The Mexican Independence Day Celebration, organized by the Mexican Cultural Center DuPage, takes place two days this year, Saturday and Sunday, September 17 and 18, 2016 in historic downtown. The festive occasion recognizes Mexico’s freedom from Spain. The hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Saturday and from 8:00 a.m.to 5:00 p.m. Sunday. The 3v3 Soccer tournament takes place both mornings.
On Saturday children’s activities take place from 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Activities include sidewalk chalk, crafts, loteria (similar to American bingo) and the mobile art cart by artist-in-residence William Estrada. The activities are sponsored by West Chicago City Museum, People made Visible, West Chicago Public Library District and West Chicago Park District. The dedication of the West Chicago Mural by artist-in-residence Juan Chawuk is at 4:30 p.m. West Chicago Elementary School District 33 Folkloric dance group performs at 5:00 p.m. The memorable music of the Mariachi Heritage Foundation youth fills the air at 6:00 p.m. Various Mariachi bands play from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
On Sunday, the parade steps off at noon from the Leman Middle School parking lot on Joliet Street, north on Joliet Street to Conde Street, East on Conde Street to Wilson Street, over the A. Eugene Rennels Bridge, west on Main Street and ends in the historic downtown area.
The official opening ceremony is at 1: 00 p.m. on the stage at Galena Street. Participating are Mayor Ruben Pineda and a representative from the Mexican Consulate. The true meaning of the event focuses on “El Grito de la Independencia.” The observance symbolizes the involvement of the Catholic priest Miguel Hidalgo, who announced the beginning of the Mexican Revolution with the ringing of church bells September 18, 1810 in the village of Dolores, Mexico. Spain recognized the independence of Mexico September 27, 1821.
Entertainment begins with the Dancing Horses at 2:00 p.m. followed by musical entertainment, including Mariachi Michoacana. The presentation of 2016 Miss Mexican Heritage and the runners up is at 4:00 p.m. The 13-foot piñata ceremony is at 5:00 p.m. p.m. Kramer Tree Service will hoist the piñata for the start of the ceremony.
Food is an important part of any festivity. In addition to the downtown area restaurants, there are many food vendors. There are craft, organization and business vendors. It promises to be a fun event for everyone!
AROUND AND ABOUT
The West Chicago Public Library District, 118 West Washington Street, is now open from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Sundays until May 27, 2017.
West Chicago Environmental Commission meting is at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 14, 2016. It was rescheduled from Wednesday, September 21, 2016.
WeGo Drama of West Chicago Community High School presents “She Kills Monsters: Young Adventures Edition,” highlighting its 2016-2017 theme of “Live Adventures!” Performances are at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, September 15, and at 7:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday, September 16 and 17, in Weyrauch Auditorium, 326 Joliet Street. The ticket price is $8 and $5 for students. Tickets are available at www.wegotheatre.com or at the door.
The story is about Agnes, who tries to find the true identity of her sister through a Dungeons & Dragons module, heartwarming, funny and private secrets come to the forefront.
The company of actors and crew are Kenneth Correa, Dylan Davidson, Ricky Geiser, Hannah Thomas, Grecia Bahena, Alicia Borching, Nathan Bradley, Abby Carr, Vanessa Cortez, Alexia Gountanis, Megan Graal, Zane Hassan and Kelsey Kenneally.
Others are Skylar Kenneally, Evy McLean, Nayeli Miguel, Sara Richert, Mikayla Vicente, Alex Weaver, Noah Zieche, David Brown, Neve Ryan, Connor Thompson, Natalie Thompson and Joy Vogt.
Mark Begovich is the director. Scenic Design and Technical Direction is by Chris Jensen. Costume design is by Lauren Roark and hair and make-up design is by Jamie Elza. (www.merleburl.com)
In collaboration with the West Chicago Public Library District, West Chicago City Museum continues its Histiography program, a non-fiction book reading group. The discussion group meets at noon, Thursday, September 15, 2016 at the museum, 132 Main Street. Guests can bring a sack lunch; dessert and drinks are provided.
The book under discussion is “When Democrats Ruled DuPage” by Leone Schmidt, who passed away August 2016. She was the official City Historian of Warrenville and the author of six books and several pamphlets. The book is the story of DuPage County from its struggle with Cook County until the onset of the Civil War. The central character is Captain Joseph Naper, a ship navigator who became a land developer, soldier and political leader. Copies of the book are available at the museum and library. Call the museum at (630) 231-3376 for further information.
