At Home with Merle Burleigh – August 7, 2024

MERLE'S CORNER

Since its inception 50 years ago, Kramer Tree Services, a family-owned and tree care company, has been dedicated to safe and professional arboriculture. During this time the business has grown in the areas of services, clientele, education, employees and staff. Joe Kramer, the founder, passed away in May 2018 and his sons, Todd and Jeff Kramer, are the co-owners.

In 1974, Joe Kramer opened the company office in Addison at 107 Byron Ave.; the equipment base was in Villa Park. The company equipment was a truck, chain saw and chipper, explains Todd. "There were three tree climbers." Two of the staff members were Ralph McMann and Rich Podrago, said Jeff. The company worked to expand its customer base. Now among the company's customers are residences, commercial properties, municipalities/taxing bodies and utilities. The company works in the entire Chicagoland area, plus has a utility division in Northwest Indiana. It is one of the largest family owned arboriculture companies in the state of Illinois.

In the 1980s, the equipment remained at an off site location, but the business operation was in the house in Wheaton, 410 E. Illinois, explained Jeff. Within 10 years, the company grew to three crews with 15 staff members. In 1990, the company moved to 701 Church Street, housing the equipment and office; then to 300 Charle Court in 2008. The company now has 89 employees.

Todd and Jeff started working at the company when young. Todd said, "I sharpened chains (chain saws) for $2 a chain. If not sharp, I did not get the money" In the late 1980s, the brothers became full time employees. As was their father, both are ISA Certified Arborists and so are many of the employees." My dad took a state arborist test before the ISA Certified Arborists test was established. He said it was much harder." Training and education remain an important aspect of the company, pertaining to the teams of both old and new employees."There are always changes and improvements."

The company's services evolved. Todd explained, "We started doing more with plant health care. "The first tanker trucks became part of the vehicle fleet. Keeping employees working year-round was important. "These are qualified people and we needed and wanted to keep them, said Jeff. These factors involved adding more services. In the 1980s, landfills stopped taking brush. Needing to find a way to dispose of brush, the company started mulch production. Snow removal became a part of the business, as did leaf pick up. Holiday lighting is now an important service and continually growing. Jeff said the lighting begins in September and ends in February, based on the size of the project. "It is an annual, repeat service.

Depending on the ferocity, storms can wreak havoc with scheduled services to customers. After cleaning up from one storm, it took four months to catch up with scheduled services to its customers

Kramer Tree Services gives back to communities. In West Chicago the company decorates the Community Holiday tree and hoists the goodie-filled piñata at Mexican Independence Day. Educating the public, company representatives give presentations on various subjects such as soil and tree care at business and organization events, such as chambers of commerce. These are well attended. "Most everyone has a tree story."

Kramer Tree Services has come a long way in its 50 years, continuing to offer a quality product for its clients. Growth in services offered-Land Clearing, Mulching, Stump Grinding, Stump Removal, Tree Planting, Tree Pruning, Tree Removal, Wood Chipping, Holiday Lighting, Plant Health Care, Tree Risk Assessment, Tree Appraisal, Monitor Services, Root Pruning and Tree Protection during construction: Growth in the number of employees and growth and variety in its equipment and fleet of vehicles. merleburl.com

AROUND AND ABOUT

• West Chicago Public Library holds a Microsoft Word computer class at 6:30 p.m.Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024, 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 To register, visit https://wcpld.librarycalendar.com/events/month.

• West Chicago Public Library hosts a Trivia Night at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024, in the main meeting room, 118 W. Washington St. The subject matter is related to history. There is an opportunity to win prizes.To register, visit https://wcpld.librarycalendar.com/events/month.

• West Chicago Park District hosts Fun Friday at 11 a.m. Aug. 9.2024. in the Shell at Reed-Keppler Park, 832 Arbor Ave. Providing entertainment is Nanny Nikki. She is a Grammy® nominated, interactive children's entertainer and teaching artist who loves sharing her love of music with young children and families. com

• West Chicago Park District hosts Wine in the Park from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024, at Reed Keppler Park, 129 W. National St. Attendees must be 21 and older. The price for tickets is $35 for residents and $42 for non- residents. To register, visit https://www.we-goparks.org/special-events. The event includes eight wine tastings, light snacks and entertainment by Prairie Station Acoustic at the Shell. It is a modern country band playing covers of the hottest music from today, as well as yesterday's country staples. Due to inclement weather, the event originally scheduled for June 1 was cancelled for rescheduling.

• West Chicago Park District hosts Party in the Park at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug.14, 2024, in the Shell at Reed-Keppler Park, 832 Arbor Ave. In addition to children's activities, Gooroos provide an evening of entertainment with songs from the 90s to now, plus some sing-alongs.

