At Home with Merle Burleigh – May 22, 2024 (2024)

MERLE’S CORNER

The annual Community Memorial Day ceremony is at 10 a.m. Monday, May 27, 2024, at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument in Oakwood Cemetery, Oakwood Avenue and York Street. The service, organized this year byVeterans of Foreign Wars Post 6791, is comprised of members of the VFW, American Legion Post 300, its Ladies Auxiliary, Sons of the American Legion, VFW Auxiliary. VFW.and Legion member Kevin Driscoll is the moderator. Diane Denton, chaplain of the VFW Auxiliary, gives the opening and closing prayers. Mayor Ruben Pineda is the featured speaker. The ceremony includes the 21-gun salute and the laying of the wreath at the base of the monument. West Chicago Community High School Band, under the direction of Marissa Janiszewski, plays a patriotic medley. The echoing sounds of “Taps” reverberate throughout the cemetery as the two WCCHS students, junior George Kotke and senior Justin Seul play. Prior to the community ceremony, members of the Legion and the VFW visit Glen Oak Cemetery on Arbor Avenue, Calvary Cemetery on East Washington Street, and St. John Cemetery in Winfield. At each stop, they honor those who have served with the 21-gun salute and the playing of “Taps.”

On May 5, 1868, General John A. Logan, leader of an organization for Northern Civil War veterans, called for a nationwide day of remembrance later that month. “The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet churchyard in the land,” he proclaimed. The date was selected as it was not the anniversary of any particular battle. On the first Decoration Day, as it was called, General James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery, and 5,000 participants decorated the graves of the 20,000 Civil War soldiers.

After the Civil War, citizens began holding tributes in the spring, decorating graves with flowers, saying prayers and honoring the estimated “620,000 fallen soldiers of the war.” Although the day began as Decoration Day, it was changed to Memorial Day to honor those who served in all the wars since then. In 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, establishing the last Monday in May as Memorial Day and a federal holiday. It went into effect in 1971. As to the first town to celebrate the holiday, in 1966 President Lyndon Johnson and Congress declared Waterloo, New York as the “official” birthplace of Memorial Day. However , some records show that former slaves in Charleston, South Carolina organized the earliest Memorial Day ceremonies in 1865.

During the three day holiday, many celebrate with picnics and other fun get togethers. Yet, each of us should take the time to remember the true meaning of Memorial Day. President Harry S, Truman summed it up during a speech in 1945. ”Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices. Because of these sacrifices, the dawn of justice and freedom throughout the world slowly casts its gleam across the horizon.”

Have a meaningful Memorial Day.

AROUND AND ABOUT

• West Chicago Garden Club meeting is Thursday, May 23, 2024, in St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 N. Prince Crossing Road. The meeting is open to the public. Social time is 6:45 p.m., short business meeting at 7 p.m. and program, “Edible Flowers,” at 7:15 p.m. Presenting the program is Marcy Lautanen- Raleigh, creator and owner of Backyard Patch Herbs, an online purveyor of salt-free, gluten-free, preservative-free herb cooking and tea products.

Along with her photo-based presentation, she discusses the world of edible flowers. There are more than 20 edible flowers such as Day Lilies and Anise Hyssop. Her discussion includes harvesting, preserving and preparing, plus plant lists and a selection of recipes. https://merleburl.com

• Wayne Township and Bartlett VFW Post 11018 host the Memorial Day Service Monday, May 27, 2024, at the Wayne Township Cemetery, 29W242 Smith Road.

• The Glen Ellyn American Legion Post 3, in partnership with the Village of Glen Ellyn and College of DuPage host the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall from Wednesday, May 29, to Sunday, June 2, 2024, at COD, 425 Fawell Blvd.,Parking Lot C. Viewing hours are from 2 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday through Sunday.

