At Home with Merle Burleigh – October 15, 2025

MERLE'S CORNER

It is well-known that October is National Hispanic Heritage Month. However, it also is the month for other nationalities. These are National Filipino-American Month, National German-American Heritage Month, National Italian-American Heritage Month and National Polish-American Heritage Month. From each of these nationalities, there are many delicious cuisines, which are enjoyed by many. To celebrate, persons should dine at a restaurant, savor each bite and be thankful for the diversity of the population.

AROUND AND ABOUT

• 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.

• Via Zoom, the League of Women Voters of Wheaton presents a video program, "Protecting Residents' Rights in DuPage County," at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025. Presenting the program is Lisa Boatright, MSW, Long-Term Care Ombudsman, who brings more than a decade of experience advocating for dignity and well-being for older adults in DuPage County. To join the Zoom program, go to https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86783623389....

The DuPage County Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is a lifeline for residents in nursing homes and long-term care facilities, making certain their voices are heard and their rights are protected. Too often, residents face challenges such as neglect, loss of independence, or feeling invisible. The program empowers families and communities to stand up for vulnerable residents. At its core are Residents' Rights-the promise of safety, respect, choice, and freedom from abuse.

League of Women Voters of Wheaton includes West Chicago, Warrenville, Winfield, Wheaton and Carol Stream. The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan organization that does not support or oppose any political party or candidate, but whose purpose is to promote political responsibility through informed and active participation of citizens in government.

• West Chicago Park District hosts a tree event, Invasive Cleanup, from 8:50 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, at South Paw Dog Park at Reed-Keppler Park, 201 W. National St. The free program is an informational session with practical, hands-on learning related to pruning, removing invasive and planting trees. For further information, email [email protected]. Registration is not required.

• Jeepers Creepers! American Legion Post 300, 123 Main St., hosts a Jeep Meet and Cruise Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025. The charge is $10 per jeep. Registration is at 10:30 a.m. The kitchen is open to satisfy hunger pangs. One-hundred percent of the proceeds are for the Legion. Funds are needed for its remodel after emergency/mitigation repairs. https://merleburl.com

• Through Illinois Libraries Present, the West Chicago Public Library presents the special program "A 'Wicked' Conversation with Marissa Bode" at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025. For registration information, visit https://wcpld.librarycalendar.com/events/month/. The hour-long conversation is with the actress who portrayed Nessarose in the Academy Award-winning blockbuster, "Wicked," directed by Jon M. Chu. She discusses her early inspirations and performances. Also Bode shares stories and insights from her time on stage, the challenges and rewards of being part of an iconic production and her career in the future. https://merleburl.com

• West Chicago Park District offers the 2025/26 Paramount Theater series season program for adults. The second of the four musical productions is "White Christmas," music and lyrics by Irving Berlin. The time frame is 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Nov. 22, 2025. The $52 charge includes the bus ride and the show. Attendees purchase lunch at a local restaurant. Seats are on the main lower floor. Registration deadline is noon Friday, Oct. 22. To make a reservation, visit https://www.we-goparks.org/adult-programs.

Follow two WWII veterans-turned-performers as they team up with a sister act to save their former General's struggling Vermont inn. The production is filled with epic dance numbers and spectacular costumes, culminating in a dazzling finale of "White Christmas." This holiday classic is a great way to celebrate the holiday season.

• West Chicago Public Library offers a Microsoft Excel computer class at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025, in the conference room, 118 W. Washington St. Topics covered include layout and basic functions; entering and editing data; using multiple spreadsheets in the same workbook; formatting and sorting data; writing and understanding formulas. To register, visit https://wcpld.librarycalendar.com/events/month/.

• West Chicago Park District hosts Spooky Trail, "The Curse Awakens," from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23, and from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct 24 and 25, 2025. The haunting begins on the chilling 0.33 mile trail just west of Reed-Keppler Park, 129 W. National St. The charge for the horrific time is $15 in advance, $18 at the entry. The Not-So-Spooky Trail is from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23. The charge is $3 pre-sale; no charge for adults accompanying children. To register, visit, https://www.we-goparks.org/special-events.

