MERLE’S CORNER
Starting next week, I will really know what day of the week it is.During the holidays, I am having to check the calendar. Wishing all a Great and Happy New Year!
AROUND AND ABOUT
- The West Chicago Park District monthly social gathering for senior citizens is at noon Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, at the ARC, 201 W. National Street. The theme is Luau with island-inspired fun, music and activities.The charge is $10. Reservation deadline is noon Friday, Jan.3, and may be made at https://www.we-goparks.org/special-events.
- The City of West Chicago free recycling for the holiday lights and extension cords ends Friday, January 17, 2025. The offer is open to residents, businesses, clubs, churches and organizations. Drop-off locations are City Hall, 475 Main St.;New Hope United Methodist Church, by east exterior door at 643 E. Washington St.; Murphy Ace Hardware, 319 S. Neltnor Blvd; Water Treatment Plant, 1400 W. Hawthorne Lane; West Chicago Public Library, 118 W. Washington St.; the ARC Center, 201 W. National St.; and Jewel-Osco, 177 E. Roosevelt Road.Coordinating the the program are the West Chicago Environmental Commission, the City of West Chicago, SCARCE and Groot Industries.
SUPPORT OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES
- We Grow Dreams Greenhouse & Garden Center, 1005 W. Washington St. reopens at 9 a.m.Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. Winter hours are from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and closed Sunday and Monday.
REMEMBRANCES
- Sincere sympathy is extended to the family Phillip Parker, who passed away Wednesday, Dec.11, 2024.
- Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Lorna J. Cisarik, who at the age of 69, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024.
- Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Susan A. Andrews (Hickey), who at the age of 90 passed away Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024.
SCHOOLS
- Milly Mora-Zarco and Nick Riconosciuto, juniors at West Chicago Community High School, are participants in the All-State Choir Festival Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025 in the Peoria Civic Center. They represent the Bass 1 vocalists at WCCHS. Zarco and Riconosciuto were selected through a rigorous audition process that recognizes the top high school vocalists across the state. com
- Receiving Certificates of Recognition for their participation in a particular sport were Ali Nasib and Judah McLean.
For the past four years, Nasib worked to help take the football program to new heights. During his junior season, he was named as an Honorable Mention All-Conference player in the Upstate Eight. This past year, Nasib served as captain of the football team that finished their regular season with a record of 6 wins and 3 losses and qualified for the Illinois High School Association football playoffs for the second year in a row. At the conclusion of the football season ,the Upstate Eight Conference named him All-Conference and Lineman of The Year. Also the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association name him Honorable Mention All-State.
The 2024 Cross Country season was one for the record books for Judah McLean.Within the Upstate Eight Conference, McLean. was named an All-Conference Medalist for the past two years for his performances at the Conference Cross Country meet. Additionally, this year marked the second year in a row that McLean qualified for the IHSA State Cross Country Championships. At the 2024 IHSA State Championship, he set a new personal best time in the three-mile race of 14 minutes and 55.50 seconds. His time placed him 57th overall out of 236 participants. merleburl.com
- Winners of D33 Pride Awards in the first trimester were honored at the board meeting of West Chicago Elementary School District 33. Annabelle Gonzales is the secretary at Indian Knoll School and is the recipient in the Classified Staff category. Cathy Park, Director of Assessment & Accountability, said, "She is always ready to assist with building procedures and maintain smooth operations in the absence of the principal and AP. Annabelle's caring and enthusiastic nature shines through as she greets visitors with warmth, helps students feel special, and ensures their needs are met, whether it's getting lunch or offering a treat. Her dedication to the school is evident in her pride in her work, her ability to provide support to staff, students, and families, and her welcoming demeanor, making everyone feel valued at IK."
Alex A. Is the recipient in the Student category. Jillian Cooper, teacher at Gary School, said, "Alex demonstrates positive leadership through his ability to collaborate with others while maintaining focus on his learning. His humor and engagement make him a role model for his classmates, and he has shown significant growth in channeling his energy positively at school. He also exemplifies kindness and enthusiasm by eagerly helping others, whether staff or students and taking the initiative to keep his environment organized. Alex's dedication to learning is evident in his love for challenges; he actively seeks out difficult tasks and advocates for himself when he needs more. He consistently works hard in his enrichment groups in English, Spanish, and math.”
Lauren Kroscher, teacher at Leman Middle School is the recipient of the Rookie Award for Certified Staff. LMS teacher Joseph Ruddy said, “Lauren has made a significant positive impact in her first two years as an ELA teacher at Leman Middle School. As a team leader, she consistently works to meet state and District 33 standards, sharing resources and supporting her team with lesson planning and data collection. Her classroom is filled with helpful guides, and she is always ready to assist colleagues.”
