What perfect weather for the Labor Day weekend. For enjoyment, residents were walking, bicycling, gardening, attending youth sporting events, Cubs game or White Sox game, golfing or having cookouts and picnics, finding quiet with a good book, and more. West Chicago residents Jan and Jim Lootens attended the concert at Sonny Acres Thursday evening. A large crowd enjoyed the music of Serendipity and 7th Heaven bands. Jan said, “It was a lot of fun.” West Chicago resident Ruben Campos once again participated in the Bike the Drive, Sunday, September 5. He received a medal for the 30.5 mile ride, which he completed in 3.9 hours. Bike the Drive or Fifth Third Bike the Drive is a recreational, non-competitive bicycle ride held each year in Chicago. Lake Shore Drive is cleared of motor vehicle traffic and opened exclusively to bicyclists for several hours beginning at dawn. I am not certain what the event was Saturday, September 4, at Hawthorne’s Backyard & Grill, but there was valet parking and all lots were full. It was a special weekend for our family. My daughter Laura and her husband Mark from Georgetown, Texas, came for several days. Wanting to do something different, but close to home, they, my son Gordon, his wife Eva and I went to Club Arcada 1920s Speakeasy in St. Charles. Located on the third floor, the area is decorated with many antiques. We waited for our table in the Charlie Chaplin room. We thoroughly enjoyed our meal and the entertainment. All agreed, it was a fun evening and different. Then Sunday was the family cookout and celebration of three of the September birthdays-Laura, Heather and Imelda, Eva’s sister. Again there was much food, conversation and laughter, creating many memories. I hope most of you created some holiday memories, whether large or small.
AROUND AND ABOUT
“The Color of Fall” is the exhibit for the month of September at Gallery 200, 103 West Washington Street. The watercolor, oils and acrylics paintings by Kathi Kuchler bring forth the dynamic and subtle colors of autumn through landscapes and botanicals. Gallery hours are from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays and from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturdays. Masks are required. )www.merleburl.com)
The West Chicago Park District has a Sip and Paint event at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, September 9, 2021, at the ARC, 201 West National Street. Abby Adams of Make YOU Brush is the instructor. Participants over the age of 21 can bring their own favorite adult beverage of wine or beer to sip while painting. The registration includes step by step instructions and necessary supplies. Stencils are provided, no experience is necessary. The charge is $35. To register, visit we-goparks.org/adult-programs. (www.merleburl.com)
In partnership with Robert R. McCormick House at Cantigny Park, the League of Women Voters of Wheaton hosts their Civics Awareness program at 7:00 p.m.Thursday, September 9, 2021, via Zoom..To make a reservation visit Cantigny.org. A Zoom link to access the presentation is sent two days prior to the event.
The speaker is Ian Rosenberg, author of “The Fight for Free Speech: Ten Cases that Define Our First Amendment Freedoms” published in 2021. Rosenberg is a media lawyer with more than 20 years of experience in the field. Since 2003, he has served as legal counsel for ABC News. A Cornell Law School graduate, Rosenberg also is an Emmy-nominated documentary filmmaker and a law professor at Brooklyn College. Per Kirkus Reviews, The book is “A deep dive into 10 precedent-setting legal actions that helped define the scope—and limits—of the First Amendment…The toughest nut in the book is the dividing line between hate speech and free speech, a discussion that anyone in media and legal circles will want to study closely. Essential reading for journalists, political activists, and ordinary citizens alike.”
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. 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.
West Chicago Park District hosts a We-Go Expo from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. Friday, September 10, 2021, at the ARC Center, 201 West Washington Street. The Open House activities include tours, new membership deals, prizes and interactive program demonstrations.Tours include ARC, Zone 250 and Turtle Splash Water Park. The 14-minute interactive demonstrations are for fitness, karate, soccer drills and personal training. Batting cages and gym courts are open. Guests can play basketball, pickleball or volleyball. There are new membership options. Prizes include gift cards, equipment discounts and freebies.
