MERLE’S CORNER

Many readers of my column are dog lovers. With the launching of her business, Pebbles and Olivine Company, West Chicago resident Liz Ramirez attributes its beginnings to the loss of her soul dog, Pebbles. “My love for gemstones has grown over the past few years, but it was the loss of my soul dog, Pebbles, that truly transformed my hobby into something deeper. In my grief, I turned to making jewelry as a way to heal and find peace — and in that journey, I discovered a passion I felt called to share with others.”

She crafts each piece of jewelry from her home studio in West Chicago. “My designs often come to life intuitively, sparked by the colors, textures, and spirit of the beads and materials. I love creating simple, minimalist styles but I’m equally drawn to the challenge and artistry of wire work. Working with gemstones has become a daily meditation for me — a practice in mindfulness, connection, and joy. Each stone tells a story through its colors, shapes, and unique patterns, and carries a meaning or intention waiting to be discovered.”

The creation of the pieces of jewelry bring light back into her own life and one she wants to share with others. “Pebbles, my sweet and gentle Chihuahua, was a soul full of love. I’ll never forget the day I met her; she crawled into my lap and fell asleep, as though she had chosen me. Her quiet strength and loving spirit during her last months continue to inspire me every day to dream big and keep moving forward.”

Her designs often come to life intuitively, sparked by the colors, textures, and spirit of the beads and materials. She loves creating simple, minimalist styles but also is drawn to the challenge and artistry of wire work. Ramirez creates a variety of gemstone, crystal, and glass bead jewelry, such as bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. For those looking for something special, she will create a custom pieces that hold personal feeling.

To view her jewelry, visit pebblesandolivineco.myshopify.com, or follow her on pebblesandolivineco.myshopify.com. Her email is pebblesandolivineco@gmail.com. Ramirez is wanting to collaborate with local businesses to make her jewelry more accessible to the local community. “My dream for Pebbles and Olivine Co is to become a source of joy, healing, and inspiration for others.” https://merleburl.com

AROUND AND ABOUT

• West Chicago City Museum presents the Historiography program, a non-fiction book reading group, at 1 p.m.Thursday, July 17, 2025, in the Museum, 132 Main St. The book is “O Say Can You Hear? A Cultural Biography of The Star Spangled Banner” by Mark Clague. To get a copy of the book or for further information, visit Friends of West Chicago City Museum website, or call 630-231-3376. It is not necessary to read the book to attend.

• WeGo Community Theater presents,”Shrek the Musical” in the Fine Arts Center at Wheaton Academy, 900 N. Prince Crossing Road. Performances are at 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, July 17 and 18, and at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 19, 2025. Ticket price is $12. To purchase tickets, visit, https://https://www.wegocommunitytheatre.org/. Information on cast members is on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/WeGoCommunityTheatre/.

• West Chicago Park District hosts Fun Friday at 11 a.m. July 18, 2025, at the Shell in Reed-Keppler Park, 832 Arbor Ave. The program features Todd Hamilton. He began writing children’s music in 2012, when his first child was born. Hamilton has 10 years experience as a Music Teacher at a Music Studio and Pre-School in Naperville. His songs quickly became favorites and the catchy tunes often had children singing the first time they heard them

• The West Chicago Park District offers Parents Night Out from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, July 18, 2025, in the ARC, 201 W. National St. Parents drop off their children, who are between the ages of three and 10, and then enjoy an evening together. Activities for the children include pizza dinner, games and crafts, plus staff-supervised free-play in the Tree Top Escape and gym. The charge is $15 per child for residents and $18 per child for non-residents. To make a reservation, visit we-goparks.org/youth-programs.

• Winfield Township officials are opening the 25-year-old time capsule, adding more items and closing it back up for another 25 years Saturday, July 19, 2025, at the township building, 130 Arbor Ave. The community event takes place from noon to 2 p.m. Adding to the fun of the event, there is a picnic on the lawn with hot dogs and other refreshments. It also is a great opportunity to meet the newly elected Township officials. Township officials are Sheila Rutledge, Supervisor;Cynthia Paulsen, Town Clerk; Mark W. Malay, Assessor; and John S. Dusza, Highway Commissioner. Trustees are David Brummel, Kirsten Djonne, Rebecca Holmes and Jennifer Scarpace. https://merleburl.com

• The West Chicago Public Library special program, “Flo’s Soda Shoppe & Drive In,” is at 2 p.m. Saturday, July, 19, 2025, in the main meeting room, 118 W. Washington St. Attendees see the movie “Cars,” and make their own ice cream treats. To make a reservation, visit https://wcpld.librarycalendar.com/events/month. https://merleburl.com

• Gallery 200, 103 W. Washington St., hosts a community event, “Tie Dying with Blue,” from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 19, 2025. Gallery artist Blue Kubica leads the fun event under a tent in the back parking lot. Refreshments are served.

