MERLE’S CORNER

At a special retirement and promotional ceremony Friday, Jan. 10, 2024, West Chicago Fire Protection District honored Fire Chief Patrick Tanner, who retired after 40 years, ten of those in West Chicago, congratulated Jeffrey Keefe on his promotion to fire chief and congratulated Jacob Rainey on becoming a full-fledged firefighter/paramedic upon his completion of his one year probation.

At the age of 18, Tanner began his career as a Gurnee .paid on call fireman in1998. His first full time position was a firefighter/medic with the Highland Park Fire Department. He remained there , where he was promoted to Lieutenant, Deputy Chief and Chief.

Then on December 2, 2014, Tanner became the Fire Chief of the West Chicago Fire Protection District His number was 66, which was also retired. He is only the sixth full time chief. In his farewell message, Tanner talked about  the various accomplishments during his term, with the use of we and us as the main pronouns.

When former Lieutenant Jason Day (currently Deputy Fire Chief with the Carol Stream Fire Protection District) asked whether “we could have a training center, we could and did and without using taxpayer money.”The training center is used frequently for the District’s training, the Alliance and the K9 team, plus other taxing bodies. Tanner was the founding chief of the K9/Drone Search and Rescue Strike Team of which there are nine members. He also worked with starting the West Suburban Fire/Rescue Alliance. “It is awesome bening a part of this.” Working together, “Everyday, we have the chance to have the opportunity to make this a better place.”

He stressed he never wanted to see another snowflake, and with this in mind, he and his family are moving to Hilton Head, South Carolina. As a side note:Hilton Head Island does receive snow occasionally, with the most recent snowfall occurring in January 2017. Prior to that it was in the winter of 1989.

WCFPD Trustee Board Chairman Michael Mashal administered the oath of office to the new Fire Chief, Jeffery Keefe. He has been with West Chicago for more than 22 years and was the Deputy Chief.  He has made a lifelong commitment to education and professional development, having attained a Master's Degree in Business Management from the University of Illinois-Springfield, Chief Fire Officer certification from the Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal, Fire Service CEO from Texas A&M University, licensed Paramedic, and numerous other certifications. Trustee Perry Johnson administered the oath of office to Jacob Rainey as full fledged firefighter/paramedic.

merleburl.com

 

AROUND AND ABOUT

 

• The West Chicago Public Library program, “Pick Your Maker Craft!” is at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025, in the meeting room, 118 W. Washington St. Participants, age 9 and over, choose and create from a provided mix of Cricut or Sublimation crafts. Reservations can be made at https://wcpld.librarycalendar.com/events/month.

 

• The West Chicago Park District offers Parents Night Out from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17, 2025, in the ARC, 201 W. National Street. Parents drop off 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.The charge is $15 per child for residents and $18per child for non-residents. Registration deadline is 48 hours in advance.To make a reservation, visit we-goparks.org/youth-programs.

 

• “Nutrition Break with Healthy West Chicago” is a Zoom webinar in English at noon Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025, and in Spanish at noon Wednesday, Jan. 29. HWC executive director Natalia Serrano, a functional Health Coach, discusses the benefits of increasing fiber in one’s life and ways to do it in  daily life. To register, visit healthywestchicago.org, under programs. For further information email Natalia@healthywestchicago.org. merleburl.com

 

• The West Chicago Public Library Bilingual Gettin’ Crafty program, “Bracelet Trio,” is at 7 p.m.Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025, in the main meeting room, 118 W. Washington St. To register, visit https://wcpld.librarycalendar.com/events/month. Participants make three different charm and beaded bracelets. All materials are provided; no experience is necessary.

 

• West Chicago Public Library offers a Microsoft Excel computer class at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23, 2024, 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.librarycalendar.com/events/month/.

 

• West Chicago Garden Club meeting is Thursday, Jan, 23, 2025, at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 N. Prince Crossing Road. Social time is at 6:45 p.m., short business meeting at 7 p.m. and the program, “Seed Starting,” at 7:15 p.m. This program covers both traditional seed starting and winter sowing.

