Hats come in many types of styles, shapes and sizes, and this definitely is seen at “A Tip of the Hat,” the exhibit for the summer tour season at the Kruse House Museum (KHM), 527 Main Street. The KHM is a four-square American home, built for Fred and Bertha Kruse, and their daughter Celia. The exhibit includes hats from the Kruse House collection and ones on loan from persons in the community. Hours are from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Saturdays through September 29, 2018.
In the front parlor there are the frilly hats, usually worn by women when attending a more formal affair. Of course, the hats had to be stored safely, no squishing wanted, and the hat boxes sometimes are as elaborate as the hats. There also is a Russian hat. The living room features the hats of the Red Hat Society members and includes a miner’s hat with a detachable lamp, plus hats crocheted for cancer victims.
Viewing the funny hats in the library, one cannot help but smile. The array of hats in the dining room include a golf hat and one associated with a famous fictional detective, Sherlock Holmes.
No kitchen display would be complete without a Chef’s hat. Bringing back memories of a popular fad are the hats crocheted around beer can labels.
In Celia’s bedroom on the second floor, her hats are on the bed, dressers and nightstand. The master bedroom has some cloche hats. The bathroom displays many caps with insignias of sports teams to those of special events. The Captain Midnight hat is prominent in the children’s bedroom as is the well-known “Cat in the Hat” hat.
Not only is the Chicago & North Western Railway collector’s hat of Fred Kruse on exhibit, but also those of other occupations. There is a Civil War forage cap and reproduction Civil War Cap, a WWI cavalry hat, officer’s hat and helmet and a Bavarian hat with pins. Headwear of law enforcement personnel is seen with the police hat of West Chicago resident and retired police officer, Tom Fessler, and a police helmet. In the display case is the military-related headwear of West Chicago residents, Don and Nancy Smith. These are a Master Jumper hat, Green Beret, and past American Legion Commander hat. Nancy was the only woman elected commander of American Legion Post 300.
Other interesting headwear on display is the hat of a London street boy and the fingerless gloves. Also included are an official 2002 Olympics beret, hats for Afghanistan and China and an autographed cap and CD from the Mannerchor Dorfen Chorus, who performed in West Chicago and St. Charles during an exchange visit of the Sister Cities of West Chicago and Taufkirchen (Vils), Germany.
The exhibit certainly proves the saying, “There is a hat for every season,” plus every occasion, event and more. Remember every day can be a hat day.
AROUND AND ABOUT
Cheryl Lazopoulos teaches painting classes for children ages 8 through 12 at Gallery 200. 103 West Washington Street. Classes are from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday, July 19, Tuesday, July 24 and Thursday, July 26, 2018. All materials are provided. The charge is $10 per class. Children can register for a single class or all the classes. Registration is required and may be made at gallerytwohundred@gmail.com or at (630) 293-9550. This art series is supported in part through a People Made Visible art grant.
West Chicago City Museum Historiography program, a non-fiction book reading group, is at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, July 19, 2018, at the Museum, 132 Main Street. Guests can bring a lunch; dessert and a beverage are provided. The movie to be discussed is the first hour and a half of “WWI 100th Anniversary Collection.” Reservations are not required for this free program. For further information call the museum at (630) 231-3376 or email wegohistory@gamil.com.
In partnership with Cantigny Park, the League of Women Voters of Wheaton hosts a Civics Awareness program Thursday, July 19, 2018, in the McCormick House at Cantigny, 1S151 Winfield Road in Wheaton. Social time is at 6:30 p.m., followed by the program at 7:00 p.m. The topic is “Immigration – Untangling the Facts, History and Economics.” A question and answer session follows. Complimentary coffee and dessert are served. Tram service is available. Registration is required for the free program. To register visit www.wheatonlwvil.org. Parking is free.
Rob Paral of Paral and Associates, a consulting firm that helps philanthropic foundations, service organizations and government agencies understand the communities they serve through applied research methods, is the featured speaker.
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.
In the Kids Lunchtime Entertainment series at The Shell, Ken Shultz: The Flying Fool performance is at 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 20, 2018. The act consists of juggling, physical comedy humor and amazing stunts such as fire-eating, bowling ball juggling and balancing an eight-foot table on his chin. Persons bring their own lunch.
West Chicago Park District hosts a Tim James baseball and softball tournament Friday through Sunday, July 20 to 22, 2018 at Reed-Keppler and Pioneer Parks.
