The Mexican Cultural Center-DuPage hosts the Fifth Annual Miss Mexican Heritage Scholarship Pageant Friday, September 8, 2017, in the Fine Arts Center at Wheaton Academy, 900 North Prince Crossing Road. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; program begins at 6:00 p.m. The program celebrates Mexican history and culture as contestants tell about their selected Mexican States through speeches, costumes, and performances during the event. Mariachi Monumental de Mexico provides the musical entertainment. The program is in English.
The ticket price is $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Tickets are available from board members, the contestants, Republic Bank at 101 Main Street and 105 West Roosevelt Road, Supermercado Tampico at 516 Main Street and West Chicago City Museum at 132 Main Street. For further information email the Mexican Cultural Center DuPage at MCCDuPage@gmail.com.
Requirements for the entrants include residency in DuPage County, bilingual in English and Spanish, good academic standing and one parent of Mexican authenticity. Contestants select a state in Mexico to represent at the pageant. The queen wins a $1,000 scholarship and first and second runners up receive $750 and $500 respectively.
Contestants and their chosen states are: Joanne Andrade representing Zacatecas, Leslie Soto representing Michoacan, Maritza Cuautle representing Ouertaro, Bianca Reyes representing Jalisco, Karen Amaro representing Estate De Mexico and Vanessa Delgado representing Guanajuato. Andrade is a sophomore at College of DuPage, aspiring to be a pediatric nurse. Soto is a student at COD and wants to be a nurse or social worker. Reyes is a sophomore at Western Illinois University, studying International Relations and Spanish with a minor in Criminal Justice. Amaro plans to become a phlebotomist. Cuautle attends COD, majoring in International Business. Delgado attends Lewis University and wants to become a doctor.
The contestants have received three months of preparation and training to prepare them for public speaking, poise, research and leadership skills, plus volunteered in the community and served the Mexican Cultural Center to fulfill its mission, the encouragement and the promotion Mexican heritage through cultural, ethnic and civic activities designed to educate the Mexican community and the community at large.
City Clerk Nancy Smith and I have attended each one and find the event to be fun and educational including musical entertainment of dancing and songs. We also have learned much more about Mexico, realizing each state is different, the same as in the United States. (www.merleburl.com)
AROUND AND ABOUT
Uwe and Tina Gsdel celebrate their 25th Wedding Anniversary Wednesday, August 30, 2017.
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.
Kline Creek Farm, 1N600 County Farm Road, hosts its 1890s County Fair and elements of the 1893 Columbian Exhibition. It takes place from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, September 2 and 3, 2017.
“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 8:00 p.m. Friday, September 1, 2017. Smith describes his exhibit. “Nature is a photographic collection of nature scenes, in all its magical forms. My images are the result of spending hours observing nature both wild and tame, then freezing a moment in time, adding a bit of whimsical views. I do this by using Crystal Balls and Looking Glasses. I have created a gallery of images for a different viewpoint of the nature all around us. The project brings you closer to the wonders of nature that we live with throughout the world.”
Smith received an Associate in Applied Science Photographic Technology with Honors in 2016 from College of DuPage. His body of work ranges from URBEX to Art Nudes. In addition to having his photographic artwork on display in exhibits at several galleries in the United States, but also at galleries abroad including the Louvre Museum in Paris, France. He teaches at several park districts and is an adjunct professor at Waubonsee Community College in Sugar Grove. (www.merleburl.com)
West Chicago is one of eleven cities participating in the Move with the Mayor Challenge, an initiative of the National Forum for Heart Disease & Stroke Prevention, in the month of September. The other cities are Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Columbia, South Carolina; Green Bay, Wisconsin; Arlington, Texas; Denver, Colorado, Indianapolis, Indiana; New Orleans, Louisiana; Oakland, California; Toledo, Ohio; and Wichita, Kansas. The City of West Chicago and Healthy West Chicago are in partnership for this event. The community walks are planned for four Saturdays. Registration is at 8:30 a.m. and Jessi Bass of Rhythm N Motion leads warm ups and stretching. The walk begins at 9:00 a.m. The first 1.5-mile walk, which only takes about 30 minutes, it starts and ends at Currier School, 800 Gary’s Mill Road, September 2, 2017. The other scheduled walks are September 9, 2017 starting and ending at Gary School, September 16, 2017 starting and ending at St. Michael’s United Church of Christ and September 23, starting and ending at Reed-Keppler Park. The challenge ends with a celebration on World Heart Day Tuesday, September 29, 2017.
