Retiring after 28 years as General Assistance Director for Winfield Township, Debby Juzwiak has many memories. However, there is one that still brings tears to her eyes.
Juzwiak received a letter from a mother whose five-year-old disabled daughter died on Christmas. The mother said she had the money to bury her child, but did not have enough for a tombstone. Juzwiak made calls to Bible study groups, churches, plus requested assistance from the community. “We raised $1,200 and were able to purchase a headstone and gifts.” The mother later wrote a note to say thank you. “I am able to visit my daughter and to talk to her.”
Her job involved a variety of duties-bookkeeping, social work, counseling and “whatever else came up.” She said, “I met a lot of interesting people and heard many interesting stories. I did a lot of listening. It was a rewarding position.”
She added, “The Township General Assistance program is so important on the local level, providing emergency assistance or directing to the correct entity. I liked knowing we made a difference.” The clients were varied—“many single parents, single mothers, unemployed, diversified in all ways.” She said, “The workload changes for many different reasons. Working within a budget, there are limited funds”. Juzwiak said, “The community is generous. Some churches give on a monthly basis and others on a yearly basis.” Others the township works with closely are St. Vincent DePaul Society, Warrenville Youth and Family Services and Wheaton Bible Church. “We also help the state and county implement some of their programs such as IHEAP (Illinois Home Energy Assistance Program)”. The township works closely with the food pantry
During her tenure, Juzwiak has worked with only two supervisors, Jerry Girardot and Dona Smith. Since starting in 1989, there have been many changes, mainly due to technology. “Nothing was computerized; we entered ledgers by hand, typed payroll checks, no personal computers. Now we also can do many things on line, such as applications for medical, Salvation Army and IHEAP.”
In fact, there was a little bit of technology involved in the reason Juzwiak decided to retire now. She laughingly explains, “The township office now has two things I sort of mandated, Caller ID and the old refrigerator was replaced, plus I was almost out of business cards.” When she walked out of the office Friday, August 18, 2017 it was with mixed emotions-excitement at starting a new phase in her life, but sad to leave the job and her co-workers. Plans for retirement may include taking an art class, “but right now I want to sit back, rest and reflect.”
The Township also will miss Juzwiak. Supervisor Smith said, “Debby was a great General Assistance Director, and she will be missed. She was an asset to not only our Township, but also on a county and statewide level. Her expertise will be missed.” (www.merleburl.com)
AROUND AND ABOUT
As part of the countywide Voices of DuPage, the West Chicago City Museum, 132 Main Street, hosts its third Town Hall Share at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, August 23, 2017. The topic is “We Go A Traveling” with the focus on vacations. It is a lead up to a new exhibit, “Vacations.” Persons are encouraged to bring photos and discuss memorable vacations or trips. Refreshments are served.
Voices of DuPage is a collection of cultural institutions that serve DuPage County residents that seek to preserve and promote our historical legacy. The members, primarily museums and libraries, focus on oral history programs.
Classical Blast is the musical entertainment at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 23, 2017, at The Shell in Reed-Keppler Park. The City and West Chicago Park District sponsor the programs in the concert series.
The first day of school for West Chicago Elementary School District 33 is Thursday, August 24, 2017. The new starting time for Leman Middle School is 7:40 a.m. and 8:40 a.m. for the elementary schools. Dismissal is 2:40 p.m. for LMS and 3:25 p.m. for the elementary schools.
West Chicago Garden Club meeting is Thursday, August 24, 2017, 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. West Chicago resident Mary Krystinak of Mary’s Wholesome Living presents a program on how to use and preserve edibles you grow, purchase at the farmers market or pick at a local farm. She offers various cooking classes and demonstrations. For further information, visit her website www.maryswholesomeliving.com.
The class of 1972 at West Chicago Community High School holds its 45th reunion from Friday, August 25, through Sunday, August 27, 2017. On Friday, the informal gathering is at Hawthorne’s Bar and Grill, 1200 West Hawthorne Lane. Persons from all the WCCHS graduating classes are invited to attend the Friday gathering. The charge is $19.72 per person. Reservations are requested; the form is on the high school’s website, www.d94.org, under Quick Links, for alumni, reunion information, (ttps://www.d94.org/Page/223).
