MERLE’S CORNER
Reading about the damage caused by Hurricane Helene is so difficult, especially when you know persons who are so clearly affected by it. Former West Chicago residents Cheryl and Ray Waterman, Becky and Doug Koltz, and Bill and Lolly Frederick live in areas that suffered much damage.
The Waterman’s live in Florida and stayed with friends before the storm whirled through their area. They lost many trees, with one smashing a large section of their fence, demolishing the old lean-to and landing on the power line. Needless to say power is out and uncertainty about when it will be restored.
The Koltz’s live in Tennessee, not far from Erwin. Flooding caused Interstate 26 to crumble in sections and is totally unusable. Many of the bridges were wiped out, leaving people stranded. Most are out of power. Blackhawk helicopters rescued patients and staff from the roof of the hospital. Becky and Doug , and their daughter Kristen and Andy had no damage to their residences.
The Fredericks live near Asheville, South Carolina, where the flooding has caused severe damage. Fortunately, their home is high above the rampaging flood from the French Broad River, but the destruction to the town and surrounding area is devastating. They now have power, but no water and it could be weeks before they do. Many business buildings are completely gone, roads are impassable. Lolly said, “It is the worst storm I have ever seen or experienced.”
AROUND AND ABOUT
- League of Women voters of Elmhurst, Glen Ellyn, Naperville, Roselle-Bloomingdale, and West Chicago host a moderated candidate forum for contested congressional districts and DuPage countywide candidates. It takes place from 5:30 to 8:55 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024, at Wheaton City Hall, 303 W. Wesley St. Wheaton Public Access will record and broadcast the forum and a link will be posted on the DuPage LWV website. For further information, visit https://my.lwv.org/illinois/wheaton
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.
- “Fall Into Art” is the 2024 Artober Fest exhibit in Gallery 200, 103 W. Washington St., for the month of October. The seventeen artists participating are Lynda Brown, Patty Donahue, Emilia Hajduczenia, Marge Hall, Dan Hoalt, Shari Hohl, Blue Kubica, Kathi Kuchler, Sharon Malec, Owen O’Reilly Tom Bright,, Laurie Parker, Kari Pozzessere, Britta Renwick, Elisa Rijos, Mary Ellen Segraves and Starla Snead. Artoberfest includes a variety of paintings, drawings, photographs and three dimensional work, plus some whimsical pieces for the fall season. The artists’ reception is from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4. .com
- 5 Points Haunted House, located at 241 W. Roosevelt Road, opens Friday, Oct. 4 and ends Thursday, Oct. 31. 2024. For information on the haunted site, times and ticket reservations, visit https://www.5pointshaunt.com/. There are non-scare times. The Haunted Barn has 10 spaces on its top floor and four to five in the lower level, plus some on the outside. There are at least 50 animatronic figures of which many are huge and air-powered. Shock Doc again makes an appearance. com
- West Chicago City Museum hosts its 35th annual Tales Tombstones Tell Friday, Oct. 4 2024, at Oakwood Cemetery, Oakwood Avenue and York Street. The 45-minute tours leave from the cemetery entrance at Garden Street starting at 6:30 p.m. and every 10 minutes after, with the last group stepping off at 7:30pm. Lanterns and luminaries light the path through West Chicago’s oldest cemetery. While waiting, guests are entertained by the music of Roger Kotecki. Volunteers are Carol Vigsnes, Carol Townsend, Kevin Davis, Maureen and Jim Navadomskis, Mike Ferguson, Dan Czuba, Martha DeForest, Beth Carlson, Bob Fotus, Tom Tawney, Mike Fortner, and Tom Fessler. There is no charge; donations are welcome. For more information call the Museum at 630 231-3376 or email museum@westchicago.org
This year the walk honors the 175th Anniversary of the West Chicago community. Founded as Junction in 1849, then incorporated as the Town of Turner, unofficially known as Turner Junction, it became the Village of West Chicago in 1896. Volunteer cemetery walk interpreters tell the story of those who lived through the historic early years of the community. In addition to the Soldiers and Sailors monument, families to be highlighted are Hills, Martins, Benjamins, Klines, Gates and Whittons. merleburl.com
- “WorkNet DuPage: Skill Up” is the West Chicago Public Library program at noon Monday, Oct. 7, 2024, in the main meeting room, 118 W. Washington St. It is an in-person information session on DuPage County’s Job Seeker Support Network, which has resources for individuals looking for career guidance, job search planning, resume writing assistance, training and education resources. To register, visit https://wcpld.librarycalendar.com/events/month/.
