At Home with Merle Burleigh – November 5, 2025

MERLE'S CORNER

• The Community Veterans Day program, organized this year by American Legion Post 300, is at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025, in the Legion hall, 123 Main St. Auxiliary Chaplin Julia Doggett gives the opening and closing prayers. The Acapella Choir of West Chicago Community High School performs a selection of patriotic-themed songs. There is a short speech by Mayor Daniel Bovey. Rolling Thunder Riders give a MIA/POW Dinner presentation. Following this at 11:11 a.m. is the 21-gun salute by members of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6791 and the playing of "Taps" by trumpeters Jeremy Passini and Kody Leano, seniors at West Chicago Community High School. A light luncheon follows the program; auxiliary members provide homemade desserts.

• Veterans Day is a federal holiday observed on November 11 to honor all who have served in the military. It is always held on this date to honor the armistice that ended World War I on November 11, 1918.

The Dinner presentation is a commemorative event that includes a solemn "Missing Man Table"" ceremony to honor prisoners of war and service members who are missing in action. The table is a small, symbolic setting for one person, representing the missing comrade, with specific items such as a white tablecloth, single rose, and inverted glass, each carrying deep meaning related to hope, sacrifice, and remembrance.

AROUND AND ABOUT

• West Chicago Public Library, 118 W. Washington St., is closed for Staff in Service, Friday, Nov. 7, 2025.

• The West Chicago Public Library, 118 W. Washington St., honors Veterans' Day with an exhibit and a musical program. The West Chicago City Museum exhibit, "West Chicago Veterans," is on display through Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025. It features the many faces and stories of military service from West Chicago's past. West Chicagoans have a long history of military service from the War of 1812 to the Gulf War. The exhibit is on the second floor. https://merleburl.com

The musical performance by the Saddle Shoe Sisters is at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12, in the main meeting room. Wearing retro clothing and saddle shoes, they sing the music of vocal groups, which include the Andrews Sister and the Supremes, plus everything between the 1940s through the 1960s. To register, visit https://wcpld.librarycalendar.com/events/month/.

• "Fused for You" is the exhibit for the month of November at Gallery 200, 103 W. Washington St. It is a celebration of fused glass art. Participating artists are Valerie Baxter, Amber Clay, Debbie Mandarino and Rita Skarha. The artists' reception is from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7, 2025. Gallery hours are noon to 6 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays, and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays.

• New Hope United Methodist Church, SCARCE and West Chicago Environmental Commission co-host a pumpkin composting drop off from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, November 8, 2025, at the church, 643 E. Washington St. The dumpster is located in the northeast corner of the parking lot. Removal of decorative items is required; this includes candle holders. The pumpkins then are delivered to Willow Ranch Composting Facility in Romeoville. Composting pumpkins keeps waste out of the landfills, reduces greenhouse gas emissions and creates a natural fertilizer.

• For those wanting to purchase some unique gifts, decorations and or food for the holidays, three West Chicago organizations have the ideal shopping events Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. The groups are American Legion Post 300, Wildcat Boosters Club and Trinity Lutheran Church.

The Fall Craft Show, held by American Legion Post 300, is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the hall, 123 Main St. Items for sale include vintage finds, home decor, permanent jewelry, West Chicago gear, sourdough, crochet, bake goods and 3D printing. The kitchen is open for breakfast. The menu includes biscuits and gravy, waffles, toast, eggs and bacon. Also there are Mimosas for $4 and Bloody Marys for $5.

The Holiday Bazaar, presented by the Wildcat Booster Club, is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the fieldhouse, 326 Joliet St. In addition to the vendors, the West Chicago Community High School teams and clubs also have booths and activities. Concessions are available.

• Trinity Lutheran Church, 328 George St., hosts its annual Christmas Sale and Luncheon from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Available are homemade items, Christmas decorations, jewelry, pre-made gift bags, Treats by Lisa, bake sale and used treasures. Luncheon is served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. On the menu are sloppy joes, salads, chips, dessert and beverage. Hot dogs are available for children. The luncheon charge is $8 per person, $4 for children ages 10 and younger.

