Again two unique events occur in West Chicago, artXposium and the fifth artist-in Residency program. ArtXposium highlights the artwork of various artists from 1:00 to 9:00 p.m. Saturday, September 11 and from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. Sunday, September 12, 2010 at Gallery 200/STUDIO, 203 Turner Court. The curators are Anni Holm, Tom Burtonwood and Holly Holmes.

              Sponsoring the artist-in-residency program are People Made Visible and the West Chicago City Museum. The artist Thelma Uranga currently is based in Chicago.  Her West Chicago project is “Promise Quilt.” She will work with the unfinished fiber craft projects of community members. Uranga will work to complete the project with the creation of the quilt.  During the community Mexican Independence Day Celebration Sunday, September 12, 2010, she is working on her knitted piñata in the People Made Visible booth, located outside the City Museum, 132 Main Street. Dates and times she will be at the Museum are to be announced. Uranga started a community of knitters in Pilsen and Little Village, offering not only a creative gathering for fellow knitters, but also working with Chicago’s youth on projects to brighten up their communities.

              Following the theme of Mexican Independence Day, a new exhibit, “Independence,” opens from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. Sunday. September 12, 2010 and continues through the end of October. People Made Visible Executive Director Sara Phalen explained the artwork deals with the issue of independence and artist interpretations.

AROUND AND ABOUT

              The Fine Arts School at Faith Community Church, 910 Main Street, offers art classes from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays from September 1 to December 8, 2010. Teaching the class for persons age 8 and older is Allie Nelson. The cost is $198 per person. For more information or to register, call Nelson at (630) 341-4053.

              Monthly brush pick up begins Tuesday, September 7, 2010.

              City Council meeting is at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 7, 2010.

              The West Chicago Park District Senior Citizen Social Gathering is at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, September 9, 2010 at Reed’s Place in Reed-Keppler Park. Since September is National Breakfast Month, guests are to bring a breakfast dish to share and a complete place setting. The registration deadline is Friday, September 3, 2010 and may be made by calling the Park District office at (630) 231-9474.

              The artwork of Women’s Wisdom is on display during the month of September at Gallery 200, 200 Main Street. The artwork highlights the talent of the participants in the art program of the People’s Resource Center in Wheaton. The exhibit, “Women’s Wisdom Artworks 2010,” features mono prints, paper quilts, assemblages, canvas weavings and other mixed media genres. The artists’ reception is from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Friday, September 10, 2010.

              To kick off the start of the school year, faculty and friends of the Fine Arts School at Faith Community Church, 910 Main Street, host an evening of music at 7:00 p.m. Friday, September 10, 2010. Guest pianist is Borah Kang, who specializes in chamber music, baroque and classical music. Also, a Musicgarten demonstration takes place. On display is the artwork of Allie Nelson.  Refreshments are served at the free event open to the public. For further information, call Carol Muzzy at (630) 293-0226.

              West Chicago Sister Cities Movie Night is Friday, September 10, 2010 at City Hall, 475 Main Street. The movie is “Bonhoeffer,” a 93-minute documentary film charting the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. He was a German theologian, imprisoned and killed by Nazis for plotting to kill Hitler. He openly challenged the Church to stand with the Jews in their time of need. The film was shot on location in Germany and the United States and features interviews with family members, friends, students and associates. Bonhoeffer was a prolific writer about the struggle and his books are considered classics in the world of religion and ethics. The free event is open to the public.

              The West Chicago Park District is holding an ILCHIP event, sponsored by Amity Lodge 472 A.F & A.M. in West Chicago. It takes place from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 11, 2010 at Reed’s Place in Reed-Keppler Park. The lodge funds the entire cost of the identification workshop.

