Although he was unable to visit West Chicago last year, Frosty the Snowman returns, and again the magic in his old silk hat wafts throughout the community, spreading a festive air at Frosty Fest. The fun event is from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Saturday, December 4, 2021, in the historic downtown district.
Pre-fest events include the Holiday Open House, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the West Chicago Public Library and the “Small Gifts of Art” exhibit from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Gallery 200 Friday, December 3. (Full details on these two events and the 5K Run are elsewhere in the column.)
An early morning start to the day begins with the Frosty Fest 5K Run/Walk at 8:30 a.m. Saturday.
The Frosty Fest procession steps off at 4:00 p.m. from the eastern entrance to the Metra parking lot next to La Michoacana Ice Cream, left on Main Street, right at Galena Street and right on High Street to Center Street. Participants are the West Chicago Police Department, West Chicago Fire Protection District, Frosty, Blue Frost Heating & Cooling, and Santa riding in a fire truck, Mrs. Claus and City Council members ride in a horse-drawn wagon. In the horse-drawn carriage, Mayor Ruben Pineda, his wife Julie, and Shauna S., Rodolfo L., Monica R., and Mary P., the winners of the student school raffle. At the Fox Community Center, 306 Main Street, the mayor and winners of the student raffle officially open Frosty Fest with the lighting of the community holiday tree and lights throughout the downtown area. Kramer Tree Specialists decorated the tree, donating the lights and, decorations. This is the 12th year KTS has either donated a tree and/or decorated the tree. Following the tree lighting, music fills the air with songs by the choirs from Gary School.
After this, the doors to the community center open. Here the West Chicago Police Department collect donated toys for Toys for Tots and the National Honor Society from West Chicago Community High School collect donated items for the Anderson Animal Shelter.
The American Legion Post 300 hall, 123 Main Street, is the location for musical entertainment. Scheduled to perform are Ballet Folklorico and Mariachi los Rayos de Leman Middle School, from West Chicago Elementary School District 33.
At Republic Bank, 101 Main Street, Santa and Mrs. Claus welcome children for visits to hear their Christmas wishes. Friends of the West Chicago Parks Foundation serve popcorn and West Chicago Rotary Club serve hot chocolate. Also on hand at Republic Bank, West Chicago Cultural Arts Commission members invite children to participate in a community art project to create a large snowball structure out of pipe cleaners that will remain in the window of Republic Bank through the holiday season. This outreach is done following the results of the Trunk-or-Treat candy wrapper poll in which children voted for more Community Public Art.
Drawing on the creative aspect, the “Small Gifts of Art” exhibit is at Gallery 200, 103 West Washington Street. Artist William Estrada makes tin ornaments. Members of Girls of Today, Leaders of Tomorrow sell ornaments they made.
The search begins with the scavenger hunt at the West Chicago City Museum, 132 Main Street. Persons visiting the various locations receive a snowball and return to the museum to build a snowman. The Museum also gives Frosty take and make at home kits.
Twinkling lights cast the perfect glow on the outside activities. Renowned ice sculptor Joe Gagnepain portrays his artistic talent, using his chainsaw as a paintbrush to create a holiday masterpiece. The live reindeer display captivates the hearts of adults and children. Giving out warmth for the winter season, Blue Frost Heating gives away winter gloves. Capturing the old-fashioned charm of the community, horse-drawn wagon rides travel in the nearby historical residential neighborhood, starting at Galena and Main streets.
As the evening ends, all can return home with the magical memories of Frosty Fest 2021 dancing in their heads. (www.merleburl.com)
AROUND AND ABOUT
The West Chicago Fire Protection District hosts a Retirement Ceremony for Lieutenant Michael Buenrostro Sr., a Promotion Ceremony for firefighter Greg Zudis at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 1, 2021, at Station 6, headquarters, 200 Fremont Street. Buenrostro was with the District for 40 years. Zudis is being promoted to the rank of lieutenant.
The First Division Museum at Cantigny Park presents its Date with History series program at 7:00 Thursday, December 2, 2021, via Zoom. Presenting the program is author Robert F. Jefferson. Registration is required at FDMuseum.org.
Jefferson discusses his book “Brothers in Valor: The Battlefield Stories of the 89 African Americans Awarded the Medal of Honor.” He tells how “From the horrors of the Civil War to the harrowing days of the Vietnam War, African Americans engaged in acts of heroism on the battlefield in ways that ultimately transformed the nation.” Jefferson is an associate professor of history at the University of New Mexico and holds a PhD in American history from the University of Michigan. His research interests include the African American military experience, the civil rights movement, black Western history, and disability studies. (www.merleburl.com)
The West Chicago Park District offers Parents Night Out from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. Friday, December 3, 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 Public Library, 118 West Washington Street, hosts a Holiday Open House from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. 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.
