At Home with Merle Burleigh – July 24, 2024

MERLE'S CORNER

Many have been watching the progress of the painting of the water tower on Fremont Street. Some mentioned seeing the "teeny' men working. Now all is undercover as the actual sandblasting and painting take place. The tower was constructed in 1952 and it was last painted in 1990. At that time, the tower was not covered. Buildings and vehicles in the area were the recipients of splatters of paint and rust. merleburl.com

AROUND AND ABOUT

• The West Chicago Public Library Gettin' Crafty program, "Bee Magnet Set," is at 7 p.m.Wednesday, July 24, 2024, in the main meeting room, 118 W. Washington St. To register, visit https://wcpld.librarycalendar.com/events/month. Using Mod Podge, adorable paper, tins, magnets, participants make the magnets for themselves or as a gift. com

• West Chicago Public Library offers a Microsoft Excel computer class at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 25, 2024, in the conference room, 118 W. Washington St. Topics covered include layout and basic functions; entering and editing data;using multiple spreadsheets in the same workbook; formatting and sorting data; writing and understanding formulas. To register, visit https://wcpld.librarycalendar.com/events/month.

• West Chicago Park District hosts Fun Friday at 11 a.m. July 26, 2024, at the Shell in Reed-Keppler Park, 832 Arbor Ave. Providing the entertainment is Jay Magic & Bubbles, an award winning balloon artist and certified Bubbleologist . He entertains the audience with interactive bubble magic.https://merleburl.com

• Friends of The West Chicago Parks Foundation hosts its annual Great Turtle Race Saturday, July 28,2024, at Turtle Splash Water Park in Reed-Keppler Park. Turtle entry costs are one turtle for $5, five turtles for $20. Participants rubber turtles race in three heats. Winners from each heat race for first place in the last race. Prizes include four pack of 2025 season passes to Turtle Splash water Park, Santa's Village Amusement & Water Park, and tickets to the 2024 Spooky Trail. Persons do not need to be present to win. Race and winners are announced on the foundation's Facebook page. Persons can purchase turtles at the ARC, 201 West National St.(https://merleburl.com

• The First Division Museum at Cantigny Park presents its Date with History series program at 6 p.m.Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in the Visitors Center, 1S151 Winfield Road. The program is free; there is a $5 charge for parking. Doors open at 5:30 pm. Coffee, iced tea and water are complimentary. Two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and New York Times best-selling author David Maraniss discusses his book "They Marched Into Sunlight: War and Peace, Vietnam and America, October 1967."

Published in 2003, the book tells the epic story of Vietnam through the events of a few gripping days of war and peace in October 1967. Winner of the J. Anthony Lukas Book Prize and a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in History, it weaves together the stories of three different worlds: the death and heroism of 1st Infantry Division soldiers in Vietnam; the anger and anxiety of antiwar students back home; and the obfuscating behavior of officials in Washington. Copies of the book are available for purchase and signing.

David Maraniss is an associate editor at "The Washington Post," fellow of the Society of American Historians, and a visiting distinguished professor at Vanderbilt University. Among his 13 books are biographies on Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, Vince Lombardi, Roberto Clemente and Jim Thorpe.

Following the program, there is a VIP cocktail reception in the library of the McCormick House. Reception tickets are $60 and include free parking, drinks and hors d'oeuvres. Reservations are

required and can be made at Cantigny.org

• "A Walk Through Nature" is the exhibit for the month of August 2024 at Gallery 200, 103 W. Washington St. It features the artwork of Shari Hohl. The artist's reception is from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 2. Refreshments are served.

Hohl has spent the greater portion of her life working in the graphic arts and printing industry as an art director, illustrator, painter, account executive and business owner. She now works from a studio in her home.She graduated with a degree in art from Indiana State University in Terre Haute. She did freelance work with a publishing house in Baltimore, Maryland, where she illustrated many children's books for Hanna Barbera, consisting mainly of work on the Flintstones, and Scooby Doo and Scrappy Doo cartoon books. She enjoys working with pastels and oils. Animal portraits are one of her specialties. Each animal is uniquely portrayed in bold, dramatic colors. Hohl said, "I've been a nature lover as long as I can remember. I've also been intrigued with plein air painting as well as painting in my studio from the photographs I take while on visits to the river, a beach or forests. These pictures become the memories from which I paint. I also create some of my paintings from photos taken by friends from their travels." merleburl.com

• West Chicago Public Library, 118 W. Washington St., hosts an End of Summer picnic at noon Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024. Reservation deadline is Saturday.,Aug. 3, and must be made in person. The ticket serves as a food voucher for a free lunch of a hotdog, chips, cookies and a bottle of water. Activities are games, music and a special visit from Bluey.

