History and Progress Meet

At Home with Merle Burleigh – July 27, 2022

By

At Home with Merle

MERLE’S CORNER

 

As I wrote about the retirement of two persons with whom I enjoyed working and knowing, I again realized change id inevitable. Although there are personnel changes every year, there seem to be more in 2022. With these changes, I meet new people or get to know others better. The retirees see a change in their lives as they move into a new phase. I wish Them the best and will miss them. All in all, I consider the year of 2022 to be one of Change.

 

AROUND AND ABOUT

  • Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, hosts “Cantigny de Noche” with illuminate art, activities and refreshments from 6 to 10 p.m. Wednesdays through October.The event highlights the lighted sculptures of the exhibit “Alebrijes: Creatures of a Dream World” exhibit. Programs vary week to week with special ones such as outdoor movies, concerts and culinary classes. Activities and entertainment are included in the park’s $5-per-car weekday parking fee. Food and beverages are extra. Line up for each week is posted on org. July 27, there are guacamole and salsa classes t 7 p.m. The cost is $25 per group; bottled water is included. Those wanting a full meal can Build a Burrito or Burrito Bowl, assisted by the Cantigny chefs. Beer, wine, and the week’s featured cocktail will be available. To register  or more information for classes, visit https://www.cantignygolf.com/events-calendar/culinary-events. The movie, award winning Pixar “Coco,” is at 8:30 p.m. (https://merleburl.com)

 

  • The Gettin’ Crafty program at the West Chicago Public Library, is “Pill Bottle Organizers,” in person and on line Thursday, July 28, 2022. The virtual program is at 6 p.m. via Zoom. Kits are available for pick up at the library. The in-person class is at 7 p.m. Participants use prescription bottles to make cute and coordinated containers for small supplies. To register, visit https://wcpld.info, under calendar.

 

  • The Robert R. McCormick House at Cantigny Park resumes its Headlines from History series with a presentation by the authors of “Chili Dog MVP: Dick Allen, the ‘72 White Sox, and a Transforming Chicago.” John Owens and Dr. David J. Fletcher speak at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 28, 2022, at the Cantigny Park,1S151 Winfield Road, or online via Zoom. Those needing a Zoom link must register in advance at org. There is a $5 parking fee.

 

  • Fun Friday is from 11 a.m. to noon July 29, 2022, at The Shell in Reed-Keppler Park,129 W. National St. Steve Belliveau of Getting Excited About Science uses dramatic demonstrations, easy to see equipment, humor, music and audience participation, He brings down to earth basic ideas about air/water pressure, magnetism and electricity, friction. chemistry, simple machines, conservation of energy, sound and color.  (https://merleburl.com)

 

  • Wayne Township holds a Back-to-School fundraiser. To help low income children, persons can donate school supplies or funds. Needed items are Elmer’s glue sticks, pencil cases, two-pocket folders of assorted colors and new backpacks. Donors can sponsor a child’s backpack for $25. The deadline for dropping off donations is Friday, July 29, 2022, at the township office, 27W031 North Ave. For further information, call 630-231-7103.
  • Wayne Township, 27W231 North Ave., holds is annual Recycle and Shred Extravaganza from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, July 30, 2022. Times for collection include tattered American flags, eyeglasses, large batteries, not household, textiles such as clothiers, shoes belts, purses, towels, sheets, blankets and rags in any condition. There is a limit of 5 “Jewel” sized plastic bags, no boxes. (https://merleburl.com)

 

  • West Chicago Public Library, 118 W. Washington St., recognizes the 60th anniversary of the Beatles through an exhibit and program. Republic Bank of Chicago presents “4EVER4,” a photography exhibit celebrating the 60th Anniversary of the Beatles, 1962-1970. It has nearly 100 photographs of the Beatles in concert, their antics off stage, record albums, movies, concert posters, ticket stubs, contracts, touring schedules, and other historical photos. The exhibit is at the bank from Monday, Aug. 1, through Monday, Aug. 8, 2022

John F. Lyons presents the program, “60 Years of the Beatles,” at 7 p.m. Monday Aug. 1.Through the use of music, video, and many unseen photographs from the 1960s, he discusses  the impact of the Beatles on the Chicago metropolitan area. Lyons reveals untold stories of the Beatles’ visits to Chicago, highlights the unique connections between the Fab 4 and the Windy City, and discusses the diverse cast of characters who were engulfed by the whirlwind of Beatlemania. Reservations are required and may be mate at https://wcpld.info, under calendar. Lyons was born in London, England. He immigrated to the United States in 1994 and gained a PHD in history from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Lyons is a Professor of History at Joliet Junior College in Illinois, where he teaches British History, U.S. History and World History.

