At Home with Merle Burleigh – August 14, 2024

MERLE'S CORNER

• At the Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, meeting Mayor Ruben Pineda and City Council members honored West Chicago resident Frederica Howard with a proclamation on her 90th birthday. It recognized her for her service to the arts in Wes Chicago. She taught art to students in Community High School District 94 and West Chicago Elementary School District 33. Howard also was the Art Picture Lady introducing young students to the history of famous artists and their works. Although she retired in 1990, she continues to serve the City of West Chicago as a founder of the Cultural Arts Commission, Art in the Park during Railroad Days and Gallery 200.

AROUND AND ABOUT

• 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.

• "Creepy Camp-In" is the West Chicago Public Library family program from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024, on the library lawn, 118 W. Washington St. It takes place in a giant tent, where attendees hear spooky stories, sing songs and make s'mores around the fake campfire. In case of inclement weather, the event takes place inside. com

• 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."

• 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

• Wego Drama at West Chicago Community High School presents "A Trip to the Moon" at 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Aug. 16 and 17, 2024, in the auditorium, 326 Joliet St. The charge is $8, $5 for students. To order tickets, visit https://www.wegotheatre.com/; tickets are available at the door.

The play by Tracy Wells is about what is happening to Americans on the day Apollo 11 landed on the moon and the day of the Woodstock music festival.Those dates helped Americans feel hope and see possibilities. Told through 16 vignettes, the play highlights the complex relationships of all aspects of Americans. Taking this nostalgic trip, the audience gains an understanding of the power of history. The play evokes different emotions with many moments of laughter.

The company of actors and crew are Ava Bloniarz, William Wenberg, Lilyana Bonilla, Guadalupe Carreto, Wil Cooper, Jordin Crudup, August Gutierrez, Allison Komaniecki, Matthew Krysinski, Elisa O'Brien, Alejandra Rocha, Gracie Thibault, Gabriel Valenzuela, Ja'Nyah Villa, Dayan Zenteno, Bo Dragosh and Caiden McDougall. Directors are Ava Bloniarz, Ja'Nyah Villa, and Mark Begovich. The Technical Direction and design is by Christopher Jensen. merleburl.com

• "Next Goal Wins" is the movie for the West Chicago Public Library Adult Saturday Film Series. It takes place at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024, in the main meeting room, 118 W. Washington St. Refreshments are served. It is a 2023 American sports comedy drama film, directed by Taika Waititi, and based on the 2014 documentary of the same name by Mike Brett and Steve Jamison It is about Dutch-American Coach Thomas Rogen's efforts to lead the American Samoa national football team, considered one of the weakest association football teams in the world, to qualification for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. com

• West Chicago Park District hosts Party in the Park at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug.21 2024, in the Shell at Reed-Keppler Park, 832 Arbor Ave. In addition to children's activities, 28 Days performs with music from the 70s, including rock, pop and country. com

• Healthy West Chicago hosts the in class cooking program, "Summer Picnic Salads," at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024, in the main meeting room in the West Chicago Public Library, 118 W. Washington St. To make a reservation, visit https://wcpld.librarycalendar.com/events/month. Attendees create vibrant and nutritious salads perfect for barbecues, picnic or any summer gathering. Variety of salads include colorful vegetable medleys, hearty grain-based salads and refreshing fruit combinations. com

• West Chicago Public Library offers a Microsoft Excel computer class at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 22, 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 Garden Club meeting is Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024, in St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 N. Prince Crossing Road. Social time is at 6:45 p.m., short business meeting at 7 p.m. and program at 7:15 p.m. The meeting is open to the public.Presenting the program, "Dragons and Damselflies," is Cindy Crosby. She is a master gardener, natural history writer and gives natural history programs for The Morton Arboretum, Wild Ones Native Landscape groups, Sierra Club, and Illinois Extension. Cosby has a masters degree in natural resources, with a focus on environmental from University of Wisconsin-in Stevens Point. 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 more than 15 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/. com

• West Chicago Park District hosts a Recreational 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 rRobin followed by single-elimination playoffs. Games are self-officiated. Alcohol is available for purchase for players age 21 and over.

SUPPORT OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES

• Prairie Landing Golf Course, 2325 Longest Drive, hosts a Sunday Brunch from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 25, 2024, in McChesney's Pub & Grill. To place a reservation, call 630 208-7500, ext. 3. The menu includes breakfast and lunch items.

