With more people needing and using the food pantry and senior services at Wayne Township, it became necessary to expand its facilities and programs. Wayne Township Supervisor Randy Ramey said, “We township officials saw the need, but did not have the necessary funds. I did not want to raise taxes. We decided to seek grants.” Once this decision was made, Ramey had Township General Assistance Director Juanita Martinez take some grant writing classes offered through DuPage County. Martinez learned her lessons well as the township was awarded three grants for which she applied.
One was in the amount of $3,000 from the Kinder Morgan Foundation, which focuses on arts and education for children The funds were used for the school backpack program and Summer Tutoring Scholarships for eight children. “Without this grant, we would not have had money for the tutoring programs, which truly benefitted them,” explained Martinez.
Another grant was $25,000 from the Illinois Treasurer’s office through the Illinois Charitable Trust Foundation, which will go toward the walk-in refrigerator/freezer. “This will make it possible for us to receive donations of fresh produce, meat and dairy products,” she said.
The third grant was in the amount of $335,000 from the DuPage County Community Development Grant of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, managed through the County. This is for the 2,433 square-foot expansion of the Township Food Pantry. Annually the food pantry distributes perishable and non-perishable food to more than 8,000 residents of Bartlett, Carol Stream, Hanover Park, St. Charles, Wayne and West Chicago. “We have outgrown our area and this will double our capacity.” The storage and distribution area will be larger, allowing the pantry to have food products that are low-sodium, low sugar and gluten-free. “With the expansion, we also hope to have some nutrition and light exercise classes.” The expansion will also include a Clothes Closet for free distribution of gently used clothing, shoes, and household items.
For plans to continue on the right track, the Township Pantry and Senior Services needs to raise $211,000 is to meet the total cost of the project. The Township is in the midst of a Capital Campaign to raise the funds. Persons wanting to make a donation should make their check payable to Wayne Township Pantry and Senior Services, NFP 27W031 North Avenue, West Chicago, IL 60185 or donate via PayPal at www.waynetwp-il.org. For additional information, call Joan Mruk at (630) 231-7173 for additional information.
AROUND AND ABOUT
Now through Thursday, October 4, 2018, the West Chicago Public Library District offers Fine Forgiveness tokens, During this time, persons who attend a program receive a token, which is valued at 25 cents and can be used to pay down library loans. The tokens are valid through October 5, 2019.
There is a public hearing for the tentative budget of West Chicago Elementary School District 33 at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, September 6, 2018 in the District Administrative building, 312 East Forest Street.
WeGo Drama at West Chicago Community High School presents “Love/Sick” by John Cariani. Performances are at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, September 5, 7 and 8, 2018, in Weyrauch Auditorium,, 326 Joliet Street. The play contains moments of mature content and is recommended for people age 14 and over. The ticket price is $8, $5 for students.Tickets are available at wegotheatre.com or at the door.
Cast and crew members are Philip Calabrese, Abby Carr, Maggie Hancock, Samuel Incrocci, Gerardo Avila, Grecia Bahena, Nathan Bradley, Christina Champagne, Emily Carroso, Ryan Castiglia, Delaney Flynn, Alexia Gountanis and Megan Kordik.
Others are Josie Kotke, Noemi Lara, Garett Martin, Evy McLean, Audrey Miller, Rudy Muñoz, Justin Blackburn, Mikail Herrera, Leo Johnson, Liz Ryan, Neve Ryan and Cassi Villa. Mark Begovich is the director.Scenic design is by Chris Jensen. Hair and make-up is by Jamie Elza.
The production is a collection of nine slightly twisted and completely hilarious short plays, exploring the pain and the joy that comes with being in love.From the initial meeting, through romance and marriage, and the struggles of real relationships “Love/Sick” is an exploration of the human responses to love. (www.merleburl.com)
With the approach of Homecoming 2018 at West Chicago Community High School, there is a full schedule of events starting Friday, September 7, through Saturday, September 15. The theme is “WeGo Around the World” with each class incorporating geographic themes. Senior class is Europe; junior class is Latin America; sophomore class is Asia; and freshman class is North America. Staff is Oceania and Antartica.
