Since the deadline for my weekly column is 5:00 p.m. Mondays and I send it to the City by 6:00 p.m. Tuesdays, I do not know the results of the Tuesday, November 3, 2020 General Election, However I do know that an important election for all residents of the community is approaching. This is the Tuesday, April 6, 2021 Consolidated Election 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. The consolidated election is a very important one as it is the one that affects residents the most on a daily basis.
The candidate election packets are available at the respective taxing body locations. Due to COVID-19 times and days for packet pick up are not the same this year, except for schools. School board candidates must either pick up packets at the DuPage County Election Commission, 421 North County Farm Road in Wheaton, or go the commission website http://www.dupageco.org/election to obtain the forms. The telephone number for the election commission is (630) 407-5600. Packets include information sheets, nominating petitions, statement of candidacy, loyalty oath (optional), and a statement of economic interest to be filed with the DuPage County Clerk. All candidates must be 18 years and older, a registered voter and a resident of the respective taxing body. Candidate filing begins December 18 and ends December 23. The signatures required vary with offices and taxing bodies and are based on the number of ballots cast for the elected officials in the last election.
City of West Chicago positions open are Mayor, City Clerk and seven Aldermen. Both the Mayor and City Clerk signature requirements are from the 2017 Consolidated Election The minimum amount of signatures required for these two position is 79. Alderman signature requirements are different for each ward and are based on five percent of votes cast in the 2019 election. Signature minimums are as follows: Ward 1,6; Ward 2, 4; Ward 3, 3; Ward 4, 9; Ward 5, 6; Ward 6, 2; and Ward 7,9. There also is a maximum number, which is eight percent, but must be 50 more than the minimum. City Hall is open limited hours. Packets are available from 9:00 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at City Hall, 475 Main Street. For persons unable to come to City Hal during those hours can all City Clerk Nancy Smith at (630) 293-9250 to set up an appointment.
In the West Chicago Public Library District, there are three four-year terms and one unexpired 2-year term for the Board of Trustees. The minimum amount of signatures is 48. Nominating petition packets are available for curbside pickup, 118 West Washington Street. Hours are 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m Monday through Thursday, and from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Alternatively, nominating petition packets can be downloaded from the Library’s web site
I am not going to write about positions open on the West Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners as the amount of positions open depends on the outcome of the referendum to reduce the number of commissioners on the board. A minimum of 32 signatures is required. Packets are available from 8:30 a.m.to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at the ARC Center, 201 West National Street.
The minimum amount of signatures for all school districts is 50. 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 six-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. The president of LWVW is the narrator. The DuPage County Election division provides guidance.
AROUND AND ABOUT
There are several places and times for Flu Shot Clinics for persons ages 10 to 64 in the community. There is no charge for the uninsured. Most insurance is accepted. There is no co-pay or deductible. Appointments are not needed. The clinics are the result of partnerships of Healthy West Chicago, St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Northwestern Medicine and WeGo Together for Kids.
At St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 North Prince Crossing Road, there are four days, from 10:00 a.m. to noon Thursday, November 4; from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., Friday, November 5; from 10:00 a.m. to noon Monday, November 9; and from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.Wednesday, November 11.
The flu clinic is in the parking lot at Educare West DuPage, 851 Pearl Road, from 10:00 a.m. to noon, Tuesday, November 10.
The next clinic is from 10:00 a.m. to noon, Friday, November 13, in the back parking lot at Wegner School, 1189 Marcella Lane.
The last clinic is from 10:00 a.m. to noon, Monday, November 16, in the parking lot near the main entrance at Aspen Ridge Apartments, 1440 S. Neltnor Boulevard. (merleburl.com)
The rescheduled Plan Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals ,meeting is at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 4, 2020.
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.
“Small Gifts of Art” is the exhibit at Gallery 200, 103 West Washington Street, for the months of November and December. The first day the exhibit is open is Friday, November 6, 2020. The artwork of the featured artists is perfect for holiday gifts, plus reasonably priced. Due to COVID-19, there is no artists’s reception. Gallery hours are from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. Fridays, and from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturdays.