With the approach of Homecoming 2016 at West Chicago Community High School, there is a full schedule of events starting Friday, September 16, through Saturday, September 24. The theme is “WeGot Game” with each class having a board game name. Senior class is Operation; junior class is Monopoly; sophomore class is Twister; and freshman class is Candyland. The board game for teachers is Clue.
To add a festive look at the school, members of classes and clubs decorate the windows and walls after school Friday and from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. Saturday and decorate floats from 1:00 to 10:00 p.m. Many of week’s activities and events involve the “Board Game” theme. To bring forth the casual look of playing games the dress attire for Monday is pajamas. The Dodgeball Tourney, sponsored by Future Business Leaders of America Club, is at 7:00 p.m. in Bishop Gym. Tuesday Dress Day involves sport jerseys. Wednesday the dress is the beach look. Movie Night is at 7:00 p.m. at Memorial Stadium. I will highlight the remaining homecoming activities in next week’s column.
The third 1.5-mile community walk in the Move with the Mayor Challenge is Saturday, September 17, 2016 at Healthy West Chicago office location, 108 Sherman Street. Sign in and a pre-walk yoga session led by West Chicago resident Farrah Brown, owner of Thalia Soul Care, is at 8:30 a.m.; Walk starts at 9:00 a.m., lasting about one half hour. Participants can enter raffles for the opportunity to win prizes such as sports equipment, earbuds, food and t-shirts. Both participants and non-participants can log in their physical activity, either steps or minutes, during the month at www.westchicago.org, under Move with the Mayor. Since West Chicago Elementary School District 33 students are participating in the Mexican Independence Day Parade Sunday, no schools per se are participating in this walk.
Despite the rain, approximately 153 persons participated in the walk Saturday, September 10. Many of the participants were families of students at Currier School, Pioneer School and Leman Middle School.
West Chicago is one of six cities 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 other cities are Green Bay, Wisconsin, Indianapolis, Indiana, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Columbia, South Carolina, and Lorain, Ohio. Mayor Ruben Pineda said, “This is not a competition, but a way to motivate persons to move and walk. Walking is a healthy way to combat cardiovascular disease.” (www.merleburl.com)
As part of its 14th Annual Fall Fling Event, Athletes by Design Club, a not-for-profit organization based in Winfield, hosts three of its four bicycle races in the DuPage Business Center. All three have a start time of 9:00 a.m., end between 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. and include different categories. The first one takes place Saturday, September 17, 2014, using Innovation Drive and southbound Technology Drive and northbound Technology Boulevard. The other two races take place Saturday, September 18, using Discovery Drive and Technology Boulevards and Saturday, September 24, using Innovation Drive, Discovery Drive and Technology Boulevard. The parking lot of Simpson Strong-Tie will be used for parking of participants and spectators. For complete information on races, locations and registration, visit the club’s website www.abdcycling.com.
We Grow Dreams Greenhouse & Garden Center, 1055 West Washington Street, hosts its annual Fall Fest from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Saturday, September 17, 2016. Refreshments are served. Persons have the opportunity to pick their own ears of corn. The price is $3 per dozen.
The Thirteenth Annual Concert in the Park fundraiser is from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Saturday, September 17, 2016 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 of Karaoke with Laronda and live music of The Peoria Rhythm Kings. 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.
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)
In conjunction with Donation Drive Savers, West Chicago Cheer Youth Organization holds a Donation Drive fundraiser from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday, September 18, 2016 in the parking lot at Jewel-Osco, 177 East Roosevelt Road. The organization is collecting clothing, books, accessories, linens and small household items-no furniture. For more information or to arrange items pickup call Carol Arato at (630) 210-4123 or email mailto:cathyarato.cheer@gmail.com. (www.merleburl.com)
West Chicago Public Library District holds a two-hour computer class, “Introduction to Email,” at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 20, 2016 in study room 3, 118 West Washington Street. Participants must have basic computer skills. To make a reservation, call the adult services department at (630) 231-1552, extension 4.
West Chicago Park District holds a Medicare Made Clear™ Initiative program at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 20, 2016. The session covers Medicare program including the subjects of how to register, what is covered and the cost. There is no charge, but pre-registration is required. To register, drop in at the ARC, 201 West National Street, or email info@we-goparks.org.
