MERLE’S CORNER

Railroad Days 2025 is right on track, chugging into West Chicago Thursday, June 26, through Sunday June 29. Western DuPage Chamber of Commerce organizes the community event. Activities include carnival, food, entertainment and beer tent. The price for unlimited carnival rides is $32 from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Thursday, from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, and $37 from 5:30 to 11 p.m. Friday. Fireworks, sponsored by the City of West Chicago, start at dusk Saturday. There is shuttle bus service from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. Thursday, from 5:30 to 11:30 Friday, from 1 to 11:30 p.m. Saturday, and from 1 to 10:30 p.m. Sunday. The shuttle stops are West Chicago Community High School parking lot on Ann Street and Lyman Street by the park. The busses run in 15-minute intervals. Parking is available at the high school lot on Ann St. For further information, visit https://www.westerndupagechamber.com/, under Festivals or https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577408729831.

There is a variety of musical entertainment all four days. On Thursday Invisible Cartoons perform at 6:30 p.m. The band blends catchy melodies, intoxicating voices, bounce-inducing beats, dynamic guitar/bass rhythms, spine-tingling keytar riffs, and dramatic wordplay about love, friendship, and fun. The band released one full length album “Characters” and a five song Extended Play titled “Space Cat.” Taking the stage at 8:30 p.m. Thursday is the popular Karen Hart Band, a female-fronted Classic Rock cover band that features the music of The Pretenders along with the Power Women of ROCK. The band has four experienced and solid musicians who perform a high energy show filled with variety.

Starting the Friday entertainment at 5 p.m. is The Solid Aire-Band, a Rock n Roll Dance/Party Band playing hits from the 50s and 60s thru today. Next on stage at 7 p.m. is Sammy and the Knights. The band has a little local touch. The drummer, Tony Reyes, was raised in West Chicago. Sammy, the lead guitarist and some of the musicians are members of the Knights of Columbus at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Winfield. Some of the songs are from the musical artists of Chicago; Eagles; Santana; Beatles, Rolling Stones; Joe Cocker; Bob Seger; and Wilson Picket. Performing at 9 p.m. is Brian Allison, a Chicago native turned Nashville-based Americana singer/songwriter. He blends heartfelt emotion with a rich musical heritage inspired by legends like The Beatles and Chris Stapleton. His music reflects his family's legacy, including his grandfather playing in the Glen Miller Band. Two of his albums are “Back In the Middle” and “For Now.”

Saturday Lake Effect performs at 5 p.m. It is an eight-piece band featuring a horn section, guitar, bass and keyboard. Performing at 7 p.m. is Feed the Machine bringing the Nickelback Catalog to the stage. The band not only brings the sing-a-log hits, but also digs deep into their heavier cuts. Ending the entertainment at 9 p.m. is Raquel & The Wildflowers, a high energy country rock band. They have heart pounding rhythm and powerful lyrics

Taking the stage at 4 p.m. Sunday is Groupo Regresivo. The band is from West Chicago and plays a blend of Northern Mexican music, Cumbias, and Huapangos. Performing at 6:30 p.m. is LosAsiles, who play a blend of traditional Hispanic Music, Cumbia, Riggatone, and other styles. Groupo Impresionante performs at 8:30 p.m. The versatile group plays music from Cumbia Sonidera, Nortenas, Quebradita to Bandatierra Calinete.

Food is an important part of a fest and there is a variety of food choices. Food vendors are BlackHawk BBQ & Seafood, Flavor Frenzy serving ice cream, non-dairy ices and cookies, Kona Ice Flavor serving many flavors of shaved ice, West Chicago restaurant La Cocina de Maria’s serving traditional Mexican food, West Chicago business La India serving a variety Mexican foods, La Michoacana Premium serving a variety of Mexican snacks, treats, and refreshing drinks, and Kernel Dan's Kettle Corn.

As the four-day festival ends, remember to thank the volunteers who organized and worked at the event.

