More than 80 persons attended the 35th anniversary luncheon of Wayne/Winfield Area Youth/Family Services Tuesday, April 17, 2018. Also taking place was the “changing of the guard.” Executive Director Patricia Gherardini retired after 32 years and Allison Kowieski became the new director.
Gherardini said, “It has been a wonderful time. When I came here in 1986, WAYS had six months to succeed. We did. In this past year, we served more than 502 clients.” Her dedication to people in the community has remained strong. At her 25th Anniversary celebration, she said, “Since WAYS is as a community-based organization, covering a small area, we can concentrate on our clients in a very positive manner.” The not-for-profit organization formed in 1983, covers both townships and includes all of West Chicago, Winfield Wayne, Bartlett, Hanover Park and Carol Stream. “This is a big plus. If we are called to help someone, we do not have to consider if this is within our district. We can take charge from the beginning.” She added, “The goal of providing counseling and support for youth and families continues to be of utmost importance with growth in programs to adjust to the changing times.”
Kowieski has been with WAYS for seven years, starting in 2011 with her clinical internship. In 2012, she was hired as contractual Youth and Family counselor. In 2013, she became the Youth Program Coordinator/Family Counselor. Kowieski received her Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Psychology and a minor in Women’s and Gender Studies in 2010 from Lake Forest College. She graduated from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology with a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology, Counseling Specialization, Child and Adolescent Concentration in 2012. She and her husband and their dog reside in Algonquin.
WAYS mission is to develop societal supports which enable youth, adults, and families, to grow and maintain healthy and responsible roles in community life. It provides family, individual, group therapy in English and Spanish, parenting, adult and teen anger groups, social skills groups for children, senior computer and technology classes, in-school groups for children, summer day camp and monthly clinical education seminars for staff and community. (www.merleburl.com)
AROUND AND ABOUT
McTeachers Night is from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 25, 2018, at McDonald’s Restaurant, 89 W. North Avenue. Teachers from West Chicago Community High School work as servers with a percentage of the sales benefitting Club Green. In the past this fundraiser has helped fund some of the water bottle filling stations in the school, LED lighting in the trophy cases and Eco-friendly benches outside by the entrances to the building.
The three teams of West Chicago Community High School students participating in the Illinois Personal Finance Challenge scored more than 200 points higher than the state average and placed in the top positions of the state. The students were Efrain Aguilar, Farzaan Aleem, Jeremy Belingon, Sydney Evans, Sydney Johnson, Luke Madden, Brandon Morss, Matthew Natzke, Emily Pietura, Michael Sawicki, Jessica Smith, Connor Thompson and Conor Tully. The team of Jeremy Belingon, Emily Pietura, Michael Sawicki, and Connor Thompson had one of the top 5 scores in the state, qualifying for the State Championship on Wednesday, April 25, at the Federal Reserve in Chicago. They face the 10 top teams in the State and hope to be a State champion again this year.
West Chicago Garden Club meeting is Thursday, April 26, 2018, at Faith Community Church, 910 Main Street. Social time is at 6:45 p.m., short business meeting at 7:00 p.m. and the program at 7:15 p.m. Jim Nau, Corporate Archivist and Cultural Advisor for Ball Horticultural Company, presents “Best New Annuals for 2018.” The meeting is open to the public.
The presentation covers the new plant introductions of annuals, perennials, vegetables, plus a few surprises. Information includes heights and sun/shade tolerance. Employed by the company for 36 years, Nau managed the greenhouses and gardens of the Ball Horticultural Company for 34 years. He graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in horticulture and business. He is a Past President and judge for All America Selections as well the Past President of the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers. Nam is the recipient of the Perennial Plant Association’s Garden Media Award winner and has been a keynote speaker for Cultivate as well as several other Greenhouse Conferences. He also received the Medallion of Honor award from All America Selections for Outstanding Achievement in Horticulture.
In partnership with City of West Chicago, the West Chicago Public Library District presents “Access to Capital – Need Start Funding?” at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, April 26, 2018, in the main meeting room, 118 West Washington Street. Accion Chicago and College of DuPage and Small Business Development Center are on the small business panel. The financing experts discuss how persons can get the capital needed to start or grow a business. These include micro loan, SBA loan, and conventional loan, options. There is a question and answer session. To make a reservation, call the adult services department at (630) 231-1552, extension 4.
