The West Chicago Rotary Club hosted a luncheon for new West Chicago Community High School teachers Friday, August 10, 2018, at Cantigny Golf. In tote bags donated by Republic Bank, Western DuPage Chamber of Commerce provided welcome and informational packages for the teachers. Included were packets, certificates and small gifts from various Chamber members.
Mayor Ruben Pineda said he was a graduate of the high school. “It is a wonderful school. The career you have chosen has a big impact in the world. You prepare the youth for life’s challenges. West Chicago is a community with a diverse heritage and culture. Our Parks, Museum and Library can help you better understand the cultures of the students.”
Western DuPage Chamber of Commerce CEO/President David Sabathne said, “You teachers are teaching students for careers that do not exist yet. It is your responsibility to teach them how to learn by continual learning. Then they know how to like change with a positive spirit.”
Tom Tawney, a board member of Mexican Cultural Center DuPage, said, “Our mission is to promote and maintain the historical parts of Mexican culture through the history of the railroads in West Chicago and the celebration of Mexican Independence Day. The mariachi band at Leman Middle School is one of the best in DuPage County.” He went on to talk about the merits of the West Chicago Public Library and the local Gallery Theater.
City Special Events Coordinator Bethany Bayci talked about the special fests in the community and the Local Government Academy.
Rotary Club president Omar Espinosa described some the activities in which the Club is involved. These included the High School Interact Club, the collection of hats and gloves for those in need, working with the local food pantry, Octoberfest and scholarships.
Dr. Doug Domeracki , Superintended Community High School District 94, said, “A connection between the community and the schools is so very important. We collectively work together.”
New teachers are Steve Aiello, Leslie Fireman and Kelsey Wirkus, Language Arts; Lindsey Befus , Science; Emily Kordick and Jared Perez, Math; Katherine Halpin, Cheryl Marshall and Emily Trowbridge, World Language; Heather Igelman, Conor, Zaputil and Jack Rustman (Head Football Coach), Physical Development; Raymond Walsh, Career Tech and Education.
Other teachers and staff are Chad Coleman, Mark Peterson and Jennifer Walker, Special Education; Richard Mlot, Special Education Program Assistant; Lori Ross, Special Education Personal Care Assistant; Tracy Eier, Counselor; Kara Kroculick and Lindsay Maxson, Social Workers; Mallory Miller, Psychologist; Allie Torres, Speech/Language Pathologist; and Audrey Drane, Custodian.
AROUND AND ABOUT
The first day of school for West Chicago Community High School is Wednesday, August 15, 2018.
West Chicago City Museum Historiography program, a non-fiction book reading group, is at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, August 16, 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 Great Halifax Explosion: A World War I Story of Treachery, Tragedies, Extraordinary Heroism” by John U. Bacon. 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, August 16, 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 “Challenges Facing Education in the 21st Century.” 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.
The speaker is Paul Vallas, the former CEO of Chicago Public Schools. He also is the former CEO of the School District of Philadelphia, and former Superintendent Bridgeport Public Schools and the Recovery School District of Louisiana.
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, Mary Macaroni performs at 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 17, 2018. With magic tricks, shake shakers and dance with scarves along with rockin’ tunes, she entertains children and their families. Persons bring their own lunch and beverage.
It is time for the community pep rally at the Ninth Annual Wildcat Sports Festival, Blue and White Night, Friday, August 17, 2018, at West Chicago Community High School, 326 Joliet Street. The festivities, which showcase the school’s fall athletic programs, begin at 3:30 p.m. and end with the varsity football scrimmage around 8:00 p.m. In addition to football, the athletic teams include cross-country, golf, boys’ soccer, girls swimming, girls’ tennis, and girls’ volleyball.
Although most activities are in Memorial Stadium, some take place in the pool area and Bishop Gym. The event includes athletic scrimmages, Corn Boil by Lootens Steam Engine, team recognition, raffles, concessions, Spirit Wear sales, the pom poms and cheerleading squads and the Wildcat Marching Band. To see the schedule, www.d94.org, click on calendar of events. For more information, email WCCHS Athletic Director Doug Mullaney at dmullaney@d94.org or call (630) 876-6290.
