The holiday season is quickly approaching, and, as in the past, the giving spirit of the community abounds as various organizations sponsor projects to help those less fortunate.
Wayne Township offers the “Adopt-A-Family” program. Businesses, persons and organizations purchase a meal and a gift for each member of the family, new toys for children age 0 through 14 and gift cards for youths age 15 and up, plus senior citizens. Donations for holiday meals are needed. The cost is a $30 donation for a holiday meal for persons using the food pantry. Each boxed meal from the Northern Illinois Food Bank has a frozen spiral ham, side dishes, desserts and beverages for eight persons. “Gift cards and monetary donations are always welcome. These can help us meet the needs of most individuals and families,” said Juanita Martinez, General Assistance Director. “At this time, we have 140 families on the list.”
West Chicago Police Department once again is working with the DuPage County Marine Corps League to collect toys for the US Marines Corps Reserve “Toys for Tots” program. The ages are from infant through 16 years of age. Toys are donated to children in local area communities. Drop off new unwrapped toys during regular business hours of 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, through Friday, December 21, 2018, in the decorated box in the lobby at the police station, 325 Spencer Street. Stuffed animals, should be placed in a clear plastic bag and toy weapons are not accepted. The toys then go to a warehouse, where they are sorted and distributed. The department will accept toys for a short period of time after the holidays for last minute requests that could not be filled before the holiday. The police department only collects the toys and is not in charge of distribution. Persons wishing to be on the list to receive toys should visit the website www.toysfortots.org, navigate to the Request Toys tab and then click DuPage County. For further information, call Police Officer Mike Zepeda, who coordinates the program in West Chicago, at (630) 293-2222.
Winfield Township enters its 30th year of its “Adopt-A-Family” program. Working in conjunction with Neighborhood Food Pantries located on the Real Life Church property at 525 North Neltnor Boulevard, the township has 70 families enrolled; all already are adopted. “We have some big donors,” said General Assistance Director Claudia Gabrels. One group adopted 15 families. All registrants are screened for eligibility according to Emergency Assistance guidelines. The “adoption” of a family involves providing a gift for each child and a $50 gift certificate for a holiday meal from a local area grocery store. “Through Puente del Pueblo, we are partnering with the Christmas Store program for another 17 families.” The Christmas Store is an opportunity for low-income families to purchase several gifts for their children at a reduced price in a dignifying manner. Neighborhood families receive a special invitation to the one-day Christmas Store where they can purchase Christmas gifts at a savings of 75 percent off the retail price. Volunteers provide gift wrapping while the parents enjoy Christmas music and refreshments. Donations for holiday meals, emergencies or gift cards for groceries are always welcome, and can be used throughout the year if needed. To make a donation or for more information, call Gabrels at (331) 240-2665 or email cgabrels@winfieldtownship.com.
First United Methodist Church of West Chicago, 603 East Washington Street, is the site for PADS. With the temperatures turning colder, many of the men guests at PADS are in need of gloves, stocking caps and large-size sweatpants for layering under regular clothing or for sleeping. The items do not need to be expensive as much of the cold weather clothing must be discarded, often donated to a resale operation, when the temperatures turn warmer. PADS guests must travel light as most walk, bike and take the train and are limited as to what they can carry around. Persons can drop off donations from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays or to arrange a time for drop off, call the church at (630) 231-3344 or email wegoumcucc@gmail.com.
Happy Thanksgiving!
AROUND AND ABOUT
“The Book of Art” is in the display case for the month of November at the West Chicago Public Library, 118 West Washington Street. It is a collection of hand-crafted books designed and created by West Chicago resident Connie Orbeta. It utilizes the form of the book as one-of-a-kind objects of art. (www.merleburl.com)
For those planning to eat out Thanksgiving Day, check the local restaurants for buffet and dinner specials.
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 23, 2019, through Friday, January 19, 2019. The offer is open to residents, businesses, clubs, churches and organizations. Drop-off locations are City Hall, 475 Main Street; First United Methodist Church of West Chicago, 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.
The West Chicago Environmental Commission coordinates the program with Elgin Recycling, which collects these items to strip and recycle for their copper and plastic parts. The company is a full service scrap metal business serving the area for more than 30 years. The amount collected in 2017 was 622 pounds.