Participating artists are Margaret Bucholz, Marge Hall, Nadine Buck, Kathi Kuchler, Sharon Malek, Heide Morris, Britta Renwick, Rita Skarha, Sue Tripp, and Marita Valdizan. The artwork includes jewelry, felted soaps, wall art, painted boxes, felted Santas and gnomes, knitted scarves and gloves, glass painted hurricane candle holders, plaster sculpture, glass art, oil paintings and felted silk scarves. (www.merleburl.com)
SCARCE, West Chicago Environmental Commission and United Methodist Church of West Chicago co-host a pumpkin composting drop off from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday, November 7, 2020, at the church, 643 East Washington Street. The dumpster is located in the northeast corner of the parking lot. Last year, the collection of pumpkins almost weighed a ton. 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)
Neighborhood Food Pantries is holding its first ever “Ultimate Tailgate,” an interactive experience where persons gather in their homes and celebrate in support of local families in need. The event takes place Saturday, November 7, 2020; pregame is at 6:30 p.m. and the main event is at 7:00 p.m. The emcee is Dave Savini, CBS-2 Chicago award winning investigative reporter. Joining him as special guest stars are CBS 2 morning anchor Ryan Baker and legendary anchorman Bill Kurtis. The event includes presentation of 2020 Neighborhood Servant wards., games and silent auctions. The ticket price is $20 per person and includes Scratch card entry to win prizes, Trivia game entry and some fun extras. To purchase tickets, visit www.neighborhoodfp.org/index.php?m=17. For further information or questions, call (630 )375-7185.
There are more than 62,420 people in DuPage County who do not know from where their next meal is coming. Through the locally operated pantries, guests are served in their own neighborhoods.The pantry coordinators and volunteers get to know the guests, providing a personal touch and creating a sense of community.
Neighborhood Food Pantries works with more than 30 area churches to operate six pantries throughout Northwest DuPage County. Local businesses and organizations provide tremendous support for its mission. Food recovery partners provide fresh food and produce to the guests, food collection partners hold local food drives, and corporate and organization partners and individual donors provide financial support, allowing NFP to purchase items from Northern Illinois Food Bank and to support pantry infrastructure. (www.merleburl.com)
West Chicago Public Library has a virtual Resume Writing and Job Seeking program at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 11, 2020, via Zoom. Attendees learn how to write resumes and search for jobs online. To register visit the library’s website wcpld.info, under events calendar. (www.merleburl.com)
“Tea With Florence Nightingale” is the West Chicago Public Library program at 7:00 p.m.Thursday, November 12, 2020, via Zoom. This year, 2020, is the International Year of the Nurse.T o make a reservation for the program, visit wcpld.info, under events calendar.
Megan Wells, national touring award winning actress and story teller, portrays Florence Nightingale, known as “the Lady with The Lamp.” She was born in 1820 and died in 1910. Known best as the founder of modern nursing, Nightingale was a British nurse, social reformer and statistician. Her experiences as a nurse during the Crimean War were the foundations in her views about sanitation. She established St. Thomas’ Hospital and the Nightingale Training School for Nurses in 1860. With her efforts to reform healthcare, she influenced the quality of healthcare in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
Wells has more than 40 years of experience to develop an extensive story repertoire. She is among the top literary storytellers in America, winning awards which include Circle if Excellence Award, National Storytelling Network, and Joseph Jefferson Award. She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Theater Arts from Illinois Wesleyan University and a Masters in Fine Arts in Directing from Illinois State University. (www.merleburl.com)
DuPage County Household Hazardous Waste Event is from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Saturday, November 14, 2020, at the DuPage County Fairgrounds, enter at County complex, 421 North County Farm Road. Acceptable items are Used oil, used, Antifreeze/Old Gasoline/Auto Fluids; Household Chemicals and Cleaners; Solvents/Pool Chemicals; Cooking Oil; Poisons/Pesticides; Paint thinners; Aerosol paints; Oil-Based Paints and Stains; and Unwanted Medication (Non-DEA controlled.) Other items are; Lawn and Garden Chemicals; Liquid and Solid Fertilizers; Rechargeable and Lithium Batteries; Automotive and Boat Batteries; Fluorescent Light bulbs. Limit of 15 per car; Compact Fluorescent Lights; Mercury and Mercury Containing Items; Small Propane Tanks Only’ and Small Refrigerant Tanks Only
Unacceptable items are Ammunition; Fireworks and Explosives; Fire Extinguishers; Latex-Based Paint; Sharps/Syringes; Medical Waste; DEA Controlled Medication;DEA Controlled Substances; Radioactive Material; GasCylinders ,except small handheld propane; Refrigerants, except small handheld size; Household Garbage; Business or Institutional Waste; Empty Containers; and Traditional Recyclables.