- Through Illinois Libraries Present and to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, the West Chicago Public Library presents the special program “Being Imperfect with Erika Sanchez,” at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. Sánchez, award-winning author of “I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter,” is joined in conversation by Cynthia Pelayo. New this season with ILP, is a watch party at the library, 118 W. Washington St., or via Zoom.To register for in person or on line, visit https://bit.ly/ILP_ErikaSanchez.
Erika L. Sánchez is the daughter of Mexican immigrants. “Her debut poetry collection, “Lessons on Expulsion,” was a finalist for the PEN America Open Book Award. Her debut young adult novel, “I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter, was a New York Times bestseller, National Book Award finalist, and Tomás Rivera Award winner. The book was adapted for the stage at Steppenwolf Theater and will be a movie directed by America Ferrera.
Cynthia Pelayo is a Bram Stoker Award winning and International Latino Book Award winning author and poet. She writes fairy tales that blend genre. Her books include “Loteria,” “Santa Muerte,” “The Missing,” “Poems of My Night,” “Into the Forest” and “All the Way Through.”
ILP a statewide collaboration among public libraries offering premier events. ILP is funded in part by a grant awarded by the Illinois State Library, a department of the Office of Secretary of State, using funds provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services. merleburl.com
- West Chicago Fire Protection District hosts Fire Prevention Week Open House from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, at Fire Station headquarters, 200 Fremont St. Activities include station tours, touch-a-truck, fire prevention information. demonstrations, food and beverages. Each year the National Fire Protection Association sets a theme for the week with the 2024 theme being “Smoke Alarms – Make them work for you.” The week commemorates the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 and reminds people to practice fire safety. com
- West Chicago Park District hosts its annual Boo Bash from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, in the ARC, 201 W. National Street. It is geared for children ages two and older. The charge is $10 for residents, $12 for non-residents in advance or $15 at the door. Adults are free with a paying child and must accompany children. Pre-registration ends at 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11.Activities include hayride, live entertainment, games and crafts. Local sponsors are Blue Frost Heating & Cooling, Ball Horticulture Company, Groot Industries and Republic Bank.com
- The 19th District of Veterans of Foreign Wars holds annual Steak Fry from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, at the VFW Post 6791, 431 N. Neltnor Blvd. The menu of steak, pork chops or cod with baked potatoes, green beans and salad is $20. For dessert, there is a bake sale. Other activities include basket raffles, 50/50 raffle, pull tabs and music. The event is a fundraiser to benefit veterans and programs. Tickets are available at the post in advance or at the door on the day of the event. com
- The West Chicago Park District monthly social gathering for senior citizens is at noon Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, at the ARC, 201 W. National Street. The event is the popular “Fireman Fish Fry.” Members of Illinois Association of Fire fighters Local 3970 fry up the fish once again. There is no charge. Reservation deadline is Friday, Oct 4 and may be made at https://www.we-goparks.org/special-events. It is rescheduled from the original date of Thursday, Oct. 10.
- West Chicago City Museum presents the Historiography program, a non-fiction book reading group, at 1 p.m.Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in the Museum, 132 Main St. The book is “The Indifferent Stars Above: The Harrowing Saga of the Donner Party” by Daniel James Brown. 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.