              The time involved is approximately 10 minutes and parents receive a complete identification package. Most of the information is on a CD—compact and completely private. The package includes a color photo which records image and height, and is digitized on a convenient CD that also holds the appearance, speech patterns, personal characteristics and mannerisms from a recorded interview, a DNA sample, and fingerprints. There is a $3 cost per child, which covers snacks and other incidentals. For further information, call the Park District office at (630) 231-9474.

              The West Chicago Historical Society Ice Cream Social and Silent Auction is from noon to 3:00 p.m. Saturday, September 11, 2010 at the Kruse House Museum, 527 Main Street. Sitting under the shade of trees, guests enjoy the ice cream, yummy homemade desserts and refreshing beverages, plus visiting with friends and neighbors. 

              Persons can tour the gardens maintained and restored by the West Chicago Garden Club. For gardeners it is the perfect opportunity to discover new ideas for their own yards. In addition to viewing the furnishings and collections in the 1917 four square home, guests can view the myriad of “modern inventions” in the “Tools of the Trade” exhibit.

              The silent auction brings forth not only friendly, but also competitive bidding with a frenzy occurring just before the auction ends at 2:30 p.m. No bid numbers are issued after 2:15 p.m.  Another fun competition is the Cake Walk, which can provide the perfect dessert to a family meal.

              The ticket price for the fun-filled afternoon is only $3.50.  Parking is available at City Hall, 475 Main Street. For further information, call Joan Conkright at (630) 231-2329.

              West Chicago artist Lois Easley offers “It’s Time to Begin” watercolor painting classes from noon to 2:00 p.m. Saturdays, September 11 and 25, 2010 at Gallery 200, 200 Main Street. Students in the class geared for beginners in the watercolor genre create hand painted note cards, Christmas cards and/or still life paintings. The charge is $10 per class.

              Easley also is offering drawing classes from 3:15 to 4:45 p.m. Tuesdays, September 14, 21 and 28, 2010. Students age eight and up learn to draw still life objects. The cost is $8 per session.

              For information, registration and supply lists on the classes, call the Gallery at (630) 293-9550.

              Operation Phoenix Rising, hosted by Chaplains Organized Response to PTSD Affecting Service Personnel is from noon to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, September 11, 2010 at Reed-Keppler Park.

              The opening interfaith invocation, which commemorates troops deployed, killed in action, and safely returned plus the lighting of the Phoenix Fire is at noon. A presentation of Blue Stars and computer equipment to families of deployed and scheduled to be deployed troops takes place at 1:00 p.m. Starting at 2:00 p.m., speakers discuss a variety of topics, including resources for veterans, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom and their families, post-traumatic stress disorder, and spiritual mentoring combat personnel and the spiritual impact of war. Canteen from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. is social time with the serving of hot dogs, brats and soda.  At 5:00 p.m., the closure ceremony includes a prayer and the playing of “Taps.”

              C.O.R.P.S. is an interfaith-based initiative of caregivers for soldiers and veterans. The organization believes that “war stress is not an isolated military syndrome, but a societal one affecting soldiers and citizens alike and tears at the fabric of our flag and patriotism.”

              The location of the organization in West Chicago is on the first floor at 117 Main Street. Msgr. Robert Cokinis is the executive director. For further information call (630) 750-3530.

              Faith Community Church, 910 Main Street, is hosting a Ministry Fair at 11:00 a.m. Sunday, September 12, 2010. This is a time to become acquainted with the ministry and different programs and opportunities available at the church.

              The community celebration of Mexican Independence Day takes place from noon to 9:00 p.m. Sunday, September 12, 2010. The parade steps off at noon from Augusta Avenue and Joliet Street and ends in the historic downtown district, where all the activities take place.  Festivities include music, entertainment, children’s games and crafts and food, local business, crafter and organization vendor booths. The highlight of the event focuses on “El Grito de la Independencia,” which represents the true meaning of the day.

