Around and About in West Chicago - 13 Feb 2008

     The “rivalry” between West Chicago and Winfield emerged in two events that benefited several not-for-profit organizations. The fun started with the Shopping Cart “Race Against Hunger” Day, Feb. 7, at our local Jewel-Osco. DuPage County Farm Bureau sponsored the event in recognition of National Food Check-out Day. Although the contenders, West Chicago Mayor Michael Kwasman and Winfield Village President Rudy Czech, seemed somewhat “green” about grocery shopping, they “ripened” to the occasion with much enthusiasm.

      Trying to discover the expertise and strategy of the leaders of the two communities, I soon learned they had much in common. Experience in the kitchen was foreign to both. Czech openly admitted, “I do not COOK!” Kwasman echoed this sentiment and added, “I do not SHOP! Their lack of expertise became evident at the onset of the race as each warily eyed the grocery carts as if they were UFO’s.

     Michael Ashby, DuPage County Farm Bureau General Manager Michael Ashby, explained the rules of the Farm Bureau judges, Betty Pauling, Eleanor McCaslin and Vi Poling. A main ingredient of the race was that food items consist of wheat, soy or corn, main crops of Illinois. Other members of the Farm Bureau present were West Chicago residents Ellyn and Tom Feltes, owners of Sonny Acres.

     As Farm Bureau President Bob Brackmann started the clock for the 10-minute race, a mild form of chaos existed as Kwasman and Czech sped down the aisles to literally throw the foods into the carts. Supporters cheered them with each successful toss.

     As the whistle signaled the end of the race and items were totaled, it became clear that Czech was the leader in the challenge, 435-153. However, the true team winners of the race were the food pantries of Milton Township (Czech) and Northwest DuPage Walk-in Ministries (Kwasman). Ashby said the two community leaders collected $2,800 worth of goods. To make the distribution equal between the food pantries, the Farm Bureau presented a $784.39 check to Ken Walker from Northwest Ministries. Walker said, “It was a fun event and a win-win situation for us and Milton Township.” Jackie Jones from Milton Township agreed. “We are leaving with smiles and food to fill our shelves.”

     Adding to the coffers of the West Chicago food pantry, Kwasman and Nanette Connelly presented a $100 donation from 4 the People. Tom Feltes said, “The event was good for all of us. Next year, we should consider adding pumpkin ingredients to the list, one of the largest crops in our state.”

     Saturday almost 200 people braved the cold temperatures to attend the park district’s annual Firehouse Chili Fest. Participating were the Fire Districts of Addison, West Chicago, Winfield and the Red Shift (West Chicago Fire District).

     After tasting the offerings of chili made by the chefs of the fire departments, the crowd voted for Addison as the winner for the People’s Choice Award. However, three individuals were casting their votes based upon more than taste. These were the judges—Mayor Michael Kwasman, West Chicago resident Kevin Malony and John Karwoski, owner of John’s Buffet in Winfield. Karwoski explained that in addition to taste, “we also base our choice on texture and presentation.”

     Winning the Judge’s Choice Award was Winfield, first time for them. Addison had been the winner for four consecutive years. Kwasman, judging for the first time, said, “It was a tough experience. All four departments had good chili, definite closeness in scores.” Malony agreed. “Each year it gets harder to make a choice. All of them are making really good chili.” In addition to the chili, guests were able to savor desserts provided by the high school Key Club.

     Again the true winner was the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance Burn Camp. “Between ticket sales and the raffles, we raised almost $2,000,” said Anna Rosalez, park district recreation coordinator.

AROUND AND ABOUT

     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. Tickets are available at the District office, all district school main offices and at DuPage National Bank, 100 Main St. Proceeds benefit the Foundation goal of enhancing the quality of education and providing students and staff extended learning opportunities. For further information, call the District Director of Community Relations at (630) 293-6000, Ext. 201.

     Several West Chicago youths are actors in the Christian Youth Theatre production, “Godspell.” They are Christopher Jordan, Kai Libby, Karina Libby, Carly Turner, Dustin Turner, Natalie Turner, Annie York and Caroline York. Performances are at 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Feb. 14 and 15 and at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, at Timothy Christian High School, 188 W. Butterfield Road in Elmhurst. Advance ticket prices are $12 for adults and $9 for children. At the door, the ticket price is $14 for adults and $11 for children. For information, call (847) 516-2298.

     Coffee with The Mayor is from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, at City Hall. The Youth Commission meeting has been rescheduled to 9 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 23. The City Museum’s monthly craft program is from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15. Children of all age create trains, using various materials. For further information, call the Museum at (630) 231-3376.