Featuring a 3/5 scale of the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington DC, the display stands six feet tall and covers nearly 300 feet of space and includes more than 58,000 names listed on the original wall. The exhibit serves as a reminder of the great sacrifices made during the Vietnam War and was created to help heal and rekindle friendships. https://merleburl.com

• West Chicago Police Department and West Chicago Park District host Touch a Truck 2024 from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, June 1, in Reed-Keppler Park. It takes place among the roadway between Zone 250 and Wiggly Field. Youth and adults have the opportunity to explore, discover and climb on a variety of cars and trucks including big rigs, police cars, fire engines and tow trucks. The first half hour from 9 to 9:30 a.m. is sensory friendly time; there will be no flashing lights and no loud noises/sirens. https://merleburl.com

• The City of West Chicago hosts its annual Paper Shred and Medical Disposal Event from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 1, 2024, in the Metra Parking lot, 508 Main St. The City partners with the West Chicago Environmental Commission, SCARCE, DuPage County Sheriff’s Office and DuPage County.

There is a limit of 10 standard office-sized boxes for paper shredding; persons also can use plastic bags. The bags and boxes are not disposed of on site. Accurate Document Destruction provides the shredding.

The DuPage County Sheriff’s Department accepts expired or unused medications and vitamins, placed in a zip-lock bag, and Medical sharps including syringes, epi-pens, lancets, and needles. All collected sharps are to be placed in a thick plastic container, such as a laundry detergent bottle, securing the lid with tape. Inhaler canisters , not the holders, are acceptable.

Persons can also recycle used American flags, eye glasses and hearing aids. Also persons can pick up their pre-ordered rain barrel(s). https://merleburl.com

• West Chicago Park District hosts Wine in the Park from 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday, June 1, 2024, at Reed Keppler Park, 129 W. National St. The price for tickets is $40 for residents and $52for non- residents. To register, visit https://www.we-goparks.org/special-events. The event includes eight wine tastings, light snacks and entertainment by Prairie Station Acoustic at the Shell. It is a modern country band playing covers of the hottest music from today, as well as yesterday’s country staples.

SUPPORT OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES

• Hawthorne’s Backyard Bar & Grill, 1200 W. Hawthorne Lane, offers Painting & Potable, Paw-T 4, at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 6, 2024. The charge of $43 for the Pet Portrait includes all material and step by step instruction. Registration deadline is Thursday, May 30, and may be made at https://www.hawthornesbackyard.com/upcoming-events. Photo instructions are mailed to participants and their pet is sketched on canvas for them to paint. https://merleburl.com

• Sonny Acres Farm, 29W310 North Ave., hosts a car show from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, May 24, 2024. Funds at this event benefit Jose and Pepe, who are employed at American Litho in Carol Stream. They have faced a a life-altering car accident.There is a $20, cash only, vehicle registration toshow a car; registration begins at 5 p.m. There also is a silent auction and/or persons can make a donation. Payment is by cash, check or Zelle. Also the farm has food and snacks available at its Kitchen grill. Adult beverages are available in the rustic greenhouse bar. https://merleburl.com

• Sonny Acres Farm, 29W310 North Ave., hosts a Pro Rodeo and Bull Riding event. It takes place Friday, June 7, and Saturday, June 8, 2024. Gates open at 4:30 p.m.; show begins at 6:30 p.m. Following the show at 8:30 p.m. Friday, there is a DJ and dancing; Saturday there is live band, Cowboy Music Show. To order tickets and more information, visit https://sonnyacres.com/pro-rodeo-at-sonny-acres-farm/. It is a family friendly for all ages experience. There is a mix of world class performances including Bareback Riding, Steer Wrestling, Saddle Bronc Riding, Girls Breakaway Roping, Cowgirls Barrel Racing and Bull Riding. Also available are the farm’s amusem*nt rides, live musical entertainment, pony rides, petting zoo, kitchen & grill, garden center, and shops. https://merleburl.com

• For the second year in a row, Norix has earned Great Place to Work Certification™. In its press release, Norix stated, “ The passion, commitment, and collaboration from each and every Norix team member makes coming into work each day something to look forward to. Thank you to our amazing employees for making this achievement possible. We couldn’t be prouder.” As a side note: Approximately 90 percent of the electricity for the building and manufacturing processes used at Norix HQ comes from renewable energy sources.

