Through the West Chicago Rotary Club, there is a new student at West Chicago Community High School. Federica “Fefi” Interlici is 17 years old and is a Rotary International Exchange student from Torino, Italy.
Rotary Club president Dr. Doug Domeracki, Superintendent of Community High School District 94, explained, “Our Club wanted to be involved in a project that had a local touch…I believe this is the first time our club has sponsored an exchange student.” With an exchange student, the Rotary Club must meet certain criteria such as having a Youth Exchange Counselor, who for West Chicago is David Blatchley, the high school Director of Human Resources, and a Youth Exchange official, who for West Chicago is Angelica Romano, Director of Human Resources for West Chicago Elementary School District 33. “Since she is here for a year, our club assists with financial help and we bought her a cell phone. This is the way youth communicate.” He added, “Federica had a telephone, but it would have made her calls here international and expensive.”
Domeracki explained there are certain characteristics the exchange student must have. One is maturity, being able to handle life challenges. Another necessity is the ability to speak English in order “ to adapt to the culture. During the year here, she resides with host families and good communication is a must for this to be a positive experience. ”
Another characteristic is sociability. Federica has an outgoing personality. “Although she played soccer in Italy, she wanted to do something different in America. “She wrote the school cheerleader coaches to find out what was involved, tried out and is now a member of the cheerleader squad.”
The fourth characteristic is intelligence, “a solid educational resume.” Federica is enrolled in twelfth grade and is a high performing student.” Some of the classes she is taking are Math, Advanced Placement Chemistry and Physics.
The Rotary Club International Exchange Student program offers benefits to all involved. The host club learns more about another country and develops a strong contract with the student. The student learns about another culture through the interaction of school and residing with several host families during the yearlong stay. “Often a life-long relationship arises between the host families and the student, attending important events such as weddings, graduations and more.” (www.merleburl.com)
AROUND AND ABOUT
West Chicago Garden Club meeting is Thursday, October 27, 2016 at Faith Community Church, 910 Main Street. Social time is at 6:45 p.m., short business meeting at 7:00 p.m. and program at 7:15 p.m. Jill Selinger discusses “Magic of Minor Bulbs.” She is the Manager of Continuing Education at Regenstein College at Chicago Botanical Gardens. She has been in this position for almost for 18 years. Persons attending receive a goodie bag of bulbs discussed in the program.
St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 North Prince Crossing Road, hosts “Going the Whole Hog” stewardship dinner at 5:30 p.m. Thursday October 27, 2016. On the menu are pulled pork sandwiches, BBQ chicken, Italian Beef, corn cobbettes, baked beans, pasta salad, dessert and beverage. The charge is $12 per person. To make a reservation, call the Church office at (630) 231-3787.
People Made Visible and Gallery 200 host the Second Family Art Night from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday, October 28, 2016. On display at Gallery 200, now located at 103 W. Washington Street, in the “Budding Artists Gallery”, is the artwork of 400 preschool students in West Chicago Elementary School District 33. Visitors can contribute to the community mural by Anni Holm. Persons also can view “Artoberfest” the October exhibit at the Gallery, featuring the artwork of past and present member artists. Returning is Local Music Night with entertainment provided by More Than Molecules from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. (also at 103 W. Washington Street). Their music includes jazz, blues, country, pop and rock songs from the 1930s through today. The band features harmonica, violin, upright bass, acoustic guitars and two women vocalists.
From 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at 200 Main Street, is the closing reception for artists “PeeAirs” Lucero, Carlos “Detizzzle” Oscar Leon, Lita Lu and Chris LooseArrow,” whose artwork is featured in the Mexican Independence Pop Up exhibit.
World Relief provides free legal consultation, free assistance completing application for naturalization and free study notes from 9:00 a.m. to noon Saturday, October 29, 2016 at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 North Prince Crossing Road. For more information on requirements, call (630) 462-7660 or (630) 906-9546.
Coffee with the Mayor is from 9:00 a.m.to noon Saturday, October 29, 2016 at City Hall, 475 Main Street.