West Chicago Community High School Senior Prom is Friday, April 27, 2018, at the Museum of Science and Industry. The Theme is “A Golden Era”. Prom Court nominees for Queen are Nora Bell, Cynthia Flores, Alexes Garcia, Stefany Morales and Cielo Romero. Prom Court nominees for King are Jesus Dominguez, Rudy Munoz, Gavin O’Keefe, Jay Ratphimpa and Nick Wasserstorm.
Wheaton Academy has two free musical performances held in the Fine Arts Center, 900 North Prince Crossing Road. The Spring Choral Concert, “Songs of Faith,” is at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 27, 2018. All choral ensembles and a cappella groups perform. The Spring Instrumental Concert with band and orchestra perform at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 28. The guest conductor-in-residence is Richard Westerfield, an American conductor. He served as Associate Conductor of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and has led orchestras including the Brown University Orchestra, the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra, and the Alabama Symphony Orchestra.
Coffee with the Mayor is from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 28, 2018, at City Hall, 475 Main Street.
First United Methodist Church of West Chicago, 643 East Washington Street, has a special guest speaker, Gerald Savage, Chief Ho Chuck Ska Ga, at its 10:00 a.m. worship service Sunday, April 29, 2018. He talks about Native American traditions and stories. With tribal land at Starved Rock State Park, Savage has re-established the Ho Chunk presence in Illinois that was once granted by the Illinois governor to his grandfather, Sam Sine (Walks with the Wind). He was raised on the property, but now lives in LaSalle.
The annual Screen-Free Week, hosted by West Chicago Park District and Campaign for a Commercial Free Childhood, takes place Monday, April 30 through Sunday, May 6, 2018. During the time the screens are turned off; participants get active for 60 minutes or more. They then turn in their completed score cards and have the opportunity to receive prizes. For a copy of the rules, view the Park District website www.we-go parks.org or at the ARC, 102 West National Street.
Early registration for West Chicago Cheer Organization ends Monday, April 30, 2018. This is open for children entering first through eighth grade in August. For informational to register, visit https://www.leaguelineup.com/welcome.asp?url=wegoyouthcheer.
Wayne/Winfield Area Youth/Family Services offers hour-long computer classes for senior citizens, 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. “Using Cameras on Smart Phones” class is at 3:00 p.m. May 1, 2018.
West Chicago Community High School seeks nominations for the 2018 Distinguished Alumni Award. The purpose of the program is to recognize West Chicago Community High School graduates whose accomplishments serve as an inspiration for current students to dream and achieve.
Nomination deadline is Tuesday, May 1, 2018. The nominee must be a graduate of the high school for at least 10 years prior to the nomination, be distinguished by accomplishments in academics, the arts, athletics, business, community service, the environment, human rights, justice, medicine, research or science that reflect outstanding ability and dedication which contributes to the betterment of the community. Also the nominee must be available by telephone, email or in-person interview by the selection committee, willing to participate in the Distinguished Alumni Award Ceremony, willing to submit a photograph and available to interact with WCCHS students in a forum, seminar or assembly.
To submit a nomination, visit www.d94.org/distinguishedalumni. For further information call Sherry Bowne at (630) 890-9716.
As part of its Art of Relaxation series, the West Chicago Public Library District holds a Coloring session at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 2, 2018, in the main meeting room 118 West Washington Street. The Library supplies the coloring supplies, music and light refreshment. Persons can bring their own materials. To make a reservation, call the adult services department at (630) 231-1552, extension 4.
State Representative Mike Fortner (R-49) and State Senator Jim Oberweis (R-25) host the annual Senior Fair from 10:00 a.m. to noon Thursday, May 3, 2018, at American Legion Post 300, 123 Main Street. Their staffers are on hand to assist constituents with state government concerns. Various agencies, businesses, organizations and taxing bodies provide information on legal, financial, medical, assisted living and home health care services. Persons attending have the opportunity to win door prizes and enjoy the nutritious refreshments.
