At Home with Merle Burleigh – March 5, 2025

MERLE’S CORNER 

• Once again it is time to spring ahead. Daylight Savings Time begins at 2 a.m. Sunday, March 9, 2025. It takes time for me to adjust to the change. I tend to be a little sluggish. I truly would like no changes and to stay in consistent time zone all year. Arizona, except for the Navajo Nation, and Hawaii are the only two states in the United States that do not observe daylight savings time. The U.S. territories of American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands also do not observe daylight savings time. Most of Canada observes Daylight Savings Time, but some provinces and territories do not. “Only about a third of the world's countries practice daylight savings time, and the vast majority of them are in Europe. Within Europe – as defined by the United Nations – only Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Iceland, Russia and Turkey do not practice daylight savings time.”

AROUND AND ABOUT 

• The Band Winter Concert of West Chicago Community High School is at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 5, 2025, in the auditorium, 326 Joliet St. Marissa Janiszewski is the director. The theme is "Out of this World.” Featured songs include “Hooked on a Feeling” from Guardians of the Galaxy, “Supernova: An Exploding Star” by Rob Grice, “Duel of the Fates” from Star Wars, “Mars from “The Planets” by Gustav Holst, and The Planets and “A Sky Full of Stars” by Coldplay. Performing are Percussion Ensemble, Concert Band, Symphonic Band and Honors Wind Ensemble. The concert is streamed on the high school’s athletics YouTube page, (https://www.youtube.com/@westchicagowildcatathletic7074 

• The West Chicago Public Library is closed for a staff in-service day Friday, March 7, 2025. 

• To celebrate the first year of Gallery 200 art classes, the exhibit for the month of March is “Art Class Exhibit.” The artists’ reception is from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, March 7, 2025. The exhibit features the artwork of the instructors and the students. As attendees learn about the Art Class Program, the art teachers are on hand to answer questions. People who attend and sign up for the Spring classes receive 15 percent off the price of the class. Britta Renwick, Gallery manager, said, “That's an amazing one day only deal.” Including the spring classes, Gallery 200 has offered 48 different ones. The teachers are Maria Ananieva, Emilia Hajduczenia, Britta Renwick, Patty Donahue, Starla Snead, Marita Valdizan, Rita Skarha, Sharon Malec, Nadine Buck, Heidi Kinder and Iglika Godfrey. 

• West Chicago City Museum, 132 Main St. launches a new art and history program, second Saturday, where history-based art projects are set up for person to drop in or pick up a to-go bag. The first one takes place from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 8, and the art project involves weaving, which includes making a pot holder, doll rug or any project. Cardboard looms and yarn also are available to take home. Persons unable to attend, but still want to participate, can email wegohistory@gmail.com and a weaving kit will be delivered to any West Chicago address.

• The West Chicago Police Department’s annual Polar Plunge benefiting the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Illinois is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 8, 2025, at Hawthorne’s Backyard Bar & Grill, 1200 W. Hawthorne Lane. The goal is to raise $10,000. To be a plunger or make a donation, visit https://support.soill.org/westchicagopd25. In addition to the 50/50 raffle, raffle prizes include a grill, TV, tickets to Turtle Splash, some alcoholic beverage baskets, mystery grab bags, a Mission BBQ basket and a queen memory foam mattress.

• The West Chicago Public Library Saturday Crafternoon program, is at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 8, 2025, in the main program room, 118 W. Washington St. Participants make a bouquet of flowers. To make a reservation, visit https://wcpld.librarycalendar.com/events/month.

• West Chicago Park District hosts Puzzle and Play for senior citizens from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. once a week in the ARC Center, 201 W. National St. The dates are Tuesday, March 11, Thursday, March 20 and Tuesday, March 25, 2025. Registration is encouraged at https://www.we-goparks.org/adult-program, but walk-ins are welcome. In addition to the puzzles, board games include Scrabble, Checkers and Dominoes. All games and activities are self-led, and supplies are provided.

• West Chicago Public Library holds a Microsoft Word computer class at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 12, 2025, in the conference room, 118 W. Washington St. Participants learn the basics, which includes creating a document, selecting and editing text, saving a document, and inserting page numbers and special characters. To register, visit https://wcpld.librarycalendar.com/events/month.

