Snow definitely was a big part of our lives this last week. In fact, it was recorded as tying the record for nine consecutive days of measureless snowfall, February 3 through February 11, 2018. The other years were 1902 and 2009. The Thursday into Friday storm created a winter wonderland scene; one enjoyed by many, except those who were driving and working. The mail and newspapers were delivered. Garbage pick-up was delayed by a day. However, what I truly enjoyed was seeing children playing outside. Families truly were enjoying the excitement of sledding. It reminded me of the days when my children were young and they and the neighbor children headed toward their favorite sledding hill. I even saw some snow angels. I was tempted, buts doubtful about rising up to a standing position.
One consistent remark was how well plowed our streets were during the storms. Naturally, my inquisitive mind wanted to know what this involved. Tim Wilcox, Assistant Director of Public Works responded to my question.
He said, “The City has approximately 100 lane miles of roadway plus alleys, City parking lots, the METRA parking lots, rental properties, and downtown sidewalks to maintain during snow events. Starting Thursday, February 8, at approximately 9:00 p.m. through approximately 7:00 a.m. Monday, February 12, Public Works had approximately 32 employees, plus management staff, working approximately 12 hour shifts to clear snow from the City’s roadway, cul-de-sacs, properties, parking lots, and sidewalks.” Participating in the snow removal operations were Public Works employees from the City’s Street Division, Utility Division, Facilities Management Division and Fleet Maintenance Division. During this time period, “approximately 520 tons of rock salt was used. Nearly every available snow plow truck and equipment was utilized at some point.”
“Crews from our Street and Facilities Maintenance Divisions typically handle the snow and ice control during ‘normal’ snow events; including two Superintendents there are typically 17 individuals involved. A ‘normal’ snow event is one which typically lasts less than 12 hours. During extended snowfall events, two or more days as was the case this past Friday and weekend, up to an additional 20 Public Works employees from the Utility, Fleet Maintenance, and Water Treatment Plant Divisions may be utilized. ”
“The City maintains 12 large snow plow trucks, 10 small snow plow trucks, such as, 1-ton and pickup trucks, and approximately eight miscellaneous pieces of snow removal equipment such as wheel loaders, bobcats, and snow blowers. The City is divided into nine snow routes with each route being cleared with at least one large snow plow truck. Smaller trucks are used to assist the large trucks, plow alleys, parking lots and cul-de-sacs.”
Wilson added, “Crews have been called out 26 times so far this season.”
Again Kudos to all who were involved in keeping our streets well plowed, something for which West Chicago’s known.
AROUND AND ABOUT
West Chicago Public Library District hosts a Living History program, “The Tales of Abraham Lincoln,” at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, February 15, 2018. in the meeting room, 118 West Washington Street. To make reservations, call the adult services department at (630) 231-1552, extension 4. Portraying Lincoln, Kevin Hall reenacts many of the momentous parts of Lincoln’s life and personal history, sharing favorite anecdotes and stories. (www.merleburl.com)
During the Lenten season, St. Mary’s Church, 140 North Oakwood Lane, has Expositions of the Blessed Sacrament from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. followed by bilingual meditation of the Stations of the Cross Fridays. Afterwards soup is served in the basement.
In partnership with Cantigny Park, the League of Women voters of Wheaton hosts a “Drinks and Discussion” event at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, February 15, 2018, in the McCormick House at Cantigny, 1S151 Winfield Road in Wheaton. Attendees socialize and discuss the topic for the evening, “What to know about the issues facing Illinois before you cast your ballot.” There is a cash bar. Registration is required for the free program. To register visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WQ9SFC5..
The guest speaker is Kerry Lester, an award-winning journalist and author. She is a former Associated Press bureau chief at the state Capitol in Springfield, plus has worked as a political editor and columnist for the “Daily Herald” and as a staff writer for the “Chicago Catholic.” Inspired to pursue a journalism career after graduating from Villanova University, Kerry earned a graduate’s degree at the Queen’s University of Belfast, Northern Ireland, where she reported on the Troubles as an intern at one of the city’s two dailies, the Irish News. Named repeatedly as one of the Best State Capitol Reporters in America by the Washington Post, and as one of Chicago’s most powerful women in journalism by Robert Feder in 2017, she is proudest of a four-year series on a 2008 knife attack by a suburban Chicago student on a teacher. That series examining school safety standards prompted a 2012 change in Illinois law.