To capture the British atmosphere, a tea and scones  reception takes place at 6 p.m. before the program. Reservations are not required. Tea and scones available on a first-come, first-served basis. (https://merleburl.com)

 

  • The West Chicago Police Department hosts National Night Out from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, August 2, 2022, at the Police Department station, 325 Spencer St. Various businesses, organizations and taxing bodies are on hand to discuss their resources. Guests can tour the police station, view police cars, dance and some surprises are planned. National Night Out is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention, generate support and participation in local anti-crime efforts and to strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community relations.  More than 15,000 communities participate.

Taxing bodies participating are the City of West Chicago's Police Department, City of West Chicago, Community High School District 94, DuPage Public Safety Communications, DuPage County Community Services, DuPage County Health Department, DuPage County Sheriff's Office, Educare of West DuPage, Healthy West Chicago, West Chicago City Museum, West Chicago Park District, West Chicago Police Department Social Services Unit, West Chicago Public Library and West Chicago Elementary School District 33. Organizations participating are Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists, Community Emergency Response Team, Emergency Services Disaster Agency, Girls of Today...Leaders of Tomorrow, Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana, League of Women Voters of Wheaton, NAMI DuPage West Chicago Community High School Cheerleaders. Participating businesses are Eagle Academy, Canadian National Railroad, Greg Gomez Trained Wrestling and Thoro'Bred Fitness. (https://merleburl.com)

 

  • West Chicago Public Library, 118 W. Washington St., hosts a Blood Drive by Versiti Blood Center of Illinois. It takes place from 1 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2022, in the program room. Donors receive a Versiti water bottle and sticker sheet. To make an appointment call or text Camille at 847-305-9998 or online at https://donate.illinois.versiti.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/5600474. Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome. A photo ID is required.

 

  • The City of West Chicago DuPage Airport Authority and WGN-TV host the Annual Back to School Celebration from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5, 2022, at DuPage Airport, 2705 International Drive. Youths meet Mayor Ruben Pineda, West Chicago Fire Protection District firemen, West Chicago Police Department officers, and pilots.Activities include climbing onto airport maintenance and snow removal vehicles, experiencing CAP flight simulators, plus seeing vintage aircraft and military planes. On the tarmac, guests can enjoy a free lunch and music. For further information or to make a required reservation for the free event visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dupage-airport-authority-back-to-school-celebration-tickets-367672447187. (https://merleburl.com)

 

  • The first annual Marching Band Preview Show for the community is at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5, 2022, in Memorial Field at West Chicago Community High School, 326 Joliet St. It is the final day of band camp and the students demonstrate what they learned over the course of the week. The highlight of the show is the preview of the band’s 2022 half time show, “Ritmos de Passion.” Starting at 7 p.m., Mario’s Cart Food Truck serves authentic Mexican food and Italian ice.

 

  • “Visions of Nature” is the exhibit for the month of August 2022 at Gallery 200, 103 W. Washington St. The display consists of the artwork of Nature Artists’s Guild of the Morton Arboretum.The artists’s reception is from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5. In 1986, a group of artists who were primarily interested in natural history art formed the Nature Artists' Guild, which is a special interest group of the Morton Arboretum in Lisle.The group is a not-for-profit organization which now has more than 100 members active in creating art based on plants, animals and anything in the world of It offers opportunities for artistic growth with classes, workshops, demonstrations and exhibits. (https://merleburl.com)

 

