Gathering for some Halloween Fun are scary monsters, funny persons and out-of-this-world aliens Saturday, October 27, 2018, in downtown West Chicago. The Halloween Parade starts in the parking lot behind the West Chicago Public Library District building, off of Turner Court. 118 West Washington Street. Registration is at 11:30 a.m., judging at noon and award presentation follows the parade. Creativity, originality and overall impression are the basis for costume judging. Age categories are infant to five, six to 10, 11 to 15, and 16 and up. The parade steps off at 12:15 p.m. from Turner Court to West Washington Street, to Main Street to the Fox Community Center, 306 Main Street. All participants receive a free trick or treat bag.
The annual downtown business “Trick or Treat” event is from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. The route begins on Main Street from Route 59 to West Chicago Fire Protection District on Fremont Street, Galena Street and West Washington Street. Participating businesses have a jack-o-lantern poster in their windows. Some of the participants are El Coco Loco, Gateway Dental Centre. Gloria’s Jewelry, Illinois Vehicle Insurance, Kindred Coffee, Roasters, Nails de Angel, Norris-Segert Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Porcayo & Associates Realty, Primerica (Reginald Bass & Associates), Republic Bank, Royal Polish Nail Salon, Supermercado Tampico, The Freeze (Tastee Freez), West Chicago Dental Care, West Chicago Public Library, Carnicerias Jimenez and West Chicago City Museum.
The West Chicago Public Library District hosts “Trunk or Treat” from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. in the Library parking lot, 118 West Washington Street. Businesses and organizations decorate the trunks of cars and pass out pre-wrapped candy or toys. Inside the library, hot chocolate is served and youths can make fun Halloween crafts. At the West Chicago City Museum, persons can make a paper flower for the “ofrenda,” Day of the Dead altar during downtown trick or treat (read more on this elsewhere in the column).
To continue the Halloween fun, First United Methodist Church of West Chicago, 643 West Washington Street, hosts a Halloween Fun Fair from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Fun activities include games, a Haunted Hall and food. The cost for the meal of a sloppy joe, chips, brownie and drink is $5. (www.merleburl.com)
AROUND AND ABOUT
Leman Middle School Orchestra Concert is at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 30, 2018, in the cafetorium, 238 East Hazel Street.
West Chicago Public Library District offers a two-hour “Introduction to GIMP” class at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, October 25, 2018, in the small conference room, 118 West Washington Street. The GNU Image Manipulation Program is a free Photoshop-like graphic design program. Attendees learn how to create logos and manipulate photos. Participants must have basic computer skills. To register, call the adult services department at (630) 231-1552, extension 4.
West Chicago Public Library District offers Online Genealogy at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, October 25, 2018, in the small conference room, 118 West Washington Street. Participants learn how to do online genealogy with an emphasis on using Ancestor.com and other library resources. Class size is limited to nine persons. To make a reservation, call adult services department at (630) 231-1552, extension 4.
West Chicago Garden Club meeting is Thursday, October 25, 2018, at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 North Prince Crossing Road. Social time is at 6:45 p.m., short business meeting at 7:00 p.m., followed by the program at 7:15 p.m. Club vice president Keith Letsche gives the presentation, “Glimpses of English Gardens.” Last year he went on an Architectural Tour of England and took more than 70 photographs of English buildings and gardens. Through the photographs he gives a casual tour of 15 of the gardens.
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6791 holds its popular Raffle Blast at noon Saturday, October 27, 2018, at the post, 431 North Neltnor Boulevard. The charge is $50 per person and includes lunch prepared by the Post Auxiliary. Pre-registration is required. To register or for more information, call the post at (630) 231-9823.
Coffee with the Mayor is from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 27, 2018.
Blue Ridge Strangers, a rockabilly, country band, perform a free concert from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Saturday, October 27, 2018, at Gallery 200, 103 West Washington Street. In addition to original songs, they play the music of Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, The Clash, Ricky Nelson and more. Mitch, a member of the band, is part of First Star Art, artists at Gallery 200. (www.merleburl.com)
Kline Creek Farm, 1N600 County Farm Road, presents “Lamplight Stories” at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, October 27, 2018. It is an evening of ghoulish stories told outside for ages 15 and up; youths under age of 18 must be with an adult. For further information, call (630) 876-5900.
