Around and About in West Chicago - 04 June 2008

     Through special events sponsored by the Friends of the West Chicago City Museum and the Park District, the history of the Civil War comes alive for all ages. The Friends of the Museum celebrate Flag Day from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 14, with a Lawn Party at the Currier Reed home, 241 E. Washington St. Special guests are President Abe Lincoln and his wife, Mary Todd Lincoln, depicted by Max and Donna Daniels, and Arvilla Currier Clark, daughter of the William Currier, the original owner of the 1876 home. She also was one of the first schoolteachers in the community. Janet Gilliland of Accents on History is the interpreter. President Lincoln delivers his Flag Day speech. “President Lincoln was very much into the symbolism of the flag and particular about not removing any of the stars during the Civil War,” explained City Museum Director LuAnn Bombard. Thus an American flag craft project is part of the planned children’s activities from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Civil War Children’s games include Hoops and Graces, both offering a small challenge and lots of fun. Wanting to become better acquainted with the youth, President Lincoln plans to read a very special story to the children. Guests can feast on beverages and delicious desserts while listening to authentic Civil War era music presented by the Battlefield Balladeers. The ticket prices are $15 per person, $25 per couple, $30 per family, with discounted rates for members of Friends of the West Chicago City Museum Museum. To purchase tickets or for further information, call the City Museum at (630) 231-3376.

     Through an overnight campout, the park district is hosting a Civil War Encampment Saturday, June 21, at Manville Oaks. Families set up camp and learn about the Civil War in a fun and historic manner. Grant, Lee, Custer and Company provides insights about the War and the daily lives of the soldiers and their wives. Battlefield Balladeers play music of that era. Campsite set up is from 3 to 5 p.m. A cooking demonstration and dinner is from 5 to 6:30 p.m. The park district provides the meal of beef stew, bread and pie and campers supply their own place setting. Between 6:30 and 8 p.m., there is a general performance and Museum demonstration. Generals Ulysses S. Grant, Robert E. Lee and George A. Custer demonstrate how they planned strategies for the war—a true highlight is the reenactment of General Lee’s surrender. The City Museum staff share West Chicago’s part in the Civil War, telling about participation of the local families. Generals visit the family campsites from 8 to 10 p.m. Families then have the opportunity to visit the generals at their campsites. The charge is $50 for a family of four and $10 for each additional person. For further information or to make reservations, call the Park District office at (630) 231-9474.

AROUND AND ABOUT

     West Chicago Middle School graduation is at 7 P.m. Thursday, June 5, at Community High School.

     Benjamin Middle School graduation is at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 5.

     Richard Byrne is the featured artist for the month of June at Gallery 200. The exhibit is a retrospective of his philatelic woodcarvings done between 1985 and 2003. Also he shows R&D material, other philatelic items and promotional brochures. The American Philatelic Society recognizes Byrne as one of only two known practitioners of the art form and the only one currently active. The artist’s reception is from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, June 6.

     St. Mary’s Parochial School eighth grade graduation is at 7 p.m. Friday, June 6, in the church, 140 N. Oakwood Ave. A reception follows in St. Frances Hall.

     The City Museum’s monthly craft program for children is from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 7. Using felt and construction paper, children make regiment Civil War Flags. Museum registrar Sara Phalen explained, “Each town or county had a specific flag for its regiment.” The free program is open to children of all ages.

     Our police department is participating in the 23rd annual Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Sunday, June 8. Part of the route runs through West Chicago this year, coming off Geneva Road to Route 59 to Roosevelt Road. The scheduled time is 9:40 to 10 a.m. Without the support of individuals and organizations, many of these special needs athletes would not have the means for transportation and housing needed to participate in the Summer Games, explained West Chicago Police officer Fred Cadena. To donate, make checks payable to Law Enforcement Torch Run and either drop off or mail to West Chicago Police Department, 325 Spencer St., West Chicago, IL 60185. For further information, call the Officer Cadena at (630) 293-2222.

     Community High School’s 103rd commencement is at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 8, in Bishop Gymnasium.

     The 32nd annual and final Midwest Railroadiana and Transportation Show & Sale is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, June 8, at Kane County Fairgrounds in St. Charles. Former West Chicago residents, Bev and Phil Birk, are the organizers. Considered one of the largest shows in the United States, it has a vast display of memorabilia highlighting the world of travel in the past. The admission price is $5 per person. Children are free.

