At Home with Merle Burleigh – February 2, 2022

By the time most people read this column, the groundhog will have emerged with the prediction of weather. If he saw his shadow, there is six more weeks of Winter, no shadow, an early spring. Groundhog Day is a tradition observed in the United States and Canada. This lore originated from the Pennsylvania Dutch superstition that if the groundhog sees its shadow it will retreat to its den. The ceremony held in at Punxsutawney, Penn. draws a large crowd and the forecast is highlighted in the media. Closer to home is the Groundhog Festivities in Woodstock, where the movie Groundhog Day was filmed, starring Bill Murray. The release date was February 1, 1993. “Groundhog Day: the Musical” is on stage at the Paramount Theater in Aurora. The featured song to remember is “I Got You Babe.” In case, he does see his shadow, the correct prediction rate is abound 40 percent.

AROUND AND ABOUT

• The City extended the closures of its City-owned buildings through Friday, Feb. 4, 2022.
• Hawthorne’s Backyard Bar & Grill, 1200 W. Hawthorne Lane, hosts its Twelfth Annual Turkey Bowl Charity Event Fundraiser at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 6, 2022. The charity this year is the Tessa Dante, a two-year old girl undergoing treatment of Stage 4 Neuroblastoma, which is a rare and aggressive form of pediatric cancer. There are many prizes, give away items and a 50/50 raffle, The charge is $60 per four-person teams. Pre-registration is required. Teams must register at the bar or see a manager. The event is limited to 100 teams. For individuals not on a team, this is a fun event to watch and cheer on your favorite team. For further information call 630-293-6700.
• Life Line Screenings take place Monday, Feb. 7, 2022, at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 N. Prince Crossing Road. To register call 866-229-0469, visit https://www.lifelinescreening.com or text circle to 79797. The tests are cartons artery/plaque, heart rhythm, abdominal aortic aneurysm, peripheral arterial disease and osteoporosis risk assessment. The price for the five screening sis $139. (https://merleburl.com)
• Microsoft Excel is the West Chicago Public Library \computer class at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2022, in the main program room, 118 W. Washington St. Topics include Excel's layout and basic functions, entering and editing data, using multiple spreadsheets in the same workbook, formatting and sorting data, and writing and understanding formulas. To register, visit https://wcpld.info, under calendar.
• The West Chicago Park District has a Sip and Paint event, “Masterpiece on Glass,” at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2022, at the ARC, 201 W. 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 $35 registration fee includes step by step instructions and necessary supplies Stencils are provided, no experience is necessary. To register, visit we-goparks.org/adult-programs.
• The West Chicago Park District hosts a Job Fair during open hour from Thursday, Feb. 10, through Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022, at the ARC, 201 W. National St. to view the available positions, visit https://www.we-goparks.org/employment. (https://merleburl.com)
• The West Chicago Park District monthly social gathering is at noon Thursday, Feb. 10, 2022, at the ARC, 201 W. National Street. The district provides the Valentine lunch. The entertainment is a love inspired movie, plus popcorn while watching. There is a $10 charge, with reservations required by Friday, Feb. 4. To register, visit we-goparks.org/adult-programs.
• In partnership with Robert R. McCormick House at Cantigny Park, the League of Women Voters of Wheaton and League of Women voters of Kane County host their Civic Awareness Series at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 10, 2022 via Zoom. To make a reservation visit Cantigny.org. A Zoom link to access the presentation is sent two days prior to the event.
  Amanda Vinicky, Illinois government and politics correspondent for WTTW-TV, Chicago, is the speaker. She focuses on current happening in the Illinois General Assembly and the upcoming primary election. She frequently re The City extended the closures of its City-owned buildings through Friday, Feb. 4, 2022.
• Hawthorne’s Backyard Bar & Grill, 1200 W. Hawthorne Lane, hosts its Twelfth Annual Turkey Bowl Charity Event Fundraiser at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 6, 2022. The charity this year is the Tessa Dante, a two-year old girl undergoing treatment of Stage 4 Neuroblastoma, which is a rare and aggressive form of pediatric cancer. There are many prizes, give away items and a 50/50 raffle, The charge is $60 per four-person teams. Pre-registration is required. Teams must register at the bar or see a manager. The event is limited to 100 teams. For individuals not on a team, this is a fun event to watch and cheer on your favorite team. For further information call 630-293-6700.
• Life Line Screenings take place Monday, Feb. 7, 2022, at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 N. Prince Crossing Road. To register call 866-229-0469, visit https://www.lifelinescreening.com or text circle to 79797. The tests are cartons artery/plaque, heart rhythm, abdominal aortic aneurysm, peripheral arterial disease and osteoporosis risk assessment. The price for the five screening sis $139. (https://merleburl.com)
• Microsoft Excel is the West Chicago Public Library \computer class at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2022, in the main program room, 118 W. Washington St. Topics include Excel's layout and basic functions, entering and editing data, using multiple spreadsheets in the same workbook, formatting and sorting data, and writing and understanding formulas. To register, visit https://wcpld.info, under calendar.