AROUND AND ABOUT 

• “Fabric Dying with Indigenous Natural Dyes from Around the World” is the free community event at Gallery 200, 103 W. Washington St. It takes place at 4 p.m. Thursday, June 26, 2025. West Chicago City Museum Director Sara Phalen leads the event. Refreshments are served.

• West Chicago Garden Club meeting is Thursday, June 26, 2025, at Kruse House Museum, 527 Main St. Notice the change of venue. Parking is available in the City Hall lot, 475 Main St. Fifty chairs will be available; attendees can bring their own lawn chairs. Starting at 6 p.m., the Museum is open for brief tours. A short business meeting is at 7 p.m.; program is at 7:15 p.m. The meeting is open to the public. Presenting the program, “Ikebana Demonstration,” is E-Ling Lou. She demonstrates the art of Ikebana, creating four arrangements, which will be raffled off after the demonstration. She plans to use seasonal materials from the Kruse House gardens.

Ikebana is the Japanese art of arranging flowers, branches, leaves and stems as materials in natural, serene works of art. E-Ling Lou is a Master Teacher of the Ohara School of Ikebana. She has been practicing this for more than 30 years. She also is a botanical arranger, who volunteers at Morton Arboretum.

• The West Chicago Park District holds a hands-on, beginner-friendly workshop on the basics of tree pruning. It takes place at 11 a.m. Friday, June 27, 2025, by The Shell, 700 Arbor Ave. The session is taught both in English and Spanish. Supplies are provided. Registrations are not necessary, but those wanting to register can email Marketing & Communications Manager Danielle Spence at dspence@we-goparks.org.

• West Chicago Park District hosts Fun Friday at 11 a.m. June 27, 2025, at the Shell in Reed-Keppler Park, 832 Arbor Ave. The program is The Tree Academy, which teaches children about tree care. It is connected with the grant the park district received from Morton Arboretum.

• For the Independence Day holiday, West Chicago Public Library 118 W. Washington St., closes early at 5 p.m. Thursday, July 3, 2025.

• The Healthy West Chicago program, “Yoga on the Lawn,” is at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at the West Chicago Public Library, 118 W. Washington St. To register, visit https://wcpld.info/, under calendar. Some yoga mats are available; persons with yoga mats should bring them. If the weather is inclement, the class will be held inside. Class size is limited to 25 people. For further information, email Natalia@healthywestchicago.org.

• The West Chicago Park District monthly social gathering for senior citizens is at noon Thursday, July 10, 2025, at the ARC, 201 W. National Street. It is an Independence Day picnic with the meal of hamburgers and hot dogs. Following lunch, backyard games are played. Reservation deadline is at noon Friday, July 4, and can be made at https://www.we-goparks.org/special-events.

SUPPORT OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES

• Republic Bank, 101 Main St., holds a Shred Day from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 28, 2025. This is the perfect time to shred one’s confidential documents such as old tax forms, files and credit card receipts. Adding to the relief of shredding those documents is the treats available. These are a freshly grilled hamburgers or hot dogs from The Bunker Bar & Grill and ice cream cones from The Creamery. https://merleburl.com

• Prairie Landing Golf Club, 2325 Longest Drive, hosts a French Market from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 28, 2025. It showcases local makers and small businesses. The market includes fresh produce, handcrafted goods such as jewelry, home decor, gourmet treats and unique art.

• Club SciKidz offers a wide variety of themed STEM birthday parties. The events, designed for youths ages 4 through 14, involve fun, adventure, and hands-on science. Parties are theme-based, such as Slime Time, Rocket Launchers and Bubbling Potions; each guest receives a goodie bag specific to the theme. For more information or to book a party, visit http://westchicago.clubscikidz.com. Club SciKidz meets inside New Hope United Methodist Church, 643 E. Washington St.

• Dan Czuba, owner/broker of Daniel and Associates Real Estate, is the recipient of a BAY award. He was recognized as a Top Performer for Social Media Reach. Czuba said, “Promoting my clients' listings on social media is key to their success.”