West Chicago City Museum hosts a Halloween-themed haunted walk, “WeGhost Walk,” Saturday October 29, 2016 in the historic downtown district. The two one-hour walks begin at 6:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., starting at the City Museum, 132 Main Street. The tales told have a spooky, scary twist. No children under the age of 13 are allowed on the walk and those ages 13 to 18 must have a parent register for them. There is no charge, but reservations are required and may be made by calling the Museum at (630) 231-3376 or email museum@westchicago.org.
Giving its annual Fall pancake breakfast a Halloween theme, the West Chicago Lions Club hosts a Pancake and Pumpkins Breakfast. It takes place from 8:00 a.m. to noon Sunday, October 30, 2016 in the Commons at West Chicago Community High School, 326 Joliet Street, entrance H (note the new location). The menu is pancakes, sausage and beverage. The ticket price is $6, $5 for senior citizens and $4 for children ages 12 and under. There are Trick or Treat surprises, plus the 60/40 raffle. The costume contest is at 10:30 a.m. Age categories are under three, grade school, teen, family or group. Returning this year is the International Lions Club Peace Poster contest with posters submitted by students in Benjamin Middle School and Leman Middle School. The theme is “Celebration of Peace.” Attendees vote for their favorite. There is a $50 prize for the winner at each school. First place winner goes on to district. (www.merleburl.com)
Halloween “Trick or Treat” hours in West Chicago are from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday, October 31, 2016. A few things for a safe and happy Halloween for youths is to only stop at homes beaconing a welcome with a lit porch light, carry flashlights, cross streets at intersections, wear costumes that allow freedom of movement and masks that allow easy visibility and go with friends and/or parents. Have a “spooktacular” time!
West Chicago Public Library District, 118 West Washington Street, once again offers Food for Fines from Sunday, November 1, through Wednesday, November 23, 2016. During this time period the library accepts donations of non-perishable food in payment for fines. One item equals one dollar in forgiven fines, up to a maximum of $10 per card. This is not applicable to charges for lost or damaged materials or collection agency fees. Patrons not owing fines also may contribute to the food drive. The proceeds benefit the Neighborhood Food Pantries site at Real Life Church campus, 525 North Neltnor Boulevard. Call access services at (630) 231-1552, extension 2.
The basketball season for the Special Olympics Club begins at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, November 1, 2016 at Hubble Middle School, 3S600 Herrick Road in Warrenville. The opposing team is Community Unit School District 200. As of now there are 14 players on the team. The max is 15. Coaches are Dirk Gunderson and Dick Doremus. Club president is Dave Hempe.
Wheaton Academy “Evening of Classics” program is at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 1, 2016 in the White Chapel, 900 Prince Crossing Road. The program is a student recital of classic music, dance and monologue.
West Chicago Public Library District has several two-hour computer classes taking place place in the study room, 118 West Washington Street. Registration is required and may be made by calling adult services department at (630) 231-1552, extension 4.
Computer Basics is at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 1, 2016. It covers opening/closing programs, saving and printing documents and computer vocabulary.
Google Tools for Collaboration is at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 2. It covers using applications such as Google Drive, Google Docs and Google Hangouts make it possible to share information and work on projects with other people. Must have basic skills and a gmail account.
Wayne/Winfield Area Youth/Family Services offers one-hour computer classes for senior citizens at Wayne Township, 27W031 North Avenue. Not only do the seniors learn basic skills, but also have the opportunity to socialize. The charge is $2 per class. Reservations are due a week in advance and may be made by calling (630) 231-7166.
“Internet Shopping” class is at 2:00 p.m. Friday, November 4, 2016. For classes that involve technology, persons need to bring their personal items with them.
“Generations of Art” is the exhibit at Gallery 200, 103 West Washington Street, for the month of November. The display includes the artwork of the three generations of the family of West Chicago resident Britta Renwick. In addition to Britta there are her father Klaus Luebben, her sister Karen Luebben Erni, and her two sons, Sean and Alec Renwick, plus family friend, Alyssa Rodway. The artists’ reception is from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Friday, November 4, 2016. Refreshments are served.
Klaus started painting to relive stress and discovered persons were interested in purchasing his painting. He painted the one on display in 1963.