Healthy West Chicago and WeGo Together for Kids host a Back-to-School event Saturday, August 18, 2018, at Reed-Keppler Park, 129 West National Street. Registration for the 5K Fun Run is at 7:00 a.m., the race starts at 8:30 a.m., followed by the Kiddie Dash. The cost is $25 for adults, $20 for West Chicago residents and $10 for students. To register, visit raceroster.com/events/2018/17880/back-to-school-fun-run-and-kiddie-dash. Persons must register by Monday, July 29, to receive a t-shirt. The Fun Run Award Ceremony is at 10:30 a.m. All proceeds from the race will be used for Healthy West Chicago sustainability and continuation of community programming for West Chicago residents.
Following the awards ceremony, the Back-to-School Supply event, sponsored by WeGo Together for Kids, takes place inside the ARC, 201 West National Street, and is only for residents of West Chicago Elementary School District 33.
The West Chicago business, The Kitchen Table, conducts food demonstrations of How to Pack a Healthy Lunch and Healthy Snack Ideas. The business is a family owned and operated catering company, which also has cooking classes for children.
Western DuPage Special Recreation Association leads the Games on the Lawn, silly games for all ages.
St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 North Prince Crossing Road, holds a Garage Sale from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday, August 18 and 19, 2018. Proceeds benefit the church.
First United Methodist Church of West Chicago, 463 East Washington Street, hosts a Blessing of the Animals at 10: a.m. Saturday, August 18, 2018.
Wayne Township, 27W031 North Avenue, hosts its annual Reuse/Recycle.Shred event from 10:00 a.m. to noon, Saturday, August 18, 2018. Items accepted include cell phones, eyeglasses, hearing aids, inkjet and laser jet cartridges, tattered American flags, textiles such as towels, linens, clothing, belts and shoes. These can be reusable or non-reusable. The paper shredding is limited to Wayne Township residents. For further information, call Cindy at 630-7140.
Maggie Capettini, Education Director at West Chicago City Museum, is a participant in the juried art show at the Morton Arboretum Wine and Art Walk from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, August 18 and 19, 2018. The walk takes place on Meadow Lake Trail, north of the Visitor’s Center, 4100 Route 53 in Lisle. (www.merleburl.com)
“Dance the Day Away!” is the theme Saturday, August 18, 2018, at Turtle Splash Water Park in Reed-Keppler Park. Beginning at 2:00 p.m., the Janet Dance Team offers some line dancing.
A fundraiser for Steve Wilson age 47, is at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, August 19, 2018, at Silver Spur Ranch, 45W223 Lees Road in Maple Park. He has been diagnosed with Bile Duct Cancer and needs a liver transplant. The cost is $25, $10 for children age 12 and under. The event includes food, games and raffle prizes. To order tickets go to PAYPAL.ME/WILSONFUNDRAISER/25. All proceeds go to fund medical and liver transplant expenses. Wilson has been an employee of the City of West Chicago for 23 years and currently is on leave undergoing radiation and chemo treatment at Robert H. Lurie Cancer Center in Chicago. He is a former resident of our community, graduating from West Chicago Community High School in 1989.
Faith Community Church, 910 Main Street, hosts a Summer Bash Block Party at 5:00 p.m. Sunday, August 19, 2018. The event includes bouncing castles, games, walking tacos and ice cream.
The Installation of Steve Bult as the 39th Head of the School of Wheaton Academy is at 7:00 p.m. Monday, August 20, 2018, in the Fine Arts Center 900 North Prince Crossing Road. A dessert reception follows the service.
West Chicago Garden Club meeting is Thursday, August 23, 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 program is at 7:15 p.m. The speaker is Beth Botts, a featured writer in the garden section of the “Chicago Tribune.”
WeGo Drama at West Chicago Community High School begins its 2018-19 season with the play “Stargirl” by Y. York, based on the novel by Jerry Spinelli. Performances are at 7:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday, August 24 and 25, 2018, in Weyrauch Auditorium, 326 Joliet St. This show is student directed by Rudy Muñoz and Ryan Castiglia. Performances are August 24 and 25 at 7 p.m. Ticket price is $10. Tickets are available at wegotheatre.com or at the door.
The show follows Leo Borlock in his junior year of high school. When new girl Stargirl comes, his life is completely turned around. She brings new energy, breathing life into the halls of the school.