Generations of residents have quietly whispered the urban legend of the hex surrounding the woods. The entrance was cut off in 2009 after a series of unsettling disappearances sent shockwaves throughout the town. Through hard work, researching records and searching through the density of the forest, the Park District found the entry, reopening the woods to the public, and now the air is thick with foreboding. Local residents report spine-chilling phenomena, disembodied screams, ghostly sobbing, and the eerie sound of carousel music haunting the night, (remember in the past Railroad Days was in the park).

• The West Chicago Public Library District hosts "Trunk or Treat" from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in the library parking lot, 118 W. Washington Street. Businesses and organizations decorate the trunks of cars and pass out pre-wrapped candy or toys. During this same time frame, the City of West Chicago hosts the annual Business Downtown Trick or Treat. At this time, there are 32 confirmed businesses. Participating businesses have a pumpkin poster in their window. To view the interactive map with business locations, visit https://westchicago.org/halloween-festivities/.

SUPPORT OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES

• Mango Express Car Wash, 151 S. Neltnor Blvd., hosts a Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. Children are welcome to attend with their parents. Refreshments are served. Telephone number is 630 593-2000. Hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. For further information, visit the website https://www.mangocarwash.com/. https://merleburl.com

• Prairie Landing Golf Club, 2325 Longest Drive, hosts a Trick or Treat event from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025. The charge is $8 per child, no charge for adults, who must accompany children. In addition to the costume contest, there are many fun activities. Reservations are due by Thursday, Oct. 16, and can be made by calling 630 208-7641 or email [email protected].

• Hawthorne's Backyard Bar & Grill, 1200 W. Hawthorne Lane, hosts its Ninth Annual Pumpkin Carving event from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025, in the heated tent. Hawthorne's supplies the pumpkins, participants supply the carving tools. There are cash prizes for first, second and third place, plus a costume contest prize. Youths age 12 and under receive free pumpkins and treats. Treats include cookies, brownies and spooky kiddie cocktails.

• Old Time Pottery, 1935 N. Neltnor Blvd. is having sales on its fall and Halloween decor. https://merleburl.com

• Lora Boehne Kalka, Chief Operating, Officer at FNBC Bank & Trust, was the recipient of the Illinois Bankers Association Recognition of Excellence Award. She received the award at the Women in Banking Conference Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025. https://merleburl.com

• Uncorked West Chicago, 108 Main St., is permanently closed. As a side note: I am disappointed as the business had some delicious cheeses at a reasonable price.

• Dragon 2 Chinese Restaurant, 125 W. Roosevelt Road, is permanently closed.

• Raised Bakery & Cafe, 124 Main St., has added some new menu items. Salads are Black Berry & Pear with goat cheese, pecans, and a balsamic vinaigrette, Avocado & Bacon with tomato, onion, cucumber and cheddar, Southwest with corn, black beans, onions, tomato and tortilla strips, and Apple & Cranberry with feta, onion, walnuts, cranberries and spinach. Breakfast menu additions are a Mini Quiche with spinach, feta, caramelized onion and tomato or bacon and cheese, and Avocado Toast with feta and tomato basil, or egg.

• 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 Sam. He started coming with Soaring Eagle Academy, an adult transition program based in Lombard/Glen Ellyn. After finishing with this group, he and his parents made the decision to work for the greenhouse independently. Sam is very observant of the world around him and is very good at quality control, finding broken pots while pot washing, or picking out the best looking flowers when loading orders. 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 Joe McHaley, who at the age of 80 passed away Wednesday, Sept.17, 2025.
• Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family of Susan Siekmann Ramelli, who at the age of 80 passed away Friday, Oct. 10, 2025.
• Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Anton Malovany, who at the age of 96 passed away Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025.

SCHOOLS

• Keeping with its 2025/26 theme, "Life Is a Mystery," WeGo Drama at West Chicago Community High School performs "The New Margo." The suspenseful thriller takes place at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 17 and 18, 2025, in the auditorium, 326 Joliet St. Tickets are available at the door. The price is $10, free for WCCHS students.

It is only four days until classes of their freshman year begin. Four young college women living in the dorm are obsessed with crime thrillers. They become confused about why one of the group has undergone a major make-over. They collectively try to discover why the "new" Margo has joined the group. Shock and thrills are dominant in the production.

