Around and About in West Chicago - 02 Jan 2008

     The year 2007 marked the 135th year of the Norris-Walen Funeral Home, 132 Fremont St. August Norris established the firm in 1872 in the Village of Turner Junction, now West Chicago. He was born in County Kent England and came to the United States in 1847 and moved here from New York in 1855. He was a skilled cabinetmaker, and as was common then, he combined undertaking with his furniture lines. The business was owned by four generation of the Norris family. Upon August’s death, his son Charles, born in 1853, took over the business. When Charles died Sept. 20, 1929, his son Ernest carried on as the head of the firm until his death on Jan. 19, 1951. His son, Worth, succeeded him.

     The business was first located on West Washington Street and moved to 112 Main St. at the end of the 19th century. The building was the first one in the city to have an elevator. The furniture store business was on the first floor and the undertaking business was conducted on the second floor. In 1946, a specific building for the funeral home was constructed at the Fremont location. The furniture store remained on Main Street until it closed in the late 1950s. An extensive remodeling project took place in 1973. The construction included a 40 -foot lobby, office and family room, a new lounge and an additional display room.

     Ed Walen joined the Norris firm as a partner and manager in the spring of 1972, becoming the sole owner in the late 1970s. Ron Segert purchased the firm Oct. 31, 2006. He has been a licensed funeral director for 10 years. When he was in his teens, Segert helped at a local funeral home near his family home in Chicago. “I mowed lawns, cleaned and helped in anyway I could,” he explained. Working closely with the directors, I saw how persons looked up to them, were trusted and respected,” leading to his career as a funeral director.

     “It is a nice feeling to know we are helping families. We meet them at one of their worst times of life and we try to make a bad time a little easier,” said Segert. These words convey the philosophy and tradition of the owners of the firm in its 135-year history.

AROUND AND ABOUT

     Residents can dispose of their Christmas trees, without stickers, on regularly scheduled garbage pick up days during the weeks of Dec. 31, 2007 and Jan. 7, 2008. After these dates, a sticker must be affixed to the tree.

     The weather outside may be cold and snowy, but the park district’s senior citizens event brings a touch of summer to the season. The Winter Weiner Roast is at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 10, in the Active Adult Center in Easton Park. Persons attending need to bring a dish to pass and a complete place setting. Registration is required by Friday, Jan. 4, and may be made by calling the district office at (630) 231-9474.

     “Consumer Fraud: Schemes, Scams and Flim-Flan” is the topic for the Library’s Books for Lunch program at noon, Thursday, Jan. 3. With the discussion, Kathy Reuter from the University of Illinois Extension helps consumers learn about the different types of scams and schemes that are present in today’s society and, if you become a victim, how to report the scheme. She emphasizes how, as a consumer, there are things you can do to protect your financial and other personal information to reduce your chances of being a victim. Remember the “artists” of scam present a slick and believable spiel. Persons attending bring their own sack lunch and the library staff provides the dessert and beverages. To make a reservation, call the adult services department at (630) 231-1552, Ext. 4.

     The Jan. 7 City Council meeting is at 7:30 a.m. Since the first meeting of the year is quite brief, mainly involving the corporate disbursement report, approval of the previous City council meeting minutes and any other ministerial actions, the elected officials for the last several years have preferred to take care of these actions prior to going to their respective jobs, explained City Administrator Michael Guttman.

     The Adult Education program at the high school, 326 Joliet St., offers free English as a Second Language, Citizenship and General Equivalency Development classes starting Jan. 8. Classes are 7 to 9:15 Mondays and Wednesdays or Tuesdays and Thursdays. Registration is from 8 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 7, in the school cafeteria. For more information, call the high school at (630) 876-6580.

     The last date to register for the Saturday, Feb. 5, Primary election is Tuesday, Jan. 8. You may register during regular business hours at City Hall, 475 Main St.; the library, 118 W. Washington St.; Winfield Township office, 130 Arbor Ave., or Wayne Township office, 27W131 North Ave. Early Voting is from Monday Jan. 14, through Thursday, Jan. 31. There are several locations, but the closest to our community is at the office foyer of the DuPage County Election Commission, 421 N. County Farm Road in Wheaton. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For more information, call the Commission at (630) 407-5600.

     A wonderland of diversified artwork is exhibited in “Art Works by Fredericka and Friends” at Gallery 200 in January. The variety of fine art, photography and craftwork highlights the talents of Fredericka Howard, Gail Adams Diedrichsen, Lori Majcen and Katy Runyan Swanson. The artists’ reception is from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Jan.11. The Park District’s popular Daddy Daughter Date Night takes place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 8 at Norton Creek Elementary School. The cost is $45. Registration is required by Friday, Jan.11, and may be made by calling the park district office at (630) 231-9474.

     Just when we started working on losing the unwanted pounds gained during the holidays, we now are challenged with super bowl parties. The library’s program, “Super Bowl Snacks,” helps you make the greatest treats for the fans. Chef Jonathan Bean, who teaches cooking and baking classes in the Chicagoland area, demonstrates how to make two kinds of chili, genuine Buffalo wings and fresh salsas. There is a fee of $3 per person. The tasty evening starts at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 16. Call the library at (630) 231-1552 to reserve your spot.

     The high school recently announced PeaceBuilder of the Month awards for September and October.

     Junior Sadie Roberts received the recognition for September. John Chisholm, social studies teacher and originator of the PeaceBuilder, said “Sadie is one of the most pleasant students I have ever taught. She has an upbeat spirit and goes the extra mile to help others.” Roberts states her mother has been her model of peace. “She is always respectful towards every one. She drops whatever she is doing to help others.” After graduation, Roberts plans to attend college working toward a major in English and a minor in Business, working toward her goal of becoming an ordained pastor.

     Senior Miguel Quinones received the recognition for October. Chisholm said, “Miguel is an eloquent speaker—his charm and tact is unmatched. He does little things to benefit others such as holding open doors for students, picking up dropped items and pushing in chairs.” Quinones also said his mother is his model for peace. “Regardless of what situation she is in, she always tries to stay calm and collected. She is nice to everyone.” He plans to attend college, majoring in Business.

     As of Nov. 10, the Community Clothing Closet at St. Michael’s United Church of Christ distributed 28,695 articles of clothing in the past 40 months.

     This December has been one of the snowiest in years. In fact, this was the first snowfall on New Year’s Eve in 23 years. Looking at the picturesque panorama from the warmth of our homes, maybe sipping on a cup of hot chocolate with a big dab of whipped cream or several marshmallows, most of us found it to be a deliciously cozy experience. On the other hand, our city crews have been out in the weather keeping the streets plowed and clear of ice and doing one great job. Kudos to all!

     The City Museum is opening an exhibit in May about the 1933 World’s Fair and is looking for artifacts from persons in the community. If you have items to loan or donate, call the museum at (630) 231-3376.

     State Sen. Randy Hultgren (R, 48th Dist, Wheaton) recognized the 652 seniors from the 13 area schools in his district that were named 2008 Illinois State Scholars by the Illinois Student Assistant Commission. These students rank in the top ten percent of Illinois high school seniors. Selection is based on the combination of factors including SAT, ACT, Prairie State Achievement Exam scores and class rank at the end of the junior year. Students from our community are Elizabeth Buenrostro, Anthony Fontana, Sara Fouts, Lorena Hernandez, Paul Hwang, James Miner, Jim Miner, David Muscik, Robyn Nickelson, Trent Nolan, Kayla Radloff, Amanda Vancarsse, Paul Warkins and Timothy Weibler.

     My e-mail is merleburl@earthlink.net.