“Small Gifts of Art” is the exhibit at Gallery 200, 103 West Washington Street, for the month of December. The artwork of the featured artists is perfect for holiday gifts, plus reasonably priced. The artists’ reception is from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday, December 3, 2021.
Participating artists Margaret Bucholz, original paintings and prints; Marge Hall, oil paintings and ornaments; Kathi Kuchler, scarves, jewelry and paintings; Britta Renwick, jewelry, painted wine glasses and; Sue Tripp, fused glass; Judi Horsley, photography pictures; Sharon Malec, felted art; Nadine Buck, jewelry; Heide Morris, cards; Owen O’Reilly, pottery; and Marita Valdizan, wire crochet art and ornaments;
Gallery hours are from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Also during Frosty Fest, artist Eric Estrada paints ornaments Saturday, December 4, 2021.
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 student non-residents. There is a processing fee for online registration. Race day registration is $30 for all runners.
First United Methodist Church of West Chicago, 643 East Washington Street, hosts Pictures with Santa from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 4, 2021. West Chicago resident and professional photographer, Uwe Gsdel takes the pictures. The price is a $5 donation, with the proceeds benefitting Neighborhood Food Pantries, 103 Fremont Street. Santa has a small gift for each participant. Community Christmas performances take place during this time. Guests are asked to bring a non-perishable food donation or make an additional $5 donation, which will be matched 100 percent up to $100. The event is for children and adults. For further information, call (630) 231-3344 or email wegoumcucc@gmail.com.
People Made Visible hosts an artist workshop, “Paying Attention,” with Austin McCann from 10:00 a.m. to noon Saturday, December 4, 2021, at Gallery 200, 103 West Washington Street. Questions covered include How can we tell stories with rocks? How can we speak to the future? How can we describe our feelings? How can we write with our feet? There is no charge, reservations are not necessary.
McCann writes, makes artwork, stages situations and works as a teaching artist through Chicago Arts Partnerships in Education at Currier, Pioneer and Gary Elementary Schools. He has a Masters of Fine Arts degree from University of Illinois in Chicago. He has exhibited with Apparatus Projects, Terrain Exhibitions, Gallery 400, Co-Prosperity Sphere, Blue Mountain Center, and Flatland Chicago. For five years, he directed the Art Theater, an experimental community cinema in Urbana-Champaign. (www.merleburl.com)
West Chicago Park District once again 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
Healthy West Chicago holds two virtual holiday cooking classes for youths and their families via Zoom. Festive Turkey Rice Salad and Orange Glazed Carrots is at 5:00 p.m. Monday, December 6, 2021. Banana Berry Crumble is at 5:00 p.m. Monday, December 13. Chef Maria demonstrates the recipes. Recipe ingredients are provided to the first 20 registrants. To register, visit wcpld.info, under calendar. For further information, email Carly Smitherman at director@healthywestchicago.org or call (630) 230-6370. (www.merleburl.com)
The West Chicago Plan Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals holds a public hearing on the West Chicago Forward Comprehensive Plan at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 7, 2021, at City Hall, 475 Main Street. Business owners, community members and shareholders learn more about the plan and provide comments about the strategies outlined in the document. (www.merleburl.com)
“Outsmart the Scammer” is the West Chicago Library program at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 8, 2021, via Zoom. Financial advisor Acie Boyd discusses how to spot red flags that may indicate a fraudulent encounter, resources to use if one is targeted and steps to take to protect oneself. To register, visit wcpld.info, under calendar. (www.merleburl.com)
The West Chicago Park District monthly gathering for senior citizens is the Holiday Celebration Luncheon at noon Thursday, December 9, 2021, at the ARC, 201 West Washington Street. On the menu is ham, potatoes, gravy, stuffing, vegetables, rolls and pie. Guests are asked to bring wrapped gift with a value of no more than $5. The cost is $12 for residents, $14 for non-residents. Reservations are due by Thursday, December 2. To make a reservation, visit www.we-goparks.org/adult-programs.
Hawthorne’s Backyard Bar & Grill,1200 West Hawthorne Drive, has Dinner with Santa from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, December 9, and Saturday, December 18, 2021. Persons bring families for dinner and Santa gives free cookies and milk to children ages 12 and under.
The restaurant once again holds its annual Stocking Charity Drive. Every year the business works with the West Chicago Police Department to make Christmas special for three deserving families in the community. Hawthorne’s provides the stockings and art supplies and patrons provide the creative art work plus make a monetary donation. The owner Lou Kopinski matches the contributions, with the money used to purchase presents off the lists of the three families. (www.merleburl.com)
The Holiday Orchestra Concert of West Chicago Community High School is at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, December 9, 2021, in the auditorium. Alex Foote is the director. The auditorium audience is limited to the families of the orchestra students. The concert is streamed live on the Athletics You Tube Channel.