The first 50 registered participants receive a free fitness tracker, courtesy of Amgen, Actelion, and CardioSmart. Youth who participate in three out of four walks are eligible for a random drawing to win a free bicycle and helmet at the World Heart Day Celebration. Also persons participating have the opportunity to win fun prizes and their names entered for the grand prize drawing of an all-expense paid trip to the Museum of Science and Industry or to Six Flags Great America. Contributing to the event are Healthy West Chicago, West Chicago Elementary School District 33, the American Heart Association, Kindred Coffee, Republic Bank, West Chicago Park District, Supermercado Tampico, WeGo Together for Kids, the Bass Family, and People Made Visible.
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 current site of the West Chicago Public Library District.
The monthly brush pick up begins Tuesday, September 5, 2017.
West Chicago Public Library District offers several computer classes in study room 3, 118 West Washington Street. To make reservations, call the adult services department at (630) 231-1552, extension 4.
An Open Lab for Smartphones and Tablets is from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 5. This includes Android and Apple devices. Register and charge your device before the lab.
The two-hour Computer Basics class starts at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 6. Topics covered include opening/closing programs and documents, saving documents, printing documents and computer vocabulary.
West Chicago City Council meeting is at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 5, 2017, at City Hall, 475 Main Street.
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.
“Texting on Smartphones” class is at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 6, 2017. “Using GPS on Smartphones” is at 2:00 p.m. Friday, September 8.
The evening Adult Education Program of Community High School District 94 conducts free classes which will prepare students for the General Equivalency Development Exam. Registration takes place at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 6, 2017, at West Chicago Community High School, 326 Joliet Street, Entrance B. Classes are from 6:45 to 9:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, starting Monday, September 11. For further information, call (630) 876-6578.
Mariachi Universitario is the entertainment act 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 6, 2017, at the Shell at Reed-Keppler Park. The City of West Chicago and West Chicago Park District sponsor the programs.
WeGo Drama at West Chicago Community High School begins its 2017-18 season with the comedy “The Complete History of America (Abridged)” by Adam Long, Reed Martin and Austin Tichenor. Performances are Thursday, Friday and Saturday, September 7, 8 and 9, 2017, in Weyrauch Auditorium, 326 Joliet Street. The ticket price is $5 for students and $8 for adults. Tickets may be purchased at wegotheater.com or at the door.
This satirical look at society is a fast-paced series of sketches from the founding of America to today. It is intended for high school and adult audiences, answering the question, “How did Americans get to be who we are today?”
West Chicago Historical Society hosts its 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. There is a cakewalk. Among the silent auction items are gift certificates to local area restaurants and businesses, books, artwork, jewelry, sports memorabilia and collectibles.
The KHM is open for tours highlighting the 2017 summer exhibit, “The Cookie Caper.” The gardens, restored and maintained by the West Chicago Garden Club, and the towering trees provide the perfect backdrop for an afternoon of socializing. Tickets are available from Society board members or at the door. For further information, call Donna Orlandini at (630) 231-2671 or Joan Conkright at (630) 231-2329.
West Chicago Lions Club holds an “Eat Out For Charity” event from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Sunday, September 10, 2017, at John & Tony’s, 27W371 North Avenue. Ten percent of the pre-taxed bill benefits the Lions Club. Persons must have an event flyer, which is available from a Lions Club member or at https://www.facebook.com/westchicagolions/.
The Gallery Theater holds auditions from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Sunday, September 10, 2017 and from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, September 11, 2017, at the theater, 129 Main Street. Performances are Friday, Saturday and Sunday, November 10, 11, and 12, and 17, 18 and 19. To schedule appointments email galleryauditions@gmail.com.
The play is “Miracle on South Division Street” by Thomas Dudzik. The Nowaks – Clara and her adult children of Buffalo, New York – have always known they were special, ever since the miraculous night in 1942 when the Blessed Mother appeared to Grandpa in his barbershop. Since then, the neighborhood has looked upon the Nowaks’ 20-foot commemorative shrine as a beacon of hope and faith amidst the urban rubble. The daughter Ruth unveils her plan to write and star in a one-woman show about the family miracle so the “whole world will know!” However, as her plans for theatrical immortality unfold, the entire family’s faith is shaken to the very core when a deathbed confession causes the family legend to unravel.
The characters are Clara and her three unmarried children, Beverly, Ruth and Jimmy. The family matriarch Clara is in her late 60s, lovable and forward, was born in Poland and came to Buffalo as an infant and has a charmingly naive “old world peasant” air about her.
The eldest daughter Beverly, in her late 30s, is loud spoken, opinionated, sarcastic and wickedly funny.
The middle daughter Ruth, in her mid-30s is a bit gangly, awkward, but has an appealing energy and spark, and aspiring to be an actress, wants to move to New York City.
Jimmy, 30ish, is the baby of the family, simple and witty, loves to tease his sisters, is a garbage man who loves his work and has a kind disposition.
“Garden Appetizers with Chef Cherise” is the program at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 13, 2017, in the meeting room at West Chicago Public Library District, 118 West Washington Street. The featured appetizers are Grilled Corn Crostini, Strawberry Cilantro Salsa and Chips and Zucchini Thyme Bruschetta.
