West Chicago Lions Club hosted its 53rd Annual New Teachers Luncheon Wednesday, August 15, 2018, at St. Andrews Golf & Country Club. Attending were teachers and staff from Benjamin School District 25 and West Chicago Elementary School District 33.
Western DuPage Chamber of Commerce provided welcome and informational packages in bags provided by Republic Bank. Included were packets, certificates and small gifts from various chamber members. Lion Sterling Price led the Pledge of Allegiance. Reverend Kevin Sampson, pastor at Renewal Church, gave the invocation. Lions Club President Dan Czuba welcomed the new staff to West Chicago. Mayor Ruben Pineda said the Lions Club long-standing tradition of welcoming new teachers to our school districts is an important one and an indication of the Club’s commitment to education and community outreach. He mentioned he was a Turner School Tiger. “Teachers make all other careers possible.” He advised them to explore the City’s Parks, Library, ARC, prairies, museums and public art gallery.
Lori Chassee, Lions Global Leadership Team Coordinator/Regional Zone Chairman, presented an overview of the Lions Club, internationally, nationally, district-wide and locally. “The Lions Clubs are the largest service clubs in the world with 147 million members. Locally the Club is involved in many community events, support veterans, donated $40,000 to Neighborhood Food pantries, plus is involved with mission of hearing and sight of both adults and youth.” She stressed that if teachers see a child who needs help in these areas reach out to the Lions Club for assistance.
Dr. Charles Johns, Superintendent of West Chicago Elementary School District 33, thanked the Lions Club for hosting the luncheon and welcoming the new teachers and administration to the community.
Currier School Principal introduced the new faculty. They are Leah Baumgart, Speech Pathologist, also at Gary School; Michelle Calderon, First Grade-Dual; and Laura Licata, Special Education Facilitator. Stephanie Drake, Principal at Gary School introduced the new teachers. They are Jody Bovey, GATE: Viannett Caballero, Second Grade-Dual; Antonio Garcia, Facilitator; Kathy Rodriguez, First Grade-Dual; and Melinda Velazquez, Kindergarten, Dual. Indian Knoll Principal Jennifer Tapia introduced the new teachers. They are Nohemi Herrera, Facilitator; Mindy Kolar, Media Specialist; Susanne Space, Facilitator; and Marisa Tarsa, Facilitator.
Gloria Trejo, Principal at Pioneer School introduced the new teachers. They are Diane Campbell, Third Grade, and Jorge Alfaro, Fifth Grade-Dual. John Rodriguez, Principal of Turner School introduced the new teachers. They are Diane Hernandez, Kindergarten-Dual-one way; Kate Scully, Instructional Coach; and Andrea Zitella, Instructional Reading Coach. Wegner School Principal Karen Apostoll introduced the new teachers. They are Laura Anderson, Media Specialist; Norma Chaparro, Third Grade-Dual; and John Nichols, Facilitator. Sandra Warner, Principal Early Learning Center, introduced the new teachers. They are Ashley Aparicio, Preschool Teacher at Trinity, Michelle Garcia and Ulloa Rubilar, Speech Pathologists. Enda Kelly is the Lead Teacher-Technology District.
Leman Middle School Principal Lea Delucca introduced the new teachers. They are Audrey Arias, Social Studies; Rachel Brown, Science; Jenny Brunke, Instructional Coach; Ellen Collins, Language/Literature; Jessica Del Alcazar, Physical Education; Lauren Finaldi Green, Bilingual; Scott Fisher, Language/Literature; Bridget Fleming, Speech/Language; Viviana Flores, Facilitator; Garriela, Psychologist; and Kelsee Gilleylen.
Others are Keith Kucera, Facilitator; Katherine Mayster, Instructional Coach; Eileen Niedoborski, Media Specialist; Emily Pavone, Facilitator; Adrienne Rufo, Literature; Emily Shire, Math; Maureen Smith, Special Education Specialist; Maureen Tully, Language; Sara Fisco, Science, and Maria Ramos Psychologist.
New Administrative staff members at Leman Middle School are Maggie Lay, Assistant Principal; Kevin Bulava, Assistant Principal; Antonio Diaz, Dean; and David Serpas, Dean. Jamee Kenney is the new Assistant Principal at Wegner School. In the District office, new staff members are Suzanne Nissen, Director of Student Services and Beth Walrath, Director of Assessment and Accountability.
Also attending the luncheon was Dr. Philip Erhardt from Benjamin School District 25. He is retiring at the end of this school year. He introduced Laura Pfanenstiel, Principal of Evergreen Elementary School, and Michael Fitzgerald, Principal of Benjamin Middle School. He introduced the new teacher Melissa Russell, Sixth Grade Math and Social Studies. (www.merleburl.com)
AROUND AND ABOUT
West Chicago City Museum hosts the Town Hall, a community gathering, at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 22, 2018, at The Shell in Reed-Keppler Park, 129 West National Street. The topic is Reed-Keppler Park. Persons attending learn some of the history of the Park and also can share their memories and stories.
