Around and About in West Chicago - 05 Dec 2007

     At the Nov. 28 Rotary Club meeting, high school social studies teacher MaryEllen Daneels, high school junior Brian Dean and high school sophomore Kelley Loftus presented a program on the We-Go 2 Africa project. This started three years ago when students in Daneels' Community Leadership class chose to lead the high school in raising money to build a school in Sakutopi, Angola in Africa. This was done in coordination with Rise International, a not-for-profit organization. The students met their goal of $10,000 with the organizing of a variety of fundraisers and soliciting funds from local businesses and organizations.

     The following year, the geography classes of Margaret Haas raised almost $6,000 to send more than 700 backpacks and some school supplies to students attending the school in Sakutopi. Daneels was part of the Rise contingency to visit the village this summer, seeing first hand not only the progress of education, but also other needs to be met. With her primary goal of making better students better citizens through the study of government and involvement in service projects, the third year involves advisory classes (commonly known as home rooms to those of us from a previous era) brainstorming for activities and fundraisers to involve all in the school community. The goals involve a three "L" concept-living, leadership and learning.

     The living portion involves AIDS education, more education for girls, provision of toys and clothes. The leadership segment includes "It Takes Courage Curriculum," with emphasis on developing character and education to equip them to participate in democracy. The learning is geared toward material aspects of art, music and school supplies, plus the provision of recreational equipment for soccer and playground facilities.

     Students have made dolls, blankets and alphabet-letter posters for the classrooms. Portuguese is the official language of Angola. Another primary goal is raising money for the shipping container. Loftus, who also volunteers at the Humanitarian Service Project, explained that shipping the equipment, items and supplies requires a large and special type container.

     As a member of the swim team, she organized a "Swim for Sakutopi" swimathon, which was held Sunday, Dec. 2. Dean, a volunteer at World Relief in Wheaton, said his advisory class is planning a Video Game tournament to take place some time in January. Daneels said that Rise International advises that of all the participating schools in our area, "West Chicago is the most focused and passionate. The enthusiasm of the students and the worthwhile goals of the We-Go 2 Africa project brought forth a giving spirit from members of the Rotary Club as they individually donated monies, totaling $206.

AROUND AND ABOUT

     State Rep. Randy Ramey ((R-55-CS) has his annual Winter Coat Drive now through Monday, Dec. 31. Persons may drop off "gently" used and clean outerwear at his district office, 1883 N. Neltnor Blvd., or at the Wayne Township office, 27W031 North Ave. All items received are donated to needy families in his district. For further information, call T. J. Lewis at 630 876-0703.

     Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 331 George St., has advent services at 7 p.m. Wednesdays, Dec. 5, 12 and 19.

     St. Andrew Lutheran Church holds advent services at 7 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 525 N. Neltnor Blvd. The service focus on Dec. 5 is "Angels of Christmas," Dec. 12 is "Bells of Christmas, " and Dec. 19 is "Presents of Christmas."

     The high school Music Department and the Music Boosters Club is once again sponsoring two popular events, the Madrigal dinner and the Madrigal tea in the Commons at the school, 326 Joliet St. The school's chamber choir and other musicians of the court entertain the assemblage with a theatrical production of acting, singing and instrumental music of the holiday season. The dinner is at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8. The feast includes baked ham, roast turkey, roasted potatoes, vegetables, rolls and selected deserts. The ticket price is $25. The Madrigal Tea is at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9, featuring selected desserts and beverages. The cost for the tea is $10. Proceeds benefit the school choral program. To order tickets, call Brandon Fantozzi at 630- 876-6592 or Mary Laiter at 630 709-3455.

     Community Fellowship Church, 28W240 North Ave., presents a "Christmas Miracle on Main Street," a musical production, at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 7 and 8.

     Sharon Malec is the featured artist at Gallery 200 for December. The displayed quilts feature holiday themes and landscape designs. The artist's reception is from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7. You can find some unique Christmas decorations and gifts in the special arts and crafts display at the Gallery.

