O pen your Window to our Window! Window to West Chicago takes a new form with the next issue in January as we switch from a print to an online publication. Many residents are already enjoying

the convenience of reading the latest community news with the click of a button, as well as finding back issues through our digitally archived copies. Both may be found on the homepage by clicking the Communication Channels link which will take you to the various tools which help us stay in touch. If you wish to receive an E-News notification with a link to Window to West Chicago, you may subscribe by going to the Join Our Mailing List box, also on the homepage. Residents who prefer reading a hardcopy may find them at City Hall, the Police Station, the West Chicago Public Library, the West Chicago Park District, and the Western DuPage Chamber of Commerce. For residents who are homebound and would prefer a mailed copy, please contact Krista Coltrin at (630) 293-2200 x135.

Two upgrades to City communications are ready to launch. Sparked by a sug-gestion from a resident, a Community Calendar has been developed in partner-ship with the West Chicago Public Library, West Chicago Park District, West Chicago Fire Protection District, School District 33 and Community High School District 94. This one-stop-shop for community events makes it easy to navigate activities of each organization at a glance, plus provide a comprehensive calendar that contains the combined information. (Please note: information specific to individual schools in District 33 should still be accessed through the individual school’s calendar.) The Community Calendar link may be found on the homepage of each organization’s website, and a drop-down menu allows the user to select specific views. Plus, a not-for-profit calendar is available to those groups wishing to promote events of citywide benefit. Access the Add Event button at the top of the calendar. After submitting the completed online form which explains content criteria, appropriate events will be added to the Community Calendar.

CityBytes, an ongoing series of podcasts, are here and offer bite-sized electronic morsels of relevant informa-tion. The short 1 – 2 minute video clips on timely topics are produced in-house and feature City staff sharing information about the things that matter to residents (i.e. back to school safety tips, snow regulations, etc.) Click the link on the Communication Channels page for a series that will begin to grow each month.

Our Twitter account continues to grow and has proven to be a tremendous tool for staying on top of breaking news like the summer storm that ripped through West Chicago earlier this year, as well as daily reminders of meetings, city services, special events and more. Consider following www.twitter.com/westchicagoil to increase connectivity to the community.

November 2 . . . . . . . . . . Gallery 200 Opening ReceptionNovember 4 . . . . . . . . . . Daylight Saving Time EndsNovember 6 . . . . . . . . . . Election DayNovember 10 . . . . . . . . . Senior Leaf RakingNovember 11 . . . . . . . . . Veterans DayNovember 16 . . . . . . . . . Local Music Night November 22 & 23 . . . . City Hall Closed

November 24. . . . . . . . . . Coffee with the MayorNovember 30. . . . . . . . . . Gallery Theater PerformanceNovember 30. . . . . . . . . . Gallery 200 Opening ReceptionDecember 1 . . . . . . . . . . . Frosty FestDecember 1,2,7,8 & 9 . . . Gallery Theater ProductionDecember 14 . . . . . . . . . . Local Music NightDecember 24 . . . . . . . . . . City Hall Open for Election Purposes OnlyDecember 25 . . . . . . . . . . City Hall Closed

For more community events, visit www.westchicago.org

iMportant dates

Daylight Saving ReminderPage 2

Brilliant BusinessesPage 3

Art/Music/TheaterPage 4

Shop Local Page 3

Details of Frosty Fest and a new gingerbread house contest on page 2.

A Sense of Place Blog

The First Thanksgiving Proclamation

Identity Theft Safety Tips

more@ www.westchicago.org

highlights

kid’scornerDec. 1 Frosty Fest CraftCity Museum – (630) 231-3376

Nov. 1 Day of the Dead

Nov. 8 Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Nov. 14 Homeschool Connections

Nov. 16 Pattycake Place

Nov. 24 Daddy & Me

Nov. 27 Cafe con Leche ~ Bilingual Parent Café

Dec. 1 Holiday Cheer @ the LibraryPublic Library – (630) 231-1552

Dec. 8 Breakfast with Santa

Dec. 31 Noon Year’s Eve Family Celebration

Park District – (630) 231-9474

wINDOW to West chicago

November/December 2012 volume 7, number 6

VOTE: NOVEMBER 6, 2012www.dupageelections.com for more information.

