Around and About in West Chicago - 15 May 2008

School principal Nancy Coughlin said, “St. Mary’s has its challenges—one of them being that the school does not have a gym. However, we do have a physical education program and we do participate in after school sports programs. Gus has kept us on our toes and never ceased to amaze us.“ Parents and parishioners agree. His dedication and commitment to our school is a remarkable act of service and he will be truly missed.”

Designating May 18 2008 as Gus Kimball Day, the mayoral proclamation, read at the May 5 City Council meeting, noted, “Mr. Kimball encouraged the students to do their best, have fun and always demonstrate good sportsmanship because he believed that athletics helped young adults become well-rounded and responsible individuals.

The reunion event begins with a special Mass at 10 a.m. The honorary dedication of Garden Street as Gus Kimball Way is at 11 a.m. Mayor Michael Kwasman will make the presentation. This is the first honorary street name sign in the city. In order for this to occur, the City had to develop and pass an ordinance to allow honorary street signs in the city.

The open house reunion luncheon is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Boondocks, formerly King James Restaurant, 1200 W. Hawthorne Lane. Participating in the 1 p.m. formal ceremony are Kimball‘s oldest son, David; Alec Gizzi, a former coach, and Coughlin.

He and his late wife, Ardis, had been married for 57 years and raised eight children. Kimball was an employee at Western Electric for 45 years. Upon retirement, he worked part time for more than 20 years at Murphy’s Ace Hardware.

AROUND AND ABOUT

The high school presents “Grease,” a l950s Rock ‘N Roll musical, at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, May 15, 16 and 17, in Weyrauch Memorial Auditorium. Ticket price is $5 for adults and $3 for students.

Western DuPage Special Recreation Association presents “Fiesta Fun” at its 21st annual Performing Arts Recital. The free program takes place from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, May 16, at St. Francis School, 2130 Roosevelt Road, in Wheaton. The evening showcases the talented performers in a variety of the arts programs offered by WDSRA, a cooperative extension of nine park districts, including West Chicago.

West Chicago Sister Cities presents German movie night at 7 p.m. Friday, May 16, at Wheaton Academy, 900 Prince Crossing Road. The movie is “Mostly Martha,” a romantic comedy directed by Sandra Nettlebeck. There is no charge.

West Chicago artist Fredericka Howard is one of the 180 artists participating in the 47th Springfield Old Capital Art Fair. The juried show takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 17, and from 10 to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 18. Howard will exhibit colored pencil artwork, plus some etchings. This is her 15th year of participation.

Pioneer School, 615 Kenwood Ave., is holding a rummage sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday May 17. The school started a smoke detector installation program in 2006. Sale proceeds will be used to purchase and install smoke detectors in the homes of new kindergarten students this fall.

Blooming Fest is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 17, in the historic downtown area. The event includes the Garden Club’s plant sale, crafts, merchandise and garden information from the 80 participating vendors, entertainment and food—something for everyone.

Coffee with The Mayor is from 9 a.m. to noon May 17 at the Blooming Fest City booth.

More than 60 artists submitted flower-themed artwork for the Community Art Banner Project. Ten pieces were selected. Judges were Jesse Felix, park district superintendent of parks; Anni Holm, artist and director at Orleans Street Gallery, and Brian Reis, assistant curator at the Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust and form City Museum curator. The reproductions are exhibited now through September 2008 on Main Street lampposts in the downtown area. The featured artists are Carrie Auwaerter, Catie Barron, Clifford Brown, Nino Despota, John Rakow, Mandy Rakow, James A. Schnaitman, Kathy Steere, Samantha Weibler and Joe Weibler. The artists’ reception is from 2 to 4 p.m. May 17 at Gallery 200. Guests have the opportunity to vote for their favorite artist/banner to receive the People’s Choice Award.

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6791 is having a Steak Fry from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, May 17. The $13 price includes individually cooked steak, baked potato, vegetables, salad and dessert. Hot dogs or a vegetarian plate are available for $4. Perfect way to end the day after Blooming Fest—chatting with friends and, best of all, no cooking, after a busy day.

As part of its 15th anniversary celebration, Community Fellowship Church, 28W240 North Ave., is hosting an Evening of Comedy featuring Kenn Kington at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 17. Kington has been performing for more than 15 years and is the creator of Ultimate Comedy Theater. There is no charge for the program, which provides laughter for all ages. Sunday Bill Crawford, a former pastor of the church is the guest speaker at the 9 and 11 a.m. services.

During the month of May the high school presents its annual Spring Band, Choir and Orchestra concerts. The Band Concert, featuring the concert band, symphonic band and percussion ensembles takes place at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 20. The Jazz Band and Jazz Combo concert is at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 27. The Orchestra and Choir Concerts are at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 29. Steve Govertsen is the band and orchestra director and Brandon Fantozzi is the choir director.

Gibby’s Wine Den in Geneva presents “wine tasting around the world” at the Middle School’s second Wine Tasting and Gift fundraiser from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, May 21, at Pal Joey’s, 440 E. Roosevelt Road. The cost is $15 per person. For further information or to reserve a ticket, call Julie Pearson at (630) 933-8413 or e-mail racetime21@hotmail.com.

The Garden Club meeting is at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 22, at Faith Community Church, 910 Main St. The speaker, Dave Wanniger, discusses herbaceous and tree peonies.

Members of American Legion Post 300 and the Ladies Auxiliary are in charge of the Buddy Poppy program this year. Each year this program is alternated between the Legion and VFW Post 6791. Members are selling the red poppies, made by disabled veterans, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday May 23, and 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 24. Locations are Jewel on Roosevelt Road, DuPage National Bank on Main Street, State Bank of Illinois on E. Washington Street and Sandpiper Restaurant, across the street from the bank. The Community Memorial Day service is at 10 a.m. Monday, May 26, at Oakwood Cemetery.