To add a festive look at the school, members of classes and clubs decorate the windows and walls after school Friday and decorate floats from 1:00 to 10:00 p.m. Many of week’s activities and events involve the theme. To bring forth the take off revolving around Early Morning Flight, the dress for Monday is pajamas. The Dodgeball Tourney, presented by Business Professionals of America, is at 7:00 p.m. in Bishop Gym. Tuesday the dress is tourist attire. Wednesday is Stuffed Animal Day, based on the class region. The movie “BlackPanther,” is at 7:00 p.m. in Memorial Stadium. The Dress for Thursday is based on the World Cup. I will highlight the remaining homecoming activities in next week’s column.
“Creative Transformation: Unlock Your Dreams” is the exhibit at Gallery 200, 103 West Washington Street, during the month of September. It features the artwork of Starla Snead. The artist’s reception is from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Friday, September 7, 2018. Her husband Thomas provides the musical entertainment, playing the lap dulcimer.
As a way to transition into her role as a stay-at-home mom, Snead began studying calligraphy in 2003. She became a professional engraver in 2011 and a Certified Zentangle Teacher in 2013. Her company, Designs by Starla, creates unique and creative gifts through calligraphy, engraving and design. Her ink and engraved creations span a broad variety of mediums including glass, fabric, stone, wood and paper. (www.merleburl.com)
West Chicago once again is participating in the Move with the Mayor Challenge, an initiative of the National Forum for Heart Disease & Stroke Prevention, in the month of September. The City of West Chicago and Healthy West Chicago are in partnership for this event .The community walks are planned for four Saturdays.The second walk is Saturday, September 8, at Currier School, 800 Gary’s Mill Road.Also participating in this walk are staff, students and families from Gary School.There are raffle prizes of children’s activity games and games such as hula hoops, balls, and jump ropes. Due to the weather Saturday, September 1, the walk was cancelled.
West Chicago artist/resident Kathy Steere is teaching “Begin to Draw Nature” classes at Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53 in Lisle. The four sessions are from 9:00 a.m. to noon Saturdays, beginning September 8 and ending September 29, 2018. The cost is $138 for members, $162 for non-members. To enroll, call 630 719-2468, online at http://www.mortonarb.org/courses/begin-draw-nature or in person. The course is designed for true beginners and includes everything from how to hold a pencil to what kind of paper to use. She also is teaching a Colored Pencil Workshop for Beginners, which is offered the second Tuesday evening of September, October, and November at the Bloomingdale Park District, 172 South Circle Avenue. The first one is September 11.
West Chicago Historical Society hosts its Annual Ice Cream Social and Silent Auction from noon to 3:00 p.m. Saturday, September 8, 2018, on the lawn at the Kruse House Museum, 527 Main Street. The $5 ticket price includes beverage, ice cream, pie or cake and a chance for a door prize. There is a cakewalk. Among the silent auction items are gift certificates to local area restaurants and businesses, books, artwork, jewelry, sports memorabilia and collectibles.
The KHM is open for tours highlighting the 2018 summer exhibit, “A Tip of the Hat.” The gardens, restored and maintained by the West Chicago Garden Club, and the towering trees provide the perfect backdrop for an afternoon of socializing. Tickets are available from Society board members or at the door. Parking is available at City Hall, 475 Main Street.For further information, call Donna Orlandini at (630) 231-2671 or Joan Conkright at (630) 231-2329. (www.merleburl.com)
West Chicago Community High School Cheerleaders hold a fundraiser Car Wash at 10:00 a.m. sunday, August 9, 2018, at Jewel-Osco, 177 East Roosevelt Road.
