With the passage of four resolutions regarding partial property tax abatement and economic incentives at the Monday, April 2, 2018, City Council meeting, the growth is contin
uing at DuPage Business Park. According to the Item Summary, “In 2015, the Finance Committee endorsed a package of incentives to attract larger businesses to our community, which included a partial property tax abatement, partial rebates of utility taxes and a partial waiver of building permit fees.”
One of the businesses is the Pritzker Realty Group, who “is looking to constructing an 800,000 square-foot building on 39 acres, and then lease it to the Suncast Corporation; Suncast would be moving its warehouse that is in Montgomery.” Suncast is a leading manufacturer of stylish, functional, and innovative consumer products. The company offers resin and hybrid sheds, indoor and outdoor storage options, patio accessories, garden products, outdoor furniture, snow tools and more. It sells its products through retailers and an online store to customers in the United States and internationally.
The second business is the “Norix Group, through a-yet-to-be formed liability corporation out of Delaware, is looking to construct an 175,000 square-foot building on 20 acres and move its office/warehousing operation from the LaGrou building on Hawthorne Lane. In the future, the company intends to bring the manufacturing of its products in-house instead of contracting out the goods to be built, which would add jobs and significant tax revenues.” Norix builds durable commercial furniture specially designed for challenging environments. These include the correctional market, healthcare, GSA military, public safety, higher education, shelter and other commercial segments.
The incentives tentatively agreed to by the parties include a 50 percent property tax abatement for 10 years up to $4 million by West Chicago Elementary School District 33, Community High School District 94, West Chicago Fire Protection District, West Chicago Public Library District, DuPage Airport Authority and City of West Chicago; “a waiver of 50 percent of the building permit fees by the City, excluding the sewer capacity charge and third party fees paid by the City, and a rebate of the City’s electric use tax, up to $200,000, if a manufacturing component is added to this component. In return for the incentives being repaid, the building would need to remain operational for 15 years, or else there are clawback provisions that would result in portions of the incentives being repaid, the amount determined by the number of years the building was occupied.”
Also looking at the agenda for the Wednesday, March 14, 2018, DuPage Airport Authority Board of Commissioners meeting, there were proposed resolutions for two business sites for warehouse and distribution centers, one for approximately 40 acres and another for approximately 26 acres.
AROUND AND ABOUT
Leman Middle School presents “Aladdin, Jr.” in the cafetorium, 238 East Hazel Street. Performances are at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, April 11, 12 and 13, and at 1:00 and 4:00 p.m. Saturday, April 14, 2018. Cast and crew members are sixth, seventh and eighth graders. The charge is $5; children age 2 and under are free. (www.merleburl.com)
To celebrate the 60th Anniversary of National Library Week, the West Chicago Public Library District is hosting Retro Board Games at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, April 12, 2018, in the main meeting room, 118 West Washington Street. The board games include Trivia Pursuit and Husker Du. Persons are encouraged to bring some of their old favorites. This is a drop-in event; no reservations are necessary.
Citizens Advocacy Center, Immigrant Solidarity DuPage, League of Women Voters, College of DuPage and Elmhurst College present a Candidate Boot Camp-Local Government Candidacy for Beginners from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 14, 2018. It takes place in the Culinary and Hospitality Center at COD, 425 Fawell Boulevard, Room 2001, in Glen Ellyn. The program is free with a lunch provided by the Robert R. McCormick Foundation. To make a reservation visit www.citizenadvocacycenter.org/event. (www.merleburl.com)
The Wheaton Academy student-run production of the annual Mr. WA performance is Saturday, April 14, 2018, in the Fine Arts Center, 900 North Prince Crossing Road. The performance is at 7:00 p.m.; doors open at 6:30 p.m. The ticket price is $10; tickets sold at the door.
This event is designed to not only develop the community of the student body, but also raise money for the 25 Haitian and Dominican children that the school sponsors through its global ministry project, Project REACH.
Team Pineda Community Walk is at 9:00 a.m. Saturday, April 14, 2018, at Currier School, 800 Gary’s Mill Road.
