At Home with Merle Burleigh – December 3, 2025

MERLE'S CORNER

Again, the magic in his old silk hat wafts throughout the community, spreading a festive air when Frosty the Snowman comes to West Chicago for Frosty Fest from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, in the historic downtown district. It is a merry event for all ages.

At the Fox Community Center, 306 Main Street, the Fest begins with the lighting of the holiday tree and lights throughout the downtown area. For the 16th year, Kramer Tree Specialists decorated the tree, donating the lights and decorations. Chicago Arts Partnerships in Education students decorated the wooden candy canes ornaments. Melodic songs are heard with the performance of Chicago Carolers, dressed in Victorian costumes. A magical view emerges from the 3D glasses given to attendees; there is a limited supply.

After the tree lighting, the doors to the community center open, where holiday crafters have gifts or decorations for the holidays in the Elves Workshop. Vendors are Unwind Gracefully, soy wax candles, room sprays, and car diffusers; Laura's Creations, floral wreaths and home decor; D&M Craftworks, floral wreaths and home decor; and Sugar & Shine Cookies.

In Fa La La La Lane, aka the American Legion Post 300 hall at 123 Main Street, is a hub of entertainment, musical performances and spirit. Appearing on stage at 5 p.m. is the District 33 Ballet Folklorico. Gary School Choir performs at 5:30 p.m. Leman Mariachi Band plays at 6 p.m. Performing at 6:30 p.m. is the West Chicago Community High School A cappella Choir.

Republic Bank, 101 Main St., turns into the North Pole. Visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus begin after the tree lighting ceremony. The visit becomes more enjoyable as the West Chicago Lions Clubs and Friends of West Chicago Parks Foundation serve popcorn and the West Chicago Rotary Club serves hot chocolate. The sounds of Christmas carols resonate from members of New Hope United Methodist Church. Guests can add to the snowflake project hosted by People Made Visible. This project started in 2021 and currently has 650 pieces on it.

"Small Gifts of Art "at Gallery 200, 103 W. Washington St., is an ideal place to find the artistic gifts and/or ornaments. Also, there is a Holiday Card making station. At the West Chicago Sister Cities station, participants can make two candy cane ornaments, one for themselves and one for the sister city, Taufkirchen (Vils), Germany.

At West Chicago City Museum, 132 Main St., there is the opportunity to have fun with art in a make and take activity and learn some history in the scavenger hunt.

The Opening Reception for the exhibit, 'Tis the Season, takes place in Main Street Gallery, 200 Main St.

Twinkling lights cast the perfect glow on the outside activities. The Curling Rink provides some invigorating fun. In its second year is the Window Decorating Contest, highlighting this year's theme, "Candy Canes." Organizations painting the windows of the businesses are CAPE, Currier PTO, Daisy Troop 5696, Despertar Latino, Educare West DuPage, Gary PTO, Girl Scout Troop 56548, West Chicago Sister Cities, Turner Elementary PTO, WeGo Together for Kids and West Chicago Parks Foundation. Persons can vote for their favorite creation online; for voting information, visit https://westchicago.org/frosty-fest/. The renowned ice sculptor Joe Gagnepain portrays his artistic talent, using his chainsaw as a paintbrush to create a holiday masterpiece. There also is a Frosty Fest ice sculpture. The live alpacas, who captivate the hearts of adults and children, return this year. Reindeer also appear on the scene. Capturing the old-fashioned charm of the community, horse-drawn wagon rides travel in the nearby historical residential neighborhood, starting at Galena and Main streets. An electric train is another form of transportation. Funny Little People Elves are all smiles for photos from 5:30 to 6 p.m. Providing an extra area of fun and photographs is the photo booth, sponsored by We Go Together for Kids. Carolers from Faith Community Church stroll the sidewalks, singing some holiday favorites.

For those needing some extra nourishment as they enjoy Frosty Fest, there are food trucks. These include Mini Donuts; Cocina de Maria, tacos, tortas, quesadillas, fresh fruit waters, flan and pozole soup; Nick's Pizza Truck; The Greek Donut Shop, Loukoumades (Greek donuts); and Churro Babe's, funnel cakes, deep fried oreos, cheese fries, curly chips, chicken tenders, churros, elotes and cheese curds. Also, most of the restaurants are open.

