City of West Chicago, Illinois

Where History and Progress Meet

At Home with Merle Burleigh – May 11, 2022

By

At Home with Merle

MERLE’S CORNER

Warm and hot temperatures are predicted for at least a week. This could be the start of summer weather. What do you do to announce summer? I exchange my humidifier for my dehumidifier. A friend brings out a special white pitcher she uses for iced tea. Yet, most do not put the winter coats away yet. For now, enjoy the blue skies and sun!

AROUND AND ABOUT 

  • The Spring Band Concert of West Chicago Community High School is Thursday, May 12, 2022, in the auditorium, 326 Joliet St. Performing groups are Percussion Ensemble, Concert Band 2, Concert Band 1 and Symphonic Band. The songs include “Let the Big Dawg Eat” by Chris Brooks, “Zacatecas” arranged by Andrew Glover, “Celtic Ritual” by John Higgins, “Baba Yetu” arranged by Douglas E. Wagner, “Celebration for Winds and Percussion” by James Swearingen, “Radiance” by Mark Lortz, Symphonic Dance No. 3 “Fiesta” by Clifton Williams and “The Stars and Stripes Forever” by John Philip Sousa. Marissa Janiszewski is the director.  A live stream of the concert is available on the West Chicago Wildcat Athletics Youtube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIQy6Np-L45BGQLWXVP1SjQ
  • The West Chicago Public Library hosts a “Wake Up Your Bike For Spring” virtual program at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 12, 2022. The presenter, Robert Kaplafka, discusses how to prepare bikes for a safe riding season, plus maintenance and repairs. To register, visit https://wcpld.info, under calendar. He started working on bicycles at a very early age. A lifelong fascination with all things mechanical and a “DIY” attitude led him to search out and repair bicycles that others had abandoned, especially antique ones. His favorite bicycle project was restoring a tandem bicycle that was originally purchased at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. (https://merleburl.com)
  • In partnership with Robert R. McCormick House at Cantigny Park, the League of Women Voters of Wheaton host their Civic Awareness Series at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 12, 2022, in person and on-line. For the in-person program at the Cantigny Park Visitors Center, 1S151 Winfield Road, registration is not required; parking is free. Online viewers register at org or my.lwv.org/Illinois/wheaton/. A Zoom link to access the presentation is sent two days prior to the event.Questions for the speaker may be submitted to blaimins@gmail.com.

The guest speaker Dr, Richard Farkas discusses the Russian-Ukraine conflict. A political science professor at DePaul University for more than 40 years, he has lectured in Russia, Poland, Hungary, Croatia, and most recently South Africa. His research compares strategies for political and economic development in post-Communist and post-conflict countries. He holds an honorary degree from Corvinus University and earned his PhD from the University of South Carolina. He is a Fulbright/U.S. State Department designated “Senior Specialist” on Balkan, Ukraine, and Post-Communist Societies.

League of Women Voters of Wheaton includes West Chicago, Warrenville, Winfield, Wheaton and Carol Stream. The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan organization that does not support or oppose any political party or candidate, but whose purpose is to promote political responsibility. (https://merleburl.com)