West Chicago Citizen Corps offers a free eight-week Community Emergency Response Team training course at the Regional Firefighting Training Academy of the West Chicago Fire Protection District, 320 Kress Road. Classes take place from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesdays, starting September 12, 2018. Participants must be at least 18 years old and live or work in West Chicago or the WCFPD. To enroll send name, address and contact telephone number to West Chicago Police Detective Robbi Peterson atrpeterson@westchicago.org.
CERT training provides basic training in disaster preparedness, which increases the ability of citizens to survive until responders or other assistance arrives. Topics covered include weather safety, fire and life safety, medical, light search and rescue, CERT organization, psychology and terrorism. Participants also are trained CPR and AED use.
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. “Attaching Photos to Emails or Text” class is at 4:00 p.m. Monday, September 10, 2018.
The West Chicago Park District monthly senior social is at noon, Thursday, September 13, 2018, at the ARC, 201 West National Street. It is the Annual Lasagna Cookoff where park district president Frank Lenertz takes on Commissioners and/or staff. Guests bring a dish to pass and a complete place setting. There is no charge but reservations are required by Friday, September 7, and may be made in person at the ARC or online at www.we-goparks.com.
Mexican Cultural Center-DuPage hosts the Sixth Annual Miss Mexican Heritage Scholarship Pageant Friday, September 14, 2018, at the DuPage County Fairgrounds, 2015 Manchester Road in Wheaton.The format is different this year. It includes the pageant and a Community Awards program. The ticket price is $50 at the door. For further information or for tickets, visit the website http://mccdupage.org or email Mexican Cultural Center DuPage at mccdupage@gmail.com.
Doors open at 6:00 p.m., pageant ceremony at 6:30 p.m., dinner served at 7::00 p.m., presentation at 8:00 p.m., and entertainment at 9:00 p.m. The program celebrates Mexican history and culture as contestants tell about their selected Mexican States through speeches, costumes, and performances during the event.
Contestants and their chosen states are Andrea Torres representing San Luis Potosi, Lizbeth Acevedo representing Zacatecas, Bianca Guzman representing Guanajuato, Clarisa Bueno representing Durango and Rocio Olvera representing Jalisco. Aztlan provides the musical entertainment.The program is in English. (www.merleburl.com)
Mexican Independence Day Celebration, organized by Mexican Cultural Center DuPage with funding from the City of West Chicago, takes place Saturday and Sunday, September 15, and 16, 2018, in the historic downtown district. The festive occasion recognizes Mexico’s freedom from Spain. Saturday activities focus on the Inaugural event, Midwestern School Mariachi Festival, bringing administrators, teachers, students and family in Illinois to recognize and celebrate the teaching of mariachi music in schools. Sunday activities include the parade, the ceremony highlighting “El Grito de La Independencia,” entertainment and the release of the 13-foot burro piñata. (www.merleburl.com)
As part of Chicago-based artist Shannon Downey, aka “Badass Cross Stitch,” project HERstory, a display of West Chicago area women’s stitching is on display in September at Gallery 200, 103 West Washington Street. These stitchings were done during local stitch-up events at Kindred Coffee, West Chicago City Museum and Gallery 200. Through WeGo Herstory, participants told their story through the design on the fabric, creating fabric art pieces to contribute to a large-scale global project. HERstory, a global craftvism, (craft+activism) project, is meant to capture and share the stories of women, female identified and gender no-binary humans through fiber art.
Both of the West Chicago veterans’ organizations hold Bingo as a fundraiser on a weekly basis. The games at American Legion Post 300, 123 Main Street, are on Fridays. Doors open at 5:00 p.m., games start at 7:00 p.m. Games at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6791, 431 North Neltnor Boulevard, are on Wednesdays. Doors open at 5:00 p.m.;games start at 7:00 p.m. The Auxiliary games are Sundays. Doors open at noon, games start at 2:00 p.m.
