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MERLE’S CORNER
- Father’s Day is Sunday, June 16, 2024. This is the holiday to honor one’s father, as well as fatherhood, paternal bonds and the influence of fathers in Society. The June observance marks the birth month of the founder of the holiday, Sonora Smart Dodd of Spokane, Washington. Her father was a Civil war veteran, who raised her and her five siblings after their mother died in childbirth. It is said she had the idea while listening to a Mother’s Day sermon in 1919. Local leaders supported the idea; the first Father’s day was celebrated June 19, 1910. In 1924 President Calvin Coolidge gave his support to the observance. President Lyndon B. Johnson recognized the day with a proclamation. It became a national holiday in 1972 when President Richard Nixon signed legislation declaring the third Sunday of June as Father’s Day. Since the Middle Ages, in Catholic countries of Europe, it has been celebrated on March 19 as Saint Joseph's Day
AROUND AND ABOUT
- Partnering, the West Chicago Public Library and the West Chicago Park District offer a summer concert series in the Shell at Reed-Keppler Park, 832 Arbor Ave. The first concert features the New Vintage Strings at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 12, 2024. The group is a contemporary string ensemble known for its distinctive blend of jazz, classic rock, pop and alternative instrumental covers with a Classical touch.
- West Chicago Public Library holds a Microsoft Word computer class at 6:30 p.m.Thursday, June 13, 2024, 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.
- West Chicago Public Library hosts a Trivia Night at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 13, 2024, in the main meeting room, 118 W. Washington St. The subject matter is all things related to television. To register, visit https://wcpld.librarycalendar.com/events/month.
- The West Chicago Park District offers Parents Night Out from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, June 14, 2024, 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 and gym. The charge is $15 per child for residents and $18per child for non-residents. To make a reservation, visit we-goparks.org/youth-programs.
- West Chicago Park District holds a Family Fishing Derby from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 15, 2024, at Cornerstone Lakes Park, 2199 Smith Road. The charge of $5 includes a light breakfast of coffee, juice granola bars, muffins and fruit, and a goodies bag. Winners in each age category receive a trophy. Age categories are 3to 5 years, 6 to 8 years, 9 to 12years, 13 to18 years, and 18 and over. Persons can register online at https://www.we-goparks.org/special-events or on the day of the event.This is a great time to have some fun while checking out one’s fishing equipment and favorite bait. Sponsors are Republic Bank and State Farm agent Eddie Vargas. .https://merleburl.com
- “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” is the movie for the West Chicago Public Library Adult Saturday Film Series. It takes place at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 15, 2024. in the main meeting room, 118 W. Washington St. It is a 2023 American coming of age comedy-drama film written and directed by Kelly Fremon Craig, based on the 1970 novel by Judy Blume. The stars are Abby Ryder Fortson, Rachel McAdams, Elle Graham, Bennie Safdie and Kathy Bates. Refreshments are served. .https://merleburl.com
- Healthy West Chicago holds a Refreshing Summer Drinks class at 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 19, 2024, in the main meeting room, 118 W. Washington St. Attendees learn how to make fruit smoothies and other summer refreshers. To register, visit https://wcpld.librarycalendar.com/events/month. https://merleburl.com
- West Chicago City Museum presents the Historiography program, a non-fiction book reading group, at 1 p.m.Thursday, June 20, 2024, in the Museum, 132 Main St. The book is “Orphan Train a novel” by Christina Baker Kline. To get a copy of the book or for further information, visit Friends of West Chicago City Museum website, com or call 630 231-3376. It is not necessary to read the book to attend.
