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Welcome to West Chicago
A new video showcases some of the many reasons to love West Chicago. The City extends a special thanks to West Chicago Garden Club for sharing this beautiful image of a local member's garden.
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May 6 - Artist Reception
May 6 - Late Night at City Museum
May 20 - Historiography
May 21 - Depot Days
June 3 - Artist Reception
June 3 - Late Night at City Museum
June 4 - On-site Paper Shredding Event
June 11 - Depot Days
June 17 - Historiography
June 18 - Police Department Open House
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West Chicago Public Library
May 19 - Stories at the Museum
May 21 - Sensory Storytime
June 4 - Reading Carnival Extravaganza
June 6 - Stories to Grow On - Books That Win!
June 7 - Knights of the Square Table
June 7 - Wiggle Worms
June 8 - Lawn Games
June 9 - Make Your Own Football
June 10 - Friday Movie Matinee
June 11 - Story Stroll
June 11 - Sensory Storytime
June 13 - Stories to Grow On - Books That Win!
June 14 - Wiggle Worms
June 15 - Lawn Games
June 15 - Mother Goose
June 16 - Sensory Movie
June 20 - Stories to Grow On - Books That Win!
June 21 - Knights of the Square Table
June 21 - Wiggle Worms
June 22 - Amazing Race
June 22 - Lawn Games
June 23 - Soccer Clinic
June 23 - Stories in the Garden at Cantigny
June 24 - Friday Movie Matinee
June 27 - Messy Play Day
June 28 - Wiggle Worms
June 29 - Lawn Games
June 29 - Minecraft
June 30 - Glow in the Dark Pac Man
or call (630) 231-1552
West Chicago Park District
May 2 - 8 - Screen Free Week
May 28 - 30 - Turtle Splash Opens
June 4 - Touch A Truck
June 6 - Summer Day Camps Begin
or call (630) 231-9474
City Museum
May 19 - Library Stories at the Museum
June 9 - Science of Steam
June 16 - Handmade History - Candle Crazy
June 30 - Let's Get Presidential!
or call (630) 231-3376
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Returning the hospitality to our Sister City, Taufkirchen (Vils) Germany, through the recent visit of 20 students and two chaperones from the Realschule, was absolutely wonderful. Becky Hall and the entire West Chicago Sister Cities organization did an amazing job of coordinating the 12-day visit, creating an itinerary that kept our German friends busy and happy.
Upon arrival, they received a warm welcome from the organization, and from their host families who gathered to greet them at a potluck dinner and reception. It was here that the students learned all that was in store for them. First on the list was an opportunity to explore West Chicago and its customs, traditions and history through tours, community gatherings and guest attendance at Community High School. Plans also included daytrips to some local destinations, as well as to the City of Chicago for a custom walking tour and visits to some of Chicago's iconic sights including the Shedd Aquarium, Willis Tower and the Walnut Room.
On Monday, March 21st, the City invited the German contingent and their host families, along with all members of the West Chicago Sister Cities organization to the City Council meeting for a special reception and recognition to commemorate the bond of friendship that unites Taufkirchen (Vils) and West Chicago. A delicious spread of food, donated by Augustino's Rock & Roll Deli, was enjoyed by everyone who attended. I would like to personally thank Cathy and Jerry Morelli for their outstanding support and generosity to West Chicago Sister Cities and the community.
I am so impressed by our young people, those from West Chicago and those from Taufkirchen (Vils), who have the confidence and social skills required to travel across the world and conduct themselves as ambassadors for their respective communities.
These kind of exchanges prepare our students for future international travel. In case you haven't heard, a group of our students from West Chicago Community High School have been selected to represent the United States at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the largest and most prestigious arts festival in the world which celebrates its 70th anniversary next summer. They will perform at the Festival this summer, and no doubt do America, and West Chicago, proud.
Again, I wish to thank everyone in the community who worked so hard to provide such a warm West Chicago welcome. Our students and guests have forged friendships and memories that will positively impact them for years to come. To view some of the highlights of the visit, check out the West Chicago Sister Cities Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/westchicagosistercities.
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City Services Updates
- Yard Waste Collection: Yard waste collection resumed April 1, 2016 and will continue through November 30, 2016. All yard waste that is not placed in a 95-gallon yard waste cart must be placed in a biodegradable "Kraft" yard waste bag with a universal sticker attached.