The City of West Chicago has several openings on its commissions. There is one opening and one ex-officio opening on the Cultural Arts Commission, one opening on the Environmental Commission and one ex-officio opening on the Planning Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals. The appointments are named by the mayor and consented to by City Council. The typical positions are reserved for residents of the City, with appointments based on experience and interest. Those interested can find the application form under Residents/forms and applications and email to the Deputy City Clerk Valeria Lopez, vlopez@westchicago.org. For further information, call Lopez at (630) 293-2200, extension 170.
The Cultural Arts Commission meets at 7:00 p.m. the first Thursday of the month. The duties include enriching the lives of residents through the support of cultural arts activities, sponsoring art shows, special events and workshops and maintaining local artist network.
The Environmental Commission meets at 7:00 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month and advises City Council on environmental issues on a case-by-case basis.
The duties of this committee include holding public hearings on application for zoning map amendments and planned unit developments, holding public hearings on applications for proposed zoning variations, text amendments to the Zoning Ordinance and proposed special uses, holding public meetings on proposed subdivision and resubdivision plats, and making recommendations and writing advisory reports.
Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Kenneth Kaelin, who at the age of 63 passed away Friday, August 24, 2018.
Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Crispin Romero, who at the age of 89 passed away, Monday, August 27, 2018.
Prairie Landing Golf Club has a new fleet of high-tech golf carts, 76 YamaTrack cars. The carts contain a free app that helps golfers hone their game. The model allows the club to protect eco-sensitive by setting geofence zones that control speed and golf car location on the course. Another feature is a built-in tracking component which enables the staff to more efficiently schedule, stage and stagger golfers on busy days. Also golfers can order food from the golf cart and pick it up when making the turn from the front nine to the back nine.
Julie and Ruben Pineda celebrated their 30th Wedding Anniversary Wednesday, August 29, 2018.
Bud Schramer celebrated his 101st birthday Monday, August 30, 2018.
Alicia and Mark Carriveau celebrated their 30th Wedding Anniversary Monday, September 3, 2018.
In the 2018-19 Best Hospital rankings of U.S. News & World Report, Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital was ranked Number 6 in Chicago Metro and Number 7 in Illinois. Its Orthopedics program earned a national ranking, placing 32nd on the Best Hospitals in American specialty ranking for orthopedics. In addition to its orthopedic rating CDH was recognized as high performing in diabetes and endocrinology, gastroenterology and GI surgery, and neurology and neurosurgery.
During the summer, improvements were made at various school buildings. Gary School has a new and improved parking lot that makes student drop off/pick up safe for students. There is a new innovation Center at Turner School, which was the pilot school for this update. Plans are for this to be done at the other district elementary schools. Bathrooms were updated at Gary, Indian Knoll, Pioneer and Wegner schools. (www.merleburl.com)
On Pointe Dance Studio, 956 North Neltnor Boulevard, suite 410, hosted a Ribbon Cutting, organized by Western DuPage Chamber of Commerce, Wednesday, August 22, 2018. The owner /Instructor is Stephanie Michalowski. Her mother, Theresa Powers, assists in the Administrative part of the business. There are five instructors, who assist teaching both adult and children’s classes. Guests attending the event included Mayor Ruben Pineda, City Clerk Nancy Smith and Congressman Peter Roskam, (R-IL 6th District). Talking of the importance or entrepreneurs to the economy, Rep. Roskam presented Michalowski with a Certificate of Entrepreneurship
Michalowski has studied many styles of dance, which include ballet, jazz, tap, modern, lyrical and contemporary. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Dance Education at Illinois State University, was a member of the Illinois State Dance Theater and taught at dance studios around the area. (www.merleburl.com)
At the Friday, August 31, 2018 games. West Chicago Community High School lost to West Aurora high School. 57-0; Wheaton Academy won the game against St. Edward High School, 38-0.
My email address is merleburl@earthlink.net.
