
MERLE’S CORNER
On Facebook, in the afternoon Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023, there was a query about the helicopter activity over Route 59. One person had the correct answer—the Clarke Company helicopter. Members of the West Chicago Mosquito Abatement District were flying to look over the area the district covers and see the “hot ”mosquito breeding sites. Although these are discussed at the meetings, it truly helps to see them. Members of the district board are Merle Burleigh, Rose Campos, Becky Stout and Don Voelz. Voelz went on the first flight, Burleigh and Campos went on the second flight. Stout was out of town.Clark E. Wood,Vice President Service Operations, arranged for the flight and made certain we were securely ensconced on the helicopter. Rose and I felt the most difficult part of the ride was getting on the helicopter. With our headphones, we could clearly hear our pilot, Justin, point out the different areas. All in all, it was an educational and fun flight.
As a side note, the DuPage Health Department confirmed the West Chicago West Nile virus fatality. There is another West Nile death in Addison. Wood said, “Beyond the two extra District-wide sprayings, we did a special spraying in the neighborhood around the West Chicago human case.”
AROUND AND ABOUT
- West Chicago Garden Club meeting is Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023, at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 N. Prince Crossing Road. Social time at 6:45 p.m., short business meeting at 7 p.m. and program at 7:15 p.m. The meeting is open to the public. Ken Benson presents “Sharpening Garden Tools.” He uses various sharpening stones and shows how to sharpen pruners, shovels and all other garden tools. Benson, a landscape architect with degrees in horticulture from the University of Illinois, discusses the myth that gardening tools come from the store sharp. He demonstrate how to use various sharpening stones to sharpen pruners, shovels, and all other gardening tools. Guests may bring a pair of hand pruners as Benson will try to sharpen as many pruners as possible, time permitting.
Benson was the host of cable TVs Landscaping with Ken Benson. He was a board member of the Chicago Flower and GardenShow and a founding board member of Midwest Ecological Landscapers Association. Benson is also a past member of the Men’s Garden Club of Villa Park and has been giving programs since 1972 to garden clubs throughout the area.
- The haunted hayride, haunted barn and trails open Friday, Sept 29 through Sunday, Oct. 29, 2023, at Sonny Acres Farm, 29W310 North Ave. Persons can purchase tickets for the hayride and barn in advance at https://sonnyacres.com/. Other activities during the Fall Fest include classic hayrides through the landscape, food from the outdoor grill, amusement park rides and selecting the perfect pumpkin to take home. For further information, call 630 231-3859.(https://merleburl.com)
- On the American Legion Post 300 menu for Friday, Oct. 29, 2023, is Chicken and Dumplings, served from 4 to 8 p.m. The cost is $15; pre-order is required by Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023. To order, call 630 231-2112. The Fish Fry also is the same evening. Post location is 123 Main St .https://merleburl.com)
- Winfield Township holds its annual Recycling Extravaganza from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, at the Township Road District Facility, 30W575 Roosevelt Road. Included again is the collection of non-perishable food items for Neighborhood Food Pantries located in West Chicago. There is a $15 cash or credit card cost per car for electronic devices. Included among electronic items are computers, televisions, telephones and keyboards. Recycling for old latex paint is by Epaint Recycling Service, who accepts cash or credit card. The charges for latex paints are $1 for a one-quart can, $4 for a one-gallon can and $10 for a five gallon pail. Glad Can Recycling provides for the disposal of spray paint at the cost of $1 per can. PROSHRED Security provides on-site shredding of confidential paper documents. There is a limit of four banker boxes. DuPage County provided partial funding for this service. Among the acceptable miscellaneous items are cell phones, old flags, eye glasses, fire extinguishers, office furniture, clothing and musical instruments. Scrap metal items include gutters, metal hangers, metal lawn furniture, metal shelving, metal wheelbarrows and radiators. Items not accepted include hazardous waste, explosives, items containing mercury, air conditioners, batteries, dehumidifiers, fluorescent bulbs, motor oil, refrigerators, tires and smoke detectors. (https://merleburl.com)
- The West Chicago PublicFamily program, “100 Years of Magic ,” is at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023, in the main meeting room, 118 W. Washington St. It is a celebration of 100 years of Disney magic.