Great Place To Work Certification recognizes employers who create an outstanding employee experience. Certification is a two-step process that includes surveying employees and completing a short questionnaire about its workforce. Because employee feedback and independent analysis determine the scores, Certification helps job seekers identify which companies genuinely offer a great company culture. Certification gives employers a recruiting advantage by providing a globally recognized and research-backed verification of great employee experience.

COVID-19

The DuPage County Health Department developed a dashboard to provide information on the total number of people, in DuPage County, who have testedpositive 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 Sunday, May 19, 2024, there were 12,823 cases and 67 deaths; this is the number from the beginning of track recording. This is the last time the information will be in my column. Per the County, effective Sunday, May 19, 2024, this page is archived for historical purpose sand is no longer being updated.

REMEMBRANCES

• Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Maria A. Camaro, who at the age of 81 passed away Saturday, May 11, 2024.

• Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Ralph Adam Kozlowski, who at th age of 82 passed away Sunday, May 12, 2024.

SCHOOLS

• At Leman Middle School, 238 E. Hazel St., the Mariachi Concert is at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 22, and the Spring Choir Concert is at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 23, 2024, in the cafetorium.

• The Advanced Drama Class at Wheaton Academy presents “Into the Woods” at 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, May 23, 24, and 25, 2024, in the Alumni White Chapel, 900 N. Prince Crossing Road. The ticket price is $5 and can only be purchased on line, https://wheatonacademy.org/fine-arts/theatre/into-the-woods/. In its history, this is the first musical performed by the drama class.

• Graduation for the class of 2024 at Bartlett High School is at 8 a.m. Saturday, May 25, in the NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates.

• WeGo Together for Kids hosts a pop up Early Childhood event for parents with children who are ages birth through eight. It takes place at 11 .a.m. Saturday, June1, 2024, in the West Chicago Public Library meeting room, 118 W. Washington St. Parents learn about early childhood development and the free resource services and programs available. Food and children’s activities are provided.

• West Chicago Community High School offers Summer Camps. These include baseball, boys basketball, boys cross country, boys soccer, boys volleyball, cheer, coed tennis, coed track, football, girls badminton, girls basketball, girls cross country, girls volley ball and softball. To register visit 8T018.com or QR code for direct link. https://merleburl.com

• Alexis Avila Hernandez, a senior at West Chicago Community High School, is the recipient of the school-level THINK [about architecture] Scholarship from DLA Architects, Ltd. This is an opportunity for talented graduating students to demonstrate the role that architecture plays in their lives. Per DLR Architects “The specific purpose of the scholarship is to promote an understanding of the built environment and how people interact with it, especially schools; to foster a genuine interest in the societal value of architecture as an art form and an enhancement to the general quality of life; and to encourage high school students to pursue higher education, especially in architecture.” https://merleburl.com

• West Chicago High Community High School celebrated the127 AVID seniors at their Signing Day event. AVID 12 students signed a letter of intent to attend the college or program of their choice after graduation. There was more than $23 million in scholarships awarded including four full ride offers. https://merleburl.com

• Members of clubs and organizations at schools learn many different skills. Leman Middle School Tech Titans learned to diagnose and repair electronic devices on their way towards an A+ Certification and a career in Information Technology. .https://merleburl.com

• There were many smiles on the faces of the 484 West Chicago Community High School seniors at the 2024 Graduation Ceremony Wednesday, May15. Giving the Senior Farewell address was math teacher Charles Vokes.The seniors select this speaker. The senior gift will be a bench or maybe more to place outdoors around the building https://merleburl.com

• Leman Middle School Girls Soccer team has been playing well all season. They had an amazing victory Wednesday, May 15, 2924, and are the champions of the PrairieAthletic Conference.https://merleburl.com

• Ryley Salazar, a senior at West Chicago Community High School, is the Student of the Month for April 2024. His selection was based on his academic and extracurricular participation. A teacher said “ "A great student director and a go-to-guy for many."

He consistently was on the High Honor Roll, earning a cumulative weighted grade point average of 5.438. Salazar is a member of the Music Honor Society, Student Council, WeGo Global, WeGo Drama, Film Club, Creative Writing Club, WeGo Choir, and the Wildcat Chronicle.

