Wheaton Chamber

Sept. 11 Electronic Recycling Moved to Commuter Lot 9

Administrator — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 14:50:04 +0000

WHEATON, Ill. – Due to the street closures associated with the Run/Walk for DuPage PADS, the City’s monthly electronic and battery recycling collection on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2010, has been moved to Commuter Parking Lot 9, which is located near the intersection of Carlton Avenue and Liberty Drive. Because Liberty Drive will be closed during the race, drivers should use Carlton Avenue to enter and exit Commuter Parking Lot 9.

To see a map of Commuter Parking Lot 9, see the Downtown Parking Map on the City’s website at http://www.wheaton.il.us/about/getaround/parking/parking_map.aspx?id=3802.

The City offers free electronic and battery recycling from 9 a.m. to noon on the second Saturday of each month. For more information about the types of items that can be recycled at the collection events, see the City’s website.

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Cantigny 2nd Annual Green Fair & Recycling Extravaganza

Administrator — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 20:33:08 +0000

Cantigny Recycling Extravaganza

Saturday, September 25th 9am-Noon

Cantigny Park
1 S 151 Winfield Rd, Wheaton

9am-noon

Accepted Items:

Electronics and small appliances (computers, tvs, vcrs, printers, scanners, radios, coffee makers, microwaves, cell phones, blenders and more)

American flags – tattered, faded, needing to be retired

Eye glasses

Hearing aides

Keys (car, home, luggage, etc.)

Buttons

Printer cartridges

Rulers

Yarn

Records

License plates

Scrap Metal (washers, dryers, hot water heaters, metal hangers, pots and pans, pipes, gutters, metal fencing, metal lawn furniture, swing sets, tomato cages, chicken wire and more)

Bikes (working and non-working)

Pet leashes and collars

Animal travel cages

Dog kennels

Towels

Blankets and comfortors

Gently used pet toys

Batteries (car, sump pump, boat, motorcycle, computer back-up)

Household batteries (A, C, D, 9 volt, all types)

Wine corks

Brita filters

Not Accepted:

No engines

No air conditioners, refrigerators, dehumidifiers

No hazardous waste

No paint

No light bulbs

Street Closures during Run/Walk for DuPage PADS

Administrator — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 17:29:36 +0000

WHEATON, Ill. – The 2010 Run/Walk for DuPage PADS will be held on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2010, beginning at 8 a.m.

During this event, the Wheaton Police Department will temporarily close:

Liberty Drive between West & Commerce
Commerce Drive between Liberty & Gables
Gables Blvd. between Manchester & Childs
Manchester between Hazelton & Childs
Childs between Carlton & Hazelton
Erie between Childs & Williams
Williams between Erie & Hazelton
Hazelton between Childs & Manchester
Vernon between Childs & Hickory
Hickory between Vernon & White Oak
White Oak between Hickory & Manchester

This condition will exist for approximately four hours (from 8 a.m. until 12 p.m.).

During this time period, these roadway segments will be adequately staffed with uniformed Police Officers to assist and direct traffic.

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History Speaks Lecture Series at Naper Settlement

Administrator — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 17:28:40 +0000