Coffee with the Mayor is from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 26, 2017, at City Hall, 475 Main Street.
The last day the Chicago Burlington & Quincy Railroad Depot, 134 Turner Court, is open for the summer season is Saturday, August 26, 2017. Hours are 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Republic Bank holds a free on-site Paper Shredding event from 10:00 a.m. to noon Saturday, August 26, 2017, at its 105 East Roosevelt Road location. There is a five box limitation. The company providing the service is Proshred® from Tinley Park. Proceeds benefit People Made Visible.
St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 North Prince Crossing Road, holds a bilingual worship service at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, August 27, 2017, followed by a picnic and ministry fair.
Wayne/Winfield Area Youth/Family Services offers hour-long computer classes for senior citizens at Wayne Township, 27W031 North Avenue. Not only do seniors learn basic skills, but also have the opportunity to socialize. The fee is $2. Reservations are required and may be made by calling (630) 231-7166.
“Introduction to Facebook” class is at 1:00 p.m. Monday, August 28, 2017. For classes that involve a technology device, persons need to bring their personal items with them.
The West Chicago Public Affairs Committee meeting is at 6:00 pm. Monday, August 28, 2017 at City Hall, 475 Main Street.
The West Chicago Public Library District, 118 West Washington Street, holds a Public Hearing for the Tentative Budget and Appropriation at 6:45 p.m. Monday, August 28, 2017.
Chuck and Pat Scheckel celebrate their 25th Wedding Anniversary Tuesday, August 29, 2017.
Kathy and Paul Bartels celebrate their 30th Wedding Anniversary, Tuesday, August 29, 2017.
We Go Together Community Market reopens for the 2017-2018 school year at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 29, 2017, at Leman Middle School, 238 East Hazel Street.
As part of its Business Round Table, the West Chicago Public Library District holds Score: General Business Discussion Round Table at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, August 30, 2017, in the meeting room, 118 West Washington Street. Score Mentor George Safford, a West Chicago resident, is the moderator. It is geared for those starting a new business or owners of existing small businesses. To make a reservation, call the adult services department at (630) 231-1552, extension 4.
Voting for the 2017 City Banner Competition with the theme of “Rails and Trails” ends Thursday, August 31, 2017. The banners are displayed on light poles in the downtown area. Ballots are available at Gallery 200, 103 West Washington Street. Hours are noon to 6:00 p.m. Thursday, noon to 6:00 p.m. Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.Saturday and noon to 4:00 p.m. Sunday.
Banner artists are Joseph Weibler, Joan Trushin, Karolina Brandt, Andi Cooper, Kathy Steere, Jeff Lesnik, Natalia Toreeva, Sarah Bass and Phillip Weibler
Others are Gary School Dream, Pamela Keller, Sarah Schafer, Rebecca Hall, Harvey Hanig, Maggie Capettini, Judith Horsley and Lisa Stapella.
“Nature” by photographer Mike Smith is the exhibit for the month of September at Gallery 200, 103 West Washington Street. The artist’s reception is from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Friday, September 1, 2017.
West Chicago resident Bud Schramer celebrates his 100th birthday from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Sunday, September 3, 2017, at American Legion Post 300, 123 Main Street. He was the owner of Bud’s Market that was located on the site where the West Chicago Public Library District is today.
West Chicago Historical Society hosts the Annual Ice Cream Social and Silent Auction from noon to 3:00 p.m. Saturday, September 9, 2017 on the lawn at the Kruse House Museum, 527 Main Street. The $5 ticket price includes beverage, ice cream, pie or cake and a chance for a door prize.
Mexican Independence Day Celebration takes place Saturday and Sunday, September 16, and 17, 2017, in historic downtown district. Artists are invited to participate with a display of any Mexican-themed art objects, products and or set up interactive displays in any medium. Table, tent and chair rentals are available. Space is limited. Registration deadline is Friday, August 25. To register send contact information, artist statement and two images of artwork to mccdupage@gmail.com.
