Around and About in West Chicago - 09 Jan 2008

As the New Year begins, Mayor Michael Kwasman said, “To continue the positive course our city is on, we are working on the present and also concentrating on tomorrow—planning for the future.” Part of the planning is keeping aware of outside factors that can impact the community, such as the pending sale of the Elgin, Joliet & Aurora Railway.

The National Surface Board of Transportation is holding two Open House meetings Thursday, Jan. 17, at St. Andrews Golf and Country Club, 3N441 Route 59. Times are 1 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. The meetings cover the proposed purchase of the EJ&E by the Canadian National Railway. CN proposes to divert some of its freight train traffic to the EJ&E tracks, which go through West Chicago. This could mean steep increases in the number of trains passing through our community. Before the sale can be finalized, CN Railway needs to have the approval of the Board and the open house meetings help the board identify what issues need to be examined and assessed for the required environmental impact study. Once all data is gathered, considered and compiled, an Environmental Impact Statement will be released, an official document that cites the impact of the purchase and how CN Railway plans to address them, City Administrator Michael Guttman explained.

Kwasman said, “These meetings are strictly informational forums. We encourage residents to attend—knowledge is the best friend.” During the meetings, persons can see the impact the extra rail traffic may have on the community and have questions answered. “Staff and elected officials are watching with a very careful eye,” stated Kwasman. He named Ward 3 Alderman Russ Radkiewicz as the elected official to keep track of the EJ&E sale to assist keeping the council and the residents informed and what action might be needed.

Continuing in this line of delegating certain responsibilities to alderman, Kwasman also has asked Ward 3 Alderman Ruben Pineda, Ward 6 Alderman Nan Connelly and Ward 7 Alderman Nick Dzierzanowski to work in the areas of development and infrastructure. “Ruben is to meet with developers to bring businesses into the community that reap positive benefits for the community,” he explained. Nick and Nan are working on improving the condition of the streets in the community.”

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The City has never been in a better state and we want to continue on the roads,” said Kwasman. “West Chicago is a wonderful town.”

AROUND AND ABOUT

Early Voting for the Feb. 5 General Primary Election is from Monday Jan. 14, through Thursday, Jan. 31. There are several locations in DuPage County. The one nearest to our community is in 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.

During the month of January, the artwork of Fredericka Howard, Gail Adams Diedrichsen, Lori Majcen and Katy Runyan Swanson is on display. 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.

The library’s program, “Super Bowl Snacks,” is at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 16. 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. You not only have the opportunity to taste these delicious snacks, but also walk away with some new recipes. Adult Services Program Coordinator Sara Blomquist said, “The programs with the chef are very popular.” There is a fee of $3 per person. Call the library at (630) 231-1552 to make reservations.

Coffee with the Mayor is from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 19, at City Hall, 475 Main St.

The City Museum, 132 Main St., is having monthly craft programs. The first one is from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19. The craft is the making of Civil War flags, using felt and construction paper. Museum Registrar Sara Phalen explained that each town or county had a specific flag for its regiment fighting in the war. This is one of the projects involved in the “Save Our History” grant from the History Channel. “Each month they have a theme and for January, it is the Civil War,” she said. The craft session is open to children of all ages. There is no charge and registration is not required. For further information, call the Museum at (630) 231-3376.

Winnie the Pooh visits the library, 118 W. Washington St., at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan 20. In addition to Winnie talking with the children, there is a storytelling time and photo opportunities. The program is open to children of all ages. Registration is not required.

The second program in Wheaton Academy’s Artist Series is at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 25, in the Fine Arts Center, 900 Prince Crossing Road. The featured artist is Nichole Nordeman, singer/songwriter. She has received nine Dove Awards, including two for “Female vocalist of the Year.” Some her best-known songs are “Why,” “This Mystery,” “Legacy” and “What If.” The ticket price is $20 and may be ordered by calling (630) 562-7588.

Wheaton Academy met the realization of a $1 million anonymous challenge grant issued to spur giving toward the academy’s fundraising campaign, “Transforming Every Student: The Campaign for Wheaton Academy. The total amount raised thus far is $9.13 million. The overall goal is $12.8 million. With the progress of successfully raising funds, the academy is targeting the summer of 2008 for starting the construction of the Heritage Field House, one of the main campaign initiatives.

State Rep. Michael Fortner (R-95th-West Chicago) is accepting applications from residents in his district wishing to be considered for a 2008-09 General Assembly Scholarship, which covers tuition for the fall, spring and summer terms at any four-year Illinois public university. Applications are available at district high schools or by calling Fortner’s district office at (630) 293-9344. His scholarship committee will choose eight recipients. For further information, call his Legislative Assistant Maria Rook.

Not only were there no holiday related fires during the holiday season, but also there were no fires. Thus the Fire Protection District “Keep the Wreath Red” program “was very successful,” said Deputy Chief Joe Buenrostro.

Volunteers ringing the bell for the Salvation Army for three Saturdays in December at the Jewel store collected $800.70. The money raised is for residents of the City of West Chicago. Persons can receive assistance through Winfield or Wayne Townships, “depending upon where you live,” said General Assistance Director Debby Juzwiak.

High school junior Alejandro Garcia is the PeaceBuilder for the month of November. “He is recognized for his ability to help others, pleasant attitude and a politeness,” said Social Studies teacher John Chisholm. Garcia stated, “Both my mom and dad have been my model for peace.” For the past three years Garcia has played on the defensive line of the Wildcat Football team. After graduation, he plans to study auto mechanics.

The Museum, 132 Main St., still has collectible Smith-Norris house ornaments available. The 24-karat gold flashed brass with applied color “make great gifts for other occasions than Christmas,” said Museum Curator Sally DeFauw. The sale of the ornaments is a fundraiser of the Friends of the Museum. The price is $7.

My e-mail is merleburl@earthlink.net.