As part of Move With the Mayor and to celebrate World Heart Day, Mayor Ruben Pineda and Healthy West Chicago host a 30-minute Walk at 9:00 a.m. Saturday, September 11, 2021, starting at the Shell in Reed-Keppler Park, 129 West National Street. Prizes are raffled for youth and adults. (www.merleburl.com)
The West Chicago Public Library monthly Dialogue With the Director, Ben Weseloh, is at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, September 11, 2021, via Zoom. Persons can ask questions, make a suggestions and/or voice opinions. Registration is required and may be made at https://wcpld.info, under calendar.
Ellen Shwatal hosts BYO Creativity from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. ay, September 11, 2021, at Gallery 200, 103 West Washington Street. This is a time for persons to “bring your own” creativity and work on artistic/craft projects and, at the same time, meet and visit with people in the community. Guests bring their own material for whatever project they are working, such as painting, drawing, yarn crafts, scrap booking or adult coloring. Registration is not required, just drop in at the Gallery. At this time, masks are required. For information, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/byocwc/about. Persons can drop in and leave anytime during the time period. At the August Meeting, a woman brought in her origami project and shared with those in attendance. The tables allow ample space for persons to work which on projects. Maureen Navadomskis is unable to host the event at this time, since she is taking a class at College of DuPage.
As part of the First Responders Weekend, the First Division Museum of Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, hosts the Heroes of 9/11 Memorial Ceremony, at 11:00 a.m. It takes place adjacent to the museum’s outdoor exhibit comprised of two structural steel beams from the former World Trade buildings in New York. The memorial is dedicated to those lost in the terrorist attacks 20 years ago and honors the first responders who served that day and continue to serve in thelocal communities. Parking is free prior to 11:00 a.m.
The ceremony also pays tribute to the families of 9/11 victims, post 9/11 War on Terrorism fallen soldiers, veterans and their families, essential caregivers and Gold Star families. Following the ceremony the Robert R. McCormick Foundation’s Veterans Program and Cantigny host the Post 9/11 Veterans Resource Fair from 12:30 to 3:00 p.m. in the First Division Museum pavilion. It offers resources tailored to young veterans and their families. On Saturday and Sunday, September 11 and 12, first responders, military service members and veterans receive free parking all day.
September is Library Card Sign-Up Month. West Chicago Public Library, 118 West Washington Street, has several activities to celebrate the month. Baby Yoda library cards soon will be available for new and current library holders. Persons, using their library card to check out items at the Circulation Desk, have the opportunity to spin the prize wheel. Prizes change weekly. The library hosts a Library Card Party from noon to 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 11,2021. Persons who sign up for a library card on this date receive a fun To-Go Bag.
There is no food distribution Saturdays, September 11, and 25, 2021, at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 North Prince Crossing Road.
Trinity Lutheran Church, 308 George Street, holds a Rally Day and Church Picnic Sunday, September 12, 2021. Following the 9:30 a.m. worship service, There is a luncheon in the Fellowship Hall and then family games, outside weather permitting.
St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 North Prince Crossing Road, holds bilingual worship service at 11:00 a.m. Sunday, September 12, 2021.Tacos are available after the service. (www.merleburl.com)
The West Chicago Public Library, 118 West Washington Street, is now open from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Sundays, starting September 12, 2021. (www.merleburl.com)
League of Women Voters of Wheaton in partnership with the Wheaton Public Library holds its virtual Living Room Conversations program at 7:00 p.m. Monday, September 13, 2021, via Zoom. The theme is “American Values.” Discussions revolve around ideas for reforming the democracy system, such as ranked choice voting, changing the electoral college, drawing fairer electoral maps and improving voter participation. To register visit my.lwv.org/illinois/wheaton/calendar.
Polls indicate that the current climate of polarization is a primary concern to citizens. Historically America rallied around and shared ideals articulated in the founding fathers. The discussion focuses on promoting conversation about the subject of “American Values” through openness to others with varying views. No matter how firm are one’s beliefs, “courageously listen with curiosity and respect in order to facilitate communication.”
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. (www.merleburl.com)
West Chicago City Museum presents the Historiography program, a non-fiction book reading group, at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 15, 2021, at Don Earley Park, 840 East Washington Street. The book is “Hill Women” by Cassie Chambers. To get a copy of the book or for further information, visit Friends of West Chicago City Museum website, wegohistory.com or call (630) 231-3376. It is not necessary to read the book to attend.