- Brush Pickup: The City's monthly brush pickup program, which runs May through November of each year, is scheduled to begin on May 2, 2016. Brush must be placed at the curb no earlier than two days prior to the first Monday of each month.
- Cross-Connection Control Devices
As a means of protecting the City's public water supply system from contamination due to backsiphonage or backflow of contaminants or pollutants through a customer's water service connection, the City requires certain water users to install and maintain an approved backflow prevention (cross-connection control) device. The purpose of the cross-connection control device is to prevent materials from entering the public water system if, and/or when, the pressure of the private water system exceeds the pressure of the public water system. Per City Code and State statute, all cross-connection control devices shall be inspected at the time of installation and at least annually by the consumer, using a company approved by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency as a Cross Connection Control Device Inspector (CCCDI). The inspection of mechanical devices shall include physical testing in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Results of the devices inspected must be forwarded to the City. Please call the Public Works Department at (630) 293-2255 with any questions.
- Citywide Collection Event: The annual Citywide Collection Event will be offered to residents on the regularly scheduled garbage collection day from May 2 - 6, 2016. If you live in a single or two-family residence, you must affix a total of eight (8) universal stickers on your pile of acceptable items (see examples below).
Examples of "Acceptable Items" include, but are not limited to: garage and attic clean-out debris; barbeque grills; bicycles; carpeting, if rolled into sections not exceeding four-foot (4') in length and not weighing more than fifty pounds (50 lbs.) per roll; household construction materials (e.g., lumber, drywall, plywood, doors) if bundled or placed within thirty-three (33) gallon refuse containers and/or not weighing more than fifty pounds (50 lbs.); furniture; box springs and mattresses; and household fixtures excluding electronics (as described below).
Examples of "Unacceptable Items" include, but are not limited to: hazardous waste; tires; automotive parts, fluids and batteries (e.g., oil, transmission fluid, windshield washing fluid, starters, brake shoes, etc.); household batteries; oil based paint; pesticides; propane tanks; and large household appliances (refrigerators, washers, dryers, stoves, dishwashers). Small household appliances (e.g., toasters, televisions, microwaves, computers, monitors, speakers, stereo equipment) are no longer acceptable items as they are now banned from Illinois landfills from all sources. You may visit www.dupageco.org/recycling for more information on recycling the materials listed above.
For more information about the Citywide Collection Event and the acceptability of an item for pickup, please contact (630) 293-2255.
- On-Site Paper Shredding Event: Ensure that personal and financial documents are destroyed in a safe, secure and environmentally responsible manner. The City of West Chicago Environmental Commission will be hosting an on-site paper shredding event on Saturday, June 4, 2016 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. in the City Hall parking lot at 475 Main Street. Confidential materials are destroyed on premises by trained professionals in a matter of minutes while you watch. Local residents and businesses may bring up to 10 boxes for onsite document shredding. Accurate Document Destruction, Inc. will be providing the shredding service.
- Latex Paint Recycling - DuPage County offers latex paint recycling at its Wastewater Treatment Facility. Residents can drop off their usable, unwanted latex paint during the designated summer collections free of charge. Usable paint is paint that has not been frozen, is less than 10 years in age and has not been mixed with other products. Details follow:
Location
Woodridge Greene Valley
Wastewater Treatment Facility
7900 S. Route 53, Woodridge
Dates & Times
Monday - Friday (8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.)
June 6 - July 29, 2016
Saturdays (8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.)
June 18, 25 and July 9, 16 and 23, 2016
- Free Recycled Latex Paint will be available starting June 13, 2016. The paint will be filtered and re-blended into a variety of colors, types and finishes. Recycled paint will be distributed to residents for free during the same hours of collection. Paint is offered free of charge to any resident, business, not-profit, etc. in 5-gallon containers.
- Lawn Sprinkling - From May 15 through September 15, the outside use of unattended running water from a hose or sprinkling system, for the purpose of watering or sprinkling of lawns and gardens, is limited to the following: Odd-numbered street addresses are permitted to water only on the days of the month having an odd number. Even-numbered street addresses are permitted to water only on the days of the month having an even number. An exception may be granted by the City for a 2-week period of watering for sod and/or newly seeded lawns. For more information, please call (630) 293-2255.