 

• Through Illinois Libraries Present, the West Chicago Public Library presents the special program “Love and Laughs with Michelle Buteau” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan.23 2025. This is a virtual event hosted on Zoom. To register, visit https://bit.ly/ILP_MichelleButeau

Buteau is a comedian, actress, and producer. In this program she is in conversation with Greta Johnsen. She is the creator/writer/star of the Netflix series “Survival of the Thickest,” inspired by her autobiographical book of essays of the same name. Buteau hosts two reality shows and the podcast, Adulting. Johnsen is an interviewer, podcast host, and book person. She is loved as co-host of HBO's Official Game of Thrones Podcast and hosted WBEZ's Nerdette podcast for eleven years. merleburl.com

• West Chicago Park District hosts Candyland Carnival from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, in the ARC, 201 W. National St. Participants are transported into a magical land of sugary treats and fun-filled activities for the entire family. They stroll through Lollipop Lane, test their skills at the Gumdrop Games and other candy-themed actives, plus the meet and greet of a beloved character. The charge is $12 or residents and $15 for non-residents if made by Wednesday, Jan. 15. After this date the charge is $15 for residents and $18 for non-residents. To register, visit https://www.we-goparks.org/special-events.

 

SUPPORT OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES

 

• American English performs Friday, Jan. 17, 2025, at WC Social Club, 920 Roosevelt Road. Doors open at 7 p.m., performance at 8 p.m. The event is open to all ages, but must be age 21 and over to drink alcoholic beverages. The ticket price is $18 in advance, $20 at the door.To order tickets, visit https://www.thewcsocialclub.com.

 

• Prairie Landing Golf Club, 2325 Longest Drive, celebrates its 30th Anniversary in 2025. Each month there is a special event with the grand celebration taking place in June.

The event in January is a Martini Making Class at 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25. The charge is $83 per person. To book a reservation, call 630 208-7541 or email rlynn@prairielanding.com by Tuesday, Jan. 21. Martinis attendees learn to craft and taste are French, Espresso and Peanut Butter Whiskey, while enjoying a variety of hors d’oeuvres. For further information on the celebration, visit www.prairielanding.com/30thanniversary

 

• Registration is now open for the fifteenth Annual Turkey Bowl fundraIser at Hawthorne’s Backyard Bar & Grill, 1200 W. Hawthorne Lane. It takes place at 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025. The event benefits Elliestrong Forever Foundation. The parking lot is transformed into a bowling alley and participants bowl with frozen turkeys. There are many prizes, give away items and a 50/50 raffle. The charge is $80 per four-person teams. Pre-registration is required. Teams must register at the bar or see a manager. The event is limited to 100 teams. For individuals not on a team, this is a fun event to watch and cheer on your favorite team. For further information call (630) 293-6700.

Ellie was diagnosed at a very young age of 6 with a rare PXA (Pleomorphic Xanthoastrocytoma) Brain Tumor. Enduring much in a nine-year period, she passed away April 14, 2019, just a short time before her 15th birthday. During the nine years, Ellie had more than 1,600 Chemotherapy doses, nine brain surgeries, hundreds of MRI’s, Blood transfusions, cat scans, Platelet transfusions, and doctor appointments. Through all of this she still did her best to go to school and do her best.  She was a cheerleader, golfer, martial artist, singer, and actress. She never let her brain tumor or chemo stand her in her way from doing things she loved. Yet what made her even more extraordinary was her outlook on life. Ellie chose green as her favorite color. “it represents growth. It’s the color of life and energy.” The Elliestrong Forever Foundation keeps Ellie's incredibly caring spirit alive by helping families affected by cancer.” For further information about the foundation, visit https://www.elliestrongforever.com/. merleburl.com

 

• For Valentine’s Day, Monarch Creationz offers custom made roses, bottles, shadow boxes and frames. The deadline for ordering is Sunday, Feb 2, 2025. For further information, visit https://www.facebook.com/MonarchCreationzzz/. com

 

• Wrestling Room, 109 Turner Court, is expanding with new equipment arriving in January. The business is a private practice facility available for drop ins, private coaching or full rental. It is open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. with open mats held three days a week. Workout space is available for a private party or event, plus private training use in mma, kick boxing, yoga or gymnastics. Telephone number is 847 609-5955. com

 

• Open from 7 a.m.-noon Tuesday through Sunday, Raised Bakery currently offers scones, muffins, cookies and cinnamon rolls.

