Despite the extremely hot temperature, more than 100 persons attended the official groundbreaking ceremony for DuPage Habitat for Humanity’s Pioneer Prairie development Wednesday, June 24, 2009. The 11-single family home subdivision, located at the intersection of Brown and Lyman Streets, involved the hard work of many, especially volunteers to make the dream project a reality.

It started five years ago, but really took off three years ago with a definite plan and fundraising efforts. “To date, we have raised $4.2 million of the $4.4 million goal, which also includes the construction of seven other homes in the county,” said Executive Director Sarah Brachle.

          DuPage County funded the infrastructure through a $1 million block grant. The construction schedule is for the completion of two homes in 2009, four in 2010 and five in 2011.

           “We thank the City of West Chicago officials and staff for working with us to make this a doable project. We have received in-kind donations from businesses,” she said.

          The development also involves the “green movement” with the partnership between DHH, ComEd and College of DuPage. Working together, they have introduced upgrades that increase the efficiency, reduce negative environmental impact and save on energy costs. These include more insulation, energy efficient windows, water saving plumbing equipment and rain barrels. “The techniques are affordable and ones each of us could use in our own homes. Homeowners of Pioneer Prairie are projected to have the costs lowered and reduce greenhouse emissions by 3,500 pounds annually,” said Calvin Butler, senior vice president at ComEd.

          College of DuPage student David Chell said, “This course was a true hands-on experience for students in architecture.” Working on the designs of the homes, the students researched availability of options that were affordable. Brachle stated the upgrades in the homes are predicted to “save 240,000 gallons of water for the lifetime of the houses.”

          Having the “green concept” enriches DuPage Habitat for Humanity’s goal of helping families achieve the dream of home ownership.  Persons selected are required to help with the construction of the home with 250 hours of “sweat equity hours,” plus attend classes on finance, budgeting and home repair. Shari Franckowiak, a DHH homeowner for 11 years, said, “Owning my home means so much to me and I get emotional when I talk about it. I never really thought about the town where I lived before. I really appreciate the community of West Chicago and DuPage Habitat for Humanity for this opportunity.’

          Reverend Denise Griebler, pastor of St. Michael’s United Church of Christ, said, “Our church gave a donation toward this project. It is so exciting to see it become a reality.”

          West Chicago officials attending were City Clerk Nancy Smith, Ward 3 Aldermen Ruben Pineda and Russ Radkiewicz, Ward 4 Alderman Al Murphy, Ward 6 Aldermen Nan Connelly and Becky Stout.

AROUND AND ABOUT

          Have a fun and safe Fourth of July!

          Kline Creek Farm, 1N600 County Farm Road, is hosting “Celebrating the Fourth” from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, July 4 and 5, 2009. Activities include listening to patriotic music, playing 1890s outdoor games, churning ice cream, making crafts and watching the launch of a model hot-air balloon. There is no charge for the event.

          St. Michael’s United Church of Christ, 400 West Washington Street, is hosting Peace Players, a summer camp for the performing arts, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, July 6 through July 17, 2009. It is for children in third through eighth grades, with the goal of building community through music, art, dance and drama. Class size is limited to 20 participants. The cost is $25 and scholarships are available. To register or to receive more information, call (630) 297-1740.

          Monthly brush pick up begins Monday, July 6, 2009.

          The West Chicago Park District holds a Rules of the Road course from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 7, 2009, at Easton Community Center, 840 East Washington Street. The Illinois Secretary of State’s office sponsors the free program. To make a reservation, call the Park District office at (630) 231-9474.

          Mark your calendars for four days of fun at West Chicago Railroad Days from Thursday, July 9 through Sunday, July 12, 2009, at Reed-Keppler Park.

          West Chicago Park District has an afternoon of fun planned at its “Splish Splash Turtle Bash” event from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Thursday, July 9, 2009, at Turtle Splash Water Park in Reed-Keppler Park. Activities include land and water games.