Donna and Kent Orlandini celebrate their 55th Wedding Anniversary, Friday, November 23, 2018.
With the last Saturday of the month falling during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, Coffee with the Mayor for the month of November is cancelled.
The last week for free leaf pick up begins Monday, November 26, and ends Friday, November 30, 2018, on regularly scheduled garbage days. This also is the last week for yard waste collection for 2018.
To accommodate those who deep fry turkeys for Thanksgiving dinner, Winfield Township has a full week for used vegetable oil drop off. It is from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday, November 26, through Friday, November 30, 2018, at the Township Road facility, 30W575 Roosevelt Road. Persons should put the used oil in a plastic container. For further information, call the township road office at (630) 231-8850.
Wayne/Winfield Area Youth/Family Services offers hour-long computer classes for senior citizens, 27W031 North Avenue. Not only do seniors learn basic skills, but also have the opportunity to socialize. The fee is $2. Reservations are required and may be made by calling (630) 231-7166. Beginner classes are at 1:00 p.m. Tuesdays. “Uploading Pictures to Facebook” class is at 4:00 p.m. Monday, November 26, 2018.
The West Chicago Public Library holds a Public Hearing for the Tax Levy for 2018-2019 fiscal year at 6:45 p.m. Monday, November 26, 2018, in the main meeting room, 118 West Washington Street.
The West Chicago Public Library holds a Microsoft Excel class at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, November 27, 2018, in the small conference room, 118 West Washington Street. Topics include learning the basic tools of Excel: setting up spreadsheets, adding/deleting columns and rows, simple calculations, & terminology. Participants must have basic computer skills. To make a reservation, call the adult services department at (630) 231-1552, extension 4.
For the seventh year, WeGo Drama and Barnes and Noble present an evening of entertainment as a fundraiser. It takes place from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 28, 2018, at the store located in the Geneva Commons, 102 Commons Drive. The event celebrates the performing arts of the students at WCCHS and is a showcase of the talents in the school.
Activities include cupcake decorating and gift wrapping. Arts and crafts for children are from 4:00 to 6:30 p.m.; a “Special Storytime” of children’s stories is at 5:00 p.m.; the West Chicago Community High School Acappella performs at 6:00 p.m.; Spoken Word Club at 6:30 p.m. followed by a special One-Act Comedy at 7:00 p.m. Concurrent with this is the Book Fair with a percentage of purchases benefitting the drama club. The offer is good from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Persons unable to attend can still support WeGo Drama at any Barnes and Noble in the United States or on-line from November 28 to Tuesday, December 4, at BN.com/bookfairs, entering Bookfair ID 12386959 at the checkout.
As part of its Small Business series, the West Chicago Public Library District holds Score: General Business Discussion Round Table at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, November 28, 2018, in the small conference room, 118 West Washington Street. Score Mentor George Safford, a West Chicago resident, is the moderator. It is geared for those starting a new business or owners of existing small businesses. To make a reservation, call the adult services department at (630) 231-1552, extension 4.
WeGo Wildcats Special Olympics Club basketball game against Glenbard South is at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, November 28, 2018. The team played two games at the Warrenville Tournament Sunday, November 11, 2018. They lost to Glenbard North by 10 points, and also losing the second game to Downers Grove 24-7. Club president Dave Hempe said, “If we could only make our layups it would have been much better game.”
The Environmental Commission is rescheduled to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 28, 2018 from Wednesday, November 21.
The Holiday Band Concert of West Chicago Community High School is at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, November 29, 2018, in Weyrauch Auditorium, 326 Joliet Street. James Wallace is the director.
West Chicago Public Library, 118 West Washington Street, hosts its annual Holiday Open House from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. Friday, November 30, 2018. This year, it is the Yule Ball, with a Henry Potter theme. The magical refreshments include butterbeer and chocolate frogs. There is even space for guests to dance. Other activities include a trivia contest, Marauder’s map scavenger hunt and crafts. Guests are encouraged to wear costumes, but any type dress attire is welcome.
“Small Gifts of Art’ is the exhibit at Gallery 200, 103 West Washington Street, for the month of December. The artwork of the 15 featured artists is perfect for holiday gifts, plus reasonably priced. The artists’ reception is from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Friday, November 30, 2018.