Per the Amazon blurb, “Between 1854 and 1929, so-called orphan trains ran regularly from the cities of the East Coast to the farmlands of the Midwest, carrying thousands of abandoned children whose fates would be determined by luck or chance. As a young Irish immigrant, Vivian Daly was one such child, sent by rail from New York City to an uncertain future a world away. Returning east later in life, Vivian leads a quiet, peaceful existence on the coast of Maine, the memories of her upbringing rendered a hazy blur. Seventeen-year-old Molly Ayer knows that a community-service position helping an elderly widow clean out her attic is the only thing keeping her out of juvenile hall. As Molly helps Vivian sort through her keepsakes and possessions, she discovers that she and Vivian aren’t as different as they appear. A Penobscot Indian who has spent her youth in and out of foster homes, Molly is also an outsider being raised by strangers, and she, too, has unanswered questions about the past. Moving between contemporary Maine and Depression-era Minnesota, Orphan Train is a powerful tale of upheaval and resilience, second chances, and unexpected friendship. ”
- West Chicago Park District hosts Hello Summer Fest from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 22, 2024, at Reed-Keppler Park, 129 W. National St. The family event includes the fun of bounce houses and games. Off the Chart band provides the musical entertainment. When favorite songs played on the radio, there were always the top 40 or top 100 charts. This band covers songs no longer on the charts with songs of rock, country, folk and more. https://merleburl.com
- West Chicago Park District offers a Starved Rock Land and Water Cruise Trip Thursday, June 27, 2024. Scheduled time is 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The trip is for adults age 50 and up. The $78 charge includes transportation, lunch in the historic Lodge dining room, followed by a trolley tour, and a boat tour on the new river boat,”Eagle 1.” Minimal walking is involved. Registration deadline is noon Saturday, June 15. To make a reservation, visit https://www.we-goparks.org/adult-programs. https://merleburl.com
- West Chicago Park District offers a Elwood Mansion and Garden tour for those age 50 and over Wednesday, July 31, 2024. The scheduled hours are 9:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The fee of $15 includes transportation and tour. There is quite a bit of walking involved.Attendees lunch is on their own at the Lincoln Inn. The registration deadline is noon Saturday, June 15. To make a reservation, visit https://www.we-goparks.org/adult-programs. Originally built for barbed wire entrepreneur Isaac Ellwood, the Mansion was home to three generations of the Ellwood family from 1879 to 1965. In 1965, the Ellwood Mansion was given to the DeKalb Park District. https://merleburl.com
SUPPORT OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES
- Some of the local businesses and eating establishments are having specials for Father’s Day, June 16, 2024.
- Melissa Mihalcean is the new Shift Manager at Entree Kitchen, 27W276 Geneva Road in Carol Stream. She has honed her skills as a chef since 2010, managing food trucks and restaurants. Mihalcean is a graduate ofLe Cordon Bleu and holds a license as an Illinois Sanitation Manager. To view the menu and place an order, visit https://entreekitchen.com/menu/06/2024/ Take out and delivery are offered.The owner, Diane Beaulieu, is a West Chicago resident. https://merleburl.com
- The “Daily Herald” just published the Readers’ Choice Top Picks. Some of the favorites are from West Chicago. St. Andrews Golf & Country Club is one of the Best Wedding Reception Venues out of five. College of DuPage comes in as one of the Best Community Colleges out of five. Out of four, Murphy Ace Hardware is one of the Best Hardware/Home Improvement Stores (the others were the large chains). Best Real Estate Offices are Daniel and Associates Real Estate and Manna Real Estate out of five. The best realtors are Danielle Luchtenburg from Daniel and Associates Real Estate and Mary Ann Manna from Manna Real Estate out of five. From six top picks, St Vincent dePaul is one of the Best Thrift Stores.
REMEMBRANCES
- Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Isaias Flores, who at the age of 27 passed away Friday, May 31, 2024.
- Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Timothy Michael Warning, who at the age of 59 passed away Friday, May 31, 2024.
- Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Andrew Scott Doncoes, who at the age of 35 passed away Sunday, June 2, 2024,
- Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Deann Ebner who at the age of 70 passed away Thursday, June 6, 2024.
- Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Judith Anne Chapman, who at the age of 82 passed away Monday, June 3, 2024.
- Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Thomas John Morris, who at the age of 72, passed away Wednesday, May 29, 2024
SCHOOLS
- A fifth grader at Currier School published several graphic novels this year.To celebrate his achievements, a Meet the Author event was held in the school library Thursday, June 6, 2024. Students enjoyed receiving autographed copies of his book, artwork, or bookmarks. https://merleburl.com
CHURCHES
- Catholic Daughters of America, St. Mary’s Parish, hold a garage sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday and Saturday, June 14 and 15, 2024. The address is 433 Virgie Place.
- St Andrew Lutheran Church and People's Resource Center reached the decision to end the food distributions, the last one is Saturday, June 15, 2024. PRC’s food partnership with the church was formed as an emergency response to needs within the West Chicago community during the pandemic.Although this special partnership was intended to be a temporary response, it ended up spanning nearly four years.and served hundreds of families during each food distribution.
