Fall is here, one of my favorite seasons. The temperatures are a little warm this year. However, looking out my window, I see the leaves on one of the trees changing color. I think with all the rain, it should be a colorful autumn. The activities held during this season are plentiful, some are the same, some have changed and others are new. All of them offer the opportunity for persons to get together and enjoy our community.
AROUND AND ABOUT
Healthy West Chicago celebrates World Heart Day from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, September 26, 2019, in the gymnasium at Gary School, 130 East Forest Avenue. In addition to a heart healthy dinner, activities include entertainment, awards, bicycle and activity tracker raffles.
West Chicago Garden Club meeting is Thursday, September 26, 2019, at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 North Prince Crossing Road. Social time is at 6:45 p.m., short business meeting at 7:00 p.m. and the program at 8:15 p.m. The program is the popular “Bulb Bingo” organized by Pauline Briggs. There are a variety of bulbs; each player goes home with a prize that gives them joy in their gardens for years to come. (www.merleburl.com)
Chris and Anita Singh celebrate their 35th Wedding Anniversary, Thursday, September 26, 2019.
For the first time since the summer hiatus, American Legion Post 300, 123 Main Street, holds Bingo Friday, September 27, 2019. Doors open at 5:00 p.m., games start at 7:00 p.m. The Fish Fry is from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. However, Bingo is now indefinitely suspended, due to a lack of volunteers. Friday, October 4, the Fish Fry and meals from the regular menus are served from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. with Whiskey Creek Band providing the entertainment from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. Elected to the Legion corporate board were Sam Rapisarda, Don Smith, Julia Doggett, Steve Doggett, Kevin Driscoll, Bill Birch and Diane Ferguson.
To open its 10th season, Gallery Theater, 129 Main Street, presents “The Man with Bogart’s Face” by Andrew J. Fenady. Remaining performances are at 7:30 p.m. Friday, September 27 and Saturday, September 28, and at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, September 29, 2019. Ticket price is $18, $16 for senior citizens. To reserve tickets, call (630) 234-5919, email GalleryTickets@gmail.com or go on line to gallerytheaterstudio.com.
In the good old days of radio, people had to use their imaginations and the mind was a stage. Those days are back only better because one can see as well as hear radio programs. A man whose identity the audience never knows has his face altered to look like Humphrey Bogart and is involved in a Maltese Falcon-type caper, like the old days when there were causes and dames and flags worth fighting for and “a fast-moving story with action and staccato dialogue that literally bring Bogart to life.” This is an old-time radio show with the actor’s versatility coming through with character voices. The audience knows there is a change of characters just by hearing the voice.
Members of the cast are Jean Austin, Nancy Braus, Brandon Michael Bunn, Sarah Knauf, Gary Murphy, Thomas Rieser and Lori Rohr. The director is Gail Cannata. (www.merleburl.com)
Winfield Township holds its Recycling Extravaganza from 9:00 a.m. to noon Saturday, September 28, 2019, at the Township Road District Facility, 30W575 Roosevelt Road. New this year is the collection of non-perishable food items for Neighborhood Food Pantries located in West Chicago. Recycling for old latex and oil-based paint is by Epaint Recycling Service, who accepts cash or credit card. The charges for latex paints are $1 for a one-quart can, $3 for a one-gallon can and $10 for a five gallon pail. Charges for oil-based paints are $4 for a one-quart can, $8 for a one-gallon can and $20 for a five gallon pail. PROSHRED Security provides on-site shredding of confidential paper documents. There is a limit of four banker boxes. DuPage County provided partial funding for this service. Among the acceptable miscellaneous items are cell phones, old flags, eye glasses, fire extinguishers, office furniture, clothing and musical instruments. Included among electronic items are computers, televisions, telephones and keyboards. Scrap metal items include gutters, metal hangers, metal lawn furniture, metal shelving, metal wheelbarrows and radiators. (www.merleburl.com)
West Chicago once again is participating in the Move with the Mayor Challenge, an initiative of the National Forum for Heart Disease & Stroke Prevention, in the month of September. The City of West Chicago and Healthy West Chicago are in partnership for this event.