- Monthly brush pick up begins Monday, Oct. 2, 2023.
- Due to the rain Tuesday, Sept. 26, the Healthy West Chicago Yoga in the Park is rescheduled to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023. It takes place in the Shell at Reed-Keppler Park, 832 Arbor Ave. It is the last 45-minute class this year. Participants need to bring a mat or blanket.
- West Chicago Public Library offers a Microsoft Excel computer class at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023, in the conference room, 118 W. Washington St. Topics covered include layout and basic functions; entering and editing data; using multiple spreadsheets in the same workbook; formatting and sorting data; writing and understanding formulas. To register, visit https://wcpld.info/, under calendar.
- Fandomers, the new West Chicago Public Library event open to teens and adults catering to the interests of those involved in “fandom culture,” is at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023, in the main meeting room, 118 W. Washington St. This month the screening is the 2019 animated film “Scooby Doo.” Other activities include music, crafts, games and snacks. To make a reservation, visit https://wcpld.info/, under calendar.
- “Fall in Love with Art” is the 2023 Artober Fest exhibit in Gallery 200, 103 W. Washington St., for the month of October. The eleven artists participating are Margaret Bucholz, Marge Hall, Blue Kubica, Kathi Kuchler, Sharon Malec, Clem Ondracek, Laurie Piper, Britta Renwick, Elisa Rijos, Starla Sneak and Sue Tripp.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. 23 https://merleburl.com)
- West Chicago City Museum hosts its 33rd Annual Tales Tombstones Tell cemetery walk Friday, Oct. 6, 2023, at Oakwood Cemetery, Oakwood Avenue and York Street. Tours leave from the cemetery entrance at Garden Street starting at 6:30pm 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. There is no charge; donations are welcome. For more information call the Museum at 630 231-3376 or email museum@westchicago.org
The walk celebrates the 150th Anniversary of the incorporation of West Chicago as the Town of Turner in 1873. In 1986, it was incorporated as the Village of West Chicago. The interpreters tell the story of those who lived through the historic early years of the community. These include John B. Turner, the man who created the railroad junction that would become West Chicago; Salome Wurtz whose husband ran the successful Turner Co-operative Creamer; Charles Clark who presented the petition for the incorporation of the Village of Turner in 1873’ Nicholas Reuter , the child of German immigrant parents; Clara Haffey Church, the wife of the first President of the Village of Turner; Sutter Conley whose husband served on the board of the Oakwood Cemetery; and Adelaide Evenden who was in the first graduating class from Turner School in 1878.
- The First Division Museum at Cantigny Park presents its Date with History series program at 7 p.m.Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023, via Zoom or in person in the Visitors Center, 1S151 Winfield Road. Author David M. Chrisinger discusses his 2023 book, “The Soldier’s Truth: Ernie Pyle and the Story of World War II.” Registration is required. To register, visit org .Parking is complimentary for those attending in person.
At the height of his fame and influence during World War II, Ernie Pyle’s nationally syndicated dispatches from the front lines helped shape America’s understanding of what the war felt like to ordinary soldiers. Pyle had a genius for humanizing the soldiers he met overseas. Chrisinger brings Pyle’s journey to vivid life.
Chrisinger is executive director of the Public Policy Writing Workshop at the University of Chicago’s Harris School of Public Policy and the director of writing seminars for The War Horse, an award-winning not-for-profit newsroom dedicated to reporting on the human impact of military service. He is the author of several books.
- Neighborhood Food Pantries holds its annual Harvest Fest, “An Autumn Evening,” at 6:00 p.m. Saturday, October 7, 2023, in Medinah Banquets, 550 North Shriners in Addison. There are several entree choices. The evening includes an auction. The emcee is CBS-2 investigative reporter Dave Savini. The ticket price is $90. To order tickets, visit https://www.neighborhoodfp.org/harvestfest. For further information, call 630 632-7014. (https://merleburl.com)
- The West Chicago Park District monthly social gathering for senior citizens is at noon Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023, at the ARC, 201 W. National Street. The theme is “Fireman Fish Fry.” Members of Illinois Association of Fire fighters Local 3970 fry up the fish once again. There is no charge. Reservations deadline is Friday, Oct 6, and may be made at https://www.we-goparks.org/special-events. https://merleburl.com)
- West Chicago Park District hosts Paint & Sip, “Pumpkin Patch Fun.” at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023, in the ARC in Reed-Keppler Park, 201 W. National St. The cost is $42, which includes all supplies. To register, visit https://www.we-goparks.org/adult-programs. The instructor is from Pinot’s Palette. The event is geared for persons 14 and over. Painters over the age of 21 may bring their own bottle of wine.