The company of actors and crew are Ava Bloniarz, Micaela Jaramillo Acosta, Abigail Ballard, Perla Bucio, Charlotte Conger, Jordin Crudup, Dilan Galvan, Daisy Munoz, Elisa O'Brien, Emma Duran Rosales, Tyler Benton, and Ja'Nyah Villa. Jordin Crudup is the student director. The Technical Direction and design are by Christopher Jensen. Mark Begovich is the WeGo Drama sponsor. https://merleburl.com

• Gary School PTO hosts the Fall Fun Fest from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, at the School, 130 E. Forest Ave. Activities include Haunted Hallway, games, face painting, raffles, a DJ and food. https://merleburl.com

• West Chicago Community High School students enrolled in Child Development I classes, under the supervision of teacher Brittney Bauer, teach children from the age of 2.5 through five in a three-week Wildcat Preschool Program. The classes are Tuesday through Thursday, starting Nov. 18 and ending Dec. 11, 2025. Children need to be close to being potty trained. There are two sessions. The morning session is from 8 to 9:30 a.m.; the cost is $60. The afternoon session is from 12:30 to 2:55 p.m.; the cost is $80. Preschool orientation is from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13. Lessons range from alphabet and number awareness to gross motor activities to beginning reading and writing. To register, visit https://www.d94.org/ and click on "Community" and scroll down to "Wildcat Preschool."

• It was Senior Night at the Wheaton Academy soccer game Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025. Senior players honored were Dom Gula, Carlton Mclure, Luke Rodriguez, Sam Clegg, Gabe Stein Rodriguez, Caleb Vandervelde and Brendan Kelley. WA won the game against Christian Hope Academy with a score of 9-1, giving them a record of 16-2. https://merleburl.com

• West Chicago Community High School Educators of the Month for September are Jen Ward and Heather Lindgren. Ward, an English teacher, is a "passionate advocate for student success and a true teacher leader." She, a newer faculty member, volunteered to serve on the Goal Planning Committee for Student Growth and Achievement. With an innovative approach and unwavering support, Mathematics teacher Lindgren "has been particularly powerful in the unique Geometry in Construction course, where she co-teaches with the Career and Technical Education department." https://merleburl.com

• Addison Bell, a freshman at West Chicago Community High School, was the Athlete of the Week of Oct. 1, 2025. The volleyball player is hard working and constantly willing to do whatever is needed for the team. https://merleburl.com

• Winning the Sectionals, the Boys Varsity Team at Wheaton Academy headed to State. Owen Coniaris was a first place medalist in both Regionals and Sectionals. Ben Patel was fifth in Regionals, and tied for second in Sectionals. Nick Ratini was second in Regionals and tied for fifth in Sectionals. Clayton Barnett was fourth in both Regionals and Sectionals. https://merleburl.com

• For the week of Oct. 6, 2025, West Chicago Community High School recognized the Junior Varsity Volleyball team for its accomplishments. The team went 3-0 this past weekend at the Glenbard North High School quad. They also had a big conference win against Glenbard South High School this week, giving them a record of 4-1 in conference. https://merleburl.com

• In the Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, football games, West Chicago Community High School lost to Glenbard East High School with a score of 6-41, Bartlett High School lost to South Elgin High School with a score of 9-55, St. Charles East High School lost to Lake Park High School with a score of 35-41, and Wheaton Academy lost to Bishop McNamara Catholic School with a score of 14-29.

• Happy spirits reigned during Homecoming week at West Chicago Community High School. Homecoming King was Tristan McWilliams and Homecoming Queen was Alina Baranska, Members of the Royal Court were Marlene Perez, Ella Moffatt, Victoria Avila, Julia Koput, Robert Austin, David Weber, Osbaldo Mercado and Nicholas Roskilly. Demonstrating the high spirits to the community, the Pep Club organized the painting of business windows in the historic downtown district. Participating were members of the girls volleyball, soccer, cross country, dance, cheer, and tennis teams. Each day, students wore theme-based clothing; the most popular among students and staff was Adam Sandler Day. Students enjoyed watching a movie and various sporting events, attending a rousing pep rally that brought forth laughter and cheers, the chowing down of various treats at the food fest and participating in their favorite activity-the parade with the band playing and tossing candy to the children at Gary School, and, of course, the winning of the football game with a score of 61-6. https://merleburl.com

