Around and About in West Chicago - 23 April 2008

     The opening reception for the two new exhibits at the City Museum Friday is from 6 to 8p.m. Friday, May 2. “Century of Progress” exhibits Chicago’s 1933-34 World’s Fair through the eyes of local residents. The display has souvenirs collected by residents, plus photos. Some of the artifacts in the display are penguin salt and peeper shakers, ashtray, crumb tray and scoop with images of the Fair, postcards, American Can Company metal bank, Union Pacific token of the M-100000 train, pocket watch and bookmarks. Children have the opportunity to attend a World’s Fair first hand in the area set up to replicate the experience.

     “Building Community: Creating a Dialogue about Mexican Contribution to West Chicago through Oral Histories” displays oral histories of Mexican immigrants to West Chicago. A Save Our History Grant made the exhibit possible from The History Channel.

     Based on the Building Community exhibit and an expansion of the grant, the museum has developed a traveling exhibit, “Creating Mexican Identities: Multiple Voices, Shared Dreams,” to be displayed at various locations in the Midwest, starting with schools in surrounding communities and Chicago. Through photographs and oral histories, the exhibit shows links of Mexican immigrants and other immigrants’ experiences in the Midwest. “The televised components are comprised of interviews conducted by Community High School students and Museum staff,” explained Sarah Phelan, Museum Registrar. “Our time frame is to have the exhibit go on the road by the end of summer.” Phelan presented the Building Community project to the Association for the Study of Law, Culture and the Humanities at the University of California in Berkeley on March 28. “It was a nice way to introduce them to West Chicago.”

AROUND AND ABOUT

     The Garden Club meeting is at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 24, at Faith Community Church, 910 Main St. Dan Costa discusses insect pests in the garden and control using both chemical and non-chemical methods. The meeting is open to the public.

     Wheaton Academy Spring Instrumental Concert is at 7 p.m. Friday, April 25.

     The Foundation for Educational Excellence for School District 33 is selling tickets for its $10,000 college scholarship. The sale ends Friday, April 25. The ticket price is $20 and only 1,000 tickets will be sold. Second prize is a $500 savings bond donated by DuPage National Bank. Tickets are available in the main office of all District 33 schools, the District office at 312 E. Forest Ave. and DuPage National Bank, 101 Main St. For further information, call Becky Koltz, District 33 Director of Community Relations at (630) 293-6000 Ext. 201, or e-mail at koltzb@wegod33.k12.il.us.

     The High School Prom is from 6:30 to 11 p.m. Friday, April 25, at the Carlisle in Lombard. The theme is “Lights, Camera, Action.” After Prom takes place at Lifetime Fitness in Bloomingdale.

     Observance Earth Day Illinois Prairie Path in cooperation with Friends of Great Western Trail annual clean up takes place Saturday, April 26. Rotary Club member Dave Jedlicka and his wife, Kandy, once again are coordinators for the Elgin branch at Prince Crossing Road. Volunteers should meet between 8 and 9 a.m. at the parking lot just north of the trail crossing on Prince Crossing Road, across from Forming America Company. Volunteers should wear sturdy shoes or boots, long-sleeved shirts and long pants, gloves and bring at least two garbage bags. Jedlicka may be reached at (630) 293-7214. The coordinator for West Chicago Geneva Spur is Steve Sentoff and can be reached at (630) 293-1627.

     West Chicago Sister Cities presents German Movie Night at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 26, in the Fine Arts building at Wheaton Academy, 900 Prince Crossing Road. The featured cinema is “The Edukators.”

     The West Chicago Chamber of Commerce again is a one of the major participants in the 15th Annual Rolling Down the River Expo from noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 30, at the Pheasant Run Mega Center, 4051 Main St. in St. Charles. With more than 200 business exhibitors, this event is the largest business expo in the western suburbs.

     The library’s Books for Lunch program is at noon Thursday, May 1. Kathy Reuter from University of Illinois Extension discusses the perfect vacation getaway. She focuses on security and safety issues, air travel issues since 9/11 and travel issues outside the United States. Instead of bringing your own lunch to this program, bring a salad to share.

     “The Faces and Places of China” is the library’s program at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 1. World traveler Bill Helmuth shares his experiences in China, focusing on cultural perspectives, art, architecture and religious traditions. For further information or to make reservations for either program, call the library adult services department at (630) 231-1552, Ext. 4.