Good Reads writes, “In April of 1846, twenty-one-year-old Sarah Graves, intent on a better future, set out west from Illinois with her new husband, her parents, and eight siblings. Seven months later, after joining a party of emigrants led by George Donner, they reached the Sierra Nevada Mountains as the first heavy snows of the season closed the pass ahead of them. In early December, starving and desperate, Sarah and fourteen others set out for California on snowshoes and, over the next thirty-two days, endured almost unfathomable hardships and horrors.
Brown attended Diablo Valley College, the University of California at Berkeley, and UCLA. In 2024 he was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Washington. He taught writing at San Jose State University and Stanford before becoming a technical writer and editor. He now writes narrative nonfiction books full time Brown has been the recipient of many awards and recognition. merleburl.com
- West Chicago Park District hosts a Recreational Adult Bags Tournament from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, in the ARC Center, 201 W. National St. The per team fee of $40 for residents and $48 for non-residents includes game play, lunch and prizes for first, second and third place. Registration deadline is Sunday, Oct. 13.To register, visit https://www.we-goparks.org/athletics. The competition involvesplayers from different skill levels across the DuPage and Kane County area. Players must form their own teams. Games are self-officiated. Alcohol is available for purchase for players age 21 and over.
SUPPORT OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES
- Live Music Night is from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, at Prairie Landing Golf Course, 2325 Longest Drive. Performing is Brian Castillo. com
- Dane’s Games, 1895 N. Neltnor Blvd., hosts Board Game Night from 5 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. It is free and open to the public. The telephone number is 630 473-0046. com
- Cool Party Balloons, 137 Turner Court, is offering two balloon classes, tailored for beginners and experienced decorators. To enroll, visit https://coolpartyballoons.com/, search balloon class.
Taught in Spanish, the Tuesday class, Oct. 8, 2024, involves learning professional installation techniques to create balloon drops and decorative floors for events. The charge is $350. The Wednesday, Oct. 16, class is a Fall/Halloween pop-up taught by world-renowned balloon artist, Jesus Tejada. Participants learn how to prep, inflate and create fast and artistic, show stopping creations.The cost is $299.
The Kitchen Table, 100 Hahndorf, launched a new website, https://thekitchentablewc.com/. Fall memberships still are available. merleburl.com
REMEMBRANCES
- Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Ramiro Moreno, who at the age of 43 passed away Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024.
- Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Dorothy Jeanne Miller, who at the age of 91 passed away Monday, Sept. 16, 2024.
- Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Marthajo Miles Rademacher, who at the age of 102 passed away Monday, Sept. 23, 2024.
- Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Patricia A. Kemp, who at the age of 78 passed away Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024.
SCHOOLS
- West Chicago Community High School students enrolled in Child Development I classes, under the supervision of teacher Brittney Bauer, teach children from the age of 2.5 through five in a three-week Wildcat Preschool Program. The classes are Tuesday through Thursday, starting Nov. 19 and ending Dec. 12, 2024. Children need to be close to being potty trained. There are two sessions. The morning session is from 8:50 to 10:20 a.m. and the cost is $60. The afternoon session is from 12:30 to 2:05 p.m. and the cost is $60. Preschool orientation is from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14. Lessons range from alphabet and number awareness to gross motor activities to beginning reading and writing. To register, visit https://www.d94.org/ and click on "For Community" "Wildcat Preschool"
- The Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction is the highest level of recognition amongst the 119 AP Scholars at West Chicago Community High School. Of the 38 AP Scholars with Distinction, 20 were graduates from the Class of 2024. The remaining 18 students still enrolled at WCCHS received recognition at the September 17, 2024, Board of Education meeting. The students are Lauren Dusing, Pierson Foos, Emily Hanania, Gilan Hosticka, Helena Jankowska, Addison Jeffery, Dianna Jimenez, Daniel Kuriakose, Yazmin Lopez Pedroza, Asher McNiel, Sophia Newell, Peter O’Brien, Ansh Parikh, Tyler Petrie, Natan Przybylko, Aaqil Riaz, Jessica Thunberg and Zachariah Williamson. To earn this award, students must achieve an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken and score 3 or higher on five or more of these exams. com