• We Grow Dreams Greenhouse & Garden Center, 1005 W. Washington St., celebrates its Twentieth Anniversary this year. As part of the celebration, the greenhouse is featuring “the hard-working individuals that are the driving force behind We Grow Dreams and our mission!” In this Feature Friday is Ryan, “a trusted member of our A team, who comes independently and works as a team to tackle a lot of the big jobs that need to get done around here. He is our designated runner when items are needed from other areas, sometimes he needs to do some serious running to get from the back areas to the front office for tools, but that does not bother Ryan, because he is an Olympic class sprinter.” Greenhouse hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday https://merleburl.com

• Lux Cutz, a barber shop for men, recently opened at 1999 Franciscan Way. The business accepts walk-ins. Telephone number is 630 473-0086.

• Menards not only spotlighted the West Chicago store at 220 W. North Ave., but also the two West Chicago residents, Sheila Matheson and Liz Orozco, who are employees at the store. Menards opened its store here in 1999. Matheson began her employment in 2014 and is an active member in the community. Orozco started in 2023 and volunteers for various organizations. At this time, the West Chicago store is holding a food drive for the local food pantry; the collection bin is at the front of the store. The spotlight also included a promotion of 2025 Railroad Days. https://merleburl.com

REMEMBRANCES

• Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Maryann K. True, who at the age of 94 passed away Wednesday, June 18, 2025.

SCHOOLS

• The West Chicago Community High School 2025 All-Conference badminton individuals are Abby Wing, Kaylee Keizer, Arizebeth Zuniga and Elina Velasco. https://merleburl.com

• Named as Honorable Mentions to the Daily Herald DuPage Girls All Area Soccer team are Abigail West from West Chicago Community High School and Annika Vandervelde from Wheaton Academy.

• The positive spirit and pride of Leman Middle School students and staff is apparent in the new mural in the gym. The big white letters “Home of the Chargers” on a blue background demonstrate this. As part of the Principal Advisory Committee, the students requested this mural. When the school received a grant, the students asked for the money to be sent on the mural. The main coordinator of the mural was Julie Odom, Athletics & Activities Director, with some assistance on the design from Nicole Eimer, Director of Marketing, Communications & Public Relations. It is a vinyl banner that is heat sealed to the cinder block wall. Installing the mural was Bannerville from Burr Ridge. https://merleburl.com

• Jackson From of Wheaton Academy was named to the DuPage County All Area Baseball team in the Daily Herald.

Wheaton Academy is a 2025 Certified Best Christian Workplace with its commitment to excellence, innovation, and education rooted in Biblical truth.

• Jel Sert Company held a ribbon cutting for the opening of its new production facility at 444 Charles Court Friday, June 5, 2025. The 75,000 square foot renovation will house additional production lines. One of the new productions will have a local “taste.” This spring 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 will officially launch in July or August.

• Charles Community Unit School District 303 honored its retirees. Retiring from St. Charles East High School are Dean’s Assistant Spencer Huffman with eight years, Administrative Assistant to College & Career Readiness Patty Hofer with 23 years, Dean of Students Eric Hofer with 19 years, English teacher Court Burkhart with 31 years, Science teacher Regina D’Souza with 15 years, Language Arts & German teacher Jennifer Jacobi with 35 years, Administrative Assistant for Student Life Karen Kohler with 20 years, Assistant Principal for Student Life Lisa Dandre with 32 years, and Technology Education teacher Gary Hoskins with 5 years. Retiring from Wredling Middle School are Principal Tim Loversky with 12 years and Language Arts teacher Joanna Duensing with 21 years. Others are Assistive Technology Facilitator Sandy Green, with 19 years, Bus Driver Tracey Alsup with 25 years, and Bus Driver Stephen Hans with 16 years. https://merleburl.com

CHURCHES

• Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 N. Prince Crossing Road, holds a garage sale from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, June 28 and 29, 2025.

• Faith Community Church, 910 Main St., hosts “A Poet in Sound,” an Edgar’s Cello Concerto, at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, June 28, 2025. West Chicago resident, Jake Muzzy, performs on cello and Mike Messer on piano. To reserve seats, visit us. 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.