West Chicago Lions Club holds a Pancakes and Pumpkins Breakfast from 8:00 a.m. to noon Sunday, October 28, 2018, in the Commons at West Chicago Community High School, 326 Joliet Street, entrance H. The breakfast menu is pancakes, sausage, juice, milk and coffee. The charge is $6 for adults, $5 for senior citizens and $4 for children age 12 and under. Activities include some surprises, 60/40 raffle, games for children and a costume contest, which is at 10:30 a.m. Parade categories are children under age five, grade school children, teens and family or group.
Real Life Church 525 North Neltnor Boulevard, holds its annual Harvest Fest from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Sunday, October 28, 2018. Activities include the showing of the movie, “Coco,” making slime, face painting, music and popcorn for snacks.
Hawthorne’s Backyard Bar & Grill, 1200 West HawthorneLane, hosts a Pumpkin Carving event from 5:00 to 8:00 sunday, October 28, 2018. There is no entry charge for youths age 16 and under. Hawthorne’s supplies the pumpkins, participants supply the carving tools. Cookies and brownies are served.
The City of West Chicago free Fall Leaf Collection begins Monday, October 29, and ends Friday, November 30, 2018. On regularly scheduled garbage pick up days, residents can put out an unlimited number of “Kraft” yard waste bags of leaves. Stickers are not required.
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. “Using GPS on Smart Phones” class is at 4:00 p.m. Monday, October 29, 2018.
Student clubs at West Chicago Community High School are hosting We-Go Spooky from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 30, 2018, in the Commons, 326 Joliet Street, Entrance H. It is geared for children in kindergarten through fifth grade Activities include face painting, trick-or-treating, freeze dancing, cookie decorating and a photo booth. Wearing of costumes is encouraged. www.merleburl.com)
Leman Middle School Choir Concert is at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 30, 2018, in the cafetorium, 238 East Hazel Street.
The last day for the 2018 Winfield Farmer’s Market, organized by Western DuPage Chamber of Commerce, is from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 31. It is located at the corner of Geneva and County Farm Roads.
Trick or Treat hours are from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 31, 2018. A few things for a safe and happy Halloween for youths is to only stop at homes beaconing a welcome with a lit porch light, carry flashlights, cross streets at intersections, wear costumes that allow freedom of movement and masks that allow easy visibility and go with friends and/or parents. Have a “spooktacular” time!
A side note: For more than 15 years the house at 333 Church Street has had scary decorations-a ghoulish cemetery. On Halloween, it is even spookier.
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, October 31, 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 Drama of West Chicago Community High School presents the suspenseful play, “Doctor Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,” by Robert Louis Stevenson. Performances are at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, November 1, 2 and 3, 2018, in Weyrauch Auditorium, 326 Joliet Street. The ticket price is $8 for adults and $5 for students. Tickets are available at wegotheatre.com or at the door.
The play is a new adaption by the mystery writer Jeffrey Hatcher. As one man wrestles with his battle between good and evil, one never knows what is in store when the beast is unleashed. Simply, all human beings have a darker side. Doctor Jekyll represents the idea of how the dangers of individual drives and passions blind individuals. The play gives a different take on the WeGo Drama’s season, “Find Your Passion.”
Members of the cast and crew are Philip Calabrese, Abby Carr, Meg Gee, Maggie Hancock, Samuel Incrocci, Kathryn Wenberg, Gerardo Avila, Grecia Bahena, Nathan Bradley, Emily Carroso, Ryan Castiglia, Delaney Flynn, Javier Garcia, Autum Hosticka, Josie Kotke, and Vincent Lamantia.
Others are Noemi Lara, Evy McLean, Audrey Miller, Rudy Muñoz, Belinda Perez, Jeri Rethford, Leah Wheatley, Brooklyn Worth, Justin Blackburn, David Brown, Ava Fini, Mikail Herrera, Sarah Hurley, Elizabeth Ryan, Neve Ryan and Cassi Villa.
Mark Begovich is the director. Scenic design is by Chris Jensen. Costume Design is by Clare McKellaston. Hair and Make-up is by Jamie Elza. (www.merleburl.com)
West Chicago resident Kathy Steere has artwork on display in the Nature Artists Guild of Morton Arboretum in the Cudahy Room, 4100 Route 53 in Lisle. It takes place from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, November 3 and 4, 2018. The artists’ reception is from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, November 2, 2018.