- West Chicago Park District hosts its annual Boo Bash from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, in the ARC, 201 W. National Street. It is geared for children age 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.https://merleburl.com)
- The West Chicago Lions and Rotary Clubs Pancake Breakfast is from 8 a.m. to noon Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023, in the Commons at West Chicago Community High School, 326 Joliet St., Entrance H. The ticket price is $6, $5 for senior citizens, $4 for children ages 4 to 12, and free for children under the age of 3. Tickets are available at the door or may be purchased from club members, Republic Bank, FNBC Bank & Trust, The UPS Store, Manna Real Estate, Daniel and Associates Real Estate, Edgerton & Edgerton Attorneys, Extra Value Liquors and Murphy Ace Hardware. There are door prizes and a 60/40 Raffle.
- West Chicago Park District holds a Recreational Adult Bags Tournament from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023. The competition is against players from different skill levels across the DuPage and Kane County area. The fee is $40 for residents, $48 for non-residents and includes game-play, lunch and prizes for first, second and third place. Alcoholic beverages for purchase are available for persons age 21 and over. Players must form their own teams. Games are self-officiated. Registration deadline is Sunday, Oct. 15. To register, visit we-goparks.org/athletics.
SUPPORT OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES
- Hawthorne’s Backyard Bar & Grill, 1200 W. Hawthorne Lane, offers Painting & Potables at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023. The charge is $45 for the workshop of a Halloween Gnome Pallet and all supplies are included. A professional artist instructor gives the guiding steps Registration deadline is Monday ,Oct. 9, and may be made at https://www.hawthornesbackyard.com/upcoming-events. (https://merleburl.com)
- The Slice Spot, 960 E. Roosevelt Road, is now open daily. Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon to 7 p.m. Sunday.(https://merleburl.com
- Casa de Dios Sembrando en Tu Tierra opened its doors at 113 Turner Court, Unit 2. The business provides service, counseling, mentorship and Bible teaching.
- Krage Auto Center, 120 E Roosevelt Road, is under new ownership of Great Water 360 Auto Care. Terry Krage remains as Shop Manager.
- Moon Nutrition, an Herbalife Café, at 334 S Neltnor Blvd., Unit I, is under new ownership.
COVID-19
The DuPage County Health Department developed a dashboard to provide information on the total number of people, in DuPage County, who have tested positive for COVID-19. In addition, the dashboard includes a map which shows the distribution of reported cases by municipality and is updated at 4:00 p.m. daily. DuPage County's "COVID-19 Dashboard" is a one-stop-shop for all the information it offers including a town-by-town breakdown of cases. As of Monday, Sept. 25, 2023, there were 12,150 cases and 67 deaths; this is the number from the beginning of track recording.
REMEMBRANCES
- Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Joseph M. Steadman, who at the age of 79 passed away Monday, Sept. 18, 2023.
SCHOOLS
- Homecoming week is coming to the end. Friday,Sept.29, 2023, is the busiest day of the week. Students wear Blue and WhiteWeGo wear for dress day.School spirit abounds at the Pep Rally, when the Homecoming King and Queen are announced. Members of the Royal Court for Queen are Sophia Spinelli, Kylie Doyle, Clarissa Alvarez, Karen Huerta Garnica and Valerie Harris. Members for King are Michael Angeles, Sebastian Alvarez Soto, Fabio Piloni, Qssam Alwan and Brady Johnson. The Food Fest begins at noon.Members of student clubs sell hot dogs, hamburgers, tamales, walking tacos, beverages, snacks and desserts. The public is welcome to participate.
The Homecoming Parade kicks off at 12:45 p.m. from the west parking lot. Led by the West Chicago Police Department and West Chicago Fire Protection District, the parade goes south on Wood Street and turns east onto Ann Street, proceeds south on Joliet Street, turns east on Hazel Street, south on Bishop Street and west on Brown Street, then turns north on Joliet Street, ending at Memorial Stadium.
