This fall, the Winfield Public Library joins the Warrenville and West Chicago libraries to create a six-week “Reading Together 2008” celebration. The whole family is invited to participate in book discussions and special programs centered on Mexican-American culture.

The adult discussion book is “Bless Me, Ultima” by Rudolfo Anaya, an  award-winning, semi-autographical novel about young Antonio who learns to deal with issues of faith, identity and growing up in Guadalupe, N.M. The youth discussion book, “Becoming Naomi” by Pam Muñoz Ryan, centers on 11-year-old Naomi who is reunited with her father in Oaxaca, Mexico, in the 1940s. Naomi discovers her heritage and the source of her artistic talent.
A colorful children’s picture book, “Piñata” by Rebecca Wimberley, featuring mixed-media collage, was featured at the recent Family Fiesta offered by all three libraries. Winfield Library served refreshments, and the event featured Mexican costumes, giveaways, stories in English and Spanish and crafts including making piñatas.

Oktoberfest

Winfield Community United Methodist Church was to have hosted its Oktoberfest at the home of Mary Ann and Ron Barzo. But the Sept. 13 event was washed away by the heavy rains that day. Annually, the party features authentic German music, complemented by bratwurst, other assorted sausages and side dishes prepared by guests, accompanied by German beer and wine.

Fest wrap-up

Cruzin Winfield capped its season Sept. 5 during Good Old Days. Since June, it had put interesting vehicles on display on Jewell Road near the railroad tracks, and encouraged people to make an evening of it at John’s Restaurant and Tavern and Caliendo’s Restaurant and Bar.

Chamber President Patty Shupp thanked Phil Sass for lighting expertise in upgrading electrical outlets at Beecher and Church streets.

The upgrade made it possible to better light the intersection and the field. The festival included the Home Depot Kids workshop Sept. 5 at Beecher and Church. The Underhand Free Throw Contest was handled by Boy Scout Troop 575, which staffed a tent to recruit new Scouts.

WWB seminar

Winfield Women in Business will host a seminar from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26, at DePaul University, 150 W. Warrenville Road, Naperville.

Guests will have a choice of two seminars. “Surviving Business Finance” will be presented by Ralph Treccia, president and chairman of Winfield Community Bank. With more than 30 years of banking experience, Treccia says he believes the concept of community banking involves maintaining strong consumer and commercial relationships by delivering quality consumer service.

Treccia focuses his career on commercial relationships and community development. A second seminar, “Making Web.20 Work for You,” will be presented by Angel Oakley, chief marketing strategist and co-founder of Unicats.

Oakley leverages her years of marketing management experience to help clients develop and execute their strategic marketing and sales initiatives. 

Walking tour

Winfield Historical Society members recently sponsored a morning Walking Tour of downtown Winfield. Walkers gathered in Mary’s Room at John’s Restaurant and Tavern. A raffle also was organized.

Steak Fry

Once again, the annual Steak Fry heralded Good Old Days festivities. This year, 120 members and guests attended the Steak Fry Sept. 3 in the Lions Beer Garden at Beecher and Church streets.
As he has the past several years, Stu Stone and his crew planned to grill steaks. Last month, the grilling crew did the honors at a Glen Ellyn Steak Fry, and planned another in Bartlett to close the season. Unfortunately, Stu underwent neck surgery and was home recuperating and could not make it to the Winfield Steak Fry. Seven of his crew carried on in his absence. Crew subs included Mark Tibias and daughter Chrissy, Ron Leonard and Mr. and Mrs. Bob Berlinger.

Side dishes served with the steaks included corn on the cob, fried potatoes and  tomatoes. Complimentary drinks were served along with coffee, bottled water and soft drinks. Even with the large number in attendance, there seemed to be more room in the Lions Beer Garden tent and definitely no mosquitoes. In 2007, hordes of the pesky insects had guests passing around insect repellent, but to no avail, they just kept coming back.

Karen Blum, as always, sold raffle tickets, with prizes donated by local businesses. The  raffle netted more than $700 for the Walter Schauer/Dollars for Scholars Scholarship Fund. Last year, the fund gave $2,000 to each qualifying Winfield High School senior or Winfield college undergraduate. The awards are presented at the Winfield Chamber’s May luncheon meeting, with winners and their families in attendance.