Around and About in West Chicago - 16 April 2008

     Earth Day is April 22 and various businesses and organizations are planning special events for highlighting the awareness and appreciation of the earth’s environment.

     SIMS Recycling Solutions, U’SAgain and the West Chicago Lions Club are forging an Earth Day Partnership from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 19, at the SIMS site, 1600 Harvester. SRS is collecting computing/office equipment and small electronics. Acceptable items include computers, monitors, printers, televisions, scrap metal, telephones, VCR’s, fax machines and scanners. Items not acceptable are white goods or equipment with free-flowing oils or fluids. U’SAgain is collecting clothes, shoes and textiles. The Lions Club is collecting hearing aids and eyeglasses. What a great way for all of us to clean out the unwanted items in our homes and recycle, while at the same time helping to protect our environment.

     Augustino’s kicks off its company-wide efforts in Going Green in key areas April 22. At all three of its locations, the restaurant is depleting its current stock of disposable goods and replacing them with more earth-friendly products. Owner Jerry Morelli said “We are ‘Rocking the Planet’ with many new ideas and plans.” Some of the changes noticeable to consumers include Styrofoam products being replaced with corn-based products, soda and coffee cups lined with biodegradable coatings and the plastic cutlery made from cornstarch products. Behind the scenes changes involve garbage bags and liners, and cleaning products. To highlight the green changes, Augustino’s is distributing free seed packets, T-shirts and earth friendly activities for children on Earth Day. “We are excited and committed to the process,” said Morelli. The restaurant’s location here is 300 W. North Avenue.

     Observance Earth Day Illinois Prairie Path in cooperation with Friends of Great Western Trail annual clean up takes place Saturday, April 26. The goal is to clean all 62 miles of the Illinois Prairie Path and all 11.5 miles of the Great Western Trail. 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. The Rotary Club is participating for the sixth year. In addition to the club, “We have had church groups and Boys Scouts out the last few years and have really cleaned up,” said Jedlicka. Volunteers should wear sturdy shoes or boots, long-sleeved shirts and long pants, gloves and bring at least two garbage bags and primarily a very enthusiastic spirit. As you can see, this is not the time to make a fashion statement, but is the time to help in the clean up of our environment. 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.

     To celebrate Earth Day, the park district had children ages 3 to 12 color grocery bags with their concept of how to save the planet Earth. The bags are being distributed to customers at our local Jewel Tuesday, April 22.

     To continue the Earth Day concept in our town, businesses, clubs, churches, organizations and youth groups have the opportunity to participate in the city’s Adopt-A-Highway program. When Mayor Michael Kwasman reactivated the Environmental Commission in May 2007, after a four-year hiatus, he said some of issues of the commission would involve cleanup in the community, “such as implementing once again the highway adoption program.” During Blooming Fest from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday May 17, Commission members are manning a booth not only to explain and promote the highway program, but also other environmental measures the city has in place or is planning and to hand out CFL light bulbs. With the city’s resolution to endorse the Greenest Regions Compact at the Jan. 21 City Council meeting, the city became eligible to receive these bulbs to distribute to residents.

AROUND AND ABOUT

     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.

     Winfield Township hosts a free informative program, “Aging with Dignity,” at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 17 in Sebahar Hall at St. John the Baptist Church, 03233 Church St. in Winfield. The program involves a discussion of Hospice, options available regarding end-of-life care and Five Wishes. For further information, call the Township office at (630) 231-3591.

     The Wegner School Parent Teachers Organization is once again hosting its popular social and silent auction from 7 to 11 p.m. Friday, April 18, at St. Andrews County Club, 3N441 Route 59. The ticket price of $20 in advance and $25 at the door include hors d’oeuvres and two drink tickets. To order tickets call Laura Thier at (630) 293-4854.

     Coffee with the Mayor is from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday, April 19, at City Hall.

     West Chicago Lacrosse plays host to the largest high school lacrosse tournament in Illinois. The Third Annual Wildcat Sticks and Stones Classic Lacrosse Tournament with 18 teams in two levels is from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, April 19 and 20. The teams compete on four fields at West Chicago Middle School, 238 E. Hazel Street. The Varsity championship final is at 2:15 p.m. Sunday, April 20, followed by the awards ceremony. To watch the games, bring lawn chairs and/or blankets.