Chef Cherise Slattery is the owner/chef instructor of Hazelnut Market in St. Charles. She also is a chef instructor at Marcel’s Culinary Experience in Glen Ellyn. Call the adult service department at (630) 231-1552, extension 4 to make a reservation.
The West Chicago Park District monthly social gathering for senior citizens is at noon Thursday, September 14, 2017, at the ARC, 201 West National Street. To celebrate Mexican Independence Day, the fiesta theme is highlighted with the lunch menu of Marinated Chicken, sautéed onions and peppers, soft tortillas, sour cream, shredded cheese, and Churros for dessert, entertainment is provided by the Folkloric Dancers. The charge is $11 for residents and $13 for non-residents. Reservations are required by Friday, September 11 and may be made in person at the ARC or online at www.we-goparks.org.
Mexican Independence Day Celebration takes place Saturday and Sunday, September 16, and 17, 2017, in historic downtown district.
West Chicago City Museum continues its Historiography program, a non-fiction book reading group. The discussion group meets at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, September 21, 2017, at the Museum, 132 Main Street. Guests can bring a sack lunch; dessert and drinks are provided. The book under discussion is “The Things They Carried” by Tim O’Brien. Copies of the book are available at the Museum and West Chicago Public Library District, 118 West Washington Street. Call the Museum at (630) 231-3376 for further information.
Maggie Capettini, Gallery 200 member and education coordinator at West Chicago City Museum, has three paintings in the “Roadside Attractions” exhibit through the end of September at the LaGrange Art League Gallery/Studio. Artist participating in the juried exhibit have the opportunity to win the Ed Shaver Traditional Landscape Award.
Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Jose Anicua, who at the age of 45 passed away Thursday, August 20, 2017.
Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family o Daniel A. “Skip” Nixon, III, who at the age of 61 passed away Wednesday, August 23, 2017.
Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Camilo A. Guerrero, who at the age of 78 passed away Saturday, August 26, 2017.
At the Monday, August 21, 2017, City Council meeting, Dave Sabathne, President/CEO of Western DuPage Chamber of Commerce, presented awards to participants in the 2017 Railroad Days parade. Ron Benner and Fredericka Krauss-Howard were recognized as the Grand Marshals.
The West Chicago Park District Theater Program won the Grand Marshal Award, which is for the float that best depicted the parade theme, “What Defines Your Art?” The float highlighted the Summer Community Theater’s production of “The Little Mermaid.” Accepting the award were Jamee Kenney, Co-Director; Jessica Keuth, Co-Director; Melanie Marr, Music Director; and Cornelius Marr, Set and Prop Designer/Sebastian.
Winning the Heritage Award was Power Boxing & Fitness. This award is for the group of youth showing its purpose, enthusiasm and spirit. At the time of the judging, the judges said, “Although not a youth group per se, it was evident that children were an important part of the business and the children had such happy smiles and a sense of self confidence.” Owner Will Coix accepted the award.
Happiness n’ Hair.II won the Turner Award, which is for the business or organization best portraying its services and purposes. Peggy Whitman and her granddaughter, Harper Schumacher, accepted the award. She not only is celebrating 35 years of owning the business, but in September celebrates 40 years with the beauty salon; she was an employee prior to purchasing the business.
Sabathne presented checks to organizations that helped with Railroad Days. They were Glen Arbor Community Church, West Chicago Sister Cities, West Chicago Lions Club and West Chicago Rotary Club.
Dan Rakow received the chamber’s Citizen’s Award, which recognizes an individual who promotes the community and participates in the many activities and events offered. (www.merleburl.com)
Also at the City Council meeting, there was a proclamation celebrating visit of the spiritual leader Mahant Swami Maharajin July 2017 to the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Bartlett.This is a place of worship and prayer for the many followers of Hinduism in the Chicago area. Mayor Ruben Pineda presented the Key to the City and the proclamation to the BAPS Mandir. Accepting the Key and proclamation on behalf of the members was Nemish Jani, who extended an invitation to the residents of the City to attend the Open House to celebrate the Hindu New Year Friday, October 20. (www.merleburl.com)
The Monday, August 21, 2017, issue of the Daily Herald Business Ledger had a series of articles on cyber security. B&B Network of West Chicago was one of the companies mentioned on the list of Cyber Security companies. The business is located at 245 West Roosevelt Road, Building 3, Suite 17.
The West Chicago Fire Protection District received a FEMA Assistance to Firefighter Grant Award, within the Fire Operations and Firefighter Safety program, in the amount of $339,520 on August 11, 2017. The grant is for the purpose of replacing outdated breathing apparatus and air tanks.
