Merle Burleigh - City of West Chicago, Illinois

Fall is officially here. Already the trees are starting to change color. The morning temperature is brisk. It is getting dark earlier. Apples definitely are in season. Everything is in a flux of change with each day bringing forth new colors. Take the time to enjoy this season, a favorite of mine.

AROUND AND ABOUT

The League of Women Voters of Wheaton holds a drive-thru registration from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 23, 2020, in the parking lot of the West Chicago Public Library, 118 West Washington Street. Members help persons register to vote, request a Vote-By-Mail ballet and provide information about voting in the Tuesday, November 3, 2020, General Election. Persons should bring their own tablet or smartphone. There will be tablets with Wi-fi available for persons without their own device. These are sanitized after each use. To register to vote, persons must bring two forms of identification, one with their current address. Masks are required. Hand sanitizer is provided. (merleburl.com)

Friends of the West Chicago City Museum Facebook in collaboration with Mexican Cultural Center DuPage recognizes Hispanic Heritage Month with history and photographs. Mexican immigrants first came to West Chicago in the 1910s with other immigrants from around the world to work on the railroads and live in the boxcar camps that were located on the west side of West Chicago, off of Grand Lake Blvd. The number of Mexican workers grew throughout the 1920s and by the 1930 Census almost all workers in the boxcar camps were Mexican or Mexican America. Like the Irish immigrants that came to work on the railroads in West Chicago in the mid1800s, many Mexican immigrants were attracted to this area due to the railroad industry jobs. Check the Facebook page www.facebook.comFriendsoftheWestChicagoCityMuseum/ each work for new photos and history. These also can be seen on the Facebook page of Mexican Culture Center DuPage www.facebook.com/MexicanCulturalCenterDuPage/. (merleburl.com)

West Chicago Park District offers a High School Membership through December 31, 2020, at the ARC Center, 201 West National Street. The cost is $45 and includes unlimited access to the fitness center, use of locker room and showers, use of indoor track and free Open Gym. This is open to all high school students, not limited to any particular school. To register, visit we-go parks.org. (merleburl.com)

Healthy West Chicago 5K race t-shirts are here. Race participants can pick up their race bag from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. Thursdays or from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturdays now through October 10, 2020, at Gallery 200, 103 West Washington Street. Fifty persons participated in the 5K. (merleburl.com)

The West Chicago Public Library presents “UFO Case Files: Illinois” at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, September 24, 2020, via Zoom. Sam Maranto of the Illinois Mutual UFO Network presents the program, which gives a glimpse into the rich history of well-documented UFO sightings in Illinois. To register, visit

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUocOCgqTMoGNYOnLWJQPzJj12E901qqHHW .After registration, persons receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

The League of Women Voters of Illinois are having a virtual 100th Anniversary/POWER THE VOTE program at noon Friday, September 24, 2020, which is also its only fundraiser of the year. Keynote speaker is Illinois Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. Panelists are Jen Dean, Deputy Director of Chicago Votes; Martina Hone, Chief Equity officer of YWCA Chicago; and Jennifer Taff, Associate Director of DuPage Habitat for Humanity. The ticket cost is a $25. An event link will be sent on the morning of September 24 and the event will remain available for ticket holders who are unable to join at noon. For more information and to make a donation, visit https://igfn.us/vf/JoinLWVIL/BarbaraLaimins.

Winfield Township holds its Recycling Extravaganza from 9:00 a.m. to noon Saturday, September 26, 2020, 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 $10 cash only cost per car for electronic devices. 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, $3 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. Included among electronic items are computers, televisions, telephones and keyboards. Scrap metal items include gutters, metal hangers, metal lawn furniture, metal shelving, metal wheelbarrows and radiators. (merleburl.com)

Wayne Township, 27W031 North Avenue, has a Drive-thru Flu Shot event for senior citizens from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 29, 2020. Participants need to wear a short sleeved top and have their Medicare card number available.

The City of West Chicago and West Chicago Public Library hold a Pumpkin Decorating Contest open only to residents of West Chicago for Halloween Festivities this year. Contest categories are 7 and under, 8 through 12, 13 through 17, and adult/family. Winners in each category receive a $25 gift certificate to a local business. Pumpkin registration deadline is Wednesday, September 30, 2020, at https://form.jotform.com/202375137393153. Since there only are a limited number of pumpkins available, individuals may decorate their own. Persons must be able to pick up their pumpkins and goodie bags between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. No pumpkin carving is allowed. Photographs with the name, age of entrant and title of pumpkin are due no later than Wednesday, October 21, and uploaded to https://form.jotform.com/202394114465149. Public voting takes place the week of October 26. Winners are announced the week of November 2.

Full information is available at West Chicago Halloween Festivities. Questions may be directed to Nicolette at special events@westchicago.org. (www.merleburl.com)

With only eight days left to respond, it is not too late to help make a difference in our community for the next 10 years. Our community needs your response. Field Data collection is scheduled to conclude by Wednesday, September 30. 2020 Respond online now at https://go.usa.gov/xGBEv. US Census Bureau workers now are going door-to-door to count people who have not responded to earlier communication attempts. All census takers have government ID badges with their photographs, US Department of Commerce watermarks and expiration dates. If no one is at home when a census worker visits, the employee will leave a notice with information about responding on line at 2020census.gov or by phone at (844) 330-2020. The US Constitution mandates that everyone in the country is counted every 10 years. (merleburl.com)

During the month of September, the City of West Chicago sponsors a “Distance Socially, Eat Locally” Campaign. Part of the event includes 10 gift card give-aways valued at $25 each. To enter for a chance to win and help support local restaurants, persons need only to “like” and follow the City of West Chicago Facebook page. Some of the restaurants are Augustino’s Rock & Roll Deli & Grill, The Bunker, Biscuits and Gravy, Bobo Coffee, or Dragon II To participate persons like and follow the City Facebook page, www.facebook.com/CityofWestChicago/, to see when the giveaways go up to discover if they want to enter that given giveaway. Each one is a different restaurant.

Also, there is a Bingo game, in which there is the chance to win one of three $100 gift cards to a downtown restaurant. The Bingo card is on the City’s Facebook page. The rules are to complete five squares in a row, horizontal, vertical or diagonal, with purchases made at a local West Chicago restaurant, and marking the square when completed. When applicable, participants take a photo. The completed card and supporting proof is sent by email to specialevents@westchicago.org or put in an envelope stating Special Events Bingo and put in the drop box at City Hall, 475 Main Street. Participants completing the entire card receive an extra five entries in the drawing. The deadline is Thursday, October 1. For more information, email specialevents@westchicago.org.

Healthy West Chicago once again partners with the National Forum for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention for the 2020 Move with Mayor Challenge in August and September. Due to COVID-19, the format is different this year. Made possible with a donation from Jacobs Engineering Group in West Chicago, the MWTM Walking Challenge makes it possible for persons to participate in the activities. Using the activation code, “movechicago17,” persons can download it from the App Store on their personal device. Users then may pair the app with their choice of activity trackers such as Fitbit, Gamin, Apple Watch or those built into their Smart devices. The app collects data on personal steps logged, distances walked and ranking among the participants. For the list of planned activities, visit www.healthywestchicago.org/move-with-the-mayor.

West Chicago Public Library has a Fall Leaves painting class at 6 p.m. Wednesday, September 30, 2020, via You Tube. Teaching the class is art teacher Christine Thornton. Participant practice drawing a few different types of leaves. Then Thornton teaches some fun, easy watercolor painting techniques. Attendees use their own painting supplies or colored pencils. The class includes the instructional video and the opportunity to connect with the teacher and classmates. After registering at inyurl.com/y3bns34x, individuals receive a unique link to a YouTube video, which is available for seven days. (merleburl.com)

The West Chicago Cultural Arts Commission launches its second round of Haiku poetry to bring inspiration to West Chicago neighborhoods this fall. Poets and community members can submit their own positive haiku in a language of their choosing at https://form.jotform.com/202615468692159.

All poems must follow the standard 5-7-5 Haiku format. Persons can submit up to three haiku. The deadline is Thursday, October 1, 2020. The selected haiku are printed on double-sided yard signs and placed in public places and local neighborhoods. Both residents and businesses have the opportunity to pre-register for consideration to publicly have a poem on their property at https://form.jotform.com/202616480685156. After the selection of the sites, a simple map will be on the City’s website, www.westchicago.org and persons can view the signs while walking or driving through the community. The current haiku signs remain in place through the end of October.

The 31st ”Tales Tombstones Tell” is virtual this year at 6:30 p.m. Friday, October 2, 2020, due to COVID-19 pandemic. The video will be available to watch on Friends of West Chicago Facebook Page and website. For those not on Facebook, email wegohistory@gmail.com. The tales highlight eight West Chicago women to commemorate this historic year, the 100th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment which gave women the right to vote. One woman is Grace Gerbig Schommer. Her family moved to West Chicago in the 1920s. She was employed as a telephone operator until she married Otto Schommer, a builder. Grace died in 1988 and is buried in Calvary Cemetery on Washington Street, just east of Route 59.

Hawthorne’s Backyard Bar & Grill, hosts its annual Golf Outing Saturday, October 3, 2020, at Klein Creek Golf Course, 1N333 Pleasant Hill Road in Winfield. It begins at 8:30 a.m. with a shotgun start, a four-man scramble. The cost is $100 per person and includes golf, cart and food at the course, followed by a Pig Roast at Hawthorne’s, 1200 West Hawthorne Lane. There are prizes and raffles. The winning team receives trophies, and their names are engraved on the Annual Outing plaque. Register at the restaurant and talk to the manager or the bartender.

The 19th District Veterans of Foreign Wars holds a Steak Fry, a fundraiser to benefit veterans and scholarship programs from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Saturday, October 3, 2020, at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6791, 431 North Neltnor Boulevard. The charge is $20 and includes the meal of steak, pork chop, or cod, baked potato, salad, and green beans. There is a bake sale to satisfy the sweet tooth, and music. Also, there are basket and meat raffles, plus a 50/50 raffle. Persons do not need to be present to win. Weather permitting, outside seating is available. To place take-out orders call (630) 231-9823; leave a voice mail if no one answers. For further information, call Terry Adams at (630) 546-1647 or email anttbear@aol.com. The District is the one of which Post 6791 belongs. (merleburl.com)

League of Women Voters of Wheaton is having a Virtual Run/Walk to the Polls 5K Friday through Sunday, October 9 to 11, 2020. The registration fee of $35 includes a commemorative shirt and donation to the LWV of Wheaton. The first 75 registrants receive a coupon for Dick Pond Athletics. To register, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/Wheaton/LWVWRuntothePollsVirtual5k. Participants select their preferred race route and results are self-timed. Runners may also complete their distance on a treadmill. Upon completion of the 5K, entrants submit their time online.

Five entries will be randomly selected from all the submitted times to win a prize act that included an exclusive VOTE face mask and a $20 off coupon from the Naperville Running Club. To help the LWV spread the word of Getting out the vote, participants can post their finisher certificate and a social media using #LWVRuntothePolls! (www.merleburl.com)

GardenWorks Project is hosting a campaign to raise awareness of hunger in Chicagoland. “Harvest Against Hunger: Nourishing Our Community” evolves a three-part mini-video series that goes behind the scenes of three local farms, Mighty Greens Farms in Elgin, Nichols Farm in Marengo and Stojans Vegetables in Maple Park. The videos relate the history, products and the meaning of community to them. The GardenWorks Project fundraiser is a private live Question and Answer session with the owners of the three farms at 4:00 p.m. Sunday, October 4, 2020. The ticket cost of $50 includes exclusive access to the three partner farms, a locally-sourced seasonal Community Sourced Agriculture box and recipes for pick up on Saturday, October 3, and automatic consideration for one of the two raffle prizes. For information and to purchase tickets, visit www.gardenworksproject.org.

Through Healthy West Chicago, Yoga on the Lawn takes place at 6:00 p.m. Tuesdays, October 6, and October 13, 2020, on the lawn at West Chicago Public Library, 118 West Washington Street. Certified Yoga instructor Tracy Leach teaches some simple breath to movement postures and breathing exercises to gently connect body and mind. Participants need to bring a mat and water bottle. No reservations are necessary. For further information email Cary Smitherman at carlys@healthywestchicago.org or call (630) 230-6370.

The painting by Maggie Capettini received Best of Show in “Voices of the Midwest” exhibit in the Kavanagh Gallery at Fine Line Creative Arts Center, 37W570 Bolcum Road in St. Charles. The exhibit is on display through Sunday, October 10, 2020. She painted “Snow at the Courthouse” April 12, 2019, at the Kane County Courthouse in Geneva. Capettini said, “The snow was a surprise on that day.” (merleburl.com)

American Legion Post 300, 123 Main Street, has dinner specials Wednesdays and Fridays, plus the Friday Fish Fry. To view the specials for the week, view www.facebook.com/alpost300/.

The Fall Festival continues through the end of October at Sonny Acres, 29W310 North Avenue. In addition to the Farm Fresh Store and Our Kitchen restaurant, other attractions include Jumping Pillow, Kiddie Koral, Sonny Express Train, Day Hayride and Self Petting Zoo from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays and from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday and Sunday. Amusement Stand and amusement rides are open from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday and from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday through Sunday. The business is closed on Mondays. (merleburl.com)

The consolidated election for officials in the City of West Chicago, West Chicago Public Library District, West Chicago Elementary School District 33, Community High School District 94, and Benjamin School District 25 takes place Tuesday, April 6, 2021.The candidate election packets now are available at the respective taxing body locations. Due to COVID-19, times and days for packet pick up are not the same this year. As in the past, school board candidates must either pick up packets at the DuPage County Election Commission, 421 North County Farm Road in Wheaton, or go the commission website http://www.dupageco.org/election to obtain the forms. Candidate filing begins December 14 and ends December 21.

City of West Chicago positions open are Mayor, City Clerk and seven Aldermen. City Hall is open limited hours. Packets are available from 9:00 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at City Hall, 475 Main Street. For persons unable to come to City Hal during those hours, they can call City Clerk Nancy Smith at (630) 293-9250 to set up an appointment.

In the West Chicago Public Library District, there are four four-year positions open for the Board of Trustees. At this time the library is closed, and only offers curbside service. This is the NEW information for candidate packet pick up. Hard copies are available for pickup via curbside service and the packets will be made available online for download.

West Chicago Park District has two six-year terms and one two-year unexpired term open for the Board of Commissioners. However, the Park District has a referendum to reduce the size of the board from seven commissioners to 5 commissioners on the ballot in the November 3 election. If it passes, then there is only one six-year term open. Packets are available from 8:30 a.m.to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at the ARC Center, 201 West National Street. Direct requests for digital packets to Melissa L. Medeiros, mmedeiros@we-goparks.org.

In West Chicago Elementary School District 33, there are three four-year seats and one two-year unexpired term open for the Board of Education.

In Community High School District 94, there are four four-year positions and one two-year unexpired position open for the Board of Education.

In Benjamin School District 25, there are four six-year terms open.

There also are opening in U-46 and St. Charles Community Unit School District 303. Packets for 303 are available through the Kane County Clerk’s office. For information, call (630) 232-5990.

Winfield Township Road District, 30W575 Roosevelt Road, has a collection site for used vegetable cooking oil; animal fat is not accepted. The hours are from 7:00 a.m. to noon Mondays, except holidays. Person need to use plastic containers.

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 4:00 p.m. Monday, September 21, 2020, there were 1,126 cases. It is important to remember to follow the social distancing order, wear masks and wash hands. (merleburl.com)

As the importance of wearing masks during the COVID-19 pandemic is stressed,, so must the proper disposal. The masks and gloves are disposed of in regular garbage; they are not recyclables. Also a gentle reminder, syringes are not recyclable, they go in regular garbage.

To keep residents aware of community COVID-19 updates, the City has posted West Chicago’s COVID-19 COMMUNICATIONS CENTER on its website, www.westchicago.org. It is located on the upper left-hand side in red. Clicking on this, residents can see the latest information.

Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of William “Bill” Charles Micel, who passed away Thursday, September 17, 2020.

Kendall Farm, a senior at West Chicago Community High School, is a two-time state qualifier in golf, and is undefeated this year. David Pater, Athletic Director said, “She may not get the chance to play at State due to COVID-19. (merleburl.com)

Barb and Rand Toney celebrated their 45th Wedding Anniversary Monday, September 21, 2020.

Wheaton Academy partners with Kids Alive to care for vulnerable children in the Dominican Republic and in Haiti. This year, a team of students used 3D printers to make face shields for local medical providers and for staff at Kids Alive. Although the Kids Alive staff is teaching remotely, as required by the government, these face shields are in use for parent meetings and home visits in the barrios. Staff distributing much needed food supplies to families are also using the shields. (merleburl.com)

The winner of the People’s Choice Award in the 2019 Community Banner contest was Emese Thoth, Registrar at West Chicago City Museum. Her banner was titled “The Journey,” an image of riding her horse Aiden, where she feels most at home. The theme this year was “Home.”

At the Tuesday, September 15, 2020, meeting, Community High School District 94 Board of Education approved a contract addendum with Illinois Central Bus, which pays the company 40 percent less than if it were providing full transportation services. At this time, the business is providing transportation for athletics only.

Also approved was a contract addendum with Quest Food Services for a per-meal fee charged to the District for students during remote learning. Board member Gary Saake said, “Unlike this spring, we will be using our staff to deliver lunches instead of Illinois Central. Quest will provide some delivery service also.”

Parking fees for the 2020-21 school year were waived due to the uncertain mix of remote, hybrid and in-person classes this year and “in recognition that some students that would normally take the bus may be uncomfortable doing so in light of COVID if/when in-person classes begin.”

My email address is merleburl@earthlink.net.

The General Election is Tuesday, November 3, 2020. However Early Voting and Mail-in ballots are available now. Thus, it is necessary to know who and what is on the ballot and to do some research before casting your vote. To view the sample ballot, visit https://www.dupageco.org/election/, under for voters.

On the ballot for federal offices are President and Vice President, U. S. Senator and U.S, Representative. On the state level are Senator and Representative. On the DuPage County level are State’s Attorney, Circuit Court Clerk, Auditor, Corner, Recorder and District 6 County Board. There are four positions to fill for vacancies for Judges of the Circuit Court 18th Judicial Circuit and four questions of retention of judges of the Circuit Court 18th Judicial Circuit.

There are five propositions. The state proposition question is Proposed amendment to the Illinois Constitution. There are three DuPage County propositions. The first is Shall DuPage County continue to consider financial support of law enforcement and public safety its top budgeting priority? The second is In order to fight the spread of COVID-19, shall DuPage County obtain a stockpile of personal protective equipment for distribution to nursing homes, first responders, health care providers, and at risk communities who are not otherwise able to obtain personal protective equipment? The third is Shall DuPage County continue to fund and support training methods that decrease the risk of injury to officers and suspects for local law enforcement agencies? On the local level, the proposition is Shall the number of commissioners on the Board of the West Chicago Park District be reduced from seven (7) to five (5)?

Registered voters can request mail-in ballots until Thursday, October 29, 2020, but this is cutting it close according to county officials. A suggested date from the state is Thursday, October 15. Mailed ballots need to be postmarked by November 3 and received within 14 days to be counted. Voters can track their ballots through BallotTrax, a notification system available to DuPage voters. For the next several weeks, voters can drop off their ballots in a box on the south parking lot of the County Complex, 421 North County Farm Road. Other boxes will be installed inside early voting locations and polling places. Early voting is now available at the DuPage County Fairgrounds, 2015 Manchester Road. Starting Monday, October 19, nearly 20 other sites ill begin operating. For locations and hours, visit dupagecounty.org/election/Voting/EarlyVoting.

If persons have a mail-in ballot and decide to vote in person, they need to bring the ballot and envelope to the early voting site or their regular polling place and they will be given a new ballot.

If they do not bring these two items, they will only be allowed to vote provisionally, which means their in person ballot would not count until it is confirmed that the mail in ballot was not used. The main thing for people to realize is that with the current security in place by the DuPage Election Authority and the new poll books purchased by the County Board, no one can vote twice. (merleburl.com)

AROUND AND ABOUT

West Chicago Park District offers flexible scheduling for before and after school schedules and E-learning options for children in West Chicago Elementary School District 33 and St. Charles Community Unit School District 303. For full information, visit www.facebook.com/WestChicagoParks/.

“If Statues Could Talk” is the virtual West Chicago Public Library program at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, October 1, 2020. Beth Sair gives a one-of-a-kind virtual tour of “the Talking Statues of Chicago.” Persons hear some of Chicago’s statues “tell” their stories, as voiced by Chicago actors and co-produced by Chicago theaters. Also presented are unique details about the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition and which set of statues speak as the unofficial mascots of Chicago. To register, visit tinyurl.com/y3crwtt4.

Sair is a highly experienced educator and a member of Chicago Tour Guide Professional Association, CTPA, provides lectures and gives tours. She arranges and leads tours of Chicago, Springfield, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Munster, Indiana. Highlights include Millennium Park, museums, synagogues, churches, veterans memorials, stained glass installations and artist studios. (merleburl.com)

All poems must follow the standard 5-7-5 Haiku format. Persons can submit up to three haiku.The deadline is Thursday, October 1, 2020. The selected haiku are printed on double-sided yard signs and placed in public places and local neighborhoods. Both residents and businesses have the opportunity to pre-register for consideration to publicly have a poem on their property at https://form.jotform.com/202616480685156. After the selection of the sites, a simple map will be on the City’s website, www.westchicago.org and persons can view the signs while walking or driving through the community. The current haiku signs remain in place through the end of October.

The 31st ”Tales Tombstones Tell” is virtual this year at 6:30 p.m. Friday, October 2, 2020, due to COVID-19 pandemic. The video will be available to watch on Friends of West Chicago Facebook Page For those not on Facebook, email wegohistory@gmail.com for a link. The tales highlight seven West Chicago women to commemorate this historic year, the 100th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote. Following the Oakwood Cemetery introduction, the “visits” are to the gravesites of Mary McConnell, Kathryn Kelly, Mary Kaiser, Zelda DeTray, Carrie (or Maria) Roundy, Ann Ward, and Emeteria Zarate. The video will remain online after the evening for those who wish to view it at later time.

For persons without access to internet feed, they can call the museum at (630) 231-3376 or email wegohistory@gmail.com to have a DVD mailed. Also the Museum schedules cemetery walk tours for small groups and educational groups. Call or email the museum to arrange for a schedule.

Members of the Friends of the West Chicago City Museum also are invited to join a Tales Tombstones Tell virtual happy hour after the video presentation at 7:15 p.m. To receive the link to join, email wegohistory@gmail.com. (merleburl.com)

The 19th District Veterans of Foreign Wars holds a Steak Fry, a fundraiser to benefit veterans and scholarship programs from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Saturday, October 3, 2020, at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6791, 431 North Neltnor Boulevard. The charge is $20 and includes the meal of steak, pork chop, or cod, baked potato, salad, and green beans. There is a bake sale to satisfy the sweet tooth and music. Also there are basket and meat raffles, plus a 50/50 raffle. Persons do not need to be present to win. Weather permitting, outside seating is available. To place take-out orders call (630) 231-9823; leave a voice mail if no one answers. For further information, call Terry Adams at (630) 546-1647 or email anttbear@aol.com. the district is the one which Post 6791 belongs.

There are two amendments regarding the property which was the site for Cascade Theater on the agenda of the Public Hearing at the Plan Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals meeting. It takes place at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 6, 2021, at City Hall, 475 Main Street.

In the first amendment the applicants petition the City to add Drive-In theaters as a Special Use in the Estate Residential District and all freestanding, illuminated, changeable copy signs and directional signs on the property. Tom Dabareiner, City Community Development Director, explained that this is a residential zoning district, “which is what the Cascade property was zoned since it was annexed to the City many years ago.” Also, “The period for ‘grandfathering’ the use has expired and no longer applies. This is why a text amendment is needed now.” He added, “In their proposal it would be a special use, meaning there would be conditions that need to be met or it could not be approved.” He said, “The period for “grandfathering” the use has expired and no longer applies. This is why a text amendment is needed now.”

If the Zoning Board of Appeals recommends the text amendment, the second amendment petitions for a special use permit to operate a Drive-In theater.

The recommendation of the Zoning Board of Appeals, whether for or against, then goes to the Development Committee. Dabareiner added, “They have not resolved issues like installing a new sanitary system, which is required because use of the old one is now prohibited. No other plans have been submitted.”

During the COVID-19 Pandemic, those wishing to participate in the public hearing are strongly encouraged to use the City’s teleconference platform by visiting the City’s website www.westchicago.org at the time of the hearing. Information on logging into the teleconference platform will be posted on the agenda at least 48 hours in advance of the hearing and can be found at City website. Individuals may also attend the public hearing at City Hall to listen to the audio. Anyone wishing to provide comment on these matters must send their written comments to City Hall no later than 4:00 p.m. the day of the meeting. Written comments may be mailed to the City of West Chicago Community Development Department, 475 Main Street, West Chicago, IL 60185 or by email to John Sterrett, City Planner, at jsterrett@westchicago.org. Comments received by the 4:00 p.m. deadline will be read during the public participation portion of the public hearing.

The Cascade Theater opened in 1959, Jeff Kohlberg was the owner for 30 years. In March 2019, Kohlberg announced the Cascade would not open as the landowners did not renew the lease. With the closing of the drive-in, Kohlberg sold most of the equipment including the projection and audio systems.

West Chicago Public Library offers a two-hour Microsoft Word Level 1 class at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 7, 2020, via Zoom. Librarian Austin Hall is the presenter. To Register, visit https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYlfuChqD0rHNDdSJHBWUH-csERjQKT_RbV. After registering, persons receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. The second session, Level II, is at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 14.

League of Women Voters of Wheaton is having a Virtual Run/Walk to the Polls 5K Friday through Sunday, October 9 to 11, 2020. The registration fee of $35 includes a commemorative shirt and donation to the lWV of Wheaton. The first 75 registrants receive a coupon for Dick Pond Athletics. To register, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/Wheaton/LWVWRuntothePollsVirtual5k. Participants select their preferred race route and results are self-timed. Runners may also complete their distance on a treadmill. Upon completion of the 5K, entrants submit their time online.

GardenWorks Project is hosting a campaign to raise awareness of hunger in Chicagoland. “Harvest Against Hunger: Nourishing Our Community” evolves a three-part mini-video series that goes behind the scenes of three local farms, Mighty Greens Farms in Elgin, Nichols Farm in Marengo and Stojans Vegetables in Maple Park. The videos relate the history, product and the meaning of community to them. The GardenWorks Project fundraiser is a private live Question and Answer session with the owners of the three farms at 4:00 p.m. Sunday, October 4, 2020. The ticket cost of $50 includes exclusive access to the three partner farms, a locally sourced seasonal Community Sourced Agriculture box and recipes for pick up on Saturday, October 3, and automatic consideration for one of the two raffle prizes. For information and to purchase tickets, visit www.gardenworksproject.org. (merleburl.com)

Trick or Treat hours are from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. Saturday, October 31, 2020. This year, due to COVID-19, it is especially important to follow the rule of only stopping at homes beaconing a welcome with a lit porch light, plus wearing masks and following other safety and health considerations.

West Chicago Public Library, 118 West Washington Street, has expanded its curbside service hours. Now they are 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

With these changes, this is the updated candidate packet information for Library Trustees in the Consolidated Election Tuesday, April 6, 2021. There are three four-year terms and one two-year unexpired term. Filling this positions currently are David Reynolds, Sr., Diane Kelsey, Richard J. Bloom and Frank Fokta. Nominating petition packets are available during the library’s curbside pick-up service hours or can be downloaded from the library website, https://wcpld.info.

First United Methodist Church of West Chicago, 643 East Washington Street, continues to collect pairs of shoes. The bin is located outside by the entrance door. As of the last shoe count, the church has collected and donated a total of 30,804 pairs of shoes since starting this project in April 2012 through the Shoeman Water Project, aka George Hutchings. Their members met their goal of 5,000 pairs in 2013. The church decided to collect shoes to keep them out of the landfill and to provide for cottage industry in a variety of countries. The collected shoes are sold on the world market and the money raised purchases water well digging equipment and water purification systems for Africa and Haiti. A child can attend school when that child no longer needs to get water by walking ten miles each way, every day. (merleburl.com)

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 4:00 p.m. Monday, September 28, 2020, there were 1,126 cases and 13 deaths. This was an increase of 32 since last week, September 21It is important to remember to follow the social distancing order, wear masks and wash hands. (merleburl.com)

As the importance of wearing masks during the COVID-19 pandemic is stressed, so must the proper disposal. The masks and gloves are disposed of in regular garbage; they are not recyclables. Also a gentle reminder, syringes are not recyclable, they go in regular garbage.

To keep residents aware of community COVID-19 updates, the City has posted West Chicago’s COVID-19 COMMUNICATIONS CENTER on its website, www.westchicago.org. Also included are the weekly updated messages from Mayor Ruben Pineda. It is located on the upper left-hand side in red. Clicking on this, residents can see the latest information.

At 5:38 p.m. Wednesday, September 23, 2020, West Chicago Police Department responded to a report of shots fire at the Timber Lake Apartment Complex, 1200 Kings Circle. The officers located a single victim with a non-life threatening injury, who was transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. The shooting is under investigation as a no-active threat to the community. Persons with information on this incident should call the Police Department at (630) 293-2222.

Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Thomas J. Parker, who at the age of 70 passed away Tuesday, September 22, 2020.

Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Joe Santiago, who passed away Monday, September 28, 2020.

West Chicago resident, Judith Allyn Horsley, designed and organized a booklet, “McPipe Mansion circa 1870s.” It is a brief history of the mansion along with 30 pictures including some of the resident spirits. The mansion, owned by Horsley’s cousin Sharyn and her husband George Luedke, is on the National Register of Historic Places. The cost is $10 with the proceeds to benefit the restoration of the house.

The house, located in Alton, was built in 1869 by architect Lucas Pfeiffenberger. Original owner of the Mansion was Henry Guest McPike. The family owned 15 acres of land, then known as Mount Lookout Park. Here McPike, a horticulturist, perfected his McPike Grape. The family lived in their country home until 1936. Then the mansion had several owners, which included Browns Business College and later by Paul Laichinger, who used it as a boarding house. No one has occupied the mansion since the 1950s. Weather and vandals caused extensive damage to the structure. The house had 11 marble fireplaces, and a carved stairway banister, all stolen during the abandonment.

In today’s world, it is known for its hauntings in the paranormal circles. “It is not uncommon to find in photos of the mansion, orbs, balls of light, even figures appearing in the windows that were not seen by the human eye when the photo was taken,” according to the history page on the official website. The cellar is a focal point of many of the energies felt in the mansion. Scheduled events are held at the mansion, where persons “experience the phenomena of the house and grounds.” For more information on the mansion, visit http://www.mcpikemansion.com. As a side note, State magazine listed Alton as one of the most haunted towns in America. (merleburl.com)

The book, “Today’s Inspired Latina, Volume 6-European Edition,” was a finalist in the 22nd annual International Latino Book Award Contest. It won Honorable Mention in the Non-Fiction Book-English category. The book is one of book series of inspiration and hope with a collection of personal stories. Marita Valdizan, a member of Gallery 200, is the author of one of the stories. (merleburl.com)

At the Monday, September 21, 2020, meeting, City Council approved a comprehensive Plan Contract for the amount of $123, 200 to MUSE Community Design LLC. Per the Item Summary, The current plan is 25 years old and the land use map, a component of the plan, is I4 years old. “In addition to being a form for planning the future development and character of the City, the Plan provides significant legal protection when making and defending land use decision. Another reason for having a current Comprehensive Plan is many grant applications require a more recent Plan as part of the qualification process.” The City received four proposals to its ad for professional services to update the Plan and two were selected for interviews. The Selection of MUSE involved several factors. The company took the time to learn about West Chicago, its unique attributes and challenges. On its team, there is an “experienced planner from Mexico, who will participate heavily in the outreach efforts and provide translation services.” Also it is teamed with Antero Group, “with specialties in both transportation and economic development.” Another advantage for MUSE is “the firm’s experienced Founding Principal, Courtney Kashima, will serve as project lead.” It is anticipated MUSE will complete the work before the end of 2021.