Karen inherited her father’s talent of painting. Her study and love of art includes classes in various genres. Britta loves all types of art—drawing, painting sculpting, making jewelry, and photography. For this show, she combined her photography with painting made into 3D art.
Sixteen-year-old Sean has always demonstrated an interest in drawing. He taught himself many techniques and constantly challenges himself to improve.
Alec, 14-years old, has a talent for 3D art. Once introduce to origami by his father, he constantly is folding paper and creating amazing objects.
The family friend, Alyssa, and Sean have similar art interests. They continue to grow in their artistic talents, by sharing new methods and techniques. (www.merleburl.com)
Late Night at the Museum takes place from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday, November 4, 2016 at the West Chicago City Museum, 132 Main Street. The featured exhibit is “Made in West Chicago. ”During this time, there is a Science of Steam session for youths, covering the history of steam power and how it works, the importance to West Chicago, study of famous paintings of steam locomotives and making a steam engine locomotive model. Reservations are required as class size is limited. For more information, call the museum at (630) 231-3376.
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6791 Auxiliary hosts a 5K Run/Walk, “Wreaths Around West Chicago,” Saturday, November 5, 2016 at Reed-Keppler Park. Medals will be awarded to the top finishers in each of seven age categories Race day registration opens at 7:00 a.m. with the race beginning at 8:00 a.m. The charge is $25 in advance and $30 on the day of the event. To register visit www.signmeup.com. The first 100 registrants receive free t-shirts.
Proceeds go toward the purchase of wreaths for the gravesites of the 980 veterans at Glen Oak Cemetery, Oakwood Cemetery, Calvary Cemetery and the cemetery in Winfield. Persons who want only to purchase a wreath for $25 or those wanting to make a donation of any amount should make the check payable to VFW Auxiliary Post 6791, writing Wreaths for Veterans in the notation and mail to VFW Post 6701, 431 N. Neltnor Blvd. West Chicago, IL 60185.
United Methodist and Congregational Women of First United Methodist Church of West Chicago host their annual Holiday Luncheon and Gift Bazaar Saturday, November 5, 2016 at the church, 643 East Washington Street. The bazaar is from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Sale items include handmade gifts and ornaments, gift baskets, baked goods, white elephant goodies, plus some items sold by small business vendors. Luncheon is served from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The menu is hot roast beef sandwiches, a large variety of salads and many delicious desserts. The price is $7 for adults and $3.50 for children ages 3 through 12. This is a fundraiser for local, national and world relief programs. For further information, call the Church office at (630) 231-3344. (www.merleburl.com)
West Chicago resident Diane (Madden) Ferguson hosts an Open House and the launching of her book from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Sunday, November 6, 2016 in the meeting room at West Chicago Public Library District, 118 West Washington Street. The book is “Undertow,” a U.S. Navy veteran’s journey through military sexual trauma.
Wayne/Winfield Area Youth/Family Services holds its annual seminar, “Handling Holiday Stress.” There are 2 sessions. One is at 6:00 p.m. Monday, November 7, and the other is at 9:00 a.m. Thursday, November 9, 2016 at Wayne Township, 27W031 North Avenue. Some of the stress situations focus on family, overeating and finance. Participants can discuss stresses they have during the holiday season. Reservations are due by Thursday, November 2, and may be made by calling WAYS at (630) 231-7166.
West Chicago Park District senior citizen monthly event is the annual Thanksgiving Feast Thursday, November 10, 2016. It begins at noon at Wood Glen Senior Residence Apartments, 199 West North Avenue. The District provides the turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing and gravy. Guests are to bring a favorite holiday dessert to share. The charge is $10 for residents and $12 for non-residents. Reservations are required by Thursday, November 3, 2016 and may be made by going to the ARC Center 102 West National Street, or on line at www.we-goparks.org.