  • The Shopping Cart Shuffle takes place Saturday, Aug. 6, 2022, at Mallard Lake Forest Preserve, Schick Road and Mallard Lane in Hanover Park. A virtual option also is available. The proceeds from the race benefit Neighborhood Food Pantries, which includes the one in West Chicago located at 123 Fremont Street. Registration is at 7:30 a.m. The Kids Dash is at 8:15 a.m. and the 5K race is at 8:30 a.m. All participants (virtual or in-person) receive the same event t-shirt, finisher medal and other items, but only in-person participants are eligible for time awards The top three overall male and female runners receive a medal, as do the top runners in each age category. Age groups are 13 and under, 14 to19, 20 to 29, 30 to 39, 40 to 49, 50 to 59, 60 to 69 and 70 and over. The cost is $45 for the 5K Run and 2K Walk; Kid’s Dash is $20. Persons can register on line at. https://raceroster.com/events/2022/56754/shopping-cart-shuffl Packet pick-up is from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday, August 5, at Dick Pond, 26W515 St Charles Road in Carol Stream. Since 1999, Neighborhood Food Pantries has provided food security to neighbors in need, as well as monetary assistance for housing, utilities and medical care/prescriptions. Funds raised from this 5K event are used to help reach the 2022 goal to provide more than 2 million meals. (https://merleburl.com)

 

  • West Chicago Public Library, 118 W. Washington St., holds a Keyboarding/Touch Typing computer class at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2022, in the main program room.The class introduces basic keyboarding skills and demonstrates online tools that help users type faster.To make a reservation, visit https://wcpld.info, under calendar.

 

  • Healthy West Chicago offers both an in-person and virtual 2022 5K Walk/Run and Fun Run. Age groups are 10 and under, 11 to 14, 15 to 19, 20 to 29, 30 to 39, 40 to 49, 50 to 59, and 60 and over. The top three overall male and female participants receive awards, plus the top three males and females in each age category receive awards; there are no awards for the virtual race. The 5K Certified Course 5K Run is on the Illinois Prairie Path near Zone 250 in Reed-Keppler Park, 250 W. National St. It starts at 7:30 a.m., with registration at 6:30 a.m. Saturday, August 20. The one-mile youth run begins at 8:30 a.m.

Registration fees are $25 for adult residents; $10 for students 17 and under; and non-resident adult registration is $30. The one-mile youth run for children10 and under is $5.Virtual race participants can run at any time Saturday or Sunday, July 20 and 21.To register, or for more information, visit www.healthywestchicago.org/healthy-west-chicago-5k-fun-run. All proceeds from the race will be used for Healthy West Chicago sustainability and continuation of community programming for West Chicago residents.

Healthy West Chicago also is seeking volunteers and sponsors for this event. Sponsorship levels range from $150 to $1,500, and raffle prize donations are gratefully accepted as well. Visit https://www.healthywestchicago.org for more information about either opportunity.

SUPPORT OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES

 

  • Due to staffing issues, Hawthorne’s Backyard Bar & Grill, 1200 W. Hawthorne Lane, is closed Mondays for walk-in business. It is open for to-go orders and the Monday Night Volleyball League. (https://merleburl.com)

 

  • De Veros Resale, 112 Galena St., recently opened.

 

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, July 25, 2022,  there were 9,986 cases and 66 deaths; this is the number from the beginning of track recording.

 

REMEMBRANCES

 

  • Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Stephen P. Mount, who at the age of 62 passed away Sunday, July 17, 2022.

 

SCHOOLS

 

  • West Chicago Elementary School District 33 offers a camp for all District 33 students entering Kindergarten. It takes place from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday,  8 through 12, 2022,  at Wegner School, 1180 Marcella Lane. The theme is “To Infinity and Beyond.” Students learn school routines, develop new letter and number  skills and play with friends. Breakfast and lunch are served. At the end of the course, students receive an activity bag. To enroll, visit https://www.wego33.org/Page/814…For further information email Morgan Paris at parisem@wego333,org. (https://merleburl.com)

 

  • The Committee of the Whole meeting of Community High School District 94 Board of Education Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2022, is cancelled.

 

CHURCHES

 

  • First United Methodist Church of West Chicago, 643 W. Washington St., honors Lisa Mari Vogt at its 190 a.m. worship service,  and a fellowship Sunday, July 31, 2022. Vogt Was church secretary for 23 years, who recently resigned to take on a full time position with DuPage County.

 

COMMUNITY MEMBERS HIGHLIGHTS\

 

  • After 35 years,Tim Wilcox, Assistant Director of Public Works, is retiring; his last day is Friday, July 29. 2022. He started his career with the City as a Maintenance Worker for the Street Division. July 20, 1985, In 1989, he was an Engineering Technician in the Engineering Department. Wilson continued to advance. He became the Street Supervisor in the Street Department in 1992 and Street Superintendent in 2003. He became Assistant Director of Public Works in 2014, also serving as Interim Director when Rob Flatter retired.

