For more than 25 years, the First United Methodist Church of West Chicago has provided a site for Public Assistance to Deliver Shelter every Thursday evening to Friday morning from October through May. The start date is Thursday, October 5, 2017.
There are several shifts still needing volunteers. These are from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. for the second week, 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. for the third and fourth weeks, and from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. for the third week. Laundry volunteers are needed for the second and fourth weeks.
To volunteer, call Brian Hendricks at (630) 333-0640 or (630) 231-3344 or email hendricks@fnal.gov.
AROUND AND ABOUT
The 2017 homecoming activities are going strong at Wheaton Academy. Friday, October 6, 2017 finds a day full of various events. The theme is “Warrior Day” with the dress being school colors of maroon, black and white. The pep rally is at 2:35 p.m. The homecoming program is at 7:15 p.m. Playing against Marmion, the junior varsity soccer game is at 6:00 p.m. and the varsity soccer game is at 8:00 p.m. Fireworks light the sky after the game.
Vying against IC Catholic Prep, the sophomore football game is at 10:30 a.m.; the varsity football game is at 1:00 p.m. Saturday. The Fall Informal with food, games and live band is from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. Alumni being honored are Dave and Dotti (Guyer) Terhune with the Distinguish Service Award and Jeff and Rachel (Keating) Brooke with the Distinguished Young Alumni Award.
West Chicago Lions Club holds its annual Candy Sale at Sonny Acres Farm, 29W310 North Avenue. Hours are from from10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Friday, October 6, 2017 and from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday, October 9, 2017. Donation boxes also are located at State Bank of Illinois, 600 East Washington Street and the two locations of Augustino’s Rock and Roll Deli, 300 West North Avenue and 246 South Schmale Road in Carol Stream.
The Lions Club donates to local humanitarian needs involving eye exams for residents and school children, TV caption decoders, hearing aids, and magnifiers for persons with Macular Degeneration. Other donations to various organizations include local food pantries and school district education foundations. The club offers scholarships to high school students, supports Camp Lions for visually and hearing-impaired children, hosts the new teachers luncheon and participates in Frosty Fest. (www.merleburl.com)
“Artwork For All Seasons” is the 2017 Artoberfest exhibit at Gallery 200, 103 West Washington Street, for the month of October. The 19 artists participating are Susan Delaney, Earl Weber, Sharon Malec, Joseph Ross, Marita Valdizan, Kathi Kuchler, Marge Hall, Starla Snead, Heide Morris, Margaret Bucholz, BJ Chevalier, Victoria Burris, Chris Rakow, Nadine Buck, Patty Koenigsaecker, Judith Horsley, Lou Jacobson, Britta Renwick and Mike Smith.
The artists’ reception is from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Friday, October 6, 2017. Refreshments are served. There also is a silent auction, which ends Sunday, October 29, 2017. Mandy Rakow provides the musical entertainment. She is a songwriter, sings and plays the guitar and cello. She started and organized the community music event Local Music Night from 2009 through 2014. She works at the McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage and also is the music director at International Community Church in Lombard.
The 28th annual Tale Tombstones Tell takes place from 10:00 a.m. to noon Saturday, October 7, 2017, at Calvary Cemetery, East Washington Street and Eason Avenue. Note the new time and location. Parking is available at FNBC Bank & Trust, 600 East Washington Street. Starting at 10-minute intervals, the tours are 45 minutes in length with the last one starting at 11:15 a.m. After the tour, refreshments are served at the Bank.
While guests wait in line, Roger Kotecki, vocalist and guitarist, plays eclectic music from the 1860s through the 1970s. Costumed interpreters relate the life stories of seven former residents buried in Calvary , a Catholic cemetery owned by the Diocese of Joliet. Sara Phalen gives the introduction with a little history of the cemetery. Two members of the West Chicago Police Department are interpreters at the grave sites of Ray Wilson and Joe Buenrostro. The other sites and interpreters are Catherine Alice “Katie” Kelley Carey, interpreter, Carol Townsend; Caspar Kline, interpreter, John Cumpek; Rev. Thomas C. Gaffney, interpreter, Becky Hall; Frederick Otto “Fred” Marx, interpreter, Bob Fotus; and John Tye, interpreter, Dan Czuba and musician, Mike Barry. Other persons serving as volunteers are Donna Orlandini, Peggy Krauch, Pam Kramer and Tom Fessler.
