At Home with Merle Burleigh – June 26, 2024 (2024)

MERLE’S CORNER

Railroad Days is from Thursday, June 27, through Sunday, June 30, 2024, in Pioneer Park, 479 W.Forest Ave. Events include carnival, food, entertainment and beer tent. Wrist band special price is $32 per person.Thursday hours are from 5:30 to 10 p.m., wrist band hours are the same. Friday hours are 5:30 to 11 p.m.. Saturday hours are from 1 to 11 p.m.;wrist band special is from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Fireworks are at dusk. Sunday hours are 2:30 to 10 p.m.; wrist band special is from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. Fireworks, sponsored by the City of West Chicago, begin at dusk.There is shuttle bus service from 6 to 11 p.m. Saturday only. The shuttle stops are the two West Chicago Community High School parking lots, one at the high school and the other on Blair Street, and Lyman Street by the park. The busses run in 15-minute intervals. For further information, visit https://www.westerndupagechamber.com/, under Festivals.

There is a variety of musical entertainment. Starting Thursday off with freshmusical lyrics is MURFEE, a local artist who performs from Hip/Hop to the Hip/Hop Dance culture. His performance is at 6:30 p.m. Taking the stage at 6:45 p.m. is Double Ontendre, an Independent Hip Hop Artist Emcee from the West Suburbs of Chicago making his name known through his positive, conscious thought provoking lyrics. ONLY ABG, an extraordinary rap artist who stands out in the world of music with his unique style and exceptional talent, performs at 7:10 p.m. ABG stands for "Authentic Bars Guru.” With a deep passion for their heritage and a love for music, Machin, three brothers preserving the classic sound of rock with latin roots, a classic upbringing, and a fast and heavy/punk modern, perform at 8 p.m. Josh Spinner , a breakthrough musician from Chicago who blends elements of Indie Rock, Modern Funk, and Twang Country into a feel-good vibe, performs at 9 p.m.

Sammy and the Knights start the Friday entertainment at 5 p.m. The band has a little local touch. The drummer Tony Reyes was raised in West Chicago. Sammy, the lead guitarist and some of the musician are members of the Knights of Columbus at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Winfield. Some of the songs are from the musical artists of Chicago; Eagles; Santana; Beatles, Rolling Stones; Joe co*cker; Bob Seger; and Wilson Picket.Taking the stage at 7 p.m. is the Karen Hart Band, a female-fronted Classic Rock cover band, that features the music of The Pretenders along with the Power Women of ROCK. The band has four experienced and solid musicians who perform a high energy show filled with variety. Fueled by Emo, a premiere Emo and Pop Punk band, perform at 9:15 p.m. The music of the six-piece cover band from Chicago brings back memories to the days of skinny jeans. eyeliner, and jelly bracelets.T

Saturday School of Rock, students of a band from the School of Rock, perform at 5 p.m.

Taking the stage at a 7 p.m. is LakeEffect. It is an eight piece band featuring a horn section, guitar, bass and keyboard. Performing at 9 p.m. is Sacred Dawn, a progressive heavy metal band. They play an innovative mix of heavy metal and hard rock, and a unique blend of vocal harmonies.

Sounds of music fromDJ I-tech are heard at 3:30 p.m. Sunday. Taking the stage at 5 p.m. is La Reserva, who play Argentine Pop and Latin Pop and have a very distinctive sound. Christian Zepeda performs at 6:30 p.m.Alexis Valdez effortlessly combines traditional Mexican rhythms with modern influences, creating a unique and captivating sound. His music captures the essence of Mexican culture, celebrating its rich history while adding a contemporary twist that resonates with audiences of all ages.The performance begins at 9 p.m.

Food is an important part of a fest and there is a variety of food choices. Food Vendors are Churro Babies, Custards Last Stand, El Puerco Loco de Pancho, Flying Hawaiian ( a local business), Frosty Dogs, George's Fun Foods, La Cocina de Maria ( a local business), La India (a local business), The Alamo and Tropical Breeze.

