At Home with Merle Burleigh – November 2, 2022

MERLE’S CORNER

It is November with craft sales a mainstay of the month. It is always such a pleasure finding the one item that someone will treasure. Quite a few of them have bake sales; one way to satisfy a sweet tooth, plus can give one extra energy while shopping. Enjoy!

AROUND AND ABOUT

• West Chicago Lion’s Club and West Chicago Rotary Club hold a new and gently used coats and outer winter wear drive. In addition to coats, items needed are hats, gloves and scarves. Drop off deadline is Monday, Nov, 7, 2022. Drop off Locations: are West Chicago Library 118 E. Washington St.; West Chicago City Hall, 475 Main St.; West Chicago Park District ARC Center,  201 W. National St.; 1The UPS Store, 1879 N. Neltnor Blvd.; Republic Bank101 Main St. and 105 E. Roosevelt Road;  FNBC Bank & Trust 600 E. Washington St.; Ace Hardware,  319 s. Mentor Blvd.; Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road; , Ball Horticultural Co., 622 Town Road;  Pal Joey’s Restaurant, 440 E. Roosevelt Road;  West Chicago Community High School, 326 Joliet St.;  Augustino’s  Rock and Roll Deli & Grill, 300 E. North Ave. and 245 S. Schmale road in Carol Stream; West Chicago & Carol Stream[ Bunker Bar & Grill, 216 Main St. and North Avenue Pub  & Grill, 27W371 North Ave.

The distribution of the donated items  for adults and children in need is from 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Nov. 12, at the ARC Center. (www.merleburl.com)

• To gather community input regarding the community park development at the Kerr-McGee property, the City of West Chicago and its consultant, Upland Design, host two community input meetings at City Hall, 475 Main St. The meetings are from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays, Nov. 2, and Nov. 30. During the meetings, residents can provide their input on different ideas and images presented by the City’s consultant as well as vote on their favorite park elements. For more information about the Kerr-McGee property, visit the City’s website, (merleburl.com)

• “Simplify Your Spending and Saving Strategies ” is the West Chicago Public Library program at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2022, in the main meeting room, 118 W. Washington St. Participants learn about the basics of budgeting and the importance of managing credit and debt. To make a reservation, visit https://wcpld.info/.
• “Stress Management & Mindfulness” is the virtual program at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov, 3, 2022, via Zoom. Community Outreach Registered Nurse Marci Millburg from Northwestern Medicine discusses stress and the effect it can have on health. She tells about strategies to manage stress through diet, exercise and lifestyle modification. To register, visit https://wcpld.info/, under calendar

• The First Division Museum at Cantigny Park presents its Date with History series program at 7 p.m.Thursday Nov. 3, 2022, via Zoom or in person. Registration is not required for in person attendees. Online viewers must register in advance at org to receive a Zoom link.

Dr. David J. Ulbrich, Associate Dean of the Arts and Sciences Division at Norwich University in Northfield, Vt presents the program, “ 80 Years Ago: Operation Torch and Combat in North Africa.” He summarizes the context leading up to this important chapter in the history of World War II, then discuss landing operations, key leaders and battles, and the combat role of the Big Red One, leading up to this important chapter in the history of World War II. He also discusses discuss landing operations, key leaders and battles, and the combat role of the Big Red One. He also discusses landing operations, key leaders and battles, and the combat role of the Big Red One.

• WeGo Community Theatre presents “Newsies, Jr.” at 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Nov. 3 and 4, and at noon Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, in the Fine Arts Center at Wheaton Academy, 900 N. Prince Crossing Road. The ticket price is $10. Tickets can be purchased at WeGoCT.org.

Disney’s “Newsies JR.” is a 60-minute musical based on the 1992 motion picture and 2012 Broadway musical. Newsies features a Tony-Award winning score by Alan Menken and Jack Feldman, and a book by Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein and was inspired by the real-life Newsboy Strike of 1899, when newsboy Kid Blink led a band of orphan and runaway newsies on a two-week-long action against Pulitzer, Hearst, and other powerful New York newspaper publishers.It includes the now-classic songs “Carrying the Banner,” “Seize the Day,” and “Santa Fe.”