The event is appropriate for families as it focuses on historical facts and not ghost stories. Although there is no charge, donations are appreciated. For further information, call the Museum at (630) 231-3376. (www.merleburl.com)
St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 North Prince Crossing Road, holds its annual Kermes from 1:00 to 9:00 p.m. Saturday, October 7, 2017. The annual church “fun”draiser includes food and entertainment for all ages. Entertainment includes St. Andrew’s folkloric troupe and a theatrical comedy group. Joining the festivities will be the 2017 Miss Mexican Heritage, members from Mexican Cultural Center DuPage and Solidaridad de DuPage. (www.merleburl.com)
Hawthorne’s Backyard Bar & Grill, 1200 West Hawthorne Lane, is the host site for the Illinois Association of Firefighters Local 3970 (West Chicago Fire Protection District) Sixth Annual Chili for a Cure Cook off Saturday, October 7, 2017. The event is from 2:00 to 9:00 p.m.; chili is served from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. In addition to chili, hot dogs and wings are available. The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children under the age of 10. Proceeds benefit the “Keep a Breast” Foundation. Giveaways include Keep A Breast t-shirts to the first 300 guests and two Zanies tickets to each paying attendee.
The 10 chili cook off contestant are West Chicago Firefighters Local 3970, Fire Chief pat Tanner, West Chicago park District, Roxanne Hamlin, Boy Scout troop 33, Weekend at Bernies-Four Winds Black Mass Warfare, Byron Miller, Two Brothers Brewery, Great Lakes Brewing and Windy City Reps.
Other activities include the giveaway of a 2017 LG 49 inch LED television, silent auction, raffles with items totaling more than $5,000, whiffle ball, bags, and sand volleyball. Included among the more than 120 raffle items are gift certificates to local area restaurants and businesses, overnight stays, golf packages and zero gravity chairs. Silent Auction items include a Yeti Roadie cooler and two sets of bag boards and bags.
Heads/Tails game prizes are a utility cart filled with booze, a Pelican Maverick 100K kayak, Dick’s Sporting goods gift card and a bench cooler made by a WCFPD firefighter. There is a $15 charge to take part in the game.
WeGo Drama of West Chicago Community High School presents “Cafe Murder,” a murder mystery dinner at 7:00 p.m. Saturday, October 7, 2017, in the Commons, Joliet Street, entrance H, 326 Joliet Street. The charge is $15. Tickets must be pre-ordered at www.wegotheatre.com. Proceeds benefit Broadway Cares, an organization that helps AIDS victims, women’s health care, cancer patients, and hurricane relief.
The audience acts as the detectives in this interactive show, perfect for the entire family. The company of actors and crew Ryan Castiglia, Kenneth Correa, Andres Espinoza, Ricky Gieser, Sammy Incrocci, Nora Zamora, Grecia Bahena, Nathan Bradley, Abby Carr, and Alexia Gountanis. Others are Megan Kordik, Noemi Lara, Evy McLean, Jose “Rudy” Muñoz, Grace Schumann, David Brown, Emily Carroso, Amber Dotson, Abbie Lundblad and Neve Ryan. Mark Begovich is the director. Scenic Design and Technical Direction is by Chris Jensen. Hair and make-up design is by Jamie Elza. (www.merleburl.com)
By popular demand, the run of “Grace & Glorie” is extended by two more performances, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, October 7, and 3:00 p.m. Sunday, October 8, 2017, at Gallery Theater, 129 Main Street. Ticket price is $14, $12 for senior citizens. To reserve tickets call (630) 234-5919, email gallerytickets@gmail.com or visit gallerytheaterstudio.org.
West Chicago Fire Protection District hosts its annual Open House from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Sunday, October 8, 2017, at fire headquarters station, 200 Fremont Street. The National Fire Prevention theme this year is “Every Second Counts: Plan 2 Ways Out.” Activities include information booths, demonstrations, fire safety trailer, emergency equipment displays, fire safety handouts and snacks. Sparky the Fire Dog greets the guests.
Maggie Capettini, Gallery 200 member and education coordinator at West Chicago City Museum, is one of the participating artists in “Paint the Town: Plein Air Painting” Festival from noon to 8:00 p.m. Sunday, October 8, 2017, at Village Green Park in Northbrook. (www.merleburl.com)
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. October 11. “Uploading Pictures to Facebook” class is at 2:00 p.m. Friday, October 13.
“Before You Call the Handyman: Common Home Repairs” is the West Chicago Public Library District program at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 11, 2017, in the program room, 118 West Washington Street. Professional handyman Dan Findley teaches preventative maintenance and some basic home repairs such as electrical, plumbing and structural and what can be done before the experts need to be called. To make a reservation, call the adult services department at (630) 231-1552, extension 4.
