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WINDOW TO WEST CHICAGO
September 2016
....open the City's window to your world
Para una versión en español de este boletín, haga un clic aquí.
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Fall Garden Build Weekend
The GardenWorks Project, in community partnership with Healthy West Chicago and People Made Visible, hosted a fall garden build weekend on Saturday, August 6, 2016. The program teaches families about cool-weather crops, and provides them with everything they need to grow food at home.
This was the biggest build day ever - including 14 gardens throughout West Chicago. Mayor Ruben Pineda joined some of the families as they built their new gardens.
 GardenWorks clients receive a 4' x 8' raised garden bed or pots for a balcony garden, soil, compost, seedlings, seeds and gardening tools, as well as one-on-one coaching by an experienced home vegetable gardener. Stewardship of the Earth is taught through an introduction to composting, seed starting, and food preservation.
Fall is a great time to start cool season root vegetables like radishes, beets, carrots, and parsnips; and leafy cool season vegetables like broccoli, spinach, Swiss chard, lettuce and cauliflower.
"While all of our clients were happy to receive their gardens, it's the kids who were really excited," said Tina Koral, GardenWorks Project Executive Director and garden builder. "For some, it was the first time they had ever planted seeds, and they were surprised to see how tiny they were. One little girl said she wanted to plant carrot seeds so she could bring them to school in her lunch!"
Are you interested in volunteering to support the expansion of edible gardens in West Chicago? GardenWorks is looking for assistance with garden builds, garden coaching, plant propagation, and even corporate group volunteer projects. If you prefer computer related tasks, there is a need for grant research, and committee involvement. Visit the GardenWorks website to learn more, and sign up today: http://www.gardenworksproject.org/volunteer.
 "GardenWorks is focusing on recruiting bilingual volunteers between now and the spring garden builds, to better serve our Spanish-speaking population," reported Healthy West Chicago Director Andi Cooper.
Each year the GardenWorks Project offers presentations on a range of gardening topics, from organic gardening, to composting, to healthy meal preparation. Look for upcoming garden events in West Chicago through the partnership with Healthy West Chicago.
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Sept 5 - City Hall Closed
Sept 10 - Historical Society's Ice Cream Social
Sept 17 - 18 - Mexican Independence Day Festival Sept 25 - Child Safety Seat Inspections
Sept 29 - World Heart Day
Sept 30 - Gallery Theater
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Sept 3 - Science Saturday
Sept 8 - Stories at the Museum
Sept 9 - Nature-Made
Sept 10 - Pokémon GO!
Sept 12, 19, 26 - Stories to Grow On
Sept 14 - DIY Chalk & Bouncy Ball
Sept 15 - Home School Hangout
Sept 17 - Creating Connections
Sept 18 - LEGO Brick Party
Sept 20 & 27 - Wiggle Worms
Sept 21 - Wee Move & Play
Sept 24 - Full STEAM Ahead!
Sept 28 - Art a la Cart
West Chicago Public Library
(630) 231-1552
Sept 2, 5 & 7 - Community Theatre Auditions
West Chicago Park District
(630) 231-9474
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 Mayor's Message
Residents, students, and other elected officials will be taking steps in September to fight the No. 1 killer across the nation - heart disease.
We will be joining five other cities, Oklahoma City, OK; Lorain, OH; Columbia, SC; Indianapolis, IN; and Green Bay, WI, in hosting our first annual Move with the Mayor Challenge, a month-long series of walks to raise awareness about heart disease and ways to prevent it.
The campaign, a partnership between the City of West Chicago, Healthy West Chicago and the National Forum for Heart Disease & Stroke Prevention, with great support from the staff and administration of School District #33, encourages our community to get out and walk with me every Saturday, from now until World Heart Day, September 29, 2016. Track your steps throughout the month using our online tracker found on the City's website, www.westchicago.org. We want to celebrate your success on World Heart Day.
 I understand that we are all busier than ever with the demands of work, family and social commitments, but according to the National Forum for Heart Disease & Stroke Prevention, if we can find just 30 minutes a day to walk, we can add years to our lives.
John Clymer, executive director of the National Forum for Heart Disease & Stroke Prevention, said walking is one of the easiest ways to lower a person's chances of heart disease and its risk factors, including high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes. Research shows that all it takes to significantly reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke may be walking as little as 30 minutes a day.
Walks will be scheduled every Saturday in September. Register at 8:30 a.m. for a 9:00 a.m. start. There will be a free pre-walk yoga stretch session offered by West Chicago resident Farrah Brown, owner of Thalia Soul Care, for all participants. The schedule follows:
- September 3, 2016 - Gary Elementary School
- September 10, 2016 - Currier Elementary School
- September 17, 2016 - HWC Office/St. Michael's Church
- September 24, 2016 - Reed-Keppler Park
For an interactive map of the Move with the Mayor routes for the month of September, click here.