As the four day festival ends, remember to thank the volunteers who organized and worked at the event.

AROUND AND ABOUT

• The West Chicago Public Library Gettin’ Crafty program, “Sugar Scrub & Bath Salts.,” is at 7 p.m.Wednesday, June 26, 2024, in the main meeting room, 118 W. Washington St. To register, visit https://wcpld.librarycalendar.com/events/month. Participants make sugar scrubs and bath salts using common ingredients, then add custom colors and fragrances.

• West Chicago Public Library offers a Microsoft Excel computer class at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 27, 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, June 27, 2024, in St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 N. Prince Crossing Road. Social time is at 6:45 p.m., short business meeting at a 7 p.m., and program at 7:15p.m. Presenting the program, “Permaculture” is Tom Skibble. Skibble attended a Sustainable Urban Agricultural class at College of DuPage, which led him to permaculture gardening. “It combines my passion for growing healthy foods, integrating native plants, and helps to sequester carbon to fight global climate change.” For more than ten years, he has been a member of the Northern Illinois Iris Society. He has several award winning irises in his yard. The meeting is open to the public.

Permaculture is an approach to land management and settlement design that adopts arrangements observed in flourishing natural ecosystems. It includes a set of design principles derived using whole-systems thinking. Permaculture gardening is ideal for persons looking to grow their own food in a sustainable system. Permaculture principles allow persons to build a vegetable garden that relies on natural processes to promote growth, providing an abundance of fruits and vegetables.

• West Chicago Park District hosts Fun Friday at 11 a.m. June 28, 2024, at the Shell in Reed-Keppler Park, 832 Arbor Ave. Providing the entertainment isTodd Downing, who keeps the audience entertained with singing and dancing , plus some bubbles. Children interact in many parts of his act.

• Chitown Exotic Car Group hosts a car show, “Super Cars on the Farm” from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 29, 2024, at Sonny Acres Farm, 29W310 North Ave. There is no entry charge for persons displaying their cars. Show cars are displayed throughout the farm, giving attendees the option to explore the farm to experience all the amazing vehicles.

• To celebrate the exhibit, “Olmec Trails: Culture and Legacy,” a free “Olmec Family Fiesta” celebration takes place from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, June 30, 2024, at the MAC’s Lakeside Pavilion on College of DuPage campus, 425 Fawell Blvd. in Glen Ellyn.The event includes live music by Mariachi Monumental, folkloric dance by Ballet Folklorico Quetzalcoatl, salsa dance lessons, face painting and food and drink vendors. The event is sponsored by College of DuPage Foundation. Attendees are able to view the 10 Olmec sculptures, plus look at the educational and informational display in the MAC lobby.

Mexican Cultural Center DuPage in coordination with Meztli, Mexico and in partnership with the College of DuPage Public Art Project and the DuPage Convention & Visitors Bureau presents an exciting new project: “Olmec Trails: Culture and Legacy.” This new outdoor exhibit featuring 33 large, brightly colored, hand-painted renditions of iconic Mesoamerican sculptures are on display July through October 2024 predominantly throughout DuPage County. The expansive exhibition highlights the culture of the ancient Olmec civilization in a fresh and accessible way. “Olmec Trails” pays tribute to the indigenous roots of Mexican heritage and brings attention to the importance of public art by showcasing the immense talent and creativity of 33 contemporary artists from across North America. In West Chicago, the four locations are Kruse House Museum, 527 Main St., West Chicago Public Library, 118 W. Washington St., Reed-Keppler Park, Fremont and West National St.; and Kline Creek Farm, 1N600 County Farm Road. There are informational plaques on each of the Olmec heads