• The West Chicago Park District monthly social gathering for senior citizens is at noon Thursday, March 13, 2025, in the ARC, 201 W. National Street. The theme is “A Shamrock Senior Feast” The $10 charge includes the traditional meal of corned beef and cabbage. Reservation deadline is at noon Friday, March 7, and can be made at https://www.we-goparks.org/special-events. https://merleburl.com

• “A Tour of 5 National Parks” is the West Chicago Public Library program at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 13, 2025, in the main meeting room, 118 W. Washington St. Presenting the program is award-winning author Theresa L. Goodrich. Highlighting the ecological diversity, she presents a brief history and tour of Badlands National Park, Glacier National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Yellowstone National Park and Zion National Park. To make a reservation, visit https://wcpld.librarycalendar.com/events/month.

Goodrich is the founder and publisher of “The Local Tourist” and “Your Chicago Guide” and author of the Two Lane Gems book series, “Living Landmarks of Chicago”, and contributor to Midwest Road Trip Adventures. She’s a featured speaker for the Travel and Adventure Show and teaches the Midwest Travel Network Writer’s Workshop. https://merleburl.com

• West Chicago Park District holds Family Nerf War at 6 p.m. Friday, March 14. 2025, in the ARC Center, 201 W. National St. The charge is $10 for residents, $12 for non-residents, which includes a pizza lunch and dessert. Families rotate between different Nerf activities, such as a parent/child Nerf battle, target practice and parachute games. All participants must register and children must be accompanied by an adult. Nerf supplies are provided. Registration deadline is Friday, March 7. To register, visit https://www.we-goparks.org/special-events

• The West Chicago Public Library Gettin’ Crafty program, “Intro to Embroidery” is at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 19, 2025, in the main meeting room, 118 W. Washington St. To register, visit https://wcpld.librarycalendar.com/events/month. With a spring plant design, patrons, either newcomers to the craft or seasoned stitchers, use an embroidery kit, which is supplied. To get everyone started, beginning embroidery skills are demonstrated and then participants take the kit home to finish.

• West Chicago City Museum presents the Historiography program, a non-fiction book reading group, at 1 p.m. Thursday, March 20, 2025, in the Museum, 132 Main St. The book is “The Shipwrecks of the Great Lakes: Tragedies and Legacies from the Inland Seas” by Anna Lardinois. To get a copy of the book or for further information, visit Friends of West Chicago City Museum website, com or call 630-231-3376. It is not necessary to read the book to attend.

Per Goodreads: “The newest addition to Globe Pequot's Shipwrecks series covers the sensational wrecks and maritime disasters from each of the five Great Lakes. It is estimated that more than 30,000 sailors lost their lives in Great Lakes wrecks…The tales, all true and well-documented, feature some of the most notable tragedies on each of the lakes. Included in many of these tales are legends of ghost ship sighting, ghostly shipwreck victims still struggling to get to shore, and other chilling lore. Sailors are a superstitious group, and the stories are sprinkled with omens and maritime protocols that guide decisions made on the water.”

Lardinois is the author of 13 books. Anna Lardinois owns Gothic Milwaukee, offering the city’s most popular haunted, historical walking tours. She also is the creator of Walking Milwaukee a collection of self-guided tours that explore the history and architecture of the city.  https://merleburl.com

SUPPORT OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES 

• Kamila’s Cakes, 151 W. Washington St., has the temporary hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Friday, March 14, 2025. The staff is in the midst of receiving training about offering new products and improving services. 

• Prairie Landing Golf Club, 2325 Longest Drive, celebrates its 30th Anniversary in 2025. Each month there is a special event with the grand celebration taking place in June. Starting Friday March 7, through April 18, there is an all you can eat fish fry from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. every Friday in McChesney’s Pub & Grill. The charge for the dine-in only meal is $24 and includes battered or broiled cod, French fries, hush puppies and coleslaw, for only one plate, the charge is $20. To make a reservation, call 630-208-7600. Extension 3.

• During the Lenten season, many eating establishments, some organizations and some churches offer fish fry meals.

• Wing Snob recently opened at 200 W. North Ave. Hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday and Sunday, and from 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday. Telephone number is 630-410-9464. Wing Snob is a fast-casual restaurant chain that serves wings, chicken sandwiches, and other dishes. 

REMEMBRANCES

• Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Karen Kay Adams, who at the age of 74 passed away Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025.

• Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Julian Pineda, who at the age 67 passed away Monday, Feb. 24, 2025.

• Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Ramon Robles Santana, who at the age of 88 passed away Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025.

• Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Keith Lawrence Mish, who at the age of 64 passed away Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025.

• Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Benny S. Daniels, who at the age of 76 passed away Friday, Jan. 31, 2025.

SCHOOLS 

• WeGo Drama of WestChicago Community High School presents the Illinois High School Association Drama Showcase. Performances are at 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, March 13 and 14, 2025, in the Auditorium, 326 Joliet St.