- 2016 Mosquito Season Update - Each year the City of West Chicago receives a season update from the West Chicago Mosquito Abatement District (WCMAD) and its contractor, Clarke Mosquito Control including steps individuals can take to protect themselves against infection and assist in the fight against WNV:
- If outdoors when mosquitoes are active, dress in light-colored, long-sleeved clothing, long pants and socks during prime mosquito hours. Apply mosquito repellent with DEET to clothing and exposed skin in accordance with label directions.
- Neglected swimming pools can be ideal sources for larval development to the mosquito species that transmits WNV and a public health hazard. Residents should report neglected pools to the MOSQUITO HOTLINE @ 1-800-942-2555. Technicians will be dispatched to inspect and treat the pool, as necessary to eliminate the risk.
- Discard any outdoor container that might hold water, or empty water from wading pools and birdbaths once a week.
- Keep grass cut short and shrubbery well trimmed around the house so adult mosquitoes will not hide there.
- Do not dump grass clippings into low lying areas that collect water after rainfalls to prevent mosquito larvae development. The use of mulching lawnmowers is encouraged to eliminate grass clipping disposal.
- Report dead birds on your property to the DuPage County Health Department. Dead birds (crows, blue jays and raptors) can be the first indicators of the presence of WNV in the area.
District residents are encouraged to report standing water areas that could develop larvae, and excessive mosquito annoyance conditions. The calls should be made to WCMAD's contractor, Clarke Environmental Mosquito Management, Inc. of St. Charles, on the MOSQUITO HOTLINE, 1-800-942-2555.
- Zika Virus (ZIKV) Update - With all the recent news on the rapid spread of Zika virus (ZIKV), there are, of course, many questions regarding the chance of this virus being spread in Illinois. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, the establishment and local (endemic) transmission of ZIKV in the State of Illinois is unlikely. To date, the reported United States cases have been from vacationers returning from South America and the Caribbean islands. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 20% of people infected with ZIKV will manifest clinical symptoms of fever, rash, and joint pain. The other 80% of the population will not exhibit any symptoms or ever know they have the disease. The highest risk population is pregnant women and women of child bearing age. The CDC has stated ZIKV can be transmitted to the fetus and also through breast milk. Therefore, pregnant women are recommended to avoid travel to areas of active ZIKV transmission. There have been recent reports of sexual transmission of ZIKV, but further research is necessary to fully understand the role and impact of sexual transmission in the spread of this virus.
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Garbage Stickers/Totes Rate Increase
Current Rates (7/1/15 - 6/30/16)
| Item | As of 7/1/15 | | Stickers | $2.50 Ea | | 35-gal cart | $15.02 | | 35-gal cart seniors | $8.61 | | 95-gal cart | $26.40 |
New Rates (7/1/16 - 6/30/17)
| Item | As of 7/1/16 | | Stickers | $2.60 Ea | | 35-gal cart | $15.58 | | 35-gal cart seniors | $8.95 | | 95-gal cart | $27.46 |
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|  | | The FBI's new Child ID app can be downloaded for free from the App Store on iTunes. Plans to expand this tool to other types of mobile devices are being explored. | |
Public Safety Matters
National Missing Children's Day is May 25, 2016
Learn about a free new tool from the FBI. A new Child ID App puts safety in your hands. It is the first mobile application created by the FBI and it provides a convenient place to electronically store photos and vital information about your children so that it's literally right at hand if you need it. You can show the pictures and provide physical identifiers such as height and weight to security or police officers on the spot. Using a special tab on the app, you can also quickly and easily e-mail the information to authorities with a few clicks. The app also includes tips on keeping children safe as well as specific guidance on what to do in those first few crucial hours after a child goes missing. For more information about the FBI's Child ID App, visit
June is Cyber Security Month
It's hard to imagine day-to-day life without the option of doing so many things online. You can transfer funds, pay bills and go shopping - from virtually anywhere. But this kind of convenience can open the door to "cybercriminals" eager to steal money, personal information and even your identity. When this happens, it can take months or even years to clear your name, credit history and online reputation. The statements above are contained in a Personal Safety Brochure produced by the USAA Educational Foundation, which outlines ways to safeguard your privacy, protect your children while they are online, avoid cyber scams and online harassment, and protect your financial information. It is available at the West Chicago Police Station, 325 Spencer Street, along with many other useful resources.