     First United Methodist/First Congregational Church is having a Baked Potato Brunch at 11 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 17. Toppings for the potato “float” include chili, cheese, chives, sour cream, onions, mushrooms and bacon pieces. Fruit salad and beverages are provided. The cost for the brunch is $5 per potato, with proceeds benefiting missions.

     As we continue to read the benefits of chocolate (true chocolate lovers knew the plus side long before studies were conducted), the library’s chocolate program provides information on the history and the different types of chocolate. The tasteful evening is at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 20. Kim Tice of Kim’s Confections gives a hands-on presentation, which involves students sampling yummy products and then learning the dipping and molding process. Ooh, this should be a finger-licking good experience. Class size is limited to 15 and reservations can be made by calling the library at (630) 231-1552, Ext. 4.

     The fourth annual Bowling for Diabetes, sponsored this year by 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. The cost is $20 per person, which includes two games of bowling and appetizers. Other activities are raffles and entertainment, Rock-n-Soul with Danny. Bowlers are grouped six per lane. Proceeds benefit the American Diabetes Association. To purchase tickets, call (630) 231-3181.

     The West Chicago City Museum has Carson Community Day booklets available. The booklet includes a 10 percent off coupon and several discount coupons, which are valid, Saturday, March 1. The price is $5, which goes toward the restoration of the old depot.

     This winter season we have had a little more than 50 inches of snow, plus several ice storms, which have kept businesses and residents busy clearing away snow and salting sidewalks and driveways for safety. The same holds true for the city street crews, but covering a much larger area, to say the least. Public works Director Rob Flatter said the city has approximately 80 miles of streets. “In addition to the seven area routes, we also plow and salt alleys and city-owned parking lots and sidewalks,” explained Tim Wilcox, Superintendent of Streets.

     The time to clear all the included areas varies on the intensity of the storm. Because of the frequency of the storms, estimated to be about 30 times since the first of December, the city crews have been putting in overtime hours. “We try to limit the manpower time to 16 hours straight at the most, with the change of shifts,” said Wilcox.

     A large amount of salt has been used not only because of the frequency of the storms, but also because of the constantly changing temperatures. “We have used about 2,900 tons of salt so far,” said Flatter. “In April 2007 we reserved 2600 tons of salt from North American Salt Company through the Illinois Joint Purchasing Contract.”

     In January the city reserved an additional 1,500 tons of salt from Cargill Salt. Inc. Although the city has requested delivery of 700 tons from Cargill, “delivery has been delayed due to snow and demand. Cargill has been sending only about 40 tons per day. Normal shipment ranges from 100 to 200 tons per day.” Not wanting to see the supply depleted, the city reserved 500 tons for pick up from Cargill and sent semi-truck contractors to pick up the salt in LaSalle.

     The weather forecasts broadcasting, “Winter Storm Warning,” elicits the same groans from the city crew as vocalized by the rest of us—“Not again!” Wilcox reflects the opinion of most of us, “I am looking forward to spring!”

     With the goal of problem solving at the second annual Science Olympiad Saturday, Feb. 2, at the Middle School, students became quite creative in the construction of a Rube Goldberg device designed to either water a plant or throw a tennis ball 20 feet. Students had to construct devices that took one minute to complete the task. In the Plant Watering division,

     First place was awarded to the team of Sarah Ratliff and Kaitlyn Tynczuk. Second place went to the team of James Morgan, Luke Smith, Davis Steinbrecher and Ben Stibal. Third place was awarded to the team of Isle Briseno and Pam Campos.

     In the Tennis Ball Throwing division, First place was awarded to Tony Carroso, Second place to the team of Jonathan Cunningham and Dylan Dewey, and Third place was awarded to the team of Rabely Banuelos, Noemi Cinto, Edgar Esteban, Dulce Flore, and Zimeon Zenteno.

     In the Daily Herald’s Tuesday, Feb. 5 “Meet the Principal,” series, Dr. Moses Cheng of our high school was the featured principal. In an earlier issue, Benjamin Middle School principal, Andrea Paterala was highlighted. I really enjoy these series as it shows the personal side to the individuals, who play a major role in the education of our children.

     The Wheaton Academy Mock Trial Team continues to surge forward in competition. Competing against sixteen of the largest schools Feb. 8 in Lake County, the team finished in second place. The prior weekend, the team was the second place winner in the Kane County Tournament. The academy’s next challenge is Feb. 15 at the DuPage County Invitational, the largest independent Mock Trial tournament in Illinois. Twenty-eight teams compete.

     When shopping at Office Depot, indicate Community High School District 94’s ID number 70035133 at the time of your purchase. The school then receives credit equal to five percent of the qualified purchase to use for free supplies. For further information on this fundraiser, call Dan McCarthy at (630) 876-7220 or e-mail at dmccarthy@d94.org.