The seasonal color we have all come to expect and enjoy when October rolls around is part of the healthy cycle of our community’s tree stock. Unfortunately, some of that stock has taken a hit from a small but destructive force of nature, the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). As a community which prizes its natural resources, aggressive action was needed to mitigate the impact of loss to our Ash tree canopy.

Since 2010, the City has taken a proactive stand in the rescue efforts of savable Ash trees by hiring Graf Tree Care to inspect, evaluate and tag the 2,446 Ash trees that existed in the City’s parkway or on City-owned properties. As a result of Graf’s inspection, 593 Ash trees were identified as being too badly infected to be saved, and 1,853 Ash trees that had a chance of survival through an insecticidal treatment program.

Following a cost analysis of total removal of the 2,446 Ash trees projected at $1,555,100, compared to projected treatment costs for the 1,853 savable trees of approximately $600,000, Emerald Tree Care, LLC (ETC), was hired by the City in 2011 to perform a seven year insecticidal treatment. The treatments consist of soil saturation with fertilizer and an additional trunk injection on trees larger than six inches in diameter.

Unfortunately, further EAB damage and a devastating storm on July 1, 2012 took 49 of the Ash trees out of the treatment program. However, all things considered, in 2012 ETC treated 1,786 Ash trees, representing only a 2.6% Ash tree loss since insecticidal treatments began in 2011.

Because Ash trees account for approximately 20% of the community forests in Illinois, they are an important part of the ecosystem. Trees help to clean the air and provide shade and aesthetic beauty. With continued treatment, staff believes the majority of the City’s Ash trees have a greater chance of survival. That would be a good thing.

Enjoy the season!Acting Mayor Ruben Pineda

citY services • The final week for brush pickup will begin on November 5, 2012 and continue

for two weeks until all neighborhoods have been serviced.• Free leaf pickup is offered on the regularly scheduled garbage collection day

through November 30, 2012; leaves must be in biodegradable “Kraft” yard waste bags and no stickers are required during this period.

• Yard waste collection ends on November 30, 2012.• Christmas tree removal is scheduled during the weeks of December 30, 2012 and

January 7, 2013, on the regularly scheduled garbage collection day; trees must be free of all tinsel, garland and ornaments and no stickers are required during this period.

• There is a parking ban on all streets after a two-inch snowfall until such time when the street has been completely plowed curb to curb; for more information on the City’s snow plowing program, visit www.westchicago.org. Please note: It is illegal to plow or shovel snow from driveways or sidewalks into the street.

Police neWsCommunity volunteers take on a rewarding service project that helps senior citizens unable to handle the fallen leaves in their yards. The annual leaf-raking activity on Saturday, November 10, 2012, signals the strong tradition of service found in West Chicago. To either volunteer, or to request service, please contact Crime Prevention Officer Tony Quarto at (630) 293-2222 or email him at tquarto@westchicago.org. Identity theft is more than an inconvenience, it can have serious consequences. It occurs when a criminal obtains and uses someone else’s personal information such as credit card or bank account numbers, insurance information and Social Security number to fraudulently purchase goods or services. There are ways to protect yourself, and the City has posted a list of tips to secure your personal identity at www.westchicago.org.

FroM the Mayor

DAYLIgHT SAVINg TIME ends and standard time resumes on November 4, 2012 at 2:00 a.m. This means turning clocks back one hour; it’s also a good time to check batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they are functioning properly.

State and local leaders celebrated the grand opening of Educare of West DuPage at a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The new $8 million, state-of-the-art school provides high-quality early childhood education aimed at narrow-ing the achievement gap for at risk children in West Chicago.

A record-breaking number of students from Norton Creek Elementary School in West Chicago participated in the International Walk to School Day in October. More photos, courtesy of resident Lora Manthei, may be found at www.westchicago.org.

GINGERBREAD HOUSE CONTEST Enter your masterfully designed architectural creation in the Frosty Fest Gingerbread House Contest. Entries will be judged anonymously in youth, teen and adult categories with ribbons for first, second and third place. The winning entries will be displayed down-town for public viewing during Frosty Fest on December 1, 2012. For rules and an entry form, visit www.westchicago.org.