Stating personal reasons, Ward 3 Alderman Michael Ferguson announced he would not be running for of office in the Consolidated Election Tuesday, April 6, 2021.

My email address is merleburl@earthlink.net.

In October, the colors of fall begin to dominate the landscape. People are beginning to decorate yards, porches and balconies with fall and Halloween scenes. Today, October 7, there are several national celebrations. These include Chocolate Covered Pretzel Day, Pumpkin Seed Day, National Frappe Day, LED Light Day, Coffee with a Cop Day, Inner Beauty Day and Walk To School Day. None are what you would call “party time” occasions, but fun ones to throw into a casual conversation. Historically, in 1913, Henry Ford’s entire Highland Park automobile factory was run on a continuously moving assembly line the chassis was added to the process.

AROUND AND ABOUT

Computer use for adults is now available by appointment at West Chicago Public Library, 118 West Washington Street. Hours are from noon, 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 10:30 a.m., 12:30 .p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. To make an appointment, call 231-1552 during curbside hours or email ask@wcpld.info. Computers are limited to one person per computer with computer use limited to one-hour session per person/per day. For more information on computer usage, visit the library website wcpld.info.

Youth computer use also is available, except for AWE and Smart board. Per the library’s computer use policy, anyone under the age of nine must have a parent or guardian with them. Appointments are required. (merleburl.com)

Although West Chicago Fire Protection District cancelled its annual Open House due to COVID-19, Fire Protection Week still takes place through Saturday, October 10, 2020. The National Fire Prevention theme this year is “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen,” highlighting cooking safety and preventing kitchen fires in the home. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of home fires. (merleburl.com)

West Chicago resident Kathy Steere is a participant in the biannual Prairie Star Quilters Guild quilt show Friday and Saturday, October 9 and 10, 2020. Due to COVID-19, the show is virtual this year. It features about 200 quilts, including display, judged, and a red and white challenge categories. Steere has five quilts in the show: two in display, two for judging and one in the challenge. To view the show, visit 2020quiltshow.psqg.org.

Steere also is teaching a quilting class at noon Thursday, October 15, 2020, at Art Quilt Open Studio, 7440-M Woodward Avenue in Woodridge. The charge is $27. In addition to learning art quilt techniques, persons have the opportunity to learn how to color on fabric using water-soluble crayons and watercolor pencils. To sign up, visit www.quiltersquest.com/module/class.htm?classId=323479. (merleburl.com)

The League of Women Voters of Wheaton hosts a voter registration from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 10, 2020, at an outside table at West Chicago Public Library, 118 West Washington Street. Members help persons register to vote, request a Vote-by-Mail ballot and provide information about voting in the 2020 General Election. They also can show persons how to use their smartphone or tablet to check registration status. Persons need to bring two forms of identification, one with current address.

First United Methodist Church of West Chicago, 643 East Washington Street, hosts an Outdoor Blessing of the Animals at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 10, 2020. Pets should be in crates or on leashes. Since the weather can be quite cool, persons are requested to bring a picture of their pet reptile and leave it in safe and warm at home. (merleburl.com)

Faith Community Church, 910 Main Street, is holding only one church service Sunday, October 11, 2020. It takes place at 11:00 a.m. outside on the west side of the building. The music team provides live music. Persons are requested to bring a folding chair if they have one. Following the service is lunch.

St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 North Prince Crossing Road, holds a Taco Drive-Thru fundraiser from noon to 3:00 p.m. Sunday, October 11, 2020. The cost is $2.50 each taco with a choice of steak, pork or chicken. Drink is $1. The taco combo plate of four tacos and one drink is $10. Persons can place their order at (630) 401-2008. (merleburl.com)

Some students at West Chicago Community High School are organizing a 2021 Senior Homecoming Parade of Cars Sunday, October 11, 2020. It steps off at 1:00 p.m. from the Kerr-McGee parking lot. Then proceeds to the high school and goes around the school and Memorial field back to the parking lot. (merleburl.com)

West Chicago City Museum and Warrenville Historical Society present the Historiography program, a non-fiction book reading group, at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, October 15, 2020, via Zoom. The discussion continues on the book, “The Splendid and the Vile: A Saga of Churchill, Family, and Defiance During the Blitz” by Erik Larson. To get a copy of the book or for further information, visit Friends of West Chicago City Museum website, wegohistory.com or call (630) 231-3376.

Larson tells not only the story of political brinkmanship, but also an intimate domestic drama. The scenes include Chequers, his prime ministerial country hotel Ditchley, his wartime retreat where he and his entourage go when the bombing is the highest and 10 Downing Street in London. Larson uses diaries, original archives and once-secret intelligence reports.

In partnership with Cantigny Park, the League of Women Voters of Wheaton hosts a Civics Awareness program at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, October 15, 2020, via Zoom. Peter Adams presents the program, “Fighting Against Fake News: The Case for News Literacy.” To make a reservation visit my.lwv.org/illinois/wheaton/calendar/civic-awareness. A Zoom link to access the presentation is sent two days prior to the event.

Adams is News Literacy Project’s senior vice president for educational programs. He explores the ways that news literacy can help reestablish trust while also helping consumers know what to believe. Education is the most effective approach to combat the spread of misinformation. NLP is the nation’s leading provider of news literacy education, and its efforts to fight misinformation reach a global audience. The free resources, tools and easy-to-adopt tips help people of all ages become more news-literate. The organization connects with young people as they are developing their information consumption and creation habits, giving today’s students, who are tomorrow’s voters and decision-makers, the tools to sort fact from fiction and discern fact-based, credible information.In addition, amid strong and growing demand from the public, NLP offers its expertise, educational material and programs to people of all ages, according to the information on the LWVW website.

Zoeie Kreiner recently started a not-for-profit organization, Support Over Stigma, which is dedicated to helping active duty military, veterans, first responders and their families who are struggling with PTSD. She said, “As the mom of a deployed service member and the mom of a first responder, I have seen first-hand the havoc that can be created by PTSD.”

At this time the organization is seeking donations to fill 1,000 boxes for the deployed, 1,300 stockings for veterans, first responders and their families who are struggling with PTSD. The truck is parked at Faith Lutheran Church, 1745 Kaneville Road in Geneva. Some of the food items are cliff bars, jerky, nuts, trails mix, instant oatmeal, soup, pop-top cans of fruit, pudding packs, rice krispie bars, and crackerjack packs. For further information visit the website www.SupportOverStigman.org, email, zoeie@SupportOverStigma.org or call (630) 492-0308.

To help meet this goal, the organization is holding Octoberfest 2020 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Saturday, October 17, 2020, at Bunker Bar & Grill, 216 Main Street. The ticket price is $20, which includes the choice of pulled pork or roasted pulled chicken, and must be preordered at the website, under events.

First United Methodist Church of West Chicago and St. Andrew Lutheran Church are participants in the virtual 10th Annual Northwest DuPage United Hunger Crop Walk Sunday, October 18, 2020. The devotion is at 2:00 p.m. Virtual walk begins at 2:15 p.m. Register to walk and donate at: www.crophungerwalk.org/northwestdupage. Twenty-five percent of the monies benefit Neighborhood Food pantries, West Chicago PADS and Hanover Township Food Pantry. The remaining 75 percent goes to Church World Services. (merleburl.com)

The League of Women Voters of Wheaton partners with the Wheaton Public Library for its Livingroom Conversation—virtually at 1:30 p.m. Monday, October 20 24, 2020. The topic is “Political News Expectations vs Reality.” The goal of Livingroom Conversations is to bring local citizens together to discuss topics of mutual interest from multiple perspectives. Registration ends 15 minutes before the start time of the program. To register, visit /my.lwv.org/illinois/wheaton/calendar

The discussion focuses on political news as it is. Although an independent press is crucial to a healthy democracy, partisanship, bias by omission, opinion, activism, and falsehoods are often replacing facts. This is not a critique of specific sources, but a discussion identifying what persons can and should expect.

There still is time to participate in the Census. “As a result of court orders, the October 5, 2020, target date is not operative, and data collection operations will continue through Saturday, October 31.” It is time to get counted—in the 2020 Census. Households can do the census online, mail the paper questionnaires, if one was received, or call. US Census Bureau workers now are going door-to-door to count people who have not responded to earlier communication attempts. All census takers have government ID badges with their photographs, US Department of Commerce watermarks and expiration dates. If no one is at home when a census worker visits, the employee will leave a notice with information about responding on line at 2020census.gov or by phone at (844) 330-2020. Also accepted are responses by mail.

The reasons it is important that everyone be counted include redistricting, fair representation and the distribution of $675 billion in federal funds. The purpose of the census is to gather statistical information. Information on individuals is not shared or released. (merleburl.com)

With a total of 11,082,789 steps, West Chicago took first place in the September DuPage Walking Challenge. Other communities in the challenge were Glendale Heights, Hanover Park, Bartlett and Glen Ellyn. The competition continues through October. For additional activities, visit Healthy West Chicago Facebook page, www.facebook.com/HealthyWestChicago/.

On the Tuesday, November 6, 2020, General Election Ballot is the following proposition: “Shall the number of commissioners on the Board of the West Chicago Park District be reduced from seven (7) to five (5)?” Park District Director Gary Major explained, “During the last four elections for the Park District, there would be one at the most two people run for open positions. The District has had to appoint people to fill commissioner positions the past four years. It seems to be a challenge in West Chicago, and perhaps other cities, to fully elect positions for the many boards (City Council, Fire, High School, Elementary, Park, etc). So, rather than appointing positions, the District has decided to drop from 7 to 5, with the net effect being a more balanced approach to available positions and interested parties” These are six year terms, whichs is determined by state law. Commissioners do not receive pay.

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 4:00 p.m. Monday, October 5, 2020, there were 1,180 cases and 13 deaths. It is important to remember to follow the social distancing order, wear masks and wash hands.

A COVID-19 testing site is open from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays in a VNA Health Care Mobile at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 North Prince Crossing Road. There is no charge. Appointments are required and may be made at (630) 892-4355 or (847) 717-6455. DuPage County offers free COVID-19 testing at the DuPage County Complex, 421 North County Farm Road. The sites open from 7:00 a.m., to noon Monday through Friday. Since it is a drive-thru testing site, individuals give themselves a nasal swab test with instructions from staff. (merleburl.com)

Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Alberto Amaro, who at the age of 56 passed away Monday, September 28, 2020.

Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Allan H. Franz, who at the age of 69 passed away Friday, September 25, 2020.

Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Charles Kenos “Ken” Fisher, who at the age of 76 passed away Monday, September 28, 2020.

Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Reginald “Reggie” Juran Bass, who passed away at the age of 69 Thursday, October 1, 2020.

Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Jose Maria Sanchez Reyes, who at the age of 89 passed away Sunday, October 4, 2020.

Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Scot R. Monroe, who at the age of 51 passed away Saturday, October 3, 2020.

Community High School District 94 launched a new website, wwwd94.org. The up-to-date look provides easy access to all the information on West Chicago Community High School.

West Chicago Community High School students, Kendall Farm and Lyndi Bressner, finished in the top two overall in the Upstate Eight Conference Girls Golf championship. Farm, a senior, finished first with a 76 and is now a three-time Upstate Eight Girls Golf Champion. Bressner, a junior, finished second with an 89. (merleburl.com)

The Freeze, known as Tastee Freez locally, sold to a family in West Chicago. The business location is 130 Fremont Street.

The “DuPage Herald Business Ledger” recently honored the 2020 Best Places to Work in Illinois. For the seventh year in a row, Synergy Builders, 850 Meadowview Crossing, Unit 13, placed in the Small Businesses category, 15 to 99 employees. Other categories were medium and large companies.

Synergy Builders is a design-build home remodeling team servicing the Chicagoland area for more than 15 years. The CEO is John Habaermeier. There are 20 employees. Some of the reasons for Synergy being a great place to work include clear expectations, understanding visions, plenty of room for growth, fun social activities and a professional, but relaxed atmosphere. The process for selecting the companies involves an evaluation of the company’s workplace policies, practices and demographics, plus an employee survey.

My email address is merleburl@earthlink.net.

The Public Hearing regarding Cascade Theater at the Tuesday, October 6, 2020, Plan Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals meeting resulted in a continuation. On the agenda were two hearings involving amendments about the property which had been the site for Cascade Theater. In the first amendment the applicants petitioned the City to add Drive-In theaters as a Special Use in the Estate Residential District. The period for ‘grandfathering’ the use had expired and no longer applied. The prior owner of the property ended the lease in 2018 and since the theater had been closed longer than 12 months, the legal nonconforming status expired.

Shortly after Commission chairman Barb Laimins declared the Public Hearing for the first amendment opened, Russ Whitaker, attorney for the ownership group, said there have been discussions with City officials to facilitate the reopening of the theater. He added that involved an identification of alternative solutions to solve the technical zoning issue. In the next couple of weeks, they are going to explore the alternatives and return to the public hearing in November. The next regularly scheduled meeting date was Tuesday, November 3, the day of the General Election, and several Commission members would be unable to attend, preventing a quorum. Thus a motion passed with a 5-1 vote to change the date to Wednesday, November, for the continuation of the hearing. Commission member Tom DeVitt voted no as he would be unable to attend. Voting yes were Christine Dettmann, Steve Hale, David Kasprak, Tim Devitt and Bradley Henkin. Commissioner David Faught was absent.

As the public hearing for the second amendment was to allow a special use to operate a Drive in theater, pertained to the passage to first amendment, the motion passed to continue to November 4. The recommendation of the Zoning Board of Appeals, whether for or against, then goes to the Development Committee and then goes before the Council.

Whitaker said, “Our goal is to get the Cascade Drive-in reopened to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the 1961 opening.” Jeff Kohlberg operated the Cascade theater for last 30 years, selling most of the equipment including the projection and audio systems when it closed.

AROUND AND ABOUT

To wrap up Mexican Heritage Month, Mexican Cultural Center DuPage hosts a video to kick off the Cultural Exchange 2021 coming to West Chicago in 2021. It takes place at 6:00 p.m. Thursday, October 15, 2020, and can be viewed on MCCD Facebook page, www.facebook.com/MexicanCulturalCenterDuPage/. The video gives a taste of West Chicago and Michoacán, plus a look at one artistry in the state of Tiaxcala. (merleburl.com)

Also in the Historic Downtown District, some businesses have murals painted on their windows by different artists. The work of Miriam Fernandez is on the window of Framers Insurance, 128 Main Street. At Coco Loco Restaurant, 205 Main Street is the mural by Giovanni Arellano of West Chicago. The mural painted by West Chicago resident Buddy Plumlee is on the windows of Republic Bank, 101 Main Street. The murals are very good and I recommend taking the time to look at them. For further information visit MCCD Facebook page. (merleburl.com)

“Voting 103: History of Women’s Suffrage” is the West Chicago Public Library’s program at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 20, 2020, via Zoom. Lynn and Llona Steele from League of Women Voters of Kane County review the work of major national advocates for women’s rights plus women in Illinois who spearheaded local and state women’s rights initiatives. Included in the presentation is the formation of the League of Women Voters in Chicago and its emphasis on voter registration and education. To register, visit https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0sd-upqDgjHd1KMm3MUjc2PKQqa1y0iADC . Persons receive an email confirmation after registering. (merleburl.com)

Adams is News Literacy Project’s senior vice president for educational programs. He explores the ways that news literacy can help reestablish trust while also helping consumers know what to believe. Education is the most effective approach to combat the spread of misinformation. NLP is the nation’s leading provider of news literacy education, and its efforts to fight misinformation reach a global audience. The free resources, tools and easy-to-adopt tips help people of all ages become more news-literate. The organization connects with young people as they are developing their information consumption and creation habits, giving today’s students, who are tomorrow’s voters and decision-makers, the tools to sort fact from fiction and discern fact-based, credible information. In addition, amid strong and growing demand from the public, NLP offers its expertise, educational material and programs to people of all ages, according to the information on the LWVW website.

Two Drive-thru Flu Clinics are held at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 North Prince Crossing Road. One is scheduled from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 17, and the second one is from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Thursday, October 22, 2020. This is done on a first come, first served basis. There is no charge for uninsured, most insurance is accepted and there is no co-pay or deductible. Persons need to bring Medicare or prescription insurance card. (merleburl.com)

At this time the organization is seeking donations to fill 1,000 boxes for the deployed, 1,300 stockings for veterans, first responders and their families who are struggling with PTSD. The truck is parked at Faith Lutheran Church, 1745 Kaneville Road in Geneva. Some of the food items are cliff bars, jerky, nuts, trails mix, instant oatmeal, soup pop top cans of fruit, pudding packs, rice krispie bars, and crackerjack packs. For further information visit the website www.SupportOverStigman.org, email, zoeie@SupportOverStigma.org or call (630) 492-0308.

First United Methodist Church of West Chicago and St. Andrew Lutheran Church are participants in the virtual 10th Annual Northwest DuPage United Hunger Crop Walk Sunday, October 18, 2020. The devotion is at 2:00 p.m. Virtual walk begins at 2:15 p.m. Register to walk and donate at www.crophungerwalk.org/northwestdupage. Twenty-five percent of the monies benefit Neighborhood Food pantries, West Chicago PADS and Hanover Township Food Pantry. The remaining 75 percent goes to Church World Services.

West Chicago Park District holds a two-hour Rules of the Road class at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 20, 2020, at the ARC, 201 West National Street. An instructor from the Secretary of State’s office teaches the course. To make a reservation, do so in person at the ARC or online at www.we-goparks.org.

The League of Women Voters of Wheaton partners with the Wheaton Public Library for its Livingroom Conversation—virtually at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 20, 2020. The topic is “Political News Expectations vs Reality.” The goal of Livingroom Conversations is to bring local citizens together to discuss topics of mutual interest from multiple perspectives. Registration ends 15 minutes before the start time of the program. To register, visit /my.lwv.org/illinois/wheaton/calendar

The City of West Chicago and West Chicago Public Library District are holding a socially distanced pumpkin decorating contest. To participate, persons submit a photograph of their decorated, not carved, pie pumpkin at https://form.jotform.com/202394114465149 by Wednesday, October 21, 2020. Age categories are 7 and under, 8 through 12, 13 through 17, and family/adult. There is a winner in each age category, who receives a $25 gift card to a local West Chicago business. Voting takes place the week of October 26 by public vote on Facebook. Winners are announced the first week of November. On the City’s special events page. https://www.facebook.com/West-Chicago-Halloween-Festivities. For further information, email Nicolette Stefan at specialevents@westchicago.org. (merleburl.com)

The West Chicago Public Library program “Women in History” is at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, October 22, 2020, via zoom. Educational entertainer Martina Mathisen presents a look at dynamic women throughout history. Some women represented were doing big things, secret things and even dangerous things. Some were well known and others were not. To register, visit

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYrdOirpjkuG9elmOIKI8nP6Fyt8y3-x-SF . After registering, persons receive a confirmation email with information about joining the meeting. (merleburl.com)

The hours for the Fitness Center at the ARC, 201 West National Street, are from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Friday, 8:00 a.m. to noon Saturday, and closed Sunday.

Several things are back at Hawthorne’s Backyard Bar & Grill, 1200 West Hawthorne Lane. These are the weekday lunch specials and Wing Wednesdays.

There still is time to participate in the Census. Data collection operations in the 2020 Census will continue through Saturday, October 31. As of Monday, October 6, the response rate was 73.7 percent in West Chicago. Households can do the census online 2020census.gov, mail the paper questionnaires, if one was received, or call (844) 330-2020. US Census Bureau workers now are going door-to-door to count people who have not responded to earlier communication attempts. All census takers have government ID badges with their photographs, US Department of Commerce watermarks and expiration dates. If no one is at home when a census worker visits, the employee will leave a notice with information about responding. The reasons it is important that everyone be counted include redistricting, fair representation and the distribution of $675 billion in federal funds. The purpose of the census is to gather statistical information. Information on individuals is not shared or released. (merleburl.com)

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 4:00 p.m. Monday, October 12, 2020, there were 1,236 cases and 14 deaths. It is important to remember to follow the social distancing order, wear masks and wash hands.

Correction: In the obit for Reginald “Reggie” Bass, his age was incorrect. He was 61.

Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of James C. Loving, who at the age of 91 passed away Tuesday, October 6, 2020.

Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Charles “Charlie” Wenk, Jr., who at the age of 90 passed away Tuesday, October 6, 2020.

The 2021 National Merit Scholarship Program named West Chicago Community High School students Sarah Gramit, David Kuehn and Caleb Shade as Commended Students. About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Although they will not continue in the 2021 competition for National Merit Awards, Commended Students placed among the top 50,000 scorers of the more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2021 competition by taking the 2019 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.

West Chicago Fire Protection District Canine Search and Rescue team, K-9 Thor and firefighter/paramedic Todd Baseggio, received another certification from North American Police Work Dog Association. They passed the K-9 Trailing Test, which determines if the canine is capable of performing a trailing exercise in a simulation of conditions which are encountered during working situations by the work dog team. This test is designed to test the dogs ability and proficiency and the handlers control of the dog.

Handlers are required to use the appropriate equipment while trailing. For this test, the handler and canine ware hidden from view prior to the test start. The victim is an unknown person, not regularly worked with the canine. The Master Trainer follows the handler and in no way interferes with or distract the canine. The canine starts the trail one hour old and trail at least one and one half miles. Surface cover at the start of the trail is vegetation but runs at least 500 feet on pavement, crosses a stream if available and crosses two fresh human trails. The suspect remains at the end of the trail until found. (merleburl.com)

College Board’s Advanced Placement Program honored three West Chicago Community High School teachers, who spent many hours in the summer helping to ensure students across the country could pursue college credit in the midst of school closures and the ongoing pandemic. Nicole Osbourne, Language Arts; Michele Torres, Math; and Patricia Arnold, Math, were selected among thousands of applicants to score Advanced Placement exams. (merleburl.com)

Persons still have the opportunity to view the 31st annual Tales Tombstones Tell, presented virtually at https://www.facebook.com/FriendsoftheWestChicagoCityMuseum/. The tales highlighted seven West Chicago women to commemorate this historic year, the 100th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote. The introduction relates the history of West Chicago. The “visits” are to the gravesites of Mary McConnell, Kathryn Kelly, Mary Kaiser, Zelda DeTray, Carrie (or Maria) Roundy, Ann Ward, and Emeteria Zarate. Relating the information were Melissa Birch, Becky Hall, Peggy Krauch, Carley Smitherman, Pam Kramer, Fabiola Garcia, Anni Holm and Heide Kuharich. For persons without access to internet feed, they can call the museum at (630) 231-3376 or email wegohistory@gmail.com to have a DVD mailed.

West Chicago Community High School senior Kendall Farm placed third place in Girls Golf Regionals, qualifying for the sectionals. (merleburl.com)

The Learning Experience, 920 North Neltnor Boulevard, opened its doors Wednesday, September 28, 2020. Serving children ages six weeks to six years, the business has its own curriculum, Learning Experience Academic Program, a premier proprietary early education program, touches on the whole child and focuses on how to be a kind and caring individual. Additional programs include Manners Matter, Philanthropy, phonics, physical fitness, foreign and sign language. For further information call (630) 473-0034 or visit the Facebook Page, facebook.com/TheLearningExperienceWestChicago.

Lori Bloomfield and Christy Pelikan are the center directors. Bloomfield has been in the line of Early Childhood Education for nine years and holds a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education. Pelikan has been in Early Childhood profession for more than 12 years. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Family and Child Studies with an emphasis in Child Development in 2014. In her time as an Early Childhood professional, she has had various roles as a teacher and in Management, plus served as an Early Intervention Therapist.

The teachers are Ashley Augustyniak, Alyssa Palmisano and Kayla Packard. All have experience in the early education field and are teacher qualified by the State of Illinois. (merleburl.com)

At the Monday, October 5, 2020, meeting, City Council approved the purchase of five 2021 Ford Utility AWD Police Interceptor vehicles for the cost of $170,420, $34,084 each, from Haggerty Ford in West Chicago. Also included was authorization for the City Administrator to contract with a third party to install the necessary appurtenances/equipment for those five vehicles at an estimated cost of $60,000.

Also approved was an ordinance updating the Fair Market Value of residential, commercial and industrial land-subdivision regulations. The items summary stated, “The City has not updated the fair market value of land in Subdivision Regulations since 2008. The City contracted the Polach Appraisal Group to provide current figures.” This ordinance “incorporates these current figures into the Subdivision Regulations, this time differentiating between commercial and industrial use land. Previously there was just a non-residential use land figure which was used for both types.

The biennial Prairie Star Quilters Guild quilt show held virtually Friday and Saturday, October 9 and 10, 2020, was so popular that on Friday, it overwhelmed the server and the website broke down. It was extended through Monday, October 12. Persons still have the opportunity to view the more than 200 quilts in those at 2020quiltshow.psqg.org and can search by name of individual participants.

West Chicago resident Becky Hall had three quilts in the show, one in each of the three categories, judged, display and guild red and white challenge. (merleburl.com)

“Chantilly Nights” by West Chicago resident Kathy Steere won Second Place in the judged quilts category. In her blog on her website, www.katesfunart.com, Steere wrote, “I had been wanting to do something with Queen Anne’s Lace as the subject matter for several years. Since I am striving to make my art different from everyone else’s, finding a unique presentation of this subject remained elusive, until this piece of fabric wandered into my life…”Chantilly Nights” started with a piece of hand-dyed fabric that caught my eye. It hung in my studio for quite a while. I’d turn it a different direction every few days waiting for the muse. Eventually, four Queen Anne’s Lace flower heads “appeared” in the four main white areas. Add a dragonfly to the empty space for balance… A fascinating thing happened when I started sewing. The piece developed a mind of its own. Right away the flowers that appeared did not resemble Queen Anne’s Lace at all. The easy background stitching? Things kept appearing in the fabric-assorted insects, leaves, an old man’s face, strange organic shapes. So many things that no one will ever see.” (merleburl.com)

My email address is merleburl@earthlink.net.

Due to COVID-19, Halloween 2020 will be different this year as persons make decisions on how to celebrate and participate. Trick or Treat hours in West Chicago are from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. Saturday, October 31, 2020.Again only Trick or Treat homes beaconing a welcome with a lit porch light, wear masks, not just costume masks, and maintain the six foot social distance. Knowing that during daylight hours it is sometimes difficult to tell if a light is on, the West Chicago Police Department created signs to designate if giving our treats or not and theses can be downloaded from the Police Department Facebook page, www.facebook.com/westchicagopolicedepartment/. Persons also can design their own signs. (merleburl.com)

There are several activities families can do to make Halloween special and most should be done with everyone wearing costumes, if possible. One is to organize a parade with neighbors on your block. For noise, play spooky music, have the youths bang pot lids together, drum on pans or play Kazoos. Take a Halloween walk and tally up the ghosts, pumpkins, witches and other Halloween decor seen in yards, on porches and windows.Have a “ghost hunt ” in your yard, wrapping candy in white paper and hiding them. Organize games with a Halloween theme, such as Pin the hat on the witch or pin the tail on the black hat. Have fun in the kitchen making pumpkin face pancakes, baking Halloween cookies and making appetizers or dinner entrees. There are many recipes suggested on Google. In the evening, sit around the fire pit and tell ghost stories. Indoors, show scary movies, appropriate for the ages of children. At night, drive around to look at the more elaborate and spooky displays. For more than 15 years the house at 333 Church Street has had scary decorations, including a ghoulish cemetery. There also is a good display on the 400 block of Colford. Take a drive to OS185 Park Street in Winfield, where there are many different scenes.. (merleburl.com)

However you celebrate, have a fun and safe Happy Halloween!

AROUND AND ABOUT

The West Chicago Garden Club meeting is at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, October 22, 2020, in the pavilion at Kress Creek Farm, 30W150 Wilson Road. Kim Hartman from Countryside Flower Shop, Nursery and Garden Center demonstrates how to make fall center pieces and put some spark into outdoor containers. Several of her creations will be in a raffle. Attendee need to bring their own chairs and dress for the weather. (merleburl.com)

As partners Healthy West Chicago, St. Andrew Lutheran Church, WeGo Together for Kids, Walgreens and Osco offer a Drive-thru Flu Clinic from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Thursday, October 22, 2020, at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 North Prince Crossing Road This is done on a first come, first served basis.There is no charge for uninsured, most insurance is accepted and there is no co-pay or deductible. Persons need to bring Medicare or prescription insurance card. This is the second flu drive clinic offered by these groups. (merleburl.com)

The West Chicago Public Library program “Women In History” is at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, October 22, 2020, via Zoom. Educational entertainer Martina Mathisen presents a look at dynamic women through out history. Some women represented were doing big things, secret things and even dangerous things. Some were well known and others were not. To register, visit

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYrdOirpjkuG9elmOIKI8nP6Fyt8y3-x-SF . After registering, persons receive a confirmation email with information about joining the meeting.

The Little Red Donut Truck is selling mini apple cider donuts and cider slushies from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Sunday, October 25, 2020, at Murphy Ace Hardware, 319 South Neltnor. Prices are $8 for one dozen, $15 for two dozen and $20 for three dozen and $3 for slushies. The donuts are made fresh and served hot in seconds. Payment is by credit card.To make it a contactless transaction, persons can swipe their card themselves at the window, donuts are placed on the ledge for persons to grab and go. Wear masks and maintain the six foot social distance line.

The City of West Chicago free Fall Leaf Collection begins Monday, October 26, and ends Friday, November 28, 2020. On regularly scheduled garbage pick up days, residents can put out an unlimited number of “Kraft” yard waste bags of leaves. Stickers are not required.

West Chicago Public Library hosts a Not So Spooky Halloween Bash at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, October 27, 2020, via Zoom. It is recommended for children ages three to seven to enjoy strifes, songs and games. Registered attendees receive one goody bag per child, which are available through curbside pick up from Monday, October 26 through Saturday, October 31. To register, visit wcpld.info, under calendar. (merleburl.com)

Hawthorne’s Backyard Bar & Grill, 1200 West Hawthorne Lane, holds its Annual Pumpkin Carving Contest from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, October 29, 2020, in the heated tent in order to social distance safely. The free event is geared for youth 16 years and under. The business supplies the pumpkin; the families provide the carving tools and the youths use their creativity for carving the jack-o-lanterns. There are prizes for first, second and third place pumpkins. Youths receive free cookies and brownies, plus spooky, mad scientist kiddie cocktails. This is a fun event for the entire family. (merleburl.com)

As part of its Getting Crafty Virtual Series, West Chicago Public Library presents “Sugar Skulls” at 6:00 p.m. Thursday, October 29, 2020, via Zoom. Participants learn about the tradition of sugar skulls, share experiences and decorate/embellish the skulls. Registered patrons receive a sugar skull template they can print and color from home. To register, visit the website wcpld.info, under calendar. (merleburl.com)

West Chicago Public Library starts Grab and Go services, which is a 30-minute self-service appointment to browse and checkout library materials inside the library, 118 West Washington Street. The hours are from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday, with sessions limited to 30 minutes and are self-service. Appointments are required and may be made by calling (630) 231-1552 during curbside huours or emailing ask@wcpld.info. Staff interactions are limited to five minutes. For more information visit wcpld.info.

St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 North Prince Crossing Road, now holds indoor Sunday worship services. The English service is at 10:00 a.m.; Spanish services are at noon and 1:30 p.m. Reservations are required and may be made by calling the church office at (630) 231-3787 or sending an email to office@standrewlutheran.net; they are due Thursday of each week.There is a maximum limit of 40 people, plus worship leaders.

West Chicago Park District offers the opportunity to play 9 square in the air from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesdays during Open Gym at the ARC, 201 West National Street. This is a fast paced game that keeps everyone moving. The object is to remain the longest active player in the game. The center player serves the ball by striking it into any other square. If the ball goes out of bounds, the last player to touch it is out, leaves their square and the remaining players move up a square. A new player enters the square for the last position. (merleburl.com)

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 4:00 p.m. Monday, October 12, 2020, there were 1,302 cases and 14 deaths. This is an increase of 66 cases since last week.It is important to remember to follow the social distancing order, wear masks and wash hands.

The City of West Chicago in partnership with West Chicago Elementary School District 33 is placing bright, bold bilingual signs at all District 33 schools and other highly populated locations throughout the community, such as apartment complexes, parks, public building, grocery stores and churches. The signs emphasize the COVID-19 message of the three W’s: Wash hands, Wear, Watch social distance. (merleburl.com)

Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Robert C. Bicchinella, who at the age of 56 passed away Monday, October 5, 2020.