- Faith Community Church, 910 Main St., hosts a chamber music concert, “June Bride,”at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, June 15, 2024. Performing are Jake Muzzy on the cello and Hannah Muzzy on the harp. To reserve seats, visit us. The concert also will be streamed at: https://realconcerts.us/. There is a pay what you want with a request for a one dollar minimum. https://merleburl.com
- Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 N. Prince Crossing Road, hosts a Life Line Screening event Wednesday, June 26, 2024. The special pricing of $159 includes four screening, plus a free hypertension screening.To book an appointment, call 888 814-0466 and use promo code HSXA001, visa LLSA.SOCIAL/HSCA, or text the word “circle” to 216 279-1607. https://merleburl.com
CLUB/ORGANIZATION NEWS
- Wayne/Winfield Area Youth and Family Services hold a “Fun-Raiser ”from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at Hawthorne’s Backyard Bar & Grill, 1200 W. Hawthorne Lane . The restaurant donates 15 percent of monies spent by persons with the flyer.To get a flyer, call 630 231-7166 or visit the Wayne Township office, 27W031 North Ave. WAYS is a community not for profit, Social Service Agency that provides tutoring, family counseling, addictions counseling and prevention programs for youths and adults for residents of West Chicago, Winfield, Warrenville, Wayne, Carol Stream, Bartlett, and Hanover Park.
- The Shopping Cart Shuffle takes place Saturday, June 22, 2024, at Mallard Lake Forest Preserve, Schick Road and Mallard Lane in Hanover Park. The proceeds from the race benefit Neighborhood Food Pantries, which includes the one in West Chicago located at 123 Fremont St. 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 receive the same event t-shirt, finisher medal and other items.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 $40 for the 5K Run and 2K Walk; Kid’s 100 Yard Dash is free, no shirt. Persons can register online at. https://raceroster.com/events/2024/85389/shopping-cart-shuffle. Packet pick-up is from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday, June 21, 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. For further information, call Elizabeth Zrelak at 630-945 0072. Sponsors include Jel Sert Company.
COMMUNITY MEMBERS HIGHLIGHTS
- In recognition of all her hours of service and dedication, the West Chicago Garden Club presented Billie Childress a Lifetime Membership at its meeting Thursday, May 23, 2024. In her 22 years as a member, she served as Club President, Vice President, Program Director, Workshop Presenter and Public Art Coordinator. Her work with the club’s annual plant sale include plant acquisition and digging squad. I can personally say she wielded a shovel with professionalism and strength. Her dedication to gardening bloomed as she was Kruse House Garden Coordinator with Angie Sadauskas, starting in 2007. Here she proved her worth as landscape architect, gardener and overall advocate. Childress was instrumental in making the gardens what they are today. Childress “retired” from this position in 2023.
The Club also purchased a bench to be installed in a West Chicago park.This bench will bear the inscription of “Honoring Billie Childress for her passionate service to the Kruse House Garden and West Chicago Garden Club.” https://merleburl.com
- West Chicago residents Al and Cindy Hallett celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary Saturday, June 8, 2024.
- Former West Chicago residents Cheryl and Ray Waterman celebrated their 55th Wedding Anniversary Friday, June 7, 2024.
CITY OF WEST CHICAGO
- The City’s Veterans Day Banner Program continues, but now, to ensure there will never be a maximum of honorees, City Council approved guidelines for a formal program. The City’s inventory of display mechanisms on its street light pole is limited and in 2023 reached its maximum capacity. Under the new guidelines, banners will be rotated annually. Council also approved funds to allow 14 new entries each year. The City is updating the design of the banners.The City is accepting nominations at https://westchicago.org/veteransday/.
As part of the Program, local veterans are honored through decorative banners installed downtown from the third week of October through the last week of November. The banners feature a military photo of each veteran, accompanied by their name, years of service, and military branch. In 1921 this program was initiated through West Chicago resident Judy Knack. While on a trip she visited a town that had a patriotic display of street banners featuring the pictures of veterans who served in the military.
The update requires the existing banners to be retired and returned to the appropriate participants or their family and friends who initially nominated them. Pick up times can be scheduled by emailing by emailing communications@westchicago.org or calling 630 293-2200 ext. 139. Although existing participants will receive their original banners, each participant will automatically be included in future displays.
