Around and About in West Chicago - 06 Feb 2008

     “Brr! It is cold” is a common complaint heard this winter, but the temperatures will be hot at the West Chicago Park District’s annual Firehouse Chili Fest from 5 to 7 p.m. at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6791, 431 N. Neltnor Blvd. Again the chefs from the Fire Protection Districts of West Chicago, Carol Stream, Winfield and Addison stir up their favorite recipes, providing a certain zest for all who attend the “heated” event. Park District Recreation Coordinator Anna Rosalez said, “There is a new challenger entering the “spice-full” contest this year—the Red Shift.” Not much is known about this last minute entrant, however, a “duel” could occur for guests at the fest.

     The challenge begins as persons attending taste the chili to decide which recipe is the best, satisfying the palettes. The sampling brings forth some “hot” discussions as guests’ talk among themselves and the merits of each recipe, and which one deserves their vote for the People’s Choice Award. Rosalez added, “Some are faithful to their hometown fire department and others truly take the taste comparison more seriously.” For the last two years, West Chicago has been the winner, but prior to that Addison was the highest vote getter.

     More than taste is involved for the three judges, who decide the winner of the coveted Judges’ Choice Award. They consider consistency, flavor and texture. The professionalism of the judges emerges in their diversity. The veteran judge John Karwoski, owner of John’s Buffet in Winfield, has not only the professional restaurant experience, but has participated as a judge for seven years. “It becomes more challenging as the different departments are developing some gourmet recipes.” West Chicago resident Kevin Malony has been a judge for about four years, starting out as a person who just liked chili. “It still is one of my favorite meals, but I have learned what makes one recipe a little better than the other.” The “new kid to the table” this year is West Chicago Mayor Michael Kwasman, who relishes new challenges and experiences. Rosalez explained, “The judges do not know the identity of the fire departments. On a “hot” roll, has been the Addison Fire District, a winner for four consecutive years.

     However, after all is done, the true champions are children attending the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance Burn Camp, which is the benefactor of the funds raised at the “taste-full” and fun event. The price is $7 for adults and $5 for senior citizens and children age 12 and under. Hot dogs are available for non chili-buffs. Rosalez sums up the evening, “It is fun and provides a hot spot to ease the winter blahs.”

AROUND AND ABOUT

     In recognition of National Food Check-Out Day 2008, Mayor Michael Kwasman has tossed down the ”gauntlet” to challenge Winfield Village President Rudy Czech at the shopping cart “Race Against Hunger,” Thursday, Feb. 7, at the Jewel Store, 177 E. Roosevelt Road. The friendly competition, which lasts for 10 minutes, begins promptly at 1 p.m. The two leaders rush against the clock to fill their carts with as many food items containing corn, soybeans or wheat, the three major crops of Illinois. Since the event is for the benefit of local food pantries, Kwasman is racing for Northwest Walk-in Ministries and Czech is racing for the Milton Township Food Pantry. No matter which leader wins or loses, each designated food pantry is the victor, receiving a food or monetary donation from the DuPage County Farm Bureau. National Food Check-Out Day recognizes the day of the year by which the average American Household has earned enough money to pay for its annual food supply. Try to attend the race and cheer for our mayor.

     The high school’s Varsity Girls Basketball Game is at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7, in Bishop Gym. To promote winter high school spirit, the Wildcat Booster Club is providing free pizza and soft drinks to students attending the game. Persons bringing a non-perishable food item receive a free raffle ticket for prizes. Items collected are donated to Northwest Walk-in Ministries. During half time, the Boys’ Basketball team holds a 3-point shooting contest.

     Congratulations to Clem and Kay Campbell, who are celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary Friday, Feb. 8.

     Bernadette Malovany is the featured artist for the month of February at Gallery 200, 200 Main St. The display highlights her watercolor, oil and acrylic paintings. The artist’s opening reception is from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 8.

     A West Chicago Community La Crosse indoor exhibition and pre-registration night for the 2008 outdoor season begins at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12, in the high school field house (use entrance C). It is open to boys and girls in grades fourth through eighth. For more information, call Becky Koltz at 630 251-0251.

     School District 33 Foundation for Educational Excellence kicks off its $10,000 college scholarship raffle Thursday, Feb. 14. The ticket price is $20 and only 1,000 will be sold. The last day to purchase is Friday, April 25. The second prize is a $500 savings bond, donated by DuPage National Bank. The drawing takes place at the Thursday, May 1, School Board of Education meeting. Tickets are available at the District office, all district school main offices and at DPNB, 100 Main St. They also can be purchased on line at www. foundation.wegoed33.site.eboard.com. Proceeds benefit the Foundation to provide enrichment programs and other projects to enhance the quality of education and provide students and staff extended learning opportunities. For further information call Director of Community Relations at 630 293-6000, Ext. 201 or via email at koltzb@wegoed33.k12.il.us.