West Chicago

Fr sty Fest SATURDAY,

DECEMBER 1, 20124:00 - 7:00 p.m.

The City is pleased to announce the hiring of John D. Said as its new Director of Community Development. John is certified by the American Institute of Certified Planners and joins the team at City Hall to manage the multi-faceted department which is responsi-ble for planning and zoning, code enforce-ment, commercial and residential permitting and economic development.

Brilliancein Business

Awards

Congratulations to the 2012 Brilliance in Business Award winners. Take a virtual tour of each business through a video which will be posted to www.youtube.com/cityofwestchicago after November 5, 2012.

Join the City’s efforts to Keep the Cheer Here this holiday season by shopping locally. You’ll be giving a gift to your community when you do! The City will promote the special offers of West Chicago businesses at www.westchicago.org under Business.

in FoCUs Business

gREEN INITIATIVESSims Recycling Solutions located at 1750 Harvester Road is the world’s largest electronics recycling company, with operations on five conti-nents, including a wide and growing presence across North America. As well as being a global leader in electronics reuse and recycling, Sims Recycling Solutions is a great local corporate citizen of West Chicago. It has partnered with the West Chicago Environmental Commission to organize programs like the recent citywide recycling event and also provides free electronics collection to resi-dents Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

COMMUNITY IMAgE Chiquita Food Market, at 133 W. Roosevelt Road, is the anchor for this 80,000 square-foot complex known as Chiquita Food Market Plaza. It’s a wonderful example of a quality retail center which projects a very positive image for the community at its highly traf-ficked and visible address at 133 West Roosevelt Road. Noteworthy is the fact that one of the plaza’s current tenants nominated it for this award based on management’s responsiveness to problems or issues that arise, cleanliness and safety of the parking lot, and assistance in promoting all businesses within the plaza.

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Bob’s Salt & Feed, owned and operated by Scott Westlake and located at 126 Wood Street, is a trusted name among pet owners for the superior brands it carries and the cus-tomer care it provides. A former corporate executive turned entrepreneur, Scott’s mission since acquiring Bob’s Salt & Feed in 2007 has been to learn the business from top to bot-tom by working in every department; and by continually learning the latest about animal nutrition from the research of his many quality vendors and industry experts. Plus, the store does a large trade in retail salt supply and delivery of water softener or winter salt.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DuPage Airport Authority is an economic engine for West Chicago and the surrounding area. It consistently ranks in the top five airports in Illinois, and an independent economic impact study conducted earlier this year shows this gen-eral aviation facility brings broad economic benefit to DuPage County and the metropolitan area, pumping $117 million into the local economy and creating nearly 1,000 jobs for area residents. As a public agency competing with the private sector, the DuPage Airport recently invested $3.1 million in a beautiful atrium renovation, creating a striking first impression for visitors, better utilization of space and added climate control benefits for the comfort of their staff and travelers.

COMMUNITY SERVICEDaniel & Associates Real Estate’s award for Community Service is well-deserved considering the level of involvement and support it has shown to every corner of the community through owner Dan Czuba’s enthusiasm and sincere belief in the benefits of homeowner-ship in West Chicago. He and his associates have given back to the community in far-reaching ways including active membership in the Thorium Action Group, West Chicago Lions Club, Downtown Business Associations, Chamber of Commerce; and through participa-tion in a number of City sponsored events like Blooming Fest, Tales Tombstones Tell, Bunny Trails, Railroad Days and the Kruse House Ice-cream Socials – to name a few.

numbers to KnoW

Fire Administration . . . . . (630) 231-2123Fire Emergency . . . . . . . . . 911Police Administration . . . (630) 293-2222Police Response . . . . . . . . 911

City AdministrationCity Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (630) 293-2200

Ruben Pineda, Acting MayorNancy Smith, City ClerkDon Earley, City TreasurerMichael Guttman, City Administrator