Understanding Door-to-Door Solicitation Regulations
The West Chicago Police Department is taking the opportunity to remind residents of the City's ordinance requiring that solicitors register at the Police Station. If a prospective solicitor's application for registration is approved, he/she is issued an identification card. This ID card will include the City seal, a photo of the solicitor and an expiration date. Per the ordinance, this ID card must be displayed by the solicitor while he/she is engaged in sales activities, including the offering of free estimates. More information, including obtaining anti-solicitation signage and ways to deter unsubscribed publications from being left at your home, may be found at http://westchicago.org/police/understanding-door-to-door-solicitation-regulations/.
Like Us on Facebook
Stay connected to news from the Police Department through its brand new Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/westchicagopolicedepartment. Last week a post about officers' successful use of Naloxone Hydrochloride to reverse the effects of a suspected heroin overdose which ended up saving a life, reached more than 14,000 people, proving Facebook to be a popular and effective communication tool for the Department.
People in the News
The City of West Chicago wishes to thank Donald F. Earley for his long and accomplished public service record for West Chicago. Mr. Earley retired as Ward 2 Alderman on March 23, 2016. He was honored with a Proclamation at the City Council meeting of April 4, 2016, which outlines his dedicated service in various capacities since 1974.
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West Chicago City Museum
Exhibits
Made in West Chicago - Opens Saturday, May 21, 2016
The City Museum is currently collecting stories from people who have worked at the Reid Murdoch Pickle Plant, Campbell Soup Mushroom Farm, General Mills or any of the other numerous businesses that have been part of West Chicago's history. If you would like to be involved in the exhibit or share your story, please contact the City Museum at (630) 231-3376 or wegohistory@gmail.com.
Programs
- May 6, 2016 - 6:00-8:00 p.m. - Mothers - where would we be without them? In honor of Mother's Day, the late night in May features objects and photographs in our collection with connections to "Mom". What objects come to mind when you think of your own mom? Share them on our interactive display board.
- June 3, 2016 - 6:00-8:00 p.m. - You Make It! In West Chicago. For the Made in West Chicago exhibit opening in May, the first floor kids area will feature a Parts Lab "make-and-take station". June's Late Night is a family challenge - see what your family can make from parts like cotton swabs, buttons, straws, masking tape, and more. Add a photo of your creation to our Kids Made It in West Chicago wall.
Library Stories at the Museum
- May 19, 2016 11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Join us for a fun-filled morning of songs, stories, and a craft at the West Chicago City Museum! This program will be held at the Museum, located at 132 Main Street in West Chicago. No registration required.
Summer Programs for Kids
- June 9, 2016 - Science of Steam
- June 16, 2016 - Handmade History - Candle Crazy
- June 30, 2016 - Let's Get Presidential!
For a full listing of summer programs for kids or to register, please contact the City Museum at museum@westchicago.org or (630) 231-3376.
- May 21, 2016 - 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
- June 11, 2016 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.
The City Museum will have the 1860s Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Depot, located behind the Museum at 134 Turner Court, open once a month during summer. The general public is invited to stop by the Depot to see exhibits on West Chicago railroad history, including a model of the Chicago & North Western Roundhouse that used to be located where the current West Chicago Police Station stands. The CB&Q Depot is being restored by the Friends of the West Chicago City Museum.
*Historiography
- May 20, 2016 - Rising Up from Indian Country: The Battle of Fort Dearborn and the Birth of Chicago by Ann Durkin Keating
- June 17, 2016 - Picturing Illinois: Twentieth-Century Postcard Art from Chicago to Cairo by John A. Jakle
A book discussion group held in collaboration with the West Chicago Public Library District, Historiography meets on the second floor of the Museum from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. The meetings are full of supplemental materials, activities and questions that are meant to further the discussion of the topics at hand. Participants are not required to have read the books, but are encouraged to do so. Copies of the book are available for checkout at the City Museum, 132 Main Street, and the
*This book group has changed from meeting on Fridays to meeting on Thursdays. It is open to all, feel free to bring a bag lunch; complimentary drinks and desserts will be provided.
Cultural Arts Commission News
Get ready to be wowed by the 2016 Community Banner Art display later this month. Seventeen outstanding banners by local artists, as well as Chicago-area artists, will be hanging on Main Street in time for Blooming Fest. A walking tour map for Patterns - Patterns - Patterns will be available at City Hall, Gallery 200 and the City Museum in May. A ballot will be included on the map for those wishing to vote for their favorite banner in a People's Choice award category. Also, plan to meet several of the banner artists personally at a reception scheduled during Blooming Fest from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. at 103 West Washington Street.