Julie Pavon, a social worker at Turner School, is the recipient of the Certified Staff Award. Patrick Jecmen, Senior Behavior Support Advisor, said, "Julie is a key leader on her school's Student Services Team, taking the initiative in data-driven decision-making and actively volunteering her time to support students. She centers student experiences on problem-solving and is an invaluable asset to the D#33 team. Julie's kindness, humility, and belief in the best of others help her build strong relationships with staff and students. Despite being an already exceptional clinician, she is always eager to learn and grow. Julie works tirelessly with students who have the highest needs, showing compassion and determination while engaging in difficult conversations to ensure effective student intervention.” merleburl.com
Vicki Hartwig, Behavior Specialist, and Patrick Jecmen, Senior Behavior Support Advisor, are the recipients in the Team Category. Mark Truckenbrod, Wegner School Interim Principal, said, "Vicki Hartwig and Patrick Jecmen played a crucial role in guiding staff through a challenging and unpredictable journey at Wegner School. As the team navigated new strategies and safety protocols, they provided calm leadership and unwavering support. They worked alongside staff, modeling strategies, creating visuals, assisting students in moments of dysregulation, and consulting with parents and staff. Their dedication inspired confidence and helped the team develop new skills.” merleburl.com
- Gary School Choir performed at a local nursing home. Their musical voices gave joy to the guests at the home. com
- For the second consecutive year, students at Gary School participated in the International Friendship Project. Theycoordinating this initiative, which involved the 11 countries of Spain, Poland, Slovakia, Czechia, Greece, Cyprus, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Belgium, and Italy. Activities included exchanging Christmas cards, letters and posters, fostering the experience of cultural understanding and global awareness. com
- In the boys basketball games Thursday, Dec. 18, 2024, wWheaton Academy lost to Benet Academy with a score of 39-64. In the boys basketball games Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, Bartlett High School won over South Elgin High School with a score of 40-36, West Chicago Community High School lost to Fenton High School with a score of 43-45-overtime, and St. Charles East High School won over St. Charles North High School with a score of 67-41. In the girls basketball games Friday, Dec. 20, St Charles East High School won one St. Charles North High School with a score of 52-46. In the girls basket ball games Saturday, Dec. 21, St. Charles East High School won over Nequa Valley High School with a score of 49-28, West Chicago Community High School won over Naperville North high School with a score of 59-55, and Wheaton Academy won over Timothy Christian School with a score of 43-41.In the Boys Basketball game Monday, Dec. 23, at the Elgin Holiday Tournament West Chicago Community High School won over Schaumburg Christian School with a score of 47-37.In the Jacobs Hinkle Holiday Classic, Bartlett High School won over Grant High School with a score of 67-44.
CHURCHES
- Mary’s Catholic Church, 140 N. Oakwood Ave., New Year’s Days services are 9 a.m. in English, 10:30 Latin, 12:30 p.m. in Spanish and 6:30 p.m. in Spanish.
CLUB/ORGANIZATION NEWS
- Taco Tuesday resumes Jan. 7, 2025, at American Legion Post 300. Hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- The exhibit at Gallery 200, for the month of January is “creARTive Super Sale.” The artwork of 12 artists is on sale at super prices. Participating artists are Maria Ananieva, Lynda Brown, Nadine Buck, Patty Donahue, Emilia Hajduczenia, Margie Hall, Dan Hoalt, Shari Hohl, Kathi Kuchler, Britta Renwick, Starla Snead and Marita Valdizan. Hours at Gallery 200, 103 W. Washington St., are from 2 to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday,
- 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.
COMMUNITY MEMBERS HIGHLIGHTS
- Saturday, Dec. 28, Marita Valdizan, member of Gallery 200, was one of the honored participants in the Expo Parade of Woven Jewelry in Punto Peruano 2024 from the Escuela de Joyeria Tepid Peru. Valdizan said, “I appreciate the opportunity to share and exhibit and offer my woven art, as well as my art pieces for clothing and decorating, which will be specially modeled at the event.” Also there is a recognition ceremony for outstanding entrepreneurs who inspire with their leadership and contribution;Valdizan is among the honorees. The event benefits the children of Cotarma, Apurimac. Valdizan said, “I am glad to contribute to a cause close to my heart, helping the children and elderly in Abancay.” com
CITY OF WEST CHICAGO
- Site preparation and demolition of several downtown properties started on Monday, Dec. 23, 2024. The properties are located at 126 Wood St., 447 Main St., 302 High St., and 314 High St.. The demolition process is expected to take several weeks, weather permitting. In October, the City Council approved the contract for this work to Anthem Excavation and Demolition, Inc. to carry out the work on these properties.
During the demolition there will be disruptions.Traffic patterns along Main Street and High Street may be altered having an impact on traffic and local residents. The City will provide future updates regarding any expected traffic changes. Additionally, residents living near the demolition sites can anticipate construction-related activity, including increased noise, particularly during the early stages of the project.
This demolition project is a key part of the City’s ongoing commitment to downtown revitalization and long-term economic growth. The City most recently acquired 126 Wood Street after the previous owner failed to maintain the buildings, which had deteriorated to the point of being unsafe and beyond repair. merleburl.com
- Free Christmas tree pick up collection dates are from Monday, January 6, through Friday, January 17, 2025, on regular scheduled garbage pick up days. Trees need to be free of lights, garland, tinsel and other decorations. Trees haul not be placed in containers or plastic bags.
- To evaluate the demand for later hours at the lobbies in West Chicago City Hall, 475 Main St., and Police Department, 325 Spencer St. will be open Wednesdays in January 2025. Starting Wednesday, Jan, 8, both will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m
- At the Monday, Dec.16, 2024, meeting, City Council approved the appointment of Lawrence Kotke to the Building Board of Appeals for a term ending April 2028. The Item Summary states, “The new appointment would fill the vacancy of the Fire Sprinkler design professional position.”
Also approved was a resolution to execute a third amendment to the Retail Grant Program Agreement in an amount not to exceed $10,000 for the build-out of Raised Bakery & Cafe at 124 Main St. The Item Summary states, “The business has received the Certificate of Occupancy but has not yet passed the Health Department inspection required to open. Pursuant to the terms in the Agreement, the Grantee is requesting an amendment to accommodate the opening of the bakery by December 31, 2024.”
WEST CHICAGO FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
- West Chicago Fire Protection District hosts a retirement, promotion and probation completion event at 3 p.m. Friday, January 10, 2025, in District headquarters, 200 Fremont St. Fire Chief Patrick Tanner retires after 40 years of service. Deputy Chief Jeffrey Keefe is promoted to the rank of the new Fire Chief. Firefighter/paramedic Jacob Rainey completed his probation period. com
My email address is merleburl@earthlink.net.