St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 North Prince Crossing Road, hosts a Bike-A-Thon Saturday, July 21, 2018. The six-mile ride is on the Prairie Path. Persons meet at 8:30 a.m. with the start time of 9:00 a.m. followed by a meal. Bikers must wear helmets. Donations support the ministry of St. Andrew. For further information, call the church office at (630) 231-3787. (www.merleburl.com)
Healthy West Chicago partners with Team Pineda for the Keep Moving Healthy West Chicago Community Walk at 9:00 a.m. Saturday, July 21. 2018 at Turner School, 750 Ingalton Avenue. It is a half hour walk.
“Dance the Day Away!” is the theme Saturday, July 21, 2018, at Turtle Splash Water Park in Reed-Keppler Park. Beginning at 2:00 p.m., the Janet Dance Team offers some line dancing.
With Reverend Sue Ebersold on vacation, there are different guest speakers at the 9:30 a.m. worship services at St. Michael’s United Church of Christ, 400 West Washington Street. The theme for the Sunday, July 22, 2018 service is “Celebrating the Fremont Food Pantry Project. Bob Dieckmann gives an informational talk about the Pantry Project. Barb Diekmann gives the sermon, “You’re Doing It Wrong.”
First United Methodist Church of West Chicago, 643 East Washington Street, holds its Vacation Bible School from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, July 23 to Friday, July 27, 2018. It is for children in preschool through fifth grade. With the theme of “Holy Kid Heroes,” activities include music, crafts and snacks, plus making own Super Hero costume. There is no charge. To register, call the church office at (630) 231-3344 of visit firstumcucc.org. (www.merleburl.com)
West Chicago Park District offers a Rules of the Road class at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 24, 2018, at The Ark, 201 West National Street. Teaching the course is an instructor from the Secretary of State’s Office. There is no charge, but reservations are needed and may be made in person at The Ark or online at www.we-goparks.com.
As part of its Small Business series, the West Chicago Public Library District holds Score: General Business Discussion Round Table at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 25, 2018, in the small conference room, 118 West Washington Street. Score Mentor George Safford, a West Chicago resident, is the moderator. It is geared for those starting a new business or owners of existing small businesses. To make a reservation, call the adult services department at (630) 231-1552, extension 4.
Heather from One Seed One Plant is the featured speaker at the GardenWorks program at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, July 26, 2018, at The Resource Center in the Gallery 200 building, 103 West Washington Street. Persons also can purchase plants. Attendees receive a free packet of seeds. To make a reservation, visit http://www.gardenworksproject.org/events.
The Second Annual Special Olympics Softball Game and Pig Roast is Sunday, July 29, 2018. The game between the West Chicago Police Department and West Chicago Fire Protection District is at 1:00 p.m. at Reed-Keppler Park, 241 West National Street. The firemen were the winners last year. Following the game is the Pig Roast at Hawthorne’s Backyard Bar & Grill, 1200 West Hawthorne Lane. The charge is $10. Other activities include 50/50 raffle, raffle, including tickets for 2018 Harley-Davison and Can-Am Defender HD5 all-terrain vehicle and, silent auction. All proceeds benefit the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Illinois. For further information, call Robbi Peterson at (630) 918-6326.
Gallery Theater presents the comedy, “Southern Fried Funeral,” by J. Deitz Osbourne and Nate Espler. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, August 3 and 4, and 10 and 11, 2018 and at 3:00 p.m. Sundays July 5 and 12, 2018, at Gallery Studio Theater, 129 Main Street. The ticket price is $16, $14 for senior citizens. To make a reservation, email GalleryTickets@gmail.com, visit the website www.Gallerytheaterstudio.org or call the box office at (630) 234-5919.
Dewey Frye is dead and the rest of his family is left to pick up the pieces — that is if they don’t kill each other first. Not only does matriarch Dorothy have to contend with sudden widowhood, but she’s also faced with church-committee harpy Ozella Meeks sticking her nose in the family business, Dewey’s snake-in-the-grass brother making a grab for her house, and two grown daughters reliving their childhood rivalry. Funerals bring out the worst, the best, and the funniest in people, and the Fryes are no exception.
The members of the cast are Ben Gritton, Carol Townsend, Carolyn Larsen, Gail Cannata, Jack Smith, Jami Johnson, Jim Knapp, Kas Hesek, Lynda Porter, R. Scott Purdy and Tom Ochocinski. The director is Gina Palmer.
The West Chicago Public Library District holds its first-ever library card design contest through Monday, August 13, 2018. This is part of the celebration of the library’s 25th Anniversary at its current location. Artwork categories are Youth, Teen and Adult. Prizes are awarded for each group, with the announcement taking place on Friday, August 31. The cards with the new design will be available mid to late September. The winners receive their awards at the Library’s gala Open House Friday, October 5, 2018. The contest guidelines are available at https://wcpld.info/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/LIBRARY-CARD-DESIGN-FLYER-FINAL-6-28.pdf.