Parade participants include West Chicago Police Department, West Chicago Fire Protection District, Homecoming Court, Principal, Dr. Will Dwyer;, Marching Band, Teachers and Support Staff, Horticulture Club, Orchestra, Tennis, Boys’ and Girls’ Cross-country/track, InterAct Club, WeGo Global, Football, Student Council, OLAS, ROAR,,HOSA, Business Professionals of America, B Soccer, Art Club and Photo Club,Volleyball, Poms/Cheerleaders, WeGo Drama & Speech, and WeGo Buddies.
The Powder Puff Game with juniors competing against seniors is at 2:00 p.m. The Sophomore football game is at 5 p.m.The Hospitality Tent for alum and guests at the game opens at 5:30 p.m. followed by the Varsity Football game against Streamwood High School at 7 p.m. The band performs during halftime. The Wild Cat Booster Clubs sells a variety of foods including pizza, hamburgers, hot dogs and nachos. Spirit wear also is available. Homecoming dance is from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, in Bishop Gym
- The West Chicago Community High School Class of 1963 holds its 60th Class Reunion Friday and Saturday, Sept. 29 and 30.
- In the Friday, Sept. 22, 2023, foot ball games, West Chicago Community High School beat Elgin High School with a score of 28-6; Wheaton Academy beat St, Edward Central Catholic High School with a score of 48-0. WCCHS heads into the homecoming game with a 3-2 record. Last year it was a 1-8 record.
- Wheaton Academy Homecoming is from Monday, Oct. 2, through Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. Monday is color Day; students wear color of class. Tuesday is Career day; students wear future career attire. Wednesday is Advisor Day; advisory groups dress as a board or video game. 7 p.m. is the beginning of the service project at Sonny Acres Farm. I will have the rest of the week activities in the Oct. 4 column
- At its Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023 meeting, Community High School District 94 Board of Education approved the purchase of three Multi-functional School Activity Buses from Southern Bus & Mobility in Breese for the individual amount of $78,852and a total amount of $236,556 for all three. This includes selected options and delivery. The expected delivery date is July 2024.
- Wheaton Academy students Adrian Gear, Andrew Hancock and Daniel Titcomb are this year’s National Merit Semi-finalists. Less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors are selected as semi-finalists. (https://merleburl.com)
- The WeGo Boutique for Homecoming Dresses pop-up shop held Thursday and Friday, Sept. 14 and 15, 2023, was successful. More than70 students attended to choose either female or male formal wear and/or accessories for the homecoming dance Saturday, Oct. 30. This is the first year for the event; previous boutiques were for Prom. Members of the high school counseling department organize the event.
- Wheaton Academy Golf teams tee off well in the Chicagoland Christian Conference. Vivian Kutek, Megan Lindberg, Annie Claussen, and Eva Marquez earned All-Conference honors for their play at Monday Sept. 18, 2023, conference championship. Freddie Chan, Owen Coniaris, Henry Eldersveld, and Joe Luchtenburg were named to the Chicagoland Christian Conference All-Conference Team for the 2023 boys golf season. (https://merleburl.com)
- Rafael Herrera Mota, a senior at West Chicago Community High School, is the Student of the Month for August 2023. His selection is due to his academic and extracurricular excellence.
He has been on the Honor Roll every semester, earning a cumulative Grade Point Average of 5.052. Also he is a member of the National Honor Society.
Mota is on the Wildcats Baseball team and Ola. He is a Student Ambassador. Outside of school, he volunteers at local food pantries, plus works in landscaping, construction and moving.
Upon graduation, Mota plans to attend college, studying either architecture or electrical engineering. Also he would like to continue playing baseball. (https://merleburl.com)
CHURCHES
- The congregation of New Hope United Methodist Church, 643 E. Washington St., hosts an Open House from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. This is a means to celebrate and introduce he community to the church since.the merger of First United Church of West Chicago with Winfield Community United Methodist Church. In addition to refreshments there are beverages, games and take aways. Guests are asked to bring a non-perishable food item for Neighborhood Food Pantry or hats, scarves and/or mittens for area school children.
- Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 N. Prince Crossing Road, holds Blessing of the Animals at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023. All pets are welcome, who receive individual blessings at the outside service.
CLUB/ORGANIZATION NEWS
- Support Over Stigma is sending its next round of care packages to deployed troops. Persons wanting the free box sent can email Info@SupportOverStigma.org. Information needed is the name, APO/FPO/DPO address, and Male/Female. The cut off date is Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023. (https://merleburl.com)
- WeGo Together for Kids received a grant from the Illinois Latino Caucus allowing the organization to hire a very part-time Communications Manager, Andrea. She has been involved with not-for-profit organizations in West Chicago. Andrea said she loves volunteering at food distributions in which she has been involved for more than two years. https://merleburl.com)
- The College of DuPage presented the West Chicago Garden Club’s scholarship of $1,000 to Jennifer Suszek. Sheis working toward a career in Horticulture and will sit this fall for the certified arborist exam. Jennifer intends to maintain her 4.0 grade average and use her degree and
- knowledge to help communities and the environment.
COMMUNITY MEMBERS HIGHLIGHTS
- West Chicago resident Mike Day and Melissa Rafter were married Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023.
- Former West Chicago resident Karen Carlson received a promotion to Branch Owner with TransactCard.
- West Chicago resident Lori Chassee recently received the Master’s Degree from Lions Club University. The Master’s Program is intended to develop the skills for Lions to support Clubs as District leaders. This program is aimed at District Level leaders such as District Governors, Vice District Governors, Zone Chairs, District Committee Chairs, Certified Guiding Lions, and other leaders that are ready to foster quality clubs in their District. Chassee is the Council Chair of the Lions District Trustees. Lions University is offered by the USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forum. https://merleburl.com)
WEST CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT
- At a recent department meeting, West Chicago Police Chief Colin Fleury recognized several police officers for outstanding work in the last year.
Receiving a Police Commendation Award for his work on an Indecent Solicitation of a Minor case was Detective Dan Herbert. He worked on the case for four months, executing numerous search warrants and traveling to Tennessee to ensure the criminal was caught.
K9 Officer Justin Rigler, along with Mondo, received a Letter of Commendation for their help to the Bartlett Police Department. They helped locate and capture a Motor Vehicle theft suspect, who fled to West Chicago.
Receiving a Meritorious Conduct Award for his work on several motor vehicle theft cases was Gerardo Solis. Upon learning of the thefts, he checked cameras and patrolled parking lots, where he found the vehicles and identified the suspects. His actions helped other law enforcement agencies with investigations in their towns.
Community Service Officer Megan Sollis received a Letter of Commendation for her assistance in a Hit and Run Accident. She canvassed businesses in the area of the accident and, while doing this, she located the vehicle of the suspect, which led to his arrest. https://merleburl.com)
- At 8:05 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023, West Chicago police officers were dispatched for a pedestrian, who had been struck by a passing freight train at the Union Pacific Railroad tracks at Route 59 .The victim was transported to an area hospital. Succumbing to the injuries, the victim died. The name of the deceased is currently being withheld pending notification of their next of kin. Union Pacific Railroad is working with the police department in the investigation of the accident.
CITY OF WEST CHICAGO
- At the Monday, Sept. 18, 2023, meeting, City Council approved the purchase of three 2023 Ford F150 Police Responder Vehicles from Haggerty Ford for the cost of $142,149 and to authorize the City Administrator to contract with a third party to install the necessary appurtenances/equipment for those three vehicicles at an estimated cost of $36,000. Per the Item summary, “The anticipated delivery time frame is within four to five months.”
Also approved was the purchase of two 2023 Ford-F150 Regular, 4x4, pickup trucks from Haggerty Ford for the cost of $86,750.
Council approved a contract with KWCC of Montgomery for Metra Train Station Repairs Project in the amount of $166,490. The Item Summary states, “The Base Bid of the Metra Station Repairs Project includes the repair and replacement of exterior wood trim, frames and windows, including the cupola, and repainting of the exterior facades and metal roof areas.”