• The West Chicago Public Library Gettin’ Crafty program, “Fruit Bookmarks ” is at 7 p.m.Wednesday, July 23, 2025, in the main meeting room, 118 W. Washington St. To register, visit https://wcpld.librarycalendar.com/events/month. Using simple watercolor techniques, participants create various fruit-themed bookmarks. All supplies and instruction are provided.

• “Sidewalk Chalk Murals” is the West Chicago Public Library program from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, July 25, 2025. Participants make fun sidewalk chalk drawings on the library sidewalk, 118 W. Washington St. In case of inclement weather the program is held inside with indoor art activities available. Reservations are not necessary. https://merleburl.com

• West Chicago Park District hosts its annual Taco & Art Fest, “Let’s Taco’bout Art,” from 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday, July 26, 2025, near the Shell at Reed-Keppler Park, 832 Arbor Ave. Activities include live music, craft and art vendors, mini golf, foam pit, live artist demonstrations, art stations, food trucks, a petting zoo, bouncy house, face painter, henna artist, family fun, and Taco Wars, where local food vendors will compete for the title of Best Tacos.

Providing entertainment are Trabuco Salsa Band, District 33 Folkloric Ballet and Sonia Perez & NovaSon. Food vendors are La India, Santa Barbara, Taco Grill, El Zorro Tacos, Taco Shop, Kona Ice, Kool Kat Ice Cream and Yummy Time Food. Event sponsors are Republic Bank, City of West Chicago, State Farm-Eddie Vargas, Chris Mechanical and Sport Clips. https://merleburl.com

SUPPORT OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES

• ChiTown Exotic Car Group holds its second annual car show from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 27, 2025, at Sonny Acres Farm, 29W310 North Ave. The cars are on display throughout the farm. There is no charge. During the car show, Sonny Acres Farm amusements, self-feed zoo with farm animals, Farm-Fresh Store, Sweet Shop and Greenhouse Bar are open. Our Kitchen serves food and beverages for purchase. https://merleburl.com

• Prairie Landing Golf Club, celebrates its 30th Anniversary Friday Aug. 1, 2025. The family friendly festival is from 1 to 5 p.m. Activities at the free event include music, face painting, games and bounce house. Food ice cream and drinks are available for purchase. The evening celebration is a DJ Dance Party at 6:30 p.m. Beverages and food are available for purchase.

Prairie Landing Golf Club, a public golf course. is owned by DuPage Airport, and was designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. Construction started in 1991, transforming a former marshland into a links-style course. To create the course's topography, 300,000 cubic yards of dirt from a DuPage Airport runway were moved to the course. Play on the course started in 1994 and in 1995, Prairie Landing celebrated its first full year of play.

The 1868 historic Italianate-style McChesney House was relocated to the site in 1992. This was no easy task and made a great sight for community members to watch its slow, but sure path to its new home. With its restoration, the house is now the clubhouse and restaurant, McChesney's Pub & Grill. It is one of the most unique clubhouses of any golf club.

To celebrate its 20th year Anniversary, Prairie Landing underwent a $1.6 million makeover by Robert Trent Jones. Approximately 40 percent of the sand bunkers were removed and replaced with strategic slopes and hollows. https://merleburl.com

• Although Halloween seems far off in the future, it is not for 5 Points Haunted House. The business is looking for actors and staff for its 2025 season. Auditions start sooner than one thinks. Persons interested can sign up at https://5points.sithon.io/. https://merleburl.com

• Wego Shirts is now crafting custom-made hats, which can be personalized with favorite designs, logos or colors. To place an order, visit #WegoShirts. West Chicago resident Roy Hernandez is the owner of the company. https://merleburl.com

REMEMBRANCES

• Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Terry R. Owens, who at the age of 80 passed away Tuesday, July 8, 2025.

• Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Matthew P. Lavery, who at the age of 53 passed away Wednesday, July 9, 2025.

• Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Terry (Teresa) Ann McCombs , who at the age of 72 passed away Sunday, July 6, 2025.

SCHOOLS

• This spring eight third, fourth and fifth graders at Wegner School teamed up with Jel Sert for a “Top Secret” challenge to invent a brand-new treat. The students visited Jel Sert, put on lab coats, signed Non-Disclosure Agreements and worked with professional food scientists. This was more than a class project, they were inventors and innovators in a partnership with a business. The ”Top Secret” product is now officially launched.