Participating artists are First Star Art by jrr & jammer, whimsical Art, stocking stuffers, puppets, totes, greeting cards and gift tags; Marge Hall, ornaments, knitted scarves and jewelry; Kathi Kuchler, jewelry, prints and felted scarves; Judith Horsley, fun framed photography; Sharon Malec, fiber artist with quilting, felting, crochet, spinning and weaving; Heide Morris, knit wear, ankle warmers, hand warmers, headbands, ceramic pieces, and beaded utensils; Britta Renwick, jewelry, photography, mixed media and wine cork key chains; Starla Snead, calligraphy, engraving, and passion stones; and Sue Tripp, fused glass art, including small dishes, jewelry, dreamcatchers, and ornaments.
Others are Victoria Burris, butterfly inspired art; Nadine Buck, jewelry; Beth Golan, mosaic art;Kathy Manning, small Giclee watercolor prints and winter cards; Susan Frost, beaded jewelry and Marita Valdizan, wire crochet ornaments and jewelry.Gallery hours are from noon to 6:00 p.m. Thursday, noon to 8:00 p.m. Friday, and from noon to 4:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Also during Frosty Fest, Starla Snead has a holiday ornament Make N’ Take from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Saturday, December 1, 2018. (www.merleburl.com)
Registration for the 2018 Frosty Fest 5K Run/Walk is now open online at https://raceroster.com/events/2018/20316/frosty-5k-and-kids-fun-run. Registration forms also are available at City Hall, 475 Main Street. Presented by the City of West Chicago and Healthy West Chicago, the event takes place Saturday, December 1, 2018, starting in Turner Court. Packet pick up and registration is at 7:30 p.m. and the race begins at 8:30 a.m. The free Kids Fun Walk, a 200-yard dash down Turner Court for children age 10 and under, begins at approximately 9:30 a.m. Age groups are 10 and under, 11 to 14, 15 to 19, 20 to 29, 30 to 39, 40 to 49, 50 to 59, 60 to 69 and 70 and over. The top three overall male and female participants receive awards, plus the top three males and females in each age category receive awards. The fee is $25 for residents, $30 for non-residents; $5 for student residents and $10 for student non-residents. There is a $2 online procession fee. Registration deadline is Friday, November 30. The Kids Fun Run participants receive a finisher’s ribbon. There is a prize for an adult and a youth wearing the best costume for the race. For further information, call Special Events Coordinator Bethany Bayci at (630) 293-2200, extension 176 or email bbayci@westchicago.org.
St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 North Prince Crossing Road, holds its eighth annual Cookie Bazaar from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 1, 2018. The cost is $9 for a one-pound box and $17 for a two-pound box of cookies. A portion of the proceeds benefits Neighborhood Food Pantry on the campus of Real Life Church, 525 North Neltnor Boulevard. Also, Santa is at the event for pictures. For further information, call the church office at (630) 231-3787. (www.merleburl.com)
The Station, the youth group at First United Methodist Church of West Chicago, hosts its sixth annual Christmas Candy Cottage Workshop from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Saturday, December 1, 2017, at the church, 643 East Washington Street. Families make a “house” to take home. The $10 charge per house includes graham crackers, frosting and candy. For further information, call the church at (630) 231-3344 or visit www.firstumcucc.org.
Frosty Fest is from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Saturday, December 1, 2018, in the historic downtown district. Activities include the procession, official community tree lighting ceremony, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, horse-drawn wagon rides, crafts, entertainment, ice sculpture carving and refreshments
The Holiday Choral Concert of West Chicago Community High School takes place at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, December 2, 2018, in Weyrauch Auditorium, 326 Joliet Street. All choral groups perform. Brandon Fantozzi is the director.
Gallery Theater, 129 Main Street, holds auditions for “Harvey” by Mary Chase from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Sunday, December 2, and from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, December 3, 2018. To schedule appointments, e-mail galleryauditions@gmail.com. Monologues are not required. Audition sides from the script are provided when audition appointment is confirmed. Walk-ins welcome as time permits. The play runs three weekends, February 15, 16 and 17; February 22, 23 and 24; and March 1,2, and 3. Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday performances are at 3:00 p.m. The director is Jack Smith.