     Craft Saturday at the City Museum, 132 Main St., is at 1 p.m. April 19. As part of the History Channel’s “Save Our History” grant, the craft is coordinated with the theme of the month, World War II. Children make WW II recruitment posters using military slogans of the day. For more information, call the museum at (630) 231-3376.

     State Rep. Michael Fortner (R-95-WC) and State Sen. Randy Hultgren (R-48-Winfield) are hosting a Senior Expo from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 23, at Post 300 American Legion Hall, 123 Main St. Exhibitors provide information on numerous subjects including legal, financial, medical, assisted living and home health care services. Also offered are free phone bill analysis (bring a copy of your phone bill), free blood pressure and vision screenings, free refreshments and door prizes. I attended this last year and found so much information available to help seniors and their families. For further information call Fortner’s office at (630) 293-9344.

     The Garden Club meeting is at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 24, at Faith Community Church, 910 Main St. The featured speaker Dan Costa discusses insect pests and the control using both chemical and non-chemical methods. Costa has been involved in the horticultural field for more than three decades and now is a consultant on problems in gardens.

     Wheaton Academy Spring Instrumental Concert is at 7 p.m. Friday, April 25. West Chicago Sister Cities present 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.” Director Hans Weingartner grafts all the elements of a thriller into a fascinating discussion of the need for kids to rebel—peaceably. The event is free and open to the public.

     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, e-mail at koltzb@wegod33.k12.il.us.

     Help support the high school Horticultural Club with the purchase of a special gift for Mother’s Day. Club members prepare a decorative pot, corsage or gift certificate to Barn Owl in Carol Stream. Fill out the form on http://www.d94.org/enews/PlantSaleFlyerMothersDay08.pdf and make checks payable to Wildcat booster Club. The mailing address is Wildcat Booster Club, Community High School, 326 Joliet St., West Chicago, IL 60185.

     The Lions Club of West Chicago is offering a scholarship program for a 2008 high school graduate who resides within the 60185 zip code area. The Club will grant a $1,000 scholarship to a graduating senior for post high school education in the area of human services, such as teaching, social work and medical professions. The scholarship is awarded on a reimbursement basis to assist in the cost of tuition, books and materials. The awarding of the scholarship is based on the following criteria: High school grade point average, participation in community and school activities, intent to enroll in a post-high school education leading to employment in the human service areas that include teaching, nursing, other health careers, counseling, social services, etc., a one-page essay explaining why you have chosen that career field and strength of character as evidenced by two letters of recommendation. Application forms are available in the high school counseling offices and on the Club’s Web site, www.westchicagolions.org. A completed application with the essay, a list of school and community activities, two letters of recommendation and an official copy of the applicant’s transcript are to be included. The deadline for submission of all applications and supportive materials is Thursday, May 15. Applications should be mailed to Lori Chassee, 841 Lawrence, West Chicago, IL 60185. Applicants will be notified by mail of the decision of the West Chicago Lions Club Scholarship Committee.

     The Historical Society’s display at the Kruse House for the 2008 season is “Quilt ’n Time.” If you have quilts or quilt-related items to loan for the exhibit, call Donna Orlandini at (630) 231-2671 or Lance or Joan Conkright at (630) 231-2329.

     West Chicago resident Bev Day is the new Winfield Township Assistant to the Supervisor.

     Voice of Care, a ministry for people with development disabilities with its headquarters at Trinity Lutheran Church, is having a golf outing Friday, May 30, at Maple Meadows Country Club in Wood Dale. The shotgun start is at 8 a.m. The $100 price includes a buffet lunch. To register or for more information, call Dian Cracraft at (630 231-3862.

     Popeye’s Chicken recently opened at 1730 N. Neltnor Blvd.

     Congratulations to City Treasurer Don Earley, who was the recipient of the Winfield Township Republican Central Committee 2008 Community Service Award in recognition for his work with numerous local service organizations.

Your can contact Merle Burleigh at:
merleburl@earthlink.net or