At Home with Merle Burleigh – October 1, 2025

MERLE'S CORNER

With the temperatures staying warm, ticks are staying around. Ticks are very small and can be hard to spot when crawling on individuals. Tick bites can sometimes spread dangerous diseases, such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. To reduce the risk of tick bites, persons should wear bug spray, cover their skin and check themselves and their pets for ticks.

AROUND AND ABOUT

• "Fall Into Art" is the 2025 Artober Fest exhibit in Gallery 200, 103 W. Washington St., for the month of October, which also is the celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the Gallery. It includes a variety of paintings, drawings, photographs and three-dimensional work, plus some whimsical pieces for the fall season. The sixteen artists participating are Maria Ananieva, Sarah Comoda, Corinne Condos, Patty Donahue, Emilia Hajduczenia, Marge Hall, Dan Hoalt, Blue Kubica, Thelma Legaspi, Sharon Malec, Laurie Parker, Kari Pozzessere, Britta Renwick, Daniel Roskamp, Starla Snead and Nancy Thornton. The artists' reception is from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3. Refreshments are served. https://merleburl.com

• To celebrate its Twentieth Anniversary, Gallery 200 hosts a reception at the original location, 200 Main St. It takes place from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025. Refreshments are served, plus there are art activities. The location is now the site of Main Street Gallery.

It started over a cup of coffee, with an empty building and two people with a vision. The late Michael Kwasman, then the current Mayor, and well-known artist and long-time West Chicago resident Fredericka Howard, chairman of the Cultural Arts Commission, saw a way to use the vacant space at 200 Main Street to showcase the work of local artists. This was the first floor of the 1860s historical Ripley Hotel. The first artists' cooperative in West Chicago was launched in 2005 with the help of the West Chicago City Council and thirty artists. For several years the artists used their energy and funds to give the space a fresh coat of paint, acquire display units and continue to bring new art works into the Gallery. In 2014, the Gallery transitioned from a city-supported initiative to merge with the not-for-profit art-diverse People Made Visible, Inc. Due to renovations needed at the Main Street location, Gallery 200 moved into 103 W. Washington St. location on September 1, 2016. This spacious location allowed the artists to expand its commitment to the community through events such as ArtShare, classes and demonstrations or workshops open to the public. The information is from the City website, https://westchicago.org/gallery-200/.

• As part of Gallery 200's 20 year celebration, Main Street Gallery, 203 Turner Court, is open from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025. It showcases the work of West Chicago railroad photographer Philip Weibler, a well-known and award-winning railroad photographer and collector. Also on display for the first time is the abstract acrylic painting by his daughter Liz. It is of his photograph of a steam locomotive charging through a snowstorm after dark in Valparaiso. Indiana in 1957. Weibler is on hand to discuss his 16 photographs on display and railroading in general, plus some fatherly bragging about his daughter. Other art on display are colorized prints by Paul J. Randall and an etching of the 1385. Randall (1915-1977) lived in Winfield.

• The Auxiliary of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6791 hold an Autumn Craft Fair and Bake Sale from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, in the post, 431 N. Neltnor Blvd. https://merleburl.com

• The Fall Orchestra Concert of West Chicago Community High School is at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025, in the auditorium, 326 Joliet St. Sara Austin is the director. The concert is streamed on the high school's athletics YouTube page, (https://www.youtube.com/@westchicagowildcatathletic7074).

• The Fall Choral Concert of West Chicago Community High School is at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, in the auditorium, 326 Joliet St. Brandon Fantozzi, is the director. The concert is streamed on the high school's athletics YouTube page, (https://www.youtube.com/@westchicagowildcatathletic7074).

• The West Chicago Park District monthly social gathering for senior citizens is at noon Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in the ARC, 201 W. National Street. The event is the popular "Fireman Fish Fry." Members of Illinois Association of Firefighters Local 3970 fry up the fish once again. The charge is $5. Reservation deadline is at noon Friday, Oct 3, and can be made at https://www.we-goparks.org/special-events.

• West Chicago Public Library holds a Microsoft Word computer class at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in the conference room, 118 W. Washington St. Participants learn the basics, which includes creating a document, selecting and editing text, saving a document, and inserting page numbers and special characters. To register, visit https://wcpld.librarycalendar.com/events/month.