• The West Chicago Public Library Bilingual Gettin' Crafty program, "Paper-Pieced Sunflower," is at 7 p.m.Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024, in the main meeting room, 118 W. Washington St. To register, visit https://wcpld.librarycalendar.com/events/month. Using hand-cut pieces of coordinating paper, attendees piece together a lovely sunflower on black canvas board.

• West Chicago City Museum presents the Historiography program, a non-fiction book reading group, at 1 p.m.Thursday, Aug.15 2024, in the Museum, 132 Main St. The book is "Emily Dickinson's Gardening Life" by Marta McDowell. 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 Lumuria Books, In the book," award-winning author Marta McDowell explores Dickinson's deep passion for plants and how it inspired and influenced her writing. Tracing a year in the garden, the book reveals details few know about Dickinson and adds to our collective understanding of who she was as a person. By weaving together Dickinson's poems, excerpts from letters, contemporary and historical photography, and botanical art, McDowell offers an enchanting new perspective on one of America's most celebrated but enigmatic literary figures."

"McDowell lives, gardens, and writes in Chatham, New Jersey. She consults for public gardens and private clients, writes and lectures on gardening topics, and teaches landscape history and horticulture at the New York Botanical Garden, where she studied landscape design. Marta's particular interest is in authors and their gardens, the connection between the pen and the trowel. She is the 2019 winner of the Garden Club of America's Sarah Chapman Francis Medal for outstanding literary achievement. Her books include "Beatrix Potter's Gardening Life," "All the Presidents' Gardens," "World of Laura Ingalls Wilder," Unearthing the Secret Garden," and "Gardening Can Be Murder." She worked as a horticulturist for five years at the Reeves-Reed Arboretum. She is on the Board of the New Jersey Historical Garden Foundation at the Cross Estate." merleburl.com

• The historical presentation,"Latinos in Illinois and the USA: Music as a Cultural History," is the West Chicago Public Library program at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024, in the main meeting room, 118 W. Washington St. Presenting the bilingual program is Catalina Maria Johnson, Ph.D., a bilingual Chicago-based music journalist. The event is co-presented by the Illinois Humanities Road Scholars Speakers Bureau. To register, visit https://wcpld.librarycalendar.com/events/month.

She hosts and produces her own radio show, "Beat Latino," which airs in Chicago on Vocalo (Chicago Public Media), and also is a regular contributor to NPR. Having a Mexican mother and a German/Swedish Father, gives her an bilingual and bicultural heritage She says, "Having traveled extensively and lived in Mexico, Spain, Portugal, Honduras, Colombia, and other Latin countries, as well as having circled the globe at least once, visiting most of Europe, India, Japan, Kenya and Senegal, my work in radio and writing highlights the extraordinary diversity of the global music scene with a particular emphasis on Latin and Latino music, from the most traditional roots music to cutting-edge electronic grooves." merleburl.com

• The West Chicago Food Fest is from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024, in the historic downtown district. At this time, there are 21 food vendors offering a wide variety of eats. Adults aged 21 and over can enjoy refreshing beverages to complement the culinary delights, available for purchase from Hawthorne's Backyard Bar & Grill. Activities include face painters, balloon artists and caricaturists. A juggler performs at 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.Funny People also provide some whimsical entertainment. To celebrate the 175th Anniversary of West Chicago, there is a live chalk art mural demonstration. Musical entertainment begins at 4:30 p.m. with the performance of Alika Arlynn. The band delivers an electrifying country performance that combines her original music and country hits from the 80s, 90s and current rock. Taking the stage at 5:30 p.m. is 28 Days, who play music from the 70s, including rock, pop and country. Performing at 7 p.m. is Good Clean Fun. The husband and wife team play music from every decade and virtually every style. For the seventh consecutive year, they received Couples Choice Award. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own seating, blankets or chairs. For further information, visit https://westchicago.org/food-festival/.

• West Chicago Park District hosts a Recreational Adult Pickleball Tournament at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, in the ARC, 201 W. National St. The per person fee is $20 for residents, $25 for non-residents. The fee includes game-play, lunch, and prizes for first, second and third place. Participants form their own teams and the Team Captain registers. Registration deadline is Wednesday, Aug. 21and can be made at https://www.we-goparks.org/athletics. Participants compete against players from different skill levels across the DuPage and Kane County area. The tournament features a mixed doubles Round Robin followed by single-elimination playoffs. Games are self-officiated. Alcohol is available for purchase for players age 21 and over.

SUPPORT OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES

• The Rohan Marr Trio provides the entertainment from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024, at Hawthorne's Backyard Bar & Grill, 1200 W. Hawthorne Lane. It is the jazz band of one of the employees at the restaurant.