• Wheaton Academy Homecoming was filled with enthusiasm at all events. Members of the Homecoming Court were Jackson Younce, Vivian Brummel, Jackson From, Calla Brust, Benjamin Anliker, Anna Dominguez, Toby Morden, Sarah Pyykkonen, Griffin Schlenbecker, Alaina Tran, Daniel Ciszek and Annika Vandervelde. Activities included honoring a 1980 graduate as the 2025 Alumna of the Year, who was West Chicago resident Dara Pirrie Fernandez; wearing theme-based outfits daily; participating in a service project, and enjoying various events with the attending alumna. The soccer team won a game; the football team lost a game. There was recognition for the 50-year anniversaries of the Boy Soccer Program and the Boys Cross County Program. All in all, it was a successful time, plus the weather was ideal. https://merleburl.com

CHURCHES

• Faith Community Church, 910 Main St., hosts a Real Concerts performance at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct.. 25, 2025. Jake Muzzy, plays the cello. There is a pay what you want with a request for a one dollar minimum.

COMMUNITY MEMBERS HIGHLIGHTS

• The artwork of Marita Valdizan, Gallery 200 artist, is on display in the "Celebrating Latine Heritage" exhibit in Main Street Gallery, 200 Main St. She is an award-winning artist, jewelry designer and teacher from Peru. Valdizan studied arts in Peru and has been developing different Peruvian stitch wire crochet techniques. The exhibit ends Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025. Gallery hours are 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. https://merleburl.com

• Illinois Music Teachers Association and National Music Teachers Association honor West Chicago resident Debi Inch as a Foundation Fellow. The program recognizes and celebrates dedicated music educators at the national and state levels. Inch has taught piano for almost 40 years and is a member of both associations. https://merleburl.com

• Ray Stejskal, known as Ramblin' Ray, is a finalist for Best Radio Personality for the 2025 Illinois Broadcasters Silver Dome Awards. He is a 1982 graduate of West Chicago Community High School and was the recipient of the 2015 Distinguished Alumni Award. https://merleburl.com

• In its celebration of the 30 year Anniversary of Turtle Splash Water Park, the West Chicago Park District asked persons to submit their favorite photos. John Konchar, former West Chicago resident and 2015 graduate of West Chicago Community High School, submitted a picture of him visiting Turtle Splash this year. Fifteen years ago, his first job was at the water park. He now is a shooting guard for the Memphis Grizzlies of the National Basketball Association. https://merleburl.com

CLUB/ORGANIZATION NEWS

• Gallery 200, 103 W. Washington St., offers 2025 Winterart 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.

Papel Picado classes, which are in connection with Dia de Los Muertos, are from noon to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25 or Sunday, Oct. 26. They are geared for persons age four and up. The charge is $10. Instructor Angel A. teaches participants to cut paper to make a decoration for their families Ofrenda.

WOTD Board. Word of the Year Project classes are from 1 to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29, Friday, Nov. 21, or Wednesday, Dec. 31. All supplies are included in the charge of $50. Taught by Patty D., the class is for the creation of a board that keeps the word of the day front and center along with any other memories or goals one wishes to record through 2026.

• 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. American Legion Post 300, 123 Main St., holds a Craft and Vendor Fair from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Wildcat Boosters Club holds a Holiday Bazaar from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Field House, 326 Joliet St. Trinity Lutheran Church, 328 George St., holds its annual Christmas Sale and Luncheon from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. https://merleburl.com

• WeGo Together for Kids Director, Molly Dean, and Housing Navigator, Veronica Caballero, were the guest speakers at the DuPage and Chicago South Suburbs Habitat for Humanity Women Build fundraiser Thursday, Oct. 9. 2025. Dean said, "We are always thankful for the opportunity to share about our collaborative work in West Chicago!" The fundraising goal is $210,000; so far $161,869 has been raised. DuPage Habitat for Humanity, now DuPage and Chicago South Suburbs Habitat for Humanity, was founded 30 years ago. https://merleburl.com

• Harvest Fest 2025, hosted by Neighborhood Food Pantries, was not only a fun event, but also was a very successful fundraiser as more than $200,000 was raised. Local sponsors were FNBC Bank & Trust, Jel Sert Company and Republic Bank. Other sponsors were Aetna Better Health of Illinois, Comcast, Mertens, Archadeck Outdoor Living, Old Second Bank, NuMark Credit Union and Wintrust Bank.