The tentative budget for the 2017-18 fiscal year of Community High School District 94 is on display for 30 days in advance of the public hearing to take place at the September 19, 2017, Board of Education meeting. To view the budget visit https://www.d94.org/businessoffice.
This summer the West Chicago Park District and the Pauly D Foundation joined forces to offer free swim lessons to 140 participants from Educare of West DuPage, providing an opportunity for the children to learn water safety skills and learning to swim from instructors at Turtle Splash Water Park.The program was geared for youth of all ages with little or no previous water experience and would be at high risk for drowning.
In 2014, the Dellegrazie family lost their four-year old son, Pauly, to a drowning accident. In memory of Pauly, they established the Pauly D Foundation. (www.merleburl.com)
Mariachi los Rayos de Leman Middle School of West Chicago Elementary School District 33 played the National Anthem Saturday, August 12, 2017, at the Cougars baseball game.
The Clothing Closet at St. Michael’s United Church of Christ opened its doors 13 years ago in July. During this time period, the facility has distributed 83,703 clothing item to visiting guests.
At the Tuesday, August 8, 2017, meeting of the West Chicago Park District Board of Commissioner, Executive Director Gary Major stated in his report, “Construction of the ZONE 250 facility has begun, with rain causing an initial delay, but progress is excellent and should be very noticeable within the next month time frame.” He added, “Rentals for gyms and multipurpose rooms continue to escalate. In fact, staff is currently booking ZONE 250 for future uses of basketball, volleyball, gymnastics and special events. And several of these rentals spill over into other areas of the facility, which makes the compilation of rooms very flexible.”
At its Tuesday, August 15, 2017, meeting, Community High School District 94 Board of Education approved a letter of agreement and Bond Resolution with Raymond James & Associates to be the new underwriter for the Series 2017 bonds. Board President Gary Saake explained the District’s prior bond underwriter, William Blair left “the bond market prior to the sale of our bonds…The William Blair staff moved to Raymond James, so they already well-versed on our Bond issue. The same contractual terms and fees that applied previously will continue to apply. A date for the sale of the bonds has not yet been set.”
The tiered opening of the new Ear, Nose and Throat, Allergy and Audiology clinic of the Northwestern Medicine Regional Medical Group opened Monday, August 21, 2017. The full suite of services is expected to be available later in the fall. The multi-specialty practice is located in Suite 519 of the Outpatient Services Building, 25 Winfield Road in Winfield on the Central DuPage Hospital campus.
New faculty and staff at Wheaton Academy are Katie Buell, Faculty Support; Erica Forkner, Development Associate; Amy Heavey, Winterim Coordinator; Katie Reichard, Spanish; Angie Roberts, Student Services Assistant; Neal Roys, Math; Brad Skeba, English / Furnace Company; Mikey Swider, Athletic Leadership and Performance Intern; David Tollefsen, Science; and Nancy Williams, Accounts Payable Coordinator.
Becky Koltz, Communications Specialist/Benefit Administrator for Community High School District 94, is president-elect of the Illinois Chapter of National Public Relations Association. She takes office in April of 2018 and is spending this year shadowing the president, learning all aspects of the chapter. Koltz has been a member of the organization for 15 years.
Officers of WeGo Drama are Ricky Gieser, president; Kenneth Correa, Vice-President- Membership; Lexi Gountanis, Vice-President- Events; Neve Ryan, Vice-President- Travel; Grecia Bahena, Secretary; Abby Carr, Treasurer; Nathan Bradley, Emily Carroso, Ryan Castiglia and Noemi Lara, Event Coordinators. Sponsors are Mark Begovich and Chris Jensen.
West Chicago Fire Protection District responded to a reported house on fire at 7:51 p.m. Saturday, August 19, 2017, at 29W081 Donald Avenue. “First responders found a fire in a 20 foot by 50 foot, two story frame split level; the majority of the fire was in the attached garage well,” explained Assistant Fire Chief Tim Leidig. “The home had limited fire extension into the residence.” Assisting were fire departments from Carol Stream, Winfield, Wheaton, Warrenville, St. Charles and Bartlett. The cause of the fire is under investigation. (www.merleburl.com)
My email address is merleburl@earthlink.net.