• Janet Gruenwald is the new principal at Wegner School, beginning July 1, 2025. She replaces Interim Principal Mark Truckenbrod.

She currently is the principal at Reskin Elementary in Marquardt  School District 15. Her career in education started as an early childhood and second grade teacher. She then moved on to an Instructional Literacy Coach role and was an Assistant Principal and Director of the Early Learners Program in Deerfield School District 109.

Gruenwald has a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and received her National Board Certification. She has a Master’s Degree in both Reading and Educational Leadership. https://merleburl.com

• Seeking a new superintendent, Benjamin School District 25 is using the firm of Hazard Young ATTEA Associates for the search. At this time, John R. Langton is the Interim Superintendent for the 2024-2025 school year. He replaces Dr. James Woell, who resigned in January.

• Robert Lee, a senior at West Chicago Community High School, earns Illinois High School Association Recognition. In his senior year on the Wildcat football team, he accumulated a multitude of accomplishments. He helped lead the team to the IHSA playoffs for back-to-back seasons for the first time in school history and he did it while playing extensively on both offense and defense.

On the offensive side, Lee led the team in rushing this year with 170 carries for 1,529 yards with 2 catches for 22 yards. Defensively, he had nine solo tackles and nine assisted tackles while playing quarterback. He also contributed with two interceptions including one that sealed the Wildcat win against Ridgewood High School.

Upon completion of the IHSA season, Lee was named Upstate Eight All-Conference, All-Area, Red Grange, All-County and All-State by the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association.  After graduation he will play football at St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa.

• The Scholastic Bowl team at Leman Middle School won against Barrington with the score of 245-235. The team remains undefeated. https://merleburl.com

• Wheaton Academy Math Team won second place at the Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics Regional Competition, plus secured multiple first-place finishes. The team is on track to qualify for the State Math Meet Saturday, April 26 at Illinois State University in Normal. https://merleburl.com

• The weather forecast Friday, Feb.28, 2025, was meaningful to residents of West Chicago. Soleil Aiyar, third grade student at Wegner, made her TV debut that morning as WGN’s Friday Forecaster. She delivered the weather report with confidence and enthusiasm. As a side note: I managed to see the video. She did a great job, never missing a beat, working with some distractions, such as her little sister walking around the set. https://merleburl.com

• At its Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025, meeting. West Chicago Elementary School District 33 Board of Education honored Gina Steinbrecher, Director of Marketing, Communications, and Public Relations. She is retiring after 16 years with the district. “From launching social media and revitalizing branding to keeping our community informed—especially during COVID-19—her impact on District 33 is immeasurable.” As a side note: I always knew I could rely on a response as quickly as possible, which is a positive asset. She understood deadlines. Sometimes she had to check with others but usually gave me the full names of acronyms appearing in the press releases or lists. Schools have many acronyms, and some are the same for businesses or organizations (so Google was not always a great help for me). When there were school activities, Gina was always there with her camera. We served on several committees for the City. Gina always was able to contribute not only as a District staff member, but also as a resident of West Chicago. https://merleburl.com

• The LifeSmarts team of West Chicago Community High School won first place in the 29^th annual Illinois LifeSmarts State Competition Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025. The high school hosted the event. The team will now compete at the National LifeSmarts Competition from Thursday, April 24, through Sunday, April 27, in Chicago.

Members of the winning team were Niya Patel (Captain), Elio Bregu, Alex Jacobo and Keelie Steward; all are sophomores. Don Zabelin is the coach. The West Chicago team advanced to the final round, facing DePaul College Prep for the state title. In the double-elimination format, DePaul College Prep needed to win the last two matches, while West Chicago needed to win one of the last two matches. DePaul dominated the first match by a score of 65-25. In the final match, West Chicago gained momentum and won 80-45.

A second team from the high school also competed, finishing in third place. Members were Robert Smoley (Captain), Michelle Guevara, Jake Fosness, Jason Thunberg, Allison Montalvo and Chris Lahtaw.

LifeSmarts is a program of the National Consumers League. It provides real-world education for students who learn about core consumer topics and develop critical thinking skills. Participants focus on five key topic areas: consumer rights and responsibilities, the environment, health and safety, personal finance, and technology. https://merleburl.com

• West Chicago Community High School students on the staff of the “Wildcat Chronicle,” the high School’s online newspaper, were recognized in the prestigious Headliners in Education "Best of 2024" contest.