After purchasing food, guests can enjoy their delicious treats inside the heated tent. Other activities include face painting and crafts with the West Chicago Public Library and Educare West DuPage.

Event sponsors are Jacobs, Groot Industries, FNBC Bank & Trust, Luxury Car Outlet, Comcast, Fifth 3rd Bank. Buck Services, Inc. and Kramer Tree Services.

Remember to thank all those who volunteered to provide an evening of fun. As the evening ends, all can return home with the magical memories of Frosty Fest 2025 dancing in their heads. For full information of activities, view https://westchicago.org/frosty-fest/.

AROUND AND ABOUT

• "Small Gifts of Art" is the exhibit at Gallery 200, 103 W. Washington St., for the month of December. The twelve participating artists are Natalie Barwick, Sarah Comoda, Corinne Condos, Patty Donahue, Marge Hall, Dan Hoalt, Oksana Hrynenko Thelma Legaspi, Sharon Malec, Laurie Parker, Piotr Pruszynski and, Britta Renwick. The artwork is perfect for holiday gifts, plus reasonably priced. The artists' reception is from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec.5, 2025. https://merleburl.com

• "Pancakes & Pajamas Holiday Storytime" is the West Chicago Public Library program at10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, in the main meeting room, 118 W. Washington St. It is geared to youths and families. Attendees wear pajamas to listen to festive tales and make fun crafts. There are a variety of toppings for the pancakes, plus hot chocolate to drink. To register, visit https://wcpld.librarycalendar.com/events/month/

• "Tis the Season" is the exhibit for the months of December 2025and January 2026, at Main Street Gallery 200, 200 Main Street. Participating artists are Emilia Hajduczenia, Marge Hall, Dan Hoalt, , Oksana Hrynenko, Sharon Malec, Heide Morris, Owen O'Reilly, Tom Obright, Britta Renwick and Marita Valdizan. The Opening Reception is from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, during Frosty Fest. 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. Gallery hours are 3 to 7 p.m. Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays.

• West Chicago Public Library holds a Microsoft Word computer class at 12:30 m. Thursday, Dec. 10, 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.

• The Music Department at West Chicago Community High School performs three holiday concerts at 7 p.m. in the auditorium, 326 Joliet St. Doors open at 6:40 p.m. The concerts are streamed on the high school's athletics YouTube page, https://www.youtube.com/@westchicagowildcatathletic7074.

The Holiday Choir Concert, under the direction of Brandon Fantozzi, is Tuesday, Dec. 9. It features the choirs from Benjamin Middle School and Leman Middle School. In addition to the performances of the high school choirs, the middle school choirs join in the singing of "I Hear the Bells" and "I'll Be Home for Christmas." The high school choirs sing a collection of holiday favorites, with some of the highlights being "This Little Babe", "Frosty the Snowman", "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen", "Hanerot Halalu" and "Silver Bells."

The West Chicago Community High School Holiday Orchestra Concert, under the direction of Sara Austin, is Wednesday, Dec. 10. It features the orchestras of Leman Middle School and Benjamin Middle School.

The Holiday Band Concert, under the direction of Marissa Janiszewski, is Thursday, Dec. 11. It features the Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Honors Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band. Some of the music selections are "Santa's in Town," selections from "The Polar Express," "Minor Alterations: Christmas Through the Looking Glass" and Leroy Anderson's "A Christmas Festival." The Honors Wind Ensemble is joined by students from Leman Middle School and Benjamin Middle School, performing Randall Standridge's "Christmas Light Fanfare."

• Gallery 200, 103 W. Washington St., hosts the free community event, "Pinecone Ornaments" from 2 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec 10, 2025. Sara Phalen, chairman and co-founder of People Made Visible, and Britta Renwick, manager of Gallery 200, are the instructors.