Making a special appearance is Katie Kostner, whose performance includes a variety of music styles from Broadway to current pop, rock, folk and country. She has performed in various venues including singing the National Anthem at a White Sox games. She is a third year BFA Musical Theater student at Viteerbo University, Conservatory for the Performing Arts in La Crosse, Wisconsin. merleburl.com

• West Chicago Park District offers an Olivia Newton John Tribute and Luncheon for adults age 21 and older Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024, at Chandler's in Schaumburg. Scheduled hours are 9:30 to 5 p.m. The charge is $65 and includes transportation and lunch. Registration deadline is Monday, July 29. To make a reservation, visit https://www.we-goparks.org/adult-programs.

This entertaining tribute showcases Olivia's most-loved signature songs with spot-on "Olivia-sounding" vocals. The show involves costume changes, lots of interesting Olivia trivia, and a live guitar accompanist. Served at 11:30, the family style luncheon includes garden salad, roasted sirloin of beef, roast turkey, garlic mashed potatoes, vegetable medley, mostaccioli, stuffing, cranberry sauce, dessert, coffee, tea or soft drink beverage.

SUPPORT OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES

• Tim Swann is the featured musician at New TalentThursdays at Hawthorne's Backyard Bar & Grill, 1200 W. Hawthorne Lane. The program is from 6:30 to 9p.m. Thursday, July 25, 2024.

• Sonny Acres Farm, 29W310 North Ave., hosts a Corn & Craft Beer Festival from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024. The wide assortment of corn-base foods include Roasted Corn, Elote, Chaskas, Corn Dogs, Corn Fritters, Popcorn and Kettle Corn. Persons 21 and over with a valid Id can enjoy samples of a variety of craft beers from local brewers. Family activities are amusements, self-feed zoo, and corn hole games. Live Pete performs from noon to 5 p.m. The Makers Market features unique items from local artisans. For further information, visit https://sonnyacres.com/corn-craft-beer-fest-at-sonny-acres-farm/. com)

• Prairie Landing Golf Club, 2325 Longest Drive, hosts a Back to School Beer Fest for persons age 21 and over at 6 p.m. Friday Aug. 9, 2024. The charge of $32 includes five beer tickets, live music and surprise vendors. Reservations are required by Monday, Aug.5, 2024, and can be made by calling 630 208-7641 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. com)

• The Daily Herald announced the 2024 Readers' Choice Best of the Best winners. Manna Real Estate won of Best Real Estate Office in the Shopping and Services category.. Wheaton Academy won in the Best Private School category.

• Groggins Warehousing recently opened at 348 Charles Court. Since its founding in 1998, the company has specialized in providing full-service warehousing and distribution solutions to a wide range of businesses and manufacturing organizations. It has 34 warehouses in eight states. The one in West Chicago is the only one in Illinois.

• Recently opened, Soccer Speed LLC, 245 W Roosevelt Road, Building 4, Unit 27, is a soccer training and athletic development center. Their website states, "We aim to develop the complete player in each facet of the game; technical, tactical, and physical. Starting with the fundamentals, we improve abilities through personalized, rigorous, and detailed individual or group training sessions. Our tiered training structure ensure each player has the appropriate foundation for continued growth." After returning from his mission work in Liberia, Africa, quarantined for two weeks from COVID, Chad Swiecia then reached out to parents to train soccer to their children. The business officially opened in 2020. For further information, visit https://www.soccer-speed.com/. com)

REMEMBRANCES

• Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Judith Maria Dekiel, who at the age of 79, passed awaySunday, July 14th, 2024.

• Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of David James Nickelson, who at the age of 67 passed away Tuesday, July 16, 2024

CHURCHES

• Faith Community Church, 910 Main St., hosts a chamber music concert, "La Belle Époque,"at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, July 27, 2024. The music is "Sonata in A major" by César Franck. Performing are Jake Muzzy on the cello and Frank Messer on the piano. To reserve seats, visit us. The concert also will be streamed at: https://realconcerts.us/. There is a pay what you want with a request for a one dollar minimum.

• Trinity Lutheran Church, 338 George St., hosts a decommissioning ceremony for its school building at 331 George St., Sunday, July 28, 2024. It takes place after the 9:30 a.m. worship service; the community is invited to attend. The building is scheduled to be sold in August. It has been home to the Trinity Lutheran School, Trinity Lutheran Pre-School and Daycare, Head Start and most recently as a preschool for West Chicago Elementary School District 33.

• Andrew Lutheran Church , 155 N. Prince Crossing Road, holds an outdoor bilingual service at 11 a.m. Sunday, July 28.

• Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 N. Prince Crossing Road, hosts a Community Picnic at noon, Sunday, July 28, 2024. There is no charge. In addition to delicious food, there are bounce houses for the youth.merleburl.com)

CLUB/ORGANIZATION NEWS

• The 70th annual DuPage County Fair begins Thursday, July 25, and ends Sunday, July 28, 2024. The carnival is provided by Modern Midways. Other activities include live music, food, animal exhibits, competitive exhibits, vintage vendors, roving acts and Buttons the Clowns. com)

• A Northern Illinois Food Bank mobile food distribution is coming once a month Thursdays for six months near the community Center at the Timber Lake Apartment complex. The dates are from 4 to 5:30 p.m. July 25, Aug. 22, Sept. 26 and Oct. 2, 2024. Then it will come from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Nov. 21 and Dec. 19. No identification or proof of income is required. Food is distributed on a first come, first served basis while supplies last. Community organizations will share resources. The event is made possible by the partnership of Northern Illinois Food Bank, Northwestern Medicine, Timber Lake Apartment Homes and We Go Together for Kids.

• In addition to the Fish Fry Friday, July 26, 2024, at American Legion Post 300, the menu special is bourbon chicken served with white rice and chow mein. Hours are from 4 to 8 p.m.

• Sons of the American Legion Post 300, 123 Main St., is seeking new members. Eligibility requirements are being a male descendent of veteran parents or grandparents; and no prior military experience is required. The membership fee is $25 per year. For a membership form either ask the bartender or call 630 487-9600. com)

The Sons of The American Legion was created in 1932 as an organization within the American Legion. Its mission is to strengthen the four pillars of The American Legion. These are placing an emphasis on preserving American traditions and values, improving the quality of life for the nation's children, caring for veterans and their families, and teaching the fundamentals of good citizenship. merleburl.com)

• Wearing summer fashions, hats and fascinators, the guests attending the Afternoon Tea hosted by the West Chicago Garden Club enjoyed touring the gardens and visiting with friends and relatives Saturday, July 13, 2024. Club member Marilyn Santos provided the culinary treats and elegant place settings. Providing a musical background was Anna Rose Keitly, who played the viola. com)

COMMUNITY MEMBERS HIGHLIGHTS

• Maggie Capettini, former education director at West Chicago City Museum, and Marge Hall, Gallery 200 member, are participants in the 22nd Annual juried Geneva Arts Fair. It takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, July 27 and 28, 2024, on Third Street. com)

• The garden of West Chicago resident and Garden Club member, Billie Childress, is included in the Conservation@Home DuPage Garden Showcase Saturday, July 27, 2024. The self-guided tour takes place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, visit https://theconservationfoundation.org/conservation-home/.

• Former West Chicago resident Brittany Jean performed at the Woodstock Folk Festival July 21 and at Two Way Street Coffee House in Downers Grove Friday, July 19, 2024. She is a folk singer/songwriter now based in the Pacific Northwest. Her style is rooted in the folk and Americana music she has loved all her life, and in one way or another, every song she sings is a love song. "With performances ranging from cozy house concerts and beautiful wineries to full concerts in grand auditoriums and theaters, her music has taken her across the country many times, including playing the legendary Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, Tennessee, opening for Three Dog Night's sold out concert in New York City ,and performing at the Kerrville Folk Festival in Texas. She was a finalist for Best Female Artist for 2023." For more information and to view her tour schedule, visit https://bjeanmusic.com/. com)