• Hawthorne's Backyard Bar & Grill, 1200 W. Hawthorne Lane, cohost the third Annual Sand Volleyball Fundraiser with Illinois Safety Alliance Sunday, Aug. 25, 2024. Check in is at 7:30 a.m., start is at 8 a.m., and lunch at noon. Minimum of six co-ed players, maximum of eight. The charge is $45 per person, $30 for family members lunch. The games are at competitive and recreation levels. Registration deadline is Wednesday, Aug. 14. To register, call 630 345-0954, or email [email protected] .

All proceeds benefit Camp I Am Me, a one week camp for young burn survivors ages 8 to 17 from Illinois and St. Louis. Through the generosity of donors, supporters, and volunteers, Camp I Am Me offers this summer camping opportunity at no-cost to campers; including lodging, meals, activities, and transportation to and from camp . merleburl.com

• The Kitchen Table, a family-owned community space for the creative and culinary art, moved to a new location, 100 Hahndorf St., Suite 303. The company's mission is to provide hands-on, educational creative and culinary experiences that foster opportunities for people of all ages to learn, create, explore, experiment and enjoy the arts. Classes include kid's birthday, kid's public, adults, scouts and private. For further information, visit https://thekitchentablewc.com/. com

REMEMBRANCES

• Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Tom Fulghum, who at the age of 85 passed away Wednesday, January 3, 2024.

• Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Marilyn Ruth Michalczyk (nee Vermell), who sat the age of 92 passed away Friday, Aug. 2, 2024.

SCHOOLS

• Wheaton Academy, 900 N. Prince Crossing Road, hosts a Ribbon Cutting for its new front entrance at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024.

• The first day of school is Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024, for U-46 School District.

• The first day of school is Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024, at West Chicago Community High School.
• The first day of school is Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024, for St. Charles Community Unit School District 303.
• Doug Hardy is the new Director of Development at Wheaton Academy, replacing Joy Crowe upon her retirement. He is an attorney with significant experience in estate planning and real estate law.

• National Merit Scholarship finalists at Wheaton Academy were Adrian Gear, Andrew Hancock and Daniel Titcomb, earning the title of Merit Scholar. Approximately 15,000 students, advance to the finalist level of the competition with only around 7,100 finalists earning the title.

• New staff start this year at Benjamin School District 25. At Benjamin Middle School, they are Heather Jimenez, special education teacher; Jen Matthews, special education teacher; and Stephen Lewis, music teacher. At Evergreen Elementary School, they are Holly Bartsch, third grade teacher; Jennifer Crane, social worker; Rebecca Warga, special education teacher; and Shayne Watson, teaching assistant. com

• Benjamin School District 25 presented service awards to staff .For 10 years of service Superintendent Dr. Jim Woell congratulated Mike Fitzgerald, principal of Benjamin Middle School. For 20 years of service, he congratulated Allison Agres, assistant principal at Evergreen Elementary School; and Melissa Falkos, fifth grade science and social studies teacher at Benjamin Middle School. com

• Hector Salgado recently celebrated his 20th with West Chicago Community High School. His position includes program planning, operation and staff supervision. com

CHURCHES

• West Chicago Community Clothing Closet, operated by St. Michael's United Church of Christ, is open from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024, 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.

• Andrew Lutheran Church had a good Community Picnic Sunday, July 28, 2024. Attendees enjoyed delicious food and camaraderie. The church wants to have more of these fellowship events. merleburl.com

• More than 100 persons attended Family Night, hosted by New Hope United Methodist Church Monday, July 15, 2024. The event introduced the new Hispanic Ministry of the church. There even was a soccer tournament. With everyone helping, the area was cleaned and brought inside the church before the winds became wild and the tornado sirens blew. com

COMMUNITY MEMBERS HIGHLIGHTS

• West Chicago resident Jim Lootens and his Steam Machine are at the 67th annual Sycamore Steam Show from Thursday, Aug. 8, through Sunday, Aug. 11, 2023, at the Taylor Marshall Farm, 27707 Lukens road. Gates are open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m,; buildings are open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Historical demonstrations take place all day.There is a parade daily at 1:30 p.m. The event includes a flea market, food and music. The charge is $10, no charge for children ages 12 and under.; senior citizen fee is $5 on Thursd merleburl.com

• John and Leslie Singh celebrate their 20th Wedding Anniversary, Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024.

• Former West Chicago resident Gail Cannata is the director of "The Foreigner" from Thursday, Aug. 14, through Sunday, Aug. 25,2024, at Stage Coach Players, 126 S. 5th St. in DeKalb. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are $17, $15 for senior citizens and children age 13 and under. To purchase tickets, call 815 758-1940 or online at stagecoachplayers.com. Drawn to the play by its humor, Cannata said, "I do enjoy making an audience laugh and a good farce is just the trick. It's fun to watch the story unfold and see the underdogs overcome their obstacles." merleburl.com

CLUB/ORGANIZATION NEWS

• Gallery 200, 103 W. Washington St.,has art class series ranging from sculpture, jewelry to painting for adults and youths. All classes are beginner friendly, intermediate and advanced. Upcoming classes are plaster statuette and necklaces.To make reservations for the classes, visit https://www.gallery200.net/gallery-200-shop/art-classes.