• The West Chicago Park District offers Parents Night Out from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, 2025, in the ARC, 201 W. National St. Parents drop off their children, who are between the ages of three and 11, and then enjoy an evening together. Activities for the children include pizza dinner, games and crafts, plus staff-supervised free-play in the Tree Top Escape and gym. The charge is $15 per child for residents and $18 per child for non-residents. To make a reservation, visit we-goparks.org/youth-programs. https://merleburl.com

• Registration is open for the West Chicago Park District's "North Pole Adventure;" space is limited. Train ride times are 1:15 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 13 and 14, 2025. Participants meet at the Metra Train station, 508 Main St. The charge per person is $25 for residents, $30 for non-residents. To make a reservation, visit https://www.we-goparks.org/special-events; reservation deadline is Saturday, Dec. 6. No at-the-door reservations are accepted. The trip to the North Pole on West Chicago's own holiday train includes music, stories, snacks and surprises. Santa gives each child a special gift.

• To celebrate the opening of the film, "Wicked: For Good," the West Chicago Public Library is hosting a special Wicked Wonderland Tea Party program at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, in the main meeting room, 118 W. Washington St. This family-friendly event has activities and fun for the munchkins and the adults. With attendees wearing their smartest outfits, the library reminds them that black is this year's pink. To register, visit https://wcpld.librarycalendar.com/events/month/. After registering, participants pick up their physical tickets at the Youth Services desk. https://merleburl.com

• The West Chicago Park District monthly social gathering for senior citizens is at noon Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025, in the ARC, 201 W. National Street. The event is the Holiday Celebration with treats, music and merriment. The charge is $15. Reservation deadline is noon Thursday, Dec. 11, and may be made at https://www.we-goparks.org/special-events. Attendees are asked to bring a wrapped gift, valued at no more than $5, for a gift exchange. https://merleburl.com

• The Grinch continues to grow in popularity. Understanding this, the West Chicago Park District hosts its second annual "A Grinchmas Gathering" from 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, in the ARC, 201 W. National St. The charge is $25 for residents, $30 for non-residents and no charge for children under the age of one. Children must be accompanied by a guardian. All participants must be registered. To register, visit https://www.we-goparks.org/special-events; Registration deadline is Sunday, Dec.14. Activities include breakfast, greeting with both the Grinch and Santa Claus and making holiday crafts. https://merleburl.com

SUPPORT OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES

• We Grow Dreams Greenhouse & Garden Center, 1055 W. Washington St., hosts its annual Holiday Expo from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. The holiday spirit is evident in the decorated greenhouse. Items for decor and gifts include one-of-a-kind crafts, evergreen arrangements, wreaths, reindeer, snow gnomes and tabletop reindeer. While shopping, persons can enjoy the mulled cider and tasty treats. https://merleburl.com

• 5 Points Haunted House, 241 W. Roosevelt Road, holds a Krampusnacht Christmas event. It takes place only one night from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. Krampus, his elves, and many other monsters roam the hall. Before entry, there is a covered heated queue, and the gift shop is open. For further information and to order tickets, visit https://www.5pointshaunt.com/. Krampusnacht is a traditional Alpine celebration on December 5, the night before St Nicholas Day. Krampus is a horned, demon-like creature who punishes naughty children, in contrast to the benevolent St. Nicholas who rewards good behavior. https://merleburl.com

• Hawthorne's Backyard Bar & Grill, 1200 W. Hawthorne Lane, hosts Dinner with Santa from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, December 13, 2025. Persons bring their families for dinner and Santa gives free cookies and milk to children ages 12 and under. Hawthorne's elves are on hand to make the time even more enjoyable. https://merleburl.com

• Andrews Golf & Country Club, 2241 Route 59, hosts Breakfast with Santa Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025. Seating times are 9:30 a.m., 9:45 a.m.,10 a.m. or 10:15 a.m. The charge is $17.95 for persons age 12 and older, $12.95 for youth ages 4 to 11 years, and $6.95 for children ages 3 and younger. To make reservations, call 530 231-3100, ext. 114. The menu includes bacon and grilled ham, scrambled eggs, breakfast potatoes, French Toast with caramel, and waffles with assorted toppings. Beverages are coffee, milk and orange juice. Santa is available for photographs by the tree. https://merleburl.com

