As we near the holiday season, there are more events than usual. Most are on the smaller scale and not big fests. However, big or small, all are memory builders. Take time to make a memory with friends, family and neighbors.
AROUND AND ABOUT
American Legion Auxiliary Post 300 and volunteers are making 40 fleece blankets as a Thanksgiving gift for the veterans at DuPage Care Center and Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans. The cost for each blanket is $10. The auxiliary is seeking donation to help pay for the blanket material. Make checks payable to American Legion Post 33 Auxiliary, and in memo write veteran blankets. Persons can either mail donations American Legion Post 300 Auxiliary, 123 Main Street, West Chicago IL 60185 or give donation to the bartender during open hours. The hours are from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. For the last few years, the Auxiliary hosted a “Christmas in July” event for the veterans at the DuPage Care Center, which was a huge success, The pandemic put an end to the event and the blanket project is a way to continue to honor the veterans.
West Chicago Police Department once again is collecting toys for the US Marines Toys for Tots Foundation program. The ages are from infant through 16 years of age. Toys are donated to children in local area communities. Drop off new unwrapped toys during regular business hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday through Sunday, December 21, 2021, in the decorated box in the lobby at the police station, 325 Spencer Street. The toys go to a warehouse, where they are sorted and distributed. The police department only collects the toys and is not in charge of distribution. By visiting https://bit.ly/3bNlKdH, persons can donate virtually. (www.merleburl.com)
Murphy Ace Hardware, 319 South Neltnor Boulevard, also has a box for Toys for Tots.
West Chicago Public Library, 118 West Washington Street, has an exhibit featuring the artwork of students in the free art programs at People’s Resource Center. The artwork is on display for a limited time. (www.merleburl.com)
West Chicago City Museum presents the Historiography program, a non-fiction book reading group, at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, November 18, 2021, at the Museum, 132 Main Street. The book is “Courageous Women of the Vietnam War” by Kathryn J. Atwood. 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.
Virtual Chair Yoga is the West Chicago Public Library program at 3:00 p.m. Monday, November 18, 2021. Susan from Dancing Cranes demonstrates the benefits of yoga without getting down on the floor. In an hour of Chair Yoga, persons breathe more deeply; stretch, strengthen and move their body; relieve stress and relax. To register, visit wcpld.info.
Wheaton Academy Theater presents “Little Women: the Musical, in the Fine Arts Center, 900 North Prince Crossing Road. Performances are at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, November 18, 19 and 20, 2021. Ticket price is $12. To order tickets, visit https://wheatonacademy.org/fine-arts/theatre/littlewomen/. Masks are required. (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, November 18, 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 Rebecca Sive, author of “Vote Her In: Your Guide to Electing Our First Woman President.”
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)
The West Chicago Park District offers Parents Night Out from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. Friday, November 19, 2021, at the ARC, 201 West National Street. Parents drop off children who are between the ages of three and 10 and then enjoy an evening together. Activities for the children include pizza dinner, games and crafts, plus staff-supervised free-play in the Treehouse. The charge is $5 per child for residents and $7 per child for non-residents. To make a reservation, visit https://www.we-goparks.org .
West Chicago Park District hosts a Medicare Information Series. The second one takes place from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 20, 2021, at the ARC, 201 West National Street. This session includes Medicare coverage of Diabetes, what is needed to have in order for Medicare to cover such services (Part B and D) testing, insulin pumps, therapeutic shoes or inserts. There is no charge, but registration is required at https://www.we-goparks.org/adult-program. (www.merleburl.com)
Girls of Today Leaders of Tomorrow once again is having its Tamale Sale December 4, 2021, at St. Andrew lutheran Church, 155 North Prince Crossing Road. It is pre-order only with orders due by Sunday, November 21, The selections are pork, chicken, cheese with chili; and sweet, strawberry or pineapple. Combos must be three of each for a half dozen and six of each for a dozen. The cost is $9 for half a dozen and $16 for a dozen; the cost for cheese with chili is $11 for half dozen and $18 for a dozen. To order, email info@girls2leaders.org or visit www.Facebook.com/GirlsTodayLeadersTomorrow. As a side note, I ordered these tamales last year, delicious and my family devoured quickly.