Assistant Fire Chief Tim Leidig explained the need for the new equipment. “The district’s current Self-Contained Breathing apparatus equipment are non-compliant with the current National Fire Protection Association Standards and the current National Institute of Occupational Health approval. The current SCBAs are more than 12 years old and are more than beyond the three Standards of NFPA compliance, and the storage cylinders are rapidly approaching the U.S. Department of Transportation mandated end of service life.”
The District has a total of 54 SBCAs. The composite air cylinders are at least in their 10th year of service, with the majority in the 12th year of a 15-year maximum service life. Also the current equipment is lacking performance features found in the current 2013 standard. Although The SBCA’s have been reliable, they now are having more observable problems on calls and in training.
The purchase of the new equipment, “allows us to protect 100 percent of our firefighters with fully compliant breathing apparatus.”
Bill Ganek is the Interim Community Development Director, remaining in this position until a new City Community Development Director is hired to replace John Said, who resigned to accept a position in Michigan. Ganek will be in the office three days a week.
He has more than 35 years of progressive experience in the areas of local government management, community planning and economic development. He was the Village Manager of Algonquin from 1992 through 2013, when he retired. Prior to that, Ganek was Director of Planning for Crystal Lake from 1983 to 1992, Senior Planner for McHenry County from 1978 to 1983 and Planning Intern for Greater Wabash Regional Planning Commission in Grayville. Interim positions held since his retirement include Village Manager for Fox Lake, Building Director for Highland Park and Executive Director for the Northwest Water Commission in Des Plaines.
Among his career summary details are a strong work ethic with a driving commitment to find realistic solutions to the challenges facing local government, the ability to understand multiple positions and issues and build a consensus, and works best in a rapidly changing economic environment. Personal and professional strengths include budgeting/financial management, intergovernmental cooperation, negotiations, excellent customer service and an eye toward quality community design.
Pro-Line Safety Products of West Chicago donated five orange safety vests for Pioneer School staff to use during arrival and dismissal of students. Darrell G. Holmes is the President/CEO.
At the Monday, August 21, 2017, meeting, City Council approved a contract with Thomas Engineering Groups for an amount not to exceed $9,926,138 for various professional engineering services during the fiscal years 2018 through 2027. The Item Summary states, “In the last 10 years, TEG has served as program manager for more than 60 major municipal improvements assignments in the City, performed design services for more than $14 million of municipal improvement and oversaw more than $25 million in total construction costs. The firm also has assisted the City with 14 successful grant applications since 2008, acquiring more than $3.5 million of federal-aid for use on capital improvement throughout the community.”
There was approval to allow Class C (of any type) Liquor License Holders to sell alcoholic beverages beginning at 8:00 a.m. on Sundays, December 24 and December 31.
Council approved agreement between DuPage County and the City for participation in the Community Development Block Grant funding for the 2017 Roadway and Water Main Rehabilitation project. The project includes Weyrauch Street from Lester Street to Blair Street, Pomeroy Street and Stimmel Street from Wood Street to Joliet Street and Hazel Street from Weyrauch Street to Joliet Street. An estimated start date is May 2018.
Also approved was an ordinance to consider designating certain real property as a Redevelopment Project Area, approving a Redevelopment Plan and Project and adopting Tax Increment Allocation Financing the Roosevelt Road/Fabyan Parkway area. The item summary states, “The primary interest for establishment of a TIF district is development of a new full-service hotel and restaurant/banquet facility. Other commercial and business park developments may follow. Local government assistance, in the form of a TIF district, is needed to assist with public improvement costs to make the project work.”
Council approved a special use for a house of worship, setback and parking variances, plus a deviation for stormwater storage depth and a plat of consolidation for St. Mary’s Church, 140 North Oakwood Avenue. The item summary mentions the applicant proposes to construct a large addition onto the existing church building and to add and improve parking areas on the main campus area, as well as on the west side of Garden Street and south side of Oakwood Avenue between York and Ingalton Avenues.
Nurses.org, a career-focused website for nurses, named Northwest Medicine Central DuPage Hospital as one of the best hospitals in Illinois for nurses to be employed.
The score at the Friday, August 25, 2017, game was Wheaton Academy-21, West Chicago Community High School-0. In the soccer games played Saturday, August 26, the score for Junior Varsity was WCCHS-1, Addison High School-0; and the Varsity score was WCCHS-0, Addison-0.
Mayor Ruben Pineda entertained Burgermeister, (similar to office of mayor) Franz and Gabi Hofstetter from Taufkirchen (Vils), Germany and a few other guests at his home Friday, August 25, 2017. Taufkirchen is the Sister City of West Chicago. The Hofstetter’s always try to visit West Chicago when they come to the United States. On this trip, they are visiting Canada, starting in Vancouver. The friendships between the residents of the two communities continue to flourish throughout the years.
My email address is merleburl@earthlink.net.