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. (www.merleburl.com)
The negotiating teams of Community High School District 94 Board of Education and West Chicago High School Teachers’ Association met for more than four hours Monday evening, February, 12, 2018. They did not reach a contract agreement, but, trying to avoid a strike, will meet again Thursday, February 15, 2018.
Community Mariachi Night is a 6:00 p.m. Friday, February 16, 2018, in the band room at Leman Middle School, 238 East Hazel Street. Parents and community members, who play violin, trumpet, guitar, vihuela or guitarron join members of Mariachi los Rayos de Leman Middle School. Persons who do not play an instrument can join in the singing at 7:00 p.m.
West Chicago Police Detective Robbi Peterson is a participant in the 2018 Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge Friday and Saturday, February 16 and 17. He has committed to “be bold and cold” for 24 hours taking a plunge every hour into Lake Michigan. Funds raised benefit Special Olympics Illinois. Peterson has set a personal fundraising goal of $5,000. To help him meet this goal, persons can make donations at https://soill.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donordrive.participant&participantID=34293. Donations also can be made by check made payable to SOIL. In order for him to receive credit for donations, put the name Robbi Peterson in the memo portion of the check. Persons can either drop off the check or mail it to West Chicago Police Department, 325 Spencer Street, West Chicago, IL 60185. To date, he has raised $2,555, 51 percent of his goal.
Even with the snowy winter weather, people can keep walking. Healthy West Chicago partners with the Mayor for indoor community walks. The next 30-minute walk takes place at 9:00 a.m. Sunday, February 18, 2018, in the field house at West Chicago Community High School, 326 Joliet Street, entrance C.
First United Methodist Church of West Chicago, 643 East Washington Street, hosts a Family Game Night from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Saturday, February 17. 2018. Guests bring a game and a snack to share. Types of games include board, card and group.
John & Tony’s Restaurant, 27W371 North Avenue, is the site for “Eat Out for Charity” event to benefit Wayne/Winfield Area Youth/Family Services. It takes place from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 20, 2018. Twenty percent of the pre-tax bill goes toward the organization. To obtain a copy of the coupon, call WAYS at (630) 231-7166.
Wayne/Winfield Area Youth/Family Services offers hour-long computer classes for senior citizens at Wayne Township, 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 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 20, 2018
The last day to register to vote or transfer a registration for the Tuesday, March 20, 2018, election at any location other than the DuPage County Election Commission’s office in Wheaton is Tuesday, February 20, 2018.
West Chicago Public Library District offers a two-hour computer class, “Microsoft Excel,” at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 20, 2018, in the small conference room, 118 West Washington Street. Persons must have basic computer skills. To make a reservation, call the adult services department at (630) 231-1552, extension 4. Attendees learn the basic tools of setting up spreadsheets, adding/deleting columns and rows, simple calculations and terminology.
Wayne/Winfield Area Youth/Family Services holds a one-hour seminar for senior citizens at Wayne Township, 27 W031 North Avenue. The charge is $5, which includes handouts and refreshments. Reservations are required and may be made by calling (630) 231-1776. “How Anxiety & Emotions Affect Health” is at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 21, 2018. The discussion focuses on how moods affect health and how to deal with it.
West Chicago Public Library District offers a two-hour Open Lab on Smartphones and Tablet, both Android and Apple devices, at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 21, 2018, in the small conference room, 118 West Washington Street. Persons need to charge their devices before the lab. To make a reservation, call the adults services department at (630) 231-1552.
Western DuPage Chamber of Commerce is planning a nine-day trip to China, which is open to members and non-members. The free informational meeting is at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, February 22, 2018, at the chamber office, 306 Main Street. The trip is scheduled from Saturday, September 22, 2018 through Sunday, September 30, 2018 with a cost of $2,399. This includes roundtrip international and Chinese domestic airfare, four and five-star hotel accommodations, three meals each day, deluxe bus tours and entrance fees for attractions. To make a reservation for the orientation meeting, call the chamber office at (630) 231-3003. (www.merleburl.com)
West Chicago Garden Club meeting is Thursday, February 22, 2018, at Faith Community Church, 910 Main Street. 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.