     The Surface Transportation Board has extended the comment period on the scope of study for the Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed Canadian National Railway acquisition of the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway. All correspondence should refer to STB Finance Docket No. 35087. The address for written comments is Surface Transportation Board, 395 E Street, SW, Washington, DC 20423. Attention: Phillis-Johnson Ball, Environmental Filing, STB Finance Docket No. 35087. For recorded comments, call the toll-free project information line at 1 800-347-0689. Submit electronic Comments to the board’s website, www.stb.dot.gov, under the heading “E_FILING.” Our town has five at-grade crossings. Impact areas considered include forest preserve and recreational land, economy, noise, vibration, safety and air quality. The amount of freight trains is expected to increase from 10 to 31 per day, with the trains being longer in length. Hazardous materials traffic would increase for 21 carloads to 265 carloads per year. These factors demonstrate the how the impact areas to be considered would effect our community. If you have not expressed your opinion, take the time to do so now.

     Coffee with the Mayor is from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, at City Hall.

     The Museum’s craft program is from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16. The planned project of making trains is quite appropriate for our community. The program is part of the “Save Our History” grant, which the museum received from the History Channel. “Each month there is a theme and for February, it is the Industrial Revolution,” explained Museum Registrar Sara Phalen. There is no charge for the program and is open to children of all ages. Registration is not required. For further information, call the museum at 630 231-3376.

     The fourth annual Bowling for Diabetes, sponsored this year by the West Chicago Sons of the American Legion Post 300, is from 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 29, at Bowling Green, 30W150 Roosevelt Road. The cost is $20 per person, which includes two games of bowling and appetizers. Other fun activities are the many raffles and “Bowling with the Band Night,” featuring Rock-n-Soul with Danny. Bowlers are grouped six per lane. Persons are encouraged to form teams and make reservations in advance by calling 630 231-3181. Lanes fill up quickly. Even if you do not bowl, plan on attending to have a good time and contribute to a good cause. All proceeds benefit the American Diabetes Association.

     Even with illness keeping two of the five veteran Mock Trial students from participating in the tournament at the 16th Circuit Court of Kane County, Wheaton Academy was the second place winner. Sophomore Ashley Pirvonas, a first-year participant, won the All-Tournament Lawyer Award. Other participants were Libby Baker, Heather Dede, Kortney Moss and Amanda Steimle.

     The Suburban Catholic Conference announced a 13-school expansion to form the Suburban Christian Conference, with competition starting during the 2009-10 school year. The merger includes St. Francis High School in Wheaton and Wheaton Academy in West Chicago. Both schools encompass local students attending and participating in the sports venue of the respective schools. Academy Chief Operating Officer Jon Keith said, “The partnership exemplifies faith-based institutions working together to benefit students. It respects faith traditions while acknowledging differences.” Paul Linden, St. Francis High School Athletic Director added, “The name Suburban Christian Conference was deliberately chosen to represent the broader faith umbrella that encompasses both the traditional Catholic and Protestant institutions.” The SCC will continue to be associated with the Illinois High School Association.

     Wheaton Academy Junior Leah Fortune is one of the 17 players chosen to be a part of the 2008 Women’s World Cup under 20 Brazilian National Team. She was born in Brazil to American parents and holds dual citizenship.

     Winter months can find city crews working on broken water mains. “These are more common in winter, but, not necessarily because of extremely cold temperatures,” said Gary Ambrust, Water Quality Technician. “It all depends on weather conditions, soil temperature and soil moisture.” He explained, “In fact, if we have long periods of cold, there is less chance of breakage. The ground is stabilized and stops moving.” The fluctuations in temperatures as we have had this year—deep freeze, deep thaw—cause a thermal movement in the soil. “The land movement has a big effect on the cast iron water main pipes, characteristic of ones installed from the 1920s through the 60s. They are old and brittle, but when you consider their age, they have served for a wonderful amount of time.” The material used now for water pipes is ductile iron. Modern technology has allowed for more thorough testing and show they “can stand up to the job, but the proof is in the pudding, which will not be proved until 50 plus years down the line.”

     Although all the pipes are five and half feet below ground level, a norm for Northern Illinois, the repair time varies with type of break, horizontal or vertical; location; pipe material and size. “When we first look at the break, it is hard to ascertain how long it will take. Notifying affected residents about water cut off, we try to give a longer time than estimated. This provides a comfort zone.” A break of eight-inch water main pipe on Arbor Avenue involved about six hours to repair, but a 16-inch water main break on Hawthorne Lane, west of the EJ&E tracks, took 22 straight hours to repair,” said Ambrust. The majority of the breaks are on city property, which makes access for repair easier. A more difficult situation arises with pipes on easement property running in the back yards of homes. “Over a period of time, property owners build storage units and gardens, making access to the property very difficult,” he explained.

     Taking these and other factors into consideration, the city is seeing a need for a capital improvements agenda, explained Ambrust. “Often a project was street, sidewalks, curbs and driveways, all visible to the eye, but the old infrastructure remained, sometimes leading to a new look area having to be razed.” As you can see, there is more to the vital water main pipes than is seen by the naked eye.

     The West Chicago, Carol Stream and Wheaton Rotary Clubs recently were awarded a $26,000 matching grant for their International Humanitarian project to improve rural school infrastructure in Kabale, Uganda. Addressing rural school health conditions and providing educational literacy assistance, the monies will provide environmentally, friendly sanitation facilities for about 5,000 students, reducing exposure to cholera, dysentery and typhoid fever.