• Beautiful weather, enthusiasm, and a good cause were the successful ingredients for the Healthy West Chicago Fit4Fall 5K held Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025. Approximately 175 persons participated. https://merleburl.com

CITY OF WEST CHICAGO

• Coffee with the Mayor is from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in City Hall, 475 Main St. As part of the rotating participation by City department heads, Interim Community Development Director John Sterrett joins the mayor.

• The City of West Chicago free Fall Leaf Collection begins Monday, Oct. 20, and ends Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, on regularly scheduled garbage pick up days. Residents can put out an unlimited number of "Kraft" yard waste bags of leaves. Stickers are not required. After the free program ends, Groot will continue to collect leaves in yard waste bags from Monday, December 1 through Friday, December 12, 2025. During this time, each bag must have a refuse sticker attached.

• At the Monday, Oct. 6. 2025 meeting, City Council approved the appointment of Dave Carlson to the West Chicago Environmental Commission for a term ending April 2028.

WEST CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT

• The final Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics fundraiser of the West Chicago FOP Lodge 85 takes place here in West Chicago. The event is from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, in the WC Social Club, 920 E. Roosevelt Road. The ticket price is $25 until Saturday, Nov. 1; price increases to the door price of $30. Providing entertainment are Tim Gleason, Alexandria Band and Riplock. Activities are raffles, including 50/50, door prizes and a silent auction. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit https://support.soill.org/event/2025-tr-cheers-for-champs-west-chicago-pd/e726380.

• The West Chicago Police Department announced the results of its enhanced traffic enforcement efforts as part of the Federal Fiscal Year 2025 Sustained Traffic Enforcement Program. These efforts, conducted between Oct. 1, 2024, and Sept. 30, 2025, were aimed at reducing traffic crashes and saving lives. The STEP grant was funded by federal highway safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation and is part of a statewide effort to improve roadway safety and reduce traffic-related fatalities. During the STEP enforcement period, officers issued 350 citations and made 24 arrests. The results include 202 speeding citations, 11 occupant restraint citations, 23 electronic device use citations, 90 other traffic citations, 12 traffic arrests and 12 criminal arrests. These efforts were conducted under high-visibility traffic safety campaigns, including "DriveSober or Get Pulled Over." "Click It or Ticket," and "Drive High, Get a DUI."

WEST CHICAGO FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

• West Chicago Fire Protection District celebrates the October work anniversaries of its personnel. Celebrating 22 years is Battalion Chief Brian Jankowski. Lieutenant Jake Herrmann and Lieutenant Mike Myers celebrate 18 years. Celebrating nine years is Firefighter/Paramedic Jim Fritz. Firefighter/Paramedic Patrick Hanrahan celebrates three years. https://merleburl.com

ODDS AND ENDS

• West Chicago Public Library holds a Halloween Costume Contest. To enter the contest, persons take a photo of themselves in their costume, take it to the Youth Services Desk or email it to [email protected]. The deadline for submission is 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025. Voting begins Monday, Oct. 20, on the library website, https://wcpld.info; voting ends Thursday, Oct. 30. Winners are announced via the library's Social Media channels. Awards are granted to the most popular costume for youths from 1 year to fifth grade, teens from sixth to twelfth grade and adults 18 and over. Winners receive a trophy and a special gift basket.

• A new food pantry, Wego Community Market, recently opened in the Early Learning Center, 300 E. Forest Ave. Door 1. Hours are from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays. It supports all DuPage County residents. Access to all of People's Resource Center services are free. To register as a new client of PRC, persons need to bring their photo ID, proof of address and information on everyone in their family. For further information, call 630 682-5402 or visit peoplesrc.org. https://merleburl.com

• Halloween scenes are starting to appear around West Chicago. One of the noted individual sites is the 333 Church Street Cemetery; known as one of the scariest sites in DuPage County. It truly is spooky by sunlight or moonlight. Many different weird characters and scenes can be seen at the corner of Arbor Avenue and Hawthorne Lane, corner of Main Street and Easton Avenue, North Oak Street and Town Road. I am certain there are others in different neighborhoods. Other homes reflect the autumn season in the yards or on the porches. https://merleburl.com

My email address is [email protected].