          The 16th annual Fine Arts Fiesta, sponsored by the West Chicago Cultural Arts Commission, takes place Friday, Saturday and Sunday, July 10, 11 and 12, 2009, in the Scout Cabin at Reed-Keppler Park. Categories are Fine Arts-Photography, Fine Arts-Sculpture and two–dimensional genres, Student art work-kindergarten through 12th grade and Crafts. Exhibitors must have a West Chicago connection. These include adults and students who live, work or have attended school within Community High School District’s boundaries or have a West Chicago mailing address or zip code. The entry fee is $5 for each piece of artwork with a limit of two per artist.  Winners in each category of the People’s Choice Awards receive monetary awards. First prize is $50, second prize is $30 and third prize is $20. Entry forms are available at the West Chicago City Museum, 132 Main Street; Gallery 200, 200 Main Street; City Hall, 475 Main Street; the West Chicago Public Library District, 118 West Washington Street; the West Chicago Park District, 157 West Washington or the city website www.westchicago.org. Call the City Museum at (630) 231-3376 for further information.

          The West Chicago City Museum, 132 Main Street, opens a new exhibit, “Exploring Latino Identities,” Friday, July 10, 2009. The display consists of two and three-dimensional artwork by Latino artists in the Chicagoland area and nationally.

          Judith Laczo is the featured artist for the month of July at Gallery 200, 200 Main Street. The Hungarian-born artist works in soft pastels. She often photographs nature and typically paints still life from the photographs or gardens. She has won various awards as a member of the DuPage Art League. The artist’s reception is from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Friday, July 10, 2009.

          The second free half-day camp for children ages five through 12 at the West Chicago City Museum, 132 Main Street, is from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 14. The theme for session two is trains revolving around indoor and outside activities. To register, call the Museum at (630) 231-3376 or drop by the Museum.

          The West Chicago Public Library District hosts story time, “Goin’ on a Bear Hunt,” from 11:00 to 11:45 a.m. Tuesday, July 14, 2009, at Cantigny, 1S151 Winfield Road in Wheaton. Shelly Campbell and Kelli Simmerman from the library youth services department lead the family event, which features stories and activities. Tickets for the event must be picked up at the Library, 118 West Washington Street, prior to the event and entitle the registrant to free parking for the day of the event. Call the Library at (630) 231-1552 to register.

          St. Andrew Golf & Country Club and Pumpkins for a Cure present the second annual Golf “Fore” a Cure Friday, July 19, 2009. Registration is from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. and the shotgun start begins at 11:00 a.m. The $100 charge per person includes lunch at the Turn, dinner and unlimited Miller and Pepsi beverages. The price for dinner only is $40. Cocktails follow golf, approximately 4:00 p.m., with music provided by “Rock n’ Soul” by Danny. Call Ron or Michelle at (630) 231-3100 to make reservations.

          In last week’s column, I mentioned the locations of food bins distributed throughout the community by 4 the People food pantry program.  Two sites inadvertently were missed—West Chicago State Bank, 600 E. Washington Street, and ReMax Cornerstone, 2117 West North Avenue.

          Waste pick up charges increased Wednesday, July 1, 2009. The monthly rate for the 35-gallon cart increased 45 cents, from $11.36 to $11.81 and the 95-gallon cart increased 80 cents, from $20.01 to $20.81 a month. The senior citizen rate increased 25 cents a month, from $5.95 to $6.19. “West Chicago has the least expensive waste pick up prices in DuPage County,” said City Treasurer Don Earley. “We are the only community with a senior rate.” The refuse/yard waste sticker price increased from $2.20 to $2.30.

           Residential sewer rates increased from $3.50/100 cubic feet to $4.20/100 cubic feet. Industrial/ commercial rates increased from $3.66/100 cubic feet to $4.36/100 cubic feet. These went into effect May 1, 2009 and are reflected in July 2009 water bills.

          At the West Chicago Lions Club Installation dinner June 18, 2009, Evelyn Canabal received the Melvin Jones Award, named for the founder of Lions and is the highest honor a club member can receive. Club president Dan Czuba presented the award.