Deepest sympathy is extended to the family of Thomas G. Hutchins, who at the of 71 passed away Wednesday, October 14, 2020.

Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Joyce Winifred Ashpole, who at the age of 91 passed away Thursday, October 15, 2020.

Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Francisca Barbaccia, who at the age of 85 passed away Monday, October 12, 2020.

The West Chicago Police Department announced the arrest of 28-year-old Xavier Deandre Brown of Bolingbrook in connection with a fatal vehicle crash on August 15, 2020. At 1:46 a.m. on this date West Chicago Police officers responded to a motor vehicle crash involving a pedestrian at the intersection of Route 59 and Main Street

Initial investigation into the incident led to the arrest of Sami Ahmad Saadat that same day. Further investigation into the crash, West Chicago detectives were able to identify Brown as the driver of a second vehicle involved. A warrant for his arrest was issued Wednesday, October 14. Brown turned himself into the West Chicago Police Department that afternoon. He was charged with two counts of Aggravated Street Racing and one count of Reckless Homicide, both felony charges. He posted the necessary funds to be released on bond and will receive a future court date.

GardenWorks Project fundraiser was a success. Persons still have the opportunity to view Nourishing Our Community video series at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoelubTFNEiY42QcI8B0S0Q.

At the Tuesday, October 7, 2020, special meeting, Community High School District 94 Board of Education appointed Kathe Doremus as a board member to fill an unexpired term until the Consolidated Election in April 2021. Doremus replaces Lauren Scanlan, who accepted the position of Assistant Principal with District 30A in Plainfield and moved out of the district.

Doremus served on the board for 12 years from April 2007 through April 2019. All three of her children graduated from West Chicago Community High School. She graduated from the University of Colorado with a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature. A mortgage banker for over 30 years, she is currently employed at Old Second National Bank in St. Charles. Doremus resides in Winfield. (merleburl.com)

Haggerty Ford donated more than 10,000 Ford PPE masks for use in the community. Mayor Ruben Pineda, Haggerty Ford Sales Consultant John Czeck and Porter Coordinator Elroy Galvan presented the boxes, containing 2,280 masks toNeighborhood Food Pantries, West Chicago Fire Protection District, West Chicago Police Department and St, Andrew Lutheran Church. In the near future, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6791 will receive a box. (merleburl.com)

West Chicago Fire Protection District Canine Search and Rescue team, K-9 Thor and firefighter/paramedic Todd Baseggio, received the “Live Find” certification from North American Police Work Dog Association. The team has been training for years to receive this level of certification. The Search Dog Foundation worked closelywith the District to set up and facilitate this test. (merleburl.com)

The West Chicago Historical Society hosted a non event fundraiser since, due to COVID-19, the annual Ice Cream Social and Silent Auction could not be held. It was successful as nearly $3,000 was raised; there was a 28 percent response, which is very good. The West Chicago Historical Society oversees the care of the Kruse House Museum, a 1917 four-square home depicting the Fred Kruse family. The 501(3)c organization is a separate entity from the West Chicago City Museum, and receives no funding from it or the City. Donations of $5 or more still are welcome and may be made by mailing it to West Chicago Historical Society, P. O. Box 246, West Chicago, IL 60186-0246 or donating on the Society’s website, www.krusehousemuseum.org.

Because he moved out of the district boundaries, Ken Driscoll submitted his resignation as a member of the West Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners, effective Thursday, October 1, 2020. He was appointed in January 2020 to fill the unexpired term until 2021, replacing Diana Gunderson.

At the Tuesday, October 13, 2020, meeting of the West Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners, Michael Gasparini, Superintendent of Parks, stated in his report, “Early in the summer, staff completely regraded two soccer fields at Cornerstone Lakes Park. Using free biosolids saved the district around $5,000 to $8,000 in topsoil alone. These two fields will stay out of service for the 2021 season to promote strong roots of the turf grass and stiffen up the soil. ”

He added, “Fourteen trees have been planted within the past week. We will be getting another round of trees in the next two weeks.” The district received a total of $2,720 in donations for trees. “Only $240 was for a memorial tree and the rest was to help the cause of the arboretum. All these trees were planted at Reed Keppler as part of our reforestation process. The hill near the pyramid is the main area of placement. As of now there are 15 trees planted on the hill and we would like to get about 15 more in that location. Once these trees mature, the hill will have more of a “Reed Keppler feel” that it currently lacks.”

Biscuits & Gravy Restaurant, 110 South Neltnor Boulevard, is expanding its indoor eating area. There is a building permit for the space next door.

Ruby Lebo, a senior at West Chicago Community High School, is the Student of the Month for September. The selection is due to her outstanding leadership, participation in athletics and activities. She has been on Honor Roll every semester thus far. She is an Illinois State Scholar, a member of National Honor Society and the Foreign Language Honor Society. Lebo has a cumulative weighted grade point average of 5.571.

Lebo serves as a Student Ambassador, a ROAR mentor, and Snowball Leader. She is involved in Compass, currently serving as President, Club Green, Health Occupations Students of America, WeGo Buddies, Wego Drama and Wego Global. Playing varsity soccer all four years, Lebo currently serves as Captain. Outside of school, Lebo is a volunteer at the front desk at Central DuPage Hospital, DuPage PADS, serves as a worship and group leader at church, and as a camp counselor in the summer.

After graduation, Lebo will attend college to major in Biology and minor in Spanish, ultimately entering a pre-med program. Her dream career is to be a medical missionary serving in South America. (merleburl.com)

Dragon II Chinese Restaurant, 125 West Roosevelt Road, is under new management.

To wrap up Mexican Heritage Month, Mexican Cultural Center DuPage hosted a video to kick off the Cultural Exchange 2021 coming to West Chicago in 2021. The video gives a taste of West Chicago and Michoacán, plus a look at artistry in the state of Tiaxcala. It still can be viewed on MCCD Facebook page, www.facebook.com/MexicanCulturalCenterDuPage/ I watched it and recommend you take the time to do so. Although Spanish is the language spoken in the majority part of the video, one does not need to understand it to appreciate and enjoy watching artisans create their work, the beauty of the architecture and the traditions. The dramatic performance of the marionette controlled by the marionettes was fascinating to watch. One could sense the deep emotions as the marionette sobbed. It also was interesting to see how the marionettes are made. However, my favorite was the music of the group playing the guitars and salterios; it was beautiful. The Salterio mexicano is a string instrument with origins in the 16th century psaltery. It is made of wood and formed into a trapezoid box. On the of the board there are five bridges placed to seat stretched metal strings from side to side. They vary in size. The salterio requinto has 90 strings in 3 course, The salterio tenor has more than 100 strings in 3 to 4 course order. The musician plucks the strings with a metal pick adjusted n the index finger of each hand. (merleburl.com)

My email address is merleburl@earthlink.net.

The two day holiday of Dia De Los Muertos, Day of the Dead, is a time of celebration, not mourning; the dates are November 1 and 2. It is the time to remember and celebrate the lives of departed loved ones. The Mexican holiday reunites the living and dead. Family and friends gather to pray for and remember those members who have died, helping support their spiritual journey.

The ofrenda is often the most recognized symbol of Día de los Muertos. This temporary altar is a way for families to honor their loved ones and provide them what they need on their journey. They place pictures of the deceased, along with items that belonged to them and objects that serve as a reminder of their lives. It also includes the four elements of water, wind, earth and fire. Water is left in a pitcher so the spirits can quench their thirst. Papel picado, or traditional paper banners, represent the wind. Earth is represented by food, especially bread. Candles are often left in the form of a cross to represent the cardinal directions, so the spirits can find their way.

The cempasúchil, a type of marigold flower native to Mexico, is often placed on the altars and around graves. With their strong scent and vibrant color the petals are used to make a path that leads the spirits from the cemetery to their families’ homes. Monarch butterflies play a role in the celebration because they are believed to hold the spirits of the departed. This belief stems from the fact that the first monarchs arrive in Mexico for the winter each fall on Nov. 1, which coincides with Día de los Muertos.

Calaveritas de azucar, or sugar skulls, along with toys, are left on the altars for children who have passed. The skull is used not as morbid symbol but rather as a whimsical reminder of the cyclicality of life, which is why they are brightly decorated.

As with any celebration, food is a central part. One of the most common dishes prepared are tamales. Two foods associated specifically with the Day of the Dear are Pan de muerto and calaveras. Pan de muerto is a type of sweet roll shaped like a bun, topped with sugar, and often decorated with bone-shaped pieces of the same pastry. Calaveras, or sugar skulls, display colorful designs to represent the vitality and individual personality of the departed. Another popular food is Brunuelos; it is like the elephant’s ear but with honey.

Historically, the main alcoholic drink was pulque while today families commonly drink the favorite beverage of their deceased ancestors.Other drinks associated with the holiday are atole and champurrado, warm, thick, non-alcoholic drinks. Jamaican iced tea is a popular herbal tea made of the flowers and leaves of the Jamaican hibiscus plant.

Dancing and music are part of the celebration. A popular dance includes La Danza de los Viejitos, the dance of the little old men. Boys and young men dress as old men, walk around crouched over then suddenly jump up in an energetic dance. I have seen this performed, but did not know what it symbolized.

As a side note, sugar skulls can be purchased locally at Lupitas Bakery, 956 North Neltnor Boulevard. (merleburl.com)

AROUND AND ABOUT

There is still time to get a pumpkin and support a worthy cause. We Grow Greenhouse & Garden Center offers a free pumpkin with a donation of any amount through Halloween. Available for sale at reduced prices are gourds, pansies and decorative cabbage. The mission of the f501(c)3 organization is to provide people with disabilities the opportunity to lead fulfilling lives and to train and work in a supportive, safe and caring environment while producing and providing products and services to the community. In this pursuit, we honor the concepts of human dignity, respect, hard work, fellowship and friendship. (merleburl.com)

With the executive order of Governor Pritzker that there is no dining in at restaurants and bars, it is very important that members of the community support these businesses through carry-out, drive thru or outdoor dining. Persons need to check with the restaurants to see what options are offered.

Augustino’s Rock & Roll Deli & Grill, 300 E. North Avenue, continues with its celebration of Halloween with the second annual Staff Halloween Costume Contest. During this week, staff comes to work in food-themed costumes. Creativity is seen in the costumes of French Fry King, Jurassic Pork and Pigs in a Blanket.

It is time to fall behind. Daylight Savings Time ends at 2:00 a.m. Sunday, November1, 2020. Remember to set clocks back an hour. (merleburl.com)

St, Andrew Lutheran Church 155 North Prince Crossing Road, hold All Saints Day services in English at 10:00 a.m., in Spanish at noon Sunday, November 1, 2020. Other churches may also be holding these services. To check, either call the church offices or visit their websites and/or Facebook pages.

The City of West Chicago and West Chicago Public Library District are holding a socially distanced pumpkin decorating contest. There were more than 130 photographs submitted. Age categories are 7 and under, 8 through 12, 13 through 17, and family/adult. There is a winner in each age category, who receives a $25 gift card to a local West Chicago business. Voting deadline is Sunday, November 1, 2020. To vote, visit https://www.facebook.com/West-Chicago-Halloween-Festivities. Winners are announced the first week of November.

The last brush pickup for 2020 begins Monday, November 2.

West Chicago Pubic Library has a special Day of the Dead themed Loteria at 7:00 p.m. Monday, November 2, 2020, via Zoom. Loteria is a version of Mexican bingo or lottery and is fun for the family. To register, visit library’s website, wcpld.info. (merleburl.com

If you have not voted, remember to do so. Polls are open 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 3, 2020.

West Chicago Pubic Library holds a program regarding photographs at 6:00 p.m.Wednesday November 4, 2020, via Zoom. Persons learn how to mange their photographs and other files on line. To register, visit wcpld.info.

“Small Gifts of Art” is the exhibit at Gallery 200, 103 West Washington Street, for the months of November and December. The first day the exhibit is open is Friday, November 6, 2020.The artwork of the featured artists is perfect for holiday gifts, plus reasonably priced. Due to COVID-19, there is no artists’s reception. Participating artists are Margaret Bucholz, Marge Hall, Nadine Buck, Kathi Kuchler, Sharon Malek, Heide Morris, Britta Renwick, Rita Skarha, Sue Tripp, and Marita Valdizan.

Gallery hours are from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. Fridays, and from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturdays.

SCARCE, West Chicago Environmental Commission and United Methodist Church of West Chicago co-host a pumpkin composting drop off from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday, November 7, 2020, at the church, 643 East Washington Street. The dumpster is located in the northeast corner of the parking lot. Last year, the collection of pumpkins almost weighed a ton. The pumpkins then are delivered to Willow Ranch Composting Facility in Romeoville. Composting pumpkins keeps waste out of the landfills, reduces greenhouse gas emissions and creates a natural fertilizer. (www.merleburl.com)

West Chicago Public Library starts Grab and Go services, which is a 30-minute self-service appointment to browse and checkout library materials inside the library, 118 West Washington Street. The hours are from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday, with sessions limited to 30 minutes and are self-service. Appointments are required and may be made by calling (630) 231-1552 during curbside hours or emailing ask@wcpld.info. Staff interactions are limited to five minutes. For more information visit wcpld.info.

St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 North Prince Crossing Road, now holds indoor Sunday worship services. The English service is at 10:00 a.m.; Spanish services are at noon. Reservations are required and may be made by calling the church office at (630) 231-3787 or sending an email to office@standrewlutheran.net; they are due Thursday of each week.There is a maximum limit of 25 people, plus worship leaders.

Due to the Governors request of groups limited to 25, Faith Community Church, 910 Main Street, now holds three Sunday worship services. Services are at 8:30, 9:45, and 11:00 a.m.

American Legion Post 300, 123 Main Street, is now open for carry out lunch and dinner specials along with its usual menu items from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. In addition the Fish Fry, chicken and dumplings is the special for Friday, October 30, 2020. Check the Facebook page, www.facebook.com/alpost300/ for the weekly specials. (merleburl.com)

There are some new guidelines for the ARC, 201 West National Street. Persons must wear masks at all times on the Walking Track. For Open Gym, gym courts and Zone 250, masks must be worn at all times, even while engaged in active play or sitting on the sidelines. There is a maximum of 25 people per gym court. Current guidelines remain unchanged for the Fitness Center and Fitness classes.

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 4:00 p.m. Monday, October 26, 2020, there were 1,375 cases and 14 deaths. It is important to remember to follow the social distancing order, wear masks and wash hands.

Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Walter Robert Burau, who at the age of 56 passed away Sunday, October 18, 2920/

Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Bill Crothers, who passed away Friday, October 223, 2020.

The Daily Herald featured a photograph by West Chicago resident Sierra Koenig in the “Your Images” of the photography contest in the Neighbor section. It is a picture of a bridge covered with green moss and a little leaf on it.

West Chicago Community High School seniors Emily Ayala, Lola Browning and Charles Cardenas are identified as College Board National Recognition Program Scholars. The scores of these students were in the top 2.5 percent n the region among African American or Hispanic/Latinx students from the PSAT/NMSQT test taken last October. In addition to taking the tests, the students must achieve the minimum requested scores, earn a cumulative Grade Point Average of 3.5 or higher by the middle of their junior year, and must identify as African American or Hispanic/Latinx in order to be eligible for recognition. (merleburl.com)

West Chicago Community High School students qualifying for State are senior Christiana Kapetaneas for tennis and senior Kendall Farm for golf. However, due to COVID-19, there is no state tournament this year.

Farm finished first in conference, third in the regional and sixth in the sectional. She is a three-time state qualifier.

Kapetaneas finished second in conference and third in the sectional. Tennis does not have regional competitions. She is a first time state qualifier. (merleburl.com)

At the Monday, October 19, 2020, meeting, City Council approved extension for approved Special Use permits to the property at 1850 West Roosevelt Road. According to the time summary, “Council granted three special use permits April 15, 2019, for the operation of an internet-based voter vehicle sales facility, a motor vehicle care center and a motor vehicle repair shop. The petitioner has yet to begin operation on the property and has spent the last 18 months working toward finalizing permit plans to perform the required improvements n the property.” The special uses approved have expired beyond the one-year time limit. The petitioners spent most of 2019 working with their engineers to address remaining issues with the permit plans. The process came to a halt early in 2020 due to COVID-19.

Community High School District 94 Board of Education meeting Tuesday, October 22, 2020, was a busy one

Kathe Doremus was sworn in as the new member. The board elected Dean Klapatch as Vice President to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of Lauren Scanlan.

The board approved a contract amendment with Sunrise Bus Company, who provides the special education busing, to reimburse the business at 40 percent of the normal billing rate for routes not running during the COVID-19 shutdown.

Also approved was a one year extension of the collective bargaining agreement with the West Chicago High School Teachers Association. The current contract was to expire June 30, 2020. Both parties supported the extension in the midst of COVID.

There was approval pf a three-year contract for snow removal in the amount of $121,799.22 to TSI of Wheeling.

The board approved a five-year contract for the lease of two postal machines in the amount of $30,640.80 to The Postal Service of Davenport, Iowa.

West Chicago Community High School Principal Dr. William Dwyer presented a Return to Learn plan that is tentatively scheduled to be implemented December 1, 2020. This plan would include full day remote learning on Monday and Friday, plus one-third of the students to be receiving in-person instruction for half days on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. The ability to implement this would be predicated on the COVID situation leading up to December 1. Currently, small groups of students are rotating through attendance for special education, and classes where laboratory work cannot be replicated via remote learning.

At the Tuesday, October 13, 2020, West Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners meeting, Michael Gasparini, Superintendent of Parks, stated in his report, “Installing the new playground at Prince Crossing Park in house saved the District around $12,000 just in labor.” This was made feasible because of the COVID-19 shutdown. “The new playground is a unique design that is not a typical swing and slide, promoting higher levels of activity in children,” explained Lily Medina, Marketing & Communication Manager. The park is located at 719 Hampton Course. (merleburl.com)

The West Chicago Community High School 2020 Boys Cross Country team, with Coach Dave Sayner, finished up with a 5-4 record in Conference this year. The top seven varsity runners competed at Regionals.They are Josiah McLean (16:20), Joe Williamson (16:37), Silas Schroeder (16:53), Jared Diaz (17:27), Caleb Shade (17:35) and Connor Zentner (17:43). (merleburl.com)

Wegner Elementary School hosted author, Lindsay Currie, for its first ever Virtual Assembly for fifth and sixth grade students, Thursday, October 13, 2020. She is the author of spooky middle grade novels, “The Peculiar Incident on Shady Street” and “Scritch Scratch Out.” (merleburl.com)

During the month of October, the State of Illinois recognized Manufactures and the positive impact these makers have on our economy. With more than 550,000 Illinoisans employed in manufacturing, Illinois is ranked fourth in the nation and last year alone exported $62 billion to 216 countries. Community High School District 94 is committed to supporting students at West Chicago Community High School wishing to pursue careers in Manufacturing. With a robust curriculum and additional space designed into the recent facility improvements, new equipment has been moved in and more is on the way. (merleburl.com)

My email address is merleburl@earthlink.net.

This day, November 11, 2020, is the anniversary of the signing of the armistice, which ended the World War I hostilities between the Allied nations and Germany. On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1919 an armistice between Germany and the Allied nations came into effect. Veterans Day is intended to honor and thank all military personnel who served the United States in all wars, particularly living veterans.

The original concept for the celebration was for a day observed with parades and public meetings and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11:00 a.m. In West Chicago, the businesses closed, the public gathered and children in school marched to the area where the flag stood, the northwest corner of corner of West Washington Street and Main Street. There a short ceremony was held.

May 13, 1938, an Act passed that made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday—a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as “Armistice Day.” It was set aside to honor the veterans of World War I, known as the Great War. However after World War II and Korean War (Police Action), a public Act was passed June 1, 1954, November 11 became a day to honor American veterans of all wars. President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a proclamation naming November 11 as Veterans Day. The day is “a celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.”

Although the Annual community Veterans Day Ceremony did not take place this year due to COVID-19, the significance and importance of the day remains the same. (www.merleburl.com)

AROUND AND ABOUT

The wearing of masks during COVID-19 might hide the somewhat unkempt look of members of the West Chicago Police Department during the No Shave November campaign 2020. Police Chief Mike Uplegger again put a moratorium on the Police Department policy regarding facial hair on officers. It is all for charity. Participating officers make a small donation to the campaign, which is devoted to raising awareness and money for cancer research and treatment. The giving to charity can continue into the month of December. Officers then can keep the whiskery faces by making a second donation to Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run fo Special Olympics and Special Olympics Illinois. (www.merleburl.com)

“Tea With Florence Nightingale” is the West Chicago Public Library program at 7:00 p.m.Thursday, November 12, 2020, via Zoom. This year, 2020, is the International Year of the Nurse. To make a reservation for the program, visit wcpld.info, under events calendar.

Megan Wells, national touring award winning actress and story teller, portrays Florence Nightingale, known as “the Lady with The Lamp.” She was born in 1820 and died in 1910. Known best as the founder of modern nursing, Nightingale was a British nurse, social reformer and statistician. Her experiences as a nurse during the Crimean War were the foundations in her views about sanitation. She established St. Thomas’ Hospital and the Nightingale Training School for Nurses in 1860. With her efforts to reform healthcare, she influenced the quality of healthcare in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

Wells has more than 40 years of experience to develop an extensive story repertoire. She is among the top literary storytellers in America, winning awards which include Circle if Excellence Award, National Storytelling Network, and Joseph Jefferson Award. She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Theater Arts from Illinois Wesleyan University and a Masters in Fine Arts in Directing from Illinois State University.

The addition of two Flu Shot Clinics are for ages 3 to 64 at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 North Prince Crossing Road. One is from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Friday, November 13, and the other is from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 14, 2020. There is no charge for the uninsured. Most insurance is accepted. There is no co-pay or deductible. Appointments are not needed. The clinics are the result of partnerships of Healthy West Chicago, St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Northwestern Medicine and WeGo Together for Kids.

Flu Clinics for persons ages10 to 64 are from 10:00 a.m. to noon, Friday, November 13, in the back parking lot at Wegner School, 1189 Marcella Lane, and from 10:00 a.m. to noon, Monday, November 16, in the parking lot near the main entrance at Aspen Ridge Apartments, 1440 S. Neltnor Boulevard. (merleburl.com)

DuPage County Household Hazardous Waste Event is from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Saturday, November 14, 2020, at the DuPage County Fairgrounds, enter at County complex, 421 North County Farm Road. Acceptable items are Used oil, used, Antifreeze/Old Gasoline/Auto Fluids; Household Chemicals and Cleaners; Solvents/Pool Chemicals; Cooking Oil; Poisons/Pesticides; Paint thinners; Aerosol paints; Oil-Based Paints and Stains; and Unwanted Medication (Non-DEA controlled.) Other items are; Lawn and Garden Chemicals; Liquid and Solid Fertilizers; Rechargeable and Lithium Batteries; Automotive and Boat Batteries; Fluorescent Light bulbs. Limit of 15 per car; Compact Fluorescent Lights; Mercury and Mercury Containing Items; Small Propane Tanks Only’ and Small Refrigerant Tanks Only

Unacceptable items are Ammunition; Fireworks and Explosives; Fire Extinguishers; Latex-Based Paint; Sharps/Syringes; Medical Waste; DEA Controlled Medication;DEA Controlled Substances; Radioactive Material; GasCylinders ,except small handheld propane; Refrigerants, except small handheld size; Household Garbage; Business or Institutional Waste; Empty Containers; and Traditional Recyclables. (www.merleburl.com)

Wayne Township Senior Center partners with DuPage Senior Citizens Council to provide meals to seniors age 60 and over, who reside in DuPage or Kane counties. Pick up for the five frozen meals is Thursday, November 19, 2020, at the township, 27W031 North Avenue..Pick up time for persons with the last name beginning with A through M is from noon to 12:30 p.m., with last names beginning with N through Z is from 12:30 to 1:00 p.m. Multiple persons from one home can qualify, but each person must pre-register. Persons stay in their cars and wear masks. To register, call (630) 231-7175.

West Chicago City Museum and Warrenville Historical Society present the Historiography program, a non-fiction book reading group, at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, November 19, 2020, via Zoom. The book is “You Never Forget Your First: A Biography of George Washington” by Alexis Cox. To get a copy of the book or for further information, visit Friends of West Chicago City Museum website, wegohistory.com or call (630) 231-3376.

Taking a closer look at the first president, Cox finds George Washington is not quite the man everyone remembers. She investigates with rigorous research some of the myths, and discovers more truths about him. Cox makes history fun with her wit in writing. The book is not a typical biography.

In partnership with Cantigny Park, the League of Women Voters of Wheaton hosts a Civics Awareness program at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, November 19, 2020, via Zoom. Professor Steve Schwinn presents the program, “What now that the election is over? The best and worst case scenarios — where do we go from here? “To make a reservation visit my.lwv.org/illinois/wheaton/calendar/civic-awareness. A Zoom link to access the presentation is sent two days prior to the event.

Schwinn is a professor at University of Illinois/Chicago John Marshall Law School. He discusses the results of the Tuesday, November 3, election and where the nation goes from here. It is difficult for anyone to know what will happen following the November elect, but professor Schwinn will help persons to understand any legal proceedings and previous precedents.

League of Women Voters of Wheaton includes West Chicago, Warrenville, Winfield, Wheaton and Carol Stream. The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan organization that does not support or oppose any political party or candidate, but whose purpose is to promote political responsibility through informed and active participation of citizens in government. Persons can submit any questions they have to blaimins@gmail.com before the event. During the presentation, attendees use the chat box located on the bottom of the Zoom screen. (www.merleburl.com)

Wayne/Winfield Area Youth/Family Services is having a “Goodbye 2020 Getaway” Raffle. Only 100 tickets are available. The ticket price is $20 and are available now through 11:59 p.m. Friday, November 20, 2020. The winner is randomly selected at 7:00 p.m. Monday, November 23. To purchase tickets, visit https://www.ways4change.org/fundraising_activities.

The prize is an eight-day/seven night condominium/hotel vacation for up to four people. This is provided by Travel Advantage Network from one of their excess vacation destinations. To see available choices visit www.planwithtan.com/plan/excessinventory. (www.merleburl.com)

West Chicago Public Library holds Turkey Tales Story N’ Stroll for families with children ages 2 to 11 at Reed Keppler Park, 201 West National Street. It takes place from Monday, November 23, through Sunday, November 29, 2020. The outdoor adventure begins with numbered storybook pages at the pathway alongside The Shell, While enjoying the scenery, families read an interactive story. Fall Craft and Scavenger Hunt kits are available at the library curbside pick up, 118 West Washington Street, one week prior to the event. Participants are encouraged to take a picture of their families on the walk and completed scavenger hunt to post on the library’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/wcpld/, for an entry to win a Gingerbread House Building Kit. (www.merleburl.com)

The West Chicago Public Library, 118 West Washington Street, hosts a Blood Drive for Versiti Blood Centers of Illinois Tuesday, November 24, 2020. It takes place from noon to 5:00 p.m. on the mobile coach in the library parking lot. To make a reservation, visit https://donate.illinois.versiti.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/5589551. Walk-ins are welcome, but those with appointments receive priority. A photo ID is required. For further information call or text Camille Piazz, amount representative, at (847) 305-9998.

Despite COVID-19, the annual Frosty 5K Run/Walk takes place, only virtually. The dates are anytime between Friday, December 4 through Sunday, December 13, 2020. The registration fee is $10, which includes a long-sleeve shirt and swag bag. To guarantee a requested shirt size, persons should register by Sunday, November 15. To register, visit : https://raceroster.com/events/2020/35577/frosty-5k-virtual-runwalk.

There is no official race course, participants can use their favorite outdoor 5K route, treadmill of the ARC Center track. The Park District will provide one-day passes to each participant that can be used to run the 5k either on their treadmills or track.

For persons whose last names begin with A through N, shirt and swag bag pick up is from 6:00 to 77:00 p.m. and for participants whose last names begin with Q trough Z, pick up time is 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 2. 2020, at the Arc Center, 201 West National Street. (www.merleburl.com)

Homes must be decorated by Monday, December 7, 2020. Judges view the homes between Monday, December 14, and Wednesday, December 16, 2020 with winners announced Friday, December 18, 2020. Prizes are for first, second and third places, plus People’s Choice. (www.merleburl.com)

In the General \Election ballot Tuesday, November 3, 2020, the West Chicago Park District had a referendum question for reducing the number of Commissioners from seven to five. It passed with a vote of 7,551 to 4,221 with a little more than 70 percent of district residents voting (unofficial results). With the passage of the referendum and two unforeseen Park Commissioner events in September and October, there is one four-year unexpired term and one two-year unexpired term open for the April 6, 2020, Consolidated Election. Candidate packets are available from 8:30 a.m.to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at the ARC Center, 201 West National Street. A minimum of 32 signatures is needed.

In the prospective candidate packets of all taxing bodies, persons are advised to obtain legal advice on the following subjects, legal qualifications for office; the proper method for completing the petition forms with respect to the office; the minimum number of signatures required; and the qualifications of the signers and circulators. Taxing bodies do not provide legal advice to candidates. Materials and information are distributed as an aid to assist persons in the areas of information.

Maggie Capettini, past education coordinator at West Chicago City Museum, has paintings in two juried exhibits. “Rain on Moose” was on display at the 42nd Whitewater Valley Art Competition on Richmond, Indiana, which had 54 pieces by 46 artists. The exhibit is online through Thursday, December 31, 2020, at. www.iue.edu/gallery/competition/2020.php, Her painting “Westward” is on display in the 76th Annual Wabash Valley Competition at Swope Art Museum in Terre Haute, Indiana. The juror Louis Cox had 498 entries and he selected 76 artists from five states. Capettini’s painting won two awards, the Eleanor Cox Reid Award of Recognition and the Ellie and Richard Templeton Purchase Award. The exhibition continues through January 10, 2021. Her little Buddha was in her first east coast exhibit and now it is in her first west coast exhibit at the Parklane Gallery in Kirkland, Washington. Persons can view online at https://parklanegallery.org/winter2020/. (www.merleburl.com)

CORRECTION: In the November 4, 2020, column, it said that I send the column to the City by 6:00 p.m. Tuesday. It should have read 6:00 a.m.

Due to new COVID-19 restrictions limiting number of persons allowed in gatherings, most churches will resume online services only. Check the websites and Facebook pages or call church offices to find times and information.

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 4:00 p.m. Monday, November 10, 2020, there were 1,732 cases and 15 deaths. It is important to remember to follow the social distancing order, wear masks and wash hands.

Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Sean George Finnegan, who at the age of 79 passed away Friday, October 30. 2020.

Thirty-three students from West Chicago Community High School were inducted into the National Honor Society Thursday, October 29, 2020, at a virtual ceremony. To view the ceremony visit www.d94.org/NHS2020. The National Honor Society sponsor is teacher Brigitte Debs.

Inductees include Marla Chavez, Eleanor Gerster, Margaret Hancock, Sophia Johnson, Hadi Khamsi, Allyson Krause, Jack O’Donoghue, Brianna Roskilly,Paloma Aguado, Charles Cardenas, Alexandra Elizondo and Kayson Garn.

Others are Swapna George, Maxwell Harris, Vincent Lamantia, Nikhil Myers, Leslie Najera-Rivas, Jane Osielski, Brianna Pechman, Cecilia Santiago, Lilabeth Sokolewicz, Brendan Sulit, Acilia Viscogliosi, Natalie Wilderman, Brooklynn Worth, Christopher Yera, and Meadow Zomparelli, Charles Baumgartner, Justin Blackburn, Lyndi Bressner, Annie Gillespie, Lyniah Lee and Bridget Weber.

The National Honor Society is an organization that honors high school students for their academic excellence, character, leadership and service to their school. (www.merleburl.com)

With 130 entries into the Pumpkin Decorating Contest, sponsored by the City of West Chicago and West Chicago Public Library, there were many great pumpkins for people to select their favorites.

In the 7 & under age category, First Place winner was The Grinch by Heidi H., age 7; Second Place winner was Baby’s First Pumpkin, Eliza Eliza T., age 9 months; and Third Place winner was Batpkin by Areane G., age 4.

Winning in the 8 to 12 age category were First Pace The Witch by Cristan G. Age 11; Second Place Captain Underpants by Jesus G. age 8; and Third Place Boba Witch by Christopher T., age 11.

