At Home with Merle Burleigh – November 12, 2025

MERLE'S CORNER

As I have said, the year of 2025 is one of changes and another one is coming. Due to an organizational shift in how the City is approaching communications, my column, "At Home with Merle," will cease with the posting on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025, which is when my current contract ends. I have been writing this column for more than 20 years, and, in that time, there have been many changes, such as mayors and quite a few aldermen, leaders and staff of taxing bodies, openings and closings of businesses, the formations of new organizations and more. The changes are a reflection of life.

However, during this time, there is a consistency in readership. Some are residents of West Chicago and surrounding communities, former residents, people in other states and, even sometimes, people in England and Germany. Needless to say, the salary is not equal to the 20 to 40 hours that it takes me to compile and write the information for the column. My bonus is the words of appreciation from the readers. It makes it all worthwhile.

AROUND AND ABOUT

• Coffee with the Mayor is from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025. As part of the rotating participation by City department heads, this month will feature Public Works Director Mehul Patel.

• 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 to give as a gift. To register, visit https://wcpld.librarycalendar.com/events/month/.

• Gallery 200, 103 W. Washington St., hosts the free community event, "Holiday Cards" from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025. Sara Phalen, chairman and co-founder of People Made Visible, and Britta Renwick, manager of Gallery 200, are the instructors. Many art supplies and examples of cards are available for attendees to be creative.

• West Chicago Public Library holds a Microsoft Excel: Pivot Tables class at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20. 2025, in the conference room, 118 W. Washington St. The class is for teens and adults. Persons learn how to set up pivot tables to organize data effectively, create informative charts, and use key functions. To register, visit https://wcpld.librarycalendar.com/events/month.

• 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/. Disney Channel's movie musical comes to life on stage, bringing the students of East High 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. https://merleburl.com

• Frosty Fest takes place from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, in the historic downtown district. It features the Tree Lighting Ceremony along with food, live music, and activities for all ages. For full information of activities, view https://westchicago.org/frosty-fest/. 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. https://merleburl.com

SUPPORT OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES

• 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.

• 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].

• Prairie Landing Golf Club, 2325 Longest Drive, has Thanksgiving dinner to-go from 8 to 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025. The charge is $235. The dinner, feeding 8 to 10 people, includes slow roasted turkey, whipped potatoes and gravy, green beans or vegetable medley, homemade stuffing, roasted sweet potato hash casserole, cranberry sauce, fresh baked biscuits and pumpkin pie. Additional sides and add-ons are available. Deadline for reservations is Thursday, Nov. 20 and can be made by calling 630 208-7641. For the complete menu, visit prairielanding.com/event/thanksgiving-to-go/. https://merleburl.com

• Kramer Tree Specialists offer a holiday lighting program for businesses and homes. For 16 years, the business has volunteered to decorate the West Chicago community holiday tree. For further information, visit https://kramertree.com/holiday-lighting/. https://merleburl.com

• The 2025 season for5 Points Haunted House, 241 W. Roosevelt Road, is over. Miles McCabe, owner along with his parents Rachel and Jesse, said, "I want to give a massive thank you to our incredible staff- that includes actors, tickets, back of house, marketing, vendors… we couldn't have done it without you all." He also said Josh, AKA Scuff, the actor coordinator, deserved credit for how well-trained the actors were. In the off season, they are going to open up escape rooms "through the attraction" and hope it will be open for holiday events. https://merleburl.com

• Margaret Griffin is the new Senior Vice President at FNBC Bank & Trust. After many years running a business process consulting and business financial advising practice, she entered the banking industry and worked in senior and leadership roles with Ridgestone Bank, The Huntington National Bank and most recently with a Certified Development Company. Griffin earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Elmhurst University and her MBA from Benedictine University, and completed continuing education with Kellogg School of Management. https://merleburl.com

• We Grow Dreams Greenhouse & Garden Center, 1055 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 Ethan, who, along with his dad, joined the crew in 2022. "These two are a hardworking duo, who typically arrive early Saturday mornings and bring in a tasty treat." When Ethan sometimes works at offsite sales, his mother occasionally helps at these events. "Ethan is also known to crack a funny, or pun-ny joke every now and then." As a side note, Ethan is my grandson. He loves to write, "just like my grandma." His stories can be based on fact or the result of his vivid imagination. https://merleburl.com

• Omar Espinosa, Republic Bank VP/Market Manager in West Chicago, recently presented a $20,000 check from Republic Bank of Chicago to the West Chicago Park District. The memo showed the donation was for the Community Reinvestment Act and Partnership with the District. https://merleburl.com

REMEMBRANCES

• Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Paul A. Gillespie, who at the age of 70 passed away Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025.

SCHOOLS

• Leman Middle School Choir and Mariachi Concert is at 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, in the cafetorium, 238 E. Hazel St.