The fourth and final walk is Saturday, September 28, at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 North Prince Crossing Road. The walk ends with a light breakfast, bike and scooter raffle and health screenings sponsored by Jewel-Osco. At least 100 participants will receive activity trackers.
As a side note, there was a lot of walking and steps recorded during the Mexican Independence Day parade. Marching units include HWC with community members and persons from Midwest Strength + Performance Gym, Mayor Ruben Pineda and some of the alderman, the six elementary schools and Leman Middle School in West Chicago Elementary School District 33.
The World Heart Day-inspired campaign asks citizens to take steps to improve their health by walking and being physically active during the month of September and throughout the year. Persons can download the Challenge app and join the on-going, year-long Walking Challenge program by going to www.hekahealth.com/wchicago. (www.merleburl.com)
Due to the Move with the Mayor event, the September Coffee with the Mayor is cancelled.
Faith Community Church, 910 Main Street, holds a Women’s Self-Defense Class, for women ages 14 and older from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 28, 2019. There is no charge. For further information, call the church office at (630) 231-8230.
The West Chicago Police Department hosts its final child safety seat event for 2019 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday, September 28, in the parking lot across from Turtle Splash Water Park in Reed-Keppler Park. Certified child safety seat technicians are on hand to inspect current car seats and explain what car seat best fits one’s needs and how to properly install it. (www.merleburl.com)
This is the last Saturday, September 28, 2019, the West Chicago Historical Society Kruse House Museum, 527 Main Street, is open for the summer season. Hours are from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Kruse ’N Art is the summer exhibit, where the artwork of many talented artists from West Chicago, were from West Chicago or have West Chicago connections, are on display throughout the rooms of the 102 year-old historic four square home, blending well with the period decor of the home. The artwork includes West Chicago landmarks, florals, clay and ceramic figures and woodworking. The gardens are maintained by the West Chicago Garden Club. (www.merleburl.com)
The extended season for Turtle Splash Water Park, 129 West Washington Street, ends this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, September 28 and 29, 2019. It is open with limited or no features or slides from noon to 4:00 p.m. The temperature must be 78 degrees at noon for the park to open.
The Sixteenth Annual Concert in the Park fundraiser is from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Saturday, September 28, 2019, at Hawthorne’s Backyard Bar & Grill, 1200 West Hawthorne Lane. The $20 ticket price includes dinner, a chance to win the door prize of a television, games and musical entertainment with live music by the Peoria Rhythm Kings. The band plays a variety of rock and blues. They performed in August at West Chicago American Legion Post 300. Many raffle opportunities are available. This is a great event to meet friends, have an evening of fun and support a good cause.
Proceeds benefit the Houston J. Pineda Scholarship Fund. Each year a senior graduating from Community High School District 94 that has good grades and is a participant in baseball and/or soccer is the recipient of the scholarship. Pineda was a sophomore at CHS, who died from the result of an automobile accident in 2002. Recipient of the 2019 Houston J. Pineda Memorial Scholarship was Barbara Castellanos.
Persons unable to attend and want to make a donation can make a check payable to the scholarship fund and mail to Houston J. Pineda Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o DuPage Community Foundation, 104 East Roosevelt Road, Wheaton, IL 60187. (www.merleburl.com)
The GardenWorks Project host its Second Annual Harvest Against Hunger fall fundraiser at 5:00 p.m. Saturday, September 28, 2019, in the Urban Street Scene building at College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Boulevard in Glen Ellyn. The ticket price is $50. To order tickets, visit the website www.gardenworksproject.org. The COD Culinary Arts students and staff create the seasonal meal using produce from the local Nichols Farm. In addition to the locally sourced drinks, the culinary team serves a signature cocktail. The Ruchs,’ a family folk band out of West Chicago, provide the entertainment.
Wayne/Winfield Area Youth/Family Services offers hour-long computer classes for senior citizens at Wayne Township, 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 3:00 p.m. Fridays. “Using Calendars on Smart Phones” class is at 4:00 p.m. Monday, September 30, 2019.
