MERLE’S CORNER
I have always liked sunflowers. This year I incorporated the theme into my inside decor—throw pillows, place mats, table runners, small rugs, pictures, wreaths, paper towel holder and candles. Definitely uplifting.They are such happy flowers, symbolizing adoration, loyalty and longevity. Also sunflowers are unique as they have the ability to provide energy in the form of nourishment and vibrancy. They track the sun, and when it is cloudy, face each other.
Other fun facts are sunflowers are native to the Americas (originated in the Americas in 1,000 B.C.) and their popularity stands the test of time. It is a fun flower to grow and one both children and adults like to cultivate. They were brought to Russia by royalty, plus traveled to space. When peering at them closely, one sees they are actually thousands of flowers. I always watched the sunflowers in my neighbor’s yard, towering high above the fence. The world’s tallest sunflower reaches 30 feet and one inch.
Of course, this year, the sunflower had a deeper meaning as it is the national flower of Ukraine and the country is the world’s biggest sunflower producer. Sunflowers ar sourced for their seed and oils used for cooking and skin on, loyalty and longevity.
There were no sunflowers at the Chelsea Flower Show in London, one of the largest in the world. At least 150,000 people visit in one week. As I watched it on Brit Box, I learned so much about other flowers and plants, including their history. The Darrah’s, members of the West Chicago Garden Club, were there in person. I imagine they will come home with many ideas and stories to share. (https://merleburl.com)
AROUND AND ABOUT
- The Gettin’ Crafty program at the West Chicago Public Library is “Quilted Cards,” taking place at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 23, 2022, via Zoom. Kits are available at the library.The in-person class is at 7 p.m. in the main program room, 118 W, Washington St. Participants use decorative papers and a diamond template to make a quilt-inspired card. To register, visit https://wcpld.info, under calendar.
- West Chicago Park District, along with the Winfield Park District, hosts a special trip Monday, July 25, 2022, at the Starved Rock Lodge in Utica, Ill.The scheduled time is 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Departure time is 9 a.m. from the Winfield Park District, ON020 County Farm Road. The program is“ Tribute to the Stars.” Peter Oprisko captures the spirit of Dean Martin. The price pf $56 includes transportation, the show and lunch buffet. Reservations are due by Thursday, July 23, and may be made at https://www.we-goparks.org/adult-programs. (https://merleburl.com)
- Beginning at 11 a.m. June 24, 2022, the entertainment for the Fun Friday program of the West Chicago Park District is Headspin Guy. His show includes dance-based games, and sometimes, he demonstrates his headspin. (https://merleburl.com)
- Coffee with the Mayor previously scheduled for Saturday, June 25, has been cancelled. The next date is Saturday, July 30.
- Primary Election Day is Tuesday, June 28, 2022. Polling places are open 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- West Chicago Public Library holds a Microsoft Word computer class at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 30, 2022, in the main program room, 118 W. Washington St. Topics include creating a document, selecting and editing text, saving a document, inserting page numbers and special characters. To register, visit https://wcpld.info, under calendar.
- West Chicago Railroad Days, organized by Western DuPage Chamber of Commerce, is from Thursday< July 7, through Sunday, July 10, 2022, at Pioneer Park, 479 W. Forest Ave. Activities include carnival, live entertainment, business and not-for-profit vendors and food vendors. Fireworks, sponsored by the City of West Chicago, take place Saturday, July 9. The parade is at 1 p.m. Sunday, July 10.
- The office of State Senator Karina Villa hosts its annual book club, “Books for Scoops.” Brochures are available at West Chicago Public Library, 118 W. Washington St. Readers are invited to stop by Jorge’s Paletería y Nevería, 110 S. Neltnor Blvd., from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, August 6, 2022. Here they share their books with the senator and receive a coupon for free ice cream. (https://merleburl.com)
SUPPORT OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES
- Kids Empire, 1835 N. Neltnor Blvd., recently opened its doors. The business is an Indoor playground for family entertainment for all ages. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. (https://merleburl.com)
- Since Gorditas Liselena, 207 Main St., opened its doors, there is a frequently asked question, “What is a Gordita?” Here is the description from the owner. “Essentially Gorditas are thick corn tortillas that have a pocket in the middle made for stuffing with delicious Mexican fillings.” One of my favorite is cactus and egg. (https://merleburl.com)
REMEMBRANCES
- Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Rogers Dale Doggett, who at the age of 77 passed away Sunday, June 5, 2022.
- Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Stephen Popp, who at the age of 82 passed away Monday, June 6. 2022.
SCHOOLS
- Staff retiring from West Chicago Community High School are Donna Durbin, Becky Koltz, Mary McCarter, Beth Hunter, Tammy Lockert, Jose Perez and Pedro Perea. Retirement plans for most seem to include traveling.
- Durbin, Career and Technical Education Teacher, was at the high school for 17 years. She was co-advisor for Business Professional of America.
- Koltz, Communications and Community Relations Coordinator and graduate of WCCHS, provided informational and crises communications, plus served as webmaster for 10 years. She worked in school communications for 21 years.
- McCarter, World Languages Teacher, was at the high school for 31 years
- Lockert, duplicating clerk, ran the duplicating area for 38.5 years. Not only is she a graduate of the high school, but so were her parents and their siblings, plus her grandmother, who attended the school in the late 1920s
- Hunter was the Management Information Systems Supervisor.
- Jose was a custodian in building operations. Pedro was a custodian in building maintenance and grounds. (https://merleburl.com)
CLUB/ORGANIZATION NEWS
- “Literacy at Laundromats” is a program organized y SCARCE. Light blue bookcases filled with books, especially for children, are placed in three West Chicago laundromats, SCARCE Executive Director/Founder Kay McKeen explained. “Using laundromats is necessary for some, but also can be a little boring. The books provide not only an interest in reading, but entertainment.” She added that some people take the books home, but most are returned. The volunteer visits regularly to change the reading material. The laundromats are Laundry King, 285 E. Roosevelt Road; Wilson Street Wash, 327 Wilson Avenue; and Smart Wash Laundry, 149 N. Neltnor Blvd.
CHURCHES
- TEACH recently partnered with St. Andrew Lutheran Church to provide new tutor training at the church, 155 N. Prince Crossing Road. The organization is seeking volunteers to teach English as a Second Language to adults. Because of the strong student demand for these services, they are in need of several more volunteer tutors in order to make this effort a success. Training sessions are Thursdays, June 23, and June 30, 2022. Tutors meet with students in-person for hour each week. Remote training also is available. To volunteer, visit https://forms.gle/41D2kGJhArcv176t5
- Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 N. Prince Crossing Road, has an on-going Diaper Drive. Diapers are among the items distributed to families in need at the weekly food distribution on Saturdays. Persons may drop off diapers from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday. (https://merleburl.com)
WEST CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT
- Due to a generous donation from Jel Sert, the West Chicago Police Department was able to add a new unit, K-9. Mondo is a one-year-old German Shepherd, who came to the department from the Czech Republic. His handler is Officer Justin Rigler.
Officer Rigler started a Community Service Officer in 2015 and became a police officer in 2018. Although he is in the patrol division, Officer Rigler has also assumed the roles of Evidence technician, Child Safety Seat Technician and Explorer Advisor. Having a love of dogs and an interest in working with a K9, he approached he administrator about starting up the program again. After Officer Rigler did extensive research and talked to many departments, he presented a proposal, and now there is a K-9 unit.
After Mondo arrived, it was evident he had the qualifications for his career. In May, Officer Rigler and Mondo had six weeks of academy training and graduated. They will continue to attend different training sessions.
In early June, Officer Rigler and Mondo were on patrol, and are working a rotating shifts with afternoon/evening hours. His roles include, but are not limited to, drug detection, tracking human scent and suspect apprehension. The public had the opportunity to meet them at the Touch-A-Truck event. (https://merleburl.com)
- Mondo now has a bullet proof vest and a medical kit thanks to generous donation by Protecting K9 Heroes. The kit contains everything Officer Justin Rigler needs to help him if Mondo were to get hurt, this includes Narcan. (https://merleburl.com)
COMMUNITY MEMBERS HIGHLIGHTS
- West Chicago Community High School Class of 1996 graduate Sarah Toney, owner of Toney Law Firm, was on the 10 p.m. NBC new Monday, June 6, 2022. She was interviewed about the mask mandate at the DuPage Children’s Museum. To view the segment, visit https://www.nbcchicago.com/.../chicago-couple.../2851172/... She is the daughter of West Chicago residents Barb and Rand Toney. (https://merleburl.com)
- An article by West Chicago resident Phil Weibler was in the summer issue of “Classic Trains.” It tells of his family’s train trip to Abilene on the eve of Amtrak. (https://merleburl.com)
My email address is merlburl@earthlink.net.