• The West Chicago Park District has a Sip and Paint event, “Masterpiece on Glass,” at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2022, at the ARC, 201 W. 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 $35 registration fee includes step by step instructions and necessary supplies Stencils are provided, no experience is necessary. To register, visit we-goparks.org/adult-programs.
• The West Chicago Park District hosts a Job Fair during open hour from Thursday, Feb. 10, through Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022, at the ARC, 201 W. National St. to view the available positions, visit https://www.we-goparks.org/employment. (https://merleburl.com)
• The West Chicago Park District monthly social gathering is at noon Thursday, Feb. 10, 2022, at the ARC, 201 W. National Street. The district provides the Valentine lunch. The entertainment is a love inspired movie, plus ports on these topics and other statewide issues as a segment host on WTTW’s “Chicago Tonight.
  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. (https://merleburl.com)
• The month of February is “Unique Art Sale” at Gallery 200. Some items from the December exhibit, “Small Gifts of Art,” plus artwork from other member artists. Items on sale are specially marked. The artists ’ reception is 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 11, 2022. The Gallery is now open after the temporary closure. Hours are 2 to 6 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. Masks are required. (https://merleburl.com)
• BYO Creativity is from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Feb. 12, 2022, at Gallery 200, 103 W. Washington St. 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 projects include painting, drawing, yarn crafts, scrap booking or adult coloring. (https://merleburl.com)
• During the months of February and March, Mexican Cultural Center DuPage presents a special exhibit by West Chicago artist Giovanni Arellano at Gallery 200, 103 W. Washington St. The artist’s reception is rescheduled to 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12, 2022. Curators of the exhibit are MCCD board members Sara Phalen and Fernando Ramirez. The exhibit is made possible in part by funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Masks are required.
• 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, Feb. 14, 2022, via Zoom. The theme, “Police/Community Relations ” discussion focuses on promoting conversation through openness to others with opposing views. To register visit my.lwv.org/illinois/wheaton/calendar.
  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 murder mystery dinner, where guests interact with the cast. It takes place at 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 19, 2022, in the ARC, 201 W. National Street. The dinner menu includes Italian beef, fried chicken, Caesar salad and baked Mostaccioli. The cost is $35; free child care is included in the registration. Reservations are due by Friday, Feb. 11, at www.we-goparks.org/special-events.
  Guests, dressed in their finery “dine” at the estate of Sir Warren Peace. The night is filled with mystery, intrigue and murder. An unhinged guest is whacking all the invitees. No one knows who the next victim might be. Guess can bribe suspects for clues and gather information to find out “who done it.”
• “Renewal” is the theme for the 2022 Art Banner Exhibit. All media is acceptable with no limitation to technique or subject as long as it relates to the theme. It is a juried exhibit. The selected entries are displayed on banners hanging in the historic downtown area from May through September. To submit artwork, visit https://form.jotform.com/212725943004046 for the entry form. The deadline to enter is Tuesday, Feb. 15. (https://merleburl.com)
• Healthy West Chicago hosts a free virtual family cooking class, “Veggie Lasagna,” at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2022, 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 20 registered participants. The day to pick up supplies at the West Chicago Public Library are 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. (https://merleburl.com)
• Healthy West Chicago holds a Family Cooking Class, “Take Out at Home” at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 17 2022, via Zoom. Classes are free and open to all West Chicago Elementary School District 33 families. Supplies are provided to the first 20 registrants with pick up at West Chicago Public Library, 118 West Washington Street. To register, visit https://bit.ly/3qorrpg. For further information email email director@healthywestchicago.org. Participants learn tips on eating healthy and involving children in food preparation. Chef Maria demonstrates the preparation of Asian style Noodle with Vegetables.
• West Chicago Park District has Paramount Theater series season program for adults. The third of the four musical productions.is “Groundhog Day: The Musical.” The time frame is 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2022. 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, Roasted Pork with Apple Au Jus on the side, Roasted Red Potatoes, Broccoli, and Cookies/Brownies. A cash bar is available. To make a reservation, visit https://www.we-goparks.org/adult-programs.
  It is based on the classic Bill Murray Classic comedy. Cynical weatherman Phil Connors, is in a never-ending nightmare, stuck in a small hick town whose biggest claim to fame is meteorologist groundhog Punxsutawney Phil. The production is a funny, surprisingly touching and simply inspirational musical
• The West Chicago City Museum Historiography program, a non-fiction book reading group, meets again Thursday, March 17, 2022. Since the book, “Everything You Wanted to About Indians, But Were Afraid to Ask,” is long and thought-provoking, readers the time to read and enjoy it. Copies of the book are available at the museum and library. For further information, visit Friends of West Chicago City Museum website, wegohistory.com or call 630-231-3376.
• 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.