Wayne Township Senior Center partners with DuPage Senior Citizens Council to provide meals to seniors age 60 and over, who reside in DuPage or Kane counties. Pick up for the five frozen meals is Thursday, November 19, 2020, at the township, 27W031 North Avenue..Pick up time for persons with the last name beginning with A through M is from noon to 12:30 p.m., with last names beginning with N through Z is from 12:30 to 1:00 p.m. Multiple persons from one home can qualify, but each person must pre-register. Persons stay in their cars and wear masks. To register, call (630) 231-7175.
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. To get a copy of the book or 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)
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 is sent two days prior to the event.
Schwinn is a professor at University of Illinois/Chicago John Marshall Law School. He discusses the results of the Tuesday, November 3, election and where the nation goes from here. It is difficult for anyone to know what will happen following the November elect, but professor Schwinn will help persons to understand any legal proceedings and previous precedents.
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. Persons can submit any questions they have to blaimins@gmail.com before the event. During the presentation, attendees use the chat box located on the bottom of the Zoom screen. (www.merleburl.com)
DuPage Pads now has an altered version of Interim Housing to return in November, which is made possible by three churches in Glen Ellyn and Naperville. Using new social distance guidelines and a consultation with the DuPage Health Department, a cohort of 20 clients will have a safe and warm place to spend each night. Volunteers are needed, four to set up socially distanced sleep stations and provide individual dinners and packaged breakfasts/lunches for the clients and four in the mornings to clean up and reset the place after the clients leave. To learn more about the open volunteer shifts, visit https://volunteer.dupagepads.org/. To sign up as a group or for questions, please contact Josie Mattern, Volunteer Coordinator, at jmattern@dupagepads.org or call (630) 682-3846.
Despite COVID-19, the annual Frosty 5K Run/Walk takes place, only virtually. The dates are anytime between Friday, December 4 through Sunday, December 13, 2020. The registration fee is $10, which includes a long-sleeve shirt and swag bag. To guarantee a requested shirt size, persons should register by Sunday, November 15. To register, visit : https://raceroster.com/events/2020/35577/frosty-5k-virtual-runwalk.
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, with winners announced Friday, December 18. Prizes are for first, second and third places, plus People’s Choice.
With the executive order of Governor Pritzker that there is no dining in at restaurants and bars, it is very important that members of the community support these businesses through carry-out, drive thru or outdoor dining. Persons need to check with the restaurants to see what options are offered.
Although it took awhile, Augustino’s Rock & Roll Deli & Grill, 300 E. North Avenue, now has installed its new menu billboards, one inside and the other for the drive-thru. (www.merleburl.com)
Entree Kitchen, 26W276 Geneva Road in Carol Stream, now delivers Monday through Saturdays. Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday and 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturday. West Chicago resident Diane Beaulieu is the owner. (www.merleburl.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 2, 2020, there were 1,495 cases and 14 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. 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.
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 Brian Gangestad, who at the age of 40 passed away Sunday, October 25, 2020.
Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Gabriel Mendez, who at the age of 38 passed away Thursday, October 29, 2020.
Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Salvador R. Heredia, who at the age of 79 passed away Tuesday, October 27, 2020.
Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Joy Ann Grammer, who at the age of 90 passed away Tuesday, October 27, 2929.