• In recognition of the airing of the first episode of Sesame Street 56 years ago, the West Chicago Public Library offers several programs for children, plus a commemorative display on the second floor. The children's programs are Milk and Cookies story time, Sunday, Nov. 9; Sesame Street Day, Monday, Nov. 10; and Elmo's Dance, Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025. For further information and to register, visit https://wcpld.librarycalendar.com/events/month/.

• The West Chicago Park District monthly social gathering for senior citizens is at noon Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at the ARC, 201 W. National Street. The Thanksgiving Feast menu includes turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and dessert. The charge is $15. Reservation deadline is at noon Friday, Nov. 7, and can be made at https://www.we-goparks.org/special-events.

• The West Chicago Public Library Saturday Crafternoon program, "Snowflake Button Bouquets," is at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, in the main program room, 118 W. Washington St. Participants make a snowflake button bouquet to use as a decoration or give as a gift. To register, visit https://wcpld.librarycalendar.com/events/month/.

• West Chicago Park District hosts a Holiday Trivia Dinner for adults age 21 and over. It takes place at 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, in the ARC, 201 W. National St. The cost is $50 for residents, $60 for non-residents. The deadline for reservations is Thursday, Nov. 6, and can be made at https://www.we-goparks.org/special-events. The buffet meal includes fried chicken, baked mostaccioli and dessert. Each ticket includes one drink ticket, with a cash bar available for additional beverages. Childcare also is available for children ages 3 through 11; preregistration is necessary. https://merleburl.com

• WeGo Community Theater presents "High School Musical JR" in the Fine Arts Center at Wheaton Academy, 900 N. Prince Crossing Road. Performances are at 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Nov. 20 and 21, and at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025. The ticket price is $12; to purchase tickets, visit https://www.wegocommunitytheatre.org/. The musical is about students of East High, who are together for a high-energy celebration of love, friendship, and teamwork. To view the cast, visit https://www.facebook.com/WeGoCommunityTheatre/. Local sponsors are Daniel and Associates Real Estate, Hawthorne's Backyard Bar & Grill, Jel Sert, RKA Applied Solutions and State Senator Karina Villa.

• For persons age 50 and over, the West Chicago Park District hosts a holiday event, "Sweet Reminders Christmas," Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, in Chandler's Steak House in Schaumburg. Scheduled hours are 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The charge is $65, which includes lunch and musical entertainment by the Sweet Reminders. Former Legacy Girls Nancy Baumet and Dia Madden sing the songs of the season and delight audiences with their upbeat personalities. Reservation deadline is at noon Saturday, Nov. 8, and can be made at https://www.we-goparks.org/special-events.

SUPPORT OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES

• November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. Hawthorne's Backyard Bar & Grill, 1200 W. Hawthorne Lane, is fundraising for the American Cancer Society. The business is accepting cash donations and will hang a purple ribbon with the donor's name on it around the bar. Tony Mazzuca matches the donations in honor of his late wife Debbie. https://merleburl.com

• Jeff Christensen of the Soakin' in the 70s Podcast is in person Monday, Nov. 10, 2025, at Hawthorne's Backyard Bar & Grill, 1200 W. Hawthorne Lane. Doors open at 5 p.m., the live broadcast recording starts at 6:30 p.m. The theme of the show is "The Concert Experience." For further information on this podcast, visit https://soakininthe70s.com/. https://merleburl.com

• The Marines of the Burbs host a 250th Marine Corps Birthday Bash, starting at 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, in The Bunker Bar and Grill, 216 Main St. The entry fee is $15. There is a 50/50 raffle; ticket price is $5. https://merleburl.com

• Prairie Landing Golf Club, 2325 Longest Drive, hosts a Craft Fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025. Items for sale include handcrafted goods, jewelry, home decor, gourmet treats and unique art. Food and beverages are available at McChesney's Pub & Grill. Prairie Landing celebrates its Thirtieth Anniversary this year. https://merleburl.com

• The Guarrine Group offers a Personify Leadership program from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, and Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, in the Fox Community Center, 306 Main St. A light breakfast, lunch and snacks are provided. The workshop consists of case studies and video demonstrations targeted to front-line to mid-level leaders. For group rates and WeGo Community rates, email [email protected]. https://merleburl.com

• Off season hours at We Grow Dreams Greenhouse and Garden Center, 1055 W. Washington St., are from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and closed Sundays and Mondays.