Per the press release from Jel Sert, “Fla-Vor-Ice, in partnership with @Crayola, invited eight students from Wegner Elementary, our local community school, to collaborate on our first-ever kid-created Fla-Vor-Ice flavor: Banana Mango. Inspired by the returning Dandelion color from Crayola, this limited-edition treat is more than just a fun summer flavor; it’s a celebration of kids’ creativity brought to life through real food science and hands-on experimentation. This collaboration goes far beyond traditional consumer research, empowering an incredible group of kids to help shape a product from concept to shelf. As a family-owned company since 1926, Jel Sert is proud to champion this spirit of creativity and innovation at every stage of product development.” To view the  full behind-the-scenes video , visit: https://bit.ly/40FNMSh. Not only does it show the excitement of the students, but also their seriousness in  partaking in this project. https://merleburl.com

CHURCHES

• St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 N. Prince Crossing Road, hosts its Kermés Fest, starting at noon Saturday, July 19 2025. The fest includes authentic Mexican food, a variety of music and dancing, games and entertainment.

• Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 N. Prince Crossing Road, holds Vacation Bible School from 1 to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, July 21 to 25, 2025. The theme is “At the Table.” The charge is $25 per child. Activities include outdoor adventures, arts and crafts, music, games and snacks. To register, call the church office at 630 231-3787.

• Faith Community Church, 910 Main St., hosts a concert at 6:30 p.m.Saturday, July 26, 2025. West Chicago resident, Jake Muzzy, performs on cello. The concert also will be streamed at: https://realconcerts.us/. There is a pay what you want with a request for a one dollar minimum.

COMMUNITY MEMBERS HIGHLIGHTS

• West Chicago residents John and Susan Banas celebrated their 35th Wedding Anniversary Sunday, July 13, 2025.

CLUB/ORGANIZATION NEWS

• American Legion Post 300, 123 Main St., has daily specials. Monday is Burgers special. It is Taco Tuesday, The Wednesday special is $1 wings. Thursday special is $5 burgers; happy hour is from 3 to 5 p.m. Fish Fry is Friday special. Also the Legion has a rental discount for the months of September and October. The price is $1,000 for Saturday nights with only a $200 deposit to hold the date. To reserve a date, call Melissa or Steve at 630 231-2112. https://merleburl.com

• Gallery 200, 103 W. Washington St., offers 2025 Summer art classes. To view the classes and to register, visit https://www.gallery200.net/art-classes. All Hokusai classes are subsidized by the West Chicago Cultural Arts Commission, in connection with the College of DuPage Public Arts Project. Brochures are available at the gallery. Classes are beginner friendly, intermediate and advanced artists are welcome. For further information, call 630 639-2599.

Suminagashi (Japanese Marbling Technique) class is at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 19. Suminagashi is a traditional Japanese marbling technique where Sumi ink is floated on water to create swirling patterns that are then transferred to paper. The process involves carefully manipulating the ink on the water's surface to create a desired design before transferring it to the material. Britta R. is the instructor. The charge is $10.

Artful Flower Wire Crochet Workshops are at 10 a.m. Saturdays, July 22 and Aug. 30. The charge is $35 per workshop. The teacher, Marita V., guides attendees through the creation of a jewelry set, either a necklace and earrings, or a necklace and bracelet.

“Sumi-e Painting classes are at 1p.m. and 6 p.m.Wednesday, July 23, and at 10:30 a.m. or 3 p.m. Saturday, July 26. Matt B. is the instructor. The charge is $45 per class. It is a form of Japanese ink painting that uses black ink to create monochrome images on paper. Sumi-e emphasizes expressive brushstrokes and capturing the essence of a subject rather than detailed realism. All materials are included.

Fun with Photography is a three day class series.taking place from 10:30-a.m. to noon, Thursday, July 24, Tuesday, July 29 and Thursday, July 31. Chris H. is the instructor. The charge is $35. Students learn how cameras work and how to use light to create an image, explore the different settings on their cameras, and some great tips for taking better photographs. Students are encouraged to bring their own cameras; some equipment is available for use.

The Kasha Lettering class is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Saturday, July 26. In this beginner's Japanese calligraphy class, students learn the art of kaisho, (block style) calligraphy, the most common and fundamental style of Japanese writing. Starla S. is the instructor. The charge is $75. This class is designed for those new to calligraphy and covers the essential techniques and tools needed. https://merleburl.com

WEST CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT

• The annual Chicago Ducky Derby is Wednesday, Aug.7, 2025, in the Chicago River in downtown Chicago. All proceeds benefit the athletes of Special Olympics Illinois. Each duck adopted in the fundraiser benefits 23,000 athletes and more than 13,000 young athletes for Special Olympics Illinois programs. The West Chicago Police Department has a team, WCP Ducks. Duck Adoptions are $10 for one duck, $30 for six ducks, $60 for 12 ducks, $120 for 24 ducks and $1,200 for 250 ducks. The goal of the police department is have 500 ducks adopted. To donate, visit. https://www.duckrace.com/Chicago/teams/10529