SUPPORT OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES

• Planning a party or attending an event, for Super Bowl, Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022, several of our businesses offer catering or special offerings.
• Check the local eating establishments for Valentine’s Day dining events.
• As residents had cracked windows caused by the extremely cold weather, We Grow Dreams & Garden Center was no exception. Executive Director Gregg Bettcher said, “During the day, snow and ice melted on our roof, then when the cold snap hit last night the glass in this section just couldn’t handle the changing temperatures. Thankfully, no one was injured in this collapse and a temporary solution has been innovated. We have plans to replace the whole roof on our retail space in the coming year, thanks to our wonderful supporters!”

COVID-19

• Free COVID testing is from 10:00 a.m. to noon Mondays and Fridays at Wayne Township, 27W031 North Avenue. For further information, call the township at 630-231-7173. American Family Medical Center manages the testing site. The contact person is Mr. Ravl, 630-207-5099.
• A COVID-19 vaccination clinic is open from 2:30 to 6:00 p.m. Tuesdays at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 N. 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
• 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, Jan. 31, 2022, there were 8,131 cases and 61 deaths; this is the number from the beginning of track recording.

REMEMBRANCES

• Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of LuAnn Smith Whitman, who at the age of 67 passed away Saturday, Jan. 22, 2022.
• Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Dale R, Bonga, who at the age of 79 passed away thursday, Jan. 20, 2022.
• Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Andrew J. Rita, who at the age of 59 passed away Friday, Jan. 21, 2022.
• Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Robert “Bob” Spurny, who at the age of 77 passed away Wednesday Jan.. 26, 2922.
• Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Paul Arthur Lueck, who at the age of 72 passed away Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2022.
• Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Bonni (Kimmel) Coffin, who at the age of 79 passed away Jan. 29, 2022.
• Sincere sympathy is expressed to the family of Gerald “Jerry” Neumaier, who at the age of 78 passed away thursday, Jan. 27, 2022.