• West Chicago City Museum hosts its 36th annual Tales Tombstones Tell Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, at Oakwood Cemetery, Oakwood Avenue and York Street. The 45-minute tours leave from the cemetery entrance at Garden Street starting at 6:30 p.m. and every 10 minutes after, with the last group stepping off at 7:30 p.m. Lanterns and luminaries light the path through West Chicago's oldest cemetery. While waiting, guests are entertained by the music of Roger Kotecki. There is no charge; donations are welcome. For more information, call the Museum at 630 231-3376 or email [email protected].

The theme is "What's In a Name," focusing on the people behind street and landmark names in West Chicago. Carol Vigsnes gives the introduction. Interpreters are Beth Carlson and Bob Fotus about John B. Turner, Tom Tawney about A. E. Hahn, Carol Townsend about Elizabeth "Lizzie" Fenwick Norris, Pam Kramer about Caroline "Carrie" Kaesser Kress, Maureen Navadomskis about Mary McConnell. Thomas Brown, Dan Czuba and Martha DeForest provide musical accompaniment. https://merleburl.com

• West Chicago Park District hosts its annual Boo Bash from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, in the ARC, 201 W. National St. It is geared for children ages two and older. The charge is $12 for residents, $15 for non-residents in advance or $15 at the door. Pre-registration ends at 5 p.m. on the day of the event. Adults are free with a paying child and must accompany children. Activities include hayride, live entertainment, games and crafts. https://merleburl.com

• The West Chicago Public Library Saturday Crafternoon program, "Scarecrow Bottles," is at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, in the main program room, 118 W. Washington St. Attendees turn a glass bottle into a scarecrow decoration that lights up. To register, visithttps://wcpld.librarycalendar.com/events/month/.

• The Marching Band Showcase of West Chicago Community High School is at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 14, 2025, in Bishop Gym, 326 Joliet St. Marissa Janiszewski is the director. The Showcase features all of the band's songs from the football season. The highlight is from the halftime show, "Shades of Latin". The concert is streamed on the high school's athletics YouTube page, (https://www.youtube.com/@westchicagowildcatathletic7074).

SUPPORT OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES

• Prairie Landing Golf Club, 2325 Longest Drive, hosts Live Music at 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, 2025. Afternoon Logic provides the entertainment. They play a unique mix of music, which includes rock, pop, jazz, dance, even coffeehouse tunes. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 630 208-7641 or email [email protected]. https://merleburl.com

• Hawthorne's Backyard Bar & Grill, 1200 W. Hawthorne Lane, hosts the Fifth Annual Charity Kent Kopinski "This Tournament Sucks" Golf Outing Monday, Oct. 6, 2025, at Arrowhead Golf Club, 26W151 Butterfield Road in Wheaton. It is a 10:30 a.m. shotgun start. The four-man scramble price is $150 per person. The price includes golf, cart, green fees, driving range, food at the course and pig roast at Hawthorne's. There are prizes and raffles, which include long drive contest, closest to the pin contest, and par 3 challenge, plus $10,000 hole-in-one prize. Register with the bartender or manager. Proceeds benefit the Kent Kopinski Caddy Scholarship Fund.

• Las Taqueria Los Comales is now at its new location, 540 Main St. It moved from its S. Neltnor Blvd. location. Hours are 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. Monday through Thursday, from 8 a.m. to 3 a.m. Friday and Saturday, and from 8 a.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday. The telephone number is 630 206-8009.

• The Kitchen Table, 100 Hahndorf, Suite 300, has a new adult public class-Apple Pie Stations. Participants make a full pie and take it home to bake. Also available now are kids cooking clubs, Nailed it competitions, adult public egg roll classes, private group classes and adult cook & dine. https://merleburl.com

• Nominated by West Chicago Park District, Buck Services Inc. is one of the three mid-sized business winners of the Best Friends of Illinois Parks from the Illinois Association of Park Districts. The business has spent more than 20 years actively supporting the park district and other public recreation agencies throughout Illinois-volunteering at events and strengthening local park foundations.