The 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. She discusses dividing perennial plants, both common one and uncommon ones, highlighting the when, why and how factors. Botts is a featured writer in the garden section of the “Chicago Tribune,” plus “Chicagoland Gardening,” “Organic Gardening,” “Country Gardens” and other newspapers and magazines. She is the author of “Illinois, Indiana & Ohio Month-by-Month Gardening: What to Do Each Month to Have a Beautiful Garden All Year.” (www.merleburl.com)
Debbie and Jerry Juzwiak celebrate their 50th Wedding Anniversary, Thursday, August 23, 2018.
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, which will have its truck on site. (www.merleburl.com)
St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 North Prince Crossing Road, holds a bilingual worship service and Blessing of the Backpacks at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, August 27, 2018. Following this is a Church potluck and Ministry Fair. Each area has a table with information and service opportunities, plus there are games and tacos.
West Chicago Public Library District holds a Public Hearing for the Tentative Budget Appropriations at 6:45 p.m. Monday, August 27, 2018, in the main meeting room, 118 West Washington Street.
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 reservations, visit www.dabacktoschool.eventbrite.com. I went with my grandson last year and it was a fun and educational time for both of us.
West Chicago FOP Lodge 85 has a fundraiser Tuesday, August 28, 2018, at Chipotle Restaurant, 3821 East Main Street in St. Charles. Fifty percent of the proceeds are donated to Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics. Persons can bring in the flyer, show it on their smartphone or tell the cashier they are supporting the cause. To get a copy of the flyer, visit https://www.facebook.com/westchicagopolicedepartment/. (www.merleburl.com)
West Chicago Public Library District hosts a Scrapbooking Palooza at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 29, 2018, in the main meeting room, 118 West Washington Street. Attendees bring 4 inch by 6 inch photos. The Library provides the other needed supplies. To make a reservation, call adult services department at (630) 231-1552, extension 4.
Jon and Holly Work celebrate their Thirtieth Wedding Anniversary Monday, August 27, 2018.
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, August 29, 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.
Healthy West Chicago hosts a six week course, “Cooking Matters for Adults,” at 6:00 p.m. Tuesdays from September 4 through October 9, 2018, at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 North Prince Crossing Road. Led by team-taught volunteers and certified nutrition educator Laura Walsh, the classes are geared toward parents, and caregivers and cover meal preparation, grocery shopping, food budgeting and nutrition. After each class, participants take home a prize tailored to the class teachings. There also is an interactive Grocery Store Tour. Upon the completion of the course, participants receive a Certificate of Completion and a Grocery Gift Card. To make a reservation, visit www.eventbrite.com.
Along with Garden Works Project, Healthy West Chicago hosts “Cooking With Fall Produce.” The hour-long class takes place at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 5, 2018, in the Suburban Agriculture Resource Center, 103 West Washington Street. The class involves the uses, health benefits and cooking tips for a variety of vegetables and herbs. A hands-on cooking demonstration illustrates how to make a fall salsa and dip, plus samples of a hearty fall soup. Laura Walsh, a registered and licensed dietician/nutritionist presents the class.
First United Methodist Church of West Chicago, 643 East Washington Street, seeks a professional accompanist for Wednesday night rehearsals and Sunday morning services from September through May. To set an appointment for an audition, call (630) 379-4434.
Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Betty Jean Herman, who at the age of 87 passed away Wednesday, August 11, 2018.
Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Israel Marin, who at the age of 17 recently passed away.
Deepest sympathy to the family of Luis A. Guerrero, who at the age of 18 passed away Tuesday, August 14, 2018.
During the summer, ten West Chicago Community High School students in WeGo Global and their sponsors spent five days in the Dominican Republic. They worked along Costa Ricans in the rural villages of Cano Dulce and La Grua.
In Cano Dulce, the students planted banana trees to provide not only food for the community, but also to provide economic opportunity through sales. Using recycled bottles for insulation, they spent three days constructing an addition to a home. In the community of La Grua, students worked with local masons to hand mix cement for a permanent floor in the home of a gentleman who could not work due to health reasons. The students also had some time for a little recreation. They traveled to Cabarete, where they went swimming in the Caribbean Sea and snorkeled off the coast of Sosua.
Students were Vanessa Cortez, Amber Dotson, Jhoana Escalante, Rebeca Flores, Julisa Garcia, Julia Nosky, Grace Ramirez, Laura Rosales, Kyra Saflarski and Madeline Shwatal. Teacher sponsors are Maggie Haas and Sandy Wilson.
WeGo Global, a student-run club, is dedicated to helping other countries around the world tackle issues such as hunger, disease, shelter and education. (www.merleburl.com)
New faculty and staff at Wheaton Academy are Sam Schmidt, student teacher; Leah Dunlap, Social Studies; Kermit Ellison, Guidance Counselor; Dawn Hamm, Administrative Assistant to the Athletic Director; Madeline Hazel, English; Robert Johnson, Marketing Director; Ann Kwiakowski, French; Davona Reynolds, International/Student Services; Elliott Thompson, Faculty Support; and Caitlin Andrews, Operations Coordinator.
Diane and Mike Ferguson celebrated their 40th Wedding Anniversary, Sunday, August 19, 2018.
WeGo Community Market now is open from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Tuesdays in Leman Middle School, 238 East Hazel Street, Entrance 7. It is open for all West Chicago residents.
My email address is merleburl@earthlink.net.