• Two families truly enjoyed special Halloween treats as they were the raffle winners in the special 2025 promotion of Kamila Cakes, 151 W Washington St. The winner received a Halloween-themed cake and the runner up received a dozen Halloween cupcakes. https://merleburl.com

REMEMBRANCES

• Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of James Joseph Klock, who at the age of 82 passed away Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025.
• Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Dannyae S. Cozzens, who at the age of 78 passed away Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025.
• Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Gary King, who at the age of 78 passed away Friday, Oct.27, 2025.

SCHOOLS

• West Chicago Community High School honored its October Wildcat Pride Award winners at a celebration breakfast. Faculty recognized these students for demonstrating outstanding compassion, inspiring leadership. and unwavering perseverance. The students are Stacev Alvarado, Arely Angeles, Josani Avila, Giovanna Cardoso Navarrete, Elizabeth Fiqueroa, Jesus Flores, Stephanie Flores Abarca, Jose Guilosa Parro, Leo Herrera, Ashley Lopez, Melissa Lopez Santiago, Sebastian Mora, Edwin Romero, Will Pereckas, Reyna Rodriguez, Edwin Romero, Yesenia Sanchez, Olivia Simmons, Axel Urbina Carrera, Guadalupe Vardas, Jimena Vazquez and Olivia Zurko. https://merleburl.com

• The Girls Swimming team of West Chicago Community High School won Conference. https://merleburl.com

• Enrique "Kike" Correa, West Chicago Community High School Varsity team soccer player, is the Athlete of the Week of Oct. 19. "He is a workhorse in the middle and wins every ball in the air." He is always in the right place at the right time and is a leader that leads by example." https://merleburl.com

• Six students from West Chicago Community High School were selected by audition for the 2025 Illinois Music Education Association District 9 Honor Festival to be held in November. The students are under the direction of Brandon Fantozzi, Choir; Marissa Janiszewski, Band; and Sara Austin, Orchestra. This prestigious event brings together top student musicians from across the region to showcase their talents in band, choir and orchestra.

In Band, it was Gwenneth Nika, Flute. In chorus, it was Charlotte Conger, Alto 1, Senior Treble Choir; Milly Mora-Zarco, Bass 1, Senior Chorus; and Nick Riconosciuto, Bass 2, Senior Chorus. In Orchestra, it was Timothy Kotke, Double Bass and Adrian Ramos Perez, Violin. The students competed against more than 1,200 students in band, choir, and orchestra from DuPage, Kane and parts of Will and Kendall counties. The highly competitive auditions required students to prepare scales, etudes and/or selected excerpts of music pieces. Auditions were conducted digitally and each student had to submit a video. https://merleburl.com

• In the first round of Class 7A football playoffs Friday, Oct. 31, 2025, West Chicago Community High School lost to Glenbard East High School with a score or 29-63. West Chicago's season record was 5-5. Glenbard East's season record was 9-1.

• After winning the game against Deerfield High School with a score of 2-1, Wheaton Academy Girls Volleyball team won the Regional Championship. https://merleburl.com

CHURCHES

• Mary's Parish, 140 N. Oakwood Ave., is having a procession and prayer service for the immigrant community at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025.

• Trinity Lutheran Church, 328 George Street, recently held a dedication for the stained-glass themed mural painted by Gallery 200 artist Emilia Hajduczenia. Also attending the dedication was Britta Renwick, manager and curator of Gallery 200.

The church was having problems with graffiti and to defer this problem, the solution was to solve it with a meaningful piece of art. A friend and member of the church contacted Emelia. Once accepting the project, she sketched in two different churches in her hometown of Mońki, Poland, where her family vacationed in August. She said, "The images are bright and colorful, reflecting on the peace and happiness that we can find in communities, such as the parish at the local church of Trinity Lutheran." To complete the mural, she spent approximately 50 hours over a three-week span. As part of the community connection aspect of this project, she had church members finish one of the walls by painting the lettering of the church name.

Emelia is a mixed media and acrylic artist displaying in Gallery 200. Painting is a life-long passion for her, beginning with her earliest childhood memories. She finds inspiration in nature and often embeds nature-found objects in her pieces. She is an instructor for the Kiddo Crafts art classes of Gallery 200 "I enjoy working with the children and creating art projects with my two children." Emilia can be reached through Gallery 200 for future community projects or personal commissions for painting. https://merleburl.com

• Trinity Lutheran Church held a Trunk or Treat in the afternoon Friday, Oct. 25, 2025. Approximately 50 persons in the neighborhood attended. The event provided a positive opportunity for all to become acquainted.