Girls of Today Leaders of Tomorrow is based in West Chicago and is a 501c3 organization. It mission is to inspire and empower young women to find value within themselves and to achieve the best direction of their lives. The vision is to have a society of young women, who are confident, independent and able to motivate future generations. As a side note, I order these tamales lat year and they delicious(www.merleburl.com)
West Chicago Park District holds Free Fitness Week from Monday, November 22, through Saturday, November 25, 2021, at the ARC Center, 201 West National Street. This includes the Fitness Center, Classes, Open Gym and Indoor Track. Members Bring a Guest Week is from Sunday, November 28, through Saturday, December 4, 2021. (www.merleburl.com)
The last week for free leaf pick up begins Monday, November 22, and ends Saturday, November 27, 2021, on regularly scheduled garbage days. There is no pick up on Thanksgiving Day. This also is the last week for yard waste collection for 2021.
Winter Wonderland 2021 at Sonny Acres Farm, 29W310 North Avenue, opens Monday, November 22, and ends Sunday, December 19. There are shopping, activities and fun for all ages. Among the activities are visits with Santa, Holiday Lights Show through the farm, shopping at the holiday store for gifts and decorations and enjoying a cup of hot chocolate, carriage rides, and shopping at the Sweet Shop. The Farm also is selling Christmas trees, wreaths and roping. (www.merleburl.com)
St. Andrew Lutheran Church. 155 North Prince Crossing Road, bilingual Thanksgiving Eve service is at 7:00 p.m. November 24, 2021. Pies and tamales are served following the service. (www.merleburl.com)
St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 140 North Oakwood Street, Thanksgiving Mass in English is at 9:00 a.m. and in Spanish at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, November 25, 2021.
With the holiday season upon us, the onset of decorating begins in earnest, which includes the discovery of strands of incandescent and LED holiday lights that no longer work and finding a way of ecological disposal. The City provides the “green” answer with the offer of free recycling for the holiday lights and extension cords from Friday, November 26, 2021, through Friday, January 21, 2022. The offer is open to residents, businesses, clubs, churches and organizations. Drop-off locations are City Hall, 475 Main Street; First United Methodist Church of West Chicago, by exterior door at 643 East Washington Street; Murphy Ace Hardware, 319 South Neltnor Boulevard; Water Treatment Plant, 1400 West Hawthorne Lane; West Chicago Public Library District, 118 West Washington Street; and the ARC Center, 201 West National Street. The West Chicago Environmental Commission coordinates the program with Groot Industries. The amount collected in 2020 was 688 pounds.Since the programs tarted in 2013, the amount collected is 9,383 pounds.
West Chicago Park District has Paramount Theater series season program for adults. The second of the four musical productions is “Cinderella.” The time frame is 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, December 1, 2021. Persons should be at the ARC Center, 201 West National Street, by 10:45 a.m. The $58 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 garden salad, rolls and butter, meatloaf, mashed potatoes with gravy, corn, and cookies/brownies, plus a non-alcoholic beverage. A cash bar is available. To make a reservation, visit https://www.we-goparks.org/adult-programs.
“Cinderella” is one of the most beloved and cherished fairy tales. This mesmerizing production gives us a familiar yet reimagined take on the story families have returned to over and over across generations. Fit for a royal ball, Paramount Grand Gallery’s will be decked out for the season with a giant two-story, fully decorated Christmas tree and all the trimmings.
West Chicago Public Library, 118 West Washington Street, hosts a Holiday Open House on Friday, December 3, 2021. Persons must have a ticket to attend; reserve a time slot at the youth Services Desk. Guests preview the holiday displays throughout the library. While supplies last guests receive a fun to-go bag. (www.merleburl.com)
Healthy West Chicago and City of West Chicago hold the annual Frosty Fest 5K Run/Walk, in person and virtual, at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, December 4, 2021. Registration starts at 7:30 and ends at 8:00 a.m. The in person event starts at Turner Court and goes through the streets of historic West Chicago. The fee is $25 for residents, $30 for non-residents; $5 for student residents and $10 for students. There is a processing fee for online registration. Race day registration is $30 for all runners and must be made payable by check to City of West Chicago. Race participants receive shirts and a swag bag filled with goodies, visit https://raceroster.com/events/2021/52620/frosty-5k-walkrun.
West Chicago Park District once agains hosts Pet Photos with Santa from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday, December 4, 2021, at the pavilion next to the ARC, 201 West National Street. Each registered household receives one photo ornament and a digital photo file via email. Additional ornaments are $5 each. The cost is $10 for residents and $12 for non-residents. One handler per pet is required There is one time spot and one photo per household. To register, visit https://www.we-goparks.org/special-events.