• Prairie Landing Golf Club, 2325 Longest Drive, hosts a Santa Brunch Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025. Seatings are at 10 a.m.,10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. or 1 p.m.. In addition to the array of breakfast and lunch favorites, Santa is on hand to visit with the children. The cost is $49 for adults, $28 for youths age 4 to 12, and no charge for children under the age of 4. Reservations are required by Thursday, Dec. 10, and can be made by calling 630 208-7641.https://merleburl.com

• Hawthorne's Backyard Bar & Grill, 1200 W. Hawthorne Lane, once again holds its annual Stocking Charity Drive. Every year the restaurant works with the West Chicago Police Department to make Christmas special for three deserving families in the community. Hawthorne's provides the stockings and art supplies and patrons provide the creative artwork, plus make a monetary donation. The owner, Lou Kopinski, matches the contributions, with the money used to purchase presents off the lists of the families. https://merleburl.com

• After 41 years, Dan Jimenez, State Farm agent, retired Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2025. His office was at 110 Galena St.

REMEMBRANCES

• Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Karen L. Vercouteren, who at the age of 89 passed away Friday, Nov. 14, 2025.

• Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Doreen Marie Nelson, who at the age of 75 passed away Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025.

• Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Jane M. Swiertz, who at the age of 93 passed away Friday, Nov. 28, 2025.

• Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Kenneth G. Dawson, who at the age of 93 passed away Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025.

SCHOOLS

• Leman Middle School Ballet Folklorico Posada is at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, in the cafetorium, 238 E. Hazel St.

• The Wheaton Academy annual Christmas Choral and Instrumental Concert is at 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Dec. 11 and 12, 2025, in the Fine Arts Center auditorium, 900 N. Prince Crossing Road.

• School District U-46 Board of Education is the recipient of the 2024 School Board Governance Recognition from the Illinois Association of School Boards. The two-year distinction is for its effective governance and commitment to student achievement. Board members are President, Melissa Owens; Vice President. Kate Thommes; Secretary Pro-Tem. Chanda Schwartz; Sue Kerr, Veronica Noland, Dawn Martin and Samreen Khan.

CHURCHES

• To begin the Advent season, St. Michael's United Church of Christ, 400 Washington St., celebrates with the Hanging of the Greens in the sanctuary and decorates the Chrismon Tree at its 10 a.m. worship service Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025. Chrismon is a combination of two words, Christ and monograms. The different monograms include the Crosses, the Symbols and the Parables, with the colors of gold and white; some are beaded.

• Faith Community Church, 910 Main St., hosts a Community Luncheon at 11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025. The luncheon is open to all members of the community and a time to celebrate the Advent season. Also, during the Advent season, the church is collecting non-perishable foods and personal items for Neighborhood Food Pantries located at 123 Fremont St.

COMMUNITY MEMBERS HIGHLIGHTS

• Since the Frosty Fest 5K has not happened for a few years. Some West Chicago residents are organizing a free and "unofficial" 5K Run/Walk. It takes place at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, on the Prairie Path. Interested individuals meet at the Skate Park by the West Chicago Park District 250, 250 W. National St. There is no registration, no waiver, no cost, no freebies, and no frills. https://merleburl.com

• West Chicago residents Mike Fortner and Becky Hall, members of Acappellago, perform in two Christmas concerts, "A Sense of Wonder." One is at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, in Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 350 E Madison St. in Lombard and the second one at 3 p.m. Sunday, December 8, 2025, in the Congregational Church of Batavia, 21 S Batavia Ave. The ticket price is $20, $17 for senior citizens and $15 for students. The program includes the songs of "Ave Maria," "O Magnum Mysterium," and "Sleigh Ride." To order tickets, visit https://acappellago.org/. Acappellago, founded in 2002, is a volunteer a cappella choir that has fun singing all around the western suburbs of Chicago.

• West Chicago residents Luian and Matt Huska are the authors of the recently released book, "My South American Classroom." The illustrations also are by Matt. The book is geared for families wanting to expand their children's horizons to the magic of travel, language learning, and different cultures. To order the book, visit https://slowcamino.com/.../my-south-american.../... and for more information about the book, visit https://slowcamino.com/.../my-south-american-classroom.../. https://merleburl.com

CLUB/ORGANIZATION NEWS

• The Warriors of God and Emanuel Clubs with the support of Casa Michoacán, host a Christmas program and concert at 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, in Casa Michoacán, 900 E. Roosevelt Road. The program includes the Puppet Ministry, Christmas concert, games, traditional piñatas and refreshments. https://merleburl.com

• Three of West Chicago Youth Cheerleading teams participated in the state competition. They were the 3rd grade team, the fifth-grade team, and the eighth-grade team, who won the Third Place trophy in the completion. 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.