West Chicago Fire Protection District hosted a Retirement and Promotion Ceremony Wednesday, October. 28, 2020. Retiring was Lieutenant Jim Buenrostro. Receiving the promotion to Lieutenant was firefighter Brian Jankowski. Fire Chief Pat Tanner presented the flag and other gifts to Buenrostro, who has been with the district for 35 years. He was assigned the number 26, which designates he was the 26th career member hired by the district; this number will never be issued again. Jankowski has the number 48. (www.merleburl.com)
Since the first quarter of the British World Literature class centers on the question, “What is the purpose of art and literature?”, students in the class at West Chicago Community High School went on a field trip to Mount Saint Mary Park in St, Charles. Viewing sculptures in the park, they had the opportunity to study the different types. (www.merleburl.com)
Friday, October 30, 2020, the West Chicago Police Department announced the arrests of Jesus Adonis Estanislao, age 21, of Streamwood and Jesse A. Ibarra, age 21, of Addison for Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm.
At 1:25 a.m, October 3, West Chicago Police Officers responded to the report of shots fired on the 500 block of Kenwood Avenue. A residence in the area was struck multiple times with bullets entering the home. No one inside the residence was injured. Two vehicles were involved of which one was stopped shortly after the incident and the other fled from police. The Investigations Unit was called in and began conducting interviews. Over the course of the last few weeks, the detectives continued to work on this case until all involved parties were identified.
On October 29, Estanislao, who was identified as the shooter, and Ibarra, who was identified as the driver who fled from police, were taken into custody in connection with this case. Estanislao was charged with Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm, Class 1 Felony, and Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm, Class X Felony. Ibarra also was charged with Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm, Class 1 Felony, and Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm, Class X Felony, as well as Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding, Class 4 Felony. Both suspects were processed at the West Chicago Police Station and transported to DuPage County Jail, Both were present in bond court October 30. Estanislao was given a bail amount of $200,000 and Ibarra received a bail amount of $150,000.
Thirty-one students participated in the first ever Virtual Dare to Scare Fall Short Story Writing Contest sponsored by the Learning Resource Center and Language Arts Department at West Chicago Community High School. Winning the Dare to Scare Your Peers Contest was Melissa Casmiro, author of “Entomophobia.” Runners up were Alexis Perez for “Exclusive Labyrinth” and Marque Phillips for “Horror on Halloween.” Stephanie Juarez, author of “Stitches,” won the Dare to Scare a Third Grader Contest. Selected as the Best Storyteller was Emily Bove.
In previous years, the contest was culminated by the Dare to Scare event, held just before Halloween in the LRC.Third grade students from Gary and Pioneer elementary schools spent the morning listening to scary stories, making crafts and having a frightfully good time. Due to COVID-19, this event could not be held this year. Media Specialist Donna Leahy created a virtual presentation, which was shared with both elementary schools, showcasing students and staff. (www.merleburl.com)
The West Chicago Co-Op Girls Swimming Team placed third in Sectionals, just behind the St. Charles teams.
In the 200 Freestyle Chloe Johnson equaled her time from conference and finished in Twelfth Place. Following her, Cami Mayo was able to drop two seconds off her lifetime best and almost break two minutes to win a 2:00.18 and finished in Seventh Place.
In the 200 Individual Medley, Ashley Sego dropped 3, 2:06.57, off her in-season time to place Third overall. Kelly Shortall dropped 5 off her in season time to finish Fifth, 2:11.30. In the 100 Fly, Joselyn Munoz finished Eighth. Kelly Shortall finished Fourth.
In the 100 Free KickAshley Sego finished in Seventh. Alaina Gilsinn finished Fifth.Sprinters came next.Cami Mayo dropped .13 from her tapered time last week to finish in a tie for Seventh, 25.01. Alaina Gilsinn, swimming next to Cami, sprinted her way to Fifth in a 24.53.
In the distance event of the meet Chloe Johnson finished in Tenth and Cami Mayo finished Eighth. In the Backstroke Sarah Michael finished Fifth. Kayleigh Kuschewski finished in Seventh place. The meet ended with the 100 breast. Ashley Sego finished Second and Kelly Shortall finished Fifth.
West Chicago Elementary School District 33 received a donation of laptops from Wynndalco Enterprises and CEO David Andalcio. Involved in securing the donation were State Representative Karina Villa, District 6 DuPage County Board member Bob Larson and Choose DuPage CEO Greg Bedalov. Wynndalco Enterprises LLC specializes in organizational, infrastructure and facilities operations, (merleburl.com)
My email address is merleburl@earthlink.net.