Winners were Gabriella Castro for Best School Photo, “My team. I love my team and I just don’t want to let them down;” Alex Rocha for Best Community Story, “D33 Ballet Folklorico celebrates 10 years with performances in Warrenville, Glen Ellyn” and Best Community Photo, “Ballet Folklorico (red);” Aly Dusing for Best Politics Story,  “Democrats maintain investing in care infrastructure will improve economy;” and Sami Moesch for Best Politics Photo,  “When it came to hats, the Democrats’ motto seemed to be the bigger the better.”

The not-for-profit organization, based in Watertown, Massachusetts, received hundreds of entries from 11 states and three countries, highlighting the exceptional quality of student journalism worldwide. John Vitti is the founder and he engages and inspires all students everywhere, from kindergarten through college, through journalism by connecting them with newsmakers with stories to tell.

• In the boys basketball games Monday, Feb. 24, 2025, West Chicago Community High School lost to Willowbrook High School with a score of 54-65., In the boys basketball games Wednesday, Feb. 26, St. Charle East lost to Addison Trail High School with a score of 57-65 and Bartlett High School lost to Glenbard East High School with a score of 49-59.

CHURCHES 

• West Chicago Community Clothing Closet, operated by St. Michael’s United Church of Christ, is open from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 8, 2025, in the basement of the Rockwell Building, 108 Sherman St. There is no charge for the clothing and shoes. Each family may choose five articles of clothing per person in their family. The Closet is open the second Saturday of each month. Bagged or boxed clothing donations can be dropped off at the entrance of the Rockwell Building.

• New Hope United Methodist Church, 643 E. Washington St., holds a soup supper at 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, followed by a Lenten Bible Study. It focuses on Simon Peter, inspired by the book “Simon Peter: Flawed but Faithful Disciple” by Adam Hamilton. The last class is April 19, 2025.

• Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 N. Prince Crossing Road, has a soup supper at 6 p.m. followed by a bilingual Bible study/discussion. Wednesdays. The dates are March 12 through April 19, 2025.

• Trinity Lutheran Church, 338 George St., holds Lenten worship services Wednesdays, starting March 12 and ending April 19, 2025. 

COMMUNITY MEMBERS HIGHLIGHTS 

• Former West Chicago resident Susan Wells is a participant in the Local Author Fair in the Central Library of the Schaumburg Township District Library,130 S. Roselle Road. It takes place from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 8, 2025. The popular fair showcases local authors with attendees meeting fiction and non-fiction authors who write for all ages. Books are available for sale. Wells is the author of “Secret Lives,” a mystery novel that takes place in West Chicago.

• West Chicago residents Mike Fortner and Becky Hall, members of Acappellago, perform in two spring concerts, “Escape…Broadway Incognito.” One is at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 15, 2025, in Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 350 E Madison St. in Lombard, and the second one at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 16, in the Congregational Church of Batavia, 21 S Batavia Ave. The songs are Broadway songs that many know by heart, but they do not know they came from a Broadway show. The ticket price is $20, $17 for senior citizens and $15 for students . To order tickets, visit https://acappellago.org/. Acappellago, founded in 2002, is a volunteer a cappella choir that has fun singing all around the western suburbs of Chicago. https://merleburl.com

CLUB/ORGANIZATION NEWS

• Martinez Fox Valley Elite Wrestling Club offers Freestyle and Greco wrestling from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, March 11 through May 29, 2025, in the wrestling room at West Chicago Community High School, 326 Joliet St., entrance C. It is first level coaching geared for boys and girls between the ages of five years through high school. The charge is $200 per wrestler, $100 sibling discount. For information on registering, email mfvewrestling22@gmail.com. “For years, Martinez has been one of the top wrestling programs in the country, maintaining its reputation with numerous medalists and champions at the NCAA, state, and Olympics.” https://merleburl.com 

• The Auxiliary of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6791 hosts Bingo on Sundays at the post, 431 N. Neltnor Boulevard. Doors open at noon, games start at 1:30 p.m.

CITY OF WEST CHICAGO 

• West Chicago City Museum started a new series, “Museum Mondays ” to explain the inner workings of museums and people who make it work. The March 3, 2025, series highlights the collection work the staff undertakes to preserve and care for the Museum’s artifact collection of 36,000 items from the past of West Chicago.