     The park district is presenting a re-design of Pioneer Park, which will be submitted for a grant. The presentation is at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 11, in the Administrative office, 157 W. Washington St.

     The park district’s senior citizen month social is at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, June 12, in the Lion’s Pavilion at Reed-Keppler Park. The district provides the hot dogs, desserts and place settings. Persons attending bring a dish to pass. After lunch, guests can tour Turtle Splash Water Park and swim. The charge for the pool party event is $3. Reservations are needed by Thursday, June 5, and may be made by calling the district office at (630) 231-9474.

     Faith Community Church, 910 Main St., is having a Rummage Sale/Flea Market from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 14. A portion of the proceeds benefits the mission trip in July to Chiapas, Mexico.

     State Rep. Randy Ramey (R-55-Carol Stream) is holding a blood drive for Heartland Blood Centers from 8 a.m. to noon, Saturday, June 14, at his district office, 1883 N. Neltnor Blvd. For further information, call his office at (630) 876-0703.

     The Rotary Club is hosting a Texas Hold ’Em from 2 p.m. Saturday, June 14, to 2 a.m. Sunday, June 15, at Tivoli Galleria, 956 N. Neltnor Blvd. Persons attending may either join in or observe this popular poker game. There is no admission charge. Proceeds benefit local and international projects.

     First United Methodist and Congregational Vacation Bible School for children age 3 through 6th grade is from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, June 16, to Friday. June 20. The theme is “Beach Party: Surfing’ through the Scriptures.” For further information, call the Methodist church office at (630) 231-3344.

     Gallery 200 is sponsoring a Kid’s Photo Contest, “Picture This.” The theme focus is people, places and things. Age groups are 1st and 2nd grade, 3rd and 4th grade, 5th and 6th grade and 7th and 8th grade. Entry forms are available at the Gallery, 200 Main St. Photos must be submitted by Wednesday, July 16. For further information, call the Gallery at (630) 293-9550.

     Currier School Student Rosalba Herrera was the first place fifth grade winner in the Second Annual Metra Safety Poster Contest. The judges said her entry best illustrated this year’s contest theme, “Play It Safe: Look, Listen and Live.” Her design will be distributed to hundreds of schools in Northeastern Illinois and will be featured on Metra’s Web site, in station displays, on Metra’s 2009 safety calendar and monthly tickets.

     Although storm warnings moved the Relay for Life for West Chicago/ Warrenville Opening Ceremony into the high school field house, the rest of the activities took place outside. The 30 plus team participants displayed much enthusiasm for the annual American Cancer Society local fundraiser Friday, May 30.

     Blue skies and a gentle breeze provided the perfect weather for Touch-A-Truck, sponsored by the park district and police department, Saturday, May 31. The happy squeals from children and laughter from parents and grandparents, mixed with the blasting horns of the construction and service trucks and sirens of emergency equipment, brought forth a musical rhapsody of fun. Park district recreation coordinator Anna Rosalez said, “ We had more trucks this year. Businesses were calling us to participate. Officer Tony Quarto again did a superb job of organizing this popular event.”

     For more than a year, a committee has been meeting to discuss the concept of bringing 6th graders to the Middle School for academic and extracurricular reasons. The committee went into a hiatus with the enrollment study by School District 33 Board of Education confirming an increase in students in the next five years. The board members discussed building and/or addition options to accommodate additional students. After obtaining feedback from staff and Parent Teacher Organizations, the board believes the most economical and educationally effective choice is the building of an addition to accommodate 6th graders from the entire district at the Middle School. Many details needed to be studied, such as placement of the addition, building access and parking, and field usage. Projects also include improvements at elementary school buildings. It is anticipated the addition and improvements can be completed without a tax increase. However voter approval still needs to be obtained before the work can begin. As of now, the targeted completion date is the summer of 2011. Information on the project will be available from Key Communicator messages, school district newsletters and community meetings.

     Upon her retirement as Records Clerk for the Police Department, Fran Haagenson was recognized for her 20 years of service through as proclamation at the June 2 City Council meeting. She received two Department Awards of Merit in 1995 and 1996 for improving relations with the police department, the community and organizations. Not only was Haagenson very professional in her work, but also had a delightful sense of humor. On a personal note, I will miss Hearing Fran’s cheerful voice when I call the police department.