“Art in Full Bloom” is the exhibit for the month of May at Gallery 200, 103 West Washington Street. The artwork of sixteen artists is on display. The artists are Lou Jacobson, First Star Art, Susan Delaney, Laurie Parker, Judith Horsley, Marita Valdizan, Andy! Kozlowski, Starla Snead, Kathi Kuchler, Margaret Bucholz, Nadine Buck, Sue Tripp, Marge Hall, Vicky Burris, Britta Renwick and Heide Morris.
The artists’ reception is from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Friday, May 4, 2018. Refreshments are served. (www.merleburl.com)
WeGo Drama at West Chicago Community High School presents the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, “Cinderella”-the Broadway Edition. Performances are at 7:00 p.m. Friday, May 4, and Saturday, May 5, 2018, in Weyrauch Auditorium, 326 Joliet Street. The ticket price is $5 for students and $8 for adults. Tickets are available on-line at www.wegotheatre.com or at the door. The story is based on the classic tale, but with an updated book for twenty-first century. It is filled with humor, a beautiful score and fantastic production elements.
The cast and crew are Abby Carr, Kenneth Correa, Dylan Davidson, Andres Espinoza, Ricky Geiser, Emma Hart, Emily Heath, Sammy Incrocci, Sarah Lighthiser, Luke Madden, Jay Ratphimpha, Yori Alarcon, Grecia Bahena, Jeremy Belingon, Kaylee Borja, Nathan Bradley, Andrew Brady, Emily Carroso, Ryan Castiglia, Eric Coss, Andres Espinal, Delaney Flynn, andAlexia Goutanis.
Others are Mandy Gove, Ben Hueber, Megan Kordik, Noemi Lara, Adrienne Loeli, Eli Manspeaker, Rudolfo “Jr” Mares Ramirez, Garrett Martin, Evy McLean, Amanda Metzger, Audrey Miller, Flora Thian Nei, Rachel O’Donnell, Gavin O’Keefe, Yoshi Pena, Latanya Phillips, Emily Pietura, Britney Prebis, Sean Renwick, Jeri Rethford, Sara Richert and Delaney Ringe.
The cast and crew also includes Neve Ryan, Citalli Santiago, Noah Schuning, Maddie Shwatal, Sarah Solver, Mikayla Vicente, Kyle Walsh, Leah Wheatley, Nora Zamora, Noah Zieche, and Hannah Bramos, Krissi Braun, David Brown, Jack Gillespie, Nathan Hiltner, Sarah Hurley, Abbie Lundblad, Jamie Mazurski, Kelly Mazurski, Madysen Simanonis, Natalie Thompson and Daniel Weber.
Mark Begovich is the director. Music direction is by Brandon Fantozzi. James Wallace is the orchestra director. Choreography is by Nancy Bocek. Technical direction is by Chris Jensen. Costume design is by Lauren Roarke. Make-up and hair is by Jaime Elza, Samantha Rebmann, and TCD Cosmo Club.
The music is by Richard Rodgers with lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II. The new book is by Douglas Carter Beane. The original book is by Oscar Hammerstein II. Orchestrations are by Danny Troob. Music adaptations and arrangements are by David Chase. Additional lyrics are by Douglas Carter Beane, David Chase, and Bruce Pomahac. Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” is produced by special arrangement with and materials are supplied by Rodgers and Hammerstein Theatricals. (www.merleburl.com)
WeGo Run, sponsored by the Leman Middle School teachers, begins at 8:00 a.m. Saturday, May 5, 2018, at Leman Middle School, 238 East Hazel Street. The race includes a 5K run/walk, a 10K run, a one-mile run for youth 8 to 14, and a 100-yard Dash for children age 8 and under. Start times are 8:00 a.m. for the 5K /10K, 9:45 a.m. for the 1 miler and 10:15 a.m. for the Kiddie Dash.
Registration fees for the 5K and 10K are $30; in the 10 K, $10 for students; in the 5K $5 for district students; $10 and $1 for District 33 students for the one mile run; and no charge for the dash, but pre-registration is required. Proceeds benefit athletic programs at the district schools. The top overall female and male runners and the top three finishers in each age group receive medals and awards. Dash participants receive ribbons. Registration forms are available online at www.wegorun.org.
