West Chicago state of city address is March 13

rm The West Chicago “State of City Address” by Mayor Michael Kwasman is set for 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 13, during the West Chicago Chamber of Commerce luncheon at Prairie Landing Golf Course, 2325 longest Drive.

Reservations are required. The cost is $25 per person.

For information call the chamber office (630)231-3003 or visit www.westchicagochamber.com.

St. Irene hosts Seder meals March 20 and 21

St. Irene Catholic Church on Warrenville Road in Warrenville invites the public to attend its Seder meals 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 20, and Wednesday, March 21, in the lower level activity center.

The ritual “Passover Haggadah” will be followed by a catered meal of salad, chicken and pasta.

The cost is $25 for a family of four or more, or $7 for an individual.

For information, call Annette Kubalanza at the St. Irene Parish Center at (630) 393-2400, Ext. 22.

Wheaton Warrenville South jazz bands present concert

The Wheaton Warrenville South High School jazz bands will present a Jazz Bistro concert at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 7, in the commons of the school, 1993 Tiger Trail in Wheaton.

The school’s commons will be transformed into a French bistro, complete with jazz students attired as waiters wandering the tables to serve finger desserts. South’s two jazz ensembles, under the direction of Vic Scimeca, will take the stage during the evening to play a variety of jazz standards.

For information, call (630) 784-7200.

Learn more about antiquesat the West Chicago library

Arbor Avenue Antiques of West Chicago owner Frances Spear, along with her shopkeepers, will be sharing their expertise in the field of collecting and researching the history of antiques during a program at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 21, at the West Chicago Public Library, 118 W. Washington St.

A variety of collectibles and antiques from different periods will be displayed, such as jewelry, furniture, clothing and china. A question-and-answer session will follow the program.

Local schools get library funds from state

These schools in West Chicago, Winfield and Warrenville were awarded per capita grants from Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White to help provide library services:

• Benjamin Elementary School District 25 was given $655

• West Chicago Community High School District 94 was awarded $1,541

• West Chicago Elementary School District 33 was given $2,716

• Wheaton-Warrenville Community Unit School District 200 was awarded $9,681

• Winfield Elementary School District 34 was awarded $271

West Chicago policedonate rail-crossing gate

On behalf of the West Chicago Police Department, Sgt. Leo Aviles recently presented the donation of a railroad-crossing gate for the West Chicago Park District’s Safety Town.

The department used a portion of the funds from the Peer Education and Enforcement Research Study Grant for the purchase. The $325,027 in grant money is used for education, enforcement and environment, explained Aviles.

West Chicago libraryhosts book sale March 9

The Friends of the West Chicago Library will hold its annual book sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, March 9, and Saturday, March 10, at the library, 118 W. Washington St. A large variety of books will be available, for both children and adults.

Special education grouphosts dinner/fundraiser

The West DuPage Special Education Foundation is hosting a fundraiser, “Portraits of Paris,” at 6 p.m. Friday, March 9, at the Abbington, 3S002 Route 53, Glen Ellyn. WDSRA is a cooperative extension of nine park districts, including West Chicago, Winfield and Warrenville.

The evening event includes dinner, a silent auction, a special “Raise the Paddle” auction to raise funds for Special Olympics team uniforms, a cash raffle, an art show featuring the artwork of WDSRA participants and the presentation of the Hall of Fame Award. New this year is an online auction from 9 a.m. Thursday, March 1, through 9 p.m. Saturday, March 10. Kramer’s Tree Service in West Chicago has donated spa packages for a day of pampering at The Spas at the Herrington in Geneva.

The ticket price for the event is $70 and includes two free drink tickets. Proceeds support more than 1,000 programs, trips and special events for more than 8,000 individuals of all ages with special needs.

For information or to make a reservation, call (630) 681-0844.

Benjamin Middle School students make blankets for patients

Benjamin Middle School principal last fall challenged fifth- and sixth-graders to come up with an idea of how to improve the world in any small way.

Her challenge followed a multi-media assembly in October, encouraging students to be good decision makers, take charge of their own lives, and not cave in to peer pressure.

Sixth-graders Sarah Pearson, Lauren Stanton and Andrea Skipor suggested making blankets for sick children at a local hospital. They met with interested students and planned the project.

They sold popcorn in the lunchroom to raise money for material, and five to eight students stayed after school to make the blankets, and now have 23 completed.
Project participants also contacted local businesses to request monetary or material donations.

The students delivered the blankets to Central DuPage Hospital on Feb. 13.