Once again various youth groups, organizations and individuals volunteer to rake the yards of senior citizens. The event takes place Saturday, November 12, 2016. Volunteers meet at 7:00 a.m. at Fox Community Center, 306 Main Street, and return at 11:00 a.m. for pizza. Officer Mike Rosenwinkel organizes the activity. Individuals or groups wanting to volunteer and senior citizens wanting to sign up to have their yards raked can call (630) 293-2751 or email mrosenwinkel@westchicago.org. (www.merleburl.com)
The theme of the tenth annual Student Frosty Fest Essay Contest revolves around the railroad heritage of West Chicago. The question is “Why is West Chicago’s railroad history important and how could you help Frosty celebrate and promote this history.” Age categories are first and second grade, third and fourth grade, and fifth and sixth grade. Judging the essays are staff from West Chicago Public Library District. Winners ride in the Mayor’s carriage during the Frosty Fest procession and help light the official tree Saturday, December 3, 2016. Entries are due by 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, November 16, at West Chicago City Hall, Attn: Frosty Fest Essay Contest, 475 Main Street, West Chicago, IL 60185.
Volunteers are desperately needed for the PADS site at First United Methodist Church of West Chicago. The PADS program is in its 30th year and many of the people who initially volunteered to work various shifts and did so faithfully for years have retired, moved or sadly, died. Due to the lack of volunteers, PADS may not be able to open the third and fourth weeks of each month. Either as a group or as an individual effort, help is needed.
Shifts needing volunteers are 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m., 1:00 to 5:00 a.m., and 5:00 to 7:30 a.m. The 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. shift cleans the supper dishes, cleans the showers, makes the sandwiches, prepares the lunch bags and starts the laundry. Most guests are sleeping during the 1:00 to 5:00 a.m. shift. One volunteer works on finishing the laundry and the other does small tasks while keeping watch. Some guests do not sleep and need coffee or cereal for an early breakfast. The 5:00 to 7:30 a.m. shift is very busy. Lunches are put in sacks, a hot breakfast is prepared, clean laundry and train tickets are distributed. All the sleeping pads and pillows are wiped down, bedding gathered in laundry bags and blankets folded and stored. All guests leave by 7 a.m. By 7:30 a.m. the bathrooms are clean, floors are clean and the room restored to regular use.
PADS is a vital program to the homeless in DuPage County. The PADS organization screens and approves all guests. For more information, call Brian Hendricks at (630) 333-0640 or email hendricks@fnal.gov.
The Green Disciples at First United Methodist Church of West Chicago are collecting empty Mixade containers. The product, sold at Aldi Grocery Stores, is lemonade, pink lemonade and fruit punch mixes. West Chicago Elementary School District 33 teachers to raise awareness of how native plants help conserve water. The drop off point for the containers is at the Church, 643 East Washington Street. For further information, call (630) 231-3344.
Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Lois M. Kartheiser, who at the age of 89 passed away Wednesday, October 19, 2016.
The “Wildcat Chronicle, “student newspaper at West Chicago Community High School, earned a Second Class Rating with two marks of distinction for interactivity/community and design/navigation from the National Scholastic Press Association. Student editors are Emily Wissemes, Hector Cervantes, Mayeli Vivaldo and Catherine Miller. The club sponsor is Laura Kuehn.
At the Monday, October 17, 2016 meeting, City Council approved the appointment of Tim Devitt to the Planning Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals for an unexpired term ending April 2019.
Paula Schoonhoven and Daniel Diveley took the oath of office as the newest officers of the West Chicago Police Department. They currently are attending Illinois State Police Academy and will graduate Wednesday, December 2, 2016.
The newsletter of Kramer Tree Specialists was the winner of the 2015 Tree Care Industry Association Contest for Newsletters/Brochures. Evaluation of entries includes overall appearance, content quality, adherence to ANSI and OSHA standards and the success of achieving the marketing and communication goals of the company.
The football scores Friday, October 21, 2016 were West Chicago Community High School-14, Crystal Lake
South High School-42 and Wheaton Academy-44, St. Edward High School-30.