All members of the Project Infinity Group from PeaceJam at St. Michael’s United Church of Christ are traveling to meet the 2011 Nobel Peace prize Laureate Leymah Gbowee Saturday and Sunday, April 14 and 15, 2018, at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Gbowee was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2011 for her efforts to end the civil war in Liberia. She continues her work in peace and conflict resolution as the leader of the Liberia Reconciliation Initiative, President of the Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa, Executive Director of Women, Peace and Security Network Africa, and a member of the Nobel Women’s Initiative. Gbowee has been a member of PeaceJam since 2012.
Joanne and John Klingberg celebrate their 67th Wedding Anniversary Saturday, April 14, 2018.
Sunday, April 15, 2018, is Youth Sunday at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 North Prince Crossing Road. The youth lead the 10:00 a.m. contemporary worship service.
West Chicago resident Louise Handel is a member of the Sing to Live Community Chorus, which performs “A Tribute to the Late Greats of Popular Music.” One performance is at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 14, 2018, at Glenview Community Church, 1000 Elm Street. The second performance is at 4:00 p.m. Sunday, April 15, at Pilgrim Congregational Church, 460 Lake Street in Oak Park. Advance ticket price is $22, $17 for students age 6 through 18 and complimentary for breast cancer survivors. At door ticket price is $27, $22 for students age 6 through 18 and complimentary for breast cancer survivors. To order tickets or more information, visit https://www.singtolive.org. The mission of the Sing to Live® Community Chorus is to provide a musical outlet that celebrates hope and survival with spiritual, emotional and physical benefits for singers whose lives have been touched by breast cancer.
The State of the City Address, sponsored by Western DuPage Chamber of Commerce, is Monday, April 16, 2018, at City Hall, 475 Main Street. Refreshments are served at 5:30 p.m. The speech, which has the theme “A Year of Accomplishment,” starts promptly at 6:00 p.m. Mayor Ruben Pineda highlights the achievement of multiple goals outlined in the West Chicago Strategic plan, plus visions for the future. Seating is on a first come, first seated basis.
Wayne/Winfield Area Youth/Family Services celebrates its 35th Anniversary, at the annual Luncheon and Silent Auction, “35 Years and Still Growing Strong,” Tuesday, April 17, 2018, in the Wayne Township building, 27W031 North Avenue. Networking is at 11:30 a.m. and the luncheon, catered by Augustino’s Rock and Roll Deli, is at noon. There is a presentation of Community Awards to individuals and groups. The ticket price is $20. Raffle tickets also are available for the price of $1 or $5 for six tickets. Reservations are requested by Wednesday, April 11. To purchase raffle tickets or to make a luncheon reservation, call WAYS at (630) 231-7166 from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday.
The Silent Auction features baskets ranging in value from $10 to more than $200. Baskets feature gift cards from restaurants, salons, boutiques, salons and unique fun opportunities. Persons unable to attend can call WAYS a week before the event to receive a bidding list and then submit a bid.
Proceeds support WAYS day camp program to provide scholarships for children in need. More than 25 percent of WAYS campers are from families below the poverty level and another 50 percent are struggling families, who need a safe, healthy camp while they work. In addition to the summer camp program, WAYS provides individual, family and group therapy in English and Spanish, anger management and parenting classes also in English and Spanish, and youth tutoring. WAYS is a community based not-for-profit agency serving West Chicago, Winfield, Wayne, Warrenville, Bartlett, Carol Stream, and Hanover Park. Providing funding for WAYS are Wayne Township, Winfield Township, Village of Hanover Park, Ecolab Employees’ Foundation, client fees, insurance, donations and fundraisers.
West Chicago Public Library District offers a two-hour computer class, “Microsoft Excel,” at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 17, 2018, in the small conference room, 118 West Washington Street. Persons must have basic computer skills. To make a reservation, call the adult services department at (630) 231-1552, extension 4. Attendees learn the basic tools of setting up spreadsheets, adding/deleting columns and rows, simple calculations and terminology.