              The West Chicago Public Library District presents the first program in its “New Strategies in Parenting” series. “Social Networking in Families,” presented by Katherine Walker, founder of Lifetime Behavioral Health in West Chicago, is at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 15, 2010 in the meeting room, 118 West Washington Street. The seminar discusses setting appropriate boundaries with children when it comes to using technology, educating them on how internet activity can negatively impact their future and improving overall face-to-face communication within the family. For further information or to make a reservation, call the Library adult services department at (630) 231-1552, Extension 4.

              Western DuPage Women in Business (West Chicago, Warrenville, Wheaton and Winfield Chambers of Commerce) present the Third Annual Road to Success: Businesses Helping Businesses. It takes place from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Thursday, September 16, 2010 at the Holiday Inn, 150 South Gary Avenue in Carol Stream.

Keynote speaker is Retired U.S. Army Colonel Jill Mogenthaler, CEO /President of CJMI. The company specializes in emergency management for businesses, institutions and government. Her experience in emergency preparedness and post-hazard recovery comes from service in both military and civilian sectors. Her most recent position was State of Illinois Deputy Chief for Public Safety and Homeland Security Advisor.

              Following lunch, persons have the opportunity of attending two of the three offered seminars. These are Generational Differences presented by Mary Kaiser from MB Financial, Health Care Reform presented by Anne Schwab from “Authentic Women” Magazine and Marketing Your Business presented by Mary Kay Vincent from Maclyn Group. The charge is $39 for members and $49 for non-members. For further information or to register, call the West Chicago Chamber office at (630) 231-3003.

              Sincere sympathy is expressed to the family of Elaine E. Schmuggerow, who at the age of 85 passed away Monday, August 23, 2010.

              Deepest condolences are extended to the family of Edward E. Ulbricht, who at the age of 88 passed away Monday, August 23 2010.

              Sincere sympathy is expressed to the family of Josephine Schumacher, who at the age of 89 passed away Friday, August 27, 2010.

              Deepest condolences are extended to the family of Rod Bagnall, who at the age of 68 passed away Thursday, August 26, 2010.

              Sincere sympathy is expressed to the family of Jean Hermo, who at the age of 82 passed away Friday, August 27, 2010.

              Deepest condolences are extended to the family of Thomas A. Saviano, who at the age of 76 passed away Friday August 20, 2010.

              Wow, what a way to start the 2010 football season! In Double Overtime, the West Chicago Wildcats beat the Plainfield North Tigers 7-6 Friday, August 27, 2010.

              Newly installed officers of the American Legion Post 300 Auxiliary are Bette Akin, president; Lois Mastaler, treasurer; Dorothy Tugana, secretary; and Karen Warkentin, chaplain.

              At the installation of officers for American Legion Post 300, member Jim Opaczewski received a plaque in recognition and appreciation of his outstanding loyalty and dedication towards the programs, activities and ideals of the American Legion, plus a lifetime membership in the legion.

              State Representative Mike Fortner (R-95) hosted an ice cream party for participants in his Fourth Annual Summer Reading Club Saturday, August 28, 2010 at Tastee-Freez. West Chicago youths participating were Emily Ayala, Mariel Martin, Jimena Padilla, Lexi Salzman and Michael Tuskey. Children in first through fifth grades read eight books of their choosing during summer break and submitted the completed form to Fortner’s office.

              More than 200 friends, family members and neighbors attended the 60th Wedding Anniversary celebration for Don and MaryAnn Hensel Sunday, August 29, 2010. The event was special for the “bride and groom” as they greeted guests. For many attending, it was like a reunion.

              Some of the décor of Alan and Sue Dieter’s 100-year-old, one-bedroom home with 1,000 square-foot living space was featured in the Sunday, August, 29, 2010 issue of “Daily Herald” newspaper. To bring some new decorating ideas for the fall season, Sue “invited Country Sampler stylists Sally-Jo Enstad and Catherine Parker” to give her some new ideas. The full story and photographs are in the September issue of “County Sampler” magazine.

              My e-mail address is merleburl@earthlink.net.