The artists are Adolfo Cantú from Monterrey, Mexico; Allán Rodriguez from Jalisco, Mexico; Angelica Lorena Virgilio Garfias from Mexico City; Ari de la Mora from Vancouver, Canada; Arsenio Baca from San Francisco, California; Cesar Viveros Herrero from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Juan Aguilar Santis Chawuk from Chiapas, Mexico; Dalia Marina González Garcia fromTlaxcala, Mexico; Eleazar Valencia Valencia from Tabasco, Mexico ;Enrique Nevárez from Dallas, Texas; Flavio Lopez Lopez from Chiapas, Mexico; Francisco Javier Vazquez Estupinan Jazzamoart from Guanajuato, Mexico; Fulgencio Lazo from Seattle, Washington; Jesus Mora fromToronto, Canada; José Luis Guzmán fromOaxaca, Mexico ; José Manuel Jacobo Torrecilla from Mexico City, Mexico; Joy Hernandez from Indianapolis, Indiana; and Julio Mendoza from Denver, Colorado.

The other artists are Liz Gonzales from Kansas City, Missouri; Luis Nova from Salt Lake City, Utah; Manuel Cruz González fromVeracruz, Mexico; Mario Enrique Figueroa Jr. from Houston, Texas; Mauro Carrera from Fresno, California; Miguel Ángel Bravo Zenteno. From Monterrey, Mexico; Olga Ivette Manzano Vega from Guerrero, Mexico; Pablo Helm-Hernandez from Minneapolis, Minnesota; Ricardo Gonzalez from Chicago, Illinois; Rosa Obregon from Atlanta, Georgia; Sergio Gomez from Miami, Florida; Teresa Sánchez Mastranzo from Puebla, Mexico; Victor "Marka27" Quiñonez from New York City, New York; Yesenia Mejia from Boston, Massachusetts; and Yosneidy Espinoza Reza from Michoacan, Mexico. https://merleburl.com

• In addition to the three Olmec heads on exhibit at Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 31st St., there are two exhibits featuring textile artists who trace their cultural and natural aesthetic to that same mother culture. The exhibits are ”Beliefs Of Our Forebears” by Maruch Santíz Gómez: and "The Thread As An Umbilical Cord”by Iliana Eunice, who was at Gallery 200 in 2023. Mayslake Hall is open from noon to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. https://merleburl.com

• “Inner Sense” is the exhibit for the month of July at Gallery 200, 118 W. Washington St. The artwork of Elisa Rijos is on display. The artist’s reception is from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 8, 2024.

The Venezuelan artist creates colorful and interpretive paintings. Her self-taught style has been developed through interaction with paints, different textures, combination of fluid painting techniques and pigments, and inspiration of natural and vibrant colors that have positive effects on moods and emotions. She selects colors that are fun. She said, “The turn to abstract painting opened up my very personal world of images to me, today I work in acrylic mixing technique combined with different paints such as spray paint. Painting has become one of the main contents of my life.” https://merleburl.com

• The West Chicago Park District monthly social gathering for senior citizens is at noon Thursday, July8, 2024, at the ARC, 201 W. National Street. The theme is “Independence Day Picnic.”The $10 charge includes lunch of hamburgers and hot dogs cooked on the grill, plus some backyard games. Reservation deadline is at noon Friday, July 5, and can be made at https://www.we-goparks.org/special-events. This is a CORRECTION from the June 19 column; I wrote inadvertently about the August social gathering.

SUPPORT OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES

• We Grow Dreams Greenhouse & Garden Center, 1055 W. Washington St., hosts mini presentations and meet and greet from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 29, 2024. Special guests are Roy Diblick and his wife, Anna Marie Leon. As guests tour the greenhouse and look at a the plants, tDiblick and Leon will answer questions and/or just chit chat. They will do some mini presentations between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Also there are some perennial plants from NorthwindPerennial Farms

Diblick is part owner of NorthwindPerennial Farms in Burlington, Wisconsin, and is known for his expertise in natural plant families and design. In addition to writing books on garden design, he was an integral part of planning Lurie Gardens in Mellenial Park, Shedd Aquarium, Art Institute, Grand Geneva Resort and Ball Seed Headquarters, plus many homes around the Chicagoland and Lake Geneva area.

