With a new purchasing option available, shopping locally just became a little easier.
“Small Gifts of Art” is the exhibit at Gallery 200 for the months of November and December. The artwork of the featured artists is perfect for holiday gifts, plus reasonably priced. Participating artists are Margaret Bucholz, Marge Hall, Nadine Buck, Kathi Kuchler, Sharon Malek, Heide Morris, Britta Renwick, Rita Skarha, Sue Tripp, and Marita Valdizan.
New this year is the opportunity for persons to purchase the artwork online at https://www.facebook.com/Gallery200/. Buyers comment below the image of a piece in which they are interested in purchasing and send a private message through Facebook to Gallery 200 or email GalleryTwoHundred@gmail.com. Then an invoice to pay by credit card is sent along with arrangement for curbside pick up or contactless delivery within ten miles. Shipping also is available for a fee.
Persons are welcome to browse and visit Gallery 200, 103 West Washington Street. Masks are required and social distancing is followed. Gallery hours are from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. Fridays, and from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturdays. (www.merleburl.com)
AROUND AND ABOUT
For Thanksgiving dinner, some families in the past enjoyed the Thanksgiving meal at a restaurant. However, since this option is not available this year, some eating establishments are offering a variety of options to go. Local area ones include, Cantigny, Entree Kitchen, Kitchen Table and Prairie Landing. Also, Knights of Columbus 8002 has a Thanksgiving Dinner To Go fundraiser. Reservation deadlines are approaching.
Frosty may not be here on a specific day as in the past, but he is using the magic in that old silk hat to visit various locations in the community. Frosty and the City of Wes Chicago put together a Frosty Virtual Scavenger Hunt which continues through to 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, December 9, 2020. The ten places he visits will appear on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/West-Chicago-Frosty-Fest-Frosty-5k-106246407872936/?view_public_for=106246407872936 on a staggered basis. As residents follow Frosty, they can submit their guess of the location. All correct guesses are then entered to win a prize in a random selection, scheduled for Thursday, December 10, 2020. (www.merleburl.com)
Western DuPage Chamber of Commerce presents a multi-chamber Virtual Webinar, “What Do You Know About Fair Housing Discrimination?” by HOPE Fair Housing Center. It takes place at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, November 19, 2020. Evelyn Sanguinetti is the Executive Director. To register, visit http://westerndupagechamber.chambermaster.com/events/details/multi-chamber-virtual-hope-fair-housing-presentation-by-evelyn-sanguinuetti-8063. (www.merleburl.com)
West Chicago City Museum and Warrenville Historical Society present the Historiography program, a non-fiction book reading group, at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, November 19, 2020, via Zoom. The book is “You Never Forget Your First: A Biography of George Washington” by Alexis Cox. It is not required that persons read the book to attend. For further information, visit Friends of West Chicago City Museum website, wegohistory.com or call (630) 231-3376.
Taking a closer look at the first president, Cox finds George Washington is not quite the man everyone remembers. She investigates with rigorous research some of the myths, and discovers more truths about him. Cox makes history fun with her wit in writing. The book is not a typical biography. (www.merleburl.com)
Although the McCormick House at Cantigny Park is closed for renovations, there is a virtual tour, via Zoom, at 3:00 p.m. Thursday, November 19, 2020. Narrated live by an expert guide, the tour offers stories and even some historic photos not available during in-person tours. Attendees can even stop and ask questions, just as if they were there in person. Registration is required and may be made at https://sales.cantigny.org/patroneducation.aspx?pid=13108. Registration closes two hour before the program. Also the Zoom link is sent approximately two hours beforehand. For further information or assistance in registering, call (630) 260-8162.
In partnership with Cantigny Park, the League of Women Voters of Wheaton hosts a Civics Awareness program at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, November 19, 2020, via Zoom. Professor Steve Schwinn presents the program, “What now that the election is over? The best and worst case scenarios — where do we go from here? “To make a reservation visit my.lwv.org/illinois/wheaton/calendar/civic-awareness. A Zoom link to access the presentation will be sent two days prior to the event.
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 through informed and active participation of citizens in government.
Wayne/Winfield Area Youth/Family Services is having a “Goodbye 2020 Getaway” Raffle. Only 100 tickets are available. The ticket price is $20 and are available now through 11:59 p.m. Friday, November 20, 2020. The winner is randomly selected at 7:00 p.m. Monday, November 23. To purchase tickets, visit https://www.ways4change.org/fundraising_activities.
The prize is an eight-day/seven night condominium/hotel vacation for up to four people. This is provided by Travel Advantage Network from one of their excess vacation destinations. To see available choices visit www.planwithtan.com/plan/excessinventory.
The City of West Chicago, the Illinois Department of Public Health and DuPage County Health Department host a COVID-19 mobile testing unit from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., or until tests are exhausted, Saturday, November 21, 2020, at the Metra commuter lots, 508 Main Street It is free and a drive thru.