In the age 13 to 17 age category, winners were First Place, Mr Eyeball by Maggie B., age 13; Second Place, Poison Pumpkin by Aylin D., age 17; and Third Place, Star Wars BB-8 by Daniel G., age 13.

Winning in the Family/Adult Category were First Place, Baby Yoda’s First Halloween, Amy G. Adult; Second Place, Lil Pumpkin’s Day Off, Luiciana P., adult; Third Place, Cthulhu by Sebastian C., adult. (www.merleburl.com)

West Chicago resident Kathy Steere has a couple of entries in the VirtualQuiltShow.com through Sunday, November 15, 2020. She won Best Sewing Machine Workmanship for “Shadow Climber” in the full size innovative category at Mancuso’s Pacific International Quilt Festival .Her quilt art entries, “Zoicenian” won first place and “Chantilly Nights” won second place in the biennial Prairie Star Quilters Guild quilt show.

Although schools were open via partial in-person and remote learning, students n West Chicago Elementary School District 33 remembered and celebrated Veterans Day 2020. All students were encouraged to wear red white and blue.

Early Learning Center colored flags, marched and sang patriotic songs.

At Gary School, primary students watched a video and read a book about Veterans Day .Students read and wrote about veterans. Intermediate students also watched a video, discussed the history of Veterans Day and how families recognize the holiday today. Fifth graders sang a patriotic melody.

Turner School students in kindergarten through second grade listened to the “Star Spangled Banner” and drew a picture of the American flag. They also were encouraged to show pictures of family members who served in the armed force. Third through fifth graders watched a BrainPop video on Veterans Day. They also created a virtual book about a veteran and added it to a digital wall, plus could write a thank you letter to a veteran

At Currier School, kindergarten students viewed pictures of military uniforms. They had a choice of making a video message or a digital card. The first grade team read a picture book about the holiday and watched a Discovery Education streaming video, ”Holiday Facts and Fun: Veterans Day,” learning what this holiday is and why it is important the students. Also they could either write a letter to a veteran they know or color and American flag. Second and third grade teams read a nonfiction passage from Readworks, such as “A Day for Veterans.” After the reading, the students discussed the passage. Third graders wrote a letter to the troops in the Marine Corps to be delivered to an alumnus, who now is serving. To start the discussion on Veterans Day, fourth grade students engaged in a BrainPop on the Armed Forces. They completed shared reading activity accessed via the user Teacher website. Fifth grade students read and discussed “The History of Veterans Day” and then created a drawing and a written summary about what they learned.

Kindergarten students at Indian Knoll School watched a Veterans Day video, read a decodable book, colored a Veterans Day booklet, wrote letter and drew pictures for veterans. Third graders also watched a video and wrote thank you letters to veterans. Also watching a video were fourth graders. The fifth graders read a Veterans Day start and then completed writing on the importance of the soldiers and remembering veterans.

At Wegner School, kindergartners read Scholastic News about veterans and told about three things they learned about veterans in Seesaw. First graders read and discussed “Veterans: Heroes in Our Neighborhood” by Valerie Pfunderstein. Second graders read “The Wall,” wrote letters to a veteran or an individual currently serving. The third graders read and discussed “Veterans Day” by Amy Weber. After reading a passage on the history of Veterans Day, the fifth graders created a timeline of events that led to this holiday.

At Pioneer School families and staff were asked to bring a photo of a loved one who served in the military, which were displayed in the main hallway. All classes read books and completed writing/drawing activities.

Sixth graders at Leman Middle School read and analyzed a nonfiction article, “The History of Veterans Day”, plus drafted thank you letters to veterans. Seventh graders worked in conjunction with First Division Museum at Cantigny Park in creating thank you cards to be sent to various veterans’ organizations. These include One Savvy Veteran, Honor Flight Chicago, American Legion Cantigny Post 556, and local college veteran associations. In small groups, 8 Blue and 8 White researched each branch of the military. Looking at what each branch does and comparing the numbers of veterans in each group, they also were looking at ways to help veterans locally and across the world.

My email address is merleburl@earthlink.net.

The celebration of Thanksgiving will be different for many. Yet, there are many things for which to be thankful and for which the pandemic has not made a difference. These include beautiful sunrises and sunsets, vibrant fall colors, the singing of birds and, best of all, our friends and families. Wishing all of you a HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

AROUND AND ABOUT

Due to a surge of a Covid-10 cases in West Chicago, the West Chicago Public Library building is closed until the positivity rate is below 8 percent for two consecutive weeks in West Chicago. This includes the suspension in-person services of computer, copier, scanner, fax and Grab and Go. Curbside service is still available from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Library staff is available to help during curbside service areas via chat, email ask@wcpld.infor, and phone (630) 231-1552. They can help patrons find reading materials, place holds for curbside pickup, find library resources and answer library related questions. Visit https://wcpld.info/important-covid-update/ for more information. (www.merleburl.com)

Due to the new Tier 3 COVID-19 mandate, restrictions are in place for West Chicago District facilities and programs. Areas closed at the ARC Center, 102 West National Street, are gym courts, MAC gym, spin room, dance and fitness rooms. Temporary hours of operation are from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and closed Sundays. Zone 250 is closed

All in-house programming is cancelled. Virtual classes offerings are posted on the website. The holiday schedule of Holiday Pet Photos and ZOOM to the North Pole still take place. Access to the Fitness Center and Indoor Track are limited to individual members. For complete list of restrictions and updates, visit the district website www.we-goparks.org.Customer. Service team and staff are available to answer questions.

Due to the Tier 3 mandate, Republic Bank lobbies are open to clients by appointment only. The drive up lanes are open and offer extended services during operating hours. Locations are 101 Main Street and 105 East Roosevelt Road.

Also due to Tier 3 mandate, the West Chicago City Museum, 132 Main Street, and Gallery 200, 103 West Washington Street, are closed.

Frosty may not be here on a specific day as in the past, but he is using the magic in that old silk hat to visit various location in the community. Frosty and the City of Wes Chicago put together a Frosty Virtual Scavenger Hunt which continues through to 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, December 9, 2020. The ten places he will visit appear on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/West-Chicago-Frosty-Fest-Frosty-5k-106246407872936/?view_public_for=106246407872936 on a staggered basis. As residents follow Frosty, they can submit their guess of the location. All correct guesses are then entered to win a prize in a random selection, scheduled for Thursday, December 10, 2020.

Sonny Acres, 29W310 E. North Avenue, opens for the Christmas Holiday Season Friday, November 27, 2020. The event features Christmas decorations, trees for sale, hand-made wreaths, horse drawn carriage rides, Santa and his workshop, hot drinks, amusements and seasonal merchandise. (www.merleburl.com)

West Chicago Park District is participating in Black Friday sales with a 50 percent off on walking track passes at the ARC Center, $25 for a yearly membership for park district residents. The coupon is BF50 and only Friday and Saturday, November 27 and 28, 2020. For information, call (630) 231 9474 or to sign up visit the district website at www.we-goparks.org.

With the holiday season upon us, the onset of decorating begins in earnest, which includes the discovery of strands of incandescent and LED holiday lights that no longer work and finding a way of ecological disposal. The City provides the “green” answer with the offer of free recycling for the holiday lights and extension cords from Friday, November 27, 2020, through Friday, January 17, 2021. The offer is open to residents, businesses, clubs, churches and organizations. Drop-off locations are City Hall, 475 Main Street, open limited hours of 8:00 a.m. to noon; First United Methodist Church of West Chicago, by exterior door at 643 East Washington Street; Murphy Ace Hardware, 319 South Neltnor Boulevard; Water Treatment Plant, 1400 West Hawthorne Lane; West Chicago Public Library District, 118 WestWashington Street; and the ARC Center, 201 West National Street.

This year the West Chicago Environmental Commission coordinates the program with Groot Industries for recycling purposes. Previously the City used Elgin Recycling and Groot supplied the tote bins. Tim Wilson, Assistant Director of Public Works, explained, “Last year’s contract with Groot included holiday light recycling.” The amount collected in 2019 was 738 pounds, an increase from 622 pounds collected in 2019. (www.merleburl.com)

Since COVID-19 makes it difficult for potential candidates in the Tuesday, April 6, 2021, Consolidated Election to get signatures for petitions, the League of Women Voters of Wheaton makes it simpler. The League sponsors a drive thru petition signing event from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (note time change) Saturday, November 28, 2020, in the parking lot at the Fox Community Center, 306 Main Street. The candidates are available to offer their petitions to registered voters, who remain in their cars. The League provides pens and gloves. Candidates are asked to come at 10:30 a.m. to receive name placards and information. The candidates planning to attend can email LWVW member Barb Laimins at blaimins@gmail.com,

The consolidated election is for officials in the City of West Chicago, West Chicago Public Library District, West Chicago Elementary School District 33, Community High School District 94, and Benjamin School District 25. City of West Chicago positions open are Mayor, City Clerk and seven Aldermen. In the West Chicago Public Library District, there are three four-year terms and one unexpired two-year term for the Board of Trustees. In the West Chicago Park District, there is one four-year unexpired term and one two-year unexpired term open for the Board of Commissioners. In West Chicago Elementary School District 33, there are three four-year seats and one two-year unexpired term open for the Board of Education. In Community High School District 94, there are four four-year positions and one two-year unexpired position open for the Board of Education. In Benjamin School District 25, there are four four-year terms open.

Barb Laimins, West Chicago resident and vice president of League of Women Voters of Wheaton, created a slide show on running for local office, https://my.lwv.org/illinois/wheaton/voting-elections/running-local-office. (www.merleburl.com)

A free Flu Shot Clinic for ages 3 to 64 is from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. Monday, November 30, 2020, at St. Mary’s Church, 140 North Oakwood Avenue. Appointments are not needed. The clinics are the result of partnerships of Healthy West Chicago, St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Northwestern Medicine and WeGo Together for Kids. (merleburl.com)

In the Consolidated Election Tuesday, April 6, 2020, all township elected officials are up for election. Elected officials are Supervisor, Clerk, Road Commissioner, Assessor and four Trustees. To determine who will be on the slate, the established political parties in the Township of Winfield and Wayne hold caucuses Tuesday, December 1, 2020. The governor’s Tier 3 mandate exempts caucuses.

The Winfield Republican Party Township Caucus is at the Courtyard Banquets, 3200 Route 59 in Warrenville. Registration is at 6:00 p.m. and the meeting is at 7:00 p.m. The Winfield Democratic Party Township Caucus is at 6:00 p.m. at Charles R. Beggs Activity Center, ON020 County Farm Road in Winfield.

The Wayne Township Republican Part Township Caucus is at 7:00 p.m. in the Senior Center at Wayne Township, 27W031 North Avenue. The Wayne Township Democratic Party Caucus is at 7:00 p.m. in the Program Room at the Bartlett Park District Community Center, 700 South Bartlett Road.

Unable to host its annual Holiday celebration due to COVID-19 , the West Chicago Public Library has Virtual “Home for the Holidays” programs planned for Wednesday, December 2, 2020. Most can be seen on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/wcpld/. At 6:00 p.m. is Storytime with Mrs. Claus. Magazine Gift Box & Gift Wrap demo is at 6:30 p.m. At 7:00 p.m. is Christmastime in the City with Clarence Gordon. Register for this at www.wcpld.info. Geared for youths in 9th through 12th grades, Gift Tags & Holiday in a Jar is at 8:00 p.m. with supply kits available at curbside service. Ending the evening at 8:30 is Holiday Party Games at 8:30 p.m. (www.merleburl.xom)

Despite COVID-19, the annual Frosty 5K Run/Walk takes place, only virtually. The dates are anytime between Friday, December 4 through Sunday, December 13, 2020. The registration fee is $10, which includes a long-sleeve shirt and swag bag. To register, visit : https://raceroster.com/events/2020/35577/frosty-5k-virtual-runwalk.

For persons whose last names begin with A through N, shirt and swag bag pick up is from 6:00 to 77:00 p.m. and for participants whose last names begin with Q trough Z, pick up time is 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 2. 2020, at the ARC Center, 201 West National Street. (www.merleburl.com)

West Chicago Park District offers a perfect memento for pet owners with Holiday Pet Pictures. The event starts at 9:00 a.m. Saturday, December 5, 2020, at the ARC Center, 201 West National Street. The appointments for pets to have photos taken with Santa are in 15 minute time slots. It is one time slot and photo per pet. Participants enter at the back of the Center; there are directional signs. The charge is $5 for residents and $5 for non-residents. Each registered household receives one photo ornament, plus a digital photo file via email. Register at www.we-goparks.org. (www.merleburl.com)

We Grow Dreams Greenhouse and Garden Center, 1055 West Washington Street, hosts a Christmas event from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday, December 5, 2020, part of the festive event will be done, virtually. However, persons can stop by the greenhouse to purchase Christmas gifts from the craft shop, holiday decorations of Poinsettias, table top reindeer, and sno-gnomes. With every $10 spent in the greenhouse, customers receive a raffle ticket to enter for the prize of their choice. Those staying home can make a donation to the greenhouse and have the opportunity to make selections to enter into the raffle and for every $5 donated they receive a free raffle ticket. The drawing takes place at 1:00 p.m. via Facebook. (www.merleburl.com)

Girls of Today Leaders of Tomorrow once again is having its Tamale Sale December 13, 2020, at St. Andrew lutheran Church, 155 North Prince Crossing Road. It is pre-order only with orders due by Tuesday, December 1, 2020. There are three selections, pork/chicken vegetarian, cheese with Chili; and sweet, strawberry/pineapple. Combos must be three of each for a half dozen and six of each for a doze. The cost is $9 for half a dozen and $16 for a dozen. Payment is by cash day of pick up or by PayPal prior to pickup. To order, email info@girls2leaders.org or text (630) 965-8301.

Girls of Today Leaders of Tomorrow is based in West Chicago and is a 501c3 organization. It mission is to inspire and empower young women to find value within themselves and to achieve the best direction of their lives. The vision is to have a society of young women, who are confident, independent and able to motivate future generations.

Homes must be decorated by Monday, December 7, 2020. Judges view the homes between Monday, December 14, and Wednesday, December 16, with winners announced Friday, December 18. Prizes are for first, second and third places, plus People’s Choice. (www.merleburl.com)

Winfield Township once again hosts its Adopt-A-Family program. Businesses, families, individuals and organizations “adopt” a family, purchasing a gift for each child in the family and providing gift cards for holiday meal shopping. Monetary donations also are appreciated. For further information or to adopt a family, call General Assistance Director Claudia Gabrels at (331) 240-2665 or email cgabrels@winfieldtownship.com.

Gabrels said 53 applications were returned with 11 not qualifying as it was an adult only household or lived outside the township. “There are five families left to be adopted.” Because of COVID-19, donors do contactless drop offs and families do contactless pickup in the office this year. “Another difference is there are less donors.”

Wayne Township holds it annual Adopt-A-Family program. Participants purchase a new gift for each member of the family and a $16 meal box. For further information, call (630) 231-7173.

Remember to support our local businesses and local eating establishments.

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 4:00 p.m. Monday, November 23, 2020, there were 2,273 cases and 19 deaths. This is the number from the beginning of track recording. It is important to remember to follow the social distancing order, wear masks and wash hands.

A COVID-19 testing site is open from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays in a VNA Health Care Mobile at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 North Prince Crossing Road. There is no charge. Appointments are required and may be made at (630) 892-4355 or (847) 717-6455. A medical assistant now is at the site.DuPage County offers free COVID-19 testing at the DuPage County Complex, 421 North County Farm Road. The sites open from 7:00 a.m., to noon Monday through Friday. Since it is a drive-thru testing site, individuals give themselves a nasal swab test with instructions from staff.

Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Eva T. Bali, who at the age of 79 passed away Saturday, November 14, 2020.

Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Colleen Ann Westrom, who at the age of 80 passed away Wednesday, November 18, 2020.

Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Mary Sanchez, who at the age of 98 passed away Thursday, November 19, 2020.

The Daily Herald featured a photograph by West Chicago resident Sierra Koenig in Your Images photograph contest article in the Tuesday, November 17, 2020, Neighbor section. The picture, taken in Matthlessen State Park, highlights a bridge surrounded by the trees in dynamic fall colors.

Two quilt artworks of West Chicago resident Kathy Steere are being recognized further afield, not just locally. “Whispers of Summer” won Best Sit Down/Domestic Machine Quilting-Aspiring in the 2020 Virtual Quilt Show of Pinterest. “Shadow Climber” was accepted for the 2020 Virtual Quilt Festival in Houston, Texas. It takes place from Thursday, December 3 through Saturday, December 5, 2020. This exhibit is generally considered to be the cream of the crop for quilt shows. (www.merleburl.com)

Prior to the regular Community High School Board of Education meeting Tuesday, November 17, 2020, there was a public hearing on filing a waiver for Drivers Education fees. Member Gary Saake explained, “This is an extension of a previous waiver so that we can charge more than the statutory amount. The waiver allows us to charge $30 a /student for the behind the wheel portion. Even at $300, the costs of operating the program are subsidized by general revenue.” During the regular meeting, the board approved the submission of the waiver application.

Also approved was the 2020 Tax Levy for property taxes collected in 2021. The property tax levy approved was $28,619, =204, which includes the bonds. Saake explained, “Because a ‘balloon levy’ was used to capture any difference between the assessor’s preliminary new construction numbers and final ones, and 50 percent tax abatements are in place for new construction in the business park, we anticipate receiving about $400,000 less than the levied amount. The Consumer Price Index for 2019, which is used to calculate the levy was 2.3 percent. The actual amount taxed for an individual property is based on the assessment of the taxpayer’s property related to the value of all other properties.”

Utilizing Sourcewell Purchasing Cooperative through Russo Power Equipment in Schiller Park, the Board approved the purchase of Kubota RTV1100C tractor plow in the amount of $29,189.98.

The Board adopted changes to the 2020-21 School Calendar of which more most likely will occur.

West Chicago Community High School Honors Biology teachers Alexandra Day and Brianne Ferreiro hosted two voluntary 45 minute sessions on how to write a strong Claim, Evidence, Reasoning Science paper. Little did the students who opted to sign up know that the two teachers planned on using the dissection of a shark and a rat to provide the basis for that practice CER paper. Students worked in groups to find the digestive systems of both animals so that each could compare/contrast the systems using a CER paper. Students were definitely surprised as many commented that the initial “cutting open each to look inside” was the definite highlight of the day. (www.merleburl.com)

Wheaton Academy student Emma Froeschke placed as first chair cellist in the Illinois Music Education Association’s District 9 Orchestra. Selected as members of the ILMEA District 9 Honors Ensembles for Choir were Isabella Brown, Stephen Chen, Anna Jones, Kenna Tolman and Michal Tolman. Selected for Band was Jillian Reid. (www.merleburl.com)

At the Monday, November 16, 2020, meeting, City Council approved a three year contract for Citywide Monthly Brush Collection Program in the annual amount of $96,775 with Kramer Tree Specialists.

Also approved was a contract for the 2021 Parkway Tree Planting Program in the amount of $40,430 with Access Group of Wauconda.

Council approved a contract for the 2021 Janitorial Services of eight City-owned and maintenance facilities in the amount of $67,181 to Italian US Midwest, LLC of St. Louis, Missouri.

There was approval of a three year contract for Cemetery Sexton Services in the yearly amount of $80,000 with Cemetery Management (John B. Reynolds). This covers both Glen Oak and Oakwood cemeteries.

Council approved the transfer of ownership of Oak Drive Right-Of-Way to DuPage County. The Item Summary stated that for several years the City has maintained the Oak Drive right-of-way, between Diversey Parkway and Route 59 (dedicated as public right-of-way since 1953). The City has no utilities here and there is no reason to continue to own it.

Approved were four contracts for supplies used at the Water Treatment Plan; all were for the Fiscal Year 2021. One was for Liquid Sodium Hypochlorite for the amount of $137.41 a ton delivered and not to exceed $54.964 to Olin Products & Vinyls of Downers Grove. Another was for Rotary Hydrated Lime for the amount of $199 a ton delivered and not to exceed $378.100 to Mississippi Lime Company of St. Louis, Missouri. One was for Liquid Carbon Dioxide for the amount of $125 a ton delivered and not to exceed $27,500 to McCARB of Elgin. Another was for Dry Anionic Polymer for the amount of 1.72 a pound delivered and not to exceed $20,640 to Polydyne, Inc. of Riceboro, Georgia.

Council approved an Intergovernmental agreement with the West Chicago Fire Protection District For the property at 2015 Smith Road. The Item Summary states, This property “is a parcel that should have been owned by the WCFPD, as it was granted to it as the land donation requirement for the Cornerstone Lakes Subdivision. Via a recording error, it remained the City’s since 2001 and the city has been maintaining it since then. It would be appropriate for the Fire District to get the proceeds from this sale, less all costs incurred by the City since its been in our possession (about $15.000)”. Council then approved of the sale of the property for the amount of $65,000 to Fatmir Dzabiri.

Also approved was the sale of the property at 308 West Stimmel Street for the amount of $13,500 to Antonio and Maria Lopez. Another approval of a property sale was of two lots on Ann Street for the amount of $26,000 to Kathleen Brown.

Council approved a Zoning Code Text Amendment that allows resumption of a legal non conforming use that has been discontinued for a period of 12 consecutive months or longer. This helps bring about the return of the Cascade theater property. With this passage, the Public Hearings regarding special use and operation of a Drive-in theater continue at the next Plan Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals meeting Tuesday, December 1, 2020.

Some members of West Chicago Elementary School District 33 donated their time to provide contactless meal drop-off to families in West Chicago. International Christian Fellowship Church donated 55 turkeys and bags full of items for families to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal. (www.merleburl.com)

My email address is merleburl@earthlink.net.

A familiar face will be missing from Winfield Township. After 17 years, lifelong resident Dona Smith is retiring from her position as Supervisor of Winfield Township, effective Friday, December 4, 2020. However her commitment to community and service started before she was old enough to vote.

Her father, the late Donald N. Hensel, held many political positions, which included serving for 10 years as State Representative of the 50th District. This was the beginning of her commitment to politics. She won her first attempt at elected office in 1997 and held the position of Township Clerk until elected Supervisor in 2003. While Clerk, Smith served as secretary of DuPage County Township Clerk’s Association. Since 2005 to the present, she has served as president of the DuPage County Township Supervisor’s Association.

Currently Smith also is the President of the West Chicago Mosquito Abatement District. Seeing a need, she worked hard for an appointment to the Board which came about in 1981 – 40 years and 10 terms later.

Commitment to the community involves her long time membership in American Legion Post 300 Auxiliary, Smith joined in 1973, serving now as Vice President. Her interest in the Legion dates back to her junior high years, when she was president of the American Legion Junior Auxiliary.

Her other past involvements include serving as a West Chicago Neighborhood Watch Block, Captain, a St. Mary’s Church CCD instructor, a West Chicago Peer Jury Coordinator, member of both the DuPage County Health Coalition and the DuPage County Mosquito Task Force, and being the chairwoman of National Night Out from 1990 to 2001. “West Chicago did not have a YMCA or other type of facility for kids to go,” said Smith. “But, together with Jim Westerhoff, and the support of the City of West Chicago and a handful of amazing volunteers, we started West Chicago’s first Open Gym.” Held every Friday evening during the school year at West Chicago Junior High, the Open Gym gave children a safe place to hang out with positive role models which included West Chicago police officers. “Some Friday nights we would have 250 kids show up,” said Smith.

As Chairman, Smith worked with many citizens to organize “Battle of the Bands” competitions during Railroad Days, break dancing contests throughout the year, day trips to soccer and baseball games and much more. One of the activities Smith started during her tenure with the West Chicago Youth Commission, and which is still done today, is the annual leaf raking project for seniors and people unable to take care of their yards due to physical or medical reasons.

Through all her endeavors, what gave Smith the most pride was having her three children by her side volunteering. Dawn McQuillan (Chorobik), Kristen Paris (Chorobik) and Eric Chorobik were all volunteers for numerous community events through the years. “Looking back, it was a lot of work,” said Smith, “but by helping the community I was also helping myself and my family. I would not have been able to do all that I did without the support of my family. They have always been the driving force in all that I do.” (www.merleburl.com)

AROUND AND ABOUT

Small Gifts of Art” is the exhibit at Gallery 200, 103 West Washington Street, during the month of December. The artwork of the featured artists is perfect for holiday gifts, plus reasonably priced. Due to COVID-19, The Gallery is temporarily closed, but orders can be placed on line, https://www.facebook.com/Gallery200/ or http://peoplemadevisible.com/gallery-200/

Persons comment below the image of a piece in which they are interested in buying or send Gallery 200 a private message through an invoice to pay by credit card and arrange contact-less delivery within 10 miles of West Chicago, or a small delivery fee. Shipping also is available for a fee.

Participating artists are Margaret Bucholz, Marge Hall, Nadine Buck, Kathi Kuchler, Sharon Malek, Heide Morris, Britta Renwick, Rita Skarha, Sue Tripp, and Marita Valdizan. The artwork includes jewelry, felted soaps, wall art, painted boxes, felted Santas and gnomes, knitted scarves and gloves, glass painted hurricane candle holders, plaster sculpture, glass art, oil paintings and felted silk scarves. (www.merleburl.com)

Home for the Holidays event continues at West Chicago Public Library and includes holiday performances, storytime, cooking and draft demonstrations for all ages. Most can be seen on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/wcpld/. Thursday, December 3, 2020. Adult Services librarian Austin Hall presents a cooking demonstration, “Santa Strawberries and Holiday Fudge,” at 6:00 p.m. Holiday Crafts with Mrs. Nicki is at 6:30 p.m. A live performance by St. Andrew Lutheran Church Band is at 7:00 p.m. They perform some traditional Spanish Christmas Carol. A Craft Demonstration of felt ornaments, geared for adults, is at 8:00 p.m. Registration is required, www.wcpld.info. Registration includes a supply kit that can be picked up at curbside service. Available for first 70 patrons who register. Closing Storytime with Ms. Nicole is at 8:30 p.m. She reads the classic “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” www.merleburl.com)

West Chicago Park District hosts a virtual holiday event from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Saturday, December 5, 2020. Watching from the comfort of their homes and wearing pajamas, participants can join Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves at the North Pole via Zoom. Children can spend time sharing their Christmas list with Santa, listening to Mrs. Claus read a holiday story and playing Christmas bingo, making a holiday ornament and singing a few carols with the elves. Bingo winners and prizes are mailed to winners Parents/guardians should register each child participating, Parents need to pick up packets during regular business hours from Monday, December 14, through Friday, December 18. To register, visit.we-goarks.org, (www.merleburl.com)

Frosty may not be here on a specific day as in the past, but he is using the magic in that old silk hat to visit various location in the community. Frosty and the City of Wes Chicago put together a Frosty Virtual Scavenger Hunt which continues through to 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, December 9, 2020. The ten places he visited appear on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/West-Chicago-Frosty-Fest-Frosty-5k-106246407872936/?view_public_for=106246407872936 on a staggered basis. As residents follow Frosty, they can submit their guess of the location. All correct guesses are then entered to win a prize in a random selection, scheduled for Thursday, December 10.

We Grow Dreams Greenhouse and Garden Center, 1055 West Washington Street, hosts a Christmas event from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday, December 5, 2020, part of the festive event will be done, virtually. However, persons can stop by the greenhouse to purchase Christmas gifts from the craft shop, holiday decorations of Poinsettias and Christmas Cactus, table top reindeer and, new this year, sno-gnomes. With every $10 spent in the greenhouse, customers receive a raffle ticket to enter for the prize of their choice. Those staying home can make a donation to the greenhouse and have the opportunity to make selections to enter into the raffle and for every $5 donated they receive a free raffle ticket. The drawing takes place at 1:00 p.m. via Facebook. (www.merleburl.com)

St. Andrew Lutheran Church usually holds its annual Christmas Cookie Bazaar, but, due to COVID-19, it is cancelled. A portion of the proceeds were donated to Neighborhood Food Pantries. Persons who would like to donate should make a check payable to St. Andrew Lutheran Church, writing Food Pantry in the memo and mailing it to St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 North Prince CrossingRoad Road, West Chicago, IL 60185. As a non baker, I always liked their event, not only did I have a d a nice array of Holiday cookies to share, but also was donations to a good cause.

First United Methodist Church of West Chicago begins its Sunday Advent worship services at 9:30 a/m/, beginning December 6 and ending December 20. The theme is “Those Who Dream.”

FNBC Bank & Trust Wealth Management is a sponsor the Tower Chorale. Their first virtual holiday concert premieres at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, December 6, 2020, and available throughout the month of December via YouTube or at https://www.facebook.com/towerchorale/

The Tower Chorale is an 80-voice community choir comprised of amateur and professional singers. Its roster includes former members of the Chicago Symphony Chorus, the Apollo Chorus, the Grant Park Symphony and various other community theater and music organizations. (www.merleburl.com)

West Chicago still will be alive with holiday spirit, although in a different way. To celebrate the traditional Frosty Fest and North Pole Adventure, the City of West Chicago and West Chicago Park District are having a Holiday House Decorating Contest. To participate in the contest, fill the form at https://form.jotform.com/202594838715162. Homes must be decorated by Monday, December 7, 2020. Judges view the homes between Monday, December 14, and Wednesday, December 16, with winners announced Friday, December 18. Prizes are for first, second and third places, plus People’s Choice. (www.merleburl.com)

“Introduction to Genealogy‚” is the Virtual program at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 9, 2020. Persons learn about online genealogy research. To register, visit https://wcpld.info, under calendar.

Via Zoom, the West Chicago Public Library presents “Holiday Cooking with Chef Maddox” at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, December 10, 2020. She demonstrates how to make holiday canapés and is available for questions and answers afterwards. Registration is required at https://wcpld.info, under calendar. Chef Susan Maddox is former owner and chef at Le Titi de Paris, a French restaurant in Arlington Heights.

The Tuesday, April 6, 2021 Consolidated Election is for officials in the City of West Chicago, West Chicago Public Library District, West Chicago Elementary School District 33, Community High School District 94, and Benjamin School District 25. The first day of filing is Monday, December 14, 2020 and the last day is 5:00 p.m. Friday, December 18.

The candidate election packets are available at the respective taxing body locations. School board candidates must either pick up packets at the DuPage County Election Commission, 421 North County Farm Road in Wheaton, or go the commission website http://www.dupageco.org/election to obtain the forms. Packets include information sheets, nominating petitions, statement of candidacy, loyalty oath (optional), and a statement of economic interest to be filed with the DuPage County Clerk. All candidates must be 18 years and older, a registered voter and a resident of the respective taxing body. The signatures required vary with offices and taxing bodies and are based on the number of ballots cast for the elected officials in the last election.

City of West Chicago positions open are Mayor, City Clerk and seven Aldermen. City Hall is open limited hours. Packets are available from 9:00 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at City Hall, 475 Main Street. For persons unable to come to City Hal during those hours can all City Clerk Nancy Smith at (630) 293-9250 to set up an appointment.

In the West Chicago Public Library District, there are three four-year terms and one unexpired 2-year term for the Board of Trustees. Nominating petition packets are available for curbside pickup, 118 West Washington Street. Hours are 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

In the West Chicago Park District there is one four-year unexpired term and one two-year unexpired term Packets are available from 8:30 a.m.to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at the ARC Center, 201 West National Street.

In West Chicago Elementary School District 33, there are three four-year seats and one two-year unexpired term open for the Board of Education. In Community High School District 94, there are four four-year positions and one two-year unexpired position open for the Board of Education. In Benjamin School District 25, there are four six-year terms open. (www.merleburl.com)

First United Methodist Church of West Chicago holds its Advent ZOOM Bible Studies at 7:00 p.m. Wednesdays through December 23, 2020. (www.merleburl.com(

Working with We Go Together For Kids, United Metro of Chicago sponsors a Uniting for the Holiday event at 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 16, 2020, at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 North Prince Crossing Road. Here 500 families receive a holiday meal box including a frozen turkey and a small number of gifts for the children. The gifts depend on amount of items donated. Donations sought include sports equipment such as soccer balls, hair scrunchies, board games, stuffed animals and gift cards to Target, Walmart, Old Navy, Kohl’s or Home Goods.