• Glen Arbor Community Church, 204 Church St., hosts a Cannoli Party at 7 p.m. Saturday, June 28, 2025. It is a casual gathering for all in the community to have fun and eat the best, ever cannolis, an Italian pastry. Reverend Dean Klapatch, pastor of the church, said, “These are homemade desserts, made by a volunteer team with a (secret) family recipe.” Helping to make the desserts is a family in West Chicago who have a cookie decorating business. As Klapatch says, “Holy Cannoli!”

• Glen Arbor Community Church and New Life Bilingual Church host a free Summer Soccer Club Wednesdays, ending August 6, 2025, at New Life Church, 468 Ann St. The time is from 7 to 8:15 p.m. The club is geared for motivated soccer players in grades third through eighth. Each session includes live-action play with short water breaks. There is a halftime Bible lesson. To register, visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScbmUYCaxx5jtIulLHtT6TQr29zE7wpFO4RulbdKI2StEAebA/viewform?usp=header.

• Reverend Fred Gaede is retiring as pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church. The Church membership hosts a retirement celebration with an Open House Luncheon from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, June 29, 2025, in the church, 328 George St.

COMMUNITY MEMBERS HIGHLIGHTS

• Colete and Michael Musson celebrate their twentieth wedding anniversary Wednesday, June 26, 2025.

CLUB/ORGANIZATION NEWS

• “Color Crush” is the exhibit for the Month of July at Gallery 200, 103 W. Washington St. It features the art and gifts by Patty Donahue. The artist’s reception with live music and refreshments is from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 3, 2025.

Donahue, is an abstract acrylic and mixed media artist, who works with fun, color and happiness in her heart. She works primarily with acrylic paint on paper, incorporating collage, acrylic ink and pen work. The richness of the bold colors allows viewers to see something new every time they see it. Her bold, colorful, vibrant florals, stylized characters, and amusing animals are inspired by nature and the love of co-existing with the plants, birds, animals and insects right in one’s backyard. Once completed, the artwork is scanned at a high resolution and imprinted onto consumer products in her Geneva shop, Studio Patty D. Some of the art products are wall art prints, all occasion note cards, pot holders, jewelry boxes and light switch covers. https://merleburl.com

• Gallery 200, 103 W. Washington St., holds 2025 summer art classes. To view the classes and to register, visit https://www.gallery200.net/art-classes. Also there are brochures at the gallery. Classes are beginner friendly, intermediate and advanced artists are welcome. For further information, call 630 639-2599.

Artful Flower Wire Crochet Workshop is at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 28, 2025. The charge is $35. The teacher, Marita Valdizan, guides attendees through the creation of a jewelry set, either a necklace and earrings, or a necklace and bracelet. https://merleburl.com

• West Chicago American Legion Post 300 has been servicing our veterans and community for almost 75 years; in the downtown district for more than 50 years. The legion needs some maintenance and updating at its location, 123 Main St. The projects are replacement of the HVAC unit, addressing several plumbing issues and updating of the restrooms. To make a GoFund Me donation, visit https://www.facebook.com/alpost300/.

CITY OF WEST CHICAGO

• At the Monday, June 17, 2025, meeting, City Council approved the appointment of Sergio Santiago as Ward 2 Alderman for an unexpired term ending 2027. He replaces Heather Brown, who moved from West Chicago. Santiago has been a resident of the City for 46 years and of Ward 2 for 26 years. He was employed for AT&T for 28 years, where he held various technical management roles. After this, Santiago worked for West Chicago Elementary School District 33 for one year. He now is a Campus Manager at Geneva High School. Per his post on Facebook, Santiago said, His “favorite vacation spot was anywhere that has a warm beach!”

• Also approved was a Special Use Permit for Karen’s Truck Repair at 1880 Arthur Drive. The Item Summary states, “The petitioner is an existing West Chicago business currently located at 1090 Carolina Drive. The business has outgrown this space and is proposing to relocate the business…The petitioner is proposing a 17,000 square-foot truck repair facility with 20 parking stalls for customers and employees.”

