The Winfield Community United Methodist Church grounds have seen a lot of improvement thanks to church members who came out for a work day sponsored by the trustees. They were cutting, pruning, trimming and weeding. But it wasn’t all work. They took time out to enjoy donated ice cream and homemade cobbler, courtesy of Boy Scout Troop 35.

Younger church members did their part June 19, planting annuals and perennials and getting rid of weeds. Now, the church grounds are in full bloom. Thanks go to the children — Elysse and Josh Keske and Payton and Paige Miller — and to the adults who helped them— Ginger Blackwell, Debby Miller and Fran and Bill Miller.

Church members welcomed two newcomers. John William Miller was born May 13, weighing 7 pounds and 3 ounces. His parents are Debby and John Miller, and big sisters Paige and Payton welcomed their little brother home. Fran and Bill Miller are the proud grandparents.

The other newcomer is Caterina Joan Van Bortel, born to Victoria and Brett Van Bortel on June 14, weighing 5 pounds, 11 ounces, and 19 inches long. Big brothers Nicholas and Jake will help mom take care of their little sister.

Church members honored the following 2008 graduates: Leanne Adams received her bachelor of arts degree from North Central College in Naperville; Kira Adams graduated from Wheaton Warrenville South High School, and this fall will attend North Central College; and Erie Mauer graduated from Four Winds Waldorf School and will attend St. Francis High School in Wheaton.
 
Fore
After 14 weeks of play in the Winfield Golf League, Tony Albergo is in first place with 71.5 points, followed by Ed Kowal in second, John Heitzler Sr. in third and Dale Kenny in fourth with 68 points. Closest to the pin honors were played by Bob Welsch, with longest putt by Jerry Lampere and Dale Kenny. League play will wrap up with a banquet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 16, at St. Andrews Golf Club in West Chicago.

Get growing
Winfield Area Gardeners made a field trip to the McDonald Farm in Naperville. Members met at the Winfield Public Library to car pool. The group stopped for lunch at a local restaurant and then traveled to the nearby Growing Place.

At the next WAG meeting, “Fall Colors and Winter Interest” will be presented by Stephanie Dalton of Planter’s Palette at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2, in the home of Christine and Bob Petitti. The October meeting, for which a location has yet to be announced, will feature a program on ornamental grasses, presented by Karla Lynch of the Morton Arboretum 

Winfield world update
About a dozen friends and former neighbors took Delores Garter out to lunch on her visit to Winfield from Fort Myers Beach, Fla. Garter first went to Michigan to visit relatives and on her way back stopped off at Winfield. Nostalgia reigned as Joan and Dick Murdock, Mary and Jim Harris, Shirley and Jack Williamson, Joyce and Clem Milder, Betsy Nitz and  Marge Kliebhan recalled the changes in village life. The group missed Jerry Kliebhan, who was unable to attend because of illness.

Congratulations go to Nella Pereira and her family on the birth of Sydney Santana Pereira on May 28, weighing 8 pounds, and 20 inches long.

And congratulations also go to Bill and Adrienne Rose and Donna and Dennis Moffatt, all of Winfield, on the birth of their new granddaughter, Leah Rose Moffatt, born May 29 to Mike and Roxanne Moffatt. She joins two older sisters.
 
Entertainment Books
Winfield Historical Society members are selling 2009 Entertainment Books. They sell for $20 and make nice hostess or thank-you gifts. The book’s sale has been a 20-year fundraiser for the society. All proceeds have been designated for the restoration of Hedges Station, the oldest building in Winfield and the oldest remaining train depot in the state. Call Jinny Faesen for details at (630) 668-3552.
 
Winfield Cruzin
It was a fun and intimate gathering at the first Winfield Cruzin After Hours organized by the Chamber of Commerce. Viewers gathered July 21 in Mary’s Room at John’s Restaurant and Tavern. At only $10 per person, participants enjoyed a variety of hot and cold appetizers, and received a drink ticket for their choice of beverage. About 25 classic cars were on display that night, prompting conversations both between members and with the cars’ owners.