• Prairie Landing Golf Course, 2325 Longest Drive, hosts a Seafood Boil starting at 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30, 2024. The menu for the $58 per person charge includes a family-style buffet featuring crab, potatoes, corn, sausage, shrimp and key lime pie. Reservations are required by Monday, Aug. 26, and may be made by calling 630 208-7641 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. com

• Dane's Games, 1895 N Neltnor Blvd., opened Friday, Aug. 9, 2024. To celebrate its opening, there are raffles; the drawing is Friday, Sept. 6. The business offers a variety of games for sale from board games, collector card games, to hosting game nights at the store. In store game play events for all ages include Magic: The Gathering, Pokemon, and Games Workshop. The phone number is 630 473-0046. For further information, visit https://www.facebook.com/DanesGamesWestChicago/. com

• Valley Air Service, Inc. celebrates its 30th Anniversary.The private jet charter service is based at DuPage Airport.The company specializes in private jet charter, aircraft management and pilot services.

• Art of Fadez has been at its 946 N. Neltnor Blvd. location for three years. All of the barbers and hair artist are independent and differentiate in services and skill sets.Hours are from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, closed Sunday. The telephone number is 630 778-3321. For further information, visit https://www.artoffadezwestchicago.com/.

REMEMBRANCES

• Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Janet M. Van Winkle, who at the age of 69 passed away Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024.

• Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of J. Michael Bentley, who at the age of 82 passed away Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024.

• Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Jeanette Myra, who at the age of 79 passed away Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024,

• Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Robert August Monken, who at the age of 86 passed away Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024.

• Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Keith Sack, who at the age of 88 passed away Sunday, July 28, 2024.

• Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Edma L. Jankowski, who at the age of 83 passed away Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024.

• Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Tim Nelsen , who at the age of 64 passed away Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024.

• Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Charles D. Evitt, who at the age of 88 passed away Friday, Aug. 9, 2024.

SCHOOLS

• WeGo Together for Kids annual Back to School event is from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Aug 19, 2024, at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road. Every student in grades kindergarten through eighth and Educare preschoolers receive a backpack filled with supplies. In addition to the giveaways, there are activities for children, parent resources information and music. com

• The first day of school for Benjamin School District 25 is Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024.

• West Chicago Rotary Club held its annual New District 94 Teachers Luncheon Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024, at Cantigny Park. Also in attendance were Dr. Will Dwyer, Principal; Dan Oberg, Director of Business Services; Dave Pater, Assistant Principal; and Brittney Walker, Communications and Community Relations Coordinator. Club treasurer Omar Espinosa acted as moderator. Club president Mary Ann Manna explained International Rotary and the local Rotary Club's place in the community and how they serve it, such as the purchase of metal benches for the West Chicago parks. Others speaking about their organizations were Matt LaFond, Executive Director of Cantigny Park;Gina Radun ,West Chicago Park District Executive Director; Tom Tawney, board member Mexican Cultural Center DuPage and volunteer coordinator of Neighborhood Food Pantries; BenWeseloh, West Chicago Public LibraryExecutive Director; and Dave Sabathne , CEO/President Western DuPage Chamber of Commerce. Mayor Ruben Pineda welcomed the staff and faculty to West Chicago.

• Your area joining a vibrant community…As teachers, you are the heart and soul of the community, playing a crucial role in the quality of the students in the school. West Chicago has much to offer," mentioning the parks, the library and art.

• Julie Swartzloff, District 94 Director of Human Resources, introduced the faculty and staff. There five new administrators, some who are not new to the district, but are in new positions, and 23 new teachers, The new administrators are Dr. Kurt Johansen, Superintendent; Dawn Erickson, Division Head-Counseling; Conor Zaputil, Division Head-Physical Development; Jim Karas, Jr., Assistant Director-Specialized Services; and Megan Payleitner, Director-Specialized Services.

• New teachers are Kayla Baumgartner, English; Kate Bove Math; Carolina Espino, Spanish; Carlye Fatum, Business; Antonette Franke, Science ; Grant Galotta, Special Education; Marisa Hollister, Special Education; Tyler English as a Second Language and Program Assistant; and Mary Moore, Physical Development.

• Others are Danielle Nolin, Math; Allie Parker, Science; Healy Rodman, English; Kari Rogers,Physical Development; Karina Ruiz, School Counselor; Jo-Ana Schmidt, English as a Second Language; Sarah Smalley, Special Education; Shawn Summitt, School Counselor; Laurie Van Gorp, French; Jen Ward, English; and Jenn Zoldan, Math. At the endif the luncheon all the new administrators and teachers received a goodie bag filled with gifts from the members of the Western DuPage Chamber of Commerce. com

CHURCHES

• Glen Arbor Community Church, 204 Church St., hosts a School Supply Giveaway from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024. Elementary and middle school students receive free backpacks while the supplies last. com