Quite a few members of the cast and crew are West Chicago residents. The director Jamee Kenney is the principal of Wegner Elementary School. Involved in the production are Cornelius Marr ias Production Designer, Melanie Marr as Music Director, Laura Mallon, Shannon Thompson and Abby Woelfel as Choreographers and Gianna Chivilo asStage Manager

Cast members are Max Ayala,,Maya Boyd, Maeve Carlson, Mairead Carlson, Mairin Carlson, Maura Carlson, Abigail Carr, Chase Carr, Mckenzie Carr, Sydney Carr,, Charlotte Conger, Jordin Crudup,,Nancy Brigade, Adelaide England andSienna Hamilton

Others are Rose Handy,  Chloe Mallon, Lucy Mallon, Tessa Mallon, Lorelai Marr, Lydia Miller, Adeline Murray, Jacob Murray, Sydney O’Grady,  Esther Rakow, Isabella Selvaggio, Lina Selvaggio, Everley Smith,  Hannah Thompson and  J.R. Walsh.

• “Fused for You: A Garden in Glass” is the exhibit for the month of November at Gallery 200, 103 W. Washington St. The artists are Sue Tripp and Valerie Baxter, who work together at Rita Skarha’s Art Glass studio. They learn new techniques and try new processes. The collaboration inspires them and helps them to evolve as artists. The gallery os transformed into a garden, filled with glass garden stakes, floral themed wall hangings, dishes and more. It demonstrates how each artist has used the same techniques to create unique results.The artists’ reception is from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4, 2022  Native American flute style music provides the entertainment. Refreshments and wine are served. (merleburl.com)

• A free flu shot and COVID-19 booster shot clinic is from 8 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022 at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 N. Prince Crossing Road. Appointments are not necessary. (merleburl.com)

• SCARCE, West Chicago Environmental Commission and Forst United Methodist Church of West Chicago co-host a pumpkin composting drop off from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, November 5, 2022, at the church, 643 East Washington St. The dumpster is located in the northeast corner of the parking lot. Last year, the collection of pumpkins weighed 4.9 pounds.The pumpkins then are delivered to Willow Ranch Composting Facility in Romeoville. Composting pumpkins keeps waste out of the landfills, reduces greenhouse gas emissions and creates a natural fertilizer. (merleburl.com)

• West Chicago City Museum, 132 Main St., hosts an information session on its “Making History Here & Now” photo marathon It is at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022.

The dates for the marathon are Tuesday, Nov, 8, Thursday, Nov. 24, and/or Saturday, Dec.3. During the 12 hour photo marathons, West Chicago residents, who sign up, receive hourly text prompts to document different aspects of their lives. Participation can be as an individual or as a family. Photos along with a short description, are uploaded into a google form. Documentation is accumulated by the museum, ((www.merleburl.com)

• Islamic Center Western Suburbs hosts a luncheon, family get together from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, at Zone 250 in Reed-Ke;;let Park, 250 W. National St. The event includes free food, fun activities, social networking henna and faceprinting. Other activities ar free vaccination vouchers and health screening and community pantry collection. (merleburl.com)

• It is time to fall behind. Daylight Savings Time ends at 2:00 a.m. Sunday, November 6, 2022 .Remember to set clocks back an hour.

• The last brush pick up for 2022 begins Monday, Nov. 7, 2022.

• The last day for Early voting is Monday, Nov. 7, 2022.

• Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022, is voting day for the General Election. Polls are open 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

• The West Chicago Public Library offers a computer Microsoft Excel class at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov, 9, 2022, in the conference room,118 W. Washington St.Topics include Excel’s layout and basic functions, entering and editing data, using multiple spreadsheets in the same workbook, formatting and sorting data; writing and understanding formulas. To register, visit https://wcpld.info/, under calendar.

• The West Chicago Park District monthly social gathering for senior citizens is the Thanksgiving Feast at noon Thursday, Nov. 10, 2022, at the ARC, 201 West National St. The charge is $15. Reservations are due by Friday, Nov. 4,  and may be made at we-goparks.org/adult-programs, (merleburl.com)

• In partnership with Robert R. McCormick House at Cantigny Park, the League of Women Voters of Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, Central Kane County and Roselle/Bloomingdale host the Civic Awareness Series at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10, 2022, in person at the Cantigny Park Visitors Center, 1S151 Winfield Road, or on line via Zoom. Registration is required for on line participants. Register at org

Peter Hancock from Capitol News Illinois recaps election results and discusses what they could mean for residents of DuPage County and Illinois. He joined the Capitol News Illinois team as a reporter in January 2019. Before that, he covered state politics and government in Kansas for most of 20 years, working in print and broadcast journalism. Previously he was the statehouse reporter for the Lawrence Journal-World, providing daily coverage of the Kansas Statehouse, state government, appellate courts, elections, and Kansas’ congressional delegation. Hancock also spent eight years as a statehouse reporter for Kansas Public Radio, and with the Kansas Health Policy Authority and the Kansas Education Policy Report.Hancock holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and secondary education from the University of Kansas.