Wayne/Winfield Area Youth/Family Services offers hour-long computer classes for senior citizens at Wayne Township, 27W031 North Avenue. Not only do seniors learn basic skills, but also have the opportunity to socialize. The fee is $2. Reservations are required and may be made by calling (630) 231-7166. Beginner classes are at 1:00 p.m. Tuesdays. “Texting on Smart Phones” class is at 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 17, 2018.
West Chicago Public Library District holds a two-hour computer class, “Smartphones and Tablets-Money/Budgeting Apps,” at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 18, 2018, in the small conference room, 118 West Washington Street. In preparation for Money Smart Week, the class focuses on money and budgeting apps. This involves both Android and Apple devices, which need to be charged before the class. To register, call adult services department at (630) 231-1552, extension 4.
GardenWorks Project holds a volunteer opportunity meeting 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 18, 2018, at Wheaton Park District Community Center, 1777 South Blanchard. Ninety families are receiving raised gardens this year and volunteers are needed for garden building, coaching and soil delivery. To make a reservation, visit garddenworksproject.org/events.
West Chicago City Museum Historiography program, a non-fiction book reading group, is at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, April 19, 2018, at the Museum, 132 Main Street. Guests can bring a lunch, dessert and a beverage are provided. The book to be discussed is “The 1918 Spanish Flu Pandemic: The History and Legacy of the World’s Deadliest Influenza Outbreak” by Charles Rivers Editors. Copies of the book are at the Museum and West Chicago Public Library, 118 West Washington Street. Reservations are not required for this free program. For further information call the museum at (630) 231-3376 or email wegohistory@gamil.com. (www.merleburl.com)
In partnership with Cantigny Park, the League of Women Voters of Wheaton hosts a Civics Awareness program Thursday, April 19, 2018, in the McCormick House at Cantigny, 1S151 Winfield Road in Wheaton. Tram service to and from the McCormick is available. Social time is at 6:30 p.m., program at 7:00 p.m., followed by question and answer session. In honor of Earth month, the topic is “The Impact of Environmental Policy on our Community”.
Dale Bryson is the speaker. For 34 years Bryson worked for the US Environmental Protection Agency. When he retired he was a senior manager within the Agency serving as the Water Division Director for Region 5 in Chicago covering six states. He managed all water programs including water pollution control, safe drinking water, wetlands protection, groundwater protection, enforcement and others. Since his retirement from USEPA, Bryson has performed independent consulting work for various clients in the US and abroad. He served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Alliance for the Great Lakes for several years. He has a Bachelor’s Degree and a Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering. Complimentary coffee and dessert are served. Registration is required for the free program. To register visit www.wheatonlwvil.org.
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. (www.merleburl.com)
West Chicago Cheerleaders Organization holds a fundraiser from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. Saturday, April 21, 2018, at Rockin’ Jump Trampoline Park, 408 Mission Street in Carol Stream. The charge is $15 per jumper with $5 benefitting the Cheerleaders’ organization. For further information email wegoyouthcheer@gmail.com. (www.merleburl.com)
Blooming Fest is from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Saturday, May 19, 2018, in historic downtown. The event includes the West Chicago Garden Club’s plant sale, craft sale, car show, art exhibit, children’s activities, music and food. Vendor registration packets are available on the City’s website, www.westchicago.org. The deadline is Thursday, April 19. (www.merleburl.com)
The West Chicago Elementary School District 33 Board of Education and administrator are seeking nominations for #D33Pride Awards. The awards are given on a quarterly basis to individuals/organizations who have made a significant impact on the students, staff and families of D33. These awards provide the opportunity to honor those who have “gone above and beyond” to support and enhance the work of promoting excellence in education. Categories are staff, community-parents and/or volunteers, students, and organization. Any District 33 staff member, student, parent, community member, or alumnus can make a nomination. Self-nominations are not accepted. The #D33Pride program recognizes individuals/organizations from two out of four different categories at the end of each quarter. Nominations for the third quarter are for staff/organization. These nominations are due Friday, April 20, 2018. To make a nomination, visit http://www.wego33.org/D33PrideAwards.aspx.
A committee made up of representatives from various groups across the district will select the winners. Questions can be directed to Gina Steinbrecher, Community Relations Specialist, steinbrecherg@wego33.org or by phone at 630-293-6000 x201.