Frosty Fest is from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Saturday, December 4, 2021, in the historic downtown district. Activities include Frosty Procession, lighting of Holiday Tree, Visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, horse-drawn wagon rides, live reindeer and ice sculptor.
American Legion Post 300 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6791 host the Holiday Celebration for the Community’Saturday, December 11, 2021, at the American Legion, 123 Main Street. Doors open at 6:00 p.m.; dinner is at 7:00 p.m. In edition to the meal, there are prizes and music. Ticket price is $25 per person. $40 a couple. Tickets are available for purchase at the American Legion and the VFW, 431 North Neltnor Boulevard. (www.merleburl.com)
Support our local businesses. November hours for We Grow Dreams Greenhouse and Garden Center, West Washington Street, are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and closed Sunday and Monday.
Check with the local eating establishments for Thanksgiving Dinner specials, dine-in or to go.
Kramer Tree Specialists offer Holiday Decorating services for businesses and homeowners. Not only does the company install, take down and store, but also maintains. There are many products from which to choose. For more information, call (630) 293-5444 or visit https://kramertree.com/holiday-lighting/.
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’s “COVID-19 Dashboard” is a one-stop-shop for all the information it offers including a town-by-town breakdown of cases. As of Monday, November 15, 2021, there were 5,515 cases and 56 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 Ralph W. Siddall, who at the age of 62 passed away. Saturday, November 6, 2021.
Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Keith A. Kaelin, who at the age of 64 passed away Monday, November 1, 2021.
Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Virginia S. Horvath, who at the age of 85 passed away Friday, November 5, 2021.
Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Winslow “Win” Baker, who at the age 94 passed away Sunday, November 7, 2021
Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Rafael Arechiga Rodriguez, who at the age of 77 passed away Saturday, November 6, 2021.
Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of “Ginger,” Virginia K. (Dahl) Farley, who at the age of 50 passed away Sunday, October 31, 2021.
Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Harris Fawell, who at the age of 92 passed away, Thursday, November 11, 2021.
Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Andre Juan-Jaques ”J.J.” Graffin, who at the age of 85 passed away Saturday, November 6, 2021.
Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Benjamín Ocaña Hernández, who at the age of 45 passed away Wednesday, November 10, 2021.
Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Wayne Keding, who at the age of 80 passed away Friday, November 12, 2021.
Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Jackie Haydn, who at the age of 59 passed away, Monday, November 8, 2021.
Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Delores H. (Keeney) Ferguson, who at the age of 90 passed away Monday, November 15, 2021.
George Prewitt, 1987 graduate of West Chicago Community High School, has a song about West Chicago, “Cobblestone Road.” It can be heard at https://www.pastemagazine.com/noisetrade/music/georgeprewitt/cobblestone-road-single. He said, “ This is a song about my hometown of West Chicago, growing up in the 80s. All the lyrics refer to the mid-80s in a small Midwestern town. We weren’t rich or powerful or political-we were just people living life. I have some great memories of being a kid.” (www.merleburl.com)
Mike and Roxanne Hamlin celebrated their 45th Wedding Anniversary,Saturday, November 13, 2021.
Gary and Patti Berkes Taylor celebrated their 45th Wedding Anniversary Saturday, November 13, 2021.
On November 8, 2021, Jamee Kenney, Principal of Wagner School, called West Chicago Fire Protection District Station 6 to report a kitten trapped in a storm drain. Fire Deputy Chief Tim Leidig explained, “Engine 6 and Battalion 6 arrived on the scene and heard a kitten in the drain. Covers were pulled and the kitten was seen moving away from our location. It was eventually determined that there were two kittens in the storm drain, and they kept moving away from rescuers. The decision was made to flush them out to safety; 1,500 gallons of water, a dodgeball, a soccer ball, and a pool noodle eventually flushed the kittens into an animal net.” Students and staff were not only happy with the saving of the kittens, but also very relieved. “The kittens were taken to DuPage Animal Control for care.” Assisting in the rescue were members of the West Chicago Police Department, City Public Works Department and Wegner School staff. (www.merleburl.com)
During a ceremony held Tuesday, October 12, 2021, 85 students were inducted into the National Honor Society. NHS sponsor is teacher Leslie Fireman. Principal Will Dwyer congratulated the students.