League of Women Voters of Wheaton includes West Chicago, Warrenville, Winfield, Wheaton and Carol Stream. The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan organization that does not support or oppose any political party or candidate, but whose purpose is to promote political responsibility through informed and active participation of citizens in government.(www.merleburl.com

• The Community Veterans Days Service, hosted by Veteran of Foreign Wars Post 6791, is at 10:30 a.m. Friday Nov. 11, 2022, at VFW post, 431 N. Neltnor Blvd. Kevin Driscoll is the moderator. Guest speaker is Mayor Ruben Pineda.The 21-gun salute is by members of the American Legion Post 300 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6791. West Chicago Community High School seniors Aaron Ruszczak andConnor Zentner, play “Taps.” The WCCHS Honors Acapella Chamber Choir presents a program of patriotic songs. After the program, a small luncheon is served.

• WeGo Drama at West Chicago Community High School continues its 2022-2023 Season with “The One-Act Play That Goes Wrong.” Performances are at 7:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 11 and 12, 2022, in the auditorium, 326 Joliet St. The ticket price is $8, $5 for students. Persons can order tickets on line https://www.showtix4u.com/event-details/68689  or purchase at door. Mark Begovich is the director. Technical Direction is by Christopher Jensen.  Hair and make-up is by Jaime Elza.

Based on the work of the Mischief Theatre, this hysterical comedy is an incredible event on stage. It is a highly physical play with moments of comedic violence..The Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society have come from Great Britain to present ‘The Murder at Haversham Manor’ manor.  During the show, some things go terribly wrong.  Can they get through the show?  Discover the answer by seeing this frenetic production.

The company of actors and crew are Alex Durkin, Arson Gutierrez,  Sarah Larimer, Alysa Solomon William Wenberg, Mariana Acosta, Stephanie Alfaro, Noemi Amaro, Michael Angeles, Issac Argomaniz, Kenya Bahena, Jacob Benitez, Alexandra Birruete, Alex Bradley, Lucas Brown, Guadalupe Carreto, Wil Cooper, Gabriela Cortez, Pamela Cruz andRosie Cuautle

 Others are Brooklyn Hocker, Sentia Irakoze, Kayliana Koeune, Matthew Krysinski, Chris Nunez,  Pietanza, Baron Plumlee, Jocelyn Ramirez, Jasmin Romero Salinas, Vincent Ross, Ryley Salazar, Nancy Sanchez, Justin Vazquez, and Dayan Zenteno; Ryan Blackburn, Bo Dragosh, Carolyn Fleming, Elizabeth Hurley and Avery Moffatt. (www.merleburl.com)

• Trinity Lutheran Church, 328 Church St., holds its annual Christmas Sale and Luncheon from 10 a.m. to 2 m. Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022. The sale includes Christmas items, handmade crafts,  pre-made gift bags, homemade candies, Trinity wear ,bake sale and used treasures. The luncheon is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. On the menus are Sloppy Joes, salads, chips, dessert and beverage. The price is $8 per person, $4 for children age 10 and under. (www.merleburl.com)

• The West Chicago Public Library Saturday Crafternoon program is at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022, in the main program room, 118 W. Washington St. Participants epicycle an old CD into the perfect tea light display for the holiday season or any time. To make a reservation, visit https://wcpld.info/.

• Healthy West Chicago and West Chicago Public Library hosts an in-person family style cooking demonstration with Chef Maria at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov, 13, 2022, in the main program room,118 W. Washington St. She shares a family approved recipe, Vegetarian Chili, and provides instruction on how to prepare and cook the meal. Families learn tips on eating healthy, saving time in the kitchen and how to involve children in food preparation. Following the chef’s presentation, participants receive a food sample. To register, visit https://wcpld.info/, under calendar.

• The West Chicago Historical Society hosts its Annual Members meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2022, in the Fox Community Center, 306 Main St, The meeting is open to the public, not just members. Following a brief business meeting, there is a presentation onCoca-Cola History. Dick Volker of Princeton tells some of the interesting facts of the company This also involves how World War II was instrumental in the creation and expansion of the most readily recognized and successful corporation in the world. Volker was a long-time employee of the Coca-Cola Company and has a “wealth of information” regarding its history.

• The First Division Museum at Cantigny Park presents its Date with History series program at 7 p.m.Tuesday,Nov. 15. 2022, via Zoom or in person. Registration is not required for in person attendees. Online viewers must register in advance at org to receive a Zoom link. This is the second program on Operation Torch.