The meeting of the Community High School District 94 Board of Education is rescheduled from Tuesday, September 20, to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 27, 2016.
The West Chicago Public Library District holds a two-hour LinkedIn computer class at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 21, 2016 in study room 3, 118 West Washington Street. The Part I class teaches the basics of LinkedIn and how it helps promote workplace skills, experience and successes. Participants must have basic computer skills and an email address. To make a reservation, call the adult services department at (630) 231-1552, extension 4.
The West Chicago Park District holds a water painting class from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Thursdays, starting September 22 and ending October 27, 2016 at the ARC, in Reed-Keppler Park. Students learn color, composition and value. Beginners receive guided instructions and practice; more experienced students receive focused instruction and support. The teacher is Pat Helbig from the Community School of Arts in Wheaton. Supplies are included in the cost of $12 for residents and $15 for non-residents. To register, stop in at the ARC or online at www.we-goparks.org.
The Brush for Art classes are made possible through a grant from the JCS Fund of the DuPage Community Foundation. It is for individuals 55 years and older and allows the district to offer different art programs at a reduced rate.
The League of Women Voters of Wheaton hosts a special program, “Agatha Christie: The Mystery of Living,” Thursday, September 22, 2016 at Prairie Path Books, 302 West Wesley in Wheaton. Social time is at 6:30 p.m.; program is at 7:00 p.m.
Betsey Means of WomnLore portrays Agatha Christie, a powerful woman of a bygone era. She was a prolific English “Queen of Crime” author of world renown. In 1971, Christie received England’s highest honor, the Order of the British Empire, Dame Commander. Means is a professional actress who has performed with Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Shakespeare on the Green, Blue Rider Theatre and Chicago Children’s Theatre, among other groups.
Wheaton League of Women Voters 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.
West Chicago Garden Club meeting is Thursday, September 22, 2016 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 at 7:15 p.m. Sharon and Daniel Peterson present “Myths and Benefits of Bats.” They are the owners of Incredible Bats.
For more than 25 years, the First United Methodist Church of West Chicago has provided a site for Public Assistance to Deliver Shelter every Thursday evening to Friday morning from October through May. This is a multi-church effort and new volunteers are needed each year to provide a safe haven for the homeless living in DuPage County. There are a variety of on-site and offsite tasks that need to be completed each week and vacancies on each shift from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m., 1:00 to 5:00 a.m. and 5:00 to 7:30 a.m. The start date is Thursday, October 6.
An orientation for new volunteers is at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, September 22, 2016 at the church, 643 West Washington Street. To volunteer call Brian Hendricks at (630) 333-0640 or (630) 231-3344 or email hendricks@fnal.gov.
Wayne/Winfield Area Youth/Family Services offers one-hour computer classes for senior citizens at Wayne Township, 27W031 North Avenue. Not only do the seniors learn basic skills, but also have the opportunity to socialize. The charge is $2 per class. Reservations are due a week in advance and may be made by calling (630) 231-7166.
“Introduction to Facebook” class is at 2:00 p.m. Friday, September 23, 2016. For classes that involve technology, persons need to bring their personal items with them.
Methodist and Congregational Men of First United Methodist Church of West Chicago, 643 East Washington Street, hosts its Seventh Annual Oktoberfest Dinner, Saturday, September 24, 2016. Lawn games, such as croquet and bags, are at 4:00 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 Fire Pit Sing-a-Long is at 8:00 p.m. 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.
Gallery 200 presents “Making God Laugh” by Sean Grennan. Performances are at 7:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday, September 30 and October 1, and Saturday, October 8, and at 4:00 p.m. Sunday, October 2 and October 9, 2016 at Gallery 200/STUDIO, 203 Turner Court. The ticket price is $14 and $12 for senior citizens. To make a reservation email GalleryTickets@aol.com or call (630) 234-5919.
The comedy looks at a family who learns the truth to the saying “if you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans.” The play visits a family every ten years after the nest is empty, beginning in 1980. Adult children come home to Mom and Dad’s for family gatherings such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, and Easter. The adult children find that their paths in life aren’t always the ones on the maps they drew when they were twenty. As time passes, the family discovers that, despite what we may have in mind, we often arrive at unexpected destinations. The parents’ lives plug along more predictably than do their children’s, but they are not without their share of roadblocks and detours.
Members of the cast are Gary Murphy, Cheryl Rice, Justin Schaller, Katherine Waddell, and Galen Malick.