     Featured artists at Gallery 200 for the month of May are Heide Morris and Cheryl Mahowald. Morris is exhibiting her pastel paintings and some of her watercolors. Mahowald displays collages and book journals, which are created from her own papermaking. The artists’ reception is from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, May 2.

     “Evening in the Furnace” program is at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 2, at in the Fine Arts Center at Wheaton Academy, 900 Prince Crossing Road. Students in the school’s Furnace Company, provide an evening of entertainment through dance and comedy improv.

     The park district’s annual Dog Park special event is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The park is located in the northwestern edge of Reed-Keppler Park. The event serves as a chance for users to sign up or renew their dog park permits. Programs planned include a dog-training exhibition, a dog obedience demonstration, a “Pooch Parade, a 50/50 raffle and treats. The permit fee is $36 for residents, $48 for nonresidents and $24 VIP. For further information call Jill Novak at (630) 231-9474.

     All eight District 33 Parent-Teacher Organizations are involved in the We Go Run— a 5K run/walk, 10K and children's races, which are a 1-mile run for children ages 6 to 12 and a 100-yard Kids Dash for children ages 8 and under. The race begins at 8 a.m. at Community High School's Memorial Stadium Sunday, May 4, Registration fees for the 5K walk/run and 10K run are $20.00 on or before May 2, and $25.00 after this date. The 1-mile run is $8.00 in advance and $10.00 on race day. The Kids Dash, which begins at 9:30 a.m., is free but registration is required. Proceeds benefit all District 33 schools. The medal and trophy presentation takes place at 9:45 a.m.

     Race day also has a "family fitness" approach with a variety of activities to help children be active and healthy. Finish Strong Indoor Sportsplex provides free baseball, soccer, and lacrosse clinics. Other free activities for youths include a moon jump, an inflatable obstacle course and mechanical pig races. Volunteers helping with the run are District 33 parents and teachers, the Community High School girls’ softball team, and local Girl Scout and Boy Scout troops. Registration forms are available at District 33 schools and online at www.wegoed33.k12.il.us, click "Communications." Registration with a credit card can be completed online at www.signmeupsports.com/59369. For further information call Becky Koltz, Director of Community Relations, at (630) 293-6000, ext. 201.

     The 31st annual “80 & Over” Open House is from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 4, at the American Legion Hall, 132 Main St. The Park District, American Legion Post 300 and the Legion Auxiliary host the event.

     Now that Spring finally has sprung, we really can delve into the task of cleaning attics, basements and closets. Once this is accomplished, we then need to make the disposal decision. The park district comes to the rescue with its “Junk in the Trunk” event from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 10. You not only can “be green”, but also “earn some green.” Rent a 9x15-foot space in the Turtle Splash (Aquatic Center) parking lot for only $10 or two spaces for $15. Reservations are required by Friday, May 2, and may be made by calling the district office at (630) 231-9474.

     The city’s sixth annual Citywide Collection is on regularly scheduled waste pick up days from Monday, May 5, through Friday, May 9. Residents can dispose of an unlimited amount of trash. This does not include yard waste. Eight “universal” stickers are required. Helpful hint—affix stickers to your 35 or 95-gallon cart or something that is definitely a throw away item; otherwise you may see your stickers “walk away” if people decide your trash is their treasure. For a list of acceptable or unacceptable items, check www.westchicago.org. or call Michelle Baldino at (630) 293-2255.

     Mayor Michael Kwasman presents the “State of the City” address at the Chamber luncheon Thursday, May 7, at St. Andrews Country Club, 3N441 Route 59. Highlights of the speech include development, legislative changes, marketing and review of the city’s financial condition. Doors open at 11 a.m. and lunch is served 11:30 a.m. Since the kitchen at St. Andrews is undergoing a major remodeling project, Pal Joey’s restaurant is catering the meal. The cost is $21.50 for chamber members and $30 for nonmembers. To make reservations, call the chamber office at (630) 231-3003 or online at www.westchicagochamber.com. The deadline for reservations is Monday, May 5. Seating will be available for persons wanting to only attend the presentation.

     The park district’s senior citizen May social gathering revolves around a Las Vegas theme. The fun time begins at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, May 8, at the Easton Park Community Center. Bring a dish to pass and a full place setting. Reservations are needed by Thursday, May 1. Call (630) 231-9474.