Members of the cast and crew are Abby Carr and Nora Zamora, Gerardo Avila, Grecia Bahena, Emily Carroso, Evy McLean, Audrey Miller, Liz Ryan, Neve Ryan, David Brown, Mikail Herrera and Sabrina Lutfiyera. Student directors are Rudy Muñoz and Ryan Castiglia. Scenic design is by Chris Jensen. (www.merleburl.com)
Republic Bank, 101 Main Street, holds a free Paper Shredding event from 10:00 a.m. to noon, Saturday, August 25, 2018. Limit of five boxes per person. Also persons can bring donations of clothing, household goods and furniture for St. Vincent’s, who will have its truck on site.
The City of West Chicago and DuPage Airport Authority host the Second Annual Back to School Celebration featuring WGN-TV and WGN Radio Chicago from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 28, 2018, at DuPage Airport, 2700 International Drive. Youths meet Mayor Ruben Pineda, West Chicago Fire Protection District firemen, West Chicago Police Department policemen, FAA Air Controllers, Flight Instructors, Civil Air Patrol Fox Valley Squadron and Boy Scouts Three Fires Council. Activities include touring a mobile command center, climbing into airport maintenance and snow removal vehicles, experiencing CAP flight simulators and visiting WGN’s Skycam 9 Helicopter, plus seeing a vintage Stearman aircraft and military planes. There are refreshments and prizes. For further information or to make a reservation for the free event visit, visit www.dabacktoschool.eventbrite.com. (www.merleburl.com)
The City of West Chicago is holding a Local Government Academy. Adrian Marquez, City Outreach Specialist, said, “The purpose is to provide Latino middle and high school students an in-depth understanding of the working functions of the City, as well as to examine issues affecting City residents. The program also aims to promote civic leadership and participation amongst West Chicago Latino youth.”
The eight sessions are from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Thursdays, starting September 12 and ending November 1, 2018, at City Hall, 475 Main Street. The inaugural program is aimed at a high school juniors and seniors. Students interested in the program need to submit an application by Friday, August 30, 2018, to Adrian Marquez by dropping them off at City Hall or by emailing AMarquez@westchicago.org. With the submission of the application, the students need to first identify as Latino, submit a one-page typed statement stating the reasons for interest in the program and who they want to engage and serve in the community in the future.
In addition to featured speakers, who are personnel from City departments and community partners, there are field trips to various City facilities. After each presentation by the featured speakers, there is a question and answer opportunity for the students. Students are to complete a short reflection/evaluation on the session topic and speaker. All sessions are conducted in English.
Session 1 is “Welcome” and “What’s the Big Deal?” An Introduction to Local Government; Session 2, “The Big Picture” by City Administration; Session 3, “Connecting our Community” by Administrative Services; Session 4, “How to Build a Better Community” by Community Development; Session 5, “Public Safety and the Community” by Police; Session 6, |“Roads, Bridges, Land and Water” by Public Works; Session 7, Tour of Water Plant and Waste Water Treatment Facility by Public Works; and Session 8, “What’s Next?” with Civic Engagement / Leadership / Presentations. (www.merleburl.com)
The First United Methodist Church has an opening for a group to provide dinner and lunch fixings for PADS guests the third week of each month, October through May, eight times per season. (only 8 times per season).
Dinner can be provided any way that works for the group, such as cooking at the Methodist Church, cooking at home or at volunteer’s church and transporting, or ordering from a restaurant.
Lunch fixings include lunch meat, sliced cheese, bread, water bottles, fruit, chips, and a sweet treat. They can be in bags, ready to go, or can be assembled by the overnight volunteers. For more information or to volunteer, call the Church office at (630) 231-3344.
Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Arturo Flores-Varges, who at the age of 67 passed away Saturday, August 11, 2018.
New officers of the West Chicago Lions Club are Dan Czuba, President; Don Voelz, 1st Vice President; and Omar Espinosa, Treasurer.