Wednesday, October 2, 2019, is National Coffee with a Cop Day. The West Chicago Police Department invites the community to join them for coffee, a muffin and conversation from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. at Kindred Coffee Roasters, 148 West Washington Street. (www.merleburl.com)
St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 North Prince Crossing Road, holds a Blessing of the Animals service at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 2, 2019.
“The History of UFOs in Illinois” is the program at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, October 3, 2019, in the main meeting room at the West Chicago Public Library, 118 West Washington Street. Through pictures, videos and retellings of first-hand accounts, Sam Maranto, a UFO investigator and currently the state director of the Illinois chapter of the Mutual UFO Network, presents the history of sightings in Illinois. To make a reservation, call the adult services department at (630) 231-1552, extension 4.
According to Wikipedia, “Mufon is a US-based not-for-profit Organization, composed of civilian volunteers who study alleged UFO sightings. It is one of the oldest and largest organizations of its kind, claiming more than 4,000 members worldwide with chapters and representatives in more than 43 countries and all 50 states.”
Fall Choral Concert is at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, October 3, 2019, in Weyrauch Auditorium at West Chicago Community High School, 326Joliet Street. Brandon Fantozzi is the director. (www.merleburl.com)
West Chicago City Museum hosts its 30th annual Tales Tombstones Tell cemetery walk Friday, October 4, 2019, at Oakwood Cemetery, Oakwood Avenue and York Street. The 45-minute tours begin at 6:30 p.m., start at 10-minute intervals, with the last tour beginning at 7:45 p.m. While guests wait in line, Roger Kotecki, vocalist and guitarist, plays eclectic music from the 1860s through the 1970s.
Lanterns and candlelight illuminate the paths to the designated sites, where costumed interpreters tell the life stories of the former residents buried in Oakwood, the oldest cemetery in West Chicago. This year the walk features stories first introduced to guests at the First Tombstones Tell event. With updated information now available through online research platforms, the walk brings the stories of George Roundy, the Vergie Family, the Gaede Family, the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, the Benjamin Family, Rhoda Wiant and John Fairbanks to life.
The event is appropriate for families as it focuses on historical facts and not ghost stories. Although there is no charge, donations are appreciated. For further information, call the museum at (630) 231-3376 or email museum@westchicago.org.
“Fall in Love with Art” is the 2019 Artoberfest exhibit at Gallery 200, 103 West Washington Street, for the month of October. The ten artists participating are Margaret Bucholz, Kathi Kuchler, Marge Hall, Patti Koenigsaecker, Heide Morris, Laurie Parker, Britta Renwick, Marita Valdizan, Judith Horsley, and Earl Weber. Artoberfest includes a variety of paintings, drawings, photographs and three dimensional work, plus some whimsical pieces for the fall season. The artists’ reception is from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Friday, October 4. Octoberfest entertainment and refreshments add to the autumn theme.(www.merleburl.com)
College of DuPage holds its ninth and final annual Food Truck Rally and Sunset 5K Saturday, October 5, 2019. The Kid Zone hosts family activities, such as Touch-A-Truck, pumpkin painting, live demos and Glen Ellyn School of rock from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m. The Food Truck Rally is from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. and features more than 15 Chicago and DuPage mobile eateries.
The 100-Yard Dash with three age divisions of 4 to 5, 6 to 7 and 8 to 9 begins at 3:30 p.m. on the football stadium track. The Sunset 5K is at 4:30 p.m. All proceeds benefit COD student scholarships with each high school district served by COD having a dedicated scholarship for its graduates who attend COD. Twenty-five percent of West Chicago Community High School students choose COD as their first college. Thus persons participating can help support a dedicated scholarship for a Wildcat attending COD. To register, visit cod.edu/5K, or for information call Ami Chambers at (630) 942-3823.