• Fiesta Mexicana De San Andres is from noon to 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024, at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 N.Prince Crossing Road. The charge is $2 per vehicle. Entertainment includes six dance groups, Luis Vargas, Lox mixes del labor and Mariachi Aurora. Also Blessing of Backpacks is at the 10 a.m. and noon church services.. com

• New Hope Community Methodist Church holds a 10 a.m.bilingual community worship service followed by a potluck lunch in the North Pavilion at Reed-Keppler Park, 129 W. National St. Persons planning to attend the potluck need to bring a chair and a dish to pass. For further information call 630 231-3344. com

• Faith Community Church, 910 Main St., hosts a chamber music concert, Summertime,"at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024. The music includes some Gershwin and jazz. Performing are Jake Muzzy on the cello and Kevin Brown on the guitar. 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.

CLUB/ORGANIZATION NEWS

• Girls of Today Leaders of Tomorrow are taking registrations for the 2024/25 year. The mentorship program empowers girls from the ages of 8 through 14 to be tomorrows leaders. To register, email [email protected]. Various workshops and programs are scheduled monthly. The mission of the organization is to Inspire and empower young women to find value within themselves and to achieve the best direction of their lives. The vision is to build a society of young women, who are confident, independent, and are able to motivate future generations. To view some of the prior activities, visit https://www.facebook.com/GirlsTodayLeadersTomorrow/.

• American Legion Post 300 has menu specials during the week. Taco Tuesday hours are from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday Burger Night and Friday Fish Fry hours are 4 to 8 p.m. Sometimes Fridays can also have a special meal. To view menus and events, visit https://www.facebook.com/alpost300/.

• The new elected officers of League of Women Voters of Wheaton are Maury Goodman, president; Melissa Jackman, 1st vice president; and Susan Benjamin treasurer. Directors are Chris Crabtree, Jane Hodgkinson, Kristen tutee and Susan Burke. The appointed director is Shawna Martell.

League of Women Voters of Wheaton includes West Chicago, Warrenville, Winfield, Wheaton and Carol Stream. The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan organization that does not support or oppose any political party or candidate, but whose purpose is to promote political responsibility through informed and active participation of citizens in government.

COMMUNITY MEMBERS HIGHLIGHTS

• Maggie Capettini, former West Chicago City Museum Education Director, is one of the artists in the Wine and Art Walk from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 17 and 18, 2024, at Morton Arboretum,4100 Route 53 in Lisle. The juried art show features photography, woodturning, jewelry, painting, ceramics, fused glass and fiber arts from regional artists. Guests sip wine and other beverages, and enjoy music as they walk along Meadow Lark Trail.

She also is one of the 40 artists participating in the Plein Air Event, hosted by the St. Charles Arts Council. It takes place from Monday, Aug. 19 through Sunday, Aug. 25, 2024. To view the schedule, visit https://www.facebook.com/stcharlesartscouncil/. merleburl.com

• The light rain did not dampen the spirits of the participants or attendees at National Night Out Tuesday, Aug. 6,2024, at the West Chicago Police Department station. The Police Department Honor Guard presented the Colors. In addition to Mayor Reuben Pineda, City officials attending were Ward 1 Alderman Dan Beebe, Ward 2 Alderman Heather Brown, Ward 3 Alderman Al Hallett and Christine Dettmann, Ward 4 Alderman Sandy Dimas, Ward 5 Aldermen, Chris Swiatek and John Smith, Ward 6 Alderman Becky Stout and Ward 7 Aldermen Joe Morano and John Banas. The Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorist presented the AAIM Award to the West Chicago Police Department, in recognition of the increase in arrests of persons driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs charges . For 2023, the Department was in twelfth place. The Police Department thanked "all of you who helped make the night a real community event. It's always a good time when we can come together as one" com

• Members of West Chicago Professional Firefighters Association-IAFF Local 3970 and West Chicago Police Department Honor Guards presented the colors at the Tuskegee NEXT Red Tail Ball Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024, at DuPage Airport. The mission of Tuskegee NEXT is honoring the legacy of the Tuskegee Airman, Tuskegee NEXT seeks to transform the lives of at risk youth through aviation education and career path opportunities, so they can transform their communities.The Tuskegee Next class of 2024 started their flight training at DuPage Airport the first week in July. Tuskegee Airmen were black servicemen of the U.S. Army Air Forces who trained at Tuskegee Army Airfield during World War II. They were the first African-American flying unit in the U.S. military. com

CITY OF WEST CHICAGO

• City Council meetings are aired live on City of West Chicago You Tube. Meetings are at 7 p.m. the first and third Mondays of the month in City Hall, 475 Main St.

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