     Moms in School is hosting its ninth annual Breakfast with Santa from 8:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, at First United Methodist/First Congregational Church, 643 E. Washington St. The breakfast menu includes pancakes, sausage, fruit, milk, juice and coffee. The price is $15 for a family, $6 for adults and $3 for children ages 12 and under. Santa is available to visit with children. A special holiday photo costs $5. For further information, call Moms in School at 630 231-0231.

     Faith Community Church, 910 West Main St., is sponsoring its annual Children's Christmas Craft Workshop from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8. Children, ages 5 to 12, make decoration and gifts for family and friends. Lunch is provided. There is no charge for the day of fun. For further information, call the church office at 630 231-8230.

     Winfield Township is seeking volunteers to ring the Salvation Army bell at the Jewel store in West Chicago. The hours are one and half to two hour shifts from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays, Dec. 8, 15 and 22. Choose your day and time! Businesses, families, individuals and organizations are needed for the Adopt-A-Family program. For information or to volunteer for either or both of these programs, call General Assistance Director Debby Juzwiak at 630 231-3591.

     American Legion Post 300 and VFW Post 6791 host the annual Christmas Party Saturday, Dec. 8, at the VFW Hall on Route 59. Social hour is at 6 p.m. followed by dinner at 7 p.m. Music and dancing is from 9 p.m. to midnight. The price for the evening of entertainment is $15 per person. This always is a fun evening.

     The featured reading for the January Between the Lines book discussion group is the first 19 chapters of "Undaunted Courage" by Stephen Ambrose. The book is a biography of the search by Lewis and Clark for the Northwest Passage. To reserve a copy of the book, call Ben Weseloh at 630 231-1552, Ext. 4.

     The library is featuring a Holliday Nature program from 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 11, designed for the family with stories and crafts. To make reservations, call the youth services department at 630 231-1552, Ext. 3. While at the library check out the display of gingerbread houses made by teens attending the Blue Moon Café. This is a monthly coffeehouse for teens from 7 to 8:15 on Tuesdays.

     Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 331 George St., holds Christmas advent services at 7 p.m. Wednesdays, Dec. 5, 12 and 19.

     The season is here for the delightful holiday school programs. School District 33 Band concert is at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 10, at West Chicago Middle School. At Currier, the program is at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 12. The Currier Chorus Performance is at 1:15 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 19. Gary School has two holiday programs on Friday, Dec. 14. One takes place at 9:30 a.m. and the other one is at 1 p.m. The program at Pioneer is at 1:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 17. At Indian Knoll, the program is at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 19. The programs are open to the public, but persons attending the daytime programs must sign in when they arrive at the schools.

     Eight chambers, including West Chicago, are presenting "Breakfast with the Candidates," from 8 to 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 14, at the Hilton Garden Inn in St. Charles. Candidates for the 14th Congressional District give a brief introduction and guests then have the opportunity to ask questions. Candidates slated to attend are Kevin Burns, Bill Foster, john Laesch, Chris Lauzen, Jim Oberweis and Jotham Stein. The cost is $20 for members and $30 for non-members. Reservations are required by Tuesday, Dec.11, and may be made by calling the chamber office at 630 231-3003.

     Take a little break from the hustle and bustle of the season by attending the library's "Family Holiday Craft' program at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 17. Karin Krog, a talented crafts person and form library employee, holds a workshop on creating and decorating a photo memory cube ornament. You may work on your own or bring a family member with you. Children must be four years of age or older. The family keepsake ornament can either adorn the family tree or be a gift for a special family member. Refreshments add an extra spice to the activity. "Her craft classes always are a popular library program," Said Sara Bomquist, adult services librarian. There is a $5 materials fee for each ornament.

     The sounds of music abound throughout the library with the performance by the Canterbury Carolers at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec 19. Dressed in Victorian costumes, the acappella ensemble sings traditional carols, all composed before 1870. Some of the sites at which they have performed are the White House, the Chicago Art Institute and Brookfield Zoo. For further information or to register for either of these programs, call the library's adult services at 630 231-1552, Ext. 4.

