Clickety clack, clickety clack! Everything is back on track for the 45th annual Railroad Days Fest Thursday, July 7 through Sunday, July 10, 2016 at Pioneer Park, 479 West Forest Avenue. The fun event includes the carnival, entertainment, fireworks, food and parade. Free Shuttle bus service is available during hours of operation and a half hour after close time Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The shuttle stops are at West Chicago Community High School parking lots on Ann Street and Wood Streets. (See my pictorial webpage for map, www.merleburl.com)
Beginning Thursday, the carnival from North American Midway Entertainment provides rides with thrills and excitement for both adults and children. There also are games of chance and skill. Wristband specials for $25 are from 5:30 to 10:00 p.m. Thursday; from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. Saturday; and from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. Sunday. On Thursday and Sunday, there is no scheduled entertainment.
Vendors offer products, demonstrations and information. Local businesses and organizations participating are Boy Scout Troop 21, Family Chiropractic Glen Arbor Community Church, Republic Bank, North Avenue Dental Association, Power Boxing & Fitness, West Chicago Wildcat Football, Crystal Thomas-glow-in-dark items, and Neighborhood Food Pantry. West Chicago Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 85 along with Haggerty Ford sponsor “Dunk-A-Cop.” (See information elsewhere in the column).
The five food vendors provide an international flavor. Menu items include burritos, tacos, quesadillas, potato pancakes, and various types of brats, Gyros, and Italian Beef. Other food choices are hot dogs, corn on the cob, hamburgers, chicken tenders, pulled pork, corn dogs, nachos and pizza. On the sweet side are funnel cakes, Italian Ice, smoothies, non-alcoholic Piña Coladas and soft serve ice cream. The beer tent provides a shaded area to eat, drink, rest and mingle with friends.
Two bands highlight the entertainment Friday. Beginning at 5:00 p.m. is Redfield, a blues-rock quartet that is the culmination of vast musical influences to create an experience that is equal parts unique, fresh, and accessible to all listeners. Drawing from acts like John Mayer, Eric Clapton, Fleetwood Mac, the Civil Wars, The Beatles, and many others, the band focuses particular attention to the importance of the song and strives to enhance their appeal through the use of flowing musical arrangements, compelling lyrics, and dynamic three-part vocal harmonies. Members of the band are Brian Ellison, vocals and guitar; Erin Sabathne, vocals; Joe Scola, bass; and Brad Sabathne, drums. Performing at 9:00 p.m. is Tripping Billies, a Dave Matthews tribute band. Members of the band are Bill Dernery, lead guitar, vocals; Grant Chiouth, lead vocals, guitar; Jason Viluan, guitar; Kelsey Tarver, drums, Mendell Beckford, Bass; and Steve Schnall, saxophones and keys.
The special feature for Saturday is the fireworks show with a spectacular display of color at dusk. Who’s Who, a tribute to Who, opens the entertainment at 4:30 p.m. Members of the band are Alex Evans, bass; Wayne Garamoni, lead vocal; John Hackett, guitar; and Rob van Daal, drums. Taking the stage at 6:30 p.m. is Voyage, a rock and roll band specializing in songs from the 70s and 80s. Think Floyd, a Pink Floyd Tribute band, perform at 8:30 p.m. Members of the band are Eric Davies, guitar; Brian Calhoun, bass and vocal; Jan Bshner, guitar; Kyle Stong, keys; Jenny “Shamus” Bryers, saxophone; Keith DaProza, drums; Cheryl Jennison DaProza, vocal; Allison Wolcott, vocal; and Nicky Von, vocal.
Sunday the crowd-pleasing parade steps off at 1:00 p.m. from Elmwood Street and Ingalton Avenue. It proceeds on Ingalton to East Washington Street, then north on Arbor Avenue to Reed-Keppler Park on National Street.