COMMUNITY MEMBERS HIGHLIGHTS

• West Chicago resident Kathy Steere is the featured artist in the Autumn Art Exhibit of the Nature Artists' Guild of the Morton Arboretum. The exhibit takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7 through Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025, in the Cudahy Room, 4100 IL-53 in Lisle. The artist's reception is from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7.

• West Chicago resident Louise Handel, a member of Voices of Hope Community Chorus, performs in the concert, "Simple Gifts: Songs of Strength, Hope and Courage!" There are two performances. One takes place at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, in Glenview Community Church, 1000 Elm St. The other is at 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16, in Pilgrim Congregational Church, 460 Lake St. in Oak Park. Ticket prices are $25 for adults, $20 for survivors and students 17 and under, and $22 per person for groups of 10 or more. To order tickets, visit https://www.voicesofhopecc.org/.

• Seventy employees and family members of CartonCraft supported Cal's Angels Glow Walk in Geneva. They walked around a luminaria-lit path at Northwestern Medicine Field. The event raised more than $125,000 to support Cal's mission to grant wishes, raise awareness, and fund pediatric cancer research. Former West Chicago resident Tony Reyes is the owner of CartonCraft. https://merleburl.com

CLUB/ORGANIZATION NEWS

• Yuriel Molley is the new Member Service Specialist for Western DuPage Chamber of Commerce. She is bilingual, speaking English and Spanish, and is experienced in marketing and photography. She currently serves as president of the Parent Teachers Association in Benjamin School District 25. 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 Veterans banners now are on display in the downtown area, Main Street from Washington Street to Wilson Avenue, Galena Street from Main Street to High Street, and Turner Court from Washington Street to Main Street. Each banner features a local Veteran, accompanied by their name, years of service, and military branch

Launched in 2021, this program was initiated through West Chicago resident Judy Knaak. While on a trip, she visited a town that had a patriotic display of street banners featuring the pictures of veterans who served in the military. The maximum capacity for participants was reached in 2023, demonstrating a need for reorganization of the program. Working with various community members to improve the program, which included increasing the number of participants and veterans honored each year, led to featuring a different individual on each side on the banner, allocating appropriate funds annually and implementing a rotation system for future installation, which allows for the installation of up to 14 new veterans each year. https://merleburl.com

• The City of West Chicago is in the recruitment process for its next City Administrator and engaged MGT Impact Solutions to assist in this important effort. The City Administrator is West Chicago's top manager and is appointed by the Mayor with approval from the City Council. The Administrator oversees daily operations, prepares the budget, manages staff across all departments, and makes sure City services are delivered effectively and fairly. Also wanting the residents input, the City has a survey, which can be found on the City's website, https://westchicago.org/, under City's Highlights-Community Voice… The deadline for submitting the survey is Saturday, Nov. 15. The deadline for qualified applicants to apply online is Monday, Nov. 17.

• West Chicago City Museum presents the Historiography program, a non-fiction book reading group, at 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, in the Museum, 132 Main St. The book is "Sophia's War: A Tale of the Revolution" by Avi. To get a copy of the book or for further information, visit Friends of West Chicago City Museum website, https://http://wegohistory.com or call 630 231-3376. It is not necessary to read the book to attend.

Goodreads states, "In 1776, young Sophia Calderwood witnesses the execution of Nathan Hale in New York City, which is newly occupied by the British army. Sophia is horrified by the event and resolves to do all she can to help the American cause. Recruited as a spy, she becomes a maid in the home of General Clinton, the supreme commander of the British forces in America. Through her work she becomes aware that someone in the American army might be switching sides, and she uncovers a plot that will grievously damage the Americans if it succeeds. But the identity of the would-be traitor is so shocking that no one believes her, and so Sophia decides to stop the treacherous plot herself, at great personal peril: She's young, she's a girl, and she's running out of time. And if she fails, she's facing an execution of her own."