So, just show up with comfortable walking shoes and a bottle of water, I'll be waiting for you.
To your health,
 Ruben Pineda
Mayor  P.S. In case you haven't noticed, this issue of Window to West Chicago only includes news for one month instead of two. That's because we are returning to a printed and mailed newsletter beginning in October. The new bi-lingual format will be mailed to all postal addresses in the 60185 zip code quarterly. We are returning to the mailed newsletter to ensure all residents receive vital information about City services and stay connected to community news.
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City Service Reminders
Seasonal Leaf Collection
Residents may dispose of an unlimited quantity of leaves for a five-week period beginning October 24 through November 26, 2016 on the regularly scheduled garbage pickup day (holiday rules apply). No stickers are required for leaves; however, no other yard waste may be included. All leaves must be placed in a "Kraft" yard waste bag that does not exceed 50 pounds when full.
Brush Pickup
Due to the Labor Day Holiday, brush pickup for the month of September will begin on Tuesday, September 6, 2016. October brush pickup will begin on Monday, October 3, 2016 and, as a reminder, the final week for brush pickup this year will begin on November 7, 2016. Brush may be placed out at the curb two days prior to the scheduled pickup. Please refer to the City's website for more information.
Fall Fire Hydrant Flushing
The City will be flushing fire hydrants this October, weekdays, between 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Signs will be posted in the areas one day prior to hydrant flushing. Hydrant flushing maintains West Chicago's water distribution system and assures proper operation of hydrants in the event of an emergency. Unfortunately, discolored water can result. This discoloration poses no health risk. However, please check the water before washing laundry.
Recycling News and Events
The West Chicago Environmental Commission is promoting Recycling 101, an informational flier designed to help you sort through what is and is not recyclable. Keep a copy handy or find it on the City's website under City Services/Garbage and Recycling when you need it.
Winfield Township wants you to know about its Used Vegetable Cooking Oil Drop Off Site located at its Road District Facility at 30W575 Roosevelt Road in West Chicago. Collections take place from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Mondays (except holidays). Call (630) 231-8850 for more information. Also, a special Recycling Extravaganza will be held on Saturday, October 1, 2016 from 9:00 a.m. - noon.
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Child Safety Seat Inspection Event
Sunday, September 25, 2016
1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Police Station - 325 Spencer Street
The Police Department has certified child safety seat inspectors who will work the event and provide installations of new child safety seats and inspections of seats already installed. The event is free and no registration is required.
Roadside Safety Campaign
 A Roadside Safety Check will be conducted by the West Chicago Police Department during the month of September 2016. Safety checks are conducted to promote the safety and well-being of the motoring public and to provide a deterrent for those who might violate the Illinois Vehicle Code or West Chicago City Ordinances.
The safety check will be used to detect persons who are operating a motor vehicle with defective equipment, have no valid driver's license or permit, no proof of insurance or are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Plans have been established to conduct the check during hours which will provide the maximum opportunity for detection and apprehension of motorists who drive under the influence of alcohol or other substances.
Back to School Safety
As a community, we have no greater responsibility than to work together to ensure the safety of our children. Since Back-to-School season is here, West Chicago Police Department employees have compiled some important traffic safety and bus safety information for you and your family which may be found at www.westchicago.org in the Police News section or by clicking the links below: National Night Out The West Chicago Police Department is seeking community members interested in participating in a National Night Out Committee. The purpose of this Committee is to solicit feedback which will assist in the planning of the National Night Out event for 2017.
The Committee will meet bi-monthly (every other month) beginning in October. Anyone interested should contact Officer Mike Rosenwinkel at (630) 293-2751 or mrosenwinkel@westchicago.org. . |
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Special Events Build Community
Railroad Days returned much to the delight of the entire community.
The City wishes to extend a special thanks to the Western DuPage Chamber of Commerce and the West Chicago Park District for its efforts in creating a tremendous family-friendly event that brought out a great crowd to enjoy old favorites like the carnival and parade, and fresh new entertainment acts, in an all new setting, Pioneer Park.
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| | Friends of the West Chicago Museum Float - photo courtesy of Uwe Gsedl. |
Congratulations to the winners (listed below) of the float competition which was themed Every Day Olympians. Their hard work and community spirit was appreciated by all who sat along the sidelines and cheered them on. To view a video of the parade shared by a resident, click here.
- Friends of the West Chicago City Museum for the Grand Marshal Award
- Kinder Care Learning Centers for the Turner Award.
- West Chicago Youth Cheerleading Organization for the Heritage Award
Looking ahead to the next major event, downtown West Chicago will be filled with the sights and sounds of laughter, music and smiling faces with the return of the Mexican Independence Day Festival on Saturday and Sunday, September 17 - 18, 2016.
Presented by the Mexican Cultural Center Dupage, with support from the City of West Chicago, the event schedule has been expanded to two days and includes a 3V3 Soccer Street Tournament, parade, El Grito, mariachi, dancing equestrian unit, Miss Mexican Heritage, and more.
