At Home with Merle Burleigh

MERLE’S CORNER

I have returned from a most delightful vacation. It was not a scenic trip, but one where I saw cousins and friends of yore. We shared many memories and news of our lives today. I saw the rocky mountains with their snow-capped peaks, but did not venture into them. Yet I was in the mountains near Laramie, Wyoming. Here we had to be watchful for cattle crossing the road. My son’s wedding was lovely. As we gathered with the Wyoming Burleigh’s, we held our very first Burleigh family reunion.

There were many changes since I last was in Colorado. The Denver Union Station was completely redone, finished several months ago. It had a restaurant, hotel, book store and at least three bars. So many skyscrapers are in the downtown area now, plus luxury apartments and condos. Loveland, the location of the wedding, grew from a town of approximately 25,000 to more than 100,000 and had many roundabouts. These and road construction allowed my cousin to be going in circles for about 45 minutes before locating my hotel. We passed the same red house three times, which caused a fit of giggling.

The train ride was great, even if it was almost six hours late arriving back in Naperville.Riding a train, one truly sees the change in landscapes. Another plus is the interesting people one meets. One couple from Australia was taking a trip around the world. On the way to Denver, I met an 18-year-old young man traveling from Cleveland, Ohio to California. This was his graduation present. He wants to be a train engineer. When He discovered I was from West Chicago, he wanted to know all about our railroad history. As a side note, West Chicago resident Phil Weibler would have been his train hero.

During this time, I did not read a newspaper, watch television or listen to the radio, and only checked emails once a day. That was so refreshing. The only news I did hear was the Avalanche Hockey team vying for the Stanley Cup, which they did win. Upon arrival home, I started to read the 11 days of newspapers, realizing I did not miss that much.

Of course, as with any vacation, I ate too much and, probably not the healthiest, but the food and conversation was worth every little pound I gained. However, the two food items I craved upon my return were fruits and vegetables. As Dorothy says, “There is no place like home!”

AROUND AND ABOUT

The exhibit for the month of July is "Botanicals 2022” at Gallery 200,, 103 W. Washington St. The display consists of watercolors by Kathi Kuchler. The painting are flowers and nature that she has created over the past 10 years.years, since she received her Botanical Watercolor and Illustration Certificate. The artist’s reception is from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 1, 2022.

Kuchler started painting at the age of 14 in oils and then turned to watercolors “because I love the fact that I can take my small round paint palette wherever I go.” She received her certification as a Botanical Watercolorist and Illustrator through the Morton Arboretum n 2015. “It was in my classes at the Arboretum that I started drawing with pen and ink and colored pencils. I also started working in water soluble oils and love enlarging flowers on large canvasses.” She also makes jewelry by inserting miniature prints of her paintings into cabochon pendants, embellishing and adding vintage-like charms. In addition to Gallery 200, her artwork has been on display Natures Artist Guild shows, DuPage Art League, Norris Cultural Arts Center, St, Charles Arts Council, Fine Line Art Center and Gallery; Batavia Public Library, Greater Geneva Studio Tour, West Chicago Public Library, Water Street Studio, and the Fermilab Employees’ Art Show. (https://merleburl.com)

Monthly brush pick up begins Tuesday, July5, 2022.

City Council meeting is at 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 5, 2022, in City Hall, 475 Main St.

CAPE offers a few Community classes this summer. West Chicago residents Anni Holm and Uhura Sasse co-teach a Zoom class that revolves around cultural celebrations and is geared for adults. Classes are from 4 to 6 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. July dates are from July 6 through July 27. No experience is required. Tools and materials are provided. To register, visit https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSfe4.../viewform. When registering advise if attending Mondays or Wednesdays or both. (https://merleburl.com)

Through CAPE, West Chicago resident Anni Holm is co teaching with Austin McCanna a Zoom class/.hybrid class revolving around print making and poetry. Tools and materials are provided. Tuesday classes are from 5 to 7 p.m. July 5 through July 26 via Zoom. Thursday classes are from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. June 30 to July 28 at the West Chicago City Museum, 132 Main St.To register, visit https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSfZTWmiSn9.../viewform, also advising which Tuesday or Thursday classes or both.

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.

A special event during Railroad Days is the inaugural Railroad Days College Scholarship Fundraising BBQ Dinner co-chaired by the Western DuPage Chamber of Commerce and the Tony Reyes Family Foundation. It takes place at 5 p.m. Thursday, July 9, 2022, at Pioneer Park, 479 Forest Avenue. The menu is slow roasted wood-fired beef and all the sides. Sammy and the Knights provide the musical entertainment. The ticket price is $40 for one, $70 for two and $330 for a table of 10. To make a reservation, visit http://westerndupagechamber.chambermaster.com/events/details/scholarship-dinner-9020. For information on corporate sponsorships, call Tony at 630./231-0501 or the chamber office at 630..231-3003. (https://merleburl.com)

The First Division Museum at Cantigny Park presents its Date with History series program at 7 p.m.Thursday July 7, 2022, via Zoom or in person. Registration is not required for in person attendees. Online viewers must register in advance at org to receive a Zoom link. Presenting the program is author Dave Gutierrez, who discusses his 2018 book, “Patriots from the Barrio.”

