At Home with Merle Burleigh – November 13, 2024

MERLE'S CORNER

As the holidays approach, persons find that, at times, they are scurrying around to prepare for the various events. Thus, I think more of us should Hurkle Durkle, which is a 200 year-old Scottish term meaning to lounge in bed long after it is time to rise and shine. Happiness is Hurkle-Durlkling.

AROUND AND ABOUT

• West Chicago Historical Society holds its annual meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, at the Fox Community Center, 306 Main Street. The meeting is open to the public; refreshments are served. Sara Phalen, director/curator of West Chicago City Museum, presents the program about the trains that built West Chicago and the many West Chicagoans that worked on the railroad. This is an encore of the program at the library. com

West Chicago celebrates its 175th anniversary in 2024. It was the first Illinois community created by the western expansion of the railroad west out of Chicago. In 1849 two train lines met here at the Junction, later to be known as Turner Junction, and the community grew up around that important point of commerce and travel. 175 years later trains continue to impact everyday life in West Chicago. merleburl.com

• West Chicago Public Library offers a Microsoft Excel computer class at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14, 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/.

• Gallery 200, 103 W. Washington St., offers various art classes through December 2024. Class sizes are limited. Brochures are available at the Gallery. To view the classes and register, visit https://www.gallery200.net/gallery-200-shop/art-classes. Stitched Greeting cards class is at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. The charge is $35 and includes all supplies. Participants make a hand stitched card using photo frame card mounts. Basic sewing skills are helpful, but not necessary. Sharon M. Is the instructor. com

• West Chicago City Museum presents the Historiography program, a non-fiction book reading group, at 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, in the Museum, 132 Main St. The book is "The Inconvenient Indian: A Curious Account of Native People in North America" by Thomas King. 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 the Amazon summary, The book "offers a deeply knowing, darkly funny, unabashedly opinionated, and utterly unconventional account of Indian-White relations in North America since initial contact. Ranging freely across the centuries and the Canada-U.S. border, King debunks fabricated stories of Indian savagery and White heroism, takes an oblique look at Indians and cowboys in film and popular culture, wrestles with the history of Native American Existence and his own experiences as a Native rights activist, and articulates a profound, revolutionary understanding of the cumulative effects of ever-shifting laws and treaties on Native peoples and lands."

King is a novelist, short-story writer, essayist, screenwriter, and photographer who is a member of the Order of Canada and was nominated for the Governor General'sAwards. He is often described as one of the finest contemporary Aboriginal writers in North America. merleburl.com

• The West Chicago Park District hosts Holiday Murder Mystery Dinner, "The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year," at 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in the ARC, 201 W. National St. The charge for the 21 and over age group is $50 for residents and $60 for non-residents. The charge includes a buffet dinner of Italian Beef , Baked Mostaccioli, Fried Chicken , Caesar Salad, Bread and Butter, Sweet and Hot Peppers, Chocolate Chip Cookies, |Lemonade and Iced Tea. There is a cash bar. Free childcare for children ages 3 to 13 is available with pre-registration Youths enjoy a pizza dinner and various activities. To make a reservation, visit https://www.we-goparks.org/special-events. Registration deadline is Friday, Nov. 22. com

• We Go Community Theater presents "Frozen JR" in the Fine Arts Center at Wheaton Academy, 900 E. Prince Crossing Road. Performances are at 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Nov. 14 and 15, and at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. Ticket price is $12. To order tickets, visit https://www.wegocommunitytheatre.org/. The musical production is the story of true love and acceptance between sisters. It expands upon the emotional relationship and journey between Princesses Anna and Elsa. When faced with danger, the two discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. To view information on the cast, visit https://www.facebook.com/WeGoCommunityTheatre/. Local sponsors are Daniel and Associates Real Estate, Jel Sert, State Senator Karina Villa and Hawthorne's Backyard Bar & Grill.

• West Chicago Sons of the American Legion Post 300 hold a Chili Cook Off Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024, at the legion, 123 Main St. Tasting begins at 2 p.m. The price for a ticket only is $15; $35 for ticket and a shirt. Tickets are available at the legion. The three top winners receive prizes. Attendees choose their favorite to win. com

• West Chicago Park District holds an Adult 3-on-3 Basket ball Tournament from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, in the ARC Center, 201 W. National St. It is for persons age 18 and over. The charge is $30 for residents and $35 for non-residents. Players register individually, but form their own teams. To register, visit we-goparks.org/athletics. Registration deadline is Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024.