The theme is “Everyday Olympians,” which honors the 2016 Summer Olympics and acknowledges the many citizens that participate in and support Senior Olympics, Academic Olympics, Wounded Warriors and Special Olympics. The Grand Marshals are Sean McComb, Tony Marin and David White, athletes in the WeGo Wildcats Special Olympics Club at West Chicago Community High School High School. McComb is the veteran State Champion Gold Medal winner for the softball throw, earning this in 2012. Martin and White worked very hard this winter to compete at the State level in weight lifting. Martin earned a Gold Medal in bench press, a Silver Medal in dead lift, and a Gold Medal for bench press/dead lift combo lifting a combined total of 400 pounds (150/250). White earned a Gold Medal in Squat, fourth place in bench press, a Gold Medal in dead lift, and Gold Medal for squat/bench press/dead lift combo lifting a total of 615 pounds (205/135/275).
The three award categories for parade participants are Grand Marshal for the float that best depicts the theme of the parade, Turner Award for the business or organization that best depicts its services and the Heritage Award for the youth group showing its purpose, enthusiasm and spirit.
Musical entries are the Tunes of Glory Pipes & Drums, the Patriots (West Suburban Home School Band), and the West Chicago Community High School Band. Local organizations, clubs and businesses are West Chicago Fire Protection District, American Legion Post 300 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6791 Color Guard, West Chicago Police Department and WCFPD Color Guard and VFW Post 6791 Ladies Auxiliary. The UPS Store, Power Boxing, Thorium Action Group, West Chicago Lions Club, West Chicago Park District, West Chicago Wildcats Youth Football, First United Methodist Church of West Chicago, West Chicago Sister Cities and Friends of West Chicago City Museum. Others are Kinder Care Learning Center, Knights of Columbus-Council 1555, West Chicago Youth Cheerleaders and Republic Bank/ Mexican Cultural Center of DuPage. Also participating are Wayne Township Road District, Wayne Township Republican Organization, Winfield Township elected officials, Winfield Township Republicans and Winfield Township Democratic organization.
As you enjoy the festival remember to thank the many individuals, businesses and organizations that make this event possible.
AROUND AND ABOUT
West Chicago Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 85 along with Haggerty Ford sponsor “Dunk-A-Cop” Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Pioneer Park during 2016 Railroad Days. The cost is $2 per ball or $5 for three balls. Proceeds benefit Special Olympics Illinois.
The Friday, July 8, action is from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Participants include Commanders Eric Shipman and Steve Laub, Sergeant Julio Calabrese, Officer Mike Rosenwinkel and Chief Mike Uplegger.
The time for Saturday, July 9, is from noon to 7:00 p.m. and mainly includes elected City officials with each scheduled for an hour in the tank. Ward 4 Alderman Sandy Dimas starts at noon, Ward 5 Alderman Kurt Meissner begins at 1:00 p.m., Ward 7 Alderman John Banas starts at 2:00 p.m., Ward 3 Alderman Laura Grodoski begins at 3:00 p.m. and Ward 4 Alderman Melissa Ferguson begins at 4:00 p.m. Mayor Ruben Pineda participates from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., followed by Police Chief Uplegger from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Sunday, July 10, the tank is open from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. with various police officers and personnel participating.
West Chicago resident Kathy Steere has artwork on display in two shows. As part of the Nature Art Guild, one display is Friday, July 8, through Friday, August 12, 2016 in the Kavanagh Gallery at the Fine Line Creative Center, 37W570 Bolcum Road in St. Charles. The artists’ reception is from 5:30 to 7:30 Friday July 15, 2016. Gallery hours are 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
The other show is the Batavia Quilt and Textile Show from Friday July 15, through Sunday, July 17, 2016 in Shannon Hall at Eastside Community Center, 14 North Van Buren Street. Hours are 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. Friday and from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Admission charge is $6 and $5 for senior citizens age 60 and over.
West Chicago Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 85 and West Chicago Park District co-host the Michael Browning Memorial Run to Remember 5K Run/Walk, and 1 Mile Fun Run Sunday, July 9, 2016, starting and ending at the ARC in Reed-Keppler Park. Medals will be awarded to the top two finishers (male and female) in each of six age categories. Runners’ times will be taken at the mile markers and results will be posted after the race. Age categories are 19 and under, 20 to 29, 30 to 39, 40 to 49, 50 to 59, and 60 and over.