  • The West Chicago Public Library monthly Dialogue With the Director, Ben Weseloh, is at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 14, 2022, via Zoom. Persons can ask questions, make suggestions and/or voice opinions. Registration is required and may be made at https://wcpld.info, under calendar.
  • BYO Creativity is from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. May 14, 2022, at Gallery 200, 103 West Washington St. This is a time for persons to “bring your own” creativity and work on artistic/craft projects and, at the same time, meet and visit with people in the community. Craft projects include painting, drawing, yarn crafts, scrap booking or adult coloring. The tables allow ample space for persons to work on projects. Registration is not required, just drop in at the Gallery. For information, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/byocwc/about
  • The West Chicago Public Library Saturday Crafternoon program, “Hardcover Book” is Saturday, May 14, 2022, in the main program room, 118 W. Washington St. There are three time slots of 2, 2:30 and 3 p.m. Participants create a hard cover book suitable for jotting down lists, thoughts, or anything else they want. It is a way of giving new life to an old book. To make a reservation, visit https://wcpld.info, under calendar. (https://merleburl.com)
  • Wheaton Academy hosts an Open House for science teacher,Dick Clancy, who is retiring this year after 17 years at the school. It takes place at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 15, 2022. In addition to serving as a faculty member of the science department, he has been an integral part of the Athletic Department coaching baseball, girls’ basketball, and boys’ and girls’ tennis. (https://merleburl.com)
  • “Virtual Chair Yoga” is the West Chicago Public Library program at 3 p.m. Monday, May 16, 2022. 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. The program takes place monthly during the spring.
  • The Spring Choral Concert of West Chicago Community High School is at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 17, 2022, in the auditorium, 326 Joliet St. Brandon Fantozzi is the director.
  • Healthy West Chicago hosts a free virtual family cooking class, “Baked Flautas with Mango Sauce” at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 18, 2022, 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 the featured recipe. Ingredients are provided to the first 20 registered participants. The day to pick up supplies at the West Chicago Public Library are communicated to those who registered first. To register visit https://wcpld.info, under calendar. For further information, email Carly Smitherman at: director@healthywestchicago.org or call 630-230-6370. (https://merleburl.com)
  • The League of Women Voters of Wheaton are hosting a Forum for the Democratic Candidates in the new Congressional Third District at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 18, 2022. Candidates are Delia Ramirez, Gilbert “Gil”Villegas, Juan Enrique Aguirre, and Yemen H Chehade and all are from Chicago. West Chicago is now in this district, not either the 6th or 10th any longer. To register, visit https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_sI_b6bVKQoSX93HlVrChWw Questions can be submitted in advance to blaimins@gmail.com.
  • The West Chicago City Museum Historiography program, a non-fiction book reading group, meets Thursday, May 19, 2022, in the museum, 132 Main St. The book under discussion is “The Woman They Could Not Silence: One Woman, Her Incredible Fight for Freedom, and the Men Who Tried to Make Her Disappear ” by Kate Moore. For further information, visit Friends of West Chicago City Museum website, com or call 630-231-3376.

It is the true story of the historical battle by Elizabeth Packard for Women’s and Mental Health Rights. Taking place in the 1860s, the book tells of the“ forgotten woman who courageously fought for her own freedom―and in so doing freed millions more. Elizabeth’s refusal to be silenced and her ceaseless quest for justice not only challenged the medical science of the day, and led to a giant leap forward in human rights,”

Moore is a British author, and among her books is “The Radium Girls,” which won the Goodreads Chois Award for Best History in 2017. Her multiple genres include history biography and true crime .(https://merleburl.com)

  • Healthy West Chicago holds a Family Cooking Class, “Under the Sea,” Tuna stuffed avocado with corn salsa, at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 19, 2022, via Zoom. Classes are free and open to all West Chicago Elementary School District 33 families. Supplies are provided to the first 20 registrants with pick up at West Chicago Public Library, 118 West Washington Street. To register, visit https://bit.ly/3qorrpg. For further information email email director@healthywestchicago.org. Participants learn tips on eating healthy and involving children in food preparation. Chef Maria demonstrates the preparation of  the meal (https://merleburl.com)
  • Blooming Fest is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 21, 2022, in the historic downtown district. Activities include West Chicago Garden Club Plant Sale, entertainment, food and vendors. (https://merleburl.com)
  • Western DuPage Chamber of Commerce, West Chicago Park District and Warrenville Park District host the 3-W Golf Classic Wednesday, June 10, 2022, at Prairie Landing Golf Course, 2325 Longest Drive. It is an 8:30 a.m. shotgun start; banquet is at 1:30 p.m. The event includes 18 holes of golf including cart, “Hole in One” contest sponsored by Haggerty Ford, goodie bag for each player and an awards banquet. There are trophies for longest drive closest to the pin, straighten drive and longest putt.The cost is $165 per golfer, $650 for a foursome or $60 for banquet only. To register visit westerndupagechamber.com, under chamber events.

