Take time to visit the new West Chicago Chamber of Commerce Web site,              www.westchicagochamber.com. It provides information, not only relevant to chamber members, but also to residents in the community.

As the Railroad Days information becomes available, it will be included on a current basis. This includes activities, parade, registration forms and schedules. Also any businesses, churches, entertainment venues, individuals or organizations wanting to help or participate in the summer fest are asked to call the chamber office at (630) 231-3003.

“We want to have as much local participation as possible,” said Chamber Executive Director Dave Sabathne.

Around and about

• Coffee with the Mayor is from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday, March 17, at the West Chicago City Hall, 475 Main St.

• Gallery 200, 200 Main St., is conducting several workshops. Lois Easley is teaching her watercolor classes from 1 to 3 p.m. this Saturday, March 17, every other Saturday through Saturday, May 12. The charge is $10 per session. Each stand-alone class teaches something new about the medium. Heide Morris is conducting a ceramics workshop from 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, March 24. The project is creating Wind Chimes, using pieces of slab with textures. The cost is $10 per person. Fredericka Howard teaches “Sketch-a-Pet” from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 31. The fee is $5. Sign-up sheets for workshops are available at the Gallery. For more information, call (630) 293-9550.

• The All Night Long After Prom Committee is sponsoring a St. Patrick’s Day Bash and silent auction beginning at 7:30 p.m. Saturday , March 17, at the new Tivoli Galleria, 956 N. Neltnor Blvd. The advanced ticket price is $20. Tickets purchased at the door cost $25. To reserve a ticket, call (630) 231-0251.

• St. Mary’s parish is hosting its annual St. Joseph’s Table from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Sunday, March 18, in St. Francis Hall, 140 N. Oakwood Ave. The menu includes pasta, ethnic specialties, salads and desserts. For further information, call Pat Bemish at (639) 293-7616.

• Trinity Lutheran School, 331 George St., is hosting an open house from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 20. While parents tour the school and meet the staff, there are activities for children include face painting and story telling. Refreshments are served and there is a door prize drawing. The school offers childcare, kindergarten, preschool and after school programs.

• The West Chicago Public Library, 118 W. Washington St., is hosting two programs that will help relieve the winter blahs. The first program takes place at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 21. For those who have an interest in antiques and collectibles, Frances Spear, owner of Arbor Avenue Antiques, and some her shopkeepers, share their knowledge and expertise in this field, plus the research involved in discovering the history of antiques. The program also includes a display of collectibles and antiques from different periods. These include china clothing, jewelry and furniture. Spear’s enthusiasm and outgoing personality is certain to spark an interest in the treasures of yore.

• The second program at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 22, offers people the opportunity to create a fresh flower basket with the favorite blooms of spring. Using daffodils, irises and tulips, Peggy Garvin of Garvin Gardens shows how to create the springtime arrangement. There is a $15 material fee for this program and pre-registration is required due to limited space. For further information or to register, call the library at (630) 231-1552, Ext. 4.

• The Garden Club meeting is at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 22, at Faith Community Church, 910 Main St. Garden Club member and experienced landscaper Ed Max presents “Spring Ephermals in the Garden.” Ephermals are mostly native plants that flower early and, when done, their foliage disappears. They can be bulbs or herbaceous plants, such as trillium and Virginia Blubells, explained club member Lou Horton, a master gardener.

• Faith Community Church member and former longtime West Chicago resident Art Melin celebrates his 90th birthday, Friday, March 16