SCHOOLS

• Wheaton Academy Mathletes competed in the Metro Suburban Conference Meet in December. The precalculus team placed first among the seven competing schools. Members of the team were Colton Gomoll, Daniel Olson, William Lu and David Zhang. Earning individual medals were David Zhang , 1st place precalculus; William Lu and Daniel Olso, tie for 2nd place precalculus; Adrian Gear, 1st place for geometry; and Daniel Titcomb, 3rd palace algebra two.
• Eighty-two West Chicago Community High School students were recognized for their successes and contributions to the school during the Breakfast of Champions Friday, Jan. 14, 2022. Teachers or other staff members nominated the students and used the criteria of demonstrating significant academic improvement, making a unique or difficult contribution to a class, the school or the community, overcoming a significant challenge, dealing maturely with a hardship, improving the positive climate of the classroom or the school and providing support for a peer.
  Students recognized were Ricardo Alcantar Vargas, Maria AlHammo, Muaz Ali, Ryan Alvarado, Luis Alvarez, Xitclahli Arellano, Yvette Arias, Kelly Avila-Gomez, Charlene Bahnfleth, Pierre Baldwin, AnnaBelle Beaird, Ryan Blackburn, Nathaniel Bove, Isabela Callapina, Fernando Calvillo-Morales, Jimena Carrillo, Jairo Chavez-Espinal, Milan Christian, Carly Clemens, Isabella Colburn and Rachel Cooper.
  Others were Alexa D. Correa, Ariella Correa, Ashley Correa, Melanie Coss, Jack Dang, Antoinette Davison, Alejandra Duran, Dominic Errera, Ricardo Espinal, Cristina Espino, Roman Fabiszak, Kimberley Ferrer, Leslie Flores Avalos, Cora Garling, Maya Gomez, Giselle Gonzalez, Gloria Gonzalez, Caitlin Harding, Ella Hardy, Emily Heath and Andrea Hernandez.
  Also recognized were Julio Hernandez, Rafael Herrera Mota, Jayden Huesca Rodriguez, Lydia Jones, Holden Kaiser, Ethan Landfare, Alejandro Lopez, Alex Lopez, Allison Manspeaker, Ramiah McElroy, Lilybet Mendez Munoz, Zuleika Mendoza, Stephanie Miguel, Kimberly Mora Olivares, Neela Myers, Nikhil Myers, Bo Parker, Cristian Perez, Gabriela Perez, Shaike Paz Ortiz, Tyler Petrie and Krystian Roldan.
  Others were Kevin Rubio, Samuel Rutledge, Guadalupe Salmeron Crisostomo, Cecilia Sanchez, Johnny Sanchez, Valentin Sanchez Garcia, Cecilia Santiago, Kayla Sennese, Jackelyne Servin, Inderjit Singh, Lilabeth Sokolewicz, Luke Szczesny, Camila Terrazas, Nicole Ton, Santiago Villa, Ethan Villano, Danica Vincent, Ella Warsaw and William Wenberg. (https://merleburl.com)
• In celebration of Valentine’s Day, third-grade students in the class of Bev Sanchez at Pioneer School created lovely cards as part of the “Valentines for Vets,” program. It is an opportunity to thank veterans with the sharing of valentines. (https://merleburl.com)
• Three students from Leman Middle School were chosen to be “Superintendent for the Day.” The boys were sixth grader Elias, seventh grader Eduardo and eighth grader Fabian.They began the day at a working breakfast working breakfast with Superintendent Kristina Davis. Here they learned the roles of being a superintendent, the responsibilities involved and created a schedule for the morning. Armed with notebooks and pens, these three young leaders set out to gather feedback from their fellow students about their experiences in middle school. They also met with building administrators to share the information and possibly provide some possible solutions. (https://merleburl.com)
• At the Friday Boys Basketball game Friday, Jan. 29, 2022, Wheaton Academy lost to St. Francis High School with a score of 69-50.
• At Senior Night Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022, West Chicago Boys Co-op Swimming team had two victories. The varsity team won with a score of 83-53 and the Junior Varsity team won with a score of 85-69. (https://merleburl.com)

WEST CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT

• At approximately 8:50 p.m. Thursday, January 27, 2022, West Chicago Police Officers responded to the 400 block of Carriage Drive based on multiple 911 calls of shots fired. Upon their arrival, responding officers heard several gunshots in the area. Officers determined that two subjects were allegedly shooting firearms while standing on the second floor balcony of a multi-family apartment building in the area. Officers from Winfield, Warrenville and Glendale Height police departments responded to assist. Officers made contact with the two individuals, who were eventually taken into custody. A search warrant executed at the offenders’ apartment resulted in the recovery of two firearms. No injuries resulted from the actions of the offenders in this case.
  The DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office approved felony charges of Felony Possession or Use of a Weapon or Firearm, a class 2 felony, against both offenders. Tory Boynton of Elgin and Lewis McCracken of West Chicago were transported to the DuPage County Jail and Friday, Jan. 28, appeared in bond court where bond was set at $75,000 for Boynton and $50,000 for McCracken, both with 10 percent to apply.

My email address is merleburl2earthlink.net. https://merleburl.com