• Upon graduation, Salazar plans to attend College of DuPage, then transferring to a university to pursue a career in the film industry. https://merleburl.com

• West Chicago Community High School Honors Convocation was Monday, May 13, 2024. The program recognized the hard work of students and included those students Graduating with Distinction, those Graduating with Highest Distinction, scholarships awards, Departmental Awards, and myriad other special awards students have earned.

Jasarah Canabal-Ferris received the David Wayne Fox, Sr. Scholarship. Recipients of the Thorium Action Group./Kerr-McGee Chemical Corporation Scholarship Fund were Dave Simra, Natalie Fernand, Christin Guo, Makenzie Leszcze, Neela Myers and Ayelin Vellikara. Rafael Herrera Mota received the Houston J. Pineda Memorial Scholarship. Jocelyn Ramirez received the Janet Sikma Memorial Scholarship. Neela Myers received the Terry Zimmerman Student Council Scholarship. The recipient of the Cathy Devereux Memorial Scholarship was Cora Garling. Receiving the West Chicago Rotary Club Wayne & Helen Fox Interact Scholarship were Melanie Balinese and Yacelin Morton. The recipient of the Lee Yunker Scholarship Award was Neela Myers. Jasarah Canabal-Ferris was the recipient of West Chicago High School Teachers Association Sharon L. Bokker Memorial Scholarship.

• Teachers and staff retiring from Community High School District 94 are Nancy Blume, Career & Technical Teacher, 34 years; Brenda Frechmann, Accounts Payable Specialist, 26 years; Richard Kost, AVID Teacher, 17 years; Brad Larson, English Teacher, 34 years; and Chris Olsen, Business Office Supervisor, 35 years.

CHURCHES

• Faith Community Church, 910 Main St., hosts a chamber music concert, “May Flowers,” lily of the valleys, at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, May 25, 2024. Performing are Borah King, piano; Katie Abernethy, violin; and Jake Muzzy, cello. Music selections are “Cello Sonata No. 3” by Ludwig van Beethoven and “Piano Trio No. 1” by Felix Mendelssohn. To reserve seats, visit us. The concert also will be streamed at:https://realconcerts.us/. There is a pay what you want with a request for a one dollar minimum.

• Faith Community Church, 910 Main St., celebrates its 50th Anniversary this year. The Church host a community celebration, Saturday, June 8, 2024. Residents are invited to join in the festivities of food, children’s games and entertainment. A side note of its history: Members of the first choir were Viola Melin, Lorraine DeSmith, Olive May, Penny Harris, Rose Cheehy, Diane Taylor, Lisa Becker, Doug Enos, Boyd Enos, Milt Sauer, Leo May and Pat Mantz.

• Stacy Vargas is the new Youth Director at St. Andrew Lutheran Church.She was born and raised in Winfield and has close ties with the church. She did her First Communion, Confirmation, participated as a member of the Youth Group and danced in the Baile Folklorico. https://merleburl.com

CLUB/ORGANIZATION NEWS

• Thinking ahead for the winter season, the West Chicago Parks Foundation and WeGo Together for Kids hold a Spring Cleaning Coat Drive through Friday, May 24, 2024. Items needed include new or gently used winter coats, hats, scarves gloves boots and new socks. Drop off locations are ARC Center, 201 W. National St.; both Republic Bank locations, 101 Main St. and 105 Roosevelt Road; St.Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 N. Prince Crossing Road; Wheaton Bible Church, 27W500 North Ave.; and all schools in West Chicago Elementary School District 33. To make a monetary donation, visit WGTK website https://www.wegotogetherforkids.com/, scroll down to bottom of page to the donate button.

• Gitte Bog, a Danish artist based in Mexico, is the Artist-In-Residence of People Made Visible, and is in West Chicago through Sunday, June 2, 2024. Pop-in sessions of Collaborative Creation of 3D pieces in Paper Mache are from 2 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, May 22, 23, 29 and 30, and from noon to 4 p.m. Sundays,May 26 and June 2, at Gallery 200, 103 W. Washington St. Her project is creating a sound archive of West Chicago. The following sessions start at Gallery 200. The Walk and Record sessions are geared for persons age 10 and up at various days and times. The Walk and Listen sessions geared for all ages also take place at various times and place. For further information, visit http://www.wegohistory.com/ or call 630 231-3376. https://merleburl.com