Anna Marie is co-owner of Homan Grown, a social enterprise focused on propagating urban durable perennial andante creating regenerative edible and ornamental Landscapes. She is a certificate permaculture designer and teacher. In 2011 she completed her Permaculture Design Course Certification under the tutelage of Peter Bane, Keith Johnson, and Rhonda Baird in Bloomington, Indiana. She incorporates her training as a Traditional Chinese Feng Shui consultant in all her edible and ornamental landscape to bring beauty, bounty, and benevolence to each site. https://merleburl.com

• Jel Sert was named to the 2024 FORTUNE® BEST WORKPLACES IN CHICAGO list. It is number 13 out of15 companies in the large sector group, only one of two manufacturers. To determine the best workplaces in Chicago in 2024, Fortune partnered with Great Place to Work, a global analytics firm, to analyze survey feedback representing nearly 50,000 U.S. employees. Per Jel Sert, “Congratulations on this achievement as ALL of our employees who have worked hard to get Jel Sert to where we are today. This is just another method that proves we are doing the right thing!”

In 1926, Charles and Lillian Wegner started the company In Chicago. The original product was named after its gelatin dessert mix, by combining the words jelly and dessert. The company relocated to West Chicago in 1970 and now have more than 1,000 employees. The family-owned business is in its fourth generation with Ken Wegner as the president. https://merleburl.com

REMEMBRANCES

• Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Terry Hensley, who at the age of 94 recently passed away.

• Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Mary H. Meyers (Kuhn), who at the age of 95 passed away Sunday, June 16, 2024.

• Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Demetrio Cielo, who at the age of 63 passed away Friday, June 14, 2024.

• Deepest sympathy to the family of Shirley McGinnity, who at the age of 87 passed away Friday, June 22, 2024.

• Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Reverend. John (Giovanni) Westra , who at the age of 78 passed away Sunday, June 16th, 2024.

• Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Elizabeth Ann “Betty” Beutke (LeVelle), who at the age of 92 passed away Friday, June 21, 2024.

SCHOOLS

• Many smiles were on the faces of the 356 eighth graders graduating from Leman Middle School Monday, June 10, 2024 at West Chicago Community High School. At rehearsal, each student received a handwritten note from staff members. https://merleburl.com

CHURCHES

• Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 N. Prince Crossing Road, holds a Garage Sale from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 29, 2024. https://merleburl.com

COMMUNITY MEMBERS HIGHLIGHTS

• The wedding of Nikki Slivinski and Chris Stibal is Saturday, June 29, 2024.

• Lucy Nelson, member of New Hope United Methodist Church, is the Grand Marshall in Warrenville’s Independence Day Parade. The parade takes place at 6 p.mWednesday, July 3, 2024, on Warren Avenue. It was her entry into the theme contest, “Hometown Pride” that earned this honor for Nelson.

• With hopes to make the Olympics Swim team, Brady Johnson, class of 2024 West Chicago Community High School graduate, competed at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Swimming Team Trials. Brady Johnson took sixth in heat 5 of the 100 backstroke at the U.S. Olympic trials.He won the state championships in the 100 Freestyle and Backstroke. In his four years in the high school, he qualified for the state championship.Johnson will be swimming at the D1 level for Arizona State’s Sun Devils. https://merleburl.com

CLUB/ORGANIZATION NEWS

• WeGo Community Theater presents,”Tarzan, the Musical” in the Fine Arts Center at Wheaton Academy, 900 N. Prince Crossing Road. Performances are at 7p.m. Thursday and Friday, July 18 and 19, and at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 20, 2024. Ticket price is $12. To purchase tickets, visit, https://www.wegocommunitytheatre.org/. West Chicago resident Shannon Thompson is choreographing some songs, coordinating the other choreographers, and sits on the Board of Directors. Jamee Kenney, principal at Wegner School, is the Director.

