At Home with Merle Burleigh – October 29, 2025

MERLE'S CORNER

It is time to fall behind. Daylight Savings Time ends at 2 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025. Time to set the clocks back an hour. https://merleburl.com

AROUND AND ABOUT

• Trick or Treat hours are from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31, 2025. A few things for a safe and happy Halloween for youths is to only stop at homes beaconing a welcome with a lit porch light, carry flashlights, cross streets at intersections, wear costumes that allow freedom of movement and masks that allow easy visibility and go with friends and/or parents. https://merleburl.com

• The exhibit of the sixteen calavera portraits of Christopher Lucero, creator of Calaveras of Chicago, are on display until Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, in the West Chicago Public Library,118 W. Washington St. As part of the West Chicago Artist-in-Residency Program, Lucero interviewed and portrayed West Chicago residents in his stylistic interpretation of their lives through designed makeup in the calavera style. The residency program is a project of the West Chicago City Museum and People Made Visible.

• The West Chicago Public Library, 118 W. Washington St., honors Veterans' Day with an exhibit and a musical program. From Monday, Nov. 3, through Sunday, Nov. 23, the West Chicago City Museum hosts "West Chicago Veterans," a display featuring 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.

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/. https://merleburl.com

• "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. https://merleburl.com

• 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. https://merleburl.com

• 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. https://merleburl.com

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. https://merleburl.com

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. https://merleburl.com

• 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/. https://merleburl.com

• 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. The program includes a MIA/POW Dinner presentation by Rolling Thunder, prayer by Auxiliary Chaplin Julia Doggett, a short speech by Mayor Daniel Bovey, patriotic songs sung by the A Capella Choir of West Chicago Community High School, the playing of "Taps" by trumpeters Jeremy Passini and Kody Leano, seniors at West Chicago Community High School, and the 21-gun salute. A light luncheon follows the program; auxiliary members provide homemade desserts.

• 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.

• 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. https://merleburl.com

SUPPORT OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES

• Fall Fest at Sonny Acres, 29W310 North Ave., ends Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025.

• The Kitchen Table, 100 Hahndorf St., is open from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31. Trick or Treaters decorate a cookie and get a tour of the kitchen. https://merleburl.com

• Kamila Cakes, 151 W Washington St., is having a special 2025 Halloween giveaway promotion. For each purchase throughout the month of October, customers receive a ticket to participate in the great raffle of a free Halloween-themed cake. The drawing takes place Thursday, Oct. 30; cake is delivered Friday Oct. 31. For a limited time, Boo Berry cake slices are for sale.

• 5 Points Haunted House, 241W. Roosevelt Road, closes Monday, Nov. 2, 2025. West Chicago resident Miles McCabe, owner along with his parents Rachel and Jesse of5 Points Haunted House, recently was interviewed on WBBM radio.

• We Grow Dreams Greenhouse & Garden Center, 1005 W. Washington St., celebrates its Twentieth Anniversary this year. As part of the celebration, the greenhouse is featuring "the hard-working individuals that are the driving force behind We Grow Dreams and our mission!" Featured now is Katie, who joined the crew in 2019. Her special interest is in the herb section, where she was key in identifying issues with certain crops and making certain it was well-stocked. Greenhouse hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. https://merleburl.com

REMEMBRANCES

• Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Mary Louise "Mary Lou" (Modaff) Paladeau, who at the age of 84 passed away Friday, Oct. 17, 2025.
• Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Robert "Bob" Lee Urick, who at the age of 73 passed away Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025.
• Sincere sympathy is expressed to the family of Rubit Mendoza, who at the age of 52 passed away Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025.
• Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Perry Ray Miller, who at the age of 49 passed away Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025.
• Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Carmen Perez, who at the age of 62 passed away Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025.
• Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Ruth Flesvig Gibson, who at the age of 88 passed away Thursday, Oct. 20, 2025.