Avi is a master storyteller. He is an American author of more than 70 children's and young adult books. He is a winner of the Newbery Medal and has received Newbery Honors for several of his works. https://merleburl.com

• The full proposed 2026 budget for the City of West Chicago is available for review on its Transparency Page, https://westchicago.org/transparency/, scroll down.

WEST CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT

• West Chicago Police Department celebrates the November Work Anniversary of Officer Matthew Lukaszek. He took the Oath of Office Monday, Nov. 14, 2022. https://merleburl.com

WEST CHICAGO FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

• At approximately 12:31 a.m., Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025, the West Chicago Fire Protection District responded to a reported fire in the 1300 block of W. Hawthorne Lane. Workers initially discovered a fire in the office ceiling and attempted to extinguish it using portable fire extinguishers, but they were unsuccessful. Upon arrival, firefighters were directed to the fire in the second-floor office area and quickly extinguished it using a single hose line. Crews then overhauled the affected area to ensure the fire was extinguished and ventilated the building to remove smoke. An investigation determined that an electrical connection in the ceiling most likely caused the fire. After ventilation was completed, the property was turned back over to the company to make repairs. No injuries were reported.

ODDS AND ENDS

• The DuPage County Board and County Finance Committee host evening meetings on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025, in the County Board Room, 421 N. County Farm Road. The Finance Committee and the DuPage County Board usually meet during the day on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month. The second Tuesday of November is Veterans Day, a federal holiday; County offices are closed. The Finance Committee will meet at 5 p.m. The regular County board meeting will be at 7 p.m.

• Twenty-one businesses and organizations participated in the Trunk or Treat event, organized by the West Chicago Public Library. Participants were City of West Chicago, Elite Remodeling Group, Faith Community Church, Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana, Glen Arbor Community Church, Jorge's Paleteria y Neveria, Onin Staffing, State Senator Karina Villa, State Representative Maura Hirschauer, West Chicago Police Department, West Chicago Public Library, West Chicago Public Library Foundation, West Chicago United, WeGo Together for Kids, We Grow Dreams Greenhouse & Garden Center, YWCA Metropolitan Chicago, Peak Heating & Cooling, Educare West DuPage, Renewal Church, West Chicago Sharks, and WCCHS National Honor Society. Persons attending voted on their favorite trunk. For the second year in a row, Jorge's Paleteria y Neveria won the popular vote. I thought the library's trunk, Lilo & Stitch Rock a Hula, was quite clever. The streets in the downtown district were filled with laughter as more than 700 youths participated in the Trick or Treat event, organized by the City. There were some very creative costumes. https://merleburl.com

• Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, was a very busy time at the Winfield Township Recycling Extravaganza. Seventy-three volunteers helped remove the items from the 574 vehicles. Volunteers were from Winfield Township Road District, Winfield Township, SCARCE, CERT, ProShred, DuPage County Sheriff's Office, and West Chicago Lions Club. Among the items collected were19 boxes of books, 2 boxes of records, 8 boxes of school supplies and office supplies, 4 boxes of CD's and DVD's, 9 boxes of holiday lights,1 box of inkjet cartridges, 2 boxes of miscellaneous cords and wires and 3 boxes of scrap metal. Other items included 22 bicycles. 63 fire extinguishers, 5 propane tanks, 25 propane canisters and 7 gallons of cooking oil.

• At the recent meeting of the West Chicago Garden Club, Dan Beebe, club president, presented a check for a Kaleidoscope planter to the West Chicago Parks Foundation. Accepting the donation were Acie Boyd, president, and Rebecca Holmes, secretary. The WCPF are working to raise funds to install a children's sensory garden in honor of long-time West Chicago Park District employee, Melissa Medeiros, who passed away Feb. 8, 2024. For further information on the project, visit the Foundation's website, WestChicagoParksFoundation.org. https://merleburl.com

• The West Chicago Public Library announced the winners of its Halloween Costume Contest. West Chicago Public Library held a Halloween Costume Contest. Persons submitted photographs of themselves in costumes and submitted them to the library. Individuals voted for their favorite on the website of the library. Categories were for youths from 1 year to fifth grade, teens from sixth to twelfth grade and adults 18 and over. To view the photos of the winners, visit https://www.facebook.com/wcpld/. https://merleburl.com

My email address is [email protected].