SUPPORT OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES

• We Grow Dreams Greenhouse & Garden Center, 1055 W. Washington St., is taking orders for its holiday reindeer, gnomes and table top reindeer. To place an order to pick up after its thanksgiving break, visit https://form.jotform.com/202946199044057. The telephone number is 630 293-0100.

• Sonny Acres Farm, 29W310 North Ave., opens for the Holiday season Friday, Nov. 22. TheTrail of Lights Festival runs through Monday, Dec. 30. 2024. Santa visits and photographs are by appointment only. To order tickets for the Light Festival and Santa photo, visit https://sonnyacres.com/. There is free admission to the farm, parking and Christmas Market with unique finds, free trees and wreaths.

• Just in time for Thanksgiving, The Kitchen Table has Apple Station classes Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024. Moving through three stations, each participant brings home a full unbaked 9 inch pie to bake. The class is open to all ages with bakers scheduled in different time slots in groups of four. The completion of the stations take 60 to 75 minutes. For further information, visit https://www.facebook.com/thekitchentablewc/. com

• Prairie Landing Golf Club, 2325 Longest Drive, has Thanksgiving dinner to go Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024. The charge is $215. The dinner, feeding 10 to 12 people, includes slow roasted turkey, whipped potatoes and gravy, green bean almandine, homemade stuffing, roasted sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce and apple, cherry or pumpkin pie. Additional sides and add-ons are available. Deadline for reservations is Thursday, Nov. 21 and can be made by calling 630 208-7641. com

• November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. Hawthorne's Backyard Bar & Grill, 1200 W. Hawthorne Lane, is fundraising for the American Cancer Society. The business is accepting cash donations and will hang a purple ribbon with the donor's name on it around the bar. Tony Mazzuca matches the donations in honor of his late wife Debbie.

• I have received queries on how 5 Points Haunted House fared this year. According to the McCabe family, It was "an incredible first season. "Moving into a commercial space after being a home haunt, is no easy feat! Through all the ups and downs, we still were able to open our doors and entertain you all." Assisting in this endeavor were Mike Fitzpatrick and Jazzmen Nicole from Evil Intentions Haunted House, mentoring Miles and the entire family through the whole process. com provided some really great costumes. Master FX, located in West Chicago provided fog machines and more. And if the scare was not enough , a proposal of marriage occurred and she said "yes." merleburl.com

• Master FX is a leading U.S. special effects manufacturer, located at 1350 W. Washington St. The telephone number is 630 578-6577. For further information, visit https://www.masterfx.com.

• Estrella de Mar, 540 Main St., recently opened. The restaurant specializes in Seafood and Mexican style food, a full service bar, and features live music and karaoke entertainment. To view the menu, visit https://www.estrelladmar.com/menu. It not only is a new member of Western DuPage Chamber of Commerce, but also a premier partner. Hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Telephone number is 630 473-0364.

REMEMBRANCES

• Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Alicia Espinosa Gonzalez, who at the age of 57 passed away Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024.

• Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Willodean Robinson who at the age of 96 passed away Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2024.

• Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Marcile V. Wagner, who at the age of 85 passed away Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024.

SCHOOLS

• Wego Drama at West Chicago Community High School presents the musical, "Six:Teen Edition," written by Lucy Moss and Toby Marlow. Performances are at 7 p.m.Friday and Saturday, Nov. 15 and 16, 2024, in the auditorium, 326 Joliet St. Tickets are available at the door or can be ordered in advance at https://www.wegotheatre.com/.

The musical is full of intrigue, romance, and hard-hitting attitudes with global politics. By traveling into the past, it is found why important decisions were made that shaped the course of history. The history tells who was divorced, beheaded, died, and survived. From Tudor Queens to Pop Icons, the Six wives of Henry VIII take the mic to remix five hundred years of historical heartbreak into a Euphoric Celebration of 21st-century girl power.