The IAPD's "Best Friend of Illinois Parks" award is presented annually to a business or corporation that shows exemplary support for local park, recreation, or conservation agencies. The award recognizes companies for providing volunteers or staff for park district events, donating money, open space, or in-kind donations and advocating for the value of parks, recreation, and conservation. https://merleburl.com

• Dominick Buchholz, Director of Internal Operations of Buck Services, was selected as a member of the 2025 with ISSA worldwide Emerging Leaders Class. Dominick stands out as an emerging leader in the cleaning and facility solutions industry through his unique ability to pair strategic insight with compassionate leadership. In his position at the company, he drives process improvements and operational excellence while keeping safety, quality, and people at the forefront. He also demonstrates a powerful commitment to service beyond the workplace. He has advanced workplace equity as a board member for the Parent's Alliance Employment Project, actively participates in ISSA's Cleaning for a Reason program, and has long volunteered his time with LaSalle Manor to support community and educational development. https://merleburl.com

• Representing Kramer Tree Services at the Trees & Tacos Arboricultural Career Fair in Thatcher Woods Pavilion in River Forest, employees Alan & Sam had great conversations and career connections. They talked about growing a career with trees. The Fair was a one-stop shop for discovering meaningful, exciting careers working with trees. https://merleburl.com

REMEMBRANCES

• Sincere sympathy to the family of Joe McHaley, who at the age of 80 passed away Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025.
• Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Idajean Waterous (nee Pence), who at the age of 78, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025.
• Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Donald "Don" James Longacre, who at the age of 79 passed away Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025.

SCHOOLS

• Homecoming 2025 week at West Chicago Community High School is coming to the end on Saturday, Oct. 4. The theme is "We Go to Hollywood." Thursday is class shirt day. Colors of the shirts are red for seniors, blue for juniors, gray for sophomores and yellow for freshmen. The event for the day is the Girls Varsity Tennis against Lisle High School at 4:30 p.m. To view the full athletic schedule for homecoming week, visit https://www.facebook.com/p/West-Chicago-High-School-Athletics-61563257377954/?locale=pa_IN.

Friday is the busiest day of the week. Students wear Blue and White WeGo wear for dress day. School spirit abounds at the Pep Rally, when the Homecoming King and Queen are announced. The Food Fest begins at noon. Members of student clubs sell hot dogs, hamburgers, tamales, walking tacos, beverages, snacks and desserts. The public is welcome to participate.

The Homecoming Parade kicks off at 12:45 p.m. from the west parking lot. Led by the West Chicago Police Department and West Chicago Fire Protection District, the parade goes south on Wood Street and turns east onto Ann Street, proceeds south on Joliet Street, turns east on Hazel Street, south on Bishop Street and west on Brown Street, then turns north on Joliet Street, ending at Memorial Stadium. On the Friday Fun Day video, the majority of students interviewed said the parade was their favorite event of homecoming. As a side note: It is my favorite part also. I enjoy watching the parade as the participants just have so much energy and enthusiasm, not quite as much on the return route.

Parade participants include West Chicago Police Department, West Chicago Fire Protection District, Homecoming Court, Principal Dr. Limaris Pueyo, Marching Band, Teachers and Support Staff, Horticulture Club, Tennis, Boys' and Girls' Cross-country/track, InterAct Club, WeGo Global, Football, Student Council, OLAS, ROAR, HOSA, Business Professionals of America, Soccer, Art Club and Photo Club, Volleyball, Poms/Cheerleaders, WeGo Drama & Speech, and WeGo Buddies.

The Powder Puff Game with juniors competing against seniors is at 2:00 p.m. The Junior Varsity football game is at 5 p.m. in Memorial Field. The Hospitality Tent for alum and guests at the game opens at 6 p.m. The Varsity football game against Elmwood Park High School is at 7 p.m. During half time, the band, cheerleaders and dance team perform. Saturday the Boys Varsity Soccer game against Glenbard North High School is at 11 a.m. Homecoming dance is from 7 to 10 p.m. in Bishop Gym. Usually the dance signals the end of homecoming. However, there is a theme dress day Monday, Oct. 6. It is appropriately called "Night after the Oscars," pajama wear. https://merleburl.com

• As the 2025 Homecoming at Wheaton Academy enters its final days from Thursday, Oct. 2, through Saturday, Oct. 4, the activities increase, and the alumni join in some of the events. It is the reunion year for the class of 1975, celebrating its 50th, and for the class of 2000, celebrating its 25th. West Chicago resident Dara Pirrie Fernandez, a 1980 graduate, is the 2025 Alumna of the year. Annika Pearson Munson, a 2015 graduate, is the 2025 Distinguished Young Alumna.

Thursday dress day theme is Bedtime Stories. The varsity Soccer game against Chicago Christian High School is at 7 p.m. During half time is the performance by Furnace Dance Company, recognition of Homecoming Courts and honoring the 50th Anniversary of the Academy's Boys Soccer Program. Fireworks follow the game.