After rising from poverty to earn two Ivy League degrees, an Appalachian lawyer pays tribute to the strong “hill women” who raised and inspired her, and whose values have the potential to rejuvenate a struggling region. Chambers grew up in eastern Kentucky. She graduated from Yale College, the Yale School of Public Health, the London School of Economics, and Harvard Law School, where she was president of the Harvard Legal Aid Bureau, a student-run law firm that represents low-income clients. She then received a Skadden Fellowship to return to Kentucky to do legal work with domestic violence survivors in rural communities. In 2018, she helped pass Jeanette’s Law, which eliminated the requirement that domestic violence survivors pay an incarcerated spouse’s legal fees in order to get a divorce. (merleburl.com)
Healthy West Chicago hosts a free virtual family cooking class, “Couscous Salad with Chickpeas,” at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 15, 2021, via Zoom. Chef Maria gives tips on eating healthy, saving time in the kitchen and involving children in food preparation, plus demonstrates how to make the featured recipe. Recipe ingredients are provided to the first 25 registered participants. The day to pick up supplies at the West Chicago Public Library will be communicated to those who registered first. To register visit healthywestchicago.org/newevents or https://bit.ly/3dTHq9y. For further information email Carly Smitherman at: director@healthywestchicago.org or call 630-230-6370. (www.merleburl.com)
The Viva Mexican” Festival and Parade Committee of the Mexican Cultural Center DuPage cancelled for Saturday and Sunday, September 18 and 19, 2021, Mexican Independence Day event. “Given the current uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 variants and the rapid growth of interest and participation in our parade and festival, this decision was made in the interest of public safety, as well as concerns surrounding the quality of the event.”
College of DuPage offers free English and Citizenship classes at West Chicago Community High School, 326 Joliet Street. Testing for English classes is at 6:30 p.m. Monday, September 20, and Wednesday, September 22. Classes meet form 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. Classes start Monday, September 27. Testing for Citizenship classes is at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 21 and Thursday, September 23. Classes are from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, Classes start Tuesday, September 28. For further information, call (630) 942-3697 or email ela@cod.edu/cod.edu/ela. (merleburl.com)
The First Division Museum at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, exhibits it UH-helicopter, an iconic symbol of the Viet Nam War The macro artifact is interpreted outdoors for the month of September. Museum educators present a family program, “Masters of Flight: The Nature of Huey,” at 6:00 p.m. Friday, September 24. There will be activities and demonstrations for all ages. The program is free, but reservations are required and may be made by visiting FDMuseum.org or call (630) 260-8162.
Winfield Township holds its annual Recycling Extravaganza from 9:00 a.m. to noon Saturday, September 25, 2021
West Chicago Park District has Paramount Theater season program for adults. There are four musical productions. The first one is “Kinky Boots.” The time frame is 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 29, 2021. Persons should be at the ARC Center, 201 West National Street, by 10:45 a.m. The $70 charge includes the bus ride, lunch and the show. Trip is non-refundable and non-transferable unless there is a waiting list. At this time, the Paramount Theater requires photo ID, vaccination card and mask wearing. Lunch menu includes Greek Salad, Rolls and Butter, Lemon Oregano Chicken, Vesuvio Potatoes, Green Beans and Baklava, plus a non-alcoholic beverage. A cash bar is available
“Kinky Boots” is a flashy, sassy, sexy story of big heels invading a small town. Charlie Price is a reluctant shoe maker. Lola is a fiery drag queen. These two could not be any more different, but when they find common ground in shoes, they see a whole new world of possibilities open up to them that will turn their small town upside down, and just might save Charlie’s failing shoe factory. As a side note, my son, his wife and I saw it Saturday, August 28. It was such a fun show, with wonderful music and dancing and lovely costumes. We and other members of the audience left with smiles. It is receiving rave reviews.To make a reservation, visit https://www.we-goparks.org/adult-programs. (www.merleburl.com)
Support our local businesses. Biscuits & Gravy, 110 South Neltnor Boulevard, is now closed on Tuesdays.