Students were Philip Calabrese, Jaclyn Camp, Johanna Edler, Savannah Epperson, Eftihia Giannoudahos, Caitlin Harding, Jacob Holloway, Nicole Murphy, Aidan Murrin, Aaron Ruszczak, Soham Shah, Daivik Singh, Alysa Solomon, Kathryn, Wenberg, Bella Wiehle, Justin Zbinovec, Salette Alfaro, Gerardo Avila, David Bartler, Reagan Boorsma, Alondra Briseno, Daniel Canda, Dulce Carrasco, Julissa Castillo Melissa Castillo, Shaylee Castillo, Daniel Chávez and Anthony Cielo.
Other students were Gianna DeConcilis, Katrina Dy, Elizabeth Franch, Javier Garcia, Charles Gove, Brianna Gromos, Noah Herbst, Shayla Hernandez, Gannon Hosticka, Jairo Ibarra, Bridget Jakabcsin, Anna Lesny, Mariana López, Marie Lowell, Allison Manspeaker, Kathy Martinez, Jonathan Martinez, Milagros Mendez, Roberto Mendoza, Joselyn Muñoz, Hanh Nguyen, Leah Nika, Emily Nosky, Lizbeth Orozco, Sydney Ostapa, Alexa Palacios-Reyes, Melissa Pani andSarah Plumlee.
Also inducted were Kyle Prebis, Jack Riconosciuto, Maritsa Romero, Vincent Ross, Sam Rutledge, Nathan Schmidt, Kayla Sennese, Sean Slattery, Michelle Tafoya-Ruiz, Montserrat Tapia, Ema Tomasevic, Joanna Trejo, Ximena Valenciano Serna, Sofia Tamayo, Anelise Velasco, Shannon White, Landon Wright, Tyler Bute, April Cuautle, Daniel Eaton, Ella Hardy, Quinn Hasselgren, Elizabeth Hurley, Benjamin Jimenez, Katie McGlynn, Ayden Russo, Jason Sartore, Mark Stavenger and TJ Tipton.
The NHS is an organization honoring high school students for their academic excellence, character, leadership, and service to their school. Requirements for applying for NHS include a Grade Point Average of 4.5 or higher, service involvement, leadership experience, a recommendation letter from a teacher, coach or mentor, and a personal statement. (www.merleburl.com)
Displayed on the 19 banners honoring veterans are Thomas E. Tillman, Alton S. Hallett, Charles A. Scheckel, Jr., David L. Russell, Diane Madden Ferguson, Donald L. Smith, Gerardo Serriteno, John Johnston, LaVoy Hensel Schneider, Charles Kaelin, Don Berkes, Donald Earley, Herbert Mertes, James Carter, James P. Colford, Joseph Schweihs, Max Hammond, Richard J. Truitt and Ramon Bejarano. There is an interactive map featuring each banner and its location on line at https://westchicago.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapJournal/index.htmlappid=6ad1007166ad4f0e9161a4d8bc11d824. This pilot project receives many positive remarks both from the families of the veterans and from those viewing them.
First United Methodist Church of West Chicago has been collecting shoes since 2012; first for the Shoeman Project , now for WearABLES, which export the shoes to vendors in places like Haiti, Kenya and South America and use the funds from exporting for clean water programs around the world. Recently all five collection bins, supplied by Groot, were full, plus SCARCE donated 44 pairs of shoes. When SCARCE had a textile workshop, participants were asked to bring shoes. Members of the church met to match shoes, band or tie them together and bag 10 pairs each. These then were loaded onto a truck and donated to WearABLES. More than 31,000 shoes have been collected and donated since the church started the project. (www.merleburl.com)
SCARCE, West Chicago Environmental Commission and First United Methodist Church of West Chicago co-hosted a pumpkin composting drop off Saturday, November 6, 2021, at the church. The collection of pumpkins weighed 2.13 pounds. The pumpkins then were delivered to Willow Ranch Composting Facility in Romeoville. Composting pumpkins keeps waste out of the landfills, reduces greenhouse gas emissions and creates a natural fertilizer. (www.merleburl.com)
Eleven students from West Chicago Community High School were selected by audition for the 2021 Illinois Music Education Association District 9 Honor Festival Saturday, November 13, 2021, at Dundee-Crown High School. The students are under the direction of Brandon Fantozzi, Choir; Marissa Rentner Janiszewski, Band; and Alexandra Wojciechowski, Orchestra.
The students are senior Philip Calabrese, Choir, Tenor; senior), senior Maggie Hancock, Choir, Alto II; senior Sydney Radke, Choir, Alto II; senior Robert Washington Jr., Choir, Bass Iil, senior Gerardo Avila, Choir, Tenor I; junior AnnaBelle Beaird, Choir, Soprano I; junior Analucia Lopez, Orchestra, Violin; senior Grace Miller, Choir, Alto I; sophomore Neela Myers, Band, Flute; junior Leah Nika, Choir, Soprano II; and senior Mikail Herrera, Choir, Bass I.
