Winfield Community United Methodist Church is in urgent need of Sunday school teachers and nursery care providers for one Sunday per month for the coming year. Anyone considering serving in that capacity should contact the Rev. Amee Miller at (630) 668-8970.

Until Sunday, Oct. 5, church members will collect presents to fill shoe boxes for children who normally do not receive gifts. Suggested are small toys, toiletries, socks and other items that fit inside the box.

A Sunday, Sept. 7 offering was taken as part of the Rainbow Covenant project, and as WCU’s ongoing mission each first Sunday, church members are asked to bring canned goods and nonperishable items to place in a collection basket in the church foyer. The church is at 0S347 Jefferson St.

Winfield world

It was a picture-perfect setting for an outdoor bridal shower last month, when Mary Lou Kozak invited 45 guests to honor Kate Madden, who will wed in September. Guests could choose to sit at two tables indoors or at one of the four beautiful tables set up on the brick patio. The outdoor tables were covered with damask tablecloths and matching napkins. At the center of each was a white, crocheted mat setting off a glass bud vase filled with white roses and hurricane candles. One informal table covered with a red-and-white-checked tablecloth was set up on the back lawn where Kate opened her gifts, giving everyone a good view.

Not only was the setting beautiful, but the food was superb: two sandwich loaves filled with layers of chicken, tuna and ham salad and a crunchy snack guests could not stop eating, and large bowls of tossed and fruit salads. Guests had a beverage choice of red or white wine, raspberry iced tea or soft drinks. Pound cake with strawberries and whipped cream, along with lemon and cherry squares were dessert choices. Hanging baskets filled with brightly colored flowers enhanced the patio’s beauty.

Most gifts were on the practical side — a  large roll of duct tape, a can of Greased Lightning, air freshener, a spoon rack, rolling pin, a plaque reading “Home Sweet Home,” a blue-patterned area rug, Vera Wang brown towels and a Kohl’s gift card.

Later, the Kozaks’ two granddaughters joined the festivities: Mia McCall, 6 months, and older sister Jessica, 9. As guests left, Mary Lou presented each with a large, long-stemmed pink rose to take home.

We know Mary Lou Crane is a multi-talented individual, but rooster crowing? Yes, Mary Lou was a judge for the rooster crowing contest at last month’s DuPage County Fair. There were 12 contestants, and Heidi Velmuth of Winfield, representing village President Rudy Czech, won second place. To win, Heidi scratched and clucked like a hen, and two roosters watching her crowed. George Praedel of Warrenville was third. Heidi presented her trophy to Czech at a village board meeting.

Run results

There were more runners this year in the Winfield Run held Aug. 9, with the official number set at 300.

The best year was 1999, when there were 380 participants, reports Martha Ingram, who chairs the run. First-place winner in the 5k was Joe Gaskill, 21, of Carol Stream, with a time of 16:45.0 and pace of 5:24/M.

In second was Ted Bowles of Bartlett, 39, (17:27.1, 5:38/M); in third, Scott Fitzgibbons, 40, of Wheaton (17:55.2, 5:47/M); in fourth, Nate Evans, 16, of Glen Ellyn (18:26.3, 5:57/M); in fifth, Carlos Viramontes, 40, of Chicago (18:33.5, 5:59/M); and in sixth, Rick Walden, 33, of North Aurora (18:48.3, 6:04/M).

Runners ranged in age from 13 to 70. The race attracted some out-of-state competitors from as far as Flint, Mich., and Thousand Oaks, Calif.

Request granted

A request for 1960s and 1970s music for last weekend’s Good Old Days “Flower Power” field by Winfield Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Rich Bysina was granted by Tim Morris, Winfield Stuff photographer and owner-operator of TMO Video. Morris told Bysina he had tons of music and would provide a few compact discs for the chamber.

Coloring contest

Entrants in the annual coloring contest sponsored by Winfield Historical Society members had their artwork on display at Hedges station Sept. 5. Awards were presented at noon by Winfield Fire Chief Phil DeMenza.

Fore

After 18 weeks of play in the Winfield Golf League, first place is held by Tony Albergo with 82 points, followed by Lane Buttrey, Ed Kowal and John Karwoski. Closest-to-the-pin honors go to Bob Welsch, and longest putt to Jerry Palmere. The annual golf banquet will begin at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 16, at St. Andrews Golf Club, 3N441 Route 59, West Chicago. The menu features barbecue chicken and ribs. Golfers who cannot attend should call Bob Evelhoch or put a note in the score box.

Knights’ picnic

Members of St. John’s Knights of Columbus hosted their first-ever picnic at 12:30 p.m. Aug. 24, at the suggestion of Knight Loni Howard. An excellent idea, it drew more than 50 Knights and guests. Joan Cleary graciously opened her home and backyard swimming pool for the occasion. It was a perfect day: sunny and dry with a slight breeze. Children enjoyed jumping in and out of the pool and even some hardy adults spent time cooling off in the water. There was plenty of shredded roast pig, and some guests were given bags of leftover pork to take home. Members provided an abundance of side dishes and desserts.

The Rev. Frank Vitus of St. John’s Church attended the picnic. Grand Knight Bill Brach was up at 6 a.m., tending the good-sized pig on a spit so it would be ready to serve at 12:30 p.m.

Guests included Ed and Margaret Hess with daughter Jeanne; Mike and Ellen McGrath; Mr. and Mrs. Phil Barone; the Conley family; and Bev Brach. Since everyone had an enjoyable afternoon, it’s likely a second picnic will be planned.