The race fee is $30 for each runner/walker and $20 for each additional runner/walker in the same household. 1 Mile Fun Run registration fee is $15. Day of race registration increases $5 for each participant. To register visit the website www.racetime.info/ Race day registration opens at 6:30 a.m. with the race beginning at 7:30 a.m.
All proceeds benefit the Michael Browning Memorial Scholarship Fund to assist students pursuing a career in law enforcement or criminal justice. For more information contact the West Chicago Park District, Det. Robbi Peterson of the West Chicago Police Department at michaelbrowningmemorialfund@gmail.com or visit the Michael Browning Memorial Run to Remember Facebook page.
Persons who wish to make a donation only should make the check payable and mail to Michael Browning Memorial Fund, DuPage Credit Union, 625 E. Roosevelt Road, Wheaton, IL 60185.
Through a donation from Republic Bank, Healthy West Chicago is giving free Turtle Splash Water Park passes to the first 50 youths who sign up to walk in the Michael Browning Memorial Walk Saturday, July 9, 2016 at the ARC in Reed-Keppler Park. This is on a first come, first served basis. With the limited number of passes, each of the first families registering is allowed to receive three free passes. There is no charge to walk with Team Pineda. To reserve your attendance email Reginald.bass@outlook.com. Include the names of family members walking as there will be a sign in sheet at the registration table. Participants should be at the ARC by 7:00 a.m.
The 1860s Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad depot, 134 Turner Court, is open from noon to 4:00 p.m. Saturday, June 9, 2016. The depot houses exhibits of the railroad history of West Chicago, including a model of the Chicago & North Western roundhouse. There are several activities for children. The favorite one is making a paper railroad lantern.
A new Railroad Days event is a Bag Tournament Saturday, July 9, 2016 at Pioneer Park. The 20-team tournament begins at 12:30 p.m.
Poolside line dancing with the Janet Dance Team begins at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, July 9, 2016 at Turtle Splash Water Park.
Glen Arbor Community Church and New Life Bilingual Church host an Ecumenical service at 9:30 a.m. Sunday, July 10, 2016 in Pioneer Park.
Cristian Bitter is the guest speaker at the 9:30 a.m. Sunday, July 10, 2016 worship service at St. Michaels United Church of Christ, 400 West Washington Street. He is a student Chicago theology Seminar. Reverend Sue Ebersold is on vacation.
The meeting time of West Chicago Mosquito Abatement District is changed permanently to 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays, beginning July 12, 2016. The meetings are at the Winfield Township building, 130 Arbor Avenue.
West Chicago Public Library District offers a two-hour Microsoft Word computer class at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 12, 2016 in the study room, 118 West Washington Street. Involving basics, the class includes formatting text and documents, changing fonts, cut/copy and paste, using Spell Check and MS word terminology. To make a reservation call the adult services department at (630) 231-1552, extension 4.
The West Chicago Park District monthly social for senior citizens is at noon Thursday, July 14, 2016 at the ARC. To celebrate National Park & Recreation Month, the event includes hamburger cookout and chair balloon volleyball. VC Home Health Care, Inc. provides the dessert. Guests bring a dish to share and a complete place setting. Reservations for the free activity are due by Thursday, July 7, 2016 and may be made by dropping in at the ARC or online at www.we-goparks.org.
WeGo Drama at West Chicago Community High School kicks off their 2016-17 theater season with a special preview of an interactive family-friendly show to be performed this summer at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland. Performances are at 7:00 p.m. Friday, July 15, and at 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. Saturday, July 16, 2016 in Weyrauch Auditorium, 326 Joliet Street. There is no charge for this family-friendly production.
“Alan’s Awkward (Choose Your Own) Adventures” tells the story of a young boy named Alan who does not fit in with the rest of his class. He escapes into the world of stories in order to overcome his fears and phobias. What story does he choose? The audience decides the adventure he goes on and how he will solve his problems.