SCHOOLS

• With the score of 2-0 against Elk Grove High School, the Varsity Soccer team of West Chicago Community High School won the Illinois High School Association Regional. Jose Villa, a 2006 graduate of West Chicago Community High School, is the coach. https://merleburl.com

• In the Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, football games, West Chicago Community High School won against Fenton High School with a score of 44-34; the third year in a row the Wildcats are Illinois High School Association playoff eligible, Bartlett High School won against Elgin High School with a score of 48-0, St Charles East High School lost to Geneva High School with a score of 20-45, and Wheaton Academy won against Christ the King High school with a score of 42-0.

• In the first round of high school football game playoffs, West Chicago Community High School plays against Glenbard East High School at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31, 2025.

• It was Senior Night at the Wheaton Academy football game Friday, Oct. 24, 2025. Senior players honored were. Danny Ciszek, Dallas Johnston, Tyler Jones, Judan Ladd, Jake Shales, John Mazzarella, Judah From, Luke Lopatka, Jy Cooks, Jackson From, Wesley Hanson, Adel Al-Baldawim and Hezzy Garcia. https://merleburl.com

• West Chicago Community High School students Daniel Duran and Anahi Munoz received all-conference in cross country this season. https://merleburl.com

• At the Thursday, Oct. 15, 2025, West Chicago Elementary School District 33 Board of Education meeting, three staff members were honored with Board Salutes. They were Adriana Medina, Jessica Porcayo and Michelle Hernandez, who were noted for their positive impact on school communities.

Recognition for Adriana Medina, a teacher at Wegner Elementary School, was for the creation of innovative assessment tools and the offering of unwavering support to teachers and students. Michelle Hernandez, a paraprofessional at Pioneer Preschool, was recognized for her compassion, positivity and commitment to helping every student grow and succeed. Jessica Porcayo, secretary at Leman Middle School, received recognition for her professionalism, kindness and dedication to helping others. https://merleburl.com

• West Chicago Community High School students Fernessa Reyes and Jessie Myers are All-Conference for flag football this season. https://merleburl.com

• Guest clinicians from Mariachi Las Estrellas de Chicago worked with Mariachi los Rayos Der Leman Middle School and Mariachi La Tormenta students. The students not only watched these musicians perform, but also performed for them, receiving authentic, lasting feedback and guidance in small breakout sessions focused on their specific instruments. https://merleburl.com

• Wheaton Academy Boys and Girls Cross Country competed at Regionals Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025. The boys finished their season in seventh place and advanced two runners to Sectionals. The girls finished third place, four points behind second place and advanced to the Sectional meet. https://merleburl.com

CHURCHES

• Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 N. Prince Crossing Road, holds All Saints Day/Día de los Muertos services Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025. The English service is at 10 a.m.; the Spanish service is at noon. https://merleburl.com

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. https://merleburl.com

• 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, 2024, at Glenview Community Church, 1000 Elm St. The other is at 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16, at 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/. Music selections range from timeless classics to modern favorites. A touching highlight is Michael Bublé's "Everything," a joyful love song that celebrates gratitude and the simple beauty of life. https://merleburl.com

• West Chicago resident Fernando Ramirez, founder and president of Mexican Cultural Center DuPage, was a featured speaker at the 2025 GIA Annual Conference in Twin Cities, Minnesota. He was in the conference session titled, "Semillas: Emerging Approaches to Mexican-American Cultural Place-Keeping, Equity and Leadership." Per its website, "Grantmakers in the Arts is the only national association of both public and private arts and culture funders in the United States, including independent and family foundations, public agencies, community foundations, corporate philanthropies, not-for-profit re-grantors, and national service organizations." https://merleburl.com

CLUB/ORGANIZATION NEWS

• Gallery 200, 103 W. Washington St., offers 2025 Winter art classes. To view the classes and to register, visit https://www.gallery200.net/art-classes. Brochures are available at the gallery. Classes are beginner friendly; intermediate and advanced artists are welcome. For further information, call 630 639-2599.