At the Tuesday, October 19, 2016 meeting, the Community High School District 94 Board of Education approved several changes to the school curriculum for the 2017-18 school year. The five new courses are Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles, Technical Mechanics, Algebra 1 Honors, Environmental Science and Forensic Science. The name changes of classes are 3D Design 1 & 2 to 3D Art 1 & 2 and Computer Art 1 & 2 to Graphic Art 1 & 2and Advanced Computer Art to Advanced Graphic Art. Also approved was modifying Technical Drawing from a yearlong course to a semester course.
The District’s auditor reviewed the 2016 Fiscal Year audit. Board president Gary Saake said, “ No issues were identified, very complimentary of our business office staff who always have things in perfect order.” A copy of the audit will be available on the school website www.d94.org.
In the “Cheer Revolution,” an Illinois Recreational Cheerleading Association competition, held Saturday, October 15, 2016, the Second Grade Team of the West Chicago Youth Cheer Organization qualified for the State Finals in December.
The weather was perfect for the Annual Halloween Costume Contest and Parade, organized by West Chicago City Museum and Friends of the West Chicago City Museum, and Downtown Halloween Trick or Treat, organized by the City of West Chicago. Judging the costumes was not an easy talk as there were many original and cute costumes. In the infant to five-year-old category winners were Damien Aviles, first place; William Pociask, second place; and Mina Summer, third place. Winners in the six to 10 year-old category were Nathaniel Sumner, first place; Syndey York, second place; and Aidan Thomas Rushing, third place. In the 11 to 15-year-old category, the winners were Jillian York, first place; Litzy Cortes, second place; and Zephyr Sasse, third place. Winners in the age 16-year-old and up category winners were Wonzy, first place; Silvy Perez, second place; and Cheryl Balloway, third place. Winners for funniest costume were Damien Aviles, first place and Johnny Avilo, second place. Judges for the Halloween Costume Contest were Fernando Ramirez, president of Mexican Cultural Center DuPage; Fabiola Garcia, Miss Mexican Heritage pageant director; Suheol Diaz, 2016 Miss Mexican Heritage; and Luis Martinez, City of West Chicago Business Outreach and Special Events Director. More than 100 persons marched in the parade. Around 450 youths took part in the Trick or Treat event.
More than 400 children enjoyed the “Alice in Halloweenland” event at the West Chicago Public Library District.
The Third Annual Boo Bash hosted by the West Chicago Park District also was a success. The three new additions of ghost blasters, hayride and glow in the dark golf were big hits. Attending were 222 children and 324 parents. Coloring Contest Winners for ages 2 years and under were Hiana Rivera, first place, and Penelope Ray, second place. Winners for 3 to 4 years were Nixie Vargas, first place; Laina Rivera, second place; and Michael Radloff, third place. In the 3 to 6 year category were Alayn Krzystofiak, first place; Delaney O’ Deay, second place; and Selena Gallegos, third place. Members of Renewal Church and students from West Chicago Community High School were volunteers. (www.merleburlcom)
Around 50 persons attended the unveiling and dedication of the mural mosaic, “Sign Rotae” created by West Chicago resident and Gallery 200 member Buddy Plumlee Saturday, October 22, 2016 in Sesquicentennial Park. Train-related images are in the colorful stained glass mosaic base. A weathered train wheel, which at one time was on display in the former Bicentennial Park, sits on top of the base. Among those attending were Plumlee, his family and friends, Mayor Ruben Pineda, City officials, a representative for Canadian National Railway, members of the West Chicago Cultural Commission and members of Gallery 200. (wwwmerleburl.com)
The West Chicago Fire Protection District and DuPage Airport Authority planned a plane crash simulation that took place Saturday, October 22, 2016 at the Airport. The purpose of the full-scale airport emergency exercise was to ensure the preparedness of emergency responders and involved parties to effectively and safely respond to an aircraft incident. The procedure involved a simulated airplane crash with eight injured individuals. Overall objectives included testing the Airport’s emergency response procedures for aircraft incidents, evaluating the triage and transport aspects of the exercise, testing medical surge for local hospitals, testing the interoperability of communication among different agencies and evaluating Unified Command. Involved in the procedure were personnel from, and representatives from the Federal Aviation Authority, the National Transportation Safety Board, and DuPage County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. (www.merleburl.com)
My email address is merleburl@earthlink.net.