CITY OF WEST CHICAGO

• The City of West Chicago free recycling for the holiday lights and extension cords continues through Friday, January 16, 2025. The offer is open to residents, businesses, clubs, churches and organizations. Drop-off locations are City Hall, 475 Main St.; New Hope United Methodist Church, by east exterior door at 643 E. Washington St.; Murphy Ace Hardware, 319 S. Neltnor Blvd; Water Treatment Plant, 1400 W. Hawthorne Lane; West Chicago Public Library, 118 W. Washington St.; the ARC Center, 201 W. National St.; and Jewel-Osco, 177 E. Roosevelt Road. Coordinating the program is the West Chicago Environmental Commission, the City of West Chicago, SCARCE and Groot Industries. The amount collected in 2024 was 2,120 pounds.

• The West Chicago Cultural Arts Commission meeting is rescheduled to 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, in City Hall, 465 Main St.

• At the meeting Monday, Nov. 17, 2025, City Council approved a Zoning Text Amendment for Tattoo Parlor/Specialized Instructional Services in the Downtown District, B-1 Central Business District. Per the Item summary, Instructional services such as yoga, arts, crafts or cooking "can have a residual effect on other businesses such as retail shops and restaurants."

Also approved was the purchase of a 2025 Ford E350 Cutaway with a custom Reading Utility Body for the amount of $66,859. from Haggerty Ford.

WEST CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT

• Rivers Gives and the Basket Brigade delivered several Thanksgiving dinners to the West Chicago Police Department, who will give them to West Chicago families in need. https://merleburl.com

WEST CHICAGO FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

• West Chicago Fire Protection District promotes holiday decoration safety through the "Keep the Wreath Red" program. The wreaths are on display at all three stations, 200 Fremont Street, 1651 Atlantic Drive and 1800 Commerce Drive. Red bulbs on the wreaths are replaced with a white bulb if the cause of a fire is holiday-related. During the more than 30 years of participation in the program of the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association, the wreaths have remained red most of the time. Precautionary measures for a live Christmas tree involve checking the water level on a regular basis and placing it and other greens away from a heat source, with the latter step also applying to artificial trees and greens. Locate candles in safe locations, away from window treatments and evergreens. Never leave candles unattended in a room; keep them out of reach of children and pets. With the use of battery-operated flickering tea candles and tapers, persons can have the warmth and festive aura in a safe manner.

• Recognizing him for his exceptional service, West Chicago Fire Protection District Lieutenant Todd Baseggio is the recipient of the MABAS Humanitarian Award. Earlier this year, he deployed with Illinois Task Force One to assist with search and recovery efforts following severe flooding in Texas, representing both Task Force One and the West Chicago Fire Protection District with professionalism, skill, and compassion. "His willingness to answer the call for help, no matter the distance, truly reflects the best of our profession and the proud tradition of service that defines our department." https://merleburl.com

ODDS AND ENDS

• Per the U.S. News and World Report's annual ranking of America's top nursing homes for 2026 puts the DuPage Care Center, the County's public nursing home, among the best nursing homes in the nation. The Care Center was evaluated on key criteria that made its quality of both long-term care and short-term rehabilitation stand out among more than 15,000 public and private facilities analyzed. The press release stated, "Since 2009, U.S. News' annual evaluation of nursing homes is highly selective, recognizing fewer than 19 percent of the evaluated U.S. nursing homes as "Best Nursing Homes" as part of the 2026 ratings." The DuPage Care Center is a 366-bed skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility which has served the residents of DuPage County for more than 130 years. To read more about the U.S. News and World Report Best Nursing Homes Ratings, visit https://health.usnews.com/best-nursing-homes?src=usn_pr. https://merleburl.com

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