WEST CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT

• The annual Chicago Ducky Derby is Wednesday, Aug.7, 10, 2023, in the Chicago River in downtown Chicago. Each duck adopted in the fundraiser benefits 23,000 athletes and more than 13,000 young athletes for Special Olympics Illinois programs.The West Chicago Police Department has a team, WCP Ducks. DuckAdoptions are $5 for one entry, $25 for a Quack Pack of six ducks or $100 for a Flock of Ducks of 24 ducks. The goal is have 250 ducks adopted. To donate, visit. https://www.duckrace.com/Chicago/teams/10529

The top three ducks are winners. Prizes for the winners include 2024 Chevy Trax; four life-time passes to Six Flags Great America, an all all-new Chevy Trax, a $2,500 cash prize, and a Six Flags Great America 2025 Self-Guided VIP Tour Package. Winners do not need to be present to win. Family Festival is from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The main event, Splashdown for the Duck Derby, takes place at 1 p.m. Persons can watch the dump truck filled ducks waiting for the race to start. The goal is to have 100,000 ducks race.

• West Chicago Police Department honors the July anniversaries of its officers. Celebrating 23 years is Sergeant Richard Langelan. Officer Christopher Richards celebrates nine years. com)

• The Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists recognized West Chicago Police Department for its increase in arrests of persons driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs charges .Its Annual Illinois DUI Arrest Survey for 2023 placed West Chicago in the top 12 communities with the total of 205 arrests. In 2022, the arrest number was 72. This is a 184.7 percent increase. AAIM has conducted this survey, which is funded by a grant from the Illinois Department of Transportation, for 34 years. With the support of West Chicago City Council, the Police Department was able to create a Targeted Response Unit, which has allowed the police to put more of a focus on impaired driving enforcement. Chief Colin Fleury said, "Our officers' unwavering commitment to enforcing DUI laws has been instrumental in this Department's significant progress in combating impaired driving. This dedication enhances community safety and ensures safer streets for all who live in and travel through West Chicago."

This impressive increase in the number of arrests was a story on the front page of the Friday,, July 19, 2024 issue of the "Daily Herald."

CITY OF WEST CHICAGO

• DuPage Airport, City of West Chicago and WGN-TV once again host the annual "Back to School Celebration" from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, at the airport, 2705 International Drive. Youths meet Mayor Ruben Pineda, West Chicago Fire Protection District firemen, West Chicago Police Department officers, and pilots. Activities include climbing onto airport maintenance and snow removal vehicles, experiencing CAP flight simulators, plus seeing vintage aircraft and military planes. On the tarmac, guests can enjoy a free lunch and music. To make required reservations for the free event, visit https://bit.ly/3rqligz. It really is a fun time; grandparents and parents enjoy it as much as the youth. com)

• At the meeting Monday, July 15, 2024, City Council approved a second extension to the final Planned Unit Development and Special Use for Express Car Wash, Inc., 511 E. Roosevelt Road. The Item Summary stated the extension is for one year, which includes developing the site , constructing the building and becoming operational.-

Also approved was the purchase of a Tier Backhoe Loader for the cost of $146,339.70 from West Side Tractor Sales in Lisle . The Item Summary states, "Combos are utilized daily by personnel for work, including excavation, water main breaks, material hauling, debris removal, landscaping, loading of salt and snow removal operations."

• Council approved the purchase two 2025 International ModelHV613SBA Tandem Axle Truck Chassis and one International Model HV613 SBA Single Axle Truck Chassis equipped by Bonnell Industries, Inc. of Springfield in the amount of $1,099,782.25. The Item Summary states, "If a purdahs order is processed in July 2024, said truck will not be delivered until approximately Dec. 2025. Due to the current market for automotive industries, the pricing is valid for 30 days from the date of the quote. However given the inflationary environment the pricing may change by delivery date. If such happens, staff will bring the change order for the committee consideration and approval at that time."