Approved at the meeting was a Stop Intersections Ordinance. Per the Item Summary, “Educare West DuPage at Glen Arbor has renovated space within the Glen Arbor Community Church, 204 Church St., and provides 32 children for the West Chicago community with early care and education. The program has a drop-off/pick-up between 7 a.m. to 9 a.m and 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.” Educare requested a drop off/pick-up zone at the entrance of the of the church, creation of a three-way stop at the corner of W. Geneva and Wood streets,. and the addition of a crosswalk from the sidewalk running east on on Church and Wood streets. The approved ordinance allows for a stop sign for northbound traffic on Wood Street at Church Street and an east/west crosswalk on the south side of Wood Street at Geneva Street.
With an 11-1 vote, City Council voted to amend the Code of Ordinances regarding animal control. Voting approvalt were Ward 1 Aldermen Lori Chassee and Dan Bebee, Ward 2 Alderman Jayme Sheahan, Ward 3 Aldermen Chris Dettman and Al Hallett, Ward 4 Aldermen Sandy Dimas and Melissa Ferguson, Ward 5 Aldermen Chris Swiatek and John Smith, Ward 6 Alderman Jeanne Short and Ward7 Alderman Joe Morano. Voting against it was Ward 2 Alderman Heather Brown. Ward 6 Alderman Becky Stout was absent. The definition of control now reads, “fence or within the premises of its owner or another person with the consent of the person and prevented from leaving said premises by a fence, barrier or other restriction which contains the animal, or is confined within a crate or cage, or confined within a vehicle."Animal Care is amended to create a new subsection…Each owner of any animal shall keep such animal exclusively on such owner’s premises, except that any such animal may be of the premises if restrained by a substantial leash or chain or other appropriate restraint or physical device and under the direct supervision and immediate control of a competent person.” Violation now reads that upon finding of liable “to a fine not less than $500 for the first offense; a fine not less than $1,000 for the second offense; a fine not less than $1,500 for the third offense and every subsequent offense thereafter, up to statutory violation fine limit of $50,000.
Council also approved appointments to the Cultural Arts Commission. Bruce Treudt was appointed for an unexpired term ending, April 2024. Persons appointed to terms ending April 2026 are Debbie Walsh, Paulina Garcia and Uwe Gsedl.
Council approved the appointment of Ward 6 Alderman Rebecca Stout to handle the duties of the Office of the Mayor from Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023.
ODDS AND ENDS
- As outlined in the the Strategic Plan of the West Chicago Public Library, there now is a drive-up book drop in the parking lot, parallel to Turner Court. https://merleburl.com)
- As DuPage County communities, including West Chicago, connected with the College of DuPage Warhol exhibit this summer, local artists created traditional Loteria images in pop art styles. Persons can play this traditional Mexican game by finding the art and exploring the various sites .in the community. Site locations are Biscuits and Gravy, Carniceria Jimenez, Dr. Thadius Bieniek, Educare DuPage, Gallery 200, Gloria’s Jewelry, Happiness N’ Hair, Office of State Senator KarinaVilla/State Representative Maura Hirschauer, Jorge’s Paleteria, The Journey's Path Metaphysical Supply & Wellness Center, Kindred Coffee Roasters, La Cocina de Maria, La India Grocery, La Michoacana, Lupita Bakery, Metra Station, Parra’s Bakery and Republic Bank. Others are Sign-a-Rama, The Slice Spot, Supermercado Tampico, The ARC, Turtle Splash Water Park, City Hall, West Chicago City Museum, Chicago, Burlington, & Quincy Railroad Depot, Pioneer Steam Train Model at Sesquicentennial Park, West Chicago Fire Protection District, West Chicago Police Department, West Chicago Public Library, Zone250, Western DuPage Chamber of Commerce and The Whistle Stop.
After picking up a playing board at one of the locations, participants record the ID code found on the left side of the Loteria image in the space provided on their playing board. Once the card is completed, participants upload an image of it to Cultural@westchicago.org. There are prizes, one per person, while they last. For further information or to download a board, visit https://westchicago.org/wego-loteria/. https://merleburl.com)
- Per the Conservation Foundation the oldest White Oak tree in Illinois is in West Chicago at the intersection of Geneva and Prince Crossing roads. It is 350 years old. Only 17 percent White Oaks exist and they are listed as number one for being environmentally beneficial; the hickory tree is number 2.
My email address is merleburl@earthlink.net.