A timeless comedy classic, this is the story of Elwood P. Dowd and his friend Harvey, an invisible six-and-a-half-foot rabbit. Set in the 1940s, as is the case with many classics, the messages it delivers are timeless. The cast consists of 12 performers.
Elwood P. Dowd, 40’s-50’s, an extremely accepting person who enjoys everything about life.
His best friend is Harvey, an invisible six-foot-tall rabbit.
Veta Louise Simmons, 50’s-60’s, Elwood’s sister, who is embarrassed by Elwood and his friend Harvey.
Myrtle Mae Simmons, 20’s-30’s, daughter of Veta and niece of Elwood.
Ethel Chauvenet, 60’s-70’s, an old friend of the family and a distinguished member of the town’s social circle.
Dr. William B. Chumley, – 50’s-60’s, an esteemed psychiatrist and the head of the sanitarium.
Betty Chumley, 50’s-60’s, his wife who is more concerned with socializing than with science.
Judge Omar Gaffney ,50 plus, a family friend of the Dowd’s.
Dr. Lyman Sanderson, 20’s-30’s, a highly qualified psychiatrist who was hand-picked by Dr. Chumley.
Wilson,20’s-40’s, the orderly at Chumley’s Rest, who has a tendency to be a bit impatient. little impatient.
Ruth Kelly, 20’s–30’s, the nurse at the sanitarium who befriends Elwood.
J. Lofgren, any age, a cab driver who has seen it all.
The Friends of the City Museum 2018 ornaments now are available at the City Museum. Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of Indian Knoll Elementary School and the 25th Anniversary of the West Chicago Public Library’s building at 118 West Washington Street, the ornaments are the latest installments to the Historic West Chicago Ornament Series. The price is $9. They are available at the City Museum, 132 Main Street; hours are from 10 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Thursdays, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Fridays. They also are available at Gallery 200, 103 West Washington Street. Hours are from noon to 6:00 p.m. Thursdays, noon to 8:00 p.m. Fridays, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturdays and from noon to 4:00 p.m. Sundays. (www.merleburl.com)
Neighborhood Food Pantry located on the Real Life Church campus, 525 North Neltnor Boulevard, needs volunteers to pick up donations of food at nearby stores. The times open are from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. Mondays, 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Wednesdays and from 11:00 a.m. to 2L30 p.m. Fridays. For further information or to volunteer, call Nancy at (630) 605-0887.
Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Walter “Wally” F. Pasco, who at the age of 93 passed away Thursday, November 1, 2018.
Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Alan Lee Culley, who at the age of 70 passed away Saturday, November 10, 2018.
The Illinois Music Educators Association selected five students from West Chicago Community High School to participate in the IMEA District 9 Senior Large Ensemble Festival. The concert took place Saturday, November 3, 2017, at Elgin High School. Students chosen for this honor are Samuel Incrocci, bass, sophomore; Megan Kordik, soprano, senior; Eli Manspeaker, double bass, senior; Jeri Rethford, trumpet, senior; and Benjamin Hueber, baritone, senior.
Band, chorus and orchestra student musicians were eligible to audition for the Festival. The students prepared music and music skills specific to their instrument and/or voice part chosen by the ILMEA. Auditions were held Tuesday, October 3. The students are under the direction of Brandon Fantozzi, chorus; James Wallace, band; and Alexandra Wojciechowski, orchestra. (www.merleburl.com)
Now in its fifth year, the West Chicago Community High School Athlete of the Season recognizes student athletes who have made an outstanding contribution to the school. For the fall 2018 season, Christiana Kapetaneas, a sophomore, was one of three female athletes selected to receive this honor. She has played on the varsity tennis team both years of high school. Undefeated during regular and post-season, Kapetaneas earned All-Conference honors this school year. She was named to the High Honor Roll, and is a member of Orchestra, WeGo Global, and Club Green. Out of school, Kapetaneas is active in her church youth group, and volunteers at a local food pantryAfter high school, Kapetaneas would like to attend college to become a pediatric neonatologist, and plans to continue to play tennis.