Wilcox mentioned some of the highlights of his career. This included“ meeting and working with so many wonderful people with the City, and West Chicago residents.” Of course, those associated with the nature of his positions such as “working through many snow storms and some blizzards, flooding events, and wind storm.” Wilson has no definite plans for retirement.

  • Although retiring after 12 years with Community High School District 94, Becky Koltz has been involved with schools in West Chicago much longer. As a child, Becky Bauer attended Gary School and graduated from West Chicago Community High School. After their marriage, Doug Koltz and Becky purchased a home in West Chicago. Their children attended Lincoln Elementary School, where Becky was very involved in the Parent-Teacher Organization.

When District 33 Board of Education made the decision to close Lincoln School and passed a referendum to build two new schools, Becky leapt into action to bridge the divide between angry parents and the school board. As Lincoln students would be attending three  different schools, Becky worked with the district administration and Board suggesting pen pal programs and field trips to help parents and students become familiar with their new school and the students who would attend that school with them. District 33 put these programs in place, and it eased quite a bit of the anxiety students and parents were experiencing.

.Once Lincoln School was closed and the two new schools built, the Koltz children attended Gary Schoo, West Chicago Junior High School (now Leman Middle School) and WCCHS. Becky was involved in parent-teacher organizations, the Wildcat Booster Club, the West Chicago Community High School After Prom Committee, the District 94 Educational Foundation and Alumni Association, and with her husband coached soccer with AYSO. Becky served a term on the West Chicago Elementary School District 33 Board of Education from 1995 to 1999.

Becky began her career in school public relations in 1999 in School District 33, creating the first communications program in the District. In 2010, she began working at Community High School District 94, developing their communications program.After serving in many roles on the Board of the Illinois Chapter of the National School Public Relations Association, she was elected President in 2018. In 2019, she co-hosted the inaugural statewide school public relations conference.

Becky’s career has focused on serving parents and community members, striving for transparent, thorough and timely communications, especially through the recent global pandemic. She said,“I truly value the relationships I have formed over the years with so many students, parents and community members, and the people who represent myriad organizations and businesses who have made West Chicago a wonderful place to live and work. The hardest part of retiring will be missing the people who have made my job so special.” We who have worked with Becky will miss her.

 

CLUB/ORGANIZATION NEWS

 

  • The artwork of 25 artists were selected for the 2022 Community Banner project organized by the City of West Chicago and Cultural Arts Commission. The theme was “Renewal.” Judging the entries was Kay McKeen, Founder and Executive Director of SCARCE. The banners are displayed on the light poles in the downtown district through the end of September.

The artists are Michael Horsley, Barbara Kadalato, Cassandra Swierenga, Jeffrey Menderhall, Anne Franzen, Theresa Caroline Acevedo, Bella Wiehle, Barb Risner, Abigail Laughlin, James Lauro, Rosemary Mackey, Sue Krzyzanowski and Judith Horsley

The other artists are Christine Catula, Natalie Toreva, Barbara Dunn, Sheila Newenham, Carson March, Cheryl Rausch, Jay Summer, Joe Weibler, John Rakow and Kathi Kuchler.

Persons can vote for their favorite banner for the People’s Choice award through Friday, September 23, 2022.To view the banners and cast a vote, visit westchicago.org/artbannerexhibit. (https://merleburl.com)

 

  • The weather was perfect for the West Chicago Park District Taco and Art Fest Saturday, July 14, 2022. Many enjoyed working with the he creative and talented artists .Executive director Gina Radun said, “It was a great turn out! Nice size crowd, good music, tacos and weather! Can’t ask for much more! ” org/artbannerexhibit.

 

  • The giant octopus, the 49th sculpture in the “Alebrijes: Creatures of a Dream World” exhibit at Cantigny Park now has a name, Octavio. This was selected from the names persons submitted. It seems a very appropriate name as the literal  translation for Octavio is Eighth. Creating the spectacular octopus sculpture were the six artists involved in  the exhibit. (https://merleburl.com)

 

  • The production of ”Cinderella” by WeGo Community Theater was a delight for both the audience, the cast and crew. The musical was the first one performed since the pandemic. The next planned production is “Newsies, Jr.” For audition information, visit https://www.facebook.com/WeGoCommunityTheatre/.

 

My email address is merleburl@earthlink.net.