Donations can be dropped off at St. Andrews Church during regular business hours, from 9:00 a..m. to 2:00 p.m. Monday and Wednesday, and from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday. If these hours are not convenient, leave the donations underneath the awning at the side door and someone will bring it in next time the building is open. www.mwelwburl.com)

Supermercado Tampico, 516 Main Street, holiday decorations again so beautiful, especially at night with the twinkling lights.It truly puts one in the Holiday spirit. Take the time to view them.

Wayne Township holds it annual Adopt-A-Family program. Participants purchase a new gift for each member of the family and a $16 meal box. For further information, call (630) 231-7173.

Sonny Acres, 29W310 North Avenue, has a new event during its Christmas Holiday Celebration. Patrons can view the light and music show strolling or riding the Sonny Express Train. The charge is $20 per person walking, $25 per person riding the train. Hours are from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Saturday, and from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sunday. (www.merleburl.com)

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 4:00 p.m. Monday, November 30, 2020, there were 2,545 cases and 20 deaths; this is the number from the beginning of track recording It is important to remember to follow the social distancing order, wear masks and wash hands.

A COVID-19 testing site is open from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays in a VNA Health Care Mobile at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 North Prince Crossing Road. There is no charge. Appointments are required and may be made at (630) 892-4355 or (847) 717-6455. A medical assistant now is at the site.DuPage County offers free COVID-19 testing at the DuPage County Complex, 421 North County Farm Road. The sites open from 7:00 a.m., to noon Monday through Friday. Since it is a drive-thru testing site, individuals give themselves a nasal swab test with instructions from staff

The artwork of Gallery 200 artist Kathi Kuchler has been featured recently in two publications. The Tuesday, November 24, 2020, issue of the Daily Herald had jan article on the Yuletide treasures exhibit at DuPage Art League. There was a photo of her mini print artwork necklaces. Kuchler also was accepted into the World Wide Art Magazine 2020 #4 with her three watercolors painted during the pandemic. They are on pages 81 through 83, wwab.us/wwa-magazine-4/“.

World Wide Art Books, international art anthologies, are one of the most authoritative art resources of our time. Used by collectors, gallery owners, art consultants, interior designers, curators and other art professionals all over the world, each title published by World Wide Art Books comes out once a year.

Wingstop, 334 South Neltnor Boulevard, recently opened its doors.

My email address is merleburl@earthlink.net.

The Tuesday, April 6, 2021 Consolidated Election is for officials in the City of West Chicago, West Chicago Public Library District, West Chicago Elementary School District 33, Community High School District 94, and Benjamin School District 25. The first day of filing is Monday, December 14, and the last day is 5:00 p.m. Friday, December 18,2020. Persons till have time to pick up candidate packets and gather signatures.

City of West Chicago positions open are Mayor, City Clerk and seven Aldermen. City Hall is open limited hours. Packets are available from 9:00 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at City Hall, 475 Main Street. For persons unable to come to City Hal during those hours can all City Clerk Nancy Smith at (630) 293-9250 to set up an appointment.

AROUND AND ABOUT

Benjamin-Evergreen PTA holds a Chef’s Night Out from 1:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 9, 2020, at McDonald’s, 1335 County Farm Road in Carol Stream. Since the drive-thru event is a fundraiser, patrons need to mention the event for the Benjamin-Evergreen PTA before ordering or present the flyer. (www.merleburl.cm)

Partnering together West Chicago Elementary School District 33, City of West Chicago, the Illinois Department of Public Health and DuPage County Health Department to host a free COVID-19 mobile testing unit from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Thursday, December 10, 2020, at Leman Middle School, 238 East Hazel Street. No appointment is necessary. However, if a person does have health insurance, an insurance card should be presented at the time of testing.

There is a designated route for the COVID-19 testing. The line starts for southbound Joliet Street and heads east into East Hazel Street. Road closures during the event include northbound Joliet Street from East Forest Avenue, to East Hazel Street, southbound Bishop Street from Brown Street to East Forest Avenue, and eastbound East Hazel Street to Bishop Street.

An ongoing site is the VNA COVID-19 Community Testing Center at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 North Prince Crossing Road. Hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. It is free for those with no insurance. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Another site is the DuPage County Community COVID-19 unit at the DuPage County Fairgrounds, enter at County Complex, 421 North County Farm Road. Hours are from 7:00 a.m. to noon or until daily test capacity is reached. (www.merleburl.com)

The Finance Committee meeting of Thursday, December 24, 2020, is rescheduled to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, December 10, 2020.

West Chicago residents Mike Fortner and Becky Hall, members of Acappellago, perform in the choir’s first virtual concert at 7:15 p.m. Saturday, December 12, 2020, on its YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTySoXe5b0GoH3bhEBYWCWw. The choir performs three-holiday favorites. Acappellago, founded in 2002, is an A Cappella chamber choir performing in the western suburbs of Chicago. Acappellago’s special appearances include Chicago Composer’s Forum’s first John Cage’s “Musicircus” in September 2005, and singing the Star Spangled Banner for the Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bandits, Chicago Fire, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Steel, Kane County Cougars and Schaumburg Boomers. (www.merleburl.com)

Via Zoom, the West Chicago Public Library presents “Holiday Cooking with Chef Maddox” at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, December 10, 2020. She demonstrates how to make holiday canapés and is available for questions and answers afterwards. Registration is required at https://wcpld.info, under calendar. Chef Susan Maddox is former owner and chef at Le Titi de Paris, a French restaurant in Arlington Heights.

Prairie Landing Golf Club offers Holiday Dinner to go. In addition to the full menu, which serves six to eight people, an a la carte menu is available. To view menu, visit https://www.prairielanding.com/events/. Orders must be placed by Wednesday, December 16, 2020. For further information or to place an order, call (630) 208-7633 or email ebobsin@prairielanding.com.

Other holiday events at Prairie Landing include Dinner with Santa Friday, December 11, 2020 and Santa on the Go Saturday, December 12, 2020. Reservations are required for both. The to go dinner is homemade pizza and salad, plus there are gingerbread house kits. The second event involves meeting Santa, taking home a Holiday cookie and stocking decorating kits. Along with photos with Santa, hot cocoa and donuts are served. There are assigned pick up times to limit lines and crowds. (www.merleburl.xom)

West Chicago Park District is offering a gift to its residents, a free virtual Fitness Week. The dates are Saturday, December 12 through Thursday, December 17, 2020. Patrons log onto Zoom and use the meeting ID to join. The meeting password in FREEWEEK. Registration is not required. (www.merleburl.com)

There is a free Flu Vaccine Clinic from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Monday, December 14, 2020, at Main Park Apartments, 813 Main Street. It is for ages 10 through 64. (www.merleburl.com)

The Learning Experience, 930 North Neltnor Boulevard, is hosting a Bubbles Holiday Drive-thru from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 15, 2020. Participants receive Holiday goodies and the opportunity to enter into the holiday gift give away. (www.merleburl.com)

Working with We Go Together for Kids, United Metro of Chicago sponsors a Uniting for the Holiday event at 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 16, 2020, at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 North Prince Crossing Road. Here 500 families receive a holiday meal box including a frozen turkey and a small number of gifts for the children. The gifts depend on amount of items donated. Donations sought include sports equipment such as soccer balls, hair scrunchies, board games, stuffed animals and gift cards to Target, Walmart, Old Navy, Kohl’s or Home Goods.

Donations can be dropped off at St. Andrews Church during regular business hours, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Monday and Wednesday, and from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday. If these hours are not convenient, leave the donations underneath the awning at the side door and someone will bring it in next time the building is open.

Healthy West Chicago hosts a virtual Cooking series, Healthy Holiday Baking, at 6:00 p.m. Thursday, December 17, 2020. The instructors demonstrate healthy family approved recipes. Attendees learn tips on eating healthy, saving time in the kitchen and involving youth in food preparation. Persons completing the survey receive a $10 gift card. To register visit https://forms.gle/FKwiKJadZHfWp8K67. The Zoom link is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86375756581. (www.merleburl.com)

Hawthorne’s Backyard Bar & Grill, 1200 West Hawthorne Lane, is having a drive-thru Pig Roast Parade from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday, December 19, 2020. Persons drive into the parking lot, place their order and it is delivered to the car. Menu is pulled pork sandwiches for $7, half chicken for $10, half slab ribs for $11 and full slab ribs for $16. Sides of 4 pieces of cornbread, country potatoes and coleslaw are $2.50 each. (www.merleburl.com)

West Chicago Public Library presents a Virtual Chair Yoga at 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 21, 2020. Susan from Dancing Cranes Yoga is the instructor. The class is for adults, to register visit https://wcpld.info.

CORRECTION: The date of the West Chicago Park District hosts a virtual holiday event is from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Saturday, December 19, 2020, not December 5, 2020. Watching from the comfort of their homes and wearing pajamas, participants can join Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves at the North Pole via Zoom. Children can spend time sharing their Christmas list with Santa, listening to Mrs. Claus read a holiday story and playing Christmas bingo, making a holiday ornament and singing a few carols with the elves. Bingo winners and prizes are mailed to winners. Parents/guardians should register each participating child. Parents need to pick up packets during regular business hours from Monday, December 14, through Friday, December 18. To register, visit.we-goarks.org, To register, visit.we-goarks.org,

Glen Arbor Community Church, 204 Church Street, Christmas-related worship services are at 10:00 a.m. through December 20, 2020, in-person or online. www.glenarbor.org. The topic is “The Greatest Gift Ever Given.” (www.merleburl.com)

Through a nightly Advent Devotional, St. Andrew Lutheran Church explores the Advent season, celebrates the twelve days of Christmas and the day of Epiphany. It takes place from 7:00 to 7:30 p.m. through Wednesday, December 23, 2020, via Zoom. ( www.merleburl.com)

The Friends of the West Chicago City Museum’s 2020 Historic Landmark ornament of Lincoln School is now available. The price is $10. To order email wegoistory@gmail.com or online at tinyurl.com/fwccm20. Ornaments are delivered to those who live locally or they can be shipped. For further information, call (630) 231-3376. (www.merleburl.com)

West Chicago Fire Protection District promotes holiday decoration safety through the “Keep the Wreath Red” program. The wreaths are on display at all three stations, 200 Fremont Street, 1651 Atlantic Drive and 1800 Commerce Drive. Red bulbs on the wreaths are replaced with a white bulb if the cause of a fire is holiday-related. During the 30-plus years of participation in the program of the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association, the wreaths have remained red most of the time. Precautionary measures for a live Christmas tree involve checking the water level on a regular basis and placing it and other greens away from a heat source, with the latter step also applying to artificial trees and greens. Locate candles in safe locations, away from window treatments and evergreens. NEVER leave candles unattended in a room; keep them out of reach of children and pets. With the use of battery-operated flickering tea candles and tapers, persons can have the warmth and festive aura in a safe manner. (www.merleburl.com)

West Chicago resident Daina Welsh is the owner of Gluten Free Baked by D. There is a pick up location in West Chicago. At this time, there is a promotion for a Christmas Cookie box, https://www.facebook.com/glutenfreebakedbyD/. (www.merleburl.com)

For the first time, Maggie Capettini, former educational director at West Chicago City Museum, is participating in the Palette & Chise’sl $300 or Less Sale, which continues until the end of the 2020 holiday season. She has seven paintings in the sale; two are “Rose and Company” and “Meadow Lake Pines.” The sale features works of Palette & Chisel members and students, and helps to fund renovation and repair of one of Chicago’s landmark buildings. (www.merleburl.com)

Bunker Hill Bar & Grill, 216 Main Street, is collecting donations for the Ronald McDonald House. Items on the wish list include liquid laundry detergent; paper towels, c-fold or rolls, K-cups; draw string garbage bags, 4,13, 20, 55 gallon; cleaning supplies; Lysol wipes; scrubbing Bubbles; toilet bowl cleaners; Windex,;Soft Scrubs; all purpose cleaner; gift cards,;Target, Amazon, Home Depot, Costco, Sams Club, Walmart, Office Max, Bed, Bath and Beyond, CVS, Walgreens; individual wrapped snacks; and postage stamps. (www.merleburl.com)

Augustino’s Rock and Roll Deli & Grill, 300 East North Street, is selling aromatic candles that have some of the iconic aromas of the restaurant. They are Vinegar & Oil Dressing, Beef with Hot Peppers and Italian Sub. Two dollars from the sale of each candle is donated to People’s Resource Center in Wheaton. (www.merleburl.com)

Hawthorne’s Backyard Bar & Grill, 1200 West Hawthorne Lane, holds its annual Stocking Charity Drive, Every year the business works with the West Chicago Police Department to make Christmas special for three deserving families in the community. Hawthorne’s provides the stockings and art supplies and patrons provide the creative artwork plus make a monetary donation. The owner Lou Kopinski matches the contributions, with the money used to purchase presents off the lists of the two families. (www.merleburl.com)

Remember to support the local businesses and eating establishments. This is always important, but, even more so this year because of COVID-19. (www.merleburl.com)

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 4:00 p.m. Monday, December 7, 2020, there were 2,5778 cases and 24 deaths; this is the number from the beginning of track recording It is important to remember to follow the social distancing order, wear masks and wash hands.

A COVID-19 testing site is open from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays in a VNA Health Care Mobile at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 North Prince Crossing Road. There is no charge. Appointments are required and may be made at (630) 892-4355 or (847) 717-6455. A medical assistant now is at the site.DuPage County offers free COVID-19 testing at the DuPage County Complex, 421 North County Farm Road. The sites open from 7:00 a.m., to noon Monday through Friday. Since it is a drive-thru testing site, individuals give themselves a nasal swab test with instructions from staff

Sincere sympathy is expressed to the family of Thomas E. Freund, who at the age of 69 passed away Wednesday, November 18, 2020.

Deepest sympathy to the family of James P. “Jimi” Kuziol, who at the age of 56 passed away Thursday, December 3, 2020.

Community Fellowship Church once again hosted the Christmas Store, which provides the opportunity for low-income families in the community to purchase gifts for their children in a dignifying manner and in a supportive environment. Local families receive a special invitation to the one-day Christmas Store, where they purchase gifts at a 75 percent off the retail price. The gifts are donations from individuals, businesses, organizations and families,

City of West Chicago held a Virtual Tree Lighting Saturday, December 5, 2020, in which the West Chicago Community A Capella choir performed. To view the video, visit the City’s website, www.westchicao.org. Kramer Tree Services once again did a great job in decorating the tree. The 30 snowmen adorning the tree were painted by residents in the community.

My email address is merleburl@earthlink.net.

Some of the churches in the community celebrate Christmas with in person and/or online services. For further information, I recommend calling church offices or viewing website of Facebook pages as most require reservations for in-person services.

Community Fellowship Church, 28W240 North Avenue, has in person and live streaming services on Christmas Eve. The 3:00 service is a masked service. Other services are at 4:30 and 6:00 p.m.

Faith Community Church, 910 Main Street, has two services Christmas Eve. In person is at 5:00 p.m. and in person and live streaming is at 6:00 p.m.

St. Andrew celebrates the ninth day of Posada live-streamed via https://www.facebook.com/StAndrewLutheranChurchWestChicago/ at 7:00 p.m. vi Wednesday, December 23, 2020. Posadas are a representation of the pilgrimage of Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem, looking for a place to stay to await the birth of Jesus. They are held during the nine days before Christmas, starting December 15. Christmas Eve services are contemporary at 4:00 p.m., Spanish at 7:00 p.m. and traditional at 9:00 p.m. (www.merleburl.com)

St. Mary’s Church, 140 North Oakwood Avenue, has in person and online Masses. Christmas Eve services are English at 4:00 p.m., Spanish at 6:00 p.m., Bilingual at 8:00 p.m. and Latin at midnight. Christmas Day services are English at 7:00 and 9:30 a.m., Latin service is at 10:30 a.m. and Spanish is at 11:45 a.m.

Trinity Lutheran Church, 338 George Street, Christmas Eve services are at 5:30 and 7:00 p.m.

Wheaton Bible Church, 27W599 North Avenue, holds both in person and online Christmas Eve services. A band-led contemporary is at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 23. The two band-led contemporary services are at 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. and the traditional service is at 8:30 p.m. Saturday, December 24 .

AROUND AND ABOUT

There is a location change for Uniting for the Holidays, It is now at Leman Middle School 238 East Hazel Street. Working with We Go Together For Kids, United Metro of Chicago sponsors a Uniting for the Holiday event at 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 16, 2020. Here 500 families receive a holiday meal box including a frozen turkey and a small number of gifts for the children. It is on a first come, first served basis. (www.merleburl.com)

Twenty-two houses are entered in the House Decorating Contest held by the City of West Chicago and West Chicago Park District. Persons, driving around, not only can enjoy viewing the brilliantly-lit homes, but also can vote for their favorite for the People’s Choice Award. Voting deadline is Wednesday, December 16, 2020. There also is a scavenger hunt for tots to do during the drive. Winners are announce by Friday, December 19. For more information and to view the map for viewing, visit https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/5a215229e5d949d2a2bc0427b759befc. As you drive through the community, whether in day or night, notice the nicely decorated homes. It does feel a lot like Christmas. (www.merleburl.com)

During the COVID-19 pandemic, West Chicago students in WeGo Drama have not been sitting quietly behind the scenes. They continue with their 2020-21 special streaming intersection performances with the true story of “Spill” at 7:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday, December 18 and 19, 2020, at www.wegotheater.cm. Due to harsh language and emotions, it is recommended for a PG-13 audience.

The Intersections Series consists of special streaming events created by WeGo Drama students that highlight the idea of being your true self. “Spill” is a full-length play crafted from actual interviews and documents surrounding the Deepwater Horizon disaster. Leigh Fondakowski wrote the script with dramaturgy by Sarah Lambert and Kelli Simpkins and additional dramaturgy by Linsay Firman.

The company of actors and crew are Maggie Hancock, Caitlin Harding, Kathryn Wenberg, Alex Bradley, Ava Fini, Vinny Lamantia, Vincent Ross and Ryley Salazar. Others are Katherine Vander Plaats, Justin Blackburn, Hannah Brown, Carolyn Fleming, Elizabeth Hurley, Leah Moffat, Elizabeth Ryan and Jazmin Wilkins. Mark Begovich is the director. Scenic design, technical direction, and editing is by Chris Jensen. Costume design is by Clare McKellaston.

Deepwater Horizon oil spill is the largest marine oil spill in history caused by an explosion on April 20, 2020, on the Deepwater horizon oil rig, located in the Gulf of Mexico, and its subsequent sinking on April 22. (www.merleburl.com)

The Debi Inch Piano Studio is doing a Toys for Tots drive for West Chicago families. Persons wanting to contribute can bring new unwrapped toys to her home studio, 308 Arbor Avenue, by Sunday, December 20, 2020. (www.merleburl.com)

Healthy West Chicago hosts aa virtual Cooking series, Healthy Holiday Baking, at 6:00 p.m. Thursday, December 17, 2020. The instructors demonstrate healthy family approved recipes. Attendees learn tips on eating healthy, saving time in the kitchen and involving youth in food preparation. Persons completing the survey receive a $10 gift card. To register visit https://forms.gle/FKwiKJadZHfWp8K67. The Zoom link is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86375756581.

People’s Resource Center hosts Gavin Coyle’s annual holiday concert, “A Celtic Christmas,” at 8:30 p.m. Friday, December 18, 2020. The performance, which also features Paul Burgess and Karen Fernandez, benefits PRC. The ticket price is $20 at https://secure.acceptiva.com/?cst=zGTKLq. (www.merleburl.com)

The Student Council at West Chicago Community High School hosts a free Holiday Lights Drive thru from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday, December 21, 2020. It takes place on the west side of the high school 326 Joliet Street. Entry is off Wood Street. Santa and Mrs Claus are there to greet the guests, who can listen to the music on their car radios. High school students are accepting “Letters to Santa,” which they will rush to the North Pole in time for Christmas. The letter should have the return address. A professional DJ and lights team are managing the technicalities. (www.merleburl.com)

American Legion Post 300, 123 Main Street, has carry out/curb-side pick up from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. every Tuesday through Friday. Menu includes hamburgers, tuna melt, chicken wings and more. There is a Fish Fry every Friday. To place an order, call (630) 231-2112. To view the menu in full, visit //www.facebook.com/alpost300/

Remember to support the local businesses and eating establishments. This is always important, but, even more so this year because of COVID-19. Each Saturday “Small Local Businesses” are invited to share their information on the Facebook group, “What’s Happening in West Chicago.” This is a way to encourage people to shop small during this holiday season and help local businesses struggling during the pandemic. Once on the page, https://tinyurl.com/WCFBSB, look for “Small business Saturday” announcement. There also is “Wednesday Advertising Post.”

Augustino’s Rock and Roll Deli & Grill, 300 West North Avenue, has fun gift baskets, filled with local items for family business, for sale. Two dollars from the sale of each basket is donated to the People’s Resource Center (www.merleburl.com)

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 4:00 p.m. Monday, December 14, 2020, there were 2,998 cases and 26 deaths; this is the number from the beginning of track recording It is important to remember to follow the social distancing order, wear masks and wash hands.

A COVID-19 testing site is open from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays in a VNA Health Care Mobile at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 North Prince Crossing Road. There is no charge. Appointments are required and may be made at (630) 892-4355 or (847) 717-6455. A medical assistant now is at the site. DuPage County offers free COVID-19 testing at the DuPage County Complex, 421 North County Farm Road. The sites open from 7:00 a.m., to noon Monday through Friday. Since it is a drive-thru testing site, individuals give themselves a nasal swab test with instructions from staff

Sincere sympathy is expressed to the family of Donald D. Jones, who at the age of 90 Tuesday, December 2, 2020.

Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Roger L. Cook, who at the age of 79 passed away Saturday, December 6, 2020.

Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Jose Marmolejo, who at the age of 78 passed away Saturday, December 8, 2020.

Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Michael Robert Brooker, who at the age of 34 passed away, Monday, December 7, 2020

Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Mary Duffy, who at the age of 89 passed away Sunday, December 6, 2020.

Deepest sympathy to the family of Genevieve Konewko, who at the age of 99 passed away Saturday, December 5, 2020.

Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Raquel Romero, who at the age of 88 passed away Thursday, December 10, 2020.

Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Kelly Lyn Day, who at the age of 49 passed away Thursday, December 10, 2020.

Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Joseph F. Gagliardi, who at the age of 83 passed away Saturday, December 6, 2020.

Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Lorraine C. Lindner, who at the age of 96 passed away Thursday, December 10, 2020.

Wheaton Academy recently held a drive thru live nativity. The students raised more than $8,500 for the academy’s sponsored KidsAlive and collected more than 1,000 pounds of canned goods for Neighborhood Food Pantries in West Chicago. (www.merleburl.com)

Six West Chicago Community High School students recently received Promoting Awareness of Wildcat Success awards, which recognizes them for their successes and contributions to the school. The November PAWS students are Nicole Augustyniak, Luis Alvarez, Christina Champagne, Alexander Herrera, Jairo Ibarra, and Brandon Moore. Administrators and/or teachers delivered certificates to students at home, along with a small gift. The certificate included the name of the staff member who nominated them and why they were nominated for this special award.

Faculty has an opportunity each month to recognize a student within their classes who has demonstrated significant academic improvement, made a unique or difficult contribution to a class, the school or the community, overcame a significant challenge, dealt maturely with a hardship, improved the positive climate of the classroom or the school and provided support for a peer. Maximum of two students may be selected from each division each month.

For those that have missed attending the musical holiday concerts at West Chicago Community High School, there is a performance by the A Capella Choir on YouTube. The lovely voices bring forth the sounds of the season with the song “It’s Beginning to Look Like Christmas.”(www.merleburl.com)

Eduardo Anicua, an eighth grader at Leman Middle School earned the highest number of votes to win the Lean Middle School yearbook cover contest. Runners up winner also will have their work featured in the yearbook. They are second place, Eilynne H.; third place, Ana H.; fourth place, Sophie R.; fifth place, Alexandra V.; and sixth place, Sneha G. (www.merleburl.com)

Maggie Capettini, former education director at West Chicago City Museum, received the Eleanor Cox Riggs Award of Recognition and the Ellie & Richard Templeton Purchase Award for her painting, “Westward.” The painting was i on display in the 76th Annual Wabash Valley Competition at Swope Art Museum in Terre Haute, Indiana.* (www.merleburl.com)

The West Chicago Police Department recently announced the arrest of four subjects in connection with a special investigation in the Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm.

At 12:43 p.m. Saturday, November 7, 2020, West Chicago Police Officers responded to the report of shots fired on the 100 block of West Hazel Street. Upon arrival, officers discovered two houses and one vehicle had been struck by bullets. No one was injured. Officers determined two vehicles were involved in the incident and two occupants in one of the vehicles had fired the shot.

Over the next few weeks, the Investigations Unit followed up on the case, developed leads and identified persons of interest. Multiple subjects were brought to the police station for questioning November 24, 2020.

As a result of the investigation Jose Cardenas, age 30 of West Chicago, was charged with Aggravated Discharge of an Unlawful Possession of a Firearm within 1,000 feet of a School, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon by a Street Gang Member in a vehicle. He was transported to DuPage County Jail, where he remains in custody with a court date pending.

Jonathan Frederick, age 19 of Rockford, was located by detectives in Boone County November 30, 2020. He was taken into custody on an arrest warrant related to the case. He was charged with Aggravated Discharge of Firearm within 1,000Feet of a School and Unlawful Use of a Weapon. He was transported to DuPage County Jail, where he remains in custody with a court date pending.

On December 1, 2020, Eduardo Salinas, age 20 of West Chicago, was located by Detectives in Wheaton and brought to the West Chicago Police Station for questioning. He was charged with Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm for his role in the November 7 shooting. He also was charged with Aggravated Battery and Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon in connection with incidents that occurred subsequent to the November 7 shooting. He was transported to DuPage County Jail and has since posted bond with a court date pending.

On December 2, 2020, Gilberto Rios, age 26 of Rockford, was located by detectives in that jurisdiction and taken into custody on an arrest warrant related to the November 7 incident. He was charged with Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm within 1,000 Feet of a School and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon by a Street Gang Member in a Vehicle. He was transported to DuPage County Jail where he remains in custody with a court date pending.

My email address is merleburl@earthlink.net.

The celebration of the holiday may be different this year, but some traditions do continue.

One is decorating the home and trimming the tree. When this is accomplished, everything looks so festive and makes the gray days of winter seem brighter. With all the homes that have brightly lit decorations outside, it is easy to continue the ooh and aah tradition.

It is delightful to hear the sounds of music through Christmas carols and songs, even if not in person. The high school and District 33 students have some wonderful holiday songs on YouTube.

Delicious aromas from the special goodies waft throughout the home. The kitchen can become a little messy as children assist with making and decorating cookies. Flour, sugar and sprinkles create an artistic mess on the countertops and floors with a good measure of laughter thrown in. My son and I made the fudge together as always, so special to have the day with him, chatting, laughing and licking the spoon. The homemade goodies make good gifts

One of my favorite things of Christmas is the giving of gifts. It is a satisfied feeling when one sees the look of delight or surprise on the recipient’s face and receiving the nice and thoughtful thank you nots. After all, the holiday is about giving and not receiving.

The get together with friends and families may be smaller this year, but each moment together in person or via Zoom is one to treasure. My daughter-in law’s family is holding its annual large Christmas Eve party via Zoom. There is probably more conversation about the event than when in person – what to wear-ugly sweaters or jammies, what games and more. My family is trying to plan a game night. It is just like the in person events, that of trying to find a date and time that works for everyone. This always makes me laugh.

No matter how you celebrate, keeping and/or creating new traditions, one fact remains, the memories of past and present make wonderful treasures for the future.

Merry Christmas!

AROUND AND ABOUT

Curbside pickup meals are offered to all West Chicago Elementary School District 33 students during Winter Break. Six day meals are provided from 10:00 a.m. to noon Wednesdays, December 23 and 30, 2020. The locations are Leman Middle School, 238 East Hazel Street; Pioneer School, 615. Kenwood Avenue; Wegner School, 1180 Marcella Lane; and Currier School, 800 Gary’s Mill School. (www.merleburl.com)

Every school year, there are two blood drives at West Chicago Community High School. However, due to COVID-19, it is not possible to have one in the school. Therefore the Interact club is hosting a month-long virtual blood drive ending Thursday, December 31, 2020.

Persons can donate blood at any of the 17 Vitalant Illinois Donation Centers, www.vitalant.org. The centers offer daytime, evening and weekend hours. Donors must schedule an appointment online in advance. It is important for you to mention the group code P658 when you present to donate at the Vitalant Community Donation Center. Every donation using the group code P658 helps the Interact Club to earn points through the Vitalant High School Program. All presenting donors who provide the group code P658 receive a coupon for a free large one-topping pizza from Papa John’s. Persons having trouble registering can call (877) 258-4825. (www.merleburl.com)

Community Fellowship Church, 28W240 North Avenue, has in person and live streaming services on Christmas Eve. The 3:00 service is a masked service. Other services are at 4:30 and 6:00 p.m.

Faith Community Church, 910 Main Street, has two services Christmas Eve. In person is at 5:00 p.m. and in person and live streaming is at 6:00 p.m.

St. Andrew Lutheran Church Christmas Eve on line service at 5:00 p.m.

St. Mary’s Church, 140 North Oakwood Avenue, has in person and on line Masses. Christmas Eve services are English at 4:00 p.m., Spanish at 6:00 p.m., Bilingual at 8:00 p.m. and Latin at midnight. Christmas Day services are English at 7:00 and 9:30 a.m., Latin service is at 10:30 a.m. and Spanish is at 11:45 a.m.

Trinity Lutheran Church, 338 George Street, Christmas Eve services are at 5:30 and 7:00 p.m.

Wheaton Bible Church, 27W599 North Avenue, holds both in person and on line Christmas Eve services. A band-led contemporary is at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 23. The two band-led contemporary services are at 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. and the traditional service is at 8:30 p.m. Saturday, December 24 .

Winfield Township is a collection site for used vegetable cooking oil from 7:00 a.m. to noon, every Monday at the Township Road facility, 30W575 Roosevelt Road. Persons must use plastic containers; animal fat is not accepted.

St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 140 North Oakwood Avenue, New Year’s Eve Masses are English at 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. and Spanish at 6:30 a.m., New Year’s Day Masses are English at 9:00 a.m., Latin at 10:30 a.m. and Spanish at 12:30 p.m.

West Chicago Community High School Child Development 1 advanced students, and Brittney Bauer, child development teacher and Wildcat preschool director, host Wildcat Virtual Preschool, beginning Tuesday, January 5, and ending Wednesday, January 20, 2021, via Zoom. Since there are four Child Development classes, dates and times change. It is for children 2.5 to 5 years of age. For further information or to register, visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1pGlqW6vPuZPBruA1sbHDEEvnsTSh2MAnze3HpBt3M2o/edit.

The program is free. It includes 30 minutes of developmentally appropriate activities for preschoolers, using physical, social, emotional, cognitive and language activities. (www.merleburl.com)

The Consolidated Election for officials in the City of West Chicago, West Chicago Public Library District, West Chicago Elementary School District 33, Community High School District 94, and Benjamin School District 25 is Tuesday, April 6, 2021. The final day for candidates to file was Monday, December 21, 2020,

City of West Chicago positions open are Mayor, City Clerk and seven Aldermen. Filing for Mayor are incumbent Ruben Pineda and Daniel M. Czuba. Filing for City Clerk is incumbent Nancy Smith; Incumbent aldermen who filed are Ward 1, Lori Chassee; Ward 2, Heather Brown; Ward 4, Sandy Dimas; Ward 5, Christopher Swiatek; Ward 6, Jeanne M. Short snd Ward 7, John F. Jakabcsin. Others filing are Brendan McCormack and David W. Reynolds for Ward 1, and Christine Dettman and Yuritzi Angeles for Ward 3.

In the West Chicago Public Library District, there are three four-year positions open for the Board of Trustees. Persons filing are incumbents Diane Kelsey and Frank Fokta.

West Chicago Park District has one four-year unexpired term and one two-year unexpired term open for the Board of Commissioners. Teresa Carreno filed for the two-year unexpired term.

In West Chicago Elementary School District 33, there are three four-year seats and one two-year unexpired term open for the Board of Education. Persons filing for the four year seats are incumbents Chad McLean, Christian Rivera and Felicia Gills, Newcomers filing are Morgan Banasiak and Sandra Garcia.