West Chicago City Museum, 132 Main Street, holds Late Night at the Museum from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday, November 2, 2018. In collaboration with the City of West Chicago and the West Chicago Public Library, the museum is hosting a community “ofrenda,” Day of the Dead altar. Community members can contribute a picture of a loved one by dropping it off at the Museum or emailing it to wegohistory@gmail.com. Also persons have the opportunity to make a flower for the altar.
“Grand Finale” is the exhibit for the month of November at Gallery 200, 103 West Washington Street. On display is the artwork of Britta Renwick and her oldest son, Sean. It showcases the work that they have done in the last 18 years, and how they have grown. Since he now is attending college, this most likely is the last family show for some time. It features a large variety of art, which includes photography, 3D canvas work, graphite, watercolor, cork art and jewelry. There is one piece of art that they created together. The artists’ reception is from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Friday, November 2, 2018.
During the Senior Leaf Raking project of the City, various youth groups, organizations and individuals volunteer to rake the yards of senior citizens. The event takes place Saturday, November 3, 2018. Last year, the volunteers raked the yards of 30 senior citizens. Volunteers meet at 7:00 a.m. at Fox Community Center, 306 Main Street, and return at 11:00 a.m. for pizza. Volunteers supply their own rakes and gloves. Individuals or groups wanting to volunteer and senior citizens wanting to sign up to have their yards raked can call Police Officer Michael Rosenwinkel at (630) 293-2751 or email mrosenwinkel@westchicago.org. Last year volunteers raked the yards of 33 senior citizens. (www.merleburl.com)
Through 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 3, 2018, 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 for soils.
United Methodist Women of First United Methodist Church of West Chicago host their annual Holiday Luncheon and Gift Bazaar Saturday, November 3, 2018, at the Church, 643 East Washington Street. The bazaar is from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Sale items include handmade gifts and ornaments, gift baskets, baked goods, white elephant goodies, plus some items sold by small business vendors. Luncheon is served from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The menu is hot roast beef sandwiches, a large variety of salads and many delicious desserts. The price is $9 for adults and $4 for children ages 10 and under. This is a fundraiser for local, national and world relief programs. For further information, call the church office at (630) 231-3344.
Boy Scout Troop 33 is selling wreaths. Sales end Monday, November 5, 2018. Persons interested in purchasing wreaths, roping and other greens, can call Steve Usedom at (630) 562-2212.
The West Chicago Park District monthly social for senior citizens is at noon, Thursday, November 8, 2018, at Wood Glen Senior Apartments, 199 North Avenue. The Park District supplies the Thanksgiving feast of turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing and gravy. Attendees bring a favorite holiday dessert to share. The charge is $11 for residents and $13 for non-residents. Reservations are needed by Friday, November 2, and can be made in person at the ARC, 102 West National Street, or online at www.we-goparks.org.
Gallery Theater, 129 Main Street, presents “The Last Romance” by Joe Di Pietro. Performance dates are at 7:30 Fridays and Saturdays, November 9, 10, 16 and 17, and at 3:00 p.m. Sundays, November 11 and 18, 2018. The ticket price is $15 and $14 for senior citizens. To order tickets, call (630) 234-5919 or email www.gallerytheaterstudio.com.
Cast members are Gary Murphy, Cheryl Rice and Arlene Amone Bibbs. The director is Janet Gilleland.
Ralph is a lonely widower, who unexpectedly has a second chance at love. He attempts to woo the elegant, but distant Carol. Defying Carol’s reticence, and his lonely sister’s jealousy, Ralph embarks on the trip of a lifetime and regains a happiness seemed all but lost.
West Chicago Community High School offers a Wildcat Preschool program for local children aged two-and-a-half to five. Each fall a three-week program is held Tuesdays through Thursdays with children being taught by students enrolled in Child Development 1 courses. Starting Tuesday, November 27, and ending Thursday, December 3, 2018, morning classes are from 8:55 to 10:35 a.m. and afternoon classes are from 12:20 to 2:00 p.m. The cost is $75. For more information or to enroll, visit www.d94.org/preschool.
Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Linda A. Kurzawa, who at the age of 66 passed away Sunday, October 14, 2018.
Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Joel Muñoz Zamudio, who at the age of 47 passed away Saturday, October 6, 2018.
Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Nicholas Liberg, who at the age of 34 passed away Wednesday, October 3, 2018.
Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Mary Ann “Joyce” Burlingame, who at the age of 85 passed away Tuesday, October 17, 2018.
Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Bruce D. Dillingham, who at the age of 86 passed away, Thursday, October 18, 2018.