The Fall Choral Concert of West Chicago Community High School is at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, October 12, 2017, in Weyrauch Auditorium, 326 Joliet Street. Brandon Fantozzi is the director
We Grow Dreams Greenhouse and Garden Center, 1055 West Washington Street, holds its annual Fall Fest from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 14, 2017. On sale are a variety of mums, pumpkins and Kale plants. Activities include music, games, hot dogs and brats cooked on the grill, a honey bee demonstration, and fire department equipment. Backdrop for family photos are cornstalks and a hay wagon.
West Chicago Sister Cities hosts its annual Oktoberfest from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, October 14, 2017, at American Legion Post 300, 123 Main Street. The menu is roast pork, sauerkraut, boiled potatoes, tossed salad and assorted desserts. Activities include beer tasting, door prizes and 60/40 raffle. The ticket price is $20 for persons age 21 and over, $15 for persons under the age of 21. To purchase tickets in advance call the Legion at (630) 231-2112 or in person. Tickets also will be available at the door. (www.merleburl.com)
West Chicago Park District monthly social for senior citizens is Thursday, October 12, 2017. The popular Firemen Fish Fry begins at noon at the West Chicago Fire Protection District headquarters, 200 Fremont Street. The firemen provide the fish. Guests bring a dish to share and complete place setting. Reservations for the free event are due Thursday, October 5, and may be made online at www.we-goparks.org or in person at the ARC, 201 West Washington Street. The Fall Orchestra Concert of West Chicago Community High School is at 7:00 p.m. Monday, October 16, 2017, in Weyrauch Auditorium, 326 Joliet Street Alexandra Wojciechowski is the director.
For the 8th year, the City of West Chicago continues with the Brilliance in Business Awards program, which recognizes businesses for their best practices, creativity and sustainability. Residents, businesses, non-for-profit profit organizations or members of economic development organizations can nominate a business(s) for one or more awards. Businesses also may nominate themselves.
The categories are Outstanding Downtown Entrepreneurship, Outstanding Small Business, Outstanding Growth, Outstanding Achievement in Design and Innovation and Outstanding Achievement in Health, Safety and Environment. Program guidelines and nomination forms are available online at www.westchicago.org, under Business or by calling Luis Martinez, City Business Development Coordinator, at (630) 293-2200, extension 157. Nominations are due by 11:59 p.m. Monday, October 16, and may be made on line or by mail to City of West Chicago, 475 Main St., West Chicago, IL 60185.
In addition to City officials judging, others are previous Brilliance in Business winners and regional business leaders. Winners also receive an invitation to Breakfast with the Mayor and a formal recognition at City Hall.
West Chicago City Museum Historiography program is a non-fiction book reading group.The discussion group meets at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, October 19, 2017, at the museum, 132 Main Street. Guests can bring a sack lunch; dessert and drinks are provided.
The book under discussion is “The American Resting Place: 400 Years of History Through Our Cemeteries and Burial Grounds” by Marilyn Yalum. The book is a sweeping history of America as seen through its gravestones, graveyards, and burial practices, illustrated with eighty black-and-white photographs. 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.
Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Jeffrey P. Waksmulski, who at the age of 61 passed away Monday, September 25, 2017.
Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Raymundo Zambrano, who at the age of 48 passed away Sunday, September 24, 2017.
Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Helen Wander, who at the age of 93 passed away Thursday, September 28, 2017.
Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Sully Quintana, who at the age of 44 passed away Thursday, September 28, 2017.
The College Board selected Zenen Cardenas, a senior at West Chicago Community High School, as a National Hispanic Scholar. He scored in the top 2.5 percent in the region among Hispanic and Latino students on the PSAT/NMSQT test taken last October. Cardenas also earned this designation by identifying as at least one-quarter Hispanic/Latino, and earning a cumulative Grade Point Average of 3.5 or higher by the middle of his junior year.
The College Board’s National Hispanic Recognition Program is an academic honor that can be included on college applications. It is not a scholarship, but colleges use this program to identify academically exceptional Hispanic/Latino students.
Business Professionals America club replaces the Future Business Leaders of America club at West Chicago Community High School. Mia Wirth, club advisor and business education teacher, explained the main reason for the switch was the scheduling of conferences. “The state conference for FBLA was either the first weekend or last weekend of our spring break and we lost so many competitors because of vacations, school trips to Europe and sports. The national conference was moved up against the Fourth of July. This past year we had six students qualify for nationals and only one was able to attend because the others had family trips planned around the holiday. BPA’s state conferences are in early March in Oak Brook, much closer than Springfield, and the national conference is in the middle of May in Grapevine, Texas. We are excited to be a part of this new organization and looking forward to having many more competitors representing WCCHS!”
The scores for the football games Friday, September 29, 2017, were West Chicago Community High School-6, South Elgin High School-48; Wheaton Academy-23, Glenbard South High School-27.
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