History Speaks Lecture Series 2010-2011
The History Speaks Lecture Series begins its sixth season for 2010-2011 with a variety of historical performances and presentations that run from October through May at Naper Settlement’s Century Memorial Chapel, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. Advance tickets are $6 for adults, $5 for students, youth and Naperville Heritage Society sustaining members; tickets at the door are $7 for adults, $6 for students and youth. For tickets, call (630) 420-6010. Visit www.napersettlement.museum for more information.
The Ghosts of Edgar Allan Poe
Performer and educator Brian “Fox” Ellis presents “The Ghosts of Edgar Allan Poe” from 7 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 24. Spend a spine-tingling evening in the parlor of Edgar Allan Poe as he recounts the tormented true tales of his life and how they led to his classic tales of terror. Hear him recite “The Raven” and “The Tell-Tale Heart” as well as some of his lesser-known works that have inspired generations of writers. Recommended for ages 10 and up.
Susan B. Anthony — You Can’t Vote
Celebrate the 90th Anniversary of women winning the right to vote when Lynn Rymarz portrays Susan B. Anthony from 4 to 5 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 14. Until 1920, the law of the land said women were not allowed to vote. Susan B. Anthony spent her lifetime fighting for equality for women and the right for women to vote. Hear the story of how one woman’s dedication and determination made a difference in helping to change history.
Charles Dickens
Actor and historian Terry Lynch portrays the great 19th century author Charles Dickens from 4 to 5 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 12. Mr. Dickens has a big birthday coming up in 2012 – he’s about to commemorate the bicentennial of his birth! As this date quickly approaches, Dickens reflects on his life and discusses some of his best known works including the beloved classic, “A Christmas Carol.”
Charles Darwin and the Voyage of the Beagle
During “Charles Darwin and the Voyage of the Beagle,” to be held from 4 to 5 p.m., Jan. 23, 2011, imagine an evening at London’s Royal Geological Society with the affable, young Charles Darwin among friends, telling the stories of his amazing adventure sailing around the world on the HMS Beagle. Storyteller and science teacher Brian “Fox” Ellis steps into Darwin’s shoes to model the scientific process and engage listeners in a discussion.
-MORE-
History Speaks Lecture Series 2010-2011 Press Release (cont’d.) Page 2
Sweet Home Chicago: The History of the Candy Capital of America
For most of its history, Chicago produced about one-third of the nation’s candy. Actress and historian Leslie Goddard shares the history behind these tasty treats from 4 to 5 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 13, 2011. The city has called itself the Candy Capital of America since the turn of the century and Goddard will explore why Chicago is such a powerful location for candymakers. Delicious!
Toulouse-Lautrec: Decadence & Spectacle in Fin-de-siècle Paris
Art historian Jeff Mishur leads a discussion on the major works of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec from 4 to 5 p.m., Sunday, March 13, 2011. Toulouse-Lautrec’s paintings are synonymous with the Montmartre district of Paris at the end of the 19th century. Mishur also will compare these works with those painted by other important artists working in Paris during the same period.
Harriet Beecher Stowe: Insights to Uncle Tom’s Cabin
Actress Paddy Lynn portrays Harriet Beecher Stowe, American abolitionist and famed author of “Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” from 4 to 5 p.m., Sunday, April 10, 2011. Her best-selling book galvanized the abolitionist movement and contributed to the start of the Civil War.
Nellie Bly: Daredevil Reporter
Lynn Rymarz portrays Nellie Bly, newspaper reporter, for whom nothing was too daring or impossible to scoop a story from 4 to 5 p.m., Sunday, May 8, 2011. Hear about her life lessons and some of her stories, such as how she got herself committed to an insane asylum, was arrested, danced as a chorus girl, rode an elephant and raced around the world.
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History comes to life at Naper Settlement, an outdoor museum village, located in downtown Naperville at 523 S. Webster St. Accredited by the American Association of Museums, Naper Settlement has 30 historic structures ranging from a rustic log cabin to an elegant Victorian mansion, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. For more information, visit www.napersettlement.museum or call (630) 420-6010.

Bring the Family to Stargazing at Cantigny on September 18

Administrator — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 15:46:34 +0000

WHEATON, IL, September 7, 2010 — Cantigny Park, part of the McCormick Foundation, and the Naperville Astronomical Association, invite the public to a fun and educational evening on Saturday, September 18.

Stargazing is scheduled for 7 to 10:30 pm. Visitors will view planets and stars through telescopes set up on the Cantigny Parade Field and learn how to identify constellations with the naked eye. If the skies are clear, viewing highlights will include Jupiter, the moon, globular clusters, nebulae and galaxies.