West Chicago Public Library holds Turkey Tales Story N’ Stroll for families with children ages 2 to 11 at Reed-Keppler Park, 201 West National Street. It takes place from Monday, November 23, through Sunday, November 29, 2020. The outdoor adventure begins with numbered storybook pages at the pathway alongside The Shell. While enjoying the scenery, families read an interactive story. Fall Craft and Scavenger Hunt kits are available at the Library curbside pick-up, 118 West Washington Street, one week prior to the event. Participants are encouraged to take a picture of their families on the walk and completed scavenger hunt to post on the Library’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/wcpld/, for an entry to win a Gingerbread House Building Kit.
The League of Women Voters of Wheaton partners with the Wheaton Public Library for its Livingroom Conversation—virtually at 1:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Monday, November 23, 2020. The topic is “After the Election.” The goal of Livingroom Conversations is to bring local citizens together to discuss topics of mutual interest from multiple perspectives. Registration ends 15 minutes before the start time of the program. To register, visit /my.lwv.org/illinois/wheaton/calendar
The discussion focuses on the election results and determines how to move forward together. Questions include “Where can we find common ground? How can we have meaningful discussions about significant issues while demonstrating respect and compassion? ”
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 through informed and active participation of citizens in government.
The West Chicago Public Library, 118 West Washington Street, hosts a Blood Drive for Versiti Blood Centers of Illinois Tuesday, November 24, 2020. It takes place from noon to 5:00 p.m. on the mobile coach in the library parking lot. To make a reservation, visit https://donate.illinois.versiti.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/5589551. Walk-ins are welcome, but those with appointments receive priority. A photo ID is required. For further information call or text Camille Piazz, amount representative, at (847) 305-9998. (www.merleburl.com)
West Chicago Park District is joining in on Black Friday sales with a 50 percent off on walking track passes at the ARC Center, $25 for a yearly membership for Park District residents. The coupon is BF50 and only Good Friday and Saturday, November 27 and 28, 2020. For information, call (630) 231 9474 or to sign up, visit the district website at www.we-goparks.org. (www.merleburl.com)
With the holiday season upon us, the onset of decorating begins in earnest, which includes the discovery of strands of incandescent and LED holiday lights that no longer work and finding a way of ecological disposal. The City provides the “green” answer with the offer of free recycling for the holiday lights and extension cords from Friday, November 27, 2020, through Friday, January 17, 2021. The offer is open to residents, businesses, clubs, churches and organizations. Drop-off locations are City Hall, 475 Main Street, open limited hours of 8:00 a.m. to noon; First United Methodist Church of West Chicago, by exterior door at 643 East Washington Street; Murphy Ace Hardware, 319 South Neltnor Boulevard; Water Treatment Plant, 1400 West Hawthorne Lane; West Chicago Public Library District, 118 West Washington Street; and the ARC Center, 201 West National Street.
This year the West Chicago Environmental Commission coordinates the program with Groot Industries for recycling purposes. Previously the City used Elgin Recycling and Groot supplied the tote bins. Tim Wilson, Assistant Director of Public Works, explained, “Last year’s contract with Groot included holiday light recycling.” The amount collected in 2019 was 738 pounds, an increase from 622 pounds collected in 2019.
Since COVID-19 makes it difficult for potential candidates in the Tuesday, April 6, 2021, Consolidated Election to get signatures for petitions, the League of Women Voters of Wheaton makes it simpler. The League sponsors a drive through petition signing event from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday, November 28, 2020, in the parking lot at the Fox Community Center, 306 Main Street. The candidates are available to offer their petitions to registered voters, who remain in their cars. The League provides pens and gloves.
The consolidated election is for officials in the City of West Chicago, West Chicago Public Library District, West Chicago Elementary School District 33, Community High School District 94, and Benjamin School District 25. City of West Chicago positions open are Mayor, City Clerk and seven Aldermen. In the West Chicago Public Library District, there are three four-year terms and one unexpired two-year term for the Board of Trustees. In the West Chicago Park District, there is one four-year unexpired term and one two-year unexpired term open for the Board of Commissioners. In West Chicago Elementary School District 33, there are three four-year seats and one two-year unexpired term open for the Board of Education. In Community High School District 94, there are four four-year positions and one two-year unexpired position open for the Board of Education. In Benjamin School District 25, there are four four-year terms open.
Barb Laimins, West Chicago resident and vice president of League of Women Voters of Wheaton, created a slide show on running for local office, https://my.lwv.org/illinois/wheaton/voting-elections/running-local-office.