Jewels in a Snap class is at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 8. The charge is $20. In the two-hour workshop taught by Marita V., participants learn to design sparkling jewelry in a snap.

Fused Glass Snowflake classes are at noon Monday, Nov. 10, or at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12. The charge is $45. In the two-hour classes taught by Rita S., participants design and create two fused glass snowflakes, while learning the basics of glass fusing and design. Snowflakes are fused after class to be picked up at a later date.

Plaster Creations, a two-day class series taught by Britta R., are at 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 10 and Tuesday, Nov. 11. The charge is $45. In the first class, participants make a sketch of what they want to make and then make the wire and wood armature for their plaster creation. In Class two participants work with the plaster cloth.

Fall & Winter Paper Centerpiece Lanterns classes are at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 13, or at 2 p.m. or 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 15. The charge for the class taught by Britta R. is $10. Participants can either use a template provided by the instructor or create their own.

Twist and Shine Jewelry Making class is at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 15. Teaching the two-hour class is Marita V. The charge is $20. Attendees learn the playful jewelry-making techniques that twist and shine.

Abstract Acrylic Painting with 3D Effect classes are at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, or at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18. The charge is $20. The instructor, Britta R., teaches the technique of how a little texture adds to the creativity of an art piece.

Nature Inspired Paint & Sip class is at 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15. The fun two-hour painting class is taught by Marie A. The charge of $35 includes a maximum of two drinks.

• Holiday Ornament Magic with Alcoholic Inks is at 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 17, or at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 22. The charge is $10. In the workshop taught by Starla S., attendees paint their own unique ornament using the vibrant, flowing colors of alcohol inks. https://merleburl.com

• Gallery 200 artist Patty Donahue has a good selection of artistic gifts at her shop, Studio Patty D. located in Image Awards Engraving and Creative Keepsakes, 1031 E State St. in Geneva. She creates and sells original artwork, based on the paintings of florals, animals and abstract designs. Some of the items are pot holders, cosmetic bags, jewelry boxes, cups and light switch plates. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays, and by appointment only on other days. For online shopping, visit https://StudeoPattyD.com. The telephone number is 630 232-1313. https://merleburl.com

• Due to the West Chicago Parks Foundation coat drive and funding, WeGo Together for Kids was able to distribute 200 coats to families in need. The organization still needs 115 coats in youth and adult sizes. To donate new or gently used coats, visit https://www.wegotogetherforkids.com/contact. https://merleburl.com

CITY OF WEST CHICAGO

• Final Brush pick up for 2025 begins the week of Monday, Nov. 3.

• Kelley Cappell was honored as the "People's Choice" recipient of the City of West Chicago's 2025 Art Banner Exhibit, "Sustenance/Sustento," at the Monday, Oct. 20, City Council meeting. Her entry was titled "Protect Our Oceans," which took her two years to complete. Her artwork received 113 of the 232 votes cast. Cappell is a scientific illustrator and instructor at Water Street Studios in Batavia. The West Chicago Cultural Arts Commission organizes the banner program. https://merleburl.com

• Also at the meeting, City Council approved a Special Use Permit for a Motor Vehicle Care Center at 185 W. Washington St. The Item Summary states, "The petitioner is proposing to construct a 1,1747 square-foot commercial structure to be used as a vehicle care center, known as Strickland Brothers 10-Minute Oil Exchange."

• The City's Downtown Modernization & Beautification Project is a transformative effort to improve safety, accessibility, infrastructure, and streetscape design, creating a more pedestrian-friendly environment for residents, businesses, and visitors. It focuses along Main Street from Washington Street to Wilson Avenue, and Turner Court from Washington Street to Main Street. A new bilingual website, https://wegodowntownmodernization.org/ is available with project details, updates, and resources in English and Spanish. On the site, visitors can learn about the project overview and scope, review the project boundaries, explore the project timeline and find Frequently Asked Questions and updates. Seeking input from the community, the City has an online survey, https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/wegodowntown. The project is supported in part by a $2 million Rebuild Downtowns & Main Streets grant through the State of Illinois.