The Commission wishes to thank all the artists who submitted their work for consideration of this year's exhibit and also would like to announce the theme Rails & Trails for 2017. It hopes that early notice about next year's theme will inspire artistic pursuits related to the rails and trails in and around West Chicago this summer, fall and winter. Online submission forms are available here or by visiting www.westchicago.org under Residents/Forms&Applications.
There is still time to get your art into the 2016 Artéculture multi-media pop-up art event taking place during Blooming Fest on Saturday, May 21, 2016, with a preview on Friday night, May 20, 2016. Artéculture will be held at 103 West Washington Street and artwork should be delivered and picked up at that location. All details, and an application form, are here or at www.westchicago.org under Residents/Forms&Applications,
Gallery 200
200 Main Street
(630) 293-9550
Regular hours: Thursday & Friday 12:00 - 8:00 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Marge Hall is well known for her larger than life flowers in brilliant color and realism. She has also been working on picturesque landscapes from her travels. She will exhibit a collection of her new works at Gallery 200 throughout the month of May. Meet Marge, browse the Gallery and get a dose of spring at her Opening Reception on Friday, May 6, 2016 from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.
Abby Ray will have her first featured artist show at Gallery 200 in June 2016. She is a Columbia College student in Chicago studying Fine Art Photography. Her images, captured in muted colors, reflect the things we may not want to see in ourselves. Difficult emotions or harsh realities appear in her photography with a focus on manipulated digital images. See her unique talent on display throughout the month of June. An Opening Reception is scheduled for Friday, June 3, 2016 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
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New Businesses
Welcome to the following new businesses in our community. Please support them at every opportunity.
Name of Business
| Address of Business
| Category of Business
| Al Chulo
| 1400 S. Neltnor Blvd. #100
| Restaurant
| Blue Rose Perfumes
| 100 Main Street
| Cosmetics
| DiscoverLink
| 1525 Kautz Road #700
| E-Learning Solutions
| Farmers Insurance
| 946 N. Neltnor Blvd Suite 216
| Insurance
| Glamour Home
| 245 W Roosevelt Road #7-50
| Home Décor Products Distribution
| Liberty Guns
| 210 Main Street
| Gun Sales
| Mr. Handyman of Wheaton to Hinsdale
| 245 W Roosevelt Road #10-69
| Handyman Service
| Office Equipment Specialists (OES)
| 919 W Hawthorne Lane
| Sales & Service of Copiers/Printers/Fax Machines and Supplies
| OWP Pharmaceuticals
| 931 W Hawthorne Lane
| Branded Generic Prescriptions
| Queen Nails
| 151 N Neltnor Blvd.
| Nail Salon
| Salud Dental
| 334 S. Neltnor Blvd.
| Dental Services
| Sewell Sports Academy
| 770 W Hawthorne Lane
| Sports Training
| Something Else Resale
| 222 Main Street
| Resale Store
| Super APO
| 112 Main Street #1
| Sale & Resale of Merchandise
| Tastee Freez
| 130 Fremont Street
| Ice Cream
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Welcome New City Staff
The City would like to welcome three new staff members, Luis Martinez, Dean Myles and Timothy Zasada. They each bring outstanding skill sets, invaluable experience and fresh perspectives to the City. Read more here.
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City Council
Ward 1
Lori Chassee (630) 231-8709
James Beifuss (630) 231-0584
Ward 2
Jayme Sheahan (630) 330-7972
Currently Vacant
Ward 3
Laura Grodoski (312) 925-9241
Alton Hallett (630) 254-7112
Ward 4
Sandy Dimas (630) 293-5170
Melissa Ferguson (630) 621-0128
Ward 5
Kurt Meissner (630) 235-4725
John C. Smith, Jr. (630) 293-3802
Ward 6
Rebecca Stout (630) 293-7335
Mark Edwalds (630) 632-6670
Ward 7
John Banas (630) 762-9762
Noreen Ligino-Kubinski
(630) 762-9929
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Important Numbers
Fire Administration
(630) 231-2123
Fire Emergency
911
Police Administration
(630) 293-2222
Police Response
911
City Administration
City Hall
(630) 293-2200
Ruben Pineda
Mayor
Nancy Smith
City Clerk
Michael Guttman
City Administrator
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