Girls of Today Leaders of Tomorrow once again is having its Tamale Sale December 13, 2020, at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 North Prince Crossing Road. It is pre-order only with orders due by Tuesday, December 1, 2020. There are three selections, pork/chicken vegetarian, cheese with Chili; and sweet, strawberry/pineapple. Combos must be three of each for a half dozen and six of each for a doze. The cost is $9 for half a dozen and $16 for a dozen. Payment is by cash day of pick up or by PayPal prior to pick-up. To order, email info@girls2leaders.org or text (630) 965-8301.
Girls of Today Leaders of Tomorrow is based in West Chicago and is a 501c3 organization. Its mission is to inspire and empower young women to find value within themselves and to achieve the best direction of their lives. The vision is to have a society of young women, who are confident, independent and able to motivate future generations. (www.merleburl.com)
West Chicago still will be alive with holiday spirit, although in a different way. To celebrate the traditional Frosty Fest and North Pole Adventure, the City of West Chicago and West Chicago Park District are having a Holiday House Decorating Contest. To participate in the contest, fill the form at https://form.jotform.com/202594838715162.
Homes must be decorated by Monday, December 7, 2020. Judges view the homes between Monday, December 14, and Wednesday, December 16, 2020 with winners announced Friday, December 18, 2020. Prizes are for first, second and third places, plus People’s Choice. (www.merleburl.com)
Winfield Township once again hosts its Adopt-A-Family program. Businesses, families, individuals and organizations “adopt” a family, purchasing a gift for each child in the family and providing gift cards for holiday meal shopping. Monetary donations are also appreciated. For further information or to adopt a family, call General Assistance Director Claudia Gabrels at (331) 240-2665 or email cgabrels@winfieldtownship.com.
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 4:00 p.m. Monday, November 16, 2020, there were 2,505 cases and 19 deaths. It is important to remember to follow the social distancing order, wear masks and wash hands.
A COVID-19 testing site is open from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays in a VNA Health Care Mobile at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 North Prince Crossing Road. There is no charge. Appointments are required and may be made at (630) 892-4355 or (847) 717-6455. A medical assistant now is at the site.DuPage County offers free COVID-19 testing at the DuPage County Complex, 421 North County Farm Road. The sites open from 7:00 a.m., to noon Monday through Friday. Since it is a drive-thru testing site, individuals give themselves a nasal swab test with instructions from staff. (www.merleburl.com)
To keep residents aware of community COVID-19 updates, the City has posted West Chicago’s COVID-19 COMMUNICATIONS CENTER on its website, www.westchicago.org. It is located on the upper left-hand side in red. Clicking on this, residents can see the latest information.
Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Mario Vigil, who at the age of 51 passed away Monday, November 9, 2020.
Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Jane Rodriguez, who at the age of 94 passed away Saturday, November 7, 2020.
Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Raymond Otto Matejovsky, who at the age of 94 passed away Wednesday, November 11, 2020.
Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Ambros Josef “AJ” Winterhalder, who at the age of 79 passed away Friday, November 13, 2020.
Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Burt S. Andrews III, who at the age of 85 passed away Saturday, November 14, 2020.
Jim Cornelison, the singer of the National Anthem at Blackhawk games, was the featured guest at the Tuesday, November 10, 2020, Chapel at Wheaton Academy. In addition to singing the National Anthem, he shared informational stories. (www.merleburl.com)
Wheaton Bible Church donated cases of toilet paper to the St. Andrew Lutheran Church food distribution program. (www.merleburl.com)
St. Andrew Lutheran Church joins with other Lutheran churches and community organizations, to feed families in need during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially the Latinx community. Distribution takes place every Saturday at the church, 155 North Prince Crossing Road. (www.merleburl.com)
It was a smashingly successful Pumpkin Compost drop off Saturday, November 7, 2020, at First United Methodist Church of West Chicago. The 4.94 tons of pumpkins filled the container provided by Groot Industries. Through SCARCE, West Chicago Environmental Commission and First United Methodist Church once again sponsored the event. The weather was perfect and far enough away from Halloween, people were more than ready to “smash” the pumpkins. Last year the amount collected was two tons. The pumpkins then are delivered to Willow Ranch Composting Facility in Romeoville. Composting pumpkins keeps waste out of the landfills, reduces greenhouse gas emissions and creates a natural fertilizer. (www.merleburl.com)
Marita Valdizan, an artist member of Gallery 200, is one of the more than 180 women featured in the exhibit, “Women: Waves of Change,” in the Pre-Emption House at Naper Settlement. The exhibit, part of the museum’s 2020 HERstory campaign, honors the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment being adopted into the US Constitution, giving women the right to vote. It looks over the past 180 years and explores the many ways women have influenced change in Naperville and beyond. The nomination letter for Valdizan, Karen Dix writes, “Marita Valdizan is a loving Naperville mother of two and an award-winning artist from Peru who shares the unique art form known as Peruvian wire crochet stitch technique with our community. After arriving in Naperville in 2012, she began to feature her art form in wall hangings, sculptures, wearable art and jewelry and is acknowledged as the only known artist in the world using Peruvian wire crochet technique in mixed media applications. Marita overcame the challenge of learning English with the help of her welcoming community and classes at the College of DuPage. Her crochet hook is her “magic wand” that helps relieve the everyday stress and brings her the opportunity to inspire others to find big solutions in the little things.”