A COVID-19 vaccination clinic is open from 2:30 to 6:00 p.m. Tuesdays at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 North Prince Crossing Road. The clinic is for persons age 18 and older. To make an appointment, call the church office at (630) 231-3787 or email office@standrewlutheran.net.
A COVID-19 testing site is open from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays in a VNA Health Care Mobile at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 North Prince Crossing Road. There is no charge. Appointments are required and may be made at (630) 892-4355 or (847) 717-6455
The DuPage County Health Department developed a dashboard to provide information on the total number of people, in DuPage County, who have tested positive for COVID-19. In addition, the dashboard includes a map which shows the distribution of reported cases by municipality and is updated at 4:00 p.m. daily. DuPage County’s39 is a one-stop-shop for all the information it offers including a town-by-town breakdown of cases. As of Monday, September 6, 2021, there were 4,900 cases and 53 deaths; this is the number from the beginning of track recording.
To keep residents aware of community COVID-19 updates, the City has posted West Chicago’s COVID-19 COMMUNICATIONS CENTER on its website, www.westchicago.org. It is located on the upper left-hand side in red. Clicking on this, residents can see the latest information.
Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Jose Cuautle, who at the age of 45 passed way Saturday, August 26, 2021.
Deepest sympathy is extended to the family of Louella M. (Kensley) Carter, who at the age of 88 passed awayThursday, August 28, 2021.
Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Bertha Arias Cardoza, who at the age of 59 passed away Friday, August 27, 2021.
Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Jose Alvarez Birruete, who at the age of 59 passed away Sunday, August 21, 2021.
Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of John Martin Lowery, who at the age of 68 Sunday, August 29, 2021.
Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Scott David Hofer, Jr., who at the age of 75 passed away, Friday, September 3, 2021/
CORRECTION: There was a misspelling of a name. The correct spelling is Craig M. Kueker.
The Wayne and Helen Fox Community Center, 306 Main Street, offers rental space to the community for private and/or business functions. This is done through the governing board, West Chicago Community Center. The capacity is 75 persons. Adjacent to the main room is a kitchenette. For further information or to reserve the space, call Western DuPage Chamber of Commerce at (630) 231-3003.
Built in 1910, the West Chicago Community Center’s rich history dates back to the days of locomotives and coal driven engines; even shouts of, “All Aboard” from the train conductors. The original ticket booth, still untouched after all these years, can be seen at the core of this former station, including the original bars protecting the windows. At the southwest corner of the center the outline of the coal shoots that provided heat to the building are visible. The late Wayne Fox was president of the local bank, West Chicago State Bank, during the 1970s, He endowed the center to preserve its rich history but to also be an asset to the residents. Not only are these funds used for the maintenance and upkeep of the historic Fox Community Center, but also for the preservation of other historic buildings in the community. One such project was the preservation of the 1860 Wiant House on West Washington Street. Joel Wiant, was a prominent businessman, The first floor is completely restored, ideal for a small business. The second floor houses a remodeled and updated apartment.
Traveling to Geneva, the West Chicago Police Department received the donation of Personal Protective Equipment and sports bags from Dick’s Sporting Goods. (www.merleburl.com)
At the Friday night football games September 3, 2021, West Chicago Community High School lost to Glenbard South High School with a score of 56-0; Wheaton Academy won against Christ the King High School with a score of 59 to 0.
TThe West Chicago Fire Protection District and the West Chicago Police Department met for some friendly competition of golf at Prairie Landing Golf Club Thursday, September 2, 2021. The event was to honor retired WCGPD Deputy chief Hugh Stott. Proceeds from the outing were donated to the ALS Foundation in the name of Deputy Chief Stott. (www.merleburl.com)
Allison Moe joins the Student Services Department at Leman Middle School in West Chicago Elementary School District 33. She also will be providing leadership to the health aides, overseeing out-of-district placements, safety/concussion protocols, and 504 Plans across the district. (www.merlevurl.com)
Persons now can stream West Chicago Community High School home games live by visiting the high school You Tube channel, www.d94.org/wegoathleticslive. (www.merleburl.com)
My email address is merleburl@earthlink.net.