- Community High School District 94 Educational Foundation held a Parking Spot Winning the raffle were Elina and Graciela, who are now parking in their designate premier spots. Between ticket sales and donations, the foundation raised $2,340; the funds will be used for teacher grants. merleburl.com
- Brady Johnson, a 2024 graduate of West Chicago Community High School, is a part of the USA Swimming National Junior team. He is on the 100 backstroke team. As a student at WCCHS, he won the state championships in the 100 Freestyle and Backstroke. In his four years in the high school, he qualified for the state championship. Johnson is swimming at the D1 level for Arizona State’s Sun Devils.com
- During Homecoming week, Wheaton Academy Project LEAD teams once again organized a service project at Sonny Acres Farm. On Wednesday, Sept.25, 2024, the students collected and packed more than 7,000 items for youths in foster care. com
- In the Friday, Sept.27, 2024 football games, West Chicago Community High School lost to South Elgin High School with a score of 27-38, Wheaton Academy won against St. Edward High School with a score of 58-0, St. Charle East High School won against Lake Park High School with a score of 27-21, and Bartlett High School lost to West Aurora High School with a score of 7-62.
- In the Thursday, Sept.26, 2024, soccer game, Wheaton Academy lost to Bartlett High School with a score of 1-2.
- The eighth grade band at Leman Middle School and the West Chicago Community High School band performed at the Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, football game. Under the direction of Marissa Janiszewski, the eight graders practiced with the high school merleburl.com
- The 2024 pop up WEGO Homecoming Boutique, held during lunch periods Friday and Saturday, Sept.18 and 19, during all lunch periods, provided students with home coming outfits and accessories. The event is sponsored by theWest Chicago Community High School Student Services Department. On the first day, 37 students attended and on the second day 34 students. A very generous donor from my Buy Nothing Lisle Facebook Group donated 38 tickets to give to students, attending the Boutique.The cost of homecoming tickets is $35. Some of the winners of the dance tickets stated they were only able to attend because of this donation. Others mentioned how excited they were to spend time with their friends or even celebrating their last Homecoming at WeGo.The dance takes place Saturday, Oct. 19. com
CHURCHES
- In recognition of St. Francis Day, Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 N. Prince Crossing Road, holds a Blessing of the Animals at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024. Each pet receives an individual blessing at the outside service.
- New Hope United Methodist Church, 643 E. Washington St., holds Blessing of the Pets at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. It is held outside. com
• St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 N. Prince CrossingRoad, hosts its Annual Kermes Fest from noon to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12, 2023. The fest, a fundraiser for the church, includes authentic Mexican food, a variety of music and dancing, games and entertainment. merleburl.com
- The Community Health Fair Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024, at St. Andrew Lutheran Church was positive experience for both the participants and attendees.Among the participants were Teen ParentConnection, 4Life, Rush Copley and State Farm-Agent Dan La Cruz. com
CLUB/ORGANIZATION NEWS
- With the arrival of Fall and darker mornings, Cornerstone Lakes parkrun, 2199 Smith Road, switches back to a 9:00 a.m. start time, beginning Saturday Oct. 5, 2024. This is a free, weekly, timed 5k run/jog/walk every Saturday and is open to all ages and all abilities. For further information, visit https://www.facebook.com/cornerstonelakesparkrun. com
- Wayne/Winfield Area Youth/Family Services holds an Eat Out fundraiser Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024, at Village Tavern & Grill, 291 Schmale Road in Carol Stream. It takes place from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., eat in and/or carry out. WAYS receives 20 percent of the tab. Present the flyer to the server.Persons unable to attend can purchase gift cards online during the day.To obtain a copy of the flyer, call WAYS at 630 231-7166, go to the Wayne Township office at 27W031 North Ave, or visit the WAYS website, https://www.ways4change.org/fundraisin
- Gallery 200, 103 W. Washington St., offers various art classes from September through December
- Class sizes are limited. Brochures are available at the Gallery. To view the classes and register, visit https://www.gallery200.net/gallery-200-shop/art-classes.