WEST CHICAGO FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

• At approximately 11:50 a.m.Wednesday, July 11, 2024, West Chicago Fire Protection District firefighters/paramedics and West Chicago Police Department officers responded to a vehicle accident involving an automobile and a bus at the intersection of East Washington Street and Oakwood Avenue. The children on the bus suffered no injuries. The paramedics transported several others involved in the accident to an area hospital for evaluation of minor injuries. com)

• Firefighters/paramedics of Tower 6 and Squad 7 of West Chicago Fire Protection District assisted the Warrenville Fire Protection District with the extra alarm fire Monday, July 15, 2024, at the Illinois Youth Center, 30W200 Ferry Road. One staff member was transported to the hospital and treated for smoke inhalation. The fire started in the kitchen, which had significant damage, causing the relocation of the youth to other facilities. Not only were the crews fighting the fire, but also dealing with the oppressive heat and humidity. Others assisting were Winfield Fire Protection District, Carol Stream Fire Protection District, Wheaton Fire Department Lisle-Woodridge Fire Protection District and North Aurora Fire Department com)

• With support from many, the Fire Department Coffee Charitable Foundation donated $5,000 to retired Battalion Chief Hugh Stott. This donation, will aid him in purchasing a custom wheelchair. In addition to the West Chicago Fire Protection District, those attending the event included Roselle Fire Department, Bloomingdale. Fire Protection District, Winfield Fire Protection District Wheaton Fire Department, Rockford Fire Department and Oswego Fire Protection District. Stott retired from the West Chicago Fire Protection District June 5, 2019. He served in Illinois fire service for 40 years, 32 of these years in West Chicago. Shortly after his retirement, Stott was diagnosed with ALS. com)

• During the last week, the Firemanship Conference 2024 and Brothers in Battle LLC event took place. The West Chicago Fire Protection District hosted two classes at its regional firefighters training academy on Kress Road. One class was "Can Confidence" hosted by com and the other class was "Ventilation" hosted by Iron and Ladder. More than 100 students and instructors from the United States and Canada participated. Members of the WCFPD worked for weeks leading up to this class prepping the training site and building the roof training props. These will remain at the training center for future training sessions. merleburl.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.

• The violent storms Sunday, July 14, and Monday, July 15, 2024, caused some trees to fall, some hitting residences and cars, shingles flying from roofs, and scattering of outside decor . None actually knew the damage until early morning. A large and old tree in Glen Oak Cemetery fell, covering many of the gravesite tombstones. At this time, the National Weather Service has confirmed 24 tornados touched down in the Chicagoland area. com

• Members of the Forest Preserve of DuPage County voted to place a tax increase request on the November ballot. The $17 million tax increase would increase financial stability and allow the purchase of more land for the purpose of open space.

• DuPage County is the recipient of a Distinguished Budget Award from the Government Finance Officers Association, the highest form of recognition in government budgeting.

• Ball Horticultural Company now offers a new Cutting Edge automated sticking machine for planting rooted and unrooted cuttings. It is engineered for accuracy and increased productivity. According to TTA, one CuttingEdge machine can stick at least 2,500 cuttings per hour. The offering of the machine is due to Ball's recent distribution partnership with major technology provider TTA, which was founded in 1996.
• Support Over Stigma is the recipient of a $5,000 grant from the SBB Research Group Foundation, which awards monthly grants to support impactful organizations. Support Over Stigma is dedicated to empowering military members, veterans, first responders, and their families through a comprehensive array of support to address mental health and service-related challenges. SOS strives to provide the necessary aid, education, tools, and resources to help conquer mental health obstacles, ultimately saving lives. Zoeie Kreiner, SOS President and CEO, is a board member of Western DuPage Chamber of Commerce. The SBB Research Group Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that furthers the philanthropic mission of SBB Research Group LLC, a Chicago-based investment management firm led by Sam Barnett, Ph.D., and Matt Aven. The Foundation provides grants to support ambitious organizations solving unmet needs with thoughtful, long-term strategies.

• Beginning with a luncheon in the Center's Hope Garden, the DuPage County Correctional Center held a gradation ceremony last week. Honored were graduates from the Certified Custodial Technician program, which now boasts approximately 216 graduates, and the first Virtual Reality Welding Certification. On hand for the ceremony were Sheriff James Mendrick, Corrections Bureau Chief Mark Garcia, Sergeant. J. Cutts, and J.U.S.T. Executive Director Mike Beary, Included among the sponsors of the event wereCantigny, Prosek's Garden Center, Ball Horticulture Company and College of DuPage. com

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