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REMEMBRANCES

 

• Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Ramanbhai S. Patel who at the age of 86 passed away Monday, Jan. 6, 2025.

 

• Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Raymond L “Ray” Eggert, who at the age of 94 passed away Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025.

 

• Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Westley J. Potender, Sr., who at the age of 84 passed away Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024.

 

• Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Harlan Schweer, who at the age of 75 passed away Monday, Dec. 23, 2024.

 

• Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Jaxon Romeo Maya Gill, who at the age of 17 passed away Monday, Jan. 6, 2025.

 

SCHOOLS

 

• West Chicago Community High School offers a 12-week Wildcat Preschool for local children ages 2.5 to 5 years of age and is taught by students enrolled in Child Development 2 classes under the supervision of teacher Brittany Bauer. The classes are held from 8 to 10:20 a.m..Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, beginning Feb. 4 and ending May 1 2025. Lessons range from alphabet and number awareness to gross motor activities to beginning reading and writing. Orientation date is from 11 to 11:45 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 31. Children attending must be close to being potty trained. To register visit https://www.d94.org/community/preschool. For further information, email bbauer@d94.org or call 630-876-6377. com

 

• At its Monday, Dec. 16, 2024, meeting, the Benjamin School District 25 Board of Education appointed John R. Langton as the Interim Superintendent for the 2024-2025 school year. He replaces Dr. James Woell, who submitted his resignation in December 2024, with his final day being Jan. 3. 2025.

Langton previously served as co-interim superintendent of Community High School District 94. With 26 years in education, Langton served as Superintendent of Addison School District 4 for 13 years and previously was an Assistant Superintendent, a middle school principal and an elementary school principal at Addison School District 4, as well as a middle school Assistant Principal at Community Consolidated School District 93 and an elementary and middle school teacher at Community Consolidated School District 21. He was a recipient of the Dr. Scott J. Helton Excellence in Educational Leadership Award from the DuPage Division of the Illinois Association of School Administrators. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Bradley University in Peoria. He received his Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Administration from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb. merleburl.com

 

• In the rankings by the Daily Herald sports staff, St. Charles East girls basketball team is ranked 10 out 0f 20.

 

• Winterim 2025 at Wheaton Academy started. The annual two-week program provides students with innovative learning experiences. One experience included the aviation class visiting the Illinois Aviation Academy at DuPage Airport. com

 

• In the girls basketball games Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025, St. Charles East High School won over Batavia High School with a score of 43-37. In the boys basketball games Friday, Jan. 10, St. Charles East High School won over Batavia High School with a score of 54-53 and Bartlett High School lost to West Aurora High School with a score of 35-64. In the Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, boys basketball games St. Charles East High School lost to Hoffman estates High School with a score of 50-57 and West Chicago Community High School lost to Timothy Christian High School with a score of 44-48 In the girls basketball games, Bartlett High School lost to Plainfield North High School with a score of 26-60/

 

CHURCHES

• BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Bartlett recently held a food drive. Enough food was collected to donate two filled pallets to the Wayne Township Food Pantry. com

 

COMMUNITY MEMBERS HIGHLIGHTS

 

• Former West Chicago resident Susan Wells is a participant in the first Emerging Author Expo on the second floor Atrium East at the Glen Ellyn Public Library, 400 Duane St. It takes place from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025. Attendees meet local authors whose books are part of the library’s collection. Books are available for purchase and signing. Wells reads an excerpt from her mystery novel, “Secret Lives,” which takes place in West Chicago. The open mic portion of the event is from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Per Outskirts Press, “Secret Lives” brings together an abusive ex, a suspected sex offender boss, stalker neighbor, sexy best friend, foot fetish and more unforgettable characters, some hilarious, all with secrets, and full of suspense. All are intertwined in this action-packed story filled with flashes of tenderness and wit. Readers give it a 4.6 rating.

An emerging author is a writer who has some professional experience and recognition but has not yet reached an established level. The Glen Ellen Public Library’s Emerging Author Collection offers local authors the opportunity to have their books on shelves and in circulation, receive wider exposure, and reach an audience they might not otherwise influence. merleburl.com

CLUB/ORGANIZATION NEWS

 

• American Legion Post 300, 123 Main St., offers some winter fun. From 4 to 8 Friday, Jan. 18, 2025, is pajama night and breakfast is served . Bags begin at 7 p.m.