- Even with rain, 196 vehicles and walk ups, participated in the West Chicago Environmental Commission Paper Shredding event Saturday, June 1, 2024. Accurate Document Destruction Inc. of Downers Grove handled the shredding and reported 6.72 tons, 13, 440 pounds of paper were shredded. Last year the amount was 4.65 tons, 9,300 pounds. Also collected were 29 American flags, 50 pairs of eyeglasses, four hearing aids, plus the distribution of 20 rain barrels and one composter. The DuPage County Sheriff’s office collected 120 pounds of syringes and 50 pounds of medications. https://merleburl.com
- At the June 3, 2024, meeting, City Council approved the appointment of John Banas as Alderman of Ward 7 for a term ending April 30, 2025. He replaces Alderman John Jakabcsin, who resigned for personal reasons in June 2023. Banas previously served as Ward 7 Alderman from 2013 to 2017. https://merleburl.com
WEST CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT
- During the Memorial Day “Click It or Ticket” enforcement period, the West Chicago PoliceDepartment issued 103 citations.The police wrote 28 citations for seat belt violations. Other actions were four child car seat citations, four DUI arrests, one felony arrest, one fugitive appended, ten suspended/revoked/no valid license licenses, thirteen uninsured motorists, twelve speeding citations and one drug arrest. The “Click It or Ticket” campaign is funded with federal highway safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.
WEST CHICAGO FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
- West Chicago Fire Protection District celebrates the work anniversaries of its firefighters/paramedics. They are Tim Latas with eleven years, Brandon Waldschmidt with three years and Jimmy Aguayo with two years. https://merleburl.com
- West Chicago Fire Protection District and Turtle Splash Lifeguards conducted special trainings to prepare for the summer. The sessions allowed the lifeguards and firefighters to work together on lifesaving skills and transfer of patient care. Both sides learn from each other., plus helped with teamwork. https://merleburl.com
ODDS AND ENDS
- National Flag Day is Friday, June 14, 2024. Remember to proudly display the flag at your home and/or business. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation of establishing a national flag day to honor the United States of America flag and to commemorate the flag’s adoption by the Continental Congress on June 14, 1777. On that date, the congress replaced the British symbols of the Grand Union flag with 13 white stars in a circle of blue and 13 red and white stripes, which represent the original 13 colonies. Each of the stars in the flag of today represents the 50 states in the United States. Flag Day did not become official until President Harry Truman signed the legislation in 1949.
- The 33 huge painted heads for the “Olmec Trails: Culture and Legacy” exhibit are on the way to the 16 outdoor locations, which are mainly in DuPage County. Ten will be at College of DuPage Prairie and McAninch Arts Center lobby. St. James Farm, 2S541 Winfield Road in Warrenville, will have five. In Oakbrook, there will be six, three at Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 31st St., and three at Fullersburg Woods, 3609 Spring Road. The two in Naperville are at Naperville Public Library 95th, 3015 Cedar Glade, and Naperville Public Library Downtown, 200 W. Jefferson Ave. The remaining sites will each have one. They are Elmhurst Great Western Prairie Path, Spring Road and Prairie Lane; Lombard Prairie Path; Glen Ellyn Prairie Path and Main, Forest Avenue and Duane; Wheaton Prairie Path, corner of West Liberty; and Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove in Elgin. In Chicago, there is one in the National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W. 19th St. In West Chicago, the four locations are Kruse House Museum, 527 Main St., West Chicago Public Library, 118 W. Washington St., Reed-Keppler Park, Fremont and W. National St.; and Kline Creek Farm, 1N600 County Farm Road.
The Mexican Cultural Center DuPage, in collaboration with Meztli Mexico, The DuPage Public Art Project and the DuPage Convention & Visitors Bureau, present this exhibit for the summer 2024. This outdoor exhibit showcases large-scale, hand-painted Olmec inspired sculptures by 33 North American artists, blending contemporary art with ancient Mexican heritage. https://merleburl.com
CORRECTION: The name of the company that provided the cookies for the Sister Cities 25th Anniversary dinner is Uncle Danny Gourmet Cookies.
- Morningstar Sustainalytics ranked the Graham Packaging team as Number 1 in the Container & Packaging Industry. Its location in West Chicago is 1300 Nuclear Drive. Graham Packaging Company has been a domestic supplier of plastic containers since the mid-1970s. The company is focused on technology-based, custom blow containers for branded consumer products, selling to large, multinational companies in the food and beverage, household, personal care and automotive lubricant industries. Morningstar Sustainalytics is global leader in ESG research and data, serving the world’s leading institutional investors and corporations
- My email address is merleburl@earthlink.net.