West Chicago Public Library District hosts “Movie Trivia Night” at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 28, 2018, in the main meeting room, 118 West Washington Street. Patrons compete for the title of Movie Trivia Champion. Librarian Austin Hall, asks questions that revolve around films, particularly Oscar winners. To make a reservation, call adult services department at (630) 231-1552, extension 4.
Educare West DuPage holds a fundraiser, “Fore the Kids” from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. Sunday, March 4, 2018, at TopGolf Naperville, 3211 Odyssey Court. The cost is $95 per person, $540 for groups of six, which includes three hours of tournament play, fresh and unique food and two hours of open bar. There also is a silent auction. Reservations are due by Sunday, February 18, and may be made online at educarewestdupage.org/celebrity.
West Chicago Community High School seeks nominations for the 2018 Distinguished Alumni Award. The purpose of the program is to recognize West Chicago Community High School graduates whose accomplishments serve as an inspiration for current students to dream and achieve.
Nomination deadline is Tuesday, May 1, 2018. The nominee must be a graduate of the high school for at least 10 years prior to the nomination, be distinguished by accomplishments in academics, the arts, athletics, business, community service, the environment, human rights, justice, medicine, research or science that reflect outstanding ability and dedication which contributes to the betterment of the community. Also the nominee must be available by telephone, email or in-person interview by the selection committee, willing to participate in the Distinguished Alumni Award Ceremony, willing to submit a photograph and available to interact with WCCHS students in a forum, seminar or assembly.
Past honorees are Kirk Johnson (Class of 1998) for Human Rights in 2008, Pam Kuhl Davis (Class of 1967) for Justice in 2009, Michael Lach (Class of 1986) for Education in 2010, Tom Marziani (Class of 1943) for Entrepreneurship in 2010, Butch Hansen (Class of 1955) for Education in 2011 and Scott Dierking (Class of 1973) for Athletics in 2011, Beth Barrett (Class of 1986) for Visual Arts in 2014, Ray Stejskal (Class of 1982) for Community Service and Chris Voelz, (Class of 1966) for Athletics.
To submit a nomination, visit www.d94.org/distinguishedalumni. For further information call Sherry Bowne at (630) 890-9716.
Blooming Fest is from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Saturday, May 19, 2018, in historic downtown. The event includes the West Chicago Garden Club’s plant sale, craft sale, car show, art exhibit, children’s activities, music and food. Vendor registration packets are available on the City’s website, www.westchicago.org. The deadline is Thursday, April 19, 2018.
Registration for the 2018 season of West Chicago Cheerleading Organization has started. This is for children entering first through eighth grade in August. For further information, visit https:// www.leaguelineup.com/welcome.asp?url=wegoyouthcheer.
Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Daisy Trujillo, who at the age of 29 passed away Monday, February 5, 2018.
Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Benjamin James Caskey, who at the age of 37 passed away Monday, February 5, 2018.
Ricky Gieser, a senior at West Chicago Community High School, is the Student of the Month for January. His selection recognizes his academic excellence, student involvement and leading by example.
He has been on High Honor Roll every semester and has a cumulative weighted Grade Point Average of 5.146. He is a member of the National Honor Society and the Spanish Foreign Language Honor Society. He currently is enrolled in three AP courses, Environmental Science, Chemistry and Spanish Language.
Gieser is president of WeGo Drama and the Film Club. He serves as a Student Ambassador, plus is a member of Concert Choir and partakes in Snowball. Outside of school, Gieser is involved in volunteer work. He delivers holiday gifts to families in need, collects and organizers food donation and volunteers for the Carol Stream Fourth of July parade. He also manages two bee hives. He works part time on the Tech Crew at WCCHS, working lights and sounds for non-drama events.
Upon graduation, Gieser plans to attend the University of Illinois Champagne-Urbana, majoring in Environmental Science with a focus on the conservation of native species.
The City’s Holiday Lights and Extension Cord Recycling program ended January 19, 2018. Collected this year were 622 pounds, an increase from last year. 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.
At the Monday, February 5, 2018, City Council meeting, Tony Pienschke and Nick Page, from TruGreen Corporate in West Chicago, presented a $2,500 check to Fil Guipoco from the American Heart Association. Guipoco said the funds would be used for programs in West Chicago.
For 60 years, First Congregational Church sponsored Boy Scout Troop 21. Now First United Methodist Church of West Chicago is the sponsor.
My email address is merleburl@earthlink.net.
