Around and About in West Chicago - 17 Jan 2008

     When Ron Sanford, pastor of Faith Community Church, preaches his last sermon at the 9:30 a.m. service Sunday, Jan. 20, he is not entering into the life of retirement, but is changing his direction of ministry. He and his wife, Margie, are becoming missionaries for the organization, To Every Tribe Ministries. “Its primary focus is to spread the gospel to unreachable groups. The agency, with headquarters in Las Fresno’s, Texas, is focusing on two primary areas—Papua, New Guinea and Mexico,” said Sanford.

     “My wife and I felt a need to do this,” he stated. “I make an analogy, using a candle. In a well-lit room, it makes a little difference. In a dark room, the candle has more of an impact.” Before they can begin the journey, the Sanford’s have several tasks to accomplish. “One is to sell our home in Winfield and the other is to raise funds to support us as missionaries. The organization is a faith-based mission and we need persons to share in the expenses-a partnership” on a short or long-term basis.

     Although looking forward to the new venture in life, Rev. Sanford said his time here has been memorable and one that will be missed. He has been the pastor for more than 22 years and is only the second full-time associate since the church was established in 1974. He became the pastor in 1985, succeeding Harmon Wierenga.

     Major changes Sanford has experienced involve the church structure and the congregation. “We expanded our facilities, which enabled us to broaden our ministry in the local community.” When the church first formed, worship services were held at Turner School. The ground breaking for the church building at 910 Main Street took place in 1980 and the first service in the church was June 28, 1981. The addition of a mission center and the remodeling of the church occurred in 1998.

     Also the membership of the congregation almost doubled. During this period of growth, Sanford said the church members “developed a deepening and growing spiritual understanding of what the church provides. We have developed a stronger commitment and involvement with missions.”

     Leaving as pastor of the church, Sanford said, “I will miss the preaching, the people in our church, our life in the community and our family.” His family lived in West Chicago before moving to Winfield and the children attended the local schools. “This has been our home.”

     As the Sanford’s leave the home base, the congregation is hosting a farewell dinner with a Texas theme at 5 p.m. Jan. 20. Yellow roses will decorate each table as all dine on the potluck meal and enjoy the entertainment and the program. Providing the musical entertainment are church members Jake and Hannah Muzzy, playing the cello and harp respectively. Sanford said, “We will miss these special dinners—our members really know how to cook delicious meals and have a fun time of camaraderie.”

AROUND AND ABOUT

     The High School Board of Education policy is to place all textbooks proposed for adoption for the coming school year on public display for approximately 21 days prior to final consideration by the Board. The books are available for inspection and public comment during regular business hours from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. now through Wednesday, Feb. 6, in the administrative office, 326 Joliet St. The books are in the divisions of math and science, world language and information and technology.

     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 forums cover the proposed purchase of the Elgin, Joliet & Elgin Railway 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 is your opportunity to gather facts and ask questions.

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

     To celebrate its Grand Reopening, Jewel-Osco, 177 E. Roosevelt Road, is serving a lunch for $2 from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17. The menu includes bratwurst, potato chips and a beverage. All proceeds benefit the West Chicago Fire District Foundation for Fire and Safety. While enjoying lunch you will have the chance to talk with legendary Radio Hall of Fame disc jockey Dick Biondi from noon to 2 p.m.

     The City Museum, 132 Main St., monthly craft program is from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19. The craft is the making of Civil War flags, using felt and construction paper. 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 Garden Club meeting is at 7:30p.m. Thursday, Jan. 24, at Faith Community Church, 910 Main St. “Best New Plants for 2008” is the topic of discussion by featured speaker Bill Aldrich. He is well connected in the gardening world, with a focus on Midwest gardening, especially in Illinois. Aldrich is the publisher of “Chicagoland Gardening” magazine and author of numerous garden books. I have two of the books he co-authored with Don Williamson and find them to be great reference resources. These are “Perennials for Illinois” and “Tree & Shrub Gardening for Illinois.” Reading the acknowledgements in the perennial publication several West Chicago ties are mentioned—former resident Jim Schuster, extension educator at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and Jim Nau of Ball Seed Company. The meeting is open to the public. For further information, call Billie Childress at (630) 231-1791.

     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. The ticket price is $20 and may be ordered by calling (630) 562-7588.

     Tours of the school and classroom observations are several of the Open House activities available at St. Mary’s Parish School, 147 Garden St., on Tuesday, Jan. 29. Hours are from 9 a.m. to noon and from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. In addition to the first through eighth grade classes, the school offers full day preschool and kindergarten. For further information, call the school at (630) 231-1776 or visit the Web site www.stmarywc.org .

     As tax time rolls around, we are reminded how important it is to keep records of expenses and transactions. The same holds true with certain documents. The library’s program, “Record Keeping,” at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 30, provides much helpful information. Kathy Reuter, University of Illinois Extension educator, presents guidelines on what to keep and storage tips. She also tells the location of places to find and receive records that have been lost or misplaced. To make a reservation for the program, call the library at (630) 231-1552, Ext. 4.

     The Cultural Arts Commission is seeking artists with a West Chicago connection to submit original artwork revolving around the theme of flowers for the Downtown Art Banner Competition. A Jury Committee will select 10 works of art to be reproduced and featured in the Art Banner Exhibition. During the Blooming Fest Saturday, May 17, there is to be a reception to honor the selected artists and the public is invited to vote on the artist/banner for the People’s Choice award. Entries are due by Friday, Feb. 1. For further information, call the City Museum at (630) 231-3376 or visit the city website www.westchicago.org, under the Departments category and click on Museum & Cultural services.

     Think Spring! Crafters and exhibitors are wanted for the City’s eighth annual Blooming Fest from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 17, on Main Street. All types of handiwork are welcome, especially those that are garden-related. The cost for vendors is $35 for a 10-foot by 10 foot-space. Applications are due by Sunday, March 30. For more information or a vendor application call Krista Coltrin at (630) 293-2200, Ext. 135 or go to the website www.westchicago.org and click on events under the community category.

     At its Monday, Jan. 14 meeting, the Benjamin School District 25 Board of Education presented Mayor Michael Kwasman an honorary pen. District Superintendent Dr. Phil Erhardt said, “We salute both West Chicago and Carol Stream mayors, recognizing their leadership efforts to make the quality of life good for all, which includes our schools.”

     Congratulations to high school senior Allison Fletcher, an honorable mention student of the Daily Herald’s Leadership Team. Students are recognized for their community service.

     Tony Tornabeni, chef at St. Andrews Golf and Country Club, was highlighted in the Chef du jour column in the Wednesday, Jan. 9, issue of the Daily Herald.

     Police Chief Don Goncher said, since the No Smoking ban took place Jan. 1, the police have not received complaints about non-compliance. “I have told our officers that if someone calls to complain to advise the individual to talk to the manager. If the manager continues to ignore, then we will give a warning.” He added, “At this time, it seems as if both business owners and their customers are adhering to the ban.”

     Check out the park district’s new Web site, www.we-goparks.org. It is very easy to navigate and new updates are planned in its expansion—registering on line and field conditions to name a few.

     State Rep. Randy Ramey (R-55th-Carol Stream), collected more than 1,900 coats in his annual coat drive that benefits needy families in his district. “The drive was a big success, accumulating 400 more items than last year,” he said.

     Wheaton Academy junior Leah Fortune was called up to the 2008 Women’s world Cup under 20 Brazilian National Soccer Team. She was born in Brazil to American parents and holds a dual citizenship. Fortune is one of two international players invited to participate. The other is from Italy.

     My email is merleburl@earthlink.net