The top three ducks are winners. Prizes for the winners include 2025 Chevy Trailblazer, a $2,500 cash prize, and four tickets to the W Club at Wrigley Field for the Chicago Cubs v.s. St. Louis Cardinals game Sunday, September 28, 2025. The main event, Splashdown for the Duck Derby, takes place at 1 p.m. Persons can watch the dump truck filled ducks waiting for the race to start. The goal is to have 100,000 ducks race. (merleburl.com)

• On Friday, July 11, 2025, DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and West Chicago Chief of Police Colin Fleury announced Judge Joshua Dieden granted the State’s motion to deny pre-trial release for an Aurora woman accused of threatening her employers with a loaded gun. Imani Nickson, appeared in First Appearance Court charged with two counts of Intimidation (Class 3 Felony) and two counts each of Misdemeanor Aggravated Assault and Disorderly Conduct. Nickson’s next court appearance is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 4, in front of Judge Brian Telander.

At approximately 11:56 a.m.Thursday, July 10, West Chicago police officers responded to a call of an individual with a firearm at Evans and Son Blacktop, 3N775 Powis Road. Upon their arrival, officers spoke with the female caller, later identified as one of the victims, outside the business. As officers spoke with the victim, who informed officers Nickson allegedly had a gun, They could hear yelling inside the building where one of the victims remained with Nickson. Officers entered the building at which time the defendant allegedly surrendered her firearm, a Glock 43x handgun. Following an investigation into the matter, it is alleged that Nickson, an employee at the company, entered the building and after a discussion about Nickson not getting paid by the victims, who are the owners of the company, Nickson was asked to leave. It is alleged that instead of leaving, Nickson pulled out the loaded Glock 43x handgun, which does not have a safety switch, pointed it at the two victims, and began live streaming the incident over Facebook Live. It is further alleged that Nickson pointed the weapon at the face of the female victim and threatened to shoot the male victim. The female victim, who is currently pregnant, escaped the building and called authorities.

“Berlin said, “We are all thankful that the victims in this case were not physically harmed and I commend the West Chicago Police Department for their outstanding efforts in bringing a tense situation quickly under control and safely resolving this matter before anyone got hurt.”

WEST CHICAGO FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

• West Chicago Fire Protection District celebrates the July work anniversaries of its firefighters. .Lieutenant Todd Baseggio and firefighter/paramedic Ryan Kral celebrate 16 years. Celebrating 13 years is firefighter/paramedic Noel Repiscak. Firefighter /paramedic Ryan Olmstead celebrates six years. Celebrating two years is firefighter/paramedic Jeremy Dolder. https://merleburl.com

• At approximately 12:10 a.m., Tuesday, July 14, 2025, the West Chicago Fire Protection District was dispatched to a report of a structure fire in the 100 block of Conde Street. Firefighters arrived to find a single-family home that had been converted into a two-unit residence. Upon arrival, all residents were outside the building, although one individual was seen attempting to reenter. Fire personnel ensured all occupants were safely out of the building and confirmed a small fire inside. The fire was quickly brought under control. No injuries were reported. Although the cause of the fire was determined on scene, the DuPage County Arson Task Force was requested due to the incident's circumstances. The residents were able to return to the portion of the home that was not affected by the fire.

ODDS AND ENDS

• The exhibit, “Impressions,” is at Main Street Gallery, 200 Main St., for the months of July and August. On display is the artwork of the 22 artists from eight states. They explore a range of print techniques that include woodcut, lithography, screenprint, intaglio, mezzotint, letterpress, laser cut handmade paper, and image transfer. Gallery hours are 3 to 7 p.m. Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays.

Artists from illinois are Amy Chiappetta, Chad Collofello, Dan Oliver, Elliot Bowers, Eric Fuertes, Deborah Maris Lader, Gary Schirmer, Iglika Godfrey, Jeff Hirst, Jorge Jaen, Joshua Jay Johnson and Sarah Smelser. Matt Ballou and Philip Gresham are from Missouri. From North Carolina are Anna Kenar and Erik Waterkotte. Brett Anderson is from Indiana. Lancelot Yates is from Mississippi. Nick Satinover is from Tennessee. Tyler Thenikl is from Ohio. Yalecxa Estrada is from Florida. Ziba Rajabi is from Arkansas. https://merleburl.com

• West Chicago Park District secured funding for upgraded, energy efficient lighting at both the ARC and Zone 250 facilities. These improvements are made possible through ComEd’s Energy Efficiency Program. At the ARC, the District is installing 60 new high efficiency light fixtures equipped with motion sensors. The Zone 250 main gym receives 30 similar fixtures. The District was awarded $16,254 in incentives for the ARC and $8,127 for Zone 250. These funds cover the majority of the installation costs. The remaining cost to the District for both projects combined is just $8,467.

My email address is merleburl@earthlink.net.