• Wheaton Academy 2025 football team has seven All Conference and the Special Teams Player of the year. The seven All Conference players are Logan Oros, Tommy Sommer, Hezeklah Garcia, Jackson, Tyler Jones, John Mazzarello and Ethan Brooks. Dallas Johnston is the Special Teams Player of the Year. https://merleburl.com

• Wheaton Academy is the recipient of two prestigious awards recognizing outstanding academic achievement in 2025. These are the Governor's Blue Ribbon School Award from the State of Illinois and the Council for American Private Education Blue Ribbon School Award. To commemorate these Blue Ribbons, State Senator Seth Lewis (R-24th District) presented the Senate Recognition Certificate during Community Time at the Academy. As part of the celebration, students, faculty and staff snacked on cupcakes iced with blue frosting.

The State of Illinois launched the Governor's Blue Ribbon Schools program to recognize exemplary schools statewide after the U.S. Department of Education discontinued its national Blue Ribbon program. Wheaton Academy had already been selected for national recognition prior to the program's closure, building on the school's National Blue Ribbon award first received in 2019. In 2025, Wheaton Academy was one of just three private high schools in Illinois to receive the new state honor. Awardees were invited to participate in a special celebration hosted by the governor in Springfield.

CAPE honored 15 non-public high schools nationwide with its Blue Ribbon designation, celebrating either overall academic excellence or success in closing achievement gaps. Wheaton Academy was recognized in the category of Exemplary High Performance, placing the school among the top-performing private institutions in the country. https://merleburl.com

• West Chicago Community High School students Gracie Perry and Taylor Frake are All-Conference for the 25/26 Volleyball season. https://merleburl.com

• Among the 200 community colleges nationwide, Elgin Community College is one of the five suburban community colleges selected as eligible for the $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. Per the Aspen Institute website, "The $1 million Aspen Prize, awarded every two years, recognizes excellent community colleges that achieve high and improving levels of student success in several areas, including teaching and learning; certificate and degree completion; transfer and bachelor's attainment; workforce success; and college and program."

• The Wheaton Academy Girls Cross Country season came to a close with a Fourth Place finish at the State Finals. Sydnie Becker set a school record, running 18:00.8. https://merleburl.com

CHURCHES

• Faith Community Church, 910 Main St., hosts a Real Concerts performance, at 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025. Jake Muzzy, plays the cello. There is a pay what you want with a request for a one dollar minimum.

• The United Women in Faith of New Hope United Methodist Church host Breakfast with Santa from 8:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6. 2025, at the church, 643 E. Washington St.

• New Hope United Methodist Church donated $500 to Neighborhood Food Pantries.

• Through its Shower Ministry, New Hope United Methodist Church offers a hot shower to individuals experiencing homelessness. Hours are from 9 a.m. to noon Tuesdays and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fridays. Guests can take a shower, wash their clothes and receive a simple snack. Church member Brian Hendricks organizes the ministry. He explained, "This is not directly related to DuPage PADS. It is a ministry of our church which utilizes the facilities we built for PADS to help homeless people living in West Chicago." At this time, only a small number of people are using this ministry, with approximately five to six people on the busiest days.

There is a need for substitute volunteers; different shifts are available. The duties are simple, which mainly include assisting the guests. Volunteers there at the end of the shift put the used towels in the washing machine and start the wash cycle. Also they clean the showers if they need to be cleaned for any reason. "That is not usually necessary." For further information or to volunteer, persons can email Hendricks at [email protected] or call the church at 630 231-3344 and leave a message with their contact information.

COMMUNITY MEMBERS HIGHLIGHTS

• West Chicago residentsMel and Pat Wilson celebrate their Fiftieth Wedding Anniversary, Friday, Nov. 14, 2025.
• Jim Borst and Mary Ann Manna celebrated their Thirtieth Wedding Anniversary Sunday, Nov. 9. 2025.

CLUB/ORGANIZATION NEWS

• This Thanksgiving, Casa Michoacán DuPage, in collaboration with Neighborhood Food Pantries, is distributing 100 turkeys to families in West Chicago, Warrenville, Wheaton and Wayne with home delivery only for those who cannot go out to pick them up. To register, call 630 742-0482 or email [email protected].

• Neighborhood Food Pantries is partnering with Northwestern Medicine-Central DuPage Medical Staff to provide a holiday meal of turkey and sides with a drive-thru event from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, at Resurrection Catholic Church, 30W350 Army Trail Road at Wayne. This offer is good while the supply lasts. https://merleburl.com

• Neighborhood Food Pantries need the community's assistance. "Inflation, reduced SNAP benefits, and recent layoffs are hitting our communities hard. When federal workers go unpaid for a month, the need for food is urgent. We need your help to keep our neighbors fed." Monetary donations assist in many ways. $1,000 will feed a family of four, $500 will fill 40 shopping carts for local families, $250 will feed a neighbor for a year, $100 will provide 500 meals for neighbors, $30 will provide milk for 20 families, and $20 will feed a family of five with children. To make a donation by check, mail to Neighborhood Food Pantries, 123 Fremont St., West Chicago, IL 60185.