     The police department is scheduled for an on-site assessment as part of a program to achieve accreditation by verifying it meets professional standards. The program, administered by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc., requires agencies to comply with state of the art standards in the four basic areas of policy and procedure, administration, operations and support services. As part of the on-site assessment, agency employees and community members are invited to offer comments at a public information session at 4:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 17, at City Hall. Individuals also may call 630 231-5629 between 1 and 3 p.m. Comments, which must address the agency's ability to comply with CALEA's standards. are taken by the Assessment Team. A copy of the standards is available at the police department, 115 Spencer St.

     The Friends of the Museum are selling 24-karat gold-flashed brass with applied color collectible Smith-Norris house ornaments. The locally designated landmark at 216 Arbor Avenue combines the architectural styles of Italianate and Gothic Revival. This is the 16th collectible ornament issued and of this number only eight are available in a very limited quantity. The price is $7. The latest edition ornament is available at the City Museum, City Hall and Gallery 200.

     The Dollar Tree, 1867 N. Neltnor Blvd., has a special Christmas Operation Home-front Project, "Donate $1 to buy a toy for a soldier's child."

     The Chili Cook-off at First United Methodist/First Congregational Church provided a true evening of warmth for all who attended. The winners were Paul Dupasquier for Best All Around, Lucy Nelson for Hottest and Pastor Steve Zeigler and his wife Meg for the Most Unusual, green chili with venison.

     Winners of the "My Favorite Things about West Chicago," essay contest, held in conjunction with Frosty Fest, were second grader Robert Fortelka from Turner School, fourth grader Stephen Burns from St. Mary's School and sixth grader John Maguire from Wegner School. Some of the favorite things centered around the history involving architecture, trains and the City Museum; the natural habitat of trees, shrubs and flowering plants; public service personalities of policeman Leo Aviles and fireman Lee Westrom, who relate the important messages of safety and rules in a friendly child-geared manner, and the enjoyment of yummy ice cream treats from Tastee-Freeze (this also is one of my favorite things). The weather for Frosty Fest was not the best, to say the least, but all (estimated crowd of 300), attending the event had a fun and memorable time. The families enjoyed visiting with Santa, listening to the holiday music, making reindeer crafts and playing games in the American Legion Hall. The museum had an influx of children who made Victorian ornaments. "It was so great to see so many at the tree lighting ceremony and enjoying all the events held afterwards. It definitely was a successful event, despite the weather," said park district recreation coordinator Anna Rosales. "It shows that the weather never stops our town from having a good time," added Mayor Michael Kwasman.

     The newly elected officers of the Garden Club are Mark Luther, president; Jeff Handel, vice president; Aimee Townsend, secretary; Barbara Darrah, treasurer; Carole Bates, director-at-large; Sandy Saad, information director, and Pamela Darrah, publicity director. Chairpersons are Carole Bates, library liaison and Garden Clubs of Illinois representative; Pamela Darrah, photographer; Dick Darrah, Fundraising committee/plant sale; Lou Horton, programs committee; Billie Childress and Angie Sadauskas, co-chair Kruse House Committee; Linda Harlson, hospitality committee; Billie Childress, historian, and Jesse Felix, community improvement.

     An anonymous donor has committed $2.85 million in support of "Transforming Every Student: The Campaign for Wheaton Academy, a $12.8 million fundraising campaign the Academy publicly launched Oct. 30. This is the largest single gift the school has received in its 154-year history. With this gift, the academy has raised $7.47 million to support the three campaign goals. These are scholarships for worthy students in need, an endowment to support the school's faculty and staff and construction of a 30,000 square-foot field house facility. The field house, scheduled to open the 2009-10 school year, is to be named the Heritage Field House, honoring the legacy of the donor, whose mother attended the school, and the thousands of alumni and families that span the academy's history. An additional anonymous donor has stepped forward with a $1 million challenge. All gifts and pledges made between Oct. 30 and Dec. 31, 2007, will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $1 million in order to reach the $9 million mark by the end of the year.

     Recently the Park District undertook a citywide survey to measure resident opinions on the district. More than 62 percent of the respondent indicated a favorable opinion of the district, with 22 percent being unsure. On the question of expansion, more than 72 percent indicated a need for an indoor recreation center. The survey was part of the overall district master planning process currently underway.

     My email is merleburl@earthlink.net.