• Council approved the purchase of Asphalt Material, as needed, from Plote Construction, Inc. of West Chicago for an amount not to exceed $51,000 through the DuPage County Joint Purchasing Program. The Item summary states, “The City uses Hot-Mix Asphalt to repair street openings from water and sewer excavations, for pothole patching, and overlayment of sections of streets where the surface is deteriorating and the street is not scheduled for contractual reconstruction or resurfacing.”

• Also approved was the purchase of a 2025 Ford E350 Cutaway Van with a custom Reading Utility Body for the amount of $63,426 from Haggerty Ford in West Chicago and authorized the City Administrator to contract with a third-party to install the necessary appurtenances/equipment of the vehicle.

• Also approved was the Police Station HVAC Improvement Project for the amount of $923,000 to F.E. Moran of Northbrook. The Item Summary states, “The Project includes improvements to the heating, ventilation and air conditioning …The scope of the Base Bid includes select demolition, HVAC rooftop unit equipment replacement, boiler replacement, roof patching, temperature controls, variable air volume box reuse, acoustic ceiling repairs, painting, necessary electrical work, and the associated work to complete the project…The project is anticipated to be completed in November 2025.”

• Council approved the Alcoholic Beverages code to add a Specialty Retailer License Classification Class O. The Item Summary states, “The ordinance was prepared in response to a request by a new business Uncorked seeking to sell corporate gift baskets that include curated wines and specialty liquors.”

ODDS AND ENDS

• West Chicago City Museum Director Sara Phalen was one of the participants at the Special Public Art Celebration, “West Chicago: Waves of DuPage,” Friday June 13, 2025, in Gallery 200. It honored the installation of a vibrant new mural by Naperville artist Rich Lo, featuring a stylized ukiyo-e depiction of West Chicago Community High School, which will mark its 100-year anniversary in 2026. This artwork is in conjunction with the 2025 exhibition, “Hokusai and Ukiyo-e: The Floating World,” on view at the Cleve Carney Museum of Art through Sunday, September 21, 2025. Each participating DuPage community is highlighted in the Waves of DuPage: Beautiful Cities Public Art Project through a custom mural inspired by traditional Japanese woodblock prints.

On Friends of the West Chicago City Museum Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/FriendsoftheWestChicagoCityMuseum/, there was a brief history about the high school. “A High School District was not created in West Chicago until 1921, high school classes were held in several elementary schools as early as the 1870s. Overcrowding in the mid-1920s moved voters to approve building a dedicated high school. From a bond issue of $140,000, a sum of $23,750 was paid for the 12 ½ acre tract of land. The final construction figure was much higher. Construction was completed in 1926 with the first classes beginning September 23. The first class of 27 students graduated on June 11, 1927. Additions were made in 1956; in 1964, construction which practically doubled the size; and in 1978, when the swimming pool and other facilities were added.”

Others participating in the celebration were West Chicago Community High School Superintendent Kurt Johansen and Principal Limaris Pueyo, Community High School Board of Education members, Ward 1 Alderwoman Julieta Alcantar-Garcia, City Business & Community Relations Director Kelley Chrisse, West Chicago Cultural Arts Commission members, Gallery 200 members and staff from McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage. https://merleburl.com

• Forest Preserve District of DuPage County police officer Kim Eversole was named a 2025 Illinois Juvenile Officers Association Officer of the Year in recognition of her outstanding efforts to connect local youth with nature and law enforcement. She led a record number of youth outreach events in 2024, including four free “Cops & Bobbers” fishing programs in preserves throughout DuPage County. Eversole coordinated with neighboring police departments, Illinois conservation police, sponsors, and volunteers to make the events a success by connecting hundreds of kids with outdoor recreation. https://merleburl.com

• County Board Chair Deborah Conroy, Animal Services Committee Chairman Brian Krajewski, and County Board District 6 members Sheila Rutledge, Greg Schwarze, and Jim Zay attended a ribbon cutting for the new DuPage County Animal Services facility. The $13.5 million project includes more than 4,300 square feet of renovations, 11,400 square feet of added space, and a 2,200 square foot covered patio. https://merleburl.com

My email address is merleburl@earthlink.net.