Friday, the theme is Little Maroon Riding Hood. Some alumni also attend the Community-wide Family Picnic at 5:30 p.m., which includes food trucks, games, camel rides and face painting. Ricky Lindy Band play hits from the 50s, 60s, and 70s. The Varsity Football game against Chicago Hope High School is at 7:30 p.m. During half time, the 50th Anniversary of the Boys Cross County Program is honored. Saturday the Fall informal is at 7:30 p.m.

• The West Chicago Community High School District 94 community of students and their families, board members, and school administration gathered in the evening Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, to celebrate the official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Success Through Education & Pathways Center. The new STEP facility, completed in August, provides a dedicated space for the district's Transition Program for students with diverse learning needs.

It includes a simulated apartment to help students work on their post-secondary goals in employment, education and training, and independent living in a real-world setting. "The STEP Center allows a space where students with diverse learning needs feel empowered to achieve independence, responsibility, and success through their individualized education, real-world experiences, and supportive pathways," said Megan Payleitner, Director of Specialized Services. "In D94, we are committed to building life skills, vocational readiness, and self-advocacy to ensure every student accessing the STEP program confidently steps into adulthood ready to live their personal best. Our vision is a world where all young adults, regardless of ability, have access to meaningful education, opportunity, and community." https://merleburl.com

• The Athlete of the Week at West Chicago Community High School for Sept. 22, 2025, is Sonya Rawalji from the girls swim team. The prior weekend, she took more than 10 seconds off her season best time in the 200 IM and another second and a half off her 100 breaststroke time. https://merleburl.com

• In the Friday, Sept. 26, 2025 football games, West Chicago Community High School lost to South Elgin High School with a score of 14-46, Bartlett High School lost to West Aurora High School with a score of 21-49, St. Charles East High School won against Wheaton North High School with a score of 24-20, and Wheaton Academy won against Edward High School with a score of 48-0.

CHURCHES

• Trinity Lutheran Church, 328 Church St. celebrates Lutheran Women in Mission at its 9:30 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, worship service. This year the theme is "Proclaiming Christ," focusing on the LWML Mission Statement and the importance of sharing the Gospel.

• Reverend Sue Ebersold, pastor of St, Michael's United Church of Christ, 400 W. Washington St., leads the 10 a.m. worship service. Her sabbatical is over and the church returns to its regular schedule.

• Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 N. Prince Crossing Road, hosts a Bike-A-Thon at 12:45 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025. The six-mile ride/walk is on the Prairie Path. A food fundraiser takes place after the event. Persons riding a bike must wear helmets. Donations support the ministry of the church. https://merleburl.com

• The Catholic Daughters, Court #432 of St. Mary's Parish meeting is at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025, in the church, 140 N. Oakwood Ave. The keynote speaker is West Chicago Police Detective Sergeant Robbi Peterson, who discusses Special Olympics of Illinois.

COMMUNITY MEMBERS HIGHLIGHTS

• West Chicago resident Mike Hensel does a reading and book signing of his second "go to bed" series books, "Dinosaur, Go To Bed," and "Wiggles and Waddles" from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, 2025, at Autumn Fest book reading on the patio at Harvey's Book Store, 216 James St. in Geneva.

The book, geared for three to 6 year old, has a five-star rating on Amazon. "The tables are turned in this hilariously related story of one young boy's struggle to wrangle his dinosaur to sleep, despite the dinosaur's escalating antics to stay awake past his bedtime." One could say the series are a reflection of Mike, who also never liked going to bed. He also wanted to stay awake and eat snacks, watch television, doodle in his sketchbooks, and play with his dogs, rearrange his cabinets and "about a billion other things." "Wiggles and Waddles" is geared for two to four-year olds. "It's autumn on the farm and Wiggles the pig and Waddle the duck are enjoying all sorts of fall fun with their barnyard buddies with four simple but engaging stories."

Mike Hensel is the son of the late David and Linda Hensel, and the nephew and godson of West Chicago resident Dona Smith. The owners of the bookstore, Chuck and Roxanne Osborne, also have a connection with West Chicago. Chuck was a science teacher at West Chicago Middle School, now Leman Middle School. He retired in 2018. https://merleburl.com

• Art begets art in the Weibler family. For the celebration of his 88th birthday, Liz Weibler presented her father, Phil Weibler, long time West Chicago resident, and award winning photographer, with an abstract acrylic painting of his photograph of a steam locomotive charging through a snowstorm after dark in Valparaiso, Indiana. Phil shot this photo in 1957. Liz is a graduate of West Chicago Community High School and School of the Art Institute of Chicago. The painting will be on display from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, in the Main Street Gallery, 203 Turner Court. https://merleburl.com