In Community High School District 94, there are four four-year positions and one two-year unexpired position open for the Board of Education. Incumbents filing for the four-year terms are Rich Nagel, Dean Klapatch, Gary Saake and Katherine Doremus. Newcomers filing are Douglas J. Orlyk and Jovany Zuniga. Filing for the two-year seat is Penny Munoz.

In Benjamin School District 25, there are four six-year terms open. Persons filing are incumbents Jack Buscemi, Vince Engstrom and Dennis Peterson. The newcomer filing is Eric Rogers.

Frank’s Automotive is now open at its new location, 927 West Washington Street. It previously was located on Main Street.

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 4:00 p.m. Monday, December 21, 2020, there were 3,133 cases and 26 deaths; this is the number from the beginning of track recording It is important to remember to follow the social distancing order, wear masks and wash hands.

A COVID-19 testing site is open from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays in a VNA Health Care Mobile at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 North Prince Crossing Road. There is no charge. Appointments are required and may be made at (630) 892-4355 or (847) 717-6455. A medical assistant now is at the site.DuPage County offers free COVID-19 testing at the DuPage County Complex, 421 North County Farm Road. The sites open from 7:00 a.m., to noon Monday through Friday. Since it is a drive-thru testing site, individuals give themselves a nasal swab test with instructions from staff

Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Victor Rojas Martinez, who at the age of 48 passed away Thursday, December 11, 2020.

Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Chester Martin “Chet” Schroeder, who at the age of 58 passed away Thursday, December 11, 2020.

Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Jose Cruz Gonzales, who at the age of 77 passed away Tuesday, December 14, 2020.

Deepest sympathy to the family of Patricia Jane Wenk, who at the age of 63 passed away Friday, December 18, 2020.

Payton Campbell, a senior at West Chicago Community High School, is the Student of the Month for November. His section is due to his involvement and leadership in clubs, sports and activities while maintaining a strong Grade Point Average.

He has been on High Honor Roll all four years and has a calmative weighted grade point average of 5.615. Campbell was inducted into the National Honor Society and the Spanish Foreign Language Honor Society, plus obtained the Seal of Literacy in Spanish. Campbell also earned the AP Scholar with Distinction Award.

Balancing both academics and school involvement, Campbell serves as a Student Ambassador, plays baseball, is on the Math Team, is a member of Alegria, the Latin dance club. In addition, he is a member of the Health Occupation Students of America club, earning fourth place in Sports Medicine at the HOSA state conference last year.

After graduation, Campbell plans to have a double major in kinesiology and psychology at a four-year university. Then he wants to earn a doctorate in physical therapy. www.merleburl.com)

Beautiful December weather contributed to the perfect setting tor the 2020 Virtual Frosty Fest 5K that recently was her. There were 140 participants. (www.merleburl.com)

The West Chicago Police Department announced a new way of reporting an incident, using an online system. Incidents reported on line are accidental damage to vehicle, burglary from motor vehicle criminal damage to property/vehicle – under $300, harassment by electronic communications, identity theft, lost property, telephone harassment, theft under $500–no suspect information and trespass to vehicle-no suspect information. An online report can only be taken if it is not an emergency, no one is injured, there is no suspect information, the incident occurred within the West Chicago City limits, no evidence needs to be collected at the incident location and there are no witnesses.

To complete an online report, visit the City”s website, www.westchicago.org, scroll down to the bottom and under request is Citizen Online Reporting, click on the link and then click “Online Reporting System.” This goes to the public portal and persons use the prompts to submit a report. (www.merleburl.com)

With the retirement of Dona Smith as Supervisor of Winfield Township, there are some changes. Nicole Prater, who was Clerk, is now Supervisor. Mike Guglielmi, who was a Trustee, is now Clerk. Appointed as the new Trustee is Mike Konewko.

At the Monday, December 6, 2020, meeting, City Council approved an Elected Official Conduct Policy.

Also approved was a partial property tax abatement for the Scannell Properties 250,000 square-foot building in the DuPage Business Center. This is a speculative building in which Scorr Packaging is interested in signing an eight-year lease for the entire facility.

Council approved a contract for the amount of $47,400 for coarse and fine aggregate delivered to Viking Brothers, Inc. of Aurora. Per the item summary, “Aggregate material, such as gravel, rock and sand is used in numerous maintenance and repair activity performed by Public Works Department staff, including shoulder work on unimproved roads and alleys, sand bags and underground utility repairs in or near streets and sidewalks. Aggregate material is ordered and delivered on an as needed basis and varies from year to year.”

Council approved purchase and delivery of up to 47,000 gallons of organic enhanced salt brine blend liquid for an amount not to exceed $40,000 from Gasaway Distributors, Inc. of Oak Brook. The item summary explains the at the liquid is sprayed on City streets in advance of a snow storm event and sprayed onto road salt to enhance the ice and snow melting effects and minimize bounce.

Judging of the 22 homes entered in the House Decorating Contest, sponsored by the City of West Chicago and West Chicago Park District, is completed. Winners are 429 Colford Street, first place; 300 Bayberry Court, second place; and 213 East York Street, People’s Choice. (www.merleburl.com)

Usually Leman Middle School students have a Holiday Music Concert. However, it was not possible this year due to COVID-19. To bring a little of the holiday spirit alive, the seventh grade Mariachi Band honored the 50th anniversary of Jose Feliciano’s most famous song, “Feliz Navidad,” with a performance on YouTube. Linda Sikma is the director.(www.merleburl.com)

Also the students at Pioneer School created artwork for the holiday season. (www.merleburl.com)

West Chicago Elementary School District 33 Board of Education selected Brenda Vishanoff as the new principal of District 33 Preschool. She replaces Sandy Warner, who after 26 years is retiring at the end of the 1920/21 school year. (www.merleburl.com)

Working with We Go Together For Kids, United Metro of Chicago sponsored a Uniting for the Holiday event Wednesday, December 16, 2020, at Leman Middle School. Here 500 families received a holiday meal box including a frozen turkey and a small number of gifts for the children. In addition to the turkey, items included a bag of potatoes, three boxes of food with two shelf-stable boxes and fresh produce and dairy, a gift card to a local store, gifts for children and a backpack. Personal Protective Equipment included masks, hand sanitizer and antibacterial wipes. The many volunteers and generous donations of gifts made the event success, plus a happy holiday for the families. (www.merleburl.com)

My email address is merleburl@earthlink.net.

Brightness comes slowly as the days become longer, if only in small increments. Thus we prepare for the New Year, happily saying good riddance and farewell to 2020. Our future in the year of 2021 remains uncertain, but that is true with every year. There were positive happenings in 2020. More families and friends seemed to be playing board games, giving the video games a rest, keeping in touch with others became important, taking advantage of technology and gaining in knowledge in different fields, plus there are other positives that meant something special to each one personally..

Our best way to face the future is with more positive thoughts (not everything is bad), and most importantly, lighten up and laugh. Happy New Year!

AROUND AND ABOUT

Free Christmas tree picky begins Monday, January 4, and ends Friday, January 15, 2021. All decorations must be removed from trees.

West Chicago Community High School Child Development 1 advanced students, and Brittney Bauer, child development teacher and Wildcat preschool director, host Wildcat Virtual Preschool, beginning Tuesday, January 5, and ending Wednesday, January 20,2021, via Zoom. Since there are four Child Development classes, dates and times change. It is for children 2.5 to 5 years of age. For further information or to register, visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1pGlqW6vPuZPBruA1sbHDEEvnsTSh2MAnze3HpBt3M2o/edit.

The program is free. It includes 30 minutes of developmentally appropriate activities for preschoolers, using physical, social, emotional, cognitive and language activities. (www.merleburl.com)

After taking a holiday break, We Grow Dreams Greenhouse & Garden Center, 1055 West Washington Street, reopens Tuesday, January 5, 2021. Hours are 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, from 9:00 to 2:00 p.m. Saturday, and closed Sundays and Mondays.

The West Chicago Library is having a contest to showcase the art or photography talent of a West Chicago resident on its spring program guide. The contest is open to all ages and artwork can include all types of photography, traditional art and digital arr. The deadline for submitting artwork and entry forms https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=sY7WjQK2mUCU3XNvYyvx5AsvJ3XNM_ZElf8wTCOo7gJUMzVWREhKTjQzVlhGUE5YVUxZOUZPTUhNVi4u is at noon Friday, January 8, 2021. Persons submitting an entry form receive a confirmation email in which they are able to reply with their art or photo submission. For further information, email pr@wcpld.info. (www.merleburl.com)

Now persons begin taking down the holiday decorations, which might include strands of incandescent and LED holiday lights that no longer work and/or extension cords no longer needed. There is a way to dispose of them in an ecological manner. The City provides the “green” answer with the offer of free recycling through Sunday,, January 17, 2021. The offer is open to residents, businesses, clubs, churches and organizations. Drop-off locations are City Hall, 475 Main Street; First United Methodist Church of West Chicago, 643 East Washington Street; Murphy Ace Hardware, 319 South Neltnor Boulevard; Water Treatment Plant, 1400 West Hawthorne Lane; West Chicago Public Library District, 118 West Washington Street; and the ARC Center, 201 West National Street. The West Chicago Environmental Commission coordinates the program with Groot Waste Management.

Hawthorne’s Backyard Bar & Grill, 1200 West Hawthorne Lane, hosts its Twelfth Annual Turkey Bowl Charity Event Fundraiser at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, January 31, 2021. The charity this year is the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to fire safety, burn prevention, and supporting burn survivors. There are many prizes, give away items and a 50/50 raffle, The charge is $60 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.

West Chicago Cultural Arts Commission sponsors its Fourteenth Annual Community Banner Project Competition. The theme is “Take Flight.” The artwork may be any media with no limitation to technique or subject matter. An independent juror selects the works of art. Each winning design is reproduced and featured in the 2021 West Chicago Banner Exhibition from May to September. An entry is comprised of up to 3 JPEG images at 72 dpi measuring (h) 7” x (w) 5”. All files should be numbered and named with the artist’s last name and first name. Ex.: 01Lastname_Firstname.jpg and submitted via an online form. All entries must be original and created within two years of entry date.

All entries are due by Monday, February 1, 2021. Information details are available at www.westchicago.org/art. Call Rosemary Mackey at (630) 293-2200, extension 139, for more information.

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 4:00 p.m. Monday, December 28, 2020, there were 3,236cases and 26 deaths; this is the number from the beginning of track recording It is important to remember to follow the social distancing order, wear masks and wash hands.

A COVID-19 testing site is open from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays in a VNA Health Care Mobile at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 North Prince Crossing Road. There is no charge. Appointments are required and may be made at (630) 892-4355 or (847) 717-6455. A medical assistant now is at the site.DuPage County offers free COVID-19 testing at the DuPage County Complex, 421 North County Farm Road. The sites open from 7:00 a.m., to noon Monday through Friday. Since it is a drive-thru testing site, individuals give themselves a nasal swab test with instructions from staff

Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Donna H. Fuhrforth, who at the age of 56 passed away Sunday, December 20, 2020.

Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Cynthia Jean “Cindy” (Bancroft) Janaes, who at the age of 78 passed away Sunday, December 6, 2020.

Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Andrea Cortez, who at the age of 90 passed away Sunday, December 20, 2020.

Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Miguel Diaz Cortez, who at the age of 90 passed away Friday, December 25, 2020.

Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Noberto Lopez, who at the age of 49 passed away Sunday, January 27, 2020.

A photograph by West Chicago resident Sierra Koenig was featured in the Your Images Photography Contest in the Tuesday, December 22, 2020, issue of the Daily Herald. It was a picture of the morning sunlight capturing the vivid colors fall colors of the trees .

West Chicago Fire Protection District has a new Engine 7, which will be used at Station 7, 1080 Commerce Drive. The engine is staffed with a company office two firefighter/paramedics. The engine has a 1,500 gallon per minute pump, 750 gallons of water and a full compliment of paramedic equipment. Ferarra Fire Apparatus in Holden, Louisiana , built the engine and AEC Fire & Safety in Springfield delivered it. At this time fire district members are mounting it with equipment and radios. It will be in service some time after Friday, January 1, 2021. (www.merleburl.com)

West Chicago Community High School English teacher Brian Turnbaugh created “Wegovox – Wildcat Podcasts,” which tells about alumni. Turnbaugh said, “This podcast is inspired by our alumni Wildcats who embody the spirit of “following their bliss.” Each episode explores the unique path these graduates took to find their success and leave the listener with pearls of wisdom they learned along the way.” To listen to the podcasts visit www.d94.org/wegovox. (www.merleburl.com)

The West Chicago Fire Protection District once again offered their professional and valuable experience is two recent experiences.

At approximately 10:00 p.m. Saturday, December 19, 2020, members of the Search and Rescue Strike Team responded to provide assistance to the Elmhurst fire and police departments in finding a missing person. The 78-year-old male had been missing since earlier in the evening. West Chicago Fire K9 Thor and handler Todd Baseggio along with the Riverwoods Fire K9 Irie and handler Vitale, started the search around 11:30 p.m. and tracked the six-hour old scent trail from a piece of the victim’s clothing. Weather conditions were 15 miles per hour wind and mid-30 degree temperatures. After trailing about one mile in darkness through a neighborhood, a park and crossing over a bridge over Salt Creek, the scent led to an area near Butterfield Road and Eldridge Park. A police officer then located the victim suffering from hypothermia in the brush near Salt Creek, Elmhurst paramedics transported the victim to the hospital. Two drone officers fro West Chicago also flew a drone with a thermal camera to assist in the search. (merleburl.com)

The West Chicago Fire Protection District companies along with communities from the West Suburban Fire Rescue Alliance, St. Charles Fire Department and West Chicago Police Department responded for an ice rescue at Bainbridge and Braemore Drive. Members from West Chicago Fire Station 5 arrived on the scene and found the victim holding a dog approximately 30 to 40 feet offshore, in the water and surrounded by ice. An Engine 5 member, in an ice rescue suit, entered the water, while supporting members threw ropes to the victim. The ice was too thin at the shore. The rescuer, breaking the ice, created a path to the victim. The patient was brought to shore and placed in an ambulance within 15 minutes of the arrival of the Station 5 members.

The victim was treated and transported to Northwestern Central DuPage Hospital. Rescuers from Engine 5 and Squad 7 went back in the water to rescue the victim’s dog. The dog was also brought to shore, treated and transported to St. Charles Emergency Veterinary Clinic for additional care.

The Station 5 members were able to provide the next level of care by recovering the victim’s personal items: which included his winter coat, cellphone, and other personal items. When the victim was released from the hospital, the family came to Station 5 to retrieve the personal items. They found the winter coat was washed and dried and the cellphone in a bag of rice being dried as well. Both the victim and the dog are recovering at home.

Staff from Hawthorne’s Backyard Bar & Grill delivered presents to the West Chicago Police Department These were for its fthree “adopted” families. Every year the business works with the West Chicago Police Department to make Christmas special for three deserving families in the community. Hawthorne’s provides the stockings and art supplies and patrons provide the creative art work plus make a monetary donation. The owner Lou Kopinski matches the contributions, with the money used to purchase presents off the lists of the three families.

Members of the Police department also received boxes of goodies from Wheaton Bible Church and pizza from Servpro of Kendall County and Streamwood, Bartlett, West Chicago and Warrenville. (www.merleburl.com)

At its Tuesday, December 15, 2020, meeting Community High School District 94 approved a contract in the amount of $194,520 for the purchase of 600 Chromebooks for the incoming 2021-22 freshman from CDW.

At the Monday, December 21, 2020, meeting, City Council approved the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the City of West Chicago and the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 150.

Also approved was a Text Amendment for Private Garage Condominiums. Per the Item Summary, “Abundant Investments, LLC, represented by Walter Lane, is proposing to develop the vacant 2.0-acre tract of land at the northeast corner of Roosevelt Road and Route 59 with luxury car condominiums. The petitioner intends to construct the five buildings containing a mix of one and two car garages. The concept of thes garages is to be a place for car enthusiasts to keep their vehicles, The development is not intended to be used to rent out units for self-storage, which is only permitted in the M Manufacturing District and as a Social Use. The text amendment defines the use of a “Private Garage Vehicle Condominium and includes such use as a Special Use in the B=2 General Business District.

Under New business, there was discussion of a Railroad Days contract. The West Chicago Chamber of Commerce had the contract for 2020, and had signed contracts and such for the event, but then COVID-19 prevented its occurrence. Council members did not want to spend money again on an event that might not occur. Staff presented the Chamber with a contract, which its board did not accept for several reasons. City Administrator Michael Guttman explained that the City is working with an unknown as the pandemic could cause the cancellation of an event.

The townships held caucuses for the Tuesday, April 6, 2021, Consolidated Election. In Winfield Township, the Republican slate is Supervisor, Nicole Prater; Clerk, Mike Guglielmi; Highway Commissioner, John Dusza; Assessor, Mark Malay; Trustees, Donald Voelz, Zachary Halley, Barbara Alekna and Michael Konewko. On the Democrat slate is Supervisor, Maury Goodman; Trustees, Judith M. Lukas and Shawn Patrick Hacker.

Due to time constraints, I did not have the full list of candidates filing for school elections in my column last week. There are three seats for the six-year term available on the DuPage County Educational Service Region Board of Trustees. Filing were John Gardner Huff, Marilyn A. Mencone and Paul McGowern. No one filed for the four-year unexpired term.

Candidates filing for the four four-year terms on St. Charles School District 303 are Katherine (Kate) Bell, Jim Stombres, Heidi J. Fairgrieve, Carolyn Waibel and Edward J. McNally.

Candidates filing for the three four-year terms on Elgin School District U-46 are Dawn Martin, Veronica Noland, Melissa Owens and LeJewel Crigler.

Steve Tinnes retired from West Chicago Park District in December, He was an employee for 38 years.

This is a good time to curl up with a good book. Here are a few with local connections.

Brian Tripp is the author of “Fate Weaver.” He is the nephew of Sue Tripp, an artist member at Gallery 200. The plot of the book is “Every thousand years, a tower of unimaginable power appears in the mortal realm. It’s said that whoever claims the throne inside will have the power to change the world in their image. This time, the tower appears at a moment when the gods find themselves locked in their own realms; their essence fading from the world. With the gods no longer in control, humanity finds themselves locked in a battle of survival with the hordes of monsters the tower has called to it. When all seems lost, three heroes stumble upon an ancient power that may just give them the strength they need to survive the onslaught and claim the power of the tower for themselves.” Set in West Chicago (turner Junction) and Wheaton.It has a five-star rating.

Ray Ziemer is the author of “The Ghost of Jamie McVay,” set in West Chicago and Wheaton.” The plot summary is “Brian Krueger has a lot of problems: The death of his grandfather and his father’s alcoholism have led to hard times and a move to a new town, where his nearest neighbor is a pyromaniac and a bully. Brian runs to escape his troubles, but it’s on the gravel jogging path that he encounters the ghost of Jamie McVay. Brian and his new friend, Sharon, investigate the ghost’s origins. Clue by clue, secrets are revealed as the teens discover the truth behind Jamie McVay’s quest for redemption. Along the way they must deal with teen issues such as school, sports, friends and rivals. Brian also struggles to reconcile with his father, while facing dangerous Pete the Pyro.”

Dennis Bartizal is the local author of seven books, which include “What I. Got Out of High School,” “Why Did the Turtle Cross the Road?” and “The Photon and the Dog-2019.” He has lived in the Chicago area most of his life. “My interests are varied. I love comedy, philosophy, and nature. My favorite authors include Franz Kafka, Stephen Jay Gould, and Mark Twain.”

Betsy Dudak, a resident of Warrenville, is the author of “Wanna Bet?” She was a 2020 Contemporary Romance Writers Stiletto Finalist.

Warrenville residents Judith and ColinWilkie, are the authors of “The Lost Shoe,” The children’s book “is a heartwarming tale that laces together the adventure of a Right Shoe that gets separated from his owner and Left Shoe. During his journey Right Shoe questions if he will ever be useful again. Experiencing a range of emotions from sadness to pure joy, Right Shoe continues to hope for the best. Feeling like a heel, he remembers there are some things in life that you have no control over so you should relax and go with the flow.” (www.merleburl.com)

My email address is merleburl;@earthlink.net.

It sometimes is difficult to keep track of what day of the week it is during the COVID-19 pandemic. However the days of the week between Christmas and New Years are always a mystery. Thus with the start of the first non-holiday week, I now have the days straight for a while.

Yet, even with all the confusion, it is known that families and individuals in need still require food, no matter what day it is. St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 North Prince Crossing Road, distributes food to approximately 500 families every Saturday. Persons can help by making a monetary donation, a donation of food or volunteering to bag on Fridays or helping distribute on Saturdays.

Neighborhood Food Pantry, 123 Fremont Street, supplies food to large groups each week. Monetary and food donations are greatly appreciated. Volunteer opportunities also exist.

AROUND AND ABOUT

Since Gallery 200 is closed, due to COVID-19, the scheduled exhibit of January and February is canceled. It may be displayed at a later date.

The ARC Center resumes its standard opening time of 5:30 a.m. weekdays, Hours are from 5:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, from 5:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to noon Saturday and closed Sunday.

Also the West Chicago Park District offers a special on ARC memberships now through Sunday, January 31. It is $25 off one-year memberships. (www.merleburl.com)

The West Chicago Library is having a contest to showcase the art or photography talent of a West Chicago resident on its spring program guide. The contest is open to all ages and artwork can include all types of photography, traditional art and digital art. The deadline for submitting artwork and entry forms https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=sY7WjQK2mUCU3XNvYyvx5AsvJ3XNM_ZElf8wTCOo7gJUMzVWREhKTjQzVlhGUE5YVUxZOUZPTUhNVi4u is at noon Friday, January 8, 2021. Persons submitting an entry form receive a confirmation email in which they are able to reply with their art or photo submission. For further information, email pr@wcpld.info.

Because of COVID-19, the 2021 Illinois High School Theater Festival was cancelled. Despite this, the Planning Committee worked diligently to bring many of the elements of the event virtually to high school students and teachers of Illinois. The result is a special streaming performance of “Virtual Cabaret-2” at 7:00 p.m. Saturday, January 9, 2021. It features a select ensemble of the top high actors, technicians and musicians from the graduating seniors of 2021. One of the performers is Samuel Incrocci from West Chicago Community High School. The performance link is posted on www.illinostheatrefest.org.

GardenWorks Project hosts a virtual Workshop, “Healthy Soil, Healthy Harvest,” at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 13, 2021. Presenting the workshop is Scott Witte, Director of Horticulture at Cantigny Park. The discussion includes composting, erosion, mulching and aeration. To register visit, http://www.gardenworksproject.org/fgn_20210113?utm_campaign=e_news_welcome_2021&utm_medium=email&utm_source=gardenworksproject

He previously was the Director of Agronomy for Cantigny Golf. Scott has a Bachelor of Science degree in Crop and Soil Sciences from Michigan State university and a Masters Degree in Leadership Studies from North Central College. His background includes Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Certification and as a licensed apiarist, he founded The Bee Barometer Project to promote diverse ecosystems on golf courses to foster healthy honey bees and pollinators. (www.merleburl.com)

The First Division Museum at Cantigny Park continues its Date with History series with a virtual program about Operation Desert Storm at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, January 14, 2021. Presenting the program is author and historian Jim Corrigan. The program is free, but registration is required at FDMuseum.org.

Thirty years ago, this month, the skies over Iraq and Kuwait were filled with a dizzying array of new weapons, such as Tomahawk and Hellfire missiles, stealth aircraft and laser-guided smart bombs. The vast campaign of more than 100,000 sorties presented flight crews with many harrowing moments, recounted in Corrigan’s book, Desert Storm Air War: The Aerial Campaign Against Saddam’s Iraq in the 1991 Gulf War.

West Chicago City Museum and Warrenville Historical Society present the Historiography program, a non-fiction book reading group, at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, January 21, 2021, via Zoom. The book is “Braiding Sweetgrass; Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants” by Robin Wall Kimmerer. To get a copy of the book or for further information, visit Friends of West Chicago City Museum website, wegohistory.com or call (630) 231-3376.

The book is about plants and botany as seen through Native American traditions and Western scientific traditions. Per Goodbook review, “As a botanist, Robin Wall Kimmerer has been trained to ask questions of nature with the tools of science. As a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, she embraces the notion that plants and animals are our oldest teachers. In Braiding Sweetgrass, Kimmerer brings these lenses of knowledge together to show that the awakening of a wider ecological consciousness requires the acknowledgment and celebration of our reciprocal relationship with the rest of the living world. For only when we can hear the languages of other beings are we capable of understanding the generosity of the earth, and learning to give our own gifts in return.” (www.merleburl.com)

In partnership with Cantigny Park, the League of Women Voters of Wheaton hosts a Civics Awareness program at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, January 21, 2021. Mark Ailes of the Citizen’ Climate Lobby presents the program, “Personal Transformation to Become a Climate Advocate.” To make a reservation visit my.lwv.org/illinois/wheaton/calendar/civic-awareness. A Zoom link to access the presentation is sent two days prior to the event. Persons can submit any questions they have to blaimins@gmail.com before the event. During the presentation, attendees use the chat box located on the bottom of the Zoom screen.

His presentation highlights the AHA method of Acceptance, embracing reality; Hope, explaining how persons learn to have hope and look at solutions; and Agency, giving people ideas on what they can do. Citizens’ Climate Lobby is a nonpartisan organization working to develop the political will for a livable world.

Mark Ailes is a retired Science Teacher from Addison Trail High School. Ailes was a finalist for Illinois Teacher of the Year 1996-97. He’s been a long-time Science Olympiad Coach and bicyclist. In addition, Mark is an active member of Citizens’ Climate Education for three years and is the Citizens’ Climate Lobby liaison for the Illinois 6th District.

All entries are due by Monday, February 1, 2021. Information details are available at www.westchicago.org/art. Call Rosemary Mackey at (630) 293-2200, extension 139, for more information.

The West Chicago Park District is looking for individuals to teach virtual one-day classes to adults and youth. Areas of interest and talent include crafts, music, drawing, make-up application, skin care, painting scrapbooking and home hacks. If interested email infor@we-gopaks.org.

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 4:00 p.m. Monday, January 4, 2021, there were 3,379 cases and 29 deaths; this is the number from the beginning of track recording It is important to remember to follow the social distancing order, wear masks and wash hands.

A COVID-19 testing site is open from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays in a VNA Health Care Mobile at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 North Prince Crossing Road. There is no charge. Appointments are required and may be made at (630) 892-4355 or (847) 717-6455. A medical assistant now is at the site.DuPage County offers free COVID-19 testing at the DuPage County Complex, 421 North County Farm Road. The sites open from 7:00 a.m., to noon Monday through Friday. Since it is a drive-thru testing site, individuals give themselves a nasal swab test with instructions from staff

Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Karen J. (Gorski) Browne, who at the age of 54 passed away Monday, December 29, 2020.

Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Bob Heinz, who passed away Friday, January 1, 2021.

West Chicago resident and Ward 2 Alderman Jayme Sheahan was recognized as Work Group 11 Employee of the Year for 2020 from FedEx. (www.merleburl.com)

Named to the 2021 Illinois Music Education Association District 9 All-State Student Programs was Samuel Incrocci, a senior at West Chicago Community High School. He was one of the ten students from the high school selected for the 2020 ILMEA. Incrocci, is a bass in the WCCHS Concert Choir. His selection was based upon preparation and performance of two required song selections. Additionally he had to prepare and perform several tonal skills including the major scale, the natural minor scale, the harmonic minor scale and the melodic minor scale. He also had to prepare and perform the major, minor, diminished and augmented triads.

The ILMEA Student Programs are developed to encourage musical performance and creative expression and the many forms that may take for student musicians. Ensembles include symphonic orchestras, wind bands, choral ensembles, jazz bands and combos, and vocal jazz ensembles. The students named into these ensembles represent the best and brightest student musicians and the high-quality music education provided by music educators across Illinois. More than 6,500 were selected for the 2020 Festival. Approximately 1,500 students were named into the Programs. (www.merleburl.com)

Daniel and Associates Real Estate donated $1,000 to DuPage PADS. Dan Czuba and his team pledged to donate $25 for each phone call received during the last two months at The River 95.9. (www.merleburl.com)

Lieutenant Ken Zahara celebrated his 20th year with the West Chicago Fire Protection District.

Sal Tamayo, broadcasting and communications teacher at Leman Middle School in West Chicago Elementary School District 3, plans to make a documentary about the past, present and future of youth soccer in West Chicago. He is seeking information and assistance from persons who were/are involved in any way such as teaching, playing and organizing of knows someone who has. Tamayo would like to talk to them and see if they want to be a part of the project. His contact information is through Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/tamawal. (www.merleburl.com)

West Chicago resident Phil Weibler, well-known photographer and railroad history buff, has contributed images to and the discussion on of the placement of more images . Involved are thousands of photographic negatives, both black and white and color, dating back to the 1950 and thousands of color slides. The more recent images are digital. Weibler hope to place his railroad photographs with the Center for Railroad Photography and Art in Madison, Wisconsin.

However he has a vast collection of photographs of West Chicago. “Since Barbara Ann and I came back from Kansas in 1972 and settled in West Chicago I have been taking photos around town. Lots of subjects such as parades, sports, carnivals, interiors of the Kruse House and interior and exterior shots of every church in town, exterior photos of every Sears house in town and the moving of the depot to its current location.” Wanting to put these images to good use and find a good homes for various groups of them, he is interested in getting together with entities or individuals, He has two main concerns. One is that there is a suitable storage location is available and the other is that someone is available to “read” the negatives. Persons can email at pawnbaw@sbcglobal.net, call (630) 231-8727 or mail 122 Ingalton Ave. , West Chicago, IL 60185.

Monday, January 4, 2021, more than 150 students started their internships while others kicked off classes in person at Wheaton Academy. This Winterim, there are more than 50 different specialized courses including Worship Leading, Astronomy and Stage Combat. Winterim is for two weeks.

My email address is merleburl@earthlink.net.

Although we are in the new year of 2021, COVID-19 pandemic still exists. Vaccinations are available and being administered. However, it will be some time before our lives return to a somewhat normal state. This makes it difficult for organizations to make plans for the future. Fundraisers and service projects end up on “the back burner.” My only advice is to be patient. January is a good hibernation month, which calls for cups of hot chocolate with whipped cream and maybe a chit chat with someone you have not seen in a very long time, or even a short note..

AROUND AND ABOUT

West Chicago Public Library presents, the virtual program, “Clear the Clutter,” at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, January 14, 2021. Professional organizer Colleen Klimczak discusses how to recognize and eliminate clutter. To register, visit http://westchicago.evanced.info/signup/calendar.

Klimczak is a Certified Professional Organizer and owner of Peace of Mind Professional Organizing, LLC. She offers in-home and in office organizing and consultations, coaching and organizing presentations for 2 to 500 participants. She also provides weekly organizing blogs and newsletters, to bolster your organizing skills and motivation!

As the holiday season ends and the “dedecorating” is in process, there may be strands of incandescent and LED holiday lights that no longer work and disused extension cords. There still is a way to dispose of them in a “green” way and finding a way of ecological disposal. The City offers free recycling for the holiday lights and extension cords through Friday, January 17, 2021. The offer is open to residents, businesses, clubs, churches and organizations. Drop-off locations are City Hall, 475 Main Street, open limited hours of 8:00 a.m. to noon; First United Methodist Church of West Chicago, by exterior door at 643 East Washington Street; Murphy Ace Hardware, 319 South Neltnor Boulevard; Water Treatment Plant, 1400 West Hawthorne Lane; West Chicago Public Library District, 118 West Washington Street; and the ARC Center, 201 West National Street.

Virtual Chair Yoga is the West Chicago Public Library program at 3:00 p.m. Monday, January 18, 2021. Susan from Dancing Cranes demonstrates the benefits of yoga without getting down on the floor. In an hour of Chair Yoga persons breathe more deeply; stretch, strengthen and move their body; relieve stress and relax. To register, visit http://westchicago.evanced.info/signup/calendar.

The West Chicago Park District offers a special on ARC memberships now through Sunday, January 31. It is $25 off one-year memberships.