Jessica Waszak, Youth Programs Coordinator at  the First Division Museum at Cantigny Park, presents the program, “The Nurses of Operation Torch.” She explains how 60 women, with almost no military training and no weapons, maintained the pace and lifestyle of a renowned infantry unit during WWII. Telling their story honors their sacrifice and commitment to the Army Nurse Corps. During Operation Torch, women disembarked from military boats and slogged up the beaches of North Africa under machine gun fire. They were the core of the 48th Surgical Hospital, a unit that supported the frontline U.S. soldiers with major surgical interventions and medical aid. (www.merleburl.com)

• Healthy West Chicago hosts a free virtual family cooking class, “Vegetarian Stuffed Zucchini Boats,” at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022, via Zoom. Chef Maria gives tips on eating healthy, saving time in the kitchen and involving children in food preparation, plus demonstrates how to make the featured recipe. Ingredients are provided to the first 20 registered participants.The day to pick up supplies at the West Chicago Public Library are communicated to those who registered first.To register visit https://wcpld.info, under calendar. For further information, email Carly Smitherman at: director@healthywestchicago.org.

• West Chicago City Museum presents the Historiography program, a non-fiction book reading group, at 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022 at the Museum, 132 Main Street. The book is “Nature’s Metropolis: Chicago and the Great West ” by William Cronon. The first two parts are discussed with the remaining two parts to be discussed in February.To get a copy of the book or for further information, visit Friends of West Chicago City Museum website, wegohcom or call (630) 231-3376. It is not necessary to read the book to attend.

• West Chicago Park District offers the Paramount Theater series season program for adults. The second of the four musical productions is “Sound of Music.” The time frame is 10:30 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov.30 2022. The $46 charge includes the bus ride and the show. Persons pay for own meal at Honey Milk Restaurant in Warrenville. Trip is non-refundable and non-transferable unless there is a waiting list. The bus departs at 10:30 p.m. from the Winfield Park District, 0N020 County Farm Rd,  Registration deadline is Wednesday, Nov. 15. To make a reservation, visit https://www.we-goparks.org/adult-programs.

The musical received nine nominations for Tony Awards, and was winner of best musicaL When carefree nun-in-training Maria is sent by her convent to be the governess of seven children, she finds herself unexpectedly questioning her choices in life and falling in love with the children’s stern father, all the while the events of World War II play out in the background. “The Sound of Music” has enchanted audiences for more than 50 years. The theater lobby is decked out inChristmas decoration, including a two-story Christmas tree.

• The City’s annual Senior Citizen Raking event is from 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022. Individuals, businesses and organizations are needed as volunteers for the raking of the yards. Participants supply rakes and work gloves. Lunch is served at the Fox Community Center afterwards. To volunteer call West Chicago Police Officer Robyn Nielsen at 630-293-2222 or email RNielsen@westchicago.org. This is the same contact information for senior citizens  or those who need their yards raked.

SUPPORT OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES

• We Grow Dreams Greenhouse & Garden Center, 1055. W. Washington St., is now open from,9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays.

COVID-19

The DuPage County Health Department developed a dashboard to provide information on the total number of people, in DuPage County, who have tested positive for COVID-19. In addition, the dashboard includes a map which shows the distribution of reported cases by municipality and is updated at 4:00 p.m. daily. DuPage County’s “COVID-19 Dashboard” is a one-stop-shop for all the information it offers including a town-by-town breakdown of cases. As of Monday, Oct. 31, 2022,  there were 10,827 cases and 65 deaths; this is the number from the beginning of track recording.

SCHOOLS

• Wheaton Academy students Grace Johnston, Emma Dieter, ‘Ethan Brunner, Jack Schroeder, Hudson Liu and Ashlee Tran are the recipients of the 2022 John and Vera McNally Achievement Award. This award is given to students who exemplify superior academic achievement and outstanding citizenship both at the Academy and in the community. (merleburl.com)

• In the first round of playoffs in the Class 5 football game Friday, Oct. 29, 2022, Wheaton Academy won against Glenbard South with a score of 48-22. In the Soccer Class 1A state semifinals Wheaton Academy lost to Althoff Catholic High School with a score of 4-1.

CLUB/ORGANIZATION NEWS

• The Auxiliary of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6791 host Bingo on Sundays at the post, 431 North Neltnor Boulevard. Doors open at noon, games start at 1:30 p.m

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

• At the Monday, Oct. 17, 2022, meeting City Council approved the purchase of two 2023 Ford Escape Hybrid vehicles for the cost of $63,078 from Bob Ridings Ford in Taylorville and authored the City Administrator to contract with a third party to install the necessary appurtenances/equipment for the two vehicles at an estimated cost of $6,000
• Also approved was the appointment of Jacob Hernandes to the Cultural Arts Commission for an unexpired term ending April 2025.

My email address is merleburl@earthlink.net.