Drama teacher Mark Begovich, who wrote the play, is the director. Technical direction is by Christopher Jensen. (www.merleburl.com)
St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 North Prince Crossing Road, hosts a Bike-A-Thon Saturday, July 16, 2016. The route is approximately six miles on the Prairie Path. Meeting time is 8:30 a.m., departure is at 9:00 a.m. Participants can either ride bicycles or walk. Bicyclists must wear helmets. A meal follows the ride. T-shirts are available for purchase. Donations support the ministry of the Church. For further information, call (630) 231-3787. (www.merleburl.com)
In collaboration with the West Chicago Public Library District, West Chicago City Museum continues its Historiography program, a non-fiction book reading group. The discussion group meets at noon, Thursday, July 21, 2016 at the museum, 132 Main Street. Guests can bring a sack lunch; dessert and drinks are provided.
Instead of a book, the featured historical program is “Trail of Tears” a Native American Documentary Collection presented by Wes Studi and narrated by James Earl Jones. President Andrew Jackson’s Indian Removal Act of 1830 led to the forced removal of the Cherokee Nation to an area in present-day Oklahoma in 1838. Facing hunger, disease and exhaustion from the forced walk, more than 4,000 out of the 15,000 members of the tribe died. Copies of the DVD are available at the Museum and Library. Call the West Chicago City Museum at (630) 231-3376 for further information.
Both of the West Chicago veterans’ organizations hold Bingo as a fundraiser on a weekly basis. American Legion Post 300, 123 Main Street, games are on Fridays. Doors open at 5:00 p.m., games start at 7:00 p.m. Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6791, 431 North Neltnor Boulevard, games are Wednesdays. Doors open at 5:00 p.m., games start at 7:00 p.m. The Auxiliary games are Sundays. Doors open at noon, games start at 2:00 p.m.
Sincere sympathy is expressed to the family of Elroy W. Martins, who at the age of 94 passed away Monday, June 27, 2016.
Deepest sympathy is extended to the family of Elizabeth Marie (Brouwer) Loosli, who at the age of 32 passed away Wednesday, June 29, 2016.
Sincere sympathy is expressed to the family of Patricia “Pat” Gilliam, who at the age of 76 passed away Saturday, June 11, 2016.
Deepest sympathy is extended to the family of Gertrude P. “Trudi” Rise, who at the age of 95 passed away Thursday, June 30, 2016.
The West Chicago Fire Protection District retirement ceremony for Lieutenant Rick Michael and the promotion of firefighter Mike Korzen to Lieutenant took place Wednesday, June 22, 2016.
Michael was with the district for 40 years, starting out as a paid-on-call firefighter and becoming full time in 1978. He was the first president of the local firefighters’ union, West Chicago Professional Fire Fighters Association-IAFF Local 3970, established in 1999.
Michael said, “It was a great opportunity to be a firefighter. I always enjoyed coming to work. Most of all I will miss working with the people here and in the community.”
Commissioner Rex Van Winkle administered the oath office to Korzen. He has been with the District for 14 years.
Receiving recognition as new firefighters in the district were Nick Bulleri and Patrick Fogarty.
Fire Chief Pat Tanner said one of the goals in the strategic plan was to have a slogan for the district. “We now have one—“Our family protecting yours.” Eventually this will be on all WCFPD vehicles.
In the Photo Finish contest of the Neighbor section, the “Daily Herald” featured a photograph by West Chicago resident Marilyn Coletti. It was a picture of her garden.
Support our local businesses as they not only contribute to the community through taxes, but also generously contribute through monetary and in-kind donations to clubs, churches, organizations and schools.
Contributing to the League of Citizens and Residents Michoacanos Fourth of July event were Republic Bank, Ferny’s Beauty Salon, Farmers Insurance-Roberto Barrera, Taqueria El Ñero–previously El Rancho Restaurant, Porcayo Realty, and Wilson Street Wash.
My email address is merleburl@earthlink.net.