The music selection includes “Silent Night,” arrangement by Eric Morales; a movement from the “Nutcracker Suite” by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky; Trépak, a Russian Dance; “The Wexford Carol, ”arrangement by Larry Moore; and “Sleigh Ride” by Leroy Anderson. The Chamber Orchestra performs “Five Ukranians in a Bell Tower,” a jazzy holiday mashup; and “All I Want for Christmas,” an arrangement by John Lyon. A few surprises also are planned. (www.merleburl.com)
The First Division Museum at Cantigny Park presents the program, “A Day That Will Live in Infamy: the Attack on Pearl Harbor,” at 7:00 Thursday, December 9, 2021, via Zoom. Presenting the program is Tricia Menke, Curator of Education at the National Museum of the American Sailor at Naval Station Great Lakes. Registration is required at FDMuseum.org.
Menke discusses one of America’s darkest days, December 7, 1941. The shocking attack at Pearl Harbor was the catalyst for the emergence of a new and determined naval fleet. She examines events leading up to the Japanese invasion, how sailors and nurses responded, and the aftermath and legacy of what is considered the Navy’s greatest defeat. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Gettysburg College and received her master’s in history with a museum studies concentration from University of North Carolina at Greensboro. (www.merleburl.com)
West Chicago Community High School Honor Society hosts Pancakes with Santa from 8:30 to 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 11, 2021, in the Commons, 326 Joliet Street, Entrance H. The cost is $7 for adults, $5 for children ages 12 and under and senior citizens. In addition to breakfast, there are games, crafts glitter tattoos and a photo booth There also is a raffle. (merleburl.com)
We Grow Dreams Greenhouse and Garden Center, 1055 West Washington Street, hosts its annual Holiday Expo from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturday, December 11, 2021. There are holiday-themed arts and crafts, fresh evergreen reindeer in four sizes, Sno Gnomes, wreaths roping and plants. Holiday refreshments are served. (www.merleburl.com)
BYO Creativity is from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. December 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. Craft project include painting, drawing, yarn crafts, scrap booking or adult coloring. The tables allow ample space for persons to work which on projects. 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.
The West Chicago Park District hosts North Pole Adventure Saturday and Sunday, December 11 and 12, 2021. Trains depart from the Metra station, 508 Main Street, at 1:39 p.m. and 5:39 p.m. Persons must be at the station 15 minutes early to check in. The cost is $20 for residents, $25 for non-residents. Pre-registration is required at www.we-goparks.org/special-events. All children must be accompanied by a paying adult and each person attending must be registered for the event. The ride to and from the “North Pole” is filled with music, stories and surprises. On the way back, Santa jumps on board to visit with participants. (www.merleburl.com)
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 of ham and all the trimmings and a sweet table, there are prizes and music throughout dinner., Entertainment is some karaoke by LaRhonda Thomas. 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.
Faith Community Church, 910 Main Street, host a Community Christmas Lunch at 11:00 a.m. Sunday, December 12, 2021. There is no charge and all are welcome.
The Holiday Choral Concert of West Chicago Community High School is at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, December 12, 2021, in the auditorium, 326 Joliet Street. Brandon Fantozzi is the director,
The Holiday Band Concert of West Chicago Community High School is Tuesday, December 14, 2021, in the auditorium, 326 Joliet Street. Marissa Janiszweski is the director.
Healthy West Chicago hosts a free virtual family cooking class, “Holiday Roasted Butternut Squash & Baked Apples” at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 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 wcpld.info, under calendar. For further information email Carly Smitherman at: director@healthywestchicago.org or call 630-230-6370. (www.merleburl.com)
The Auxiliary of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6791 host Bingo on Sundays at the post, 431 North Neltnor Boulevard. Doors open at noon, games start at 1:30 p.m.
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 29, 2021, there were 5,5614 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 Marcie J. (Modaff) Sedlacek, who at the age of 77 passed away Monday, November 20, 2021.
Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Gregorio Terrazas, who at the age of 45 passed away Wednesday, November 24, 2021.
After more than 26 years with the West Chicago Police Department, Officer Michael Smurawski retired Wednesday, November, 24, 2021. He was a patrol officer and a school resource officer. He also served as a member of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 85 for many years. (www.merleburl.com)
Maggie Capettini, former education director at West Chicago City Museum, won a second place ribbon in the juried exhibit, “It’s A wonderful Life” at the LaGrange Art League, 122 Calendar Avenue. The plein air oil painting is entitled “Schweikher House Meadow.” The exhibit is up until the end of December. (www.merleburl.com)
Nicole Osborne, English teacher at West Chicago Community High School, recently was a speaker at the National American Educational Studies Association conference in Portland, Oregon. The presentation, “Rerouting the Journey: The Quest into the Anthropocene” addressed the importance of worthwhile English literature and curriculum in a posthumanist world. Osborne is pursuing a doctorate in Curriculum Studies and Principal Preparation from DePaul University. (www.merleburl.com)
My email address is merleburl@earthlink.net.