The students competed against more than 1,200 students in band, choir, and orchestra from DuPage, Kane and parts of Will and Kendall counties. The highly competitive auditions required students to prepare scales, etudes and/or selected excerpts of music pieces. Auditions were conducted digitally and each student had to submit a video. (www.merleburl.com)
The CAREcrow display by GardenWorks Project from West Chicago won the popular vote at Cantigny Park. The organization promotes food growing through home and community gardens to improve the community’s well-being, environment, and those facing food insecurity. Accepting the $1,000 grant check was Jeannie Iseman, executive director of Garden Projects.
CAREcrow creators each received a $1,000 grant from the Robert R. McCormick Foundation. They also collected 100 percent of optional donations made by Cantigny Park visitors, who were encouraged to vote for their favorite CAREcrow display. The agency gathering the most votes received an additional $1,000. The other organizations were SCARCE, the Resiliency Institute and Leaves and Fishes Community Services. The four organizations were chosen for their commitments to environmental issues and sustainability, alleviating hunger, and building self-sufficiency in communities.(www.merleburl.com)
Cantigny Park, part of the Robert R, McCormick Foundation, awarded a check for $11.000 to the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans in Wheaton. The donation represented net proceeds from the 17th annual Cantigny 5K Run/Walk, donations from participating runners and walkers. Including this year’s donation, the Cantigny 5K has now generated $140,000 for MSHV since 2008. Also American Legion Post 556, based at Cantigny Park, held a Pancake Breakfast the day of the race. Collected at this event was $484 in direct donations.
Organized by the Auxiliary of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6791, the Community Veterans Day observance took place at the Post. Steve Bennier, VFW Post Commander, welcomed the guests. Diana Denton, Chaplain of the VFW Auxiliary gave the opening prayer and Julia Doggett, Chaplain of American Legion Post 300 Auxiliary, gave the closing prayer. Officer of the Day, Don Smith, led the Pledge of Allegiance. Giving the Auxiliary address was Americanism Chair Nancy Smith. The Keynote Speaker was Mayor Ruben Pineda. (The speech by the mayor is on the City’s website, westchicago.org). Auxiliary President Terry Adams gave the closing remarks. The observance ended with the playing of “Taps.” (www.merleburl.com)
Veterans were honored at the Wayne Township Senior Center Wednesday, November 10, 2021. Also honored were the veterans buried at Wayne Township Cemetery. (www.merleburl.com)
Benjamin Middle School held its annual Veterans Day Assembly Thursday, November 11, 2021. The Carol Stream Police Department presented the Colors. Performing the “Star Spangled Banner” were the band, under the direction of Morgan Martin, and the choir, under the direction of Melissa LaMantia and April Tepe. The choir sang several other songs during the assembly. Dignitaries introduced were Ruben Pineda, Mayor of West Chicago; Frank Severino, Mayor of Carol Stream; and Rick Gieser, Village of Carol Stream Trustee. In addition to the introduction of veterans attending, there was a slide show honoring Benjamin veterans. Under the Operation Bengals Care portion of the program were Gail Ryan from Honor Flight Chicago ,and Jack Fisher and Mary Brady, veterans and Honor Flight participants. (www.merleburl.com)
For Veterans Day students in West Chicago Elementary Schools honored veterans. Wegner School staff and students gave a special thank you to Paul Shankle, school custodian and U.S. veteran. (www.merleburl.com
In honor of Veterans Day, Turner School students delivered “Thank Your” cards to neighbor and WWII Veteran Campbell McCarthy. (www.merleburl.com)
The class of Wegner GATE teacher Kathleen Sawicki sent letters honoring veterans to American Legion Post 300. (www.merleburl.com)
Hearing that some students at West Chicago Community High School needed winter coat, a resident worked with others to collect money to purchase coats. Enough was collected to get each student identified a coat or lined hoodie, hat and gloves.
Choose DuPage featured Ball Horticultural Company. It looked at Ball’s products and business model evolvement in more than 116 years, now shaping the future of ornamental pants. The company has a presence in 21 countries and six continents. To read the article in full, visit https:/l/www.choosedupage.com/how-ball-horticultural-is-coloring-the-world-from-dupage-county/. (www.merleburl.com)
My email address is merleburl@earthlink.net.