Papel Picado, colorful custom-cut flags, will hang along Main Street in preparation of a two-day celebration of history, culture and community. Artists Juan Chawuk, a Tojolobal Mayan artist from Chiapas, Mexico, and Chicago-based artist educator William Estrada will be on hand for hands-on art demonstrations and a dedication of a community art project which received great media coverage from the Daily Herald and WGN-Radio.
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| | A vibrant 3D mural created by West Chicago's artist in residence, Juan Chawuk, will be dedicated at the upcoming Mexican Independence Day Festival. Photo courtesy of the Mexican Cultural Center DuPage. |
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Business Updates
Welcome New Businesses
Support our local businesses as they support our community and contribute to our quality of life.
America Commercial Equipment LLC, 915 Atlantic Drive
Balavi Organic Salon (renamed), 214 Main Street
Casas Stone, 1937 Franciscan Way
CR7 Nutrition Club, 528 Main Street
Deluxe Metal Processing, 1180 Atlantic Drive
El Pollo Giro, 110 South Neltnor Boulevard
EVORR International Inc., 245 W. Roosevelt Road Bldg.18 Unit 86
Freightstar Expedited LLC, 396 Fenton Lane Unit-607
GT Lease Inc., 1201 W. Washington Street
Hawx Pest Control, 245 W. Roosevelt Road Bldg. 12 Suite 90
Kindred Coffee Roasters, 100 Arbor Avenue Suite B
Mercedes Benz USA, 841 Hawthorne Lane
M&T Exteriors Inc., 245 W. Roosevelt Road #74
Office Equipment Specialists, 919 W. Hawthorne Lane
PackSmart Inc., 1000 Atlantic Drive
Plaza Leon Flea Market, 946 N. Neltnor Boulevard Unit 212-214
Taqueria Monroy, 116 Main Street
TIG Welding Services, 803 Industrial Drive
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Celebrate Existing Businesses
The Brilliance in Business Award Program is the highest honor given by the City of West Chicago in recognition of exemplary and innovative business practice. It aims to acknowledge the specific efforts businesses make towards achieving their goals and the positive impact they have on the community. The program highlights and acknowledges successful initiatives, projects, ventures, business models, and practices that continue to enhance the West Chicago business environment and further the community's economic development goals. The Program brings to the forefront the level of diversity, creativity, and corporate citizenship that epitomizes West Chicago business.
Submit your nomination today.
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Cultural Arts Commission News
Preliminary work has begun by the West Chicago Cultural Arts Commission on a Public Art Master Plan. The nine-member volunteer Commission, which serves to promote and advance the arts in West Chicago and acts in an advisory capacity to the Mayor and City Council in matters pertaining to artistic and aesthetic aspects of the City, believes the addition of displays of public art throughout the community greatly enhances the quality of life for all who live, work and visit it by adding beauty and creating a distinctive identity.
A first step in the master planning process, asset mapping, will be undertaken through community outreach to determine the extent of existing public art installations. A Public Art Inventory form to capture this data may be found at www.westchicago.org under Forms. Inter-governmental partners, community organizations, businesses, and residents are encouraged to complete the short form to help the Commission identify existing public art.
 Additionally, the Commission would like to develop an Artist Registry to track the number of artists living in West Chicago in order to identify the diverse creative talent pool residing in the community, share Calls for Art, solicit input on cultural initiatives and communicate about community projects related to the arts. The information gathered is intended for use only by the City of West Chicago and the West Chicago Cultural Arts Commission and will not be shared. An Artist Registry form may be found at www.westchicago.org under Forms.
Please contact Rosemary Mackey at (630) 293-2200 x139 or rmackey@westchicago.org with any questions or comments about the Public Art Master Plan, the Public Art Inventory or the Artist Registry.
 Rails & Trails
Finding creative inspiration when hiking, biking and riding on one of the many scenic trails in West Chicago this fall, or an affinity for West Chicago's railroad history, may lead to your artwork hanging on Main Street next spring and summer.
Rails and Trails is the theme for the 2017 Community Art Banner Project and submissions are now being taken online here or by visiting www.westchicago.org under Residents/Forms&Applications. Even though the deadline for submission is February 1, 2017, the Cultural Arts Commission would like to encourage those interested to apply early.
Full details and specifications are included on the submission form.
Love West Chicago
The second in a series of ongoing videos which captures resident voices expressing their reasons for loving West Chicago focuses on the arts. West Chicago artist, resident and Cultural Arts Commission member Buddy Plumlee volunteered to share his passion for the arts and West Chicago on camera.
If you wish to join the campaign to tell others how you feel about your hometown, please contact Rosemary Mackey for more details at rmackey@westchicago.org or (630) 293-2200 x139.
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| | West Chicago's Creative Side |
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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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