First United Methodist Church of West Chicago, 643 East Washington Street, hosts its tenth Annual Oktoberfest Dinner, Saturday, October 5, 2019. Lawn games, such as croquet and bags, are at 5:00 p.m. The dinner buffet begins at 6:00 p.m. On the menu is bratwurst, sauerkraut, potato pancakes, applesauce with apple squares and beverage. One of the beverages offered is homemade root beer. The Bonfire and Sing-a-Long follows dinner. The ticket price is $12 for adults, $6 for children ages 7 through 12, and $3 for children age six and under. Tickets may be purchased in advance or at the door. Call the church office at (630) 231-3344 or visit the website www.firstumcucc.org for more information.
WeGo Drama of West Chicago Community High School presents “Petrifying Poe: A Radio Play.” The one-night only benefit performance is at 7:00 p.m. Saturday, October 5, 2019, in the Weyrauch Auditorium, 326 Joliet. The show takes the audience into the world of radio drama and builds incredible suspense with the classic stories of “The Tell-Tale heart” and “The Fall of the House of Usher.” (www.merleburl.com)
West Chicago Fire Protection District hosts its annual Open House from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Sunday, October 6, 2019, at fire headquarters station, 200 Fremont Street. The National Fire Prevention theme this year is “Not Every Hero Wears a Cape. Plan and Practice Your Escape.” Per the National Fire Protection Association website, “The theme works to educate everyone about small, but important action they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe.” Deputy Chief Tim Leidig said, “The theme emphasizes our concern as always for fire safety in our community.”
Activities include information booths, side-by-side burn cell and smoke trailer demonstration, emergency equipment displays, fire safety handout police cars and snacks. Children can practice stop-drop-roll in the smoke house. Sparky the Fire Dog greets the guests.
Fall Orchestra Concert is at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 8, 2019, in Weyrauch Auditorium at West Chicago Community High School, 326 Joliet Street. Alexandra Wojciechowski is the director.
West Chicago Public Library offers a two-hour Microsoft Excel Level 2 class at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 9, 2019, in the conference room, 118 West Washington Street. The class goes beyond the basics, teaching formulas, tables, charts and graphs. To make a reservation, call adult services department at (630) 231-1552, extension 4.
West Chicago Park District social for senior citizens is the Popular Fireman Fish Fry at noon Thursday, October 10, 2019, in the West Chicago Fire Protection District headquarters, 200 Fremont Street. The firefighters provide the fish and guests bring a dish to share and complete place setting. Reservations are required by Friday, October 4, and may be made in person at the ARK, 201 West National Street, or on line at we-goparks.org.
An update on the West Washington Street construction shows later dates than previously mentioned. Phase II just started Tuesday, September 17. Phase III should start in a couple of weeks.
Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Dieter Dauber, who at the age of 73 passed away Friday, September 13, 2019.
A nice-size crowd attended the ribbon cutting event Saturday, September 14, 2019, at the new West Chicago Neighborhood Food Pantries location, 123 Fremont Street.
Taking part in the ribbon cutting was Mayor Ruben Pineda, Neighborhood Food Pantries Executive Director Tom Norton, Barbara Dieckmann from St. Michael’s United Church of Christ and the Risch-Dieckmann Family Foundation, Facilities Manager at St. Michael’s and pantry project construction supervisor Alex Golovin, First Congregational Church member Erlaine Borne and Pantry coordinator Nancy Andrews.
Reverend Sue Ebersold, pastor of St. Michael’s Church, gave the dedication. In addition to Mayor Pineda, other speakers were Bob Dieckmann from St. Michael’s Church, Erlaine Borne and State Representative Karina Villa (D-49). Also recognized were NFP board member and project architect Roy Herbst of LB Herbst & Associates. David McGowan, President & CEO of the DuPage Foundation, and James Snodgrass of the Snodgrass Family Fund, which funded the 14’ x 36’ walk-through cooler installed at the site. The West Chicago Lions Club presented a $1,000 check to the West Chicago Neighborhood Food Pantries. All guests toured the main floor.