He tells the inspiring true story of a segregated unit whose heroic exploits underscore the forgotten Latino contribution to the Allied victory in World War II. He learned of the unit through his father, whose cousin Ramon Gutierrez was a member of Company E, 141st Infantry. This was a part of the 36th “Texas” Division, comprised entirely of Mexican Americans—the only such unit in the entire U.S. Army.

Gutierrez is a professional researcher, historical presenter, writer, and author. His articles have appeared in publications including American Legion and War History Online. The Texas Military Forces Museum in Austin and the National WWII Museum in New Orleans recognized his work on Company E, 141^st Infantry. He serves on the Medal of Honor Museum Advisory Panel. (https://merleburl.com)

Strolls Through History, presented by the West Chicago City Museum, is at 9 a.m. July 9, 2022. With a railroad. Reservations are not required. (https://merleburl.com)

A new event during Railroad Days is Kids Zone from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 9, 2022. Various organizations provide a variety of activities for children.

The West Chicago Public Library Saturday Crafternoon program is at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 9, 2022, in the main program room, 118 W. Washington St. Participant make a wine-cork Chroma tree To make a reservation, visit https://wcpld.info, under calendar. (https://merleburl.com)

The West Chicago Park District monthly social gathering for senior citizens is at noon Thursday, July 12, 2022, at the ARC, 201 W. National Street. Lunch is followed by a movie. The three movie choices are “Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, ” “Dog” and “Unplugging,” with the one receiving the most selections will be shown.The charge, os $10. Reservations are required by Friday, July 8,To register, visit https://www.we-goparks.org/adult-programs.

SUPPORT OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES

The Western DuPage Chamber of Commerce hosted a Ribbon Cutting for Serene Infusion & Wellness Lounge 1213 Joliet St., Thursday, July 16, 2022. Participating in the ribbon cutting were Mayor Ruben Pineda, Ward 3 Alderman Chai Dettmann and Ward 6 Alderman Becky Stout. The family managed business provides the new and trending wellness practice of intravenous and intramuscular infusion treatments for those seeking benefits including vitamin boosts, weight loss assistance and beauty enhancements, For further information, visit the website, https://sereneiv.com/. (https://merleburl.com)

Thoro’Bred, 956 N. Neltnor Blvd., recently opened. The business offers boxing, wrestling, kickboxing, muay thai, jiu jitsu, strength and conditioning, HIIT and personal training for all skill levels. Hours are 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, and closed Sunday. (https://merleburl.com)

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, June 27, 2022, there were 9,386 cases and 63 deaths; this is the number from the beginning of track recording.

REMEMBRANCES

Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Raymond Lustro, who at the age of 70 passed awayWednesday, June 8, 2022.
Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Anastasios Michael Lellios, who at the age of 90 passed away Wednesday, June 8, 2022.
Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Dr. Mary Ann Dreher, who at the age of 86 passed away Monday, June 6, 3033.
Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Sandi Scott, who at the age of 61 passed awayWednesday, June 1, 2022.
Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Robert Gonzales, who at the age of 55 passed away Sunday, June 26, 2022.

SCHOOLS

Lisa Garnica of West Chicago community High School and Emily Setran of Wheaton Academy were named to the Daily Herald DuPage County All Area Girls Soccer Team.
Ballet Folklorico of West Chicago Elementary School District 33 performed Saturday, June 25, 2022, at the grand opening of Thoro’Bred Fitness. (https://merleburl.com)
The Committee of the Whole meting of the Community High School District Board of Education scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 5, 2022, is cancelled.

COMMUNITY MEMBERS HIGHLIGHTS

West Chicago resident Pearl Marziani celebrated her 90th birthday Saturday, June 11, 2022.

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

At the City Council meeting, Monday, June 20, 2022, there was a proclamation recognizing 2022 as the Year of the Alebrijes in West Chicago. The exhibit “Alebrijes: Creatures of a Dream World” exhibit is at Cantigny Park. It high lighted the six Mexican artists who created the sculptures. They are Perla Miriam Salgado Zamorano, Alejandro Camacho Fernandez, Alberto Moreno Fernandez, Roberto Carlo Martinez Tesillo, Edgar Israel Camargo Reyes and Emanuel Atrito Zarate Ortiz. (https://merleburl.com)

Council approved an ordinance and a resolution on the property at 31W255 Roosevelt Road. Per the Item Summary, The 1300 Roosevelt Investors/Pritzker Realty own an interest in approximately 64 acres near the southeast corner of Roosevelt Road and Fabyan Parkway.Their intention is to build one or two spec warehouse distribution facilities. “As this is not allowed in the ORI zoning district, the petitioner requests rezoning of a portion of the property to M Manufacturing…The Final Plat of Subdivision would combine five properties into a northern and southern pair of properties.The northern area would become 13 acres and the southern property would become 51 acres” which would be zoned M-Manufacturing. “The properties would be separated approximately by a new public roadway called Poorman Parkway, named after the president of the Pritzker Realty Group.”