Congratulations to Chuck and Shirley Schramer, who celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary May 10.

VFW Post 6791 officers for 2008-09 are Steve Bennier, commander; Rich Guyser, Sr. vice commander; Douglas Tittman, jr. vice commander; Andy Escobedo, quartermaster; Paul Sticksel, adjutant; Charles Scheckel, chaplain and Don Smith, officer of the day and 3-year trustee. Other officers are Rich Mastaler, surgeon; Ken Richardt, historian; Theo Moore, service officer; William Bridgeforth, judge advocate; Tony Lio, guard; Charles Schramer, 2-year trustee and Bob Gustafson, 1-year trustee. VFW Post 6791 Ladies Auxiliary officers are Terry Adams, president; Pam Brugoto, sr. vice president; Dawn Marie Griffin, jr. vice president; Lois Mastaler, secretary; Terry Escobedo, treasurer; Carol Phillips, chaplain and Shirley Whennen, conductress. Other officers are Dorothy Tugana, guard and 1-year trustee; Sylvia Buckley, 3-year trustee; Pat Scheckel, 2-year trustee; Nancy Smith patriotic instructor and Joyce Roman, historian.

With the resignation of Martin Swinney, there now is an opening on the School District 33 Board of Education. Swinney is making a career change and moving to Florida. He was appointed to fulfill the unexpired term of Joe Lach. The term ends April 2009. Information packets are available at the District Office, 312 E. Forest Ave. Letters of interest are due by Friday, May 30. For further information, call Gayl Zuardo, secretary to the superintendent, at (630) 293-6000, Ext. 203.

Scott Marksberry is the new business/computer science teacher at Wheaton Academy. He also assumes the position as coach to the girls’ soccer program.

Our police department received a Law Enforcement Accreditation Award from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies March 15 at the CALEA Spring Conference in Atlanta. Ga. This is the third time that the West Chicago Police Department has received this award; the first being in 2002.

The award signifies our police department has successfully met a body of internationally recognized professional standards. CALEA was established as an independent accrediting authority in 1979 by the four major law enforcement executive associations, which are the International Association of Chiefs of Police, National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, National Sheriffs’ Association and Police Executive Research Forum. To meet the criteria of the written standards for this award, law enforcement agencies participate in a process that involves a commitment of personnel and other resources, which can take up to 36 months. During the time frame, all aspects of the department’s policies, procedures, management, operations and support services are examined in detail. Additionally there is a detailed self-assessment and on-site review by a team of outside CALEA assessors, plus the community has the opportunity to submit comments and observations. Approximately only a little more than three percent of the police departments in the United States have this accreditation. We definitely have reasons to be extremely proud of our police department as they continue to meet the high standards set by CALEA.

Matt Youngwith is the High School Student of the Month for April. The American Association of Physics Teachers named him Physics Student of the Year. He received the Illinois State Scholar Award and was recognized for outstanding achievement in the Civil Air Patrol’s Aerospace Education Excellence Award program. Youngwith has played high school golf and baseball all four years. He also has been involved in various community service volunteer activities. Upon graduation, Youngwith plans to attend either Milwaukee School of Engineering or Northern Illinois University.

St. Mary’s School held its Artists in Residence Day Friday, May 9. The highlighted artists were Cheryl Mahowald-paper making, Brian Busch-oils, Peggy Saul-mosaics, Judith Niemet- collages and Kathy Manna-clay.

West Chicago resident Busch media is both in oils and pastels. Some of his artwork is displayed at the Niche in Geneva and he also has had private shows at various galleries in the Chicagoland area. Mahowald, Saul, Manna and Niemet are participating artists at The Fine Line Creative Arts Center in St. Charles. Mahowald is one of the featured artists for May at Gallery 200.

“The artists interact so well with the students and it seems to be a good experience for both,” said Gail West-Hooper, volunteer fine arts chair. Saul agreed, “The youth are enthusiastic with the hands-on-experience and we have fun teaching them a little bit about our art.”

With their hands full of artwork created at this event, 7th graders Matt McClure, Marie Santora and Nick Contreras said this art time is one of the best. Santora emphasized, “This is my favorite special thing at school.” Contreras said, “I am not good at art, but I enjoy this. ” McClure added, “It is fun to try out the different types of art.”

Kramer Tree Specialists have moved to their new building at 300 Charles Court.

More than 90 persons attended the Chamber “State of the City” luncheon May 7 at St. Andrews Golf Club. Pal Joey’s Restaurant catered the meal. Mayor Michael Kwasman’s speech highlighted the city’s fiscal responsibility and continuing growth, both business and residential. Referring to the economic downturn, he said, “Through thoughtful assessment, creative planning and fiscally responsible decision-making, West Chicago is riding the storm and steering its own destiny. Our Economic Development program is designed to increase and diversify the City’s sales and real estate tax bases, allowing us to become more self sufficient….generating revenues from within the City, thereby reducing our dependency on outside revenue sources.”

He mentioned some noteworthy new developments. These include Kipling, the mixed-use development at Atlantic and North Avenue, the opening of Springbrook Market in the Oliver Square Shopping Plaza and the development agreement for the southwest corner Route 59 and Main Street. Persons may read the speech in its entirety on the city web site www.westchicago.org. under current news or request a mailed copy by calling City Hall at (630) 293-2200. The presentation will be aired on Channel 17.

Students from the high school participated in a PBS on-line news forum hosted by Judy Woodruff on the News Hour. The forum was April 25. Students were Krista Kraus, Megan Scott, Ryan Russell and Kristian Mendoza. The broadcast can be heard in its entirety at: http://www.pbs.org/newshour/insider/politics/jan-june08/extra_04-25.html