• Fit4Fall 5K Race, and one-mile Youth Race, sponsored by Healthy West Chicago and City of West Chicago, is Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, by Zone 250 in Reed-Keppler Park, 201 W. National Street. The Certified Course is on the Illinois Prairie path. The cost for registering by the end of June is $30, after that the cost is $35. 5K runners receive a custom medal and t-shirt To.register , visit https://raceroster.com/events/2024/87943/west-chicago-fit4fall-5k. The post event includes waffles with unlimited toppings from All Belgium Waffle and a raffle entry.

• Thursday, April 13, at Cooper’s Corner, West Chicago Lions Club hosted a dinner to recognize Kali Waller, the recipient of its $1,000 scholarship. Kali is a 2024 graduate of West Chicago Community High School and a resident of Winfield. Her parents are Phillip and Stephanie Waller.

She was involved in track and field all four years. In her freshman year, she was the first girl from WCCHS to qualify for the State competition in nine years. At the same time she broke three school records in the 100 and 200 meter and the 4x100. At theWest Chicago Spring Open Thursday, April 25, Kali placed first in the girls 100 and 200 meters and long jump. At the same time, she was on the Honor Roll all four years and participated in various school events,

She is attending Michigan State University in East Lansing, with a major in pediatric nursing. Eventually, Kali wants to be a nurse practitioner. Liking to help people and being good with children led Kali to select this as her profession. Kali had three seasons for choosing MSU. “I felt very welcome, I like bigger campuses and I can continue athletics.”

Omar Espinosa, President of the WC Lions Club, moderated the program. Also attending were Andy Watson, Lions Club Zone 1, and Joann Watson, Lions Club Zone 2. https://merleburl.com

CITY OF WEST CHICAGO

• As Independence Day approaches, the West Chicago Police Department is gearing up for increased traffic enforcement to ensure the safety of all residents and motorists. The “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” "Drive High Get a DUI," and "Click It or Ticket" programs started Friday, June 21 and ends in the early-morning hours of Monday July 8. ThePolice Officers will be working tirelessly to keep impaired drivers off the road and ticketing unbuckled motorist

To ensure a fun and safe holiday celebration, the Police Department offers some tips. Designate a sober driver before heading out, prevent friends and family members from driving under the influence, if impaired, persons should use safe alternatives such as taxis, public transit and ride-sharing apps, or contact a sober friend or family member for a ride, use designated driver programs available in a community, report suspected drunk drivers promptly to law enforcement by pulling over and dialing 911, and ensure that all passengers in your vehicle buckle up.

The West Chicago Police Department is collaborating with the Illinois State Police and more than 200 local police and sheriffs’ departments in the untied effort to enhance statewide enforcement during this period. These programs are made possible through federal highway safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

• The monthly brush pick up begins Monday, July 1, 2024.

• The 26 banners of the West Chicago Cultural Arts Commission 15th Annual Community Banner Project Competition are on display on the poles in the downtown area until September. They are on Main Street from Washington Street to Wilson Avenue, and along Galena Street from Main Street to Arbor Avenue. The theme is “Time to Celebrate/Tiempo para Celebrar.” Persons can nominate their favorite banner for the People’s Choice winner. To view the banners and cast a vote or for further information, visit https://westchicago.org/artbannerexhibit/.

Banner winners are Bruce Treudt, Drum it loud!; Barbara Dunn, Backside 50; Barb Plichta, Rise and Shine!; Steve Kost, Step Lively Heron; Sienna Sherrier, Blooming Bright; Sheila Newenham, King of the Plains; Rosemary Mackey, Literacy Monarch; Nancy Thornton, The Wonderful World of Color; Mercedes Calcano, Lives in Color; Melissa Arostegui, Girl Strong; Marita Blanken, Busy Bee; Asia Marie Bell, Golden Girl; Joan Ladendorf, Blooming.