The Collections Department is the guardian of a museum’s treasures. It involves managing, preserving, and protecting the objects, often referred to as artifacts, in the museum’s care. Whether it’s a century-old painting, a household gadget from the 1800s, or a piece of equipment from our local rail yards, the Collections team ensures that each piece is documented, conserved, and stored properly so that it is preserved for future generation. Key responsibilities include Cataloging and Documentation, Conservation and Preservation, Storage and Organization, Loans and Exhibitions, and Ethical Stewardship. To find more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/FriendsoftheWestChicagoCityMuseum/. https://merleburl.com 

WEST CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT 

• The West Chicago Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating an armed robbery suspect. At 11:34 a.m. Tuesday, Feb.25, 2025, a call of an armed robbery at Amigo Discount, 543 Main St. The officers were informed the suspect had fled the scene. A search of the area yielded negative results. https://merleburl.com 

• West Chicago Detective Sergeant Robbi Peterson is one of the 86 participants worldwide to carry the Flame of Hope in the final leg of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for the 2025 Special Olympics Winter World Games March 8 to 15 in Turin, Italy. His fundraising goal was $25,000, which benefits Special Olympics. To date the donations total $17,052. He is still looking for donations. “Every dollar adds up and makes a huge impact on the lives of thousands around the world,” he said. Additional information learned at a team meeting was the top 7 Final Leg Torch Runners will be assigned to an athlete participating in the Special Olympics Winter World Games and carry the Flame of Hope on the final circuit around the stadium at the opening ceremony. “I am in the top 7 currently, but that could all change as every member has until next Friday March 7, to continue to receive donations. To make a donation, visit https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/FinalLeg/RobbiPeterson

As Peterson participates in this 3 E event—Education, Excitement, Experience—, he experiences different firsts each day. February 23, he arrived in Athens, as did his luggage. He took some time to see the changing of the guard at parliament. The next day the teams toured Athens. “We started our day at the original Olympic Stadium used to host the games, then we made our way to the Acropolis and Parthenon … To stand on the same ground was pretty amazing. The attention to detail they had back in the day and the sheer size of every one truly makes you appreciate the skills they had.” The tour included cathedrals, boutiques, and “authentic Greek cuisine.”

February 25 was the ceremony to light the Flame of Hope in Zappeion Athens. This marked the start of the of the Final Leg of the TorchRun of the Special Olympics World Games. Taking part in the ceremony were International Law Enforcement Torch Run Chairman John Clifton, Final Leg Team Captain Mark McCorkle, Route Leader Greg Dawson, and LETR staff joined Ambassador Paolo Cumuli at the Italian Embassy to Greece. “During the run we were greeted with smiles, salutes and genuine kindness and support. To have our athletes out front leading our group is what it’s all about…Inclusion.”

They then headed to Rome on February 26, to have the Flame of Hope blessed and attend a special Mass. A cardinal handled the blessing due to the Pope’s ill health. A short tour of Rome and tasting the Italian cuisine was on agenda. “The history here is amazing and definitely a place that I must return to someday to truly appreciate it all. And did I mention the food? Wow. So fresh, so tasteful and we truly don’t know what pizza is all about in America!!” The next day involved a train ride from Rome to Turin.

The next morning started off with breakfast and team meetings. “During the meeting we got to know our teammates a little better, exchanged gifts, and learned more about the agencies they come from. Some of our teammates even shared a little cultural history with us. Today was a great morning of bonding with Team 3.” He added, “I look forward to bringing awareness, unity and inclusion to the Piedmont region of northern Italy as we get closer to delivering the Flame of Hope to the opening ceremony.” In my March 12 column, I will have more of the experiences of Peterson and the LETR participants carrying the flame of Hope on the final leg Special Olympics Winter World Games.

ODDS AND ENDS 

• 2025 marks the 30th Anniversary of Turtle Splash Water Park, formerly Prairie Oaks Family Aquatic Center. West Chicago Park District plans to celebrate with activities, events and special surprises. The first activity is a Throwback Photo contest. Photo submissions are accepted through Monday, April 14. For information on how to submit, email Danielle Spence at dspence@we-goparks.org.

To enter, people submit a favorite photo taken at the water park from 1995 through 2024. Each participant receives one entry into a random drawing for five daily admissions to Turtle Splash Water Park, a $75 value. The winner is announced Friday, April 25. https://merleburl.com 

• Cantigny supports military veterans transitioning to the civilian workforce through its Veteran Internship Program, which provides veterans with a full-time, 40-hour-per-week internship tailored to their careers and interests. It runs for 16 weeks, from Friday, April 14 through Friday, August 1, 2025. The pay rate is $20 per hour. Curated field trips and social hours are included, creating opportunities for meaningful connections and collaborative learning. Honorably discharged veterans seeking interim employment and guidance in creating a plan for transitioning to the civilian workforce are highly recommended to apply. To apply, visit https://bit.ly/410pHWS. For assistance, email Dominique Stevens, Veterans Initiative Manager, Dstevens@rrmf.org. https://merleburl.com

My email address is merleburl@earthlink.net.