 

• Gallery 200, 103 W. Washington St., holds 2025 winter art classes. To view the classes and to register, visit https://www.gallery200.net/gallery-200-shop/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.

There are several WOTY (Word of the Year) classes with a charge of $50 per each two-hour class. All materials are included. The Saturday Jan.24, class is from 3 to 5 p.m. The Wednesday, Jan. 29, class is from 1 to 3 p.m. For persons who chose a word of the year, but struggle to remember what it is, the WOTD board keeps the word front and center, along with any other memories or goals one wishes to record. Patty D. is the instructor

There are three Fused Glass Photo Holder classes for persons age 10 and up. The Friday, Jan 24, and Tuesday, Feb. 18, classes are from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.and the Wednesday, Feb. 19, class is from 6 to 8 p.m. The charge is $45. Rita S. is the instructor. Participants design and create a fused  glass photo holder using pre-cut strips of glass, one clear and one colored, refractory fiber to hold open the photo channel and small colorful glass pieces, pre-made components and the forms of glass to add color and flair. Photo holders are fused after class to be picked up at a later date. merleburl.com

 

• Hannah Martin is the new Program Manager for We Go Together for Kids. She previously served as the West Chicago Coordinator for Chicago Arts Partnership in Education. Martin graduated from West Chicago Community High School and attributes her Spanish speaking skills to the high school’s exchange program with Spain. She received her undergraduate degrees from Butler University in Indianapolis, where she studied organizations like CAPE in the university's arts integration class. Martin said, “I loved learning how arts organizations work with communities to preserve their cultural intricacies. Most of you probably know me as the art lady and I’m excited to use my artistic brain to serve the community that helped raise me.” com

 

• 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.

 

CITY OF WEST CHICAGO

 

• West Chicago Cultural Arts Commission sponsors its seventeenth Annual Community Banner Project Competition. The theme is “ Sustenance/Sustento” The artwork may be any media with no limitation to technique or subject matter. Artists can submit photos of three-dimensional artwork. An independent juror selects the works of art. Each winning design is reproduced and featured in the 2025 West Chicago Banner Exhibition from May to September. All entries must be original and created within two years of entry date. For online submission or to review submission guidelines, visit https://westchicago.org/artbannerexhibit/. All entries are due by Friday, Feb. 14, 2025.

 

WEST CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT

 

• West Chicago Police Department celebrates the service anniversaries of its officers. Celebrating 19 years is Sergeant Edward Berg. School Resource officer Pat O’Neil celebrates 23 years. Celebrating 21 years is Sergeant Robbi Peterson. Officer Andrew Alaniz celebrates 17 years. Officer Jacob Fuller celebrates 15 years. Celebrating nine years is Officer Blake Bertany. Officer Derek Mielke celebrates seven years. Celebrating six years is Detective Ryan Moore. Celebrating five years are Officer Nathan Hunt and Detective Joseph Eversole. Officer Gerardo Solis and Officer Josep Guerra celebrate two years. com

 

• West Chicago Police Department is the recipient of a Federal Fiscal Year 2025 Sustained Traffic Enforcement Program grant. The grant is funded by federal highway safety funds through the Illinois Department of Transportation. The STEP grant year enables the West Chicago Police Department to conduct additional enforcement operations, particularly during high-risk periods, focusing on dangerous behaviors that contribute to crashes. such as speeding, impaired driving, distracted driving, distracted driving, failure to yield, disobeying traffic signals and seat belt violations.

 

ODDS AND ENDS

 

• To help persons keep their New Years Resolutions, the West Chicago Park District has a special fitness discount good through Friday, Jan. 31, 2025. It is an offer for 10 percent off annual and monthly memberships for both new and returning members. To register, visit https://www.we-goparks.org/.

 

• The cover of the November/December 2024 issue of Illinois P&R Magazine featured a photo, “Sunlit,” from the West Chicago Park District 2023 Taco Fest submitted by Maggie Beaudin, park district Marketing Assistant. She previously submitted the photo to 2023 Illinois Association of Park Districts; Illinois Park & Recreation Association Photo Contest, witch received an Honorable Mention in the Recreation/People at Play category.

 

My email address is merleburl@earthlink.net.