Hawthorne’s Backyard Bar & Grill, 1200 West Hawthorne Lane, is the host site for the Illinois Association of Firefighters Local 3970 (West Chicago Fire Protection District) Fifth Annual Chili for a Cure Cook off Saturday October 1, 2016. The event is from 2:00 to 9:00 p.m.; chili is served from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. In addition to chili, hot dogs and wings are available. The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children under the age of 10. Proceeds benefit the “Keep a Breast” Foundation. Other activities include the give away of a 40-inch Samsung HD Smart television, silent auction, raffles, whiffle ball, bags, and sand volleyball.
West Chicago Sister Cities hosts an Octoberfest Dinner from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Saturday, October 1, 2016 at American Legion Post 300, 123 Main Street. The menu is roast pork, sauerkraut, boiled potatoes, tossed salad, bread/butter and assorted desserts, The evening of merriment includes beer tasting, door prizes and 60/40 cash raffle drawing, The ticket price is $20 and $15 for youths under the age of 21. Tickets are available from club members, at the Legion or at the door on the day of the event. The club requests persons planning to purchase tickets at the door visit the website www.westchicagosistercities.org and advise how many planning to attend.
Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Rodney Jones, Jr., who passed away Thursday, September 8, 2016.
West Chicago Fire Protection District in partnership with the DuPage Airport Authority reserved the Mobile Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Trainer from Monday, September 12 through Thursday, September 14. To maximize the amount of fire companies involved, two sessions were held each day with the goal to train all of West Chicago firefighters and as many area departments as possible. The training included live fire in the following scenarios of flammable liquid spills, engine fires, interior cabin fire, Class C interior cockpit fire and wheel brake fires.
All fire districtstations are always open to residents needing blood pressure checks during normal business hours. All the firefighters are licensed paramedics. (www.merleburl.com)
At the Tuesday, September 7, 2016 City Council meeting, Mayor Ruben Pineda said Ward 6 Alderman Mark Edwalds submitted his resignation. “This is his last meeting.” Edwalds said, “I have enjoyed my time serving on this council.” He was appointed May 8, 2013, replacing Nanette Connelly. He then ran for a two-year term in 2015.
The oil painting, “Way to Cave,” by Maggie Capettini, Gallery 200 member and Education Director at West Chicago City Museum, won third place in the juried art show, “Life in the Heartland.” It took place at the LaGrange Art League Gallery.
At the Tuesday, September 7, 2016 meeting, City Council approved several Infrastructure expenditures.
One was for a contract for the 2016 Street Resurfacing Program in Cornerstone Lakes Subdivision for the amount of $377,300 to Builders paving, LLC of Hillside. The project includes Barnhart Street, Fairchild Lane, Sudbury Court, Overbeck Lane, Mansfield Court and Lindsay Court.
Another was to approve a change order for the A. Eugene Rennels Bridge Concrete and Deck Overlay Project in the amount of $24,917.03 to Aretha Construction Co. Inc. During excavation around the Police Station generator, the soil material was rejected from a Clean Construction or Demolition Debris disposal facility due to its high PH chemical compound. There, the soil was classified as “non-special waste” and taken to an EPA approved facility. The disposal cost added an increase to the overall project.
Also approved was a change order to the 2016 Forestry Maintenance change in the amount of $3,173. 39 to Steve Piper & Sons. While pruning trees, the company determined six trees were hazardous and warranted immediate removal. This added to the cost.
Another approval was for the purchase of a 2016 Vactor Plus 2110 Sewer Cleaning Truck for the amount of $386,824 to Standard Equipment Company in Chicago.
The final approval was for the purchase of a Thawrox Deicer at the price of $24,750 from Compass Minerals America Inc. in Overland Park, Kansas.
At its Dueling Pianos Fundraiser held Saturday, August 6, 2016, the Community High School District 94 Educational Foundation netted $13,500. The monies will be used to fulfill the mission of supporting education initiatives that enhance, enrich and drive sustainable lifelong learning for the students of West Community High School.
At the Friday, September 9, 2016 football games the scores were West Chicago-7, Bartlett-54; Wheaton Academy-46, Chicago Christian-6.
At the West Chicago Park District monthly social for senior citizens, board president Frank Lenertz won back the championship for the annual Frank Lenertz Lasagna Cook off. Board Commissioner Courtney Voelz was the challenger. She won last year.
My email address is merleburl@earthlink.net.
