Around and About in West Chicago - 02 April 2008

     Christine Tenter, age 15, and Maureen Goitz, age 20, had a whirlwind of activities during their two-week visit here from Taufkirchen, Germany, our community’s Sister City. Goitz is a student at the University of Augsburg and plans to be a teacher. Tenter is a student at Realschule, studying in the field of business. Touring the various sites was facilitated in the fact that both speak and understand English. “We start learning English in 5th grade,” explained Tenter. “Here, we sometimes had a few problems as some people talk so fast or not clearly,” said Goitz.

     Since both enjoy walking, many of their visits at different locations in West Chicago were impromptu and not a planned tour. One such visit was the police station. “It was interesting.” It was difficult for the young women to make a comparison to ones in Germany, as “We have never been in a police station before,” said Tenter. There seem to be all kinds of police, such as chief, deputy chiefs and traffic,” stated Goitz. “I think they have more different guns here. Some are big.”

     Walking by the fire station on Fremont Street, Goitz and Tenter saw a fire truck outside and asked permission to take some pictures. “When the firemen asked if we wanted to help wash the truck, we left,” stated Tenter. During their walks, they noticed that homes here further apart than in Germany. “Here the spaces are wider and so many have their own yards and gardens,” explained Tenter.

     Another new experience was attending the Coffee with the Mayor. Giving each of them a City pin, Mayor Michael Kwasman said, “What they saw was a casual atmosphere with elected officials and constituents.” Tenter said, “I don’t think it would be that easy to meet and talk with our mayor,” Goitz agreed. “I think we would have to write a letter first.”  In addition to liking the talk with Kwasman, the young women liked the Dunkin Donuts served at the coffee.

     Participating in events and touring, they have been having a Taste of the Chicagoland area—the traditional boiled Irish St. Patrick’s Day dinner ay Sister Cities fundraiser, Mexican cuisine, pizza, Jelly Belly’s and M & M’s. “These are my favorite candies,” said Tenter. They also treated high school students to a delectable German candy favorite—Gummy Bears. “These are the best,” said Tenter.

     No trip is complete without shopping. Time was spent at Macy’s in Chicago and at Woodfield Mall to purchase gifts for family and friends. A little recreation came into play as they participated in Laser Tag. “We did not even know what it was, but really had fun playing it,” said Goitz. We are going to teach this game to our friends,” said Tenter.

     As host to the young women, Sandy Buckles said, “It was such fun. Yet, at times, they too needed to rest.” In all their travels in the area, both Tenter and Goitz agreed, “Everyone here is so friendly and open.” Goitz explained, “It is not that people in Taufkirchen are not friendly. They will help you if you ask. Here people just do it.” Both hope to visit America again.

AROUND AND ABOUT

     The high school adult education department offers free Citizenship Preparation classes and English as a Second Language Classes starting Monday April 7. The classes are from 7 to 9:15 p.m. Monday and Wednesdays, and Tuesdays and Thursdays. Registration is at 7 p.m. April 7. For further information call the high school at 630 876-6580.

     The annual town meetings of Illinois Townships are Tuesday, April 8. The Wayne Township meeting is at 7:30 p.m. in the Senior Center at the Township building, 27W031 North Ave. The Winfield Township meeting is at 8 p.m. at West Chicago City Hall, 475 Main St. Residents attending meet elected officials, hear brief reports of the Road Commissioner, Supervisor, Assessor and General Assistance Director.

     District 33 kindergarten registration for children, who will be 5 years old by Sept. 1, is from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 8, at Pioneer School, Wednesday, April 9 at Turner School, Thursday, April 10, at Wegner School. I will put the registration dates of the other three schools in next week’s column.

     An organizational meeting for Relay for Life West Chicago/Warrenville is at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 9, in room 197, at the high school, 326 Joliet St. At this time there are 20 teams and the committee is hoping for at least 10 more teams. The event takes place at 6 p.m. Friday, May 30, at the high school, 326 Joliet St To register a team, become a sponsor, volunteer or make a donation, call Mike Lair with the American Cancer Society at 630 932-1141.

     Faith Community Church, 910 Main St., is hosting a Life Line Screening from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, April 10. It is hosted by Central DuPage Hospital. Pre-registration is required and registrations may be made by calling 1 800 324-1851.

     Nancy Voss is the featured artist for the month of May at Gallery 200, 200 Mains St. Her media is oils. The artist’s reception is from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, April 11.

     Wheaton Academy’s Evening of Classics is at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 11, in the Fine Arts building, 900 Prince Crossing Road.

     Wayne/Winfield Area Youth/Family Services is celebrating its 25th Anniversary with a Luncheon and Silent Auction from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 15, at Augustino’s in Carol Stream. The ticket price is $20, which includes a $5 donation toward WAYS community programs. Raffle tickets also are available. Some of the services WAYS provides are youth tutoring by certified teachers, counseling by professional, licensed therapists, parenting classes, management classes and computer classes for low-income families and senior citizens. To make reservations for the luncheon, call WAYS at 630 231-7166.

     Swing, Latin and Jazz standards are just some of the styles of music to be heard with the performance of the Jim Guter Trio at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 16, at the library. 118 W. Washington St. The talented trio plays the keyboard, Bass and Saxophone/Clarinet. They perform at the Timpano Martini Bar and Chophouse in Naperville. The Friends of the West Chicago Public Library District sponsor the program. To make reservations call the adult services department at 630 231-1552, Ext. 4.

     The Historical Society hosts “America’s First Ladies” presented by “In Character: Jenny Riddle’s One Woman Shows” at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 17, at the Fox Community Center. Riddle is an accomplished storyteller, singer and speaker. The evening of entertainment is open to the public and there is no charge. Refreshments are served.

     The Park District’s Daddy Daughter Hoedown Date Night is from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, April 18, at Manville Oaks Park. The fun evening includes dancing, food and photos. The price is $45 and $25 for each additional daughter. Reservations are required by Wednesday, April 9 and may be made by calling the district office at 630 231-9474.

     Ward 6 Alderman Becky Stout was selected to be the chairman of the Community Affairs Committee.

     Sarah Pierpoint, a senior at Community High School, is the school’s Student of the Month for January. Much of Sarah’s extra curricular involvement has been in dance production, where she has excelled. She has also been involved in Pep Club and Poms for the past three years and Key Club her junior year. Sarah was chosen as a captain of Poms her senior year. Academically, Sarah is a member of the National Honor Society and Foreign Language Honors Society. She also has been designated an Illinois State Scholar. Sarah is a volunteer at the DuPage Convalescent Center. After graduation, she plans to attend either Illinois Wesleyan or Milliken University with a major major in elementary education and a minor in Spanish and dance.

     Gwen Dillingham is the park district’s new financial assistant.

     Senior Citizens age 65 or over may register for the RTA reduced Rate Card at the Park District, 157 W. Washington St. Required documents include a state issued identification, either a driver’s license or personal ID card, plus a passport-size photo about 1 ½ inch square.