          He said, “Evelyn steps up to help with any task that needs to be done and always with a smile.” She has chaired the Candy Day Sale for several years and “does a superb job. This year she had more people involved than in the past and relayed her enthusiasm to them.” Czuba added, “Evelyn is an example to all of us—doing an event effectively and efficiently, keeping a promised commitment and still making it fun for all. She leads with example.”

          And what was Canabal’s reaction to receiving this award? “I was totally shocked and honored.”

          West Chicago Lions Club officers for 2009/2010 are Evelyn Canabal, president; Joe Jedlovec, 1st vice president; Laz Perez, 2nd vice president; Tom Feltes, 3rd vice president; Don Goncher, secretary; Mike Uplegger, treasurer; and Dan Czuba, past president. Others serving are LuAnn Bombard, lion tail twister; Clarence Shankle, lion tamer; Lori Chassee, membership and John Klingberg, chaplain. Directors are Dona Smith, Paul Woodward, Fred Bucholtz and John Churillo.

          Tuesday, June 30, 2009 Dr. Lee Rieck walked out of his office as superintendent for Community High School District 94 for the last time and stepped toward his new role in life—that of a retiree. He began his career in education 42 years ago, with 32 years as a superintendent, including his 10 years in West Chicago.

Since his tenure beginning in 1999, Rieck saw some significant changes. “Three that stand out are the development of the Welcome Center, the high school education foundation and the Excellence program,” said Rieck. Others included the study of and the improvement in the counseling program and the Learning Resource Center and its increased usage. Another is “the demographic shift toward a majority Hispanic student population.

          “Also it has been stimulating to see the affirmative recognition received by so many students and staff groups in the high school, such as legislative semester, LifeSmarts and emphasis on civic education, plus Mary Ellen Daneels as Civic Education teacher of the year and Don Zabelin as State Economic Educator of the year.” he said.  The demolition of Lincoln School and the addition/renovation brought about a change in the use of the facility, Rieck explained.

          As he packs up his personal belongings and memories, Rieck is looking forward to retirement. “I plan on participating in some church volunteer work, continuing to serve on the board of DuPage Habitat for Humanity, working on some projects at home and some modest travel,” he said.

          Reverend John Baluff is the new pastor at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Prior to being appointed to this parish, he was the pastor of Immaculate Conception in Gilman and Our Lady of Guadalupe mission in Onargo. Baluff studied for his undergraduate degree at University of Nebraska and St. Meinrad Seminary in Indiana. He received his degree in Theology from St. Mary of the Lake Seminary in Mundelein and holds a doctorate in theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome.

          Jo Noonan, music director at St. Mary’s Church, is on her annual singing pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi. She once again is one of the artists-in-residence at the Assisi Music Festival, where she sings masses at the Basilica of St. Francis and provides musical entertainment for the pilgrims and tourists.

          As you watch the movie, “Public Enemies,” keep your eyes open for Crossroads Chevy president Ed Schoenthaler and his wife Judy, plus one of Ed’s vintage automobiles. Ed explained that it was his antique car collection that drew the attention of the production end of the movie. “The cars were approved and then Judy and I were asked to be in a certain scene.” Judy added, “Although our appearance is quite brief, both Ed and I had to be costumed in authentic outfits of the era, including undergarments. It was a fun and interesting experience.”  Ed agreed. “Just one short scene can take hours to shoot.”

          The Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists presented a special award, Prevention Reflected in Dedicated Enforcement, to the West Chicago Police Department. The PRIDE Award recognizes local police departments and officers who continue to prioritize the removal of impaired drivers from DuPage County highways. The recipient of the ward is the police department in DuPage County, which achieves the highest percentile increase in the number of DUI arrests in a one-year period. The West Chicago Police Department has a 148 percent increase in DUI arrests from 2007 to 2008, with a total of 186 in 2008, up from 75 in 2007. AAIM is a not-for-profit organization formed in 1982, and its mission is to prevent deaths and injuries caused by intoxicated motorists in Illinois and assisting victims and their families.

          My e-mail address is merleburl@earthlink.net