Kiddo Nature classes for toddlers through fifth grade students are at 5:30 p.m. the first Thursday of the month. The second class is Oct. 3. The teacher Amelia A. uses things found in nature and recycled materials to create art.
Grown Up Girls Club classes take place at 1 p.m.the first Wednesday or the second or third Sunday. The charge is $25 per class. One class is Wednesday, Oct. 2, and the other class is Sunday, Oct. 13.Participants work on whatever projects they wish. Patty D. Is available to help with projects when needed.
The Crow Painting Workshop is at 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. In the two hour painting workshop, participants create an 8x10 size crow bird painting. The entire process includes concept sketch, bird poses, toning the paper and painting. Persons can bring their own supplies or pre-pay for included supplies. Maria A. Is the teacher. The cost is $30 without supplies or $50 without supplies.
Nature’s Bling:Wire Jewelry Workshop is from noon to 2 p.m. or 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5. Participants design a nature-inspired earring and necklace set. The charge is $25. Marita V. is the teacher.
- The Auxiliary of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6791 hosts Bingo on Sundays at the post, 431 N. Neltnor Boulevard. Doors open at noon, games start at 1:30 p.m.
- The West Chicago Parks Foundation held a successful Second Annual Disc Golf Tournament Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, at Kline Creek Farm. Winners of the Competitive course were Brad and Paul, first place; David and Erick, second place; and Chad and Norm, third place. Recreational course winners were Brandon and Trent, first place; Iain and Jose, second place; and Dan and Dave, third place. Event sponsors were Republic Bank, Edward Jones, Buck Services, Daniel and Associates Real Estate and Hawthorne’s Backyard Bar & Grill. com
- In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, CBS News broadcast a show on “Olmec Trails: Culture and Legacy,” the public art project of the Mexican Cultural Center DuPage in coordination with Meztli, Mexico and in partnership with the College of DuPage. West Chicago resident and president of MCCD, Fernando Ramirez, was one of the individuals interviewed. To view the show, visit https://www.facebook.com/MexicanCulturalCenterDuPage/. com
COMMUNITY MEMBERS HIGHLIGHTS
- West Chicago resident and author Susan Wells participates in the annual Author Fair in the Gail Gordon Library, 270 N. Grove Ave. in Elgin. It takes place for 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024. Authors showcase, sell, and sign their books.
Wells is a graduate of Citizen’s Police Academy and completed multiple ride-alongs with several patrol officers, interviewed the DuPage Coroner and toured the Du-Comm 9-1-1 Center to add authenticity and tension to her writing.Her short stories have appeared in Everyday Fiction and Reedsy. Her latest play was read at the Kane Repertory Theater in St. Charles to a sold out audience. An excerpt of her novel, “Secret Lives,” appears in the 2023 Chicago Budlong Woods Writers anthology. The setting for her novel takes place in West Chicago. merleburl.com
- West Chicago resident and West Chicago City Museum director, Sara Phalen, presents “History of Latinos in DuPage County” at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9,2024, in the Warrenville Library, 28W751 Stafford Place. The program is geared for individual ages 18 and over. To register, visit com/events. She discusses the industries that brought migrants to the area and the contributions they made in helping shape the economies and culture in the past 120 years. Phalen also is the director of the Warrenville historicalMuseum & Art Gallery. merleburl.com
- West Chicago resident and Gallery 200 member, Sharon Malec, has three pieces of artwork in the annual fiber art show and sale, “Elements of Innovation,” through Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, in the Naperville Fine Arts Center and Gallery, 508 N. Center St. The titles of her artwork are “Yellowstone Memories,” “Sleigh Time,” and “Nap time.” Gallery hours are from 10 a.m. to 5p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to4 p.m. Saturday. com
- In addition to her unique aprons, West Chicago resident Roxanne Matejovsky Hamlin is now sewing scarves for dogs. Scarves are for holidays, football and fall. Fitting over the collar, they come in small, medium and large sizes. They are available at her booth in the Red Hive Market, 6 W. Wilson St. in Batavia. The boutique is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. As a side note her dog Ernie loves his. com
CITY OF WEST CHICAGO
- Monthly brush pick up begins Monday, Oct. 7, 2024.