SUPPORT OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES 

  • At the 22nd annual San Francisco World Spirits Competition, all the SLIQ variety packs and flavors from Jel Sert Company were winners. SLIQ Spirited Ice is a premium alcoholic freezer bar poised to revolutionize mixology on ice using the four spirits of Vodka, Whiskey, Agave and Rum each infused with elevated flavors and a super smooth sorbet-like texture. The winners were Vodka-Blue Raspberry Flavor, Rum – Pineapple Daiquiri Flavor, Rum-Pineapple Daiquiri Flavor, Whiskey-Apple Flavor, Vodka-Lemonade Flavor, Rum-Coconut & Lime Daiquiri Flavor, Rum-Strawberry Daiquiri Flavor. Whiskey-Cola Flavor, Whiskey-Ginger Flavor, Agave – Classic Margarita Flavor, Agave-Classic Margarita Flavor, agave-Mango Margarita Flavor and Agave-Strawberry Margarita Flavor. Founded in 2000, the SFWSC is the oldest competition in North America. A total of 70 judges drawn from all over the world evaluated approximately 5,000 spirits over two weeks in April 2022.

The Vodka, Rum, Agave and Whiskey  packs were winners in the Denver International Spirits Competition. The Denver International Spirits Competition is one of the largest and most respected spirits competitions in the Rocky Mountain region. The  DISC is organized by Wine County Network, Inc, the publishers of Wine County International magazine and the organizers of these world-famous beverage competitions. (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, May 9, 2022, there were 9,028 cases and 66 deaths; this is the number from the beginning of track recording.

REMEMBRANCES

  • Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Karen K. Molitar, who at the age of 77 passed away Wednesday, May 4, 2022.

CHURCH NEWS

  • Faith Community Church 910 Main St., hosts a World Partners program, “The Power of God’s word.” It takes pace at 6 p.m. Saturday, May 14, 2022. Dinner is provided. To make a reservation, visit worldpaartlner.org/FaithCommunity.
  • Trinity Lutheran Church members Greg and Sharon Garcia obtained a Thrivent Grant, allowing the church to purchase hot dogs/hamburgers to donate to Neighborhood Food Pantry in West Chicago. Following through on a Picnic theme, members are donating condiments, relish, pickles, buns napkins and paper plates to the food pantry during the month of May.
  • The PeaceJam youth group at St. Michael’s United Church of Christ, have been busy preparing the garden area across from the church and the hydroponics portion area in the church basement. All the produce grown is donated to the Neighborhood Food Pantry at 123 Fremont. (https://merleburl.com)

SCHOOLS

  • The high school experience is drawing to a close for the Class of 2022 at West Chicago Community High School. Seniors Honor Night is at 7 p.m. Monday, May 15, in the auditorium. Graduation is at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 18, in the Convocation Center at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb. Both are by invitation or tickets only. There are approximately 460 graduates. (https://merleburl.com)

COMMUNITY MEMBERS HIGHLIGHTS

  • Gallery 200 artist Marge Hall has 33 paintings in her solo exhibit, “Nature’s Beauty” through Saturday, May 28, 2022, in Gallery 2 at the DuPage Art League, 218 Front St. in Wheaton. She also has an exhibit at Windsor Park Retirement Community in Carol Stream.

WEST CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT

  • Members of the West Chicago Police Department spent 10 weeks teaching the Too Good for Drugs program to the fifth grade classes at Norton Creek Elementary School. They also discussed setting goals, making good decision, developing healthy relationships, managing emotions and communicating effectively. Chief Colin Fleury stopped by to congratulate them on graduation day. (https://merleburl.com)

CITY COUNCIL MEETING 

  • At the Monday, May 2, 2022, meting, City Council approved the sales of alcoholic beverages from Bellissmo Bar Company of Naperville at the City Food Fest scheduled for Saturday, August 27, 2022.
  • Also approved was a contract for a fireworks display for the amount of $42,000 to Five Alarm Company of Chicago. The Railroad Days show  is scheduled for Saturday, July 9, 2022, at Pioneer Park.
  • At the April 18, 2022, meeting, Council discussed the City Clerk position open due to the death of Nancy Smith. It was agreed to have staff take the necessary steps to make the City Clerk position no longer an elected one.

My email address is merlburl@earthlink.net.