     The Dollar Tree in West Chicago, Routes 59 and 64, has a collection box for Support the Troops donations to be shipped to the troops overseas in time for Memorial Day. Persons can either purchase an item to ship or put a soldier’s name on the mailing list. Donations bought elsewhere also are acceptable. The deadline is May 11.

     At the April 21 meeting, City Council passed an ordinance, which provides the City to lower the speed limits in construction zones to 25 miles per hour. The minimum fine for a first violation is $250 and the minimum fine for a second or subsequent violation is $750.

     Sixth grade students in the gifted program at Pioneer School are involved in a community-solving project to improve the school’s playground. Working under the guidance of teacher Kathy Grogan, they have raised $1, 000 of their goal of $1,500, received some in-kind donations and found volunteers to help with the project. Beginning at 8 a.m., Saturday, April 19, they worked with the volunteers to replace damaged boards in the chip containment area, add more wood chips, paint playground equipment, make more handicapped accessible, install a bench and a weather friendly garbage can to help control litter.

     Beginning at dusk on Saturday evenings Augustino’s Rock and Roll Deli, 300 N. Neltnor Blvd. is turning down the lights and lighting candles for couples to enjoy “Romance on a Budget,” designed for the practical romantic. The idea evolved from the restaurant’s participation in Earth Hour, “when both customers and staff had fun,” said owner Jerry Morelli. With such original ideas to make dining out a fun experience plus serving delicious foods, it is not a surprise that customers praised Augustino’s, which led to the restaurant’s award as the “Best of the Burbs Deli/Sub Place” in Nitelife Magazine. Upon discovering they were selected, Cathy Morelli said, “Hot Diggity!! We are equally excited and honored with the title and plan to wear it loud and proud all year long.”

     The high school held its annual Job Fair for students during lunch times from Monday, April 14, through Friday, April 18. Each day three different companies visited the school to explain job opportunities available, either for summer or year-round employment. The event is sponsored through the high school’s Education to Careers grant and West Chicago and Winfield Chambers.

     Businesses on hand were College Pro Painters, Community Resource Centers and Fifth Third Bank. Mike Savegnago, a 2004 Community High School graduate, is the owner of the College Pro Painters franchise, which includes West Chicago, Warrenville and Carol Stream. “The franchise fits well with my entrepreneur major. Last year we painted the exteriors of 36 homes and this year I have 80 to paint.” He was hoping to hook up with three to four students, ages 17 and older, for painting or as job site managers.

     Alma Reyes, Assistant director for Community Resource Centers, said, “We are looking for youths 16 years of age or older to be peer mentors at our resource centers. They help the kids at the centers with their homework” or other after school activities. She added that persons who are mentors “need to be outgoing and self starters.” The three resource centers are Westwood, Main Park and Riverwoods apartment complexes.

     The representative for Fifth Third Band was Karen Jackson, Relationship Manager. Persons must be at least 18 years old to be hired by a bank. Working at a bank is a great opportunity for students. We can tailor the hours to correspond with their classes. It is a great way to ease into the business world,” she said. Peggy Peach, Cooperative Work Training and Tech Prep Coordinator, said, “We try to get a variety of businesses to participate, allowing the youths to see the different jobs available and possibly find employment.

     Larry Bauer has been appointed to the Library Board of Trustees, replacing Bob Wetegrove who resigned from the board in January.

     The Wheaton Academy Mock Trial Team completed a most successful season in its 10-year history, finishing fourth or better in all regular season tournaments and six different individuals received All-Tournament recognition at various times. Seniors Libby Baker and Heather Dede received their second All-state Awards as Outstanding Attorney and Outstanding Witness, respectively. Sophomore Ashley Pivaronas received All State Recognition as Outstanding Attorney. Assistant coaches of the team were Rich Baker and Ryan Hall. The coach is Jon Keith.

     Winners in the Park Districts Earth Day coloring contest are Alexis Roldan, first place; Matthew Reithknecht, second place and Maggie Smith, third place.

     High School senior Chelsea Steck is the recipient of the first place award in the Union League Club of Chicago’s annual “Democracy in Action” competition. She received the award based on her democracy and citizenship advocacy on local and global levels. Her activities include mentoring political refugee children through World Relief, volunteering as an election judge in the First Judge program, serving homeless people at the People’s Resource Center in Wheaton and traveling to New Orleans to help rebuild homes destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. Steck is a member of the National Honor Society and is an Ellen Browning Scripps Scholar.