• Former West Chicago resident Pete Waterman, FedRAMP Director, earned an Innovation Champion Award at the Federal IT Efficiency Flywheel Awards. The program's work is driving impactful change through collaboration and modernization. He is the son of former West Chicago residents Cheryl and Ray Waterman. https://merleburl.com

CLUB/ORGANIZATION NEWS

• American Legion Post 300, 123 Main St., hosts a Fundraiser from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, 2025. The charge is $10 per person. Sammy and the Knights provide the entertainment. Funds are needed for its remodel after emergency/mitigation repair. The goal is to raise $50,000. To date, $7,500 has been raised. In addition to many raffle prizes, there are 50/50 raffle tickets; cost is $25 and are available now at the legion post. Ticket buyers do not have to be present to win. Persons unable to attend and just want to make a donation, can stop in at the post or mail to American Legion Post 300, 123 Main St., West Chicago, IL 60185; write fundraiser in the memo.

Raffle prizes include items and gift certificates from Portillo's, Burger King, McDonald's, Extra Value Liquors, Murphy's Ace Hardware, El Coco Loco restaurant, Manny's Biscuit & Gravy restaurant, Rite-Way Automotive Service, Caliendo's Restaurant & Bar, Brach's Service Center, Sully's Place Bar and Grill, Tony Reyes Family Foundation, Hawthorne's Backyard Bar & Grill, Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery, and Scooby's Red Hots. Gift basket donations are from Joe and Julie Buenrostro, Ashley Carradus, and Mike and Roxanne Hamlin.

• Gallery 200 through its Main Street Gallery, 200 Main St., is seeking artists age 18 and over for the "Tis the Season," exhibit from November 2025 through January 2026. It is a juried exhibition celebrating the change of season and the many holidays and traditions observed during the winter months and into the New Year from Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Las Posadas, and Día de los Reyes to New Year's festivities and other seasonal celebrations. The artwork can be in any medium, which includes painting, photography, mixed media, sculpture, textile, digital art, and more. The deadline to submit one to three works of original artwork is Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025. For further information, visit https://forms.gle/XBgiyevPNTq9eyut5. https://merleburl.com

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

• Mexican Independence Day Fest had a good crowd Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025. Sugeira Tellez, Executive Vice President Despertar Latino, said, "The turnout was great considering the circumstances, vendors and performers were happy, and the energy of the community filled downtown West Chicago with pride and joy." However, the events of Monday, Sept. 15, in West Chicago did not leave much time for the organizers to savor the success. "The very next morning, difficult events shook our community, which shifted our focus quickly back to safety and support. Still, we are so grateful we had this moment of unity and celebration together." Capturing the activities of the fest were José Ricardo and Efraín Aguilar from Artsition Marketing. https://merleburl.com

• "Fore" time and fun were the main components of the third annual "Green & Greet Par-Tee" Mini-Golf Outing organized by the Young Professionals of the Western DuPage Chamber of Commerce. There even was a winner of the Hole-in-One prize, a toy Ford, donated by Haggerty Ford. Republic Bank donated gift bags for all the attendees. The Most Fun trophy, sponsored by Hawthorne's Backyard Bar & Grill, went to the team of Xilin & Artsition. The West Chicago Park District was the proud winner of the First Place trophy, sponsored by PW Auto Clinic. Winning the Second Place trophy, sponsored by Gorski Chiropractic, was the West Chicago Public Library District. Third Place trophy winner was the team of Gorski Chiropractic and Educare of West DuPage; the prize sponsor was Buck Services, Inc. https://merleburl.com

CITY OF WEST CHICAGO

• The Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025, Infrastructure Committee meeting is cancelled.

• West Chicago City Museum presents the Historiography program, a non-fiction book reading group, at 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025, in the Museum, 132 Main St. The book is "Historic Chicago Bakeries" by Jennifer Billock. To get a copy of the book or for further information, visit Friends of West Chicago City Museum website, wegohistory.com or call 630 231-3376. It is not necessary to read the book to attend. As a side note: I imagine persons attending will discuss the bakeries that once existed in West Chicago. When we moved here in 1978, there were two bakeries and I remember how we looked forward to Saturday walks to town to purchase bread and, maybe a pie. When talking to persons, who grew up in West Chicago, I see their eyes get a glazed look, as they talk about Aunt Polly's Bakery, which was located at 215 Main St., next door to St. Vincent's.