There are free virtual ZUMBA classes for families in West Chicago Elementary School District 33. Times are 5:00 p.m. Mondays, and 4:00 p.m. Thursdays. To register, visit we-goparks.org/registation, select online, login or create an account and then use code 4080420-01 for Mondays and code 4080420-03 for Thursdays. This program is funded by the Department of Education Full Service Community School Grant. (www.merleburl.com

There are free online Adult English classes for West Chicago Elementary School District 33 families. All English language levels are offered. Classes are from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. or 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Placement testing is by appointment only at Western DuPage Chamber of Commerce office, 306 Main Street. To register call (630) 942-3697, text (630) 447-9047 or email ELA@cod.edu. (www.merleburl.com)

Mexican Cultural Center DuPage offers Miss Mexican Heritage and Miss Academy winter preparation sessions. The program includes professional development, mentorship opportunities and preparation for the official Miss Mexican Heritage summer program and pageant. The age requirement for Miss academy is 14 to 17 years, for Miss Mexican Heritage is 18 to 22 years. For further information visit https://www.facebook.com/MexicanCulturalCenterDuPage/. (www.merleburl.com)

GardenWorks Project hosts a virtual Workshop, “Healthy Soil, Healthy Harvest,” at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 13, 2021. Presenting the workshop is Scott Witte, Director of Horticulture at Cantigny Park. The discussion includes composting, erosion, mulching and aeration.To register visit, http://www.gardenworksproject.org/fgn_20210113?utm_campaign=e_news_welcome_2021&utm_medium=email&utm_source=gardenworksproject

All entries are due by Monday, February 1, 2021. Information details are available at www.westchicago.org/art. Call Rosemary Mackey at (630) 293-2200, extension 139, for more information.

Remember to support the local businesses and restaurants.

American Legion Post 300, 123 Main Street, has take out service from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesdays thorough Fridays. Friday is the Fish fry. Other menu items are available. Usually there is a special on either Thursday or Friday. To place and order, call (630) 231-2112. (www.merleburl.com)

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 4:00 p.m. Monday, January 10, 2021, there were 3,508 cases and 34 deaths; this is the number from the beginning of track recording It is important to remember to follow the social distancing order, wear masks and wash hands.

A COVID-19 testing site is open from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays in a VNA Health Care Mobile at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 North Prince Crossing Road. There is no charge. Appointments are required and may be made at (630) 892-4355 or (847) 717-6455. A medical assistant now is at the site.DuPage County offers free COVID-19 testing at the DuPage County Complex, 421 North County Farm Road. The sites open from 7:00 a.m., to noon Monday through Friday. Since it is a drive-thru testing site, individuals give themselves a nasal swab test with instructions from staff

Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Richard “Dick” Gerhardt, who at the age of 83 passed away Wednesday, December 30, 2020.

Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Ismael Carrillo, who at the age of 24 passed away Friday, January 8, 2021.

There was an interview with Cassie Ruiz, beginning and intermediate orchestra teacher in West Chicago Elementary School District 33, in the Illinois Music Education Association winter blog. One question asked was, “What have been the biggest challenges teaching early strings players remotely?”

Her response was “The biggest challenge I faced when the year started was making my schedule work. When I teach in person, I usually see students for one small-group pull-out lesson per week and one full-group rehearsal per week. For remote learning, we are alternating between private lesson weeks and group lesson weeks. Coordinating all this with the students, families and classroom teachers at six different schools, along with ensuring that the students knew how to get to class, was a huge process and it took several weeks for attendance to be where it is now. I have also had to adjust a lot of my teaching techniques for remote learning. In person, I play along with the students most of the time, especially in small group or private lessons. Over Zoom, we cannot play at the same time with our mics on. With only one person being able to play at a time unmuted, we switch off between me being unmuted and the student playing along while muted, or the student being unmuted and me playing along while muted.” (www.merleburl.com)

Once again a photograph by West Chicago resident Sierra Koenig was featured in the Daily Herald “Images of 2020” photo contest. It was taken on a forest preserve trail, blending images and colors.

A question regarding the asphalt track at Reed Park, now Reed-Keppler Park led to newspaper clippings for Friends of the West Chicago City Museum “FridayFun.” The midget auto race track was opened in 1958 and was geared for youth from 6 to 12 years of age. In 1959, the track hosted the Chicago area Grand Prix race. To view the clippings and, visit https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/fridayfun. (www.merleburl.com)

At the caucus Tuesday, December 1, 2020, Wayne Township Republican Organization voted for the Neighbors for Wayne Township slate. On the slate are incumbent Randy Ramey for supervisor, incumbent Brandi Ramundo for Clerk, incumbent Michael Musson for assessor, Janusz Jarmula for Highway Commissioner. Trustee candidates are incumbent Mark Hoyert, incumbent Jackie Hayden, incumbent William Waghorne, and Paul Hempel.

We Grow Dreams Greenhouse & Garden Center is looking forward to 2021, but there is no question it will be different from year’s past. The year 2020 caused many businesses to adapt, and it was no different for We Grow Dreams. “We said good-bye to many people that have been with the greenhouse for years, and there are so many team members that we have not seen since last winter.” The decision was made to postpone the major fundraiser, the Bowl-a-thon in February. The event also was a time for friends, families and neighbors to gather for a fun afternoon.

However, there still is the opportunity to donate monies the greenhouse. This is through the annual donation appeal. Ball Horticulture once again is matching donations up to $10,000. There also is an anonymous donor who is doing the same donation match. As the greenhouse is a 501-c(3) not-for-profit, donations are tax deductible. To make a donation, mail a check payable to We Grow Dreams, P.O. Box 861, West Chicago, IL 60186, or visit www.wegrowdreams.org, and click the donate button

The greenhouse mission is to provide people with disabilities the opportunity to lead fulfilling lives and to train and work in a supportive, safe and caring environment while producing and providing products and services to the community. In this pursuit, we honor the concepts of human dignity, respect, hard work, fellowship and friendship.

My email address is merleburl@earthlink.net.

It was such a joy to read the Homes section of the Sunday, January 24, 2021, issue of the Daily Herald. There was an article accompanied by some photos of some news plants for 2021 from Burpee Seeds. I knew Spring was coming. I remembered poring over the seed and plant catalogs for hours during the gray days of winter. Thus began the planning for gardens. The plans changed many times. It all was on paper. No labor involved yet friends and neighbors would discuss the merits of some of the plants. In the spring, it was interesting to see if new plants were going to be planted or the old standards.

AROUND AND ABOUT

Beginning Wednesday, January 27, 2021, there are updated hours and locations for West Chicago Elementary School District 33 food distribution. Hours are from 10:00 a.m. to noon Wednesdays and Fridays at Leman Middle School, 238 East Hazel Street, and Pioneer School, 615 Kenwood Avenue. (www.merleburl.com)

West Chicago Library presents the virtual program, “Abraham Lincoln; A New Birth of Freedom,” at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 27, 2021. Abraham Lincoln impersonator and storyteller Kevin Wood talks about the life of Lincoln and his connections to the state of Illinois. This is his standard historical presentation, covering the entire period from Independence through the Civil War, especially the 12 turbulent years from 1854 through 1865 and includes Lincoln’s personal story. To make a reservation, visit https://wcpld.info, under calendar.

Wood has made appearances at Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, the Lincoln Home National Historic site, the Lincoln Heritage Museum, the Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic site and Lincoln’s festival on Route 66. I saw one of Wood’s presentations and it was well done. He has some great historic photos, plus a good sense of humor. (www.merleburl.com)

Joyce and Ken Smith celebrate their 60th Wedding Anniversary Thursday, January 28, 2021.

DuPage County Health Department is closing the COVID-19 community based drive-thru testing site Friday, January 29, 2021. The testing site at the Odeum Expo Center in Villa Park remains open.

In partnership with PWMHealth provider network, Walgreen’s located at 125 North Neltnor Boulevard in West Chicago offers no-cost, contactless COVID-19 testing for patients age 3 and up. Persons may not have out-of-pocket costs if using insurance, voucher or if eligible for mo-cost testing according to federal or sate guidelines. For further information, visit https://www.walgreens.com/findcare/covid19/testing.

West Chicago Cultural Arts Commission sponsors its Fourteenth Annual Art Banner Exhibit. The theme is “Take Flight.” The artwork may be any media with no limitation to technique as long as it focuses on the theme. An independent juror selects the works of art. Each winning design is reproduced and featured in the 2021 West Chicago Banner Exhibition from May to September. An entry is comprised of up to 3 JPEG images at 72 dpi measuring (h) 7” x (w) 5”. All files should be numbered and named with the artist’s last name and first name and submitted via an online form. All entries must be original and created within two years of entry date.

All entries are due by Monday, February 1, 2021. Information details are available at www.westchicago.org/art. Call Rosemary Mackey at (630) 293-2200, extension 139, for more information.

Jacqueline Camacho-Ruiz, will jury artwork this year. She is an entrepreneur, author, speaker, and philanthropist. She also uses the hashtag #Pilotina to describe herself as a member of the small group of Latina sports airplane pilots in the United States. In addition to her connection with the world of aviation, Camacho-Ruiz works with Fig Factor, an organization which helps inspire and empower young Latinas through her leadership, motivation and mentorship program. (www.merleburl.com)

Healthy West Chicago offers a virtual cooking class, “Making Recipes Work for You” at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 3, 2021. In addition to the demonstration of healthy family approved recipes, participants learn the importance on eating healthy, saving time in the kitchen, and involving youth in food preparation. The log-in link is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81195700688.(www.merlebure.com)

The Date with History of First Division Museum at Cantigny Park virtual program about Japanese American soldiers who fought for American World War II is at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, February 4, 2021. Filmmaker and historian Neil Yamamoto presents “Go for Broke! The 442^nd Regimental Combat Team.” The program is free, but registration is required at FDMuseum.org. Yamamoto, a fifth generation Japanese American, specializes in Japanese American history and the 442^nd Regimental Combat Team specifically. His grandfather and uncles served in the unit during World War II.

St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 North Prince Crossing Road, is holding a Diaper Drive to have a diaper pantry for its food distributions on Saturdays. Hours to drop diapers are from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Monday and Wednesdays, and from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Fridays. (www.meerleburl.com)

Spring is coming and the City of West Chicago is putting together plans for its annual Blooming Fest. It is scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Saturday, May 15, 2021. At this time the City is seeking crafters and garden vendors. Applications are available at https://form.jotform.com/210066378471153 or on a downloadable document at https://westchicago.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/General-Vendor-Application-Packet_BF-2021.pdf. Applications maybe mailed to City of West Chicago, 475 Main Street, West Chicago, IL 60185or dropped off at City Hall. The deadline is Friday, April 16. For more information about the Vendor Application, email specialevents@westchicago.org or (630) 293-2200, ext. 176 or visit the Blooming Fest Facebook page. COVID-19 prevention measures will be taken to help safeguard attendees and vendors. These include one directional fest, masks required, no food consumption on site and social distancing, (www.merleburl.com)

For those asking, the Salad Luncheon hosted by Catholic Daughters of America, is again cancelled due to COVID-19. Actually with all the events involving food cancelled, such as pancake breakfasts and spaghetti dinners, there should be no problem losing weight. Sadly, this is not true; this is because the main ingredient of socializing is missing.

Continuing its tradition of promoting an active lifestyle through movement activities, Healthy West Chicago is launching a New Year Wellness Challenge. The new free digital app, Heka Well, features include the option to track one’s own personal health. There will be monthly scan-in opportunities for bonus steps, prizes, and access to the challenge leaderboard on the Healthy West Chicago Challenge Page.

Persons who have already participated in the West Chicago Move with the Mayor Walking Challenge during previous months can use their existing login credentials but you first need to install the new app and complete the registration https://www.hekahealth.com/healthywestchicago21

To stay up-to-date on the challenge prizes and bonus activities by following Healthy West Chicago on Facebook or subscribe to their website at www.healthywestchicago.org. For more information visit HWC Wellness Challenge Page or HWC Wellness Challenge Info

Remember to support the local businesses and restaurants.

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 4:00 p.m. Monday, January 25, 2021, there were 3,725cases and 34 deaths; this is the number from the beginning of track recording. It is important to remember to follow the social distancing order, wear masks and wash hands.

A COVID-19 testing site is open from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays in a VNA Health Care Mobile at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 North Prince Crossing Road. There is no charge. Appointments are required and may be made at (630) 892-4355 or (847) 717-6455. A medical assistant now is at the site.DuPage County offers free COVID-19 testing at the DuPage County Complex, 421 North County Farm Road. The sites open from 7:00 a.m., to noon Monday through Friday. Since it is a drive-thru testing site, individuals give themselves a nasal swab test with instructions from staff

Sincere sympathy to the family of Jose Manuel Mendez Tapia, who at the age of 50 passed away Wednesday, January 13, 2021.

Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Leslie W. {Nemo) Timm, who at the age of 72 passed away Monday, January 18, 2021

Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Dennis John Organ III, who at the age of 71 passed away, Tuesday, January 18, 2021.

Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Jack Anthony “Tony” Wittenmyer, who at the age of 75 passed away Saturday, January 23, 2021.

Saturday, January 16, 2021, there was a carjacking at Wendy’s in Aurora. The woman, who was eating her meal, was pulled from her car and shot in the back while the carjackers left in her car. The victim was Kim Aginar, a 1991 graduate of West Chicago Community High School. A Go Fund has been established.

Debi Inch Piano Studio had a successful collection for Toys For Tots. Inch said the box was overflowing. “People were so generous.”

West Chicago Police Chief Michael Uplegger retires, effective the end of January. He has served the City of West Chicago for 28 years. He joined West Chicago Police Department in the fall of 1992. He was promoted to Sergeant in 1995. Uplegger began as Commander in 2002, Deputy Chief in 2007 and Chief in 2015. (www.merleburl.com)

West Chicago Fire Protection District K9 Thor will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-for-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. Robin Berkley of Carmichael, California, is the sponsor for K9 Thor’s vest , which will be embroidered and that says, “This gift of protection provided by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.” Each vest has a value of $1,744 to $2,283, weighs an average of 4 to 5 pounds, and comes with a five-year warranty.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided more than 4,156 vests to K9s in all 50 states at a value of $6.9 million, made possible by both private and corporate donations.

At the January 5, 2021, City Council meeting, Noreen Ligino-Kubinski submitted her resignation as Alderman for the Seventh Ward. She and her husband Paul plan to spend winter months in Florida.

At the Monday, January 18, 2021, meeting, City Council approved the Minor Subdivision for 924 and 928 Hahn Place, owned by Fabian and Janice Garcia. Per the item summary, “They own three contiguous parcels of land. Two parcels contain single family homes. The third parcel is located between the two improved lots. The petitioner proposes to split the middle vacant lot and assign the land to each of the improved lots.”

Also approved was the appointment of Christopher Shackelford as interim Chief of Police.

West Chicago Fire Protection District firefighters assisted Winfield Fire Protection District at a house fire early morning Sunday, January 24, 2021, in the area of Prince Crossing Road and Childs Street. Firefighters rescued one person from the residence who was transported to an area hospital in serious condition, but expected to survive. Several other agencies also assisted at the scene and covering area fire stations. Fire was under control within an hour. Cause of the fire is currently under investigation. (www.merleburl.com)

The book “Secret Lives” by Susan Wells has several connections to West Chicago. The setting of the book is in West Chicago.

A young West Chicago woman is missing. “Veteran Detective Waller and her new partner discover the dark sides of suspects intertwined in the life of this missing Chicago suburban woman.” The suspense builds as they follows secret lives. A review states, “A knife attacking serial killer digs a hole to imprison his next victim. Tension mounts when Carolyn wakes, finding herself in the killer’s trap. A peeping Tom realizes the neighbor she’s watching has disappeared. Veteran Detective Waller and her new partner, Detective Garcia, discover the dark sides of suspects intertwined in the life of a missing Chicago suburban woman. The suspects in Secret Lives lead their investigation down divergent paths until, finally, uncovering a shocking, terrifying perpetrator. Does every beating heart in the hundreds of thousands of people keep a secret? Something dark and awful? ‘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.”

The author Susan Wells and her husband Ron are former residents of West Chicago. Ron, a 1965 graduate of West Chicago Community High School, grew up in West Chicago. He and West Chicago resident Jim Lootens have known each other since Kindergarten. When Jan Lootens read the book, she was not aware it was set in West Chicago. “It is a fun read. Susan is working on a sequel now.”

“Secret Lives” is Susan’s debut adult mystery and is available in paperback and Kindle at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and through Ingram Book Company. Susan Wells is a 2018 graduate of Citizen’s Police Academy. To write this true-to-life story, she consulted and interviewed police professionals, detectives, EMTs, and medical staff about their day to day procedures. She is currently writing a mystery/thriller titled “Samaritan Sins,” with the same detective team as Secret Lives. (www.merleburl.com)

My email address is merleburl@earthlink.net.

To many of us in the older generation, a famous line from the Lone Ranger show was, “Who was that masked man?” Well, this could become a famous saying of the COVID-19 pandemic. When at various places, we see someone in a mask that looks familiar. Who is it? I see photos of groups, looking into the camera, and I wonder, who are they? I imagine historians may spend hours trying to match masked faces with names. The masks are important in our lives now. Remember to keep wearing them, social distance and wash hands frequently

AROUND AND ABOUT

West Chicago Public Library holds a two-hour Virtual Excel Level 1 class via Zoom at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 3, 2021 Participants learn the basics of Microsoft excel. Registration in advance is required and may be made at https://wcpld.info, under calendar. (www.merleburl.com)

West Chicago Public Library presents a virtual “Architectural Tour of the World” at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, Feb 4, 2021, via Zoom. Educational entertainer Martina Mathisen portrays international traveler, Jasmine Blaze. The tour highlights superstructures around the world. Of the 100 super structures that are in the world today, the first 50 took 80 years to build. The second 50 took five years. To register, visit https://wcpld.info, under calendar.

St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 North Prince Crossing Road, resumes in person worship services Sunday, February 7, 2021. English services are at 10:00 a.m. and Spanish services are at noon. Reservations are required and may be made by calling the church office at (630) 231-3787 or email office@standrewlutheran.net.

West Chicago Public Library holds a two-hour virtual Microsoft Excel Level 2 class at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 10, 2021. Participants learn more of the basics of Microsoft Excel. To register for the class, visit https://wcpld.info, under calendar.

In partnership with Cantigny Park, the League of Women Voters of Wheaton hosts a Civics Awareness program at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, February 11, 2021. The program, presented by Evelyn Sanguinetti, Executive Director of HOPE, and Rachel Watson, Director of Outreach, is “The Past, Present and HOPEful Future of Fair Housing in DuPage County.” To make a reservation visit my.lwv.org/illinois/wheaton/calendar/civic-awareness. A Zoom link to access the presentation is sent two days prior to the event. Persons can submit any questions they have to blaimins@gmail.com before the event. During the presentation, attendees use the chat box located on the bottom of the Zoom screen.

Sanguinetti is a wife, working mother of three, and an attorney by trade. Sanguinetti attended John Marshall Law School where she developed an understanding and passion for the law and for Illinois. While in law school, Sanguinetti joined the JMLS Fair Housing Legal Clinic and served as President of the Fair Housing Association. In 2014, Sanguinetti served as not only the first Latina Lieutenant Governor of the state but of the entire country. In her four years in office, Sanguinetti focused on helping to improve the lives of all Illinoisans through the delivery of more efficient government, providing health care access to all regions of the state, quality educational opportunities to all residents regardless of income or location, and economic opportunity to small businesses throughout the state.

Watson joined HOPE in September of 2019. A recent graduate from Knox College, Rachel has a background in not-for-profit and social rights work. Prior to joining HOPE, she worked at the New York City branch of the National Organization for Women, where she helped organize informational campaigns and protests in support of women and immigrant’s rights, government officials across the state to educate and inform them about fair housing rights and responsibilities. In addition to providing training, Watson also helps organize HOPE special events, is responsible for all public informational material, and oversees its Retrofit Funds Distribution Program.

West Chicago Public Library presents a virtual “Baking with Chef Chris: Triple Chocolate Tart” at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, February 11, 2021, via Zoom. Chef Chris Thielman demonstrates how to prepare a decadent triple chocolate tart. Three types of chocolate create this chocolate lover’s dream. To register, visit https://wcpld.info, under calendar .

Christopher Thielman was a professor in the Culinary and Hospitality Department at the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn from 1987 to 2019. He has taught culinary arts, pastry arts, garde manger, sanitation classes and culinary math. He received his culinary training and Associate Degree at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Northeastern Illinois University and his Master’s Degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Roosevelt University in Chicago. Chef Thielman joined the American Culinary Federation in 1988 and is currently a member of the ACF Chefs and Culinary Professionals of Chicagoland.

We Grow Dreams Greenhouse and Garden Center holds it first Seed Swap from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 13, 2021. Persons can bring in extra seeds they are not using and exchange them for a different variety of seeds available at the green house. The greenhouse has four tables set up for different categories of seeds.

For persons just getting started and not having seeds to exchange , they can make a $20 donation to receive six empty envelopes and a spoon to pick their seeds. Also available are pre-made kits for a $20 donation, The selection of pre-made kits contain six different varieties of seeds. Each seed packet comes with basic instructions on how to sow. Kits available are Annual Flowers of Dianthus, Marigold, Ipomoea, Celosia., Hypoestes and Salvia; Pollinators Friends of Cosmos, Sunflower, Marigold, Cleome, Zinnia and Lavender; Herb Kit of Basil, Mint, Parsley, Cilantro, Lemon Balm and Thyme; and Vegetable Kit of Beans, Peppers, Tomatoes, Cucumber, Squash, Swiss Chard and Kale. For further information, call the greenhouse at (630) 293-0100.

West Chicago City Museum and Warrenville Historical Society present the Historiography program, a non-fiction book reading group, at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, February 18, 2021, via Zoom. The book, which is the same as for January, is “Braiding Sweetgrass; Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants” by Robin Wall Kimmerer. The book is about plants and botany as seen through Native American traditions and Western scientific traditions.To get a copy of the book or for further information, visit Friends of West Chicago City Museum website, wegohistory.com or call (630) 231-3376.

St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 North Prince Crossing Road, is holding a Diaper Drive to have a diaper pantry for its food distributions on Saturdays. Hours to drop off diapers are from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Monday and Wednesdays, and from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Fridays.

Remember to support the local businesses and restaurants.

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 4:00 p.m. Monday, February 1, 2021, there were 3,787 cases and 38 deaths; this is the number from the beginning of track recording. It is important to remember to follow the social distancing order, wear masks and wash hands.

A COVID-19 testing site is open from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays in a VNA Health Care Mobile at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 North Prince Crossing Road. There is no charge. Appointments are required and may be made at (630) 892-4355 or (847) 717-6455. A medical assistant now is at the site.DuPage County offers free COVID-19 testing at the DuPage County Complex, 421 North County Farm Road. The sites open from 7:00 a.m., to noon Monday through Friday. Since it is a drive-thru testing site, individuals give themselves a nasal swab test with instructions from staff

An article about the West Chicago Community High School simulated legislative session appeared in the Wednesday, January 27, 2021, issue of the Daily Herald.

It was a difficult decision by the West Chicago Garden Club Board, it was decided not to have the plant sale in the City’s Blooming Fest event.

At the Tuesday, January 19, 2021, meeting, Community High School District 94 Board of Education approved a three year contract with North America Central School bus, dab Illinois Central School Bus, in Joliet for the combined amount of $2,867,036.05 for the school years of 2021/22, 2022/23 and 2023/24.

Also approved was a tentative school calendar for the 2021/2022 school year. The calendar returns to a more traditional schedule that ends first semester leading into the winter break, and second semester begins upon return in 2022.

The selection of Distinguished Alumni is a student-driven process. The nomination period is normally February 1 to May 1. Unfortunately, current circumstances do not allow for the face-to-face contact so essential to the selection process. As it is unlikely the situation will change this spring, the decision has been made to suspend nominations for 2021.

Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Dovie Earline Jones who at the age go 85 passed away Tuesday, January 26, 2021.

Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Ruth Waterman, who passed away Friday, January 22, 2021.

Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Glenda Thompson, who passed away at the age of 84 Tuesday, January 26, 2021.

Deepest sympathy to the family of Luella Irene Lambert, who at the age of 83 passed away Tuesday, January 26, 2021.

Sincere sympathy to the family of Emelia “Emely” Carmona, who at the age of 24 passed away, Monday, January 25, 2021.

Deepest sympathy to the family of Juanita Grant, who passed away Saturday, January 23, 2021.

Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Jack Parker Stewart, Jr, who at the age of 81 passed away Friday, January 29, 2021.

Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Maria Santos Varela, who at the age of 63 passed away Sunday, January 31, 2021.

Anthony Buchholz is now the Senior Customer Care Representative at Buck Services. In this new role he continues to serve his current client base, plus taking additional roles as needed in the Business Development and Customer Service Department. His specialties include caring for the customer, maintaining client relationships and assuring 100 percent quality assurance. Anthony is teaming up with Jim Nemecek, Business Development, and Joe Buchholz, Vice President of Sales. As a second generation family member, Anthony started with Buck Services in 2011 as a Custodian. (www.merleburl.com)

Every school year, there are two blood drives at West Chicago Community High School. However, due to COVID-19, it was not possible to have one in the school. Therefore the Interact Club hosted a month long virtual blood drive ending Thursday, December 31, 2020. Persons could donate blood at any of the 17 Vitalant Illinois Donation Centers. Due to the pandemic and remote learning, the participation was not as great as in the past. Nine students did donate blood. One pint of blood can save three lives.

At the caucus Tuesday, December 1, 2020, Wayne Township Democratic Party voted for the Wayne Township slate. Elected were Jennifer Dziepak for Supervisor, Ruby Perez for Township Clerk, Incumbent Martin McManamon for Highway Commissioner, David Michael for Trustee, Chris Borbas for Trustee, Sergiusz Zgrezebski for Trustee, and Khurram Syed for Trustee.

Brendan McCormack, who turned in a nomination petition for Ward 1 Alderman in the Tuesday, April 6, 2021, Consolidated Election, withdrew his candidacy. Incumbent Lori Chassee and David W. Reynolds are the Candidates for Ward 1 Alderman.

My email address is merleburl@earthlink.net.

During the arctic temps we are having, it is important to dress appropriately and venture out only if you must. I must say, this is one time the dictate of wearing masks adds another layer of warmth.

AROUND AND ABOUT

The West Chicago Public Library, 118 West Washington Street, hosts a Blood Drive for Versti Blood Centers from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 10, 2021, in the Mobile Coach in the library’s parking lot. Reservations are preferred, but walk ins welcome. To register visit www.versti.org/IL or call or text Camille at (847) 305-9998. A photo ID is required. (www.merleburl.com)

Since West Chicago is in Region 8, which has moved to phase 4 of the Illinois Restore Plan, the West Chicago Park District resumes in-person fitness classes with limited capacity. Registration is required at www.we-goparks.org and masks must be worn at all times.

We Grow Dreams Greenhouse and Garden Center holds it first Seed Swap from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.Saturday, February 13, 2021. Persons can bring in extra seeds they are not using and exchange them for a different variety of seeds available at the green house. The greenhouse has four tables set up for different categories of seeds.

For persons just getting started and not having seeds to exchange, they can make a $20 donation to receive six empty envelopes and a spoon to pick their seeds. Also available are pre-made kits for a $20 donation, The selection of pre-made kits contains six different varieties of seeds. Each seed packet comes with basic instructions on how to sow. Kits available are Annual Flowers of Dianthus, Marigold, Ipomoea, Celosia., Hypoestes and Salvia; Pollinators Friends of Cosmos, Sunflower, Marigold, Cleome, Zinnia and Lavender; Herb Kit of Basil, Mint, Parsley, Cilantro, Lemon Balm and Thyme; and Vegetable Kit of Beans, Peppers, Tomatoes, Cucumber, Squash, Swiss Chard and Kale. For further information, call the greenhouse at (630) 293-0100.

There is free COVID-19 testing from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sunday, February 14, 2021, at Leman Middle School, 238 East Hazel Street, main entrance off of Joliet Street. No appointment is necessary. Insurance not needed. If persons have insurance, they are asked to bring their insurance card. This is made possible through the City of West Chicago, West Chicago Elementary School District 33, DuPage County Department of Health and Illinois Department of Public Health. (www.merleburl.com)

First United Methodist Church of West Chicago begins in-person worship services beginning Sunday, February 14, 2021. Reservations are required and may be made at firstumcucc.org or call (630) 231-3344. There also is a YouTube service.

Virtual Chair Yoga is the West Chicago Public Library program at 3:00 p.m. Monday, February 15, 2021. Susan from Dancing Cranes demonstrates the benefits of yoga without getting down on the floor. In an hour of Chair Yoga, persons breathe more deeply; stretch, strengthen and move their body; relieve stress and relax. To register, visit http://westchicago.evanced.info/signup/calendar. (www.merleburl.com)

League of Women Voters of Wheaton in partnership with the Wheaton Public Library holds its virtual Living Room Conversations program at 1:30 p.m. Monday, February 15, 2021, via Zoom. This month’s program corresponds to the February Civic Awareness program. The conversation focuses on homelessness. To register visit my.lwv.org/illinois/wheaton/calendar.

Some of the local churches are having Ash Wednesday and Lenten services. Wednesday, February 17, 2021. Check church websites and/or Facebook for information.

First United Methodist Church of West Chicago, 603 East Washington Street has a combined worship service at 7:00 p.m. first is the recorded worship service and then the reflection, prayer and Imposition of Ashes.

St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 North Prince Crossing Road, offers “Ashes to Go.” which are available at the church Narthex starting Wednesday, February 10. In person and Live Stream services are English at 6:00 p.m. and Spanish at 7:00 p.m.

St. Mary’s Catholic Church Ash Wednesday Schedule was not ready by my Monday deadline, check stmarywc.org, Facebook page or call (630) 231-0013.

Trinity Lutheran Church, 338 George Street, Ash Wednesday service is at 7:00 p.m. Lenten services are at 7:00 p.m. Wednesdays through March 31.

West Chicago City Museum and Warrenville Historical Society present the Historiography program, a non-fiction book reading group, at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, February 18, 2021, via Zoom. The book, which is the same as for January, is “Braiding Sweetgrass; Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants” by Robin Wall Kimmerer. The book is about plants and botany as seen through Native American traditions and Western scientific traditions. To get a copy of the book or for further information, visit Friends of West Chicago City Museum website, wegohistory.com or call (630) 231-3376. (www.merleburl.com)

The exhibit “2020,” which was scheduled to open in January 2021, now opens Friday, February 12, and continues through the end of March at Gallery 200, 103 West Washington Street. The exhibit features the artwork created by Gallery artists during the COVID-19 pandemic. There is no opening reception. Gallery hours are 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. Fridays, and from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturdays.

Some of the pieces were made by artists to help them cope with their fears, pain and uncertainty during these unprecedented and worrisome times. Some of the art was produced to show that there is always beauty, even during dark times. Some of the art just plain came to be because creating art makes the artist feel better. Each artist wrote a story with each pice of their art, the ideas is to relive 2020 through the creations of the artists—art history to be remembered.

Participating artists are Margaret Bucholz, Marge Hall, Judi Horsley, Kathi Kuchler, Heide Morris, Britta Renwick, Sue Tripp and Marita Valdizan. (www.merleburl.com)

Remember to support the local businesses and restaurants. Some of the local eating establishments are having special for Valentine’s Day, Sunday, February 14, 2021.

Wayne/Winfield Area Youth/Family Services offers virtual “Keep Calm and Craft” sessions, via Zoom. Times are 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Mondays and/or 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. The charge is $5 per sessionIt is geared for for youths ages 6 through 13. For registration information, email waysintakes@gmail.com. (www.merleburl.com)

West Chicago is in the midst of creating a comprehensive plan to cover a variety of areas including land use and development, housing, economic development, transportation and infrastructure, parks and open space and community health. Residents can follow the progress on westchicagoforward.com and westchicagoaddelante.com. the first outreach activity is an online survey for residents. (www.merleburl.com)

Due to the installation of the new solar panel field, the West side of Reed-Keppler Park and both dog parks are closed until further notice.

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 4:00 p.m. Monday, February 8 2021, there were 3,829 cases and 40 deaths; this is the number from the beginning of track recording. It is important to remember to follow the social distancing order, wear masks and wash hands.

Sincere sympathy is expressed to the family of Nancy Ann (Rohr) Claus, who at the age of 76 passed away Tuesday, February 2, 2021.

Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of John A. Fuja, who passed away at the age of 79 Thursday, February 4, 2021.

Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Mauro Barbaccia, who at the age of 86 passed away Wednesday, January 27, 2021.

Deepest sympathy to the family of Steven John Henkel, who at the age of 66 passed away Thursday, February 4, 2021.

Christopher Shackelford is Interim Chief of Police of the West Chicago Police Department. He has been with West Chicago since 1998. In addition to starting off as a patrol officer, he served as a supervisor to both the patrol side and the investigations side of law enforcement. In October 2019, he was promoted to Deputy Chief. (www.merleburl.com)

Bonnie and Tom Saylor celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary Saturday, February 6, 2021.

West Chicago Police Department donated DuPage County Safety Kits to St. Andrew Lutheran Church for distribution of food and supplies to families in need every Saturday. (www.merleburl.com)

Sixth grade students are learning about the behavior of hot and cold molecules by doing experiments. Since labs cannot be held due to COVID-19, Mark Brown, science teacher at Leman Middle School, had one student per period do the lab as a demonstration on camera. Students in person could see it on the smart board, and students at home could see it as a zoom screen share. (www.merleburl.com)

Ward 3 Alderman Mike Ferguson submitted his resignation effective Sunday, January 31, 2021. He was not running for reelection.

West Chicago Community High School started its hybrid schedule the week of Monday, February 1, 2021. This also means the beginning of sports. Wildcat fans cans subscribe to the Wildcat Athletics YouTube for live stream of Home events in Bishop gym, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIQy6Np-L45BGQLWXVP1SjQ. (www.merleburl.com)

Cantigny Golf, part of the Robert R. McCormick Foundation and managed by KemperSports, announce the promotion of Matt Tullar to head golf professional, effective March 2021.

Tullar has been assistant head golf professional at Cantigny since 2010. In his new role, Tullar will oversee all golf operations including the Cantigny Golf Academy, Cantigny Youth Links, golf shop, tee time reservations and outside services. He’ll manage an in-season team of about 80 staff members.

At the Monday, February 1, 2021, meeting, City Council approved the appointment of Tony Banasiak to the Plan Commission/Zoning board of Appeals. He replaces David Fraught, who resigned.

Also at the meeting, City Council approved the appointment of Joseph C. Morano for an unexpired term ending 2023. Following this, City Clerk Nancy Smith administered the Oath of Office. Mayor Ruben Pineda said. “This is the first time a West Chicago alderman is sworn in at a Zoom meeting.”

Uwe Gsdel has four pieces of artwork on display at Kindred Coffee Roasters, 148 West Washington Street. (www.merleburl.com)

My email address is merleburl@earthlink.net.

I have always liked the color purple as it reminds me of blooming spring flowers such as lilacs, irises and crocuses. However, I find it disconcerting to look at a weather map and see our area is in a purple zone; that color is supposed to be confined to upper Minnesota and the Dakotas. It does make one realize just how cold our temperatures are. We are accustomed to the blue color in winter. Well, I am going to think purple and spring. It is coming. Keep warm!

AROUND AND ABOUT

Some of the local churches are having Ash Wednesday and Lenten services. Wednesday, February 17, 2021. Check church websites and/or Facebook for information.

Faith Community Church, 910 Main Street, Lenten service is at 6:30 p.m.

First United Methodist Church of West Chicago, 603 East Washington Street, has a combined worship service at 7:00 p.m. first is the recorded worship service and then the reflection, prayer and Imposition of Ashes.

St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 North Prince Crossing Road, offers “Ashes to Go” with ashes available at the church Narthex. In person and Live Stream services are English at 6:00 p.m. and Spanish at 7:00 p.m.

St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 140 North Oakwood Avenue, Ash Wednesday Imposition of Ashes begins at 7:30 a.m. in the vestibule of the new church.

Trinity Lutheran Church, 338 George Street, Ash Wednesday service is at 7:00 p.m. Lenten services are at 7:00 p.m. Wednesdays through March 31.

In addition to its regular menu items, American Legion Post 300, 123 Main Street, has special dinners and the Friday Fish Fry. Hours are 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Upcoming special menus are Vodka sauce tortellini, February 17; Chicken Kabob, February 18; Polish Kielbasa, February 24; Rigatoni with sausage, February 26; Beefy pasta casserole, March 3; Meat loaf, March 5; and Chicken and dumplings, March 10. To pre-order, cal (630) 231-2112.

The West Chicago Public Library, 118 West Washington Street, is open for in-person services. The following services are available curbside pickup, technology usage appointments, which include computer, copier, scanner of fax, and Grab and Go appointments for 30 minute self-service appointments to browse and check out library materials. To view the curbside pickup schedule or to make a technology usage or Grab and Grow appointment, visit wcpld.info/important-covid-update-2/. (www.merleburl.com)

The exhibit “2020,” which was scheduled to open in January 2021, now opens Friday, February 12, and continues through the end of March at Gallery 200, 103 West Washington Street. The exhibit features the artwork created by Gallery artists during the COVID-19 pandemic . There is no opening reception. Gallery hours are 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. Fridays and from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturdays.

Some of the pieces were made by artists to help them cope with their fears, pain and uncertainty during these unprecedented and worrisome times. Some of the art was produced to show that there is always beauty, even during dark times. Some of the art just came to be because creating art makes the artist feel better. Each artist wrote a story with each piece of their art. The idea is to relive 2020 through the creations of the artists – art history to be remembered.

Participating artists are Margaret Bucholz, Marge Hall, Judi Horsley, Kathi Kuchler, Heide Morris, Britta Renwick, Sue Tripp and Marita Valdizan.

St. Andrew Lutheran Church holds Lent Bible Studies at 9:00 a.m. Sundays, beginning February 21, 2021, via Zoom.

The deadline for the West Chicago Cultural Arts Commission annual Community Banner Project Competition is extended to Monday, February 22, 2021. The theme is “Take Flight.” The artwork may be any media with no limitation to technique or subject matter. An independent juror selects the works of art. Each winning design is reproduced and featured in the 2021 West Chicago Banner Exhibition from May to September. An entry is comprised of up to 3 JPEG images at 72 dpi measuring (h) 7” x (w) 5.” All files should be numbered and named with the artist’s last name and first name. Ex.: 01Lastname_Firstname.jpg and submitted via an online form. All entries must be original and created within two years of entry date. Information details are available at www.westchicago.org/art. Call Rosemary Mackey at (630) 293-2200, extension 139, for more information. (www.merleburl.com)

The First Division Museum at Cantigny Park continues its Date with History series with a virtual program about Operation Desert Storm at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, February 24, 2021. Presenting the program is Colonel (Retired) L. Scott Lingamfelte. The program is free, but registration is required at FDMuseum.org.

When Saddam Hussein’s Iraq invaded Kuwait in 1990, triggering the First Gulf War, a coalition of 35 countries led by the United States responded with Operation Desert Storm, a successful 100-hour coordinated air strike and ground assault. An eight-day barrage of artillery fire made this seemingly rapid offensive possible. At the forefront were the brave field artillerymen known as “redlegs” in support of the 1st Infantry Division’s (“Big Red One”) attack on Iraqi positions.

The author holds degrees from Penn State University and John Hopkins University. He has written for “American History” magazine among other publications and is the author of more than a dozen books on military history topics. In his 2020 book, “Desert Redleg: Artillery Warfare in the First Gulf War,” Lingamfelter, a redly himself, recounts the logistical and strategic decisions that led to a coalition victory, offering a boots-on-the-ground perspective on the largest US artillery bombardment since World War II.

The date for the West Chicago City Museum and Warrenville Historical Society’s Historiography program, a non-fiction book reading group, is changed to 1:00 p.m. Thursday, February 25, 2021, via Zoom. The book, which is the same as for January, is “Braiding Sweetgrass; Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants” by Robin Wall Kimmerer. The book is about plants and botany as seen through Native American traditions and Western scientific traditions. To get a copy of the book or for further information, visit Friends of West Chicago City Museum website, wegohistory.com or call (630) 231-3376.

West Chicago Public Library presents “Getting Crafty: Yarn Wall Hanging” at 6:00 p.m. Thursday, February 25, 2021, via Zoom. The program involves the demonstration of creating a wall hanging art out of yarn and a wooden peg. To register for the program, visit wcpld.info, under calendar. The first 34 patrons to register received bag of supplies that can be picked up at the library, 118 West Washington Street.

To celebrate Black History month, Black Parents Teachers Association in West Chicago Elementary School District 33, hosts a virtual program from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, February 25, 2021. The organization is partnering with prominent museum curators and restoration experts from Tuskegee University, Superman College and Yale University to provide an unforgettable experience in celebrating the special month. (www.merleburl.com)

The West Chicago Garden Club meeting is at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, February 28, 2021, via Zoom. The speaker is Sharon Yielsa, owner of Sharon Yielsa Horticultural Services.

The DuPage County Clerk’s Office is accepting applications for vote by mail ballots for the Consolidated Election Tuesday, April 6, 2021. Up for election are officials in the City of West Chicago, West Chicago Public Library District, West Chicago Park District, West Chicago Elementary School District 33, Community High School District 94, and Benjamin School District 25, College of DuPage, Regional Board of Schools, and Wayne and Winfield Townships.

Persons can fill out the application online at www.dupageco.org.Election/Vote; by mail, download the file at www.dupageco.org/Electio/Voting/37064/,click “Vote by Mail Application”; pick up at County Complex, 421 North County Farm Road ,or call (630) 467-5600. After receiving form, persons should complete and mail as soon as possible. When they become available ballots are mailed. Once persons have their vote by mail ballot, they can choose whether to return the completed ballot by mail or turn the blank ballot in at their polling place to vote in person

Wayne/Winfield Area Youth/Family Services offers virtual “Keep Calm and Craft” sessions, via Zoom. Times are 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Mondays and/or 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. The charge is $5 per sessionIt is geared for youths ages 6 through 13. For registration information, email waysintakes@gmail.com. (www.merleburl.com)

West Chicago is in the midst of creating a comprehensive plan to cover a variety of areas including land use and development, housing, economic development, transportation and infrastructure, parks and open space and community health. Residents can follow the progress on westchicagoforward.com and westchicagoaddelante.com. The first outreach activity is an online survey for residents which may be found at the websites noted above. (www.merleburl.com)

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 4:00 p.m. Monday, February 15, 2021, there were 3,860 cases and 42 deaths; this is the number from the beginning of track recording. It is important to remember to follow the social distancing order, wear masks and wash hands.

Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Monika Eva Maria Martin, who at the age of 69 passed away Friday, February 5, 2021.

Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Richard A. Rolseth, who at the age of 79 passed away Thursday, February 11, 2021.

In Burt Constable’s column of the Tuesday, February 9, 2021, issue of the Daily Herald, the highlight is on Ball Horticultural Company. With the COVID-19 pandemic, more persons turned to gardening, especially vegetables. The company has been sowing seeds for the 2021 season.

West Chicago resident John Banas is the author of “Storm Surge,” a novel of intrigue set in post-Katrina New Orleans. It is the story of Don and Brenda Meyers, a couple on the marital bubble, separated by a killer hurricane. Brenda is in New Orleans on a high risk assignment. Against all odds Don and his neighbor head to New Orleans to rescue Brenda and bring her home. The city of New Orleans is reduced to gang rule, the incompetence of a Government Agency and a police officer accused of the highest form of corruption. Banas Served as Seventh Ward Alderman from May 2013 through April 2017.(www.merleburl.com)

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and West Chicago Interim Chief of Police Chris Shackelford recently announced that bond has been denied for a DeKalb man accused of shooting an innocent man during his dinner break from work. Ahmad Steele, 34 of the 1400 block of Twombly Road, appeared in Bond Court where Judge Craig Belford denied bond. Steele is charged with one count of Attempt Murder and one count of Aggravated Battery with a Firearm. Both Counts are a Class X Felony with the Attempt Murder charge carrying a mandatory firearm add-on of twenty-five years up to natural life.

At approximately 7:50 p.m. Thursday, January 28, 2021, West Chicago Police Department officers responded to Mapei Corporation, 530 Industrial Drive, for a report of a subject with a facial injury. Upon their arrival, officers discovered the victim walking around the building’s parking lot suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to his face. An investigation into the shooting found that the victim had been sitting in his vehicle in the parking lot during his dinner break.

It is alleged that at approximately 7:30 p.m., an SUV entered the parking lot and parked several spaces away from the victim. It is alleged that the driver of the SUV, later identified as Steele, left his vehicle and walked toward the victim’s vehicle carrying a shotgun. It is alleged that Steele approached the driver’s side of the victim’s vehicle, raised the shotgun and fired into the vehicle, shooting the victim, whom he did not know, in the face. It is further alleged that Steele then returned to his vehicle, but then went back to the victim’s vehicle and raised the shotgun at the vehicle a second time before fleeing in his SUV. The victim was immediately transported to a local hospital and is currently in critical condition.

Saturday, February 6, the Naperville Police Department observed an SUV suspected to be involved in the shooting driving on Route 59. Officers conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle at Route 59 and Ogden Avenue. The driver of the vehicle, Ahmad Steele, was allegedly driving on a revoked driver’s license and taken into custody at this time. Wednesday, February 9, a search warrant executed at the defendant’s residence yielded a shotgun and shotgun shells. Officers also learned that Steele allegedly had recently searched the Internet for unsolved murders and recent homicides in DuPage County, Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.

“The allegations against Mr. Steele are extremely disturbing,” Berlin said. “This unwarranted alleged random attack against an unsuspecting, innocent man, whose life has been forever changed, will be strenuously prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. The charges filed today against Mr. Steele are the direct result of the truly outstanding police work of the West Chicago Police Department and the assistance of the always vigilant Naperville Police Department. I commend both of these police departments for their efforts. I would like to thank the DuPage County Sheriff’s Office, the DuPage County Sheriff’s Forensic Investigations Unit, the DuPage County Metropolitan Emergency Response & Investigation Team, the DeKalb Police Department, the Department of Justice Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the FBI Chicago Regional Forensics Computer Lab, Illinois State Police Crime Laboratory, United States Homeland Security Investigations and the United States Secret Service. I would also like to thank Assistant State’s Attorney Helen Kapas for her efforts in preparing a strong case against Mr. Steele.”

“Thanks to the sustained efforts of the members of the Metropolitan Emergency Response and Investigations Team, the members of the West Chicago Police Department and the State’s Attorney’s Office, aided by the diligence of members of the Naperville Police Department, the victim and his family can find some measure of peace knowing the person allegedly responsible for this act will have to answer for his actions in a court of law,” Shackelford said.

Steele’s next court appearance is scheduled for Monday, March 8, 2021 for arraignment in front of Judge Daniel Guerin.

West Chicago resident Uwe Gsdel displays 12 photographs in the new guest room at Biscuits & Gravy, 110 South Neltnor Boulevard. (www.merleburl.com)

In the morning Monday, February 15, 2021, a train derailed on the Canadian National Railroad tracks, just north of Washington Street. The crossings at Washington, church and Ann Streets were all blocked. Since this had an effect on Union Pacific tracks, Metra customers were being bused between Geneva and West Chicago. By approximately 2:30 p.m. Union Pacific trains were running; Monday evening CN was continuing to work on its railway tracks. (www.merleburl.com)

Usually when a new alderman takes the oath of office, I get his contact information in order to give residents a little information on the new alderman. However, since Joseph Morano was sworn in via Zoom, I could not get contact information. He did submit a letter to Mayor Ruben Pineda when applying for the position. Thus, the information is from his letter.

After graduation from high school, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and became a Missile Maintenance Technician and then went on to Southern Illinois University in Carbondale to study communications. Morano worked in sales management for 12 years. He has been an account executive for six years.

As a sales manager he also reviewed Profit and Loss reports to monitor controllable expenses and conducted district wide training. Currently he works with law firms, health care facilities and municipalities to improve work flows, vendor consolidation and procurement.

Public service has always been a passion of his. While in the Air Force Morano would spend his spare time on special projects to improve life on base. Now he sits on the board for Cornerstone Lakes. “While on the board my passion for serving the community has grown. I have found that in victory and even the rare occasion that something we vote on doesn’t go my way, I go to bed knowing that I did everything I could to help our neighborhood and that’s what really drives me.”

Morano and his wife, Lucy, and their triplets have grown up and lived in and around West Chicago most of their lives.

With the collaboration of Jewel-Osco in West Chicago, West Chicago Community High School, West Chicago Elementary School District 33, Benjamin School District 25, Winfield School District 34, Mayor Ruben Pineda, State Senator Karina Villa and all the volunteers from the school districts, the COVID-19 vaccination clinic Friday, February 12, 2021, at the high school was a success. The preliminary numbers show approximately 2,300 vaccines were administered, about 80 volunteers of which several stayed for the full 12 hours and a 105 year-old woman received the shot. (www.merleburl.com)

My email is merlebur@earthlink.net.

After the rough weather in February, I think March came in as a lamb. It is great to see grass, even if not green, and not snow. Spring is almost here!

AROUND AND ABOUT

Open gym times for basketball, pickleball and soccer are now available at the ARC, 201 West Washington Street. To see the new schedule visit www.we-goparks.org/open-gym. (www.merleburl.com)

Healthy West Chicago hosts two virtual fitness sessions. To register for one or both, visit https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_lm0UW1WKTEOxWZsUFDsQXg. After registering, participants receive a confirmation email with information about joining the webinars.

Functional Fitness is a 20-minute class at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 3, 2021. This basic workshop has participants using their bodies to push, pull, bend, squat and more. No equipment is needed. All fitness levels are welcome.

Cardio Boost is a 20-minute session at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 19. 2021. The class helps boost endorphins and lower stress. No equipment needed and all fitness levels welcome.

There is a Wellness Challenge QR Code for Virtual Workouts: Participants will earn 1,000 bonus steps by joining the virtual workouts. QR code can be scanned one time per day. (www.merleburl.com)

Persons can fill out the application online at https://www.dupageco.org/Election/Voting/37064 (corrected link) download the file at “Vote by Mail Application (PDF),” pick up at County Complex, 421 North County Farm Road, or call (630) 467-5600. After receiving the form, persons should complete and mail as soon as possible. When they become available ballots are mailed. Once persons have their vote by mail ballot, they can choose whether to return the completed ballot by mail or turn the blank ballot in at their polling place to vote in person.

In-Person Early Voting-Paper Ballots for the Consolidated Election are available through Monday, April 5, 2021, at DuPage County Fairgrounds, 2015 Manchester Road, Building 5, in Wheaton. Hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 Monday through Friday until March 19; 9:00 a.m. to noon Saturdays until March 20. Touch Screen voting begins March 22. Other locations open later this month. More information on this in a later column. The Early Voting program allows any eligible DuPage County voter to vote before Election Day.

Wayne Township Senior Center hosts a blood drive for Versti Blood Centers from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 10, 2021, in the parking lot at Wayne Township, 27301 North Avenue. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome. To make an appointment, visit https://donate.illinois.versiti.org/donor/auth/signin.

GardenWorks Project hosts an online workshop on the unique technique of raised bed gardening uses for GWP Home Gardening participants at 6:30 p.m. March 10, 2021. Topics covered include how to install and prepare a raised bed garden, tips and techniques on building a good garden at home, companion planting, square foot gardening and succession planting. To register for “Grow A Growing Garden,” visit www.gardenworksproject.org/food_growers_network_031021.

Healthy West Chicago hosts a Zoom webinar at 6:00 p.m. Thursday, March 11, 2021. The topic is “Healthy Living Grocery Tour: Eating Healthy on A Budget.” Leading the tour is registered nutritionist, Melissa O’Brien. Participants learn to find healthier food options, find bargains, read food labels and sticking to the budget. There is no charge, but registration is required and may be made at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_uRLJ-7HMQQ-TimCIDzLkmA. After registering, persons receive a confirmation on how to join the webinar.

To celebrate Women’s History Month, the League of Women Voters of Wheaton, the Robert McCormick House at Cantigny Park, the Wheaton Public Library and the Wheaton Community Relations Committee present a virtual program on Florence Nightingale at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, March 11, 2021, via Zoom. Master storyteller Megan Wells an award winning actor brings to life this historical figure. To register, visit https://my.lwv.org/illinois/wheaton, under calendar.

Born on May 12, 1820, Florence Nightingale became the founder of the modern nursing profession. Against all odds, and with a determination uncharacteristic of women in the 1800s, Nightingale won the right to serve. She was the first female superintendent of nurses in the British army and led a team of 38 nurses into the horrible circumstances of the Crimean War. She later established a training program for nurses at St. Thomas Hospital in London.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, We Grow Dreams Greenhouse and Garden Center postponed the Bowlathon, its main fundraiser, to August. Since it usually is held in February, the event offsets the cost of supplies and plants purchased in the winter. To help pay the bills that continue to come in, the greenhouse is hosting the “Luck of the Green” cash raffle. The cost of the tickets is $25 each or five for $100. Prizes are $1,000, $500 and $250 or the equivalent value of greenhouse plants and or products. To purchase tickets on line, visit the website wegrowdreams.org or mail a check to We Grow Dreams Greenhouse, 1055 West Washington Street, West Chicago, IL 60185. The deadline is Friday, March 12, 2021. The winning ticket will be pulled St. Patrick’s Day Wednesday, March 17.

The greenhouse, a 501(c (3))organization, mission is to provide people with disabilities the opportunity to lead fulfilling lives and to train and work in a supportive, safe and caring environment while producing and providing products and services to the community. In this pursuit, we honor the concepts of human dignity, respect, hard work, fellowship and friendship. (www.merleburl.com)

The West Chicago Police Department again participates in the Coolest Event of the Year—the Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge, but in a different way this year due to the pandemic. Usually they plunge into the frigid waters of Loon Lake in Silver Springs. The concept is still the same – be bold and get cold to support thousands of athletes and their families. It takes place from noon to 2:00 p.m. Sunday, March 14, 2021, at Hawthorne’s Backyard Bar & Grill, 1200 West Hawthorne Lane.

Persons attending can throw “snowballs” at the participating officers and, with good aim, have the officer plunge into the cold waters of the dunk tank. Other activities include food specials, raffles for a television and gift cards and giveaways with a portion of the proceeds for the Special Olympics Law Enforcement Run. Persons also can make a donation online at https://soill.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donordrive.participant&participantID=69175. West Chicago Police Detective Robbi Peterson participated in the Super Plunge and is organizing the 2021 Polar Plunge. (www.merleburl.com)

The Child Development classes of West Chicago Community High School are hosting a virtual preschool program via Zoom from Thursday, March 16 to Thursday, May 13, 2021. Eligible children are ages 2 1/2 to 5. There is no cost for the program. Lessons range from alphabet and number awareness to gross motor activities to beginning reading and writing. Activities include a Spring Concert, a field trip to the Brookfield Zoo, and Preschool Graduation. Applications are available at www.d94.org/preschool. For further information, call instructor Brittney Bauer at (630) 876-6377 or bbauer@d94.org.

West Chicago Public Library holds a Spring Giveaway for patrons who have a physical WCPL library card. Grand prizes are awarded for each age group-adults: young adults, ages 12 through 18; youth, ages 5 through 11; and youth, ages 0 to 5. Details on each of the grand prizes and how to enter are on the Facebook page www.facebook.com/wcpld The last day to enter is Wednesday, March 17, 2021. For further information email pr@wcpld.info.

West Chicago City Museum and Warrenville Historical Society present the Historiography program, a non-fiction book reading group, at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, March 18, 2021, via Zoom. The book is “Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg” by Irin Carmon and Shama Knizhnik. The book was published in 2015. To get a copy of the book or for further information, visit Friends of West Chicago City Museum website, wegohistory.com or call (630) 231-3376.

Per the Goodreads review, “Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg never asked for fame—she was just trying to make the world a little better and a little freer. But along the way, the feminist pioneer’s searing dissents and steely strength have inspired millions. The book created by the young lawyer who began the Internet sensation and an award-winning journalist, takes you behind the myth for an intimate, irreverent look at the justice’s life and work. As America struggles with the unfinished business of gender equality and civil rights, Ginsburg stays fierce.”

Shana Knizhnik, born August 22, 1988, is a staff attorney at the Legal Aid Society of New York City’s Criminal Defense Practice. Previously, she was a legal fellow at the ACLU of the District of Columbia. Irin Carmon is an Israeli-American journalist and commentator. She is a senior correspondent at New York Magazine, and a CNN contributor.

DuPage Habitat for Humanity selected West Chicago to be a part of its first Community Cares Week, in which volunteers do exterior home repair projects for residents in a selected community. Small groups of volunteers from DuPage County come to West Chicago from Tuesday, May 25, through Saturday, May 29, 2021. Since the first Community Cares Week is in West Chicago, Dupage Habitat for Humanity is calling it WeGo Community Care Week.

The organization is accepting pre-application for exterior repair work from West Chicago residents. To qualify, the applicant’s household income has to fall below 80 percent of Area Median Income for the Chicagoland Area. Priority is given to repairs that affect the applicant’s quality of life. A portion of the repair cost will be repaid by the applicant based on their income at time of application. Applications are accepted in person, by mail and through email until 5:00 p.m. Friday, March .19. To request an application or for further information, call Jill Sobie at (630) 510-3737, extension 315, or email jsobie@dupagehabitat.org. (www.merleburl.com)

Support our local businesses.

West Chicago resident Mary Ann Manna recently opened her own business, Manna Real Estate. With 17 years experience, she works with sellers, first time home buyers, investors, short sales, and foreclosures market in Western DuPage and Kane County. Her website is www.MARYANNMANNA.com. Manna is an active member in the community and is a member of West Chicago Rotary Club and Western Dupage Chamber of Commerce. (www.merleburl.com)

Free Bar Bingo is back at Hawthorne’s Backyard Bar & Grill, 1200 West Hawthorne Lane. It takes place at 7:00 p.m. Wednesdays. (www.merleburl.com)

During the Lenten season Augustino’s Rock and Roll Deli and Grill, 300 W North Avenue, offers meatless specials. These include Buffalo Cauliflower Wrap, Haddock Sandwich Clamstrips.

Blooming Fest 2021, scheduled for Saturday, May 15, 2021, is cancelled. Related activities and giveaways are being planned and can be found on the City’s Blooming Fest Facebook page, https://m.facebook.com/West-Chicago-Blooming-Fest-100927978413717.

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 4:00 p.m. Monday, March 1, 2021, there were 3,909 cases and 43 deaths; this is the number from the beginning of track recording. It is important to remember to follow the social distancing order, wear masks and wash hands.

Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Donald R. Gutzmer, who at the age of 68 passed away Sunday, February 14, 2021.

Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Rosemary T. Kaenel, who at the age of 92 passed away Saturday,, February 20, 2021.

Sincere sympathy to the family of Juan “Johnny” Escamiila, who passed away Sunday, February 21, 2021.

Deepest sympathy to the family of Jeane Sickel Mazzaferro, who passed away Thursday, February 25, 2021.

Sincere sympathy is expressed to the family of Carolyn Patch Fairbanks, who at the age of 74 passed away Sunday, February 14, 2021.

Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Laurel Avila, who at the age of 67 passed away Thursday, February 25, 2021.

Usually the Western DuPage Chamber of Commerce hosts an installation and awards dinner. However, as with many other community events, it was not possible for 2021 due to COVID-19. The Chamber has a board of directors confirmed for the upcoming year.

Officers are John Miller of Clare Woods Academy, Chairman of the Board; Steve Schwarz, Jr. of SS Schwarz Construction, Vice-Chairman; Joe Buchholz of Buck Services, Inc., Secretary; Omar Espinosa of Republic Bank, Treasurer.

Board members are Allan Gilbert of The Bunker Bar & Grill, Ann Marie Bianchi of Northwestern Medicine, Chuck Sadowski of Ruentberg Realty Group, Inc., Chuck Strayve of Charlie’s Tree Service, Dora Cheila-Georganas of Wheaton Bank & Trust, Frank Lenertz of West Chicago Park District, Nancy Perillo of FNBC Bank & Trust, Phil Pahlke of Pro-Pak Industries, Rory King of DiGiovine, Hnilo, Jordan + Johnson, Ltd. (aka DHJJ), and Uwe Gsedl of Gsedl Graphic Design & Photo.

At the Tuesday, February 16, 2021, meeting, Community High School District 94 Board of Education approved a five year agree with Groot Recycling and Waste services, Inc. with an estimated initial cost of $8,712 for the first year and annual increases of up to five percent per year.

Also approved was the Intergovernmental Agreement between the District and the City of West Chicago for the procurement of school resources officers from the West Chicago Police Department.

The board approved a one year extension with Quest Management Services for food services.

Other approved expenses were related to expanding in-person learning opportunities during the COVID-19 pandemic. These were the approval to purchase of new chairs and tables from Educational Environments in the amount of $98,816, which includes delivery and installation and the purchase of new field house dividers from Larson Company in the amount of $18,750, which includes removal of existing dividers, plus the proposal from Pepper Construction for the construction of temporary walls in the Commons for the amount of $12,858.

Bianca Reyes, the Mexican Cultural Center DuPage 2017 Miss Mexican Heritage Queen, fulfills her lifelong dream of becoming a police officer. (www.merleburl.com)

West Chicago Fire Protection District fire fighters Noel Repiscak, Erik Therkildsen and Jake Herrmann received letters of commendation for their rescue of a man trapped in a house fire Sunday, January 24, 2021. The fire occurred on Child Street in the Winfield Fire Protection District. The three fire fighters removed t and treated the victim, who was transferred to a Wheaton ambulance for transport to Northwestern Central DuPage Hospital. (www.merleburl.com)

Community High School Educational Foundation made several grants in the amount of $15,900 to benefit the students of West Chicago Community High Schoo.. The grants were for the purchase of 10 mobile tool cabinets for machine shop, apps for the English department and 10 Lenovo tablets for theCareer & Technical Division, plus GoFormative for the Math division.

West Chicago resident Abe Mashal and his son are the authors of “Atomic 90.” a children’s sci-fi book with a touch of West Chicago history. He graduated from West Chicago Community High school in 1998. The community High School Educational Foundation honored Mashal with the 2019 Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award for Justice. To read more about his award, visit https://www.d94.org/Page/1011. (www.merleburl.com)

In the Saturday, February 27, 2021, Boys Basketball games, West Chicago Community High School lost to Glenbard East High School with a score of 42-68; Wheaton Academy lost to Timothy Christian High School with a score of 54-68. In the Girls Basketball game, West Chicago Community High School lost to Glenbard East High School with a score 20-49. Wheaton Academy won against Chicago Christian High School with a score of 38-18.

The livestream broadcast by Wheaton Academy students Chas Lewchanyn, Wes Kersey, Kenna Tolman and Rachel Cobb won a National Student Production Award. This award is conferred by NATAS, the same group responsible for the Emmy Awards. Thursday, February 11, 2021, the awards ceremony aired on The Emmy’s app.

The students produced a livestream broadcast of a basketball game between WA and Streamwood High Schoo in November 2019. The Chicago/Midwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences recognized the broadcast, with a Crystal Pillar award in the spring of 2020. After winning this award, the broadcast moved on to compete for a National Student Production Award. Wheaton Academy was one of only five high schools in the nation to be nominated to the Live Sports section of the competition. (www.merleburl.com)

My email address is merleburl@earthlink.net.

At Home with Merle Burleigh – September 23, 2020

At Home with Merle Burleigh – September 30, 2020

At Home with Merle Burleigh – October 7, 2020.

At Home with Merle Burleigh – October 14, 2020

At Home with Merle Burleigh – October 20, 2020

At Home with Merle Burleigh – October 28, 2020

At Home with Merle Burleigh – November 11, 2020

At Home with Merle Burleigh – November 25, 2020

At Home with Merle Burleigh – December 2, 2020

At Home With Merle Burleigh – December 9, 2020

At Home with Merle Burleigh – December 16, 2020

At Home with Merle Burleigh – December 23, 2020

At Home with Merle Burleigh – December 29, 2020

At Home with Merle Burleigh – January 6, 2021

At Home with Merle Burleigh – January 13, 2021

At Home with Merle Burleigh – January 27, 2021

At Home with Merle Burleigh – February 3, 2021

At Home with Merle Burleigh – February 10, 2021

At Home with Merle Burleigh – February 17, 2021

At Home with Merle Burleigh – March 3, 2021