The renovation of the 5,600 square-foot building, having served since 1955 as a grocery store, an office supply store, and a bakery, is now a food pantry for local families living with food insecurity. Partnering in the project were The Risch-Dieckmann Family Foundation, St. Michael’s United Church of Christ, First Congregational Church and Neighborhood Food Pantries. The Foundation, longtime supporters of Neighborhood Food Pantries, purchased the building and donated it to St. Michael’s United Church of Christ who, as the building’s owner, provided personnel to oversee the renovation with pro bono help from Carol Stream architectural firm L.B. Herbst and Associates. The funds for the building makeover were provided primarily by First Congregational Church, whose leadership dedicated a portion of property sale proceeds to the creation of a new food pantry in West Chicago. The Risch-Dieckmann Foundation provided additional support for renovation costs as well. Neighborhood Food Pantries is the managing partner for the pantry and has secured grants and special funding for refrigeration and other equipment and systems in the building. The pantry is a green building with a significant portion of its electrical needs to be provided by a solar panel array on the roof. (www.merleburl.com)
At the Monday, September 16, 2019, meeting, City Council approved three facade grant programs. One was in the amount of $950 to replace the two existing awnings at 207 Main Street. Two were for buildings owned by Jersey Hurst, LLC. One was for the amount of $12,268 for the replacement of two existing garage doors at 111 Galena Street, replacement of two picture windows and door at the entrance to 111 Galena Street and replacement of the existing door at 115 Galena Street. The second one was for the amount of $20,865.61 for the replacement of existing awnings and replacement of the stairs case system on the rear of the building at 136 West Washington Street.
Many people attended the Mexican Independence Days activities held Saturday and Sunday, September 14 and 15, 2019, in historic downtown West Chicago. Contributing to the festivities were the sounds of mariachi music echoing throughout the area, the colorful costumes of the performing groups brightening the streets and delicious aromas of food enticing the appetites of all. The many-participant unit parade entertained all with many floats, music, dancing and horses. Some of the units marching were Mayor Ruben Pineda and some members of City Council, students, staff and families from the six elementary schools and Leman Middle School, We Go together for Kids, Educare, the 2020 Miss Mexican Heritage court, and the Grand Marshall Tom Tawney. He was recognized for his community service such as many years of being involved in Mexican Independence Days, serving on the Mexican Cultural Center DuPage Board and introducing and explanation of “El Grito de La Independencia.” The weekend ended with the hoisting of the 13-foot piñata hosted by the crane of Kramer Tree Specialists. It was a sight to behold. (www.merleburl.com)
At the Tuesday, September 17, 2019, meeting, Community High School District 94 Board of Education approved the Fiscal Year budget, $33,245,189 in Revenue and $33,136,516 in expenditures.
In the Friday, September 20, 2019, football games, the scores were West Chicago Community High School-12, Larkin High School-30; Bartlett High School-34, Elgin High School-13. In the Saturday, September 21, football game, the score was Wheaton Academy-0, St. Francis High School-40.
Publishers’ Graphics St. Louis, LLC purchased West Chicago Printing Company more than a year ago. Steve Treudt worked with the new company until June 30. For the first time since 1911, there is no member of the Treudt family involved with the company. William Treudt founded the newspaper, “West Chicago Press,” when he bought an existing publication in 1911. Following him, his son, Harold Treudt took over the presses. His son Bill worked as a reporter, photographer and editor and eventually publisher from 1969 to 1979. He sold the newspaper part of the business to Wayne Woltman, but kept the printing side, naming the business West Chicago Printing Company. Upon his retirement, his two sons, Bruce and Steve became the owners.
Worldwide Logistics Partners, Inc. recently opened a state-of-the-art 55,000 square-foot warehouse at 1645 Downs Drive. According to the website, capabilities include segmented space for food grade storage as well a dedicated space for hazardous materials. The company headquarters are in Crystal Lake.
Convenience Concepts Inc. recently opened a furniture products and warehouse and distribution center at 1717 West Harvester Road. The company’s headquarters are in Elgin.
My email address is merleburl@earthlink.net.