Goodread states, "As immigrants came from outside the United States and settled in pockets around Chicago, each neighborhood had its own bakery--and sometimes several. At one time, more than seven thousand bakeries dotted the city streets. Stalwarts like Dinkel's, Roeser's, Weber's, Pticek and Ferrara continue a legacy that shaped Chicago's food an atomic cake for family celebrations, bacon buns in the morning or a poppy seed bun for hot dogs and pączki and zeppole for holidays. Even the never-ending debate over seeded or unseeded rye. From pioneering bakers to today's cake makers, author Jennifer Billock puts the sweet and doughy history of Chicago on display."

Jennifer Billock is an award-winning culinary travel journalist, bestselling author, and editor. She owns the boutique communications firm Jennifer Billock Creative Services, where she helps businesses, print and online media, and individual authors with all their communications and editorial needs. https://merleburl.com

• At the Monday, Sept. 15, 2025, meeting, City Council approved Zoning Text amendment and Zoning Use Permit for West Chicago Volleyball. The Item summary states, It is a "permit to lease 85,696 square feet of space in the exiting space at 348 Charles Court to operate an indoor sports facility for League One Volleyball. LOVB is comprised of a professional volleyball league, a junior volleyball program and a community outreach initiative. The facility will primarily serve the junior volleyball program and will also host power league events and community programs on a limited basis. It will feature multiple volleyball courts, dedicated training areas and ancillary spaces such as locker spaces, offices and a reception area."

WEST CHICAGO FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

• Greg Schwartz, DuPage County District 6 County Board member, attended the West Chicago Fire Protection District's swearing-in of the three firefighters/paramedics who completed their probation and now are full-time. They are Brian Sanborn, Thomas Enger, and Laura Cleveland, who is the district's first full-time female firefighter. It was a meaningful and happy event for the three individuals, their families and friends. Also in attendance were WCFPD trustees Brandi Moore, Ruben Campos, Perry Johnson, Mike Cabrera and President Mike Mashal. https://merleburl.com

ODDS AND ENDS

• West Chicago Community High School Class of 1975 celebrates its 50th Reunion Friday, Oct. 3, 2025. The members attend the high school football game and then continue the celebration at the Holiday Inn in Carol Stream.

• There are some familiar faces in the Mexican Cultural Center DuPage Gallery in Gallery 200, 103 W. Washington St. Some Olmec heads are back and on display for a short period, most likely the end of this year. Artists are coming to the Gallery to paint some of the heads and new ones to prepare them to be on display at the sixteen cities hosting the FIFA 2026 World Cup. The 2026 tournament will be jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, which will give Mexico the distinction of being the first country to host games in three World Cups. Two Olmec heads each will be on display in Toronto and Vancouver in Canada; Guadalajara, Mexico City, and Monterrey in Mexico; and Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, San Francisco Bay Area, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, and Seattle in the United States. Gallery hours are noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.

The World Cup is an international association football (soccer) competition. The tournament has been held every four years since the inaugural tournament in 1930 with the exception of 1942 and 1946 due to World War II. The World Cup is globally regarded as the most prestigious association football competition, as well as the most widely viewed and followed sporting event in the world. https://merleburl.com

• It was a puzzling time for the large crowd of participants at the Puzzle Pursuit, hosted by the West Chicago Park District, Friday, Sept. 19, 2025. Ten competitive teams worked on the 1,000-piece puzzles and nine recreational teams worked on the 500 piece puzzle. Both puzzles were of Prestonfield Park; each had a two-hour time limit. Winning the recreational prize was the Border Patrol team with a finishing time of one hour, one minute and 30 seconds. Chicago Puzzle Club won the competitive prize with 190 pieces left at the end of the competitions. All teams took home the puzzle. https://merleburl.com

• At the September 4, 2025, DuPage County Drug Court graduation ceremony, participants, along with authorities from the DuPage County 18th Judicial Circuit, celebrated not just the recent graduates' accomplishments, but also the success of the Program, marking the 506th graduate of the Program since its inception.

Created in 2002, the DuPage County Drug Court serves as an alternative to incarceration for non-violent offenders to break the cycle of drug addiction, arrest and recidivism. Upon acceptance, the applicant pleads guilty to the charges against them and enters into a contract which details the conditions with which the participant must comply to successfully complete the program. With the disposition of the case agreed upon at contract, which may result in a reduced charge or outright dismissal, sentencing is deferred to allow the defendant to complete the Program.

My email address is [email protected].