The West Chicago Fire Protection District adds a new member to its crew, Brinx, a seven-month old black German Sheppard. To achieve their Federal Emergency Management certifications, the K-9 Search and Rescue Dog and his trainer Firefighter/Paramedic Todd Bassegio have been undergoing extensive training for the last four and a half months. They are assigned to Illinois Task Force 1 for their training and will become full team members once they receive the FEMA certification. Assistant Chief Tim Leidig said, “We are very proud to have received assistance for Brinx through Chewey, Inc., who donated two kennels and Fromm who is helping with food supplies for Brinx. We also are asking for assistance from several other pet agencies to assist with his training needs and care.” (www.merleburl.com)
At the Monday, August 6, 2018 meeting, City Council approved several infrastructure contracts. One was for the 2018 Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project for the amount of $618,470 to Kenny Construction Company in Northbrook. According to the item summary, the program consists of rehabilitation through the use of trenches technologies to address structural defects and infiltration problems. The project consists of approximately 15,830 lineal feet of sanitary sewer lining on segments of the City’s existing sewer mains within the area generally bounded by the Wisconsin Central tracks, Route 59, Washington Street and Grand Lake Boulevard, plus the area known as the Alta Vista subdivision.
Also approved was a contract for the 2018 Wastewater Treatment Plant Roof Replacement Project in the amount of $423,000 to Knickerbocker Roofing and Paving Co., Inc. from Harvey. The project includes replacement of roofs for both the Digester Building and the Sand Filter Building.
Council approved a contract for the 2018 Generator Maintenance Program in the amount pf $35,071 to Illini Power Products Company from Carol Stream. The item summary states, “At several of the City’s well stations, sanitary sewer pump stations, the Water Treatment Plant and the Police Station, the City maintains emergency power back-up generators, along with two portable emergency power back- up generators.”
Approved was a contract for the 2018 Fire Hydrant Painting Program in the amount of $38,750 to Go Painters, Inc. from Maywood. Approximately 500 fire hydrants are to be painted.
Council approved the purchase of a 2018 Schwartze Model A9 Monsoon Regenerative Air Street Sweeper for the amount of $275,256 from R.N.O.W., Inc. from West Allis, Wisconsin. Per the item summary, from April through November, the street sweepers are used nearly every day to remove debris from the streets. It is the goal of the Public Works Department to sweep every street in the City weekly
Also approved was the sale of the City’s property at 727 Wendall Street for the price of $13,000. A second resolution authorized the sale of another nine vacant parcels owned by the City.
With a 9-2 vote, City Council denied the waiver of a request to the Appearance Code Requirements for staining the exterior of the building located at 1905 Franciscan Way. Voting no were Ward 2 Alderman Heather Brown and Ward 5 Alderman Kurt Meissner. Absent from the meeting were Ward 3 Alderman Jayme Sheahan and Ward 4 Alderman Sandy Dimas. Cima Developers are the new owners of the property and business at the existing BP gas station. Cima Developers wanted to stain the brick facade of the exiting building from an orange-red color to charcoal gray. The stain would only encompass the brick, but the other stone and concrete masonry features would remain as they exist. The staining request is part of a large makeover to the site that includes other improvements such as updating the exterior of the building and fueling canopy, replacing all of the exterior lighting, replacing car wash equipment and fuel pumps, updating the landscaping adding a new restaurant where the former Subway was located and the addition of an outdoor seating area. The applicant felt the brick staining was an integral and important aspect to the rebranding. According to the item summary, The applicable part of the code “prohibits any exterior brick or stone surfaces from being painted is intended to prevent potential long-term maintenance and degradation issues associated with continual repainting/restaining of brick or stone exteriors or preventing damage to the masonry if the paint/stain must ever be removed. The Appearance Code regulations are intended to promote high quality, cohesive developments that will enhance the overall long term appearance of the City.” The ordinance that prohibits the painting of brick was adopted in January 2005.
Porcayo & Associates Realty, 520 Main Street, held a ribbon Cutting and Open House Saturday, August 11, 2018. The owner is Pedro Porcayo. Assisting at the ribbon cutting were City Clerk Nancy Smith, Ward 2 Alderman Heather Brown and Ward 4 Alderman Melissa Ferguson. In his 22 years in the real estate business, Porcayo has received many production awards in the West Chicago Region, including Top Producer and named one of the Top 250 Latino Real Estate Agents by Inman.com in 2012. (www.merleburl.com)
At the Party in the Park event Saturday, August 11, 2018, Winners of The Amateur Grill Off, sponsored by Wal-Mart in St. Charles, were Jerry Strickland from Justice, first place; Frank Lenertz and Paula Sabatino, second place; and Keith Coiley, third place. The judges were Chef Cherise Slattery of Hazelnuts Market in St. Charles, West Chicago Police Sergeant Eugene Samuel and Ward 6 Alderman George Garcia.
My email address is merlburl@earthlink.net.