The company of actors and crew are Ava Bloniarz, Calysta Sokolwicz, William Wenberg, Abigail Ballard, Ryleigh Balo, Tyler Benton, Wil Cooper, Gianna Branly, Pamela Cruz, Kaycee Dy, Sentia Irakoze, Ramiah McElroy, Elisa O'Brien, Dayanna Paramo, Oliver Ruiz, Gabriel Valenzuela, Ja'Nyah Villa, Mary Wagner, Dayan Zenteno, Natalia Bellosa, Bo Dragosh, and Mariah Varnado.

Mark Begovich is the director. The technical direction and design is by Christopher Jensen. Music direction is by Brandon Fantozzi. The choreography is by Lora Vodicka. Hair and make-up are by Jaime Elza and Sam Rebmann. merleburl.com

• Leman Middle School students were quite active during the fall athletic season. The Boys Soccer team finished with a Varsity record of 12-2 and a Junior Varsity record of 9-3. Once again they made it to the Illinois Prairie Athletic Conference championship game.The Girls Volleyball team made it to the semi-finals of the IPAC. Cross Country athletes had five winners at the IPAC. It was the first official competitive season for the Flag Football team.

• In the Class 4A competition football game Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, (4) Wheaton Academy lost to (12) St. Laurence High School with a score of 14-26.

CLUB/ORGANIZATION NEWS

• Friends of West Chicago Parks Foundation hosts its fourth annual Food Drive through Sunday Nov. 17, 2024. Drop off locations are at the ARC Center, 201 W. National St., and both Republic Bank locations, 101 Main St. and 105 E. Roosevelt Road. The Foundation will match every dollar donated up to $1,000. Foundation members will be at its drop off table from 2 to 4 p.m. Nov. 17. Food collected is donated to the Neighborhood Food Panty, 123 Fremont. St. The most needed items are cleaning supplies, dish detergent, laundry detergent, wipes, persona hygiene items, boxed cereal, oatmeal, pasta, cooking oil, and canned tuna and chicken.

• Legislative Semester Organization hosts a Friend-raiser from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 18, 2024, at Kindred Coffee Roaster, 148 W. Washington St. There is a short presentation at 6 p.m. Former West Chicago Community High School government teachers Mary Ellen Daneels, Barb Laimins, Shawn Healy, and Mr. Arnold tell how it started 30 years ago at WCCHS and now the Legislative Semester is in 21 schools in six states. Alumni are welcome to share memories of the simulation and comment member learn more about the government curriculum. To make a reservation, visit https://legislativesemester.org/rsvp-wego.

This new not-for-profit organization supports the expansion in order for students to learn about how our government works, develop skills for civil dialogue, learn about issues from a broad range of perspectives, and find their voice as community members and voters. Board directors are Mary Ellen Daneels, Shawn Healey as president, Nicole Patel, Rachel Moguel as secretary, Luther Olsen and Samantha Quenones.

The Legislative Semester is a nonpartisan semester-long civics and government curriculum focusing on developing key skills for civic engagement and participation. Daily discussion of current policy issues is at the center of the course, as students learn about the defining issues of the time and evaluate their own ideas and beliefs. Students identify and research issues that are meaningful in their own lives, write bills, and lobby their peers. Research has demonstrated that students become more interested in current issues, more open-minded, and gain both skills and confidence to participate civic life. For further information, visit, https://legislativesemester.org/. merleburl.com

• Each week American Legion Post 300, 123 Main St., has three menu specials. They are Burger Mondays, Taco Tuesdays and Fish Fry Fridays. To check the menus, visit https://www.facebook.com/alpost300/.

• SCARCE, West Chicago Environmental Commission and New Hope United Methodist Church co-hosted a pumpkin composting drop off Saturday, November 2, 2024, at the church, 643 E. Washington St. The weight amount collected was 1.32 tons or 2,640 pounds. Last year the pumpkin poundage was 1.3 tons.