The others are Maggie Capettini, A Puzzle of Light and Energy; Lesley Gena, Welcome/Bienvenidos; Kathy Pendolino, Toddler’s First Rain; Joe Weibler, Promise of a New Day; Jim Rendant, Enjoying life together; Anne Frantzen, Standing Tall; James Lauro, Pinkliion; Heidi Appleton, All in a Seed; Eric Appelquist, Love of Life; Ellen Shwatal, Bird Song; Denise Carreto-Munoz, Let Go; Cassandra Swierenga, Blond Braids; and Uwe Gsedl, The Beginning. https://merleburl.com

• At the Monday, June 17, 2024 meeting, City Council approved the Zoning Text amendment related to Indoor Recreation and Amusem*nt as a permitted use in the B-2 General Business District. The Item Summary explained in 2020 there was a text amendment for the B-3 Business Regional Shopping District, which allowed Kids Empire USA to be in the Mosaic Shopping Center. The amendment included a variety of uses, such as sports facilities, swimming pools, skating rinks, bowling alleys, tennis, handball, indoor golf, paintball, billiards, football, table tennis, shuffleboard, pinball machines, video games, activity play and other similar recreation or amusem*nt uses. The B-2 General Business District, which has many of the same permitted uses as the B-3, did not contain the sues of Indoor recreation of Amusem*nt and Recreation. “Amending the B-2district to allow this type of use will not pose a threat to the health, safety, nor welfare of the community.”

Also approved was Special Use for an alternative Electric Supply Facility at 220 Kress Road, located on the west side of Kress Road between the Union Pacific Railroad overpass and Downs Drive. “The. Property is currently zoned A, Airport District. The Item Summary states, BAP Power Corporation “is proposing to install a solar power family on 11 acres of the 15 acres…The facility will consist of multiple rows of solar panels, which will be pole mounted several feet above the ground and automatically pivot over the course of the day to sequence the angle with the sun. Native vegetation will be grown beneath the panels.”

Council approved a resolution for Community Project Funding agreement—U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. “This agreement is for the $2 million secured by Congressman Sean Casten for the City’s Community Park.”

ODDS AND ENDS

• West Chicago Fire Protection District hosts a retirement and promotion ceremony at 1 p.m. Friday, June 28, 2024, at District headquarters 200 Fremont St. Lieutenant Frank Smogur is retiring. Being promoted to Lieutenant is firefighter/paramedic Michael Newman. With their probation period ended, Riley Capes and Brandon Sullivan are sworn in as firefighters/paramedics. Refreshments follow the ceremony. https://merleburl.com

• The Forest Preserve of DuPage County 2024 Summer Photo Contest ends Monday September 2, 2024. The three categories are Plants, Wildlife and People, Places and Things To Do. A qualified panel of Forest Preserve District of DuPage County employees with backgrounds in photography and backgrounds in journalism, marketing, and natural resources rate and select winners from all eligible entries. Juried winners may choose one prize package, Picnicking Package, Watercraft Package or Camping Package .To view contest details and enter, visit https://woobox.com/4ra3jq.

• IMED Illinois and Illinois Manufacturers’ Association selected Titan International, Inc. as a finalist in the Innovator of the Year and Safety Champion of the Year categories for the inaugural 2024 Manufacturing Excellence Awards. Corporate headquarters are at 1525 Kautz Road, Suite 600. Titan International, the leader of both Titan and Goodyear Farm Tire brands, offers a full line of wheels, tires and undercarriage products for a wide variety of off-the-road equipment. https://merleburl.com

• It was a “reel” good time for all that attended Family Fishing Derby hosted by the West Chicago Park District. Not only were tall tales told, but fun Father’s Day memories were made. https://merleburl.com

My email address is merleburl@earthlink.net.