The second female student selected was Kendall Farm, a sophomore. A golfer, she was named Most Valuable Player of the Upstate Eight Conference, winning the Conference tournament by 10 shots. An All-Conference athlete, she was co-medalist at Regionals, and qualified for State by shooting 83 at the Sectional. Farmer was on the High Honor Roll last year. Not certain what field she wants to pursue upon graduation, Farm plans to attend college and continue to play golf.
The third female student selected was Grace Ramirez, a senior. She has an undefeated Upstate Eight Conference record in tennis and was named Academic All-Conference. Serving as varsity team captain for the past two years, Ramirez finished in the top three in the Conference all four years. A scholar athlete, Ramirez has been on High Honor Roll or Honor Roll all semesters of her high school career, and earned the Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish. She is a member of National Honor Society, Foreign Language Honor Society, serves as a Student Ambassador, and is a member of WeGo Global and Business professionals of America. After graduation Ramirez plans to study political science on the pre-law tract to become an environmental lawyer and perhaps run for political office. She hopes to play tennis at a Division III school or at a competitive club level. (www.merleburl.com)
For the Fall 2018 season, Rikson Naway, a senior, is the Male Athlete of the Season. He joined the Cross Country team his junior year, and also ran indoor and outdoor track. This year, he was named All-Conference. Rikson is most proud of running his fastest time at Sectionals this fall, shaving 30 seconds off his best time, and being part of the first Cross Country team to qualify for Sectionals in 9 years. Naway was named to the Honor Roll sophomore and junior years. A refugee from Egypt, he passed the ESL test in just 2 years. He is a member of Science Club and the Wildcat Chronicle newspaper staff. After high school, Naway plans to attend Lewis University to study aviation to become a pilot, and hopes to continue to compete at the collegiate level.
Western DuPage Chamber of Commerce had a ribbon cutting Thursday, November 8, 2018, at CBD American Shaman, 110 South Neltnor Boulevard. The owners are Michael Lomas and Catherine Boone .The business sells Hemp Oil products, such as oils, gummies, cookies, candy and products for pets hich contain high amounts of CBD. Per the website, “CBD oil is not marijuana, it does not contain the part of cannabis plant that is responsible for causing a “high.” It is made from a cannabis compound called cannabidiol (CBD) that is found in all cannabis plants; are all-natural extracted organically.” Lomas explained. Taking or using a CBD enriched product help in many ways, such as inflammation from arthritis. “It really has helped me.” He added, “It can also help alleviate pain.” For further information, visit Facebook, WestChicagoCBD. (www.merleburl.com)
The West Chicago Police Honor Guard presented the colors at the Chicago Bears game against the Minnesota Vikings Sunday, November 20, 2018. Participating were Officers Julio Calabrese, Christopher Gelsomino, Tony Reyes and Sara Richards. This is the second year in a row that the West Chicago Police department was invited to participate. (www.merleburl.com)
At the Tuesday, November 13, 2018 meeting, the Community High School District 94 Board of Education approved an intergovernmental agreement with the City of West Chicago for the extension of the lease for another five years at the District office, 157 West Washington Street. The district anticipates moving the district administration back to the school upon the completion of renovations in the fall of 2020, explained board president Gary Saake. “The City has been gracious and generous to us in offering the building to us at no cost in exchange for the District being responsible for insurance, maintenance, and utilities.”
Also approved was the engagement of the firm BWP to create a profile of the qualities and attributes that stakeholders wish to see in the next superintendent to replace Dr. Doug Domeracki, who is retiring in 2019. “This will be done through stakeholder-specific focus groups, such as faculty, staff, community leaders, individual interviews with board members, and a web-based community survey in English and Spanish. From the information gathered, they will create a profile that may then be used to compare candidates.”
The Leman Middle School Ballet Folklorico went to see the internationally acclaimed Ballet Folklorico de Mexico de Amalia Hernandez Sunday, November 11, 2018, at the Auditorium Theatre in Chicago. The company presented dances typical of the different regions and eras in Mexico’s history. The show began with a breathtaking dance representing the Aztec dances and travelled through time presenting the viewers with dances from the revolution, carnival festivities and the state of Jalisco. (www.merleburl.com)
My email address is merleburl@earthlink.net.