At the Community High School District 94 Board of Education meeting Tuesday, October 16, 2018, Dr. Doug Domeracki, District Superintendent, announced his intent to retire effective June 30, 2019. He was hired in 2013.
Under Domeracki’s tenure Community High School District 94 was named to the College Board AP Honor Roll multiple times for opening AP classroom doors to a significantly broader pool of students, while maintaining or improving the percentage of students earning scores of 3 or higher on a 5 point scale.
He was instrumental in implementing the 1 to 1 program in the District, which provides an electronic device to all District 94 students for use in coursework in school and at home. He wrote the legislation and spearheaded the pilot program for e-Learning Days in Illinois allowing students to communicate with teachers and complete coursework at home as an alternative to snow days.
Working with Wheaton District 200, Domeracki initiated a partnership to petition the State of Illinois to develop a program called ChanceLight Education, which is designed to serve students who would otherwise receive services outside the community.
Domeracki led the District through a series of building improvements at the high school. This included creating home and commercial kitchens, child development classrooms and labs, creating a Student Services Center, a College and Career Center and a Student Activity Center. All Math and Science classrooms were remodeled, creating flexible spaces and equipment that earned the Award of Distinction, highest school design award in the State of Illinois.
In a message to staff, Domeracki wrote, “I have so enjoyed my work for the District and I am extremely proud of the District’s accomplishments on behalf of students, parents, staff, and community members in all areas including teaching and learning, special services, support services, activities, finance, buildings and grounds, and policy. On both professional and personal levels, I have been highly fortunate to have worked for the West Chicago Community High School District. I will never forget this tremendous opportunity to lead such a fine school district.”
After retirement, Domeracki plans to continue to serve students in both personal and professional avenues. (www.merleburl.com)
At the Friday, October 21, 2018 football games, West Chicago Community High School lost to Glenbard High School with a score of 30-10 and Wheaton Academy lost to Aurora Christian High School with a score of 34-33.
In its seventh year, the competition for the Parent Teacher Organization Reading Trophy Award was Gary School. Wegner won last year, Pioneer School won for two years and prior to this, Gary School was the winner for three years. The trophy was handed off to Gary School principal Stephanie Drake by Wegner School principal Karen Apostoli.
Students attending the six elementary schools in West Chicago Elementary School District 33 participate in the summer reading programs at West Chicago and Winfield Public Library Districts. Students from Currier and Indian Knoll schools are patrons of the Winfield Public Library.
The final results are Gary, 102 students, 18 participation percentage; Currier, 31students, 7 participation percentage; Indian Knoll, 37 students, 10 participation percentage; Pioneer, 46, 13 participation percentage; Turner, 33 students, 9 participation percentage and Wegner, 49 students, 13 participation percentage. (www.merleburl.com)
West Chicago resident Matt Ellis recently released his first single, “Set Me Free.” He is a member of 4th Point, a contemporary Christian band. He and the other band members, Andrew Denning, Bryce Knight and Brad Ku, are graduates of West Chicago Community High School.
If you thought you saw Mo Rocco, correspondent for CBS Sunday Morning, at Kindred Roasted Coffee Friday, October 21, 2018, you did. He and the CBS crew were at Community High School taping footage for an upcoming story on civic education, Thursday and Friday. Hearing about the high school’s American Government simulation program, they contacted social studies teacher Mary Ellen Daneels, who was one of the founders of the program. The broadcast date is not known at this time.
At the Monday, October 15, 2018 meeting, City Council approved the appointment of Tony Banasiak as an ex-officio member of the Plan Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals for a term ending April 30, 2019.
Also at the meeting, Council approved a change order to the contract with Midwest Environmental Consulting Services, Inc. of Yorkville for additional project management and testing service related to the 2018 Asbestos and Lead Based Abatement project for 200 Main Street for a total addition of $5,000. The summary states, “During the abatement process, additional lead-based paint was discovered under a false ceiling on the second and third floors; not reasonably known to exist when initial testing was performed and when abatement services were initially bid.” Husar Abatement, LTD removed the additional lead-based paint.
Firefighter/Paramedic Brian Jankowski celebrated his 15th anniversary with the West Chicago Fire Protection District.
The West Chicago Cross Country team had a stellar performance Saturday, October 22, 2018, despite the cold, snow, sleet and wind. For the first time in nine years, the entire varsity team qualified for the regional race, Saturday, October 27, 2018.
My email address is merleburl@earthlink.net.