• Western DuPage Chamber of Commerce, West Chicago Park District and Warrenville Park District host the 3-W Golf ClassicThursday, June 6, 2024, at Prairie Landing Golf Course, 2325 Longest Drive. It is an 8:30 a.m. shotgun start; banquet is at 1:30 p.m. The event includes 18 holes of golf including cart, and an awards banquet plus a raffle. There are trophies for certain golfing accomplishments. The cost is $175 per golfer, $700 for a foursome or $65 for banquet only. To register visithttps://westerndupage.chambermaster.com/eventregistration/register/10632. This is not a member only even https://merleburl.com

• Railroad Days is from Thursday, June 27, through Sunday, June 30, 2024, in Pioneer Park. Food vendor applications are available at https://www.westchicagorailroaddays.com/_files/ugd/98f4d4_a68adecd28f14779a7117f1e16dd5c99.pd Exhibitor vendor applications are available at https://www.westchicagorailroaddays.com/.../98f4d4... Not-for-profit organization forms are available at https://www.westchicagorailroaddays.com/.../98f4d4...

COMMUNITY MEMBERS HIGHLIGHTS

• Craig and Chris Christiansen celebrate their 57th Wedding Anniversary Monday, May 27, 2024.

CITY OF WEST CHICAGO

• Coffee with the Mayor is from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, May 25, 2024, at City Hall, 475 Main St.

• City watering restrictions for unattended running water from hoses or sprinkle systems are addresses with odd numbers, watering is permitted only on days with odd-numbered dates of the month and.addresses with even numbers, watering is permitted only on days with even-numbered dates of the month. Residents who wish to water newly seeded or sodded lawns may be granted a two-week allowance, subject to approval by the City's Water Utility Superintendent.

WEST CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT

• Now through Memorial Day weekend, the West Chicago Police Department is stepping up law enforcement efforts to remind motorists to “Click or Ticket,” the important need to wear a seatbelt. The "Click It or Ticket" campaign is funded by federal road safety funds managed by the Illinois Department of Transportation. The campaign is about preserving lives. The consequences of not using or incorrectly using a seatbelt are clear. In 2022, Illinois had 300 deaths involving unrestricted passengers.

• The winners of Norton Creek PTO's Ride to School in a Police Car Raffle were Matteo and Madelyn. They were picked up by the West Chicago Police Department officers at their homes and had a police escort to the school. https://merleburl.com

• After 29 years with the West Chicago Police Department, Detective Michael Potapczak retired.

• The West Chicago Police Department raised $12,124 in donations for the Law Enforcement Torch Run to benefit Special Olympics Illinois at the 21st annual Dunkin’ Donuts “Cop on a Rooftop” event Friday, May 17, 2024. This surpassed the goal of $10,000. In addition to individuals donating at one of the four local Dunkin’Donuts and purchasing Torch Run t-shirts and/or raffle tickets, some businesses and organizations donated $100 to have police command staff deliver two dozen donuts and coffee to their establishment .

Business donating were A.R.M. & Associates, Action Plumbing Company, Airhart Construction, Alpha Truck Driving School, Aspen Ridge Apartments, Association for Individual Development, Augustino’s Rock and Roll Deli and Grill, Buck Services, Inc.,Chris Mechanical Services, Chuck Strayve Landscaping, Combined Roofing Services, Creative Feeling, CTC Machine Services, Daniel and Associates Real Estate,, FNBC Bank & Trust, and Forms Tech, Inc. Others were Generations Tool and Manufacturing, Hawthorne's Backyard, J&E Duff, KRK Mechanical, Mapei, Matrix Coating Solutions, Midwest Salt, Resto Paint, Royal Polish Nail Salon, Spielman Plumbing, Timber Lake Apartments, We Grow Dreams Nursery, Weiss Lawn Care, Weiss Lawn Care, West Chicago Park District, West Chicago Public Works, West Chicago Social Club, and Woods Distribution. Western Chamber of Commerce had their donuts and coffee delivered to We Grow Dreams Greenhouse & Garden Center. https://merleburl.com

• At 11:00 p.m. Friday, May 17, 2024, West Chicago Police Officers responded to a report of shots fired at the Autumn Crest Apartment Complex, 247 N. Neltnor Blvd. Responding officers located two victims with a non-life threatening injuries, who were transported to nearby hospitals for medical treatment. Detectives responded and are currently investigating the incident. Persons with information can call the Investigations Unit at 630 293-2222.