Also approved was the reappointment of Steve Hale to the Planning Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals for a term ending April 2027.

WEST CHICAGO FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

At 11:39 p.m. Saturday, June 18, 2022, the West Chicago Fire Protection District received a call for a reported structure fire in a single family residence located at 30W571 Shady Lane. Upon their arrival, crews saw a large volume of fire on the rear porch with fire extending into the residence and the attic. Crews first started extinguishing the fires on the outside of the home. The resident of the home advised all family members had exited the home; however one family dog was missing. The exterior fire was extinguished quickly. Crews then moved inside the structure to extinguish the fire and conduct searches for victims in the home. The family dog was found and removed to the outside of the home. The fire was under control in 45 minutes. The crew did extensive overhaul to extinguish spot fires and the fire in the attic of the home. This incident had no civilian or firefighter deaths or injuries. The only loss of life was the family dog. Per Next door Neighbor the owner said they also lost a cricket and hedgehog.The last crews left the scene at 2:30 a,m. The origin of the fire was located on the deck, in the vicinity of the food smoker, that was in use at the time of the incident. The home is uninhabitable, (https://merleburl.com)

The Homer Glen Fire District and the Illinois State Police requested the West Chicago Fire Protection District’s Rescue K-9, Thor, and his handler Firefighter/Paramedic, Todd Baseggio, to assist at an accident along I-355. in the late evening Wednesday, June 15, 2022.The motorist of the vehicle involved in the accident was unable to be found at the scene, leading to the need pf the assistance of Thor and his handler. Upon arrival, Thor was able to obtain a scent from the driver’s seat ,which allowed him to track the scent into an area of thick brush. With the assistance of Thor, along with drone and thermal imaging technology, first-responders were able to find the motorist several hundred yards away from the accident and were able to perform life-saving measures to save the victim.

CLUB/ORGANIZATION NEWS

Partnering with the DuPage County Event Center and Fairground, GardenWorks Project moved from its location at 103 W. Washington St. to the Fairgrounds property. This allows for more food growing opportunities. “With volunteer support, we plan to grow produce at our new Fairgrounds community gardens for our clients and local food pantries.”

CITY NEWS

Effective Friday, July 1, 2022, are water/sewer rate change, which include usage charges based on individual meter size and water and sewer services for each 1,000 gallons that exceed the initial 2,491 gallons of water used regardless of matter size. Prior to the economic downturn in the 2000s, the City used to increase its water and sewer rates annually based upon the cost of living adjustment in the Chicago area. While charges and rates have not increased over multiple years, the cost of goods and services as well as labor and benefit costs continue to increase. These facts, coupled with the increased cost of living, resulted in the City Council, on May 20, 2019, approving the increased charges and rates. Sympathetic to customers who had to deal with adverse economic issues during the pandemic, the City delayed implementation of the increase. To view more detailed information, visit the City’s website, https://westchicago.org.

Thursday, June 16, 2022, Mayor Ruben Pineda met with Jose Luis Sanchez Mastranzo the former Director General of Casa de Artesanías de Tlaxcala Trust, and Fernando Ramirez, President of the Mexican Cultural Center-DuPage, to accept a special commemorative artisan plate presented to the City of West Chicago. The commemorative artwork was created in the state of Tlaxcala, Mexico, known for its numerous handcrafting traditions that date back to the pre-Hispanic period. The Casa de las Artesanías de Tlaxcala Trust is the state entity responsible for the promotion and preservation of all Tlaxacan handcrafts. The City also provided Tlaxcala with commemorative artwork plates in 2021, but the formal exchange of gifts between the City of West Chicago and the state of Tlaxcala, Mexico was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (https://merleburl.com)

At its Paper Shredding event Saturday, June 4, 2022, the West Chicago Environmental Commission shredded 3.35 tons/6.720 pounds.Accurate Document Destruction Inc. of Downers Grove handled the shredding.

WEST CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT

West Chicago Police Chief Colin Fleury administered the Oath of Office to Jean-Claude Chassagne on Wednesday, June 15, 2022. Chassagne started his police officer training at the Suburban Law Enforcement Academy at College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn. (https://merleburl.com)

In my item on the West Chicago Police Department K-9 Mondo, I named his trainer as Larry Rigler. The correct name is Justin Rigler; Larry is his father.

CHURCHES

The United Women of Faith of First United Methodist church of West Chicago had a successful rummage sale Friday and Saturday, June 10 and 22, 2022. It was the first one in three years, which also featured three changes. First the name of the organization changed its name from United Methodist Congregational Women, changed the pricing system and changed the month from August. The profit to date is $1,112.25 with the proceeds going to mission in West Chicago and around the world.