The plaster statuette class is taught by artist and Gallery Manager Britta Renwick. The class sessions are Friday, Aug. 9, and Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024. There are two starting times on Friday, 4 and 5 p.m. Participants select their choice. The Saturday class is at 4 p.m. The charge for the 2 sessions is $45 and includes all supplies. Class size is limited to 15 persons. At the Friday session, Renwick draws a sketch of what each participant wants to make. Then participants make the wire and wood armature for their statue. The Saturday session is where the fun with the plaster cloth begins. Participants work until their project is done. Renwick helps with every step.

The hoop necklace class is at 6 p.m. Friday, Aug.16. The cost is $25. Attendees learn how to make the versatile necklace, which can be worn long, or looped and worn double stranded. The knotted necklace class is Friday, Aug. 30. The cost is $35.

• American Legion Post 300, 123 Main St., is serving BBQ ribs Friday, Aug. 9, 2024. The meal includes ribs, free fries, coleslaw, baked beans, corn-on-the-cob and jalapeño cornbread. The charge for a full slab is $22 and a half slab is $17. Pre-orders are preferred and can be made at 630 231-2112. The fish fry also is available.

• 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.

WEST CHICAGO FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

• West Chicago Fire Protection District Trustee Perry Johnson administered the oath of office to Jeremy Dolder. Completing his year of probation, he now assumes the full-time position of firefighter/paramedic. com

• West Chicago Fire Protection District recognizes the work anniversaries of its staff. Celebrating 45 years is Todd Baseggio. Ryan Kral celebrates 15 years. Celebrating 12 years is Noel Ripiscak. Ryan Olmstead celebrates five years. Celebrating two years are Naim Herrera and Fire Marshall Bill Schultz. K9 Thor has been with theDistrict for five years. com

WEST CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT

• On Memorial Monday, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund highlights a line of duty death from a date in history. West Chicago Police Reserve officer Marshal Raymond Wilson was recognized Monday, July 21, 2024. He was shot and killed July 21, 1965, while removing a man from the Railroad Days festival at Reed-Keppler Park. com

• West Chicago Police Department recognizes the work anniversaries of its Police officers. Celebrating two years are Adam Chapman, Alex MacDougall and Ryan Schiever. Daniel Schane celebrates one year. com

CITY OF WEST CHICAGO

• Although it was quite hot, many children and adults enjoyed the annual "Back to School Celebration," hosted by DuPage Airport, City of West Chicago and WGN-TV, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, at the airport. Youths met Mayor Ruben Pineda, West Chicago Fire Protection District firemen, West Chicago Police Department officers, and pilots. com

ODDS AND ENDS

• The scheduled date for the beginning of construction on the Geneva Road bridge over the DuPage River is changed. The date now is Monday, Aug. 12, 2024. The project includes the removal of the existing two-span concrete bridge and the construction of a new, single-span steel girder bridge. It also involves the installation of retaining walls and sidewalks and drainage improvements, pavement reconstruction, and installation of a stormwater storage facility.

• DuPage County is the recipient of the highest possible AAA bond rating from Fitch Ratings. Per Wikipedia,"Fitch Ratings Inc. is an American credit rating agency and is one of the "Big Three credit rating agencies", the other two being Moody's and Standard & Poor's. It is one of the three nationally recognized statistical rating organizations designated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in 1975."

• Although the weather was not the best, the turtles did their best. These were the turtles in the West Chicago Parks Foundation annual Great Turtle Race held Saturday, July 28,2024, at Turtle Splash Water Park. Winning first place prize of a four pack of 2025 Season passes to Turtle Splash Water Park was B. Thornton. Coming in second place for the prize of four pack of passes to Santa's Village was V. Schaht. Third prize winner of four pack of passes to DuPage Children's Museum was R Cebotari. The slowest turtle winner of the prize of four pack of Spooky Trail passes was K Holden. Donations raised totaled $676. com

• This is a side note to the story on Kramer Tree Services: In 1917, a Bartlett arborist was one of the first to tie into a tree with a rope for safety. Thus began the modern practice of tree climbing to allow arborists to prune or remove trees.

• Forest Preserve of DuPage County Board of Commissioners announced the new name for the Willowbrook Wildlife Center at the Willowbrook Forest Preserve. It is now called the uPage Wildlife Conservation Center.

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