There also is food, entertainment, and multiple booths promoting local vendors and services relating to health and wellness. Food includes basic breakfast vittles such as fruit, water, milk, juice, breakfast burrito; sandwiches, plus popcorn and pretzels. The disc jockey is DJ Jazzy Jeff, one of the tech people at LMS and has been the DJ the last few years. The face painters are the Glitters Girls, a group of girls at the school that promote well-being among female students in the middle and elementary schools.
The DuPage Veterans Foundation hosts the Seventh Annual Honor Flight fundraiser to honor World War II and Korean War veterans and raise funds for one flight for WWII and Korean veterans to fly to Washington D.C. It takes place from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Saturday, May 5, 2018, in the Calamos Hanger at DuPage Airport, 2700 International Drive. The program begins at noon with a catered lunch of barbecue and Italian food. The patriotic program includes Naperville Highland Guard Bagpipers, Naperville Big Band plus a headline performance of popular and patriotic songs. On display are historic war vehicles and airplanes, vintage military uniforms and other memorabilia. The price is $30 in advance, $40 at the door and $15 for children under 12, $20 at door. All WWII and Korean War veterans, and active duty military are free. To order tickets or make a donation by mail, make the check payable to DuPage Veterans Foundation, and mail to the foundation, P.O. Box 299, Wheaton, IL 60187. If ordering tickets, indicate how many and include your address. To order on line, visit the website http://dupageveteransfoundation.org.
For information, call (630) 614-4533 or email donations@dupageveteransfoundation.org. As a side note, in the past five years, the event has raised more than $240,000 to support many Honor Flights.
West Chicago Historical Society Kruse House Museum, 527 Main Street, opens for the 2018 summer tour season. Hours are from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Saturdays, beginning May 5 and ending September 29. The special exhibit is “A Tip of the Hat.” Some are from the Kruse House collection and others are on loan from persons in the community. Call Joan Conkright at (630) 231-2329 for more information.
The 41st Annual 80 & Over Party, sponsored by the West Chicago Park District, is at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, May 6, 2018, at the ARC Center, 201 West National Street. In addition to the camaraderie of the event, desserts and beverages are served. Families and friends of the honored guests are welcome to attend the event. The video-taped for the “Words of Wisdom Project” last year will be played. There is no charge, but pre-registration is required and may be made by calling (630) 231-9474.
The West Chicago Park District monthly social for senior citizens is at noon Thursday, May 10, 2018, at the ARC, 201 West National Street. This month’s event is an “Open House Special.” Persons bringing a guest who has not attended a social between May 2017 and May 2018, receive a coupon for a discount on the next program or trip with the park district. The menu is Italian beef with French bread and sweet and hot peppers. Persons attending bring a dish to share and a complete place setting. Registration is due by Friday, May 3 and may be made on line at www.we-goparks.com or in person at the ARC. Persons bringing an invited guests should register them at the same time.
In partnership with Cantigny Park, the League of Women Voters of Wheaton hosts a Civics Awareness program Thursday, May 10, 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 a question and answer session. The topic is US Supreme Court. Complimentary coffee and dessert are served. Registration is required for the free program. To register visit www.wheatonlwvil.org.
Steve Schwinn, Constitutional Law Professor at John Marshall Law School, discusses major issues facing the US Supreme Court. Schwinn teaches, writes, speaks, and practices on issues related to constitutional law, comparative constitutional law, and human rights. He co-edits the Constitutional Law Prof Blog and writes regularly for the ABA Preview of United States Supreme Court and other publications. He previously taught at the University of Maryland School of Law. Prior to teaching, Schwinn was assistant general counsel at the Peace Corps.
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.