- Although the temperature was hot and humid Saturday, Sept.21,2024, it was much cooler in the morning for the Fit4Fall 5K, hosted by the City of West Chicago and Healthy West Chicago. The race participants were all smiles as they finished running or walking the designated trail, especially the Leman Middle School Cross Country team.com
- At 11:50 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, West Chicago Police officers responded to a two vehicle crash at the intersection of Washington Street and Route 59. Upon arrival, officers spoke with the driver of a vehicle traveling southbound on Route 59, who stated a passenger car traveling northbound attempted to turn left onto Washington St. in front of them resulting in a collision. A 53-year-old female passenger of that turning vehicle was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The DuPage County Metropolitan Emergency Response and Investigations Team responded and assisted with the investigation. The driver of the turning vehicle, 52-year-old Israel Gonzalez-Hernandez of Chicago, was charged with Aggravated DUI-Accident Causing Death, Driving Too Fast For Conditions or Failure To Reduce Speed to Avoid An Accident, Improper Lane Usage and Transportation or Possession of Open Alcohol By Driver. Gonzalez-Hernandez was denied pretrial release at bond court.
ODDS AND ENDS
- In person Early Voting for the Tuesday, Nov.5, 2024 General Election started at five locations Thursday, Sept. 26, and continues until Saturday Oct. 19. They are open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday. The closest one to West Chicago is at DuPage County Fairgrounds, 2015 W Manchester Road, Building 5 in Wheaton. Additional locations open Monday, Oct.21. Per press release :DuPage County Clerk Jean Kaczmarek announced voter Day One of Early Voting in DuPage County smashes the record set in the 2020 General Election. A total of 1,533 voters showed up at the polls Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024. This is more than double the 660 voters who cast ballots four years ago this day.
- The West Chicago Park District is seeking Scare actors and props for the 2024 Spooky Tail to be held Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Oct. 24, 25 and 26. Props needed are camping supplies in any condition, old dolls and toys, old strollers or baby furniture, scary Halloween costumes, scary Halloween decorations, odd or unique props, and outdoor lighting. To donate props or volunteer as a Scare actor, email Sara Witteck at switteck@we-goparks.org.
- Fortune and Great Place to Work named Jel Sert Company as one of the Best Workplaces in Manufacturing and Production. com
- There were some queries about the fire at the shopping strip on Geneva and County Farm Roads. The Winfield Fire Protection District received a call at 8:53 p.m. Thursday, Sept.26, 2024. Seeing fire inside the building at 27W203 Geneva Road, a Middle East Supermarket, the firefighters made the decision to upgrade to a structure fire response, Assisting were the West Chicago Fire Protection District, Carol Stream Fire Protection District and the Wheaton Fire Department. A quick knockdown sprinkler system held the fire in check. The window was boarded up and investigators arrived. By 10:40 p.m. the lsat unit left and the building was turned over to the property owner. com
- The West Chicago Police Department recognizes the importance of support of those affected by domestic violence .The department social worker , Sophia Gonzales, has partnered with DVSA Communities, a local not-for-profit, to bring an in-person domestic support group to West Chicago. This initiative aims to provide a safe space for support and connection. For further information call the Departments social service unit at 630-293-2235.
My email address is merleburl@earthlink.net.