During the month of April, the photography of West Chicago resident and artist Sarah Bass is on exhibit in the main display case at the West Chicago Public Library District, 118 West Washington Street. The display, “In Solitude and Silence,” is a series of black and white images processed in the darkroom by hand from film negatives. The images explore, through the various representations, what it means to be alone.
West Chicago Police Detective Robbi Peterson was selected to represent all law enforcement, statewide, in the annual Dunkin’ Donuts Cop on the Roof media campaign for the upcoming event on Friday, May 18, 2018. He is in a photo-shoot and video with Special Olympics athlete Becky. The video will be aired in the next few weeks and the poster will be in Dunkin’ Donuts locations. The monies raised benefit the Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Illinois.(www.merleburl.com)
Sincere sympathy is expressed to the family of Shawn M. Larson, who at the age of 46 passed away Saturday, March 31, 2018.
Deepest sympathy to the family of Paul James Sticksel, who at the age of 68 passed away Thursday, April 5, 2018.
Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Mary Anna Garagozza, who at the age of 88 passed away Thursday, April 5, 2018.
During each of the 40 days of Lent, members of St. Andrew Lutheran Church put a non-perishable item in a bag to be donated to the Neighborhood Food Pantry on the Real Life Church campus. They collected 30 bags of food.
Although it was cool outside, the ARC Center was warm where 116 persons enjoyed the Breakfast with the Bunny, hosted by the West Chicago Park District, Saturday, March 31, 2018. The families enjoyed breakfast story time, crafts and, of course, pictures with the Bunny. (www.merleburl.com)
The “Chicago Tribune” recently featured an article on Judah and the Lion, a club folk band of Wheaton Academy Alumnus Brian McDonald.
At its Wednesday, March 14, 2018, meeting the DuPage Airport Authority Board of Commissioners approved the purchase of an airport tug for the amount of $104,844 to Lektro, Inc. of Warrenton, Oregon.
Western DuPage Special Recreation Association was one of the five recipients of the Community Support Program from GardenWorks Project. Among other benefits, the organization will receive five raised garden beds and 50 seed packets for its community gardens.
At its Monday, March 12, 2018, meeting, the Benjamin School District 25 Board of Education approved a contract for 2018-2023 with the Benjamin Education Association. The BEA approved the tentative agreement, which had been reached at the last negotiations session, on February 2, 2018.
West Chicago resident Sue Stibal made her acting debut on Chicago Fire, Season 6, Episode 7, Thursday, April 5, 2018. She was an assistant Department of Children and Family Services social worker intently listening to an angry mother rant at a firehouse after her son had been rescued.
At the Monday, April 2, 2018, meeting, City Council approved a revision of the Intergovernmental Agreement with the Village of Winfield, creating the West Chicago/Winfield Wastewater Authority. The Authority Board will consist of three staff members from West Chicago and two staff members from Winfield. The Board will be responsible for approving issuance of debt, the annual budget, changes to the reserve deposit, changing the capacity charge as well as selecting legal counsel, an auditor and a third party fiscal agent. The current IGA remains in effect through the end of 2018, with the asset and liability transfers to occur after December 31. The City of West Chicago remains the primary owner of the Plant, and its staff will continue to oversee the daily operations there. Also the Infrastructure Committee and City Council will continue to consider all purchases for goods and services in excess of $20,000.
As a service volunteer project, the West Chicago Rotary Club prepared and served a dinner Thursday, April 5, 2018, at the Ronald MacDonald House in Winfield. The menu was Italian sausage, salad, pasta, sautéed vegetables and banana pudding. Also various club members donated items from the RHM wish list. These consist of items for the house and families, for the families and for the office. The Club signed up for this project through the Meals from the Heart Program.
RMH in Winfield provides support to eligible families while their children are being treated at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital. Families may stay at the house days, weeks, and even months. It provides relief from some of the financial and emotional strains families experience when caring for a sick child. This allows the families to more effectively focus on what matters most…the health and well-being of their children and their families. (www.merleburl.com)
My email address is merleburl@earthlink.net.