Ward 1Lori Chassee . . . . . . . . . . (630) 231-8709James Beifuss . . . . . . . . . (630) 231-0584Ward 2Ronald Monroe . . . . . . . . (630) 231-6967James Smith . . . . . . . . . . (630) 231-1524Ward 3Ruben Pineda . . . . . . . . . (630) 231-3181Russell Radkiewicz . . . . . (630) 231-5679Ward 4Al Murphy . . . . . . . . . . . . (630) 231-4624Sandy Dimas . . . . . . . . . . (630) 293-5170Ward 5Kurt Meissner . . . . . . . . . . (630) 231-9302John C. Smith, Jr. . . . . . . (630)293-3802Ward 6Rebecca Stout . . . . . . . . . (630) 293-7335Nanette Connelly . . . . . . . (630) 231-2482Ward 7Nicholas Dzierzanowski . . . (630) 587-9608Matt Fuesting . . . . . . . . . (630) 762-1996

CITY COUNCIL

Window to West Chicago is pub-lished six times a year by the City of West Chicago. It is designed to keep our residents informed about city government, services and events. Check out www.westchicago.org for more information.

CultureThe West Chicago Cultural Arts Commission extends congratulations to Uwe gsedl for his winning banner Summer Joy in the 2012 street art banner People’s Choice competition. A call for art has been made for the 2012 theme of A Question of Balance. Applications are available at www.westchicago.org.

Don’t forget to stop by the City Museum or City Hall to purchase the 2012 commemorative ornament featuring Oakwood Cemetery. This col-orful ornament is available for $8.00. With the purchase of the ornament, you receive a brochure highlighting all the ornaments in the series.

The interurban streetcar that ran through West Chicago stopped ser-vice between West Chicago and Geneva 75 years ago. To honor this piece of history, the Aurora Elgin & Chicago High Lake Station

Ornament will be sold for the special price of $5.00 during the month of December.

Farewell to City Museum Director LuAnn Bombard as she retires in January after 26 years of dedicated service preserving and promoting West Chicago’s history, champi-oning the arts through her role as a liaison to the Cultural Arts Commission, and provid-ing information and support to the down-town business community. The City wishes to thank LuAnn for all of her hard work and lasting contributions, and to wish her a very happy “next chapter” of her own history.

West Chicago City Museum, 132 Main Street (630) 231-3376 • www.westchicago.org/museum

Tues.- Fri. 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Sat. 12:00 - 3:00 p.m.

november Swiss born photographer Britta Renwick

interprets Switzerland, and Other Beautiful Things… through her

exhibit of photography and hand-crafted jewelry from November 1

– 25, 2012. A free Opening Reception of art on Friday,

November 2, 2012 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. will continue the

theme with Swiss chocolate and other treats from Switzerland avail-

able for tasting. Sons Sean and Alec will also be available to discuss

their contributions of drawings and crafts to the exhibit.

December The 4th Annual Wonderful & Wearable

show and sale runs through December and features jewelry and

accessory artisans. The selection of one-of-a-kind gifts at affordable

prices includes a variety of items, such as hand-tooled silver jewelry,

knitted wool sweater vests and purses designed from repurposed

items. The public is invited to jump-start the holiday shopping sea-

son by attending a free Opening Reception of art on Friday,

November 30, 2012 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.

David Beasley believes that one man’s kindness can be the answer to one child’s Christmas wish. In time for the holiday season, Gallery Theater pres-

ents Mr. Beasley’s Christmas Party, a charming adap-tation of an early 20th Century Booth Tarkington story that will delight and entertain the entire family with quick changes, side-splitting antics and surprising twists. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays, November 30, and December 1, 7 and 8, 2012 at 7:30 p.m.

and Sundays, December 2 and 9, 2012 at 3:00 p.m. To purchase tickets or for additional information, contact Gallery Theater at (630) 234-5919 or via email at GalleryTickets@aol.com.

Local Music Night on Fridays, November 16, and December 14, 2012 features singer/songwriters from throughout Chicagoland performing both popular and original music in a variety of genres. The evening is free to attend, and donations are welcome. For further information or to partici-pate in future events, contact Sara Phalen at localmusicnight@gmail.com.

gallerY 200 located at 200 Main Street • www.gallery200.org Thurs. & Fri. 12:00 - 8:00 p.m. Sat. & Sun. 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.

gallerY 200/stuDio located at 203 Turner Court

LuAnn Bombard