COMMUNITY MEMBERS HIGHLIGHTS

• West Chicago Fire Protection District celebrates October work anniversaries. Lieutenant Brian Jankowski celebrate 21 years. Celebrating 17 years are Lieutenant Jake Hermann and LieutenantMike Myers. Firefighter/paramedic Jim Fritz celebrates eight years. Celebrating two years is Firefighter/paramedic Patrick Harrahan.com

• Edwards Hospital renamed another street after Pam Davis when a new cardiovascular center eliminated a road. It is called Pam Davis Drive. Pam Kuhl Davis was a 1967 graduate of West Chicago Community High School and named as a distinguished Alumnus. Davis joined Edward Hospital in Naperville as its chief executive officer in 1988. "During her 29-year tenure, she helped build Edward-Elmhurst Health into the system it is today - encompassing Edward Hospital, and Linden Oaks Behavioral Health, with more than 100 outpatient locations across a service area of 1.7 million residents in the west and southwest suburbs of Chicago; a 2,000-physician medical staff; almost 8,500 employees; and revenue of $1.3 billion." She retire in 2017. com

CITY OF WEST CHICAGO

• West Chicago Cultural Arts Commission sponsors its seventeenth Annual Community Banner Project Competition. The theme is " Sustenance/Sustento" The artwork may be any media with no limitation to technique or subject matter. Artists can submit photos of three-dimensional artwork. An independent juror selects the works of art. Each winning design is reproduced and featured in the 2025 West Chicago Banner Exhibition from May to September. All entries must be original and created within two years of entry date. For online submission or to review submission guidelines, visit https://westchicago.org/artbannerexhibit/. All entries are due by Friday, Feb. 14, 2025.

• At the Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, meeting, City Council approved the appointment of Britta Renwick to the West Chicago Cultural Arts Commission for a term ending April 2028.

Council also approved a downtown facade Rehabilitation Grant for the installation of new awnings at The Bunker Bar & Grill, 216 Main St., for the amount of $2,850. Per the Item Summary, "The scope of work includes the removal of the existing blade and box signs and to install two awnings with the Bunker's logo and street addresses over each entrance."

Council approved a resolution for a contract with Groot Industries Inc. for Residential Solid Waste, Recycling and Yard Waste Collection.

Also City Council approved to waive fees for Americans with Disabilities Act-related improvements at the primary residence of disabled residents. Per the Item Summary, Such projects would include "the installation or ramps. mechanical lifts and similar renovations. for disabled residents. The typical amount waived will be $80.00." Ward 3 Alderman Chris Dettmann mentioned West Chicago is the first City to do this and, maybe, others will follow.

WEST CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT

• West Chicago Police Department hosts "A Semple Night Out" Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at St. Andrew Country Club, 2241 Route 59. Doors open at 7 p.m. It is a fundraiser to benefit Special Olympics Illinois. Attendees enjoy a large variety of appetizers, plus a three-hour open bar. The ticket price is $80. To purchase tickets, visit https://semplersvpify.com/. There are only 300 tickets available. Persons unable to attend can sponsor a special Olympics athlete to attend.

• At approximately 6:14 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, West Chicago Police personnel were called to the 700 block of West Forest Avenue by a witness who located a vehicle occupied by two males who appeared injured. Upon arrival, officers located the vehicle and observed two males inside that suffered what appeared to be gunshot wounds. Both individuals were pronounced deceased at the scene. A third male with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound had been brought to an area hospital before the officers' arrival. That subject appears to be involved in this incident. A second suspect was located and is being questioned by detectives. This incident is currently under investigation and appears to be an isolated incident. Persons with information can call the police department at 630 293-2222.

ODDS AND ENDS

• The General Election is over and DuPage County Environmental Committee y provides a way to recycle political and other corrugated plastic and cardboard signs at DuPage County Fair Grounds. Enter through DuPage County Campus Main Entrance,421 N. County Farm Road in Wheaton, and follow recycling event signage. The event takes place from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15, and from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. LRS accepts only corrugated plastic and cardboard signs and metal stands at no charge. Metal stands must be separated from signs prior to drop off.

• Commissioned by the City of Warrenville's Tourism and Arts Commission in conjunction with the Mexican Cultural Center of DuPage, the alebrije owl holding a book in its talons was created specifically for the Warrenville Public Library by Mexican artist Edgar Camergo Reyes. He created this piece of art specially for the library with inspiration from "The Call of the Wild," the first book he read as a child. The name of the owl is Buck.The art dedication is at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024,.Sara Phalen, Director West Chicago City Museum, presents a short history of alebrije art.com

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