As a side note, some of her artwork is in the current exhibit, “Small Gifts of Art,” at Gallery 200, 118 West Washington Street. In one if my columns, I wrote about Valdizan”s story being featured in “Today’s Inspired Latina Vol. VI.” She recently celebrated a Red Letter Day in her life, Tuesday, November 10, 2020, Valdizan became a citizen of the United States. (www.merleburl.com)
Ten students from West Chicago Community High School were selected by audition for the 2020 Illinois Music Education Association District 9 Honor Festival. This year, the festival is a virtual masterclass for students Saturday, November 21, 2020.
Students are junior Philip Calabrese, Choir, Tenor I; senior Sammy Incrocci, Choir, Bass II; senior Alex Oda, Choir, Bass I; junior Sydney Radke, Choir, Alto II; and junior Robert Washington, Jr., Choir,Bass II.
Others were senior Seth Beaird Band, trumpet; sophomore AnnaBelle Beaird, Choir, Soprano I; senior David (DJ) LaPlaca, Choir, Tenor II), junior Hannah Thompson, Choir, Alto II; and señor Michael Vicente, Orchestra, cello.
The students competed against more than 1,200 students in band, choir, and orchestra from DuPage, Kane, and parts of Will and Kendall counties. The highly competitive auditions required students to prepare scales, etudes and/or selected excerpts of music pieces. Auditions were conducted digitally with each student submitting a video.
Directors Brandon Fantozzi, choir; James Wallace, band; and Alexandra Wojciechowski, (orchestra. (www.merleburl.om)
We Grow Dreams Greenhouse and Garden Center has a new, updated website, wegrowdreams.org. It is much easier to navigate and has a fresh look about it, making it “more relevant to today’s world.” Paul Gregory Media helped throughout the entire process. The Greenhouse was approved for a very generous grant. A little bragging on my part. An article I wrote about its 15th anniversary in At Home July 22,2020 column appears under About Us, News.
Lola Browning, a senior at West Chicago Community High School, is the Student of the Month for October 2020. Being an outstanding student and a representative of WeGo in the classroom, activities and athletics were the basis for her selection.
She has been on the High Honor Roll every semester thus far. Browning has a cumulative weighted grade point average of 5.632. Browning is a member of National Honor Society, serving as co-president, and the Spanish Foreign Language Honor Society. In addition, the College Board has recently named Browning a National Recognition Program Scholar.
A very involved student, Browning serves as a Student Ambassador, and is a member of Club Green, Health Occupation Students of America, Math Team, and WeGo Global. She has played softball and volleyball all four years of high school.
After graduation, Browning plans to attend a university with a major in sociology and a minor in political science. Then she wants to serve in the Peace Corps for two years. Eventually her dream career is to earn a place in government as an advocate for those who are silenced and under-represented in society. (www.merleburl.com)
Matt Ellis, a graduate of West Chicago Community High School and member of 4th Point Band, recently released his new lyric video, “Rivers.” He is the son of West Chicago resident, Janet Olsen-Ianno. Persons can view on YouTube. (www.merleburl.com)
In the fall of 2007, two members of the West Chicago Community High School Girls Volleyball team never dreamed they would be instrumental in giving back to their school a big way. Yet on
Nov. 11, 2020, the 2011 graduates Christin LaCour and Krysta (Youngberg) Scarleski did just that.
The West Chicago Community High School Athletic Department is the recipient of $10,000 from Dick’s Sporting Goods Foundation Sports Matter Community Grant Program. LaCour, Assistant Store Manager in the Bloomingdale store, and Scarleski, Administrative assistant in the Geneva store, presented the check. Each had nominated the school to receive a $5,000 cash grant, and worked with Athletic Director David Pater to finalize and submit the application. Also on hand for the presentation were Patel, Assistant Athletic Director Nick Parry, and district and store managers from Dick’s Sporting Good s in Bloomingdale and Geneva.
Established in 2018, the mission of the program is to inspire and enable youth participation in sports, according to the Foundation’s website. Sports build character, increase confidence, motivate kids to stay in school and aim for higher education; teaching life lessons that extend well beyond the playing field. (www.merleburl.com)
As part of the Veterans Day celebration, third graders at Currier School met virtually with members of the US Army and Marine Corps, asking them questions about their military experiences Private First Class Alex Perez and Lance Corporal Mark Perez are brothers, who attended Currier School. (www.merleburl.com)
My email address is merleburl@earthlink.net.