• Some members of Casa Michoacán DuPage recently visited the West Chicago Police Department to thank Police Chief Colin Fleury and his entire team for their support during "the Mexican Patriotic Holidays and for their closeness to our community in these times of uncertainty." Police Sergeant Tony Reyes gave them a tour of the facility. As "a gesture of gratitude and friendship," from the organization, members Milagros and Irene Carrillo prepared tamales and coffee for the police officers. https://merleburl.com

CITY OF WEST CHICAGO

• At the meeting Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, City Council approved the appointment of Omar Espinosa to the Downtown Revitalization Commission.

• Also approved was the appointment of Greg Salzman as chairman of the Downtown Revitalization Commission.

• At the meeting, City Council approved the adoption of the 2026-2028 Economic Development Work Plan. The Item summary states, "The 2026-2028 Work Plan is organized around these five strategic priorities. It outlines initiatives, projects, and policy updates designed to advance downtown revitalization efforts; support business attraction, retention and expansion; strengthen community and workforce connections; celebrate and promote West Chicago's cultural identity; and ensure the City's infrastructure and economic base remain strong."

• Also at the meeting, Mayor Daniel Bovey read a Mayoral Proclamation to declare the remainder of November and the month of December as "Immigrants are Essential" months. https://merleburl.com

• The City has launched a new Facebook page to celebrate local businesses, highlight cultural and community events, and showcase why West Chicago is a great place to live, work, and invest. To view the page, visit https://www.facebook.com/inwestchicago.

WEST CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT

• West Chicago Police Department once again is collecting toys for the US Marines Toys for Tots program. The ages are from infant through 16 years of age. Drop off locations for the new, unwrapped toys are West Chicago Police Department, 325 Spencer St., and City Hall, 475 Main St. Drop off deadline is Saturday, Dec. 13. https://merleburl.com

• Special Olympics Illinois recognized West Chicago Police Department Detective Sergeant Robbi Peterson for his extraordinary dedication to Special Olympics Illinois and the Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics. He currently serves on the LETR State Committee, is a co-region leader for Special Olympics Illinois-Region C and spearheads the police department's fundraising efforts through events such as Polar Plunge, Plane Pull, and Cop on a Rooftop. In March 2025, Peterson had the honor of representing Illinois in the Final Leg of the LETR for the World Winter Games in Turin, Italy. His work has deeply impacted his life and career. He said, "It has truly been the most rewarding part of my career in law enforcement. These athletes have given more to me than I could possibly give to them. My experiences with the LETR have truly been life changing." https://merleburl.com

• In the evening of Friday, Nov. 7, 2025, the West Chicago Police responded to the Timber Lake Apartment Complex for a report of shots fired. Preliminary investigation yielded no injuries. A large Police presence remained in the area as investigation continued into the incident.

WEST CHICAGO FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

• West Chicago Fire Protection District celebrates the work anniversaries of four firefighters. Celebrating 16 years are Lieutenant Michael Buenrostro Jr., firefighters/paramedics, Lou Carre and Nick Stazzone, all who joined the department Nov. 2, 2009. Firefighter/paramedic Chris Fennell celebrates 10 years. https://merleburl.com

ODDS AND ENDS

• Nicor is doing utility work at Town Road and Forest Avenue through December. Work takes place from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., temporarily impacting traffic at that intersection.

• As part of its community service project, Simpson Strong-Tie team recently gave a donation, which provided all the supplies for the preschool birthday cake celebrations to Educare DuPage. The business also donated birthday bags for every child in the B-3 and Preschool programs. https://merleburl.com

• Winfield Township placed a Free Little Library outside its building, 130 Arbor Ave. Trustee Dave Brummel built it. https://merleburl.com

• The West Chicago Park District crew is making some progress on the Sensory/Memorial Garden project. Demolition started for the old eyesores in the area and new concrete was poured. In the spring, benches, the color-casting arbor and kaleidoscope planter will be installed. Once the new railing is installed, the temporary fencing will be removed. West Chicago Parks Foundations is sponsoring the construction of the garden, which is in honor of long-time West Chicago Park District employee, Melissa Medeiros, who passed away Feb. 8, 2024.

The West Chicago Park District Spooky Trail was a "howling" success with the help of more than 70 volunteers and staff. A total of 512 "victims" ventured through the haunted forest, generating $8,228 in revenue.

My email address is [email protected].