The Splash Pad at Pioneer Park is repaired and ready for children to enjoy cooling off in the hot weather . It is available from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily. Enjoy! (www.merleburl.com)
At a special meeting Monday, July 9, 2018, Community High School District 94 Board of Education appointed Lauren A. Scanlan to the Board. She replaces Susan Gillespie, who resigned last month. Scanlan takes the oath of office in at the Tuesday, July 17, 2018 Board of Education meeting. Her term expires April 2019.
Scanlan teaches third grade at Winnebago Elementary School in Glendale Heights in Marquardt School District 19, and is currently principal of to the district’s K-8 summer school program. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education and Theatre from Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin and a Master of Education Administration from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona.
She is a volunteer with two youth organizations, helping students build leadership skills and complete community service.
Scanlan resides with her husband Eric and son Russell in Carol Stream. (www.merleburl.com)
The Cantigny Park golf ball, painted by West Chicago artist Pam Keller, won the public voting for “Best Ball Overall.” Keller and Jeff Reiter, Cantigny Park Senior Manager, Communications, received the award Monday, July 9, 2018, at an event held at Arrowhead Golf Club.
Keller was selected to paint the three-foot-diameter golf ball for Cantigny Park to display for the celebration and promotion of the US Senior Women’s Open Championship at Chicago Golf Club in Wheaton, the first 18-hole golf course in the country, not in Chicago. Working with Cantigny personnel, she worked on a design to highlight the park’s military connections, the gardens and the late Robert R. McCormick, who was the original owner. Keller is an art teacher at College of DuPage. (www.merleburl.com)
After months of discussion and investigation, the Church Council adopted a resolution June 3, 2018, finalizing a plan for St. Michael’s United Church of Christ to become the new host church for the food pantry operated by Neighborhood Food Pantries in West Chicago. The Risch-Dieckmann Family Foundation is purchasing an unoccupied building at 123 Fremont Street, in downtown West Chicago, and donating this property to St. Michael’s UCC. The legacy members of the First Congregational Church of West Chicago have generously committed to donate $240,000 to be used to renovate, improve, and equip the property for use as the Neighborhood Food Pantries new site. The Risch-Dieckmann Family Foundation also has committed to donate a minimum of $50,000 to fund the renovation project. Final acquisition of the property is scheduled for July 2018. Extensive repair and renovation work will begin soon. A grand opening is planned for some time in 2019. The 5,700 square foot building was built in 1955 and was one of West Chicago’s first modern supermarkets. The location also was the site of Parchment ‘n Quill, and most recently Cortez Bakery. (www.merleburl.com)
Di Giulio Exteriors/Interiors, 33W363 Roosevelt Road, held a Grand Opening for its new showroom Sunday, July 15, 2018.
The weather was hot and muggy for the 2018 Railroad Days parade, to say the least. Yet the parade participants marched with enthusiasm and smiles, encouraged by the sounds of appreciation from those watching the parade.
Music is always an important part of a parade and the Medinah Highlanders Pipe & Drum, West Chicago Community High School Marching Band, the Mariachi Los Rayos de Leman Middle School, and The Patriots, the home school band, and the Hornets Drum & Bugle Corps played a wide range of music.
For the Grand Marshal Award, the judges selected the float of the West Chicago City Museum for best depiction of the the theme of the parade, “One West Chicago: Many People, Many Cultures. ”The judges said, “The float quoted the main theme of the parade by depicting large scale photos of the history of the four cultures of immigrants and their involvement in the founding of West Chicago.”
Winning the Turner Award for the organization best depicting its services was West Chicago Sister Cities. “Their float told it all, what their organization does by displaying beautiful original women’s German dress wear in a nicely decorated float.”
All the youth groups were full of pep, however, the Heritage Award, which is for the youth organization showing its purpose, enthusiasm, and spirit, was a tie vote for the Mariachi LosRayos de Leman Middle School and WeGo Wildcats Special Olympics Club. Regarding the band, the judges said, “It was wonderful music played by youth of Mexican culture. They were fantastic! Each had different and unique instruments and were very talented!” As for the Special Olympics float, the judges stated, “These special athletes strive to achieve greatness by participating in sports and they are all winners! In addition to some members of the organization, the float had all the Illinois Summer Special Olympians on board, some have been participating in this group since it began and it was great to see them on the float! Their smiles and waves were genuine because they are so proud!” (www.merleburl.com)
In addition to its ice cream menu, the Freeze, formerly Tastee-Freez, now is serving hot dogs and Sloppy Joes. The address is 123 Fremont Street.
Niala Conte Boutique, 1250 West North Avenue, is now open. The store previously was located in Geneva for nine years. NC Glam & Barber Studio also has moved to this location.
My email address is merleburl@earthlink.net.