Hawthorne’s Backyard Bar & Grill, 1200 West Hawthorne Lane, hosts its annual Backyard Golf Outing, Saturday, May 12, 2018. The shotgun start is at 8:30 a.m. at Pheasant Run Golf Club, 4051 Main Street in St. Charles. The $100 charge includes golf, cart, driving range at the golf course, followed by the pig roast at the restaurant. There is a $10,000 hole in one prize. The proceeds benefit Boy Scout Troop 33. The funds will be used for outdoor education and activities. The name of the winning team is engraved on the annual golf outing plaque. For further information or to register, call (630) 293-6700 or at Hawthorne’s. (www.merleburl.com)
Artéculture, under the auspices of West Chicago Cultural Arts Commission, takes place 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Friday, May 18, and throughout the Blooming Fest activities from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Saturday, May 19, 2018, at Kindred Coffee, 148 West Washington Street. The two-dimensional work such as paintings, photographs, drawings, prints, mixed medias, computer art, stained glass and fiber must be ready to hang. Preferred are framing with wire and eye hooks. Also sculpture and crafts are eligible for entry. The registration fee is $5 for each piece of work with a limit of two per artist. Proceeds support Commission sponsored art projects and programming throughout the year.
All artists must sign a Waiver of Responsibility for the artwork and a Hold Harmless Waiver for their participation upon drop off. Work must be delivered from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, May 17, 2018 to Gallery 200, 103 West Washington Street, and picked up from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. Saturday, May 19, at Kindred Coffee.
Persons interested in exhibiting their artwork should visit https://form.jotform.com/80805854118156. For further information, or to arrange for different drop-off and pick up times, email cultural@westchicago.org.
Applications are being accepted for the Sixth Annual Miss Mexican Heritage Scholarship Pageant. Requirements for the entrants include being between the ages of 17 and 22, residency in DuPage County, bilingual in English and Spanish, good academic standing and have one parent of Mexican authenticity. The young women must be able to attend mandatory workshops, classes, practices and events. The queen wins a $1,000 scholarship and first and second runners up receive $750 and $500 respectively. For more information, visit the website www.mccdupage.org or email mccdupage@gmail.com. (www.merleburl.com)
Father Henry Wilkening passed away at the age of 97 Tuesday, April 17, 2018.
It is a sure sign of spring. Ice Freez (Tastee Freez), 122 Fremont Street, is open!
Michael Musson was elected Chairman of the Wayne Township Republican Organization. He is the Assessor for Wayne Township.
Hannah Young, a sophomore at Wheaton Academy, won the top prize of $1,000 in the IL Realtors Bicentennial Scholarship contest, “Home is Where the Heart Is”. Her essay was “The Special Role My Childhood Home Had in My Life.” There were 450 entries in the contest.
Robert and Rosemary Mackey celebrated their 40th Wedding Anniversary Sunday, April 15, 2018.
At the Monday, May 16, 2018 meeting, City Council approved a funding agreement with Mexican Cultural Center. The City will provide financial support in the amount of $12,000 for Mexican Independence Day Festival to be held Saturday and Sunday, September 15 and 16, 2018. The City also will equally match the amount of cash donations the MCC raises in excess of $2,000, not to exceed $8,000. The City’s total maximum contribution shall not exceed $20,000.
Council also approved the final development plan for the construction of 782,624 square-foot industrial building of Suncast on 39 acres. The interior layout of the building will be 99 percent warehousing. There will be 60 total truck docks anon with 100 semi-trailer parking spaces. The 44-foot-tall building will be made from pre-cast concrete walls with varying architectural features to help break up the large wall expanse.
Also approved was a facade program agreement with Primo Insurance, 522 Main Street, in the amount of $1,780.12 for the installation of an illuminated channel letter wall sign.
Council approved a Wireline Crossing Agreement with the Union Pacific for the installation and maintenance of security cameras at the Metra Station site.
As of Monday, April 9, 2018, Lea DeLuca is the new principal at Leman Middle School. She has been with West Chicago Elementary School District 33 for three years, serving as assistant principal at LMS, and for the last two years as Coordinator for Teaching and Learning. DeLuca completed her undergraduate degree at DePaul University, where she studied K-12 Education and Spanish. She received her Master of Education degree in Educational Leadership from National Aurora University. She currently is pursuing her doctorate through Aurora University in Educational Leadership with a Superintendent endorsement.
My email address is merleburl@earthlink.net.