WEST CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT

• West Chicago Police Department once again offers its annual Senior Leaf Raking event, which takes place during the week of Nov. 10, 2025. Seniors wanting their yards raked can call Officer Fuller at 630 818-3752 or email [email protected]. The deadline for registering is Tuesday, Nov. 4.

• The West Chicago Police Department was awarded a federal fiscal year 2026 Sustained Traffic Enforcement Program grant. Funded by federal highway safety dollars through the Illinois Department of Transportation, the grant supports increased traffic safety enforcement efforts aimed at saving lives and reducing crashes. The STEP grant year runs from Oct. 1, 2025, through Sept. 30, 2026. During this time, the West Chicago Police Department will conduct additional enforcement operations, particularly during high-risk periods. These operations will focus on dangerous driving behaviors, including speeding, impaired driving, distracted driving, failure to yield, disobeying traffic signals, and seat belt violations.

• West Chicago Police Detective Sergeant Robbi Peterson, a regional director of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Illinois, attended the Honors Luncheon. He said, "Illinois was recognized as the #1 LETR program in the world, having raised more than $5,145,746. If that is not amazing enough, we were also recognized for the largest gain in a year, having increased our overall revenue by more than $900,000…It is an absolute honor and privilege to be a part of the amazing team of officers, staff, athletes, and volunteers…A huge thank you to all of you who continue to support this program. Without your support, our athletes would not have the opportunities and programs that allow them to be successful and amazing!! More importantly, to be seen and included!!" https://merleburl.com

ODDS AND ENDS

• State Senator Karina Villa and State Representative Maura Hirschauer are participating in the 2025 DuPage Legislative Love Purse Drive, which ends Friday, Oct. 31. Persons can drop their donations in the office of State Senator Villa and State Representative Hirschauer, 946 N. Neltnor Blvd., Suite 104. Office hours are 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

• State Senator Karina Villa and State Representative Maura Hirschauer extend their Dry Goods Drive to Friday, Nov. 21, 2025. Donations still needed include diapers, baby wipes, feminine care products, shampoo, conditioner, detergent, toothbrushes, toothpaste, body wash, soap and deodorant. Persons can drop items off at the office, 946 N. Neltnor Blvd., Suite 104. Office hours are 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. https://merleburl.com

• Zenith Industrial Outdoor Storage purchased the property at 1400 Powis Road. It features a 67,500-square-foot warehouse with five acres of outdoor storage. Cawley Commercial Real Estate is the exclusive leasing agent for the property. Per its website: "Zenith Industrial Outdoor Storage is a vertically integrated investment, development, and management company that acquires outdoor storage assets across the United States. We deliver tailored, high-quality solutions to tenants operating at every stage of the U.S. supply chain." Per LoopNet, Cawley CRE "concentrates and specializes in leasing, sales, investment disposition/acquisition, consulting and asset/property management.

• DuPage County District 6 board member Jim Zay and Community Resource Unit Corporal Crystal Mendez assisted the DuPage County Sheriff's Office at its first senior meal distribution led by Undersheriff Eddie Moore, in partnership with the DuPage County board. Persons in need of a meal can call Mendez at 630-407-2318. https://merleburl.com

• West Chicago Park District started a Staff Feature, recognizing employees of the district. Monique Vodicka, a Group Fitness instructor, is the first featured employee. Her employment with the district began in 1989, working in children's programs such as tumbling and Safety Town. Twenty years ago, she transitioned into teaching adult fitness classes. She said, "Park district programs bring people together. Neighbors who've never met become friends through a class or event." https://merleburl.com

My email address is [email protected].