WEST CHICAGO FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

• Lieutenant Mike Myers and firefighter/paramedic Naim Herrera of the West Chicago Fire Protection District participated in the 31st Annual Illinois Fallen Firefighter Memorial Ceremony.This dedication is to honor Illinois firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty. https://merleburl.com

• In the early evening Sunday, May 19, 2024, West Chicago Fire Protection District responded to an automatic fire alarm at 116, Main St. It was upgraded to a working fire response. The fire was confined to the attic. No civilians or firefighters were injured. The two apartments above the Good Morning Family Restaurant were declared uninhabitable. The restaurant is temporarily closed. The fire does not appear to be malicious in nature and the district’s investigation is undetermined as to the exact cause. Further independent investigation will look to determine the exact cause. Assisting were Carol Stream Fire Protection District, Wheaton Fire Protection District, Winfield Fire Protection District, Hanover Park Fire Department and Bloomingdale Fire Protection District.

ODDS AND ENDS

• West Chicago Public Library is closed for electrical maintenance Friday, May 24, 2024. Beginning Sunday, May 26, the library is closed on Sundays until Sept. 8, 2024.

• Wayne/Winfield Area Youth/Family Services again offers Summer Day Camp from Monday, June 3, through Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, in the Wayne Township building, 27W031 North Ave. The cost was just reduced to $100 per week. It is for children ages six, who have completed first grade, through 13, who have not started the high school year. Regular hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; extended hours are 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The charge for regular hours is $125 per week; the charge for the extended hours is $40 more. A sliding scale is available, plus there is a $5 reduction if paid by Tuesday of the week prior to the designated week. Youths can attend certain weeks or all summer. https://merleburl.com

• The 1860s Chicago Burlington & Quincy Railroad Depot is now open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays through Aug. 24, 2024. It is located on Turner Court. It houses the model of the CN&W Roundhouse once located in town and many other railroad history items .Its original location was between the Chicago Northwestern Rail and CB&Q tracks at Wood St. It then was moved to the Bicentennial Park on Main St. To make way for the construction of a condominium complex, the depot was moved to its present location. https://merleburl.com

• There are free summer meals for all youths under the age of 19 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Fridays, from Tuesday, May 28, through Friday, Aug. 2, 2024. The locations are West Chicago Community High School, 326 Joliet St., entrance H; Timber Lake Apartments, 1200 Kings Circle, near the pool; and Reed-Keppler Park, National Avenue and Yale St.https://merleburl.com

• College of DuPage offers free English Language Acquisition classes at West Chicago Community High School, 326 Joliet St., Entrance B. Testing dates are at 6 p.m.. Monday, June 3, and Wednesday, June 6, 2024. Classes are from 6 to 9:50 p.m., Mondays and Wednesdays, starting Wednesday, June 12. Classes may fill up prior to the testing date;For early registration or for more information, call 630 942-3697 or email ela@cod.edu/cod.edu/cla. Approximately 30 percent of tuition is federally funded under WIOA Title II. https://merleburl.com

• Thursday, April 9, 2024, more than 80 individuals attended the West Chicago Park District’s celebration of Older Americans Month to recognize the countless contributions that older adults make to their communities. Some attendees received special recognition. The oldest male was Todd Wayne, age 93. Ann Harsh, 94, was the oldest female .Longest married were Bill and Betty Davis,66 years. Marilyn Earley received two recognitions, most children, eight, and longest West Chicago resident, 92 years. https://merleburl.com

• The Letter Carriers' “Stamp Out Hunger” Food Drive was held Saturday, May 11, 2024. The West Chicago and Winfield postal workers donated 1.5 tons of food to Neighborhood Food Pantries at 123 Fremont St. https://merleburl.com

My email address is merleburl@earthlink.net.