Several indoor activities are on the agenda too:

From 7 to 9 pm, children can make glow-in-the-dark necklaces in the Visitors Center
From 7:30 to 8 pm, learn all about constellations by attending a presentation in the Visitors Center theater.
At 8 pm, also in the theater, hear a talk called “Choosing Your Own Telescope.”

Stargazing at Cantigny is a free event with paid parking of $2 per vehicle. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets. The event will take place rain or shine.

More information about Cantigny and a complete schedule of fall workshops and special events are online at Cantigny.org.

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About Cantigny
Cantigny, part of the Chicago-based McCormick Foundation, is the 500-acre Wheaton (Illinois) estate of Robert R. McCormick, longtime editor and publisher of the Chicago Tribune. Cantigny Park is home to the McCormick Museum, First Division Museum, formal gardens, picnic grounds, walking trails and a Visitors Center with banquet and dining facilities. More information, including hours, directions and upcoming events is online at Cantigny.org. Cantigny Golf, adjacent to the park, features a 27-hole championship golf course, full-service clubhouse, Cantigny Golf Academy and the 9-hole Cantigny Youth Links. For more information, visit CantignyGolf.com.

Vehicle Burglaries

Administrator — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 15:24:33 +0000

WHEATON, Ill. – During the month of August 2010, a total of 31 motor vehicles were entered unlawfully. In 24 of the burglaries, the vehicles were unlocked. Only two of the vehicles were locked, and in the other five cases, it remains unknown whether or not the vehicle was locked.

The crimes took place in various areas throughout the city, and most crimes occurred during hours of darkness. The items that were stolen include computers, GPS devices, cell phones, purses and wallets.

Keeping vehicles locked and valuable items out of view is the best deterrent to automobile burglaries. Residents are encouraged to call 9-1-1 any time they observe any suspicious activities.

The police department continues to investigate these burglaries. Anyone with information is encouraged to call Detective Commander James Volpe at 630-260-2055.

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See Status of Downtown Bridge Construction Project

Administrator — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 15:03:18 +0000

WHEATON, Ill. – Take a look at how the Manchester bridge construction project in downtown Wheaton is taking shape during a video update with the City’s Senior Project Engineer. This short video is available here.

Find out how close crews are to reopening the Illinois Prairie Path pedestrian bridge. Also, learn how this summer’s construction worker strike throughout northern Illinois will affect the reopening date of the roadway bridge.

Back in November 2009, construction began to remove the roadway bridge and retaining wall, reconstruct the approach roads, reconfigure the entire intersection, and reconstruct the Illinois Prairie Path pedestrian bridge. Once completed, the bridge will offer a new traffic configuration and will once again give drivers an overpass across the Union Pacific railroad tracks.

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Expanded “Idea Garden” Opens at Cantigny Park

Administrator — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 16:23:03 +0000

WHEATON, IL, September 1, 2010 — Cantigny Park, part of the McCormick Foundation, announced the opening of a new and improved Idea Garden. The garden, one of Cantigny’s most popular horticultural attractions, underwent an extensive makeover this summer to give park visitors an even more interactive experience.

Several innovative new features in the Idea Garden will appeal to families with children, including a Pixie Passage tunnel, Fairy Garden, a larger pond with more fish and frogs and an Alphabet Trail. The latter uses the 26 letters to introduce kids to the common or botanical name of plants or other items in the garden.

“We wanted to make the garden a more hands-on experience that allows your senses to take flight,” said Liz Omura, Idea Garden curator/horticulture education and volunteer coordinator. “Our formal gardens are fabulous but they are hard to replicate at home. The Idea Garden is a place where adults can learn how to use different plants and design concepts in their own gardens and where children can learn about horticulture in a fun and interactive way.”

Omura added that the new Idea Garden layout includes a winding path that invites visitors to wander and look around. “We set it up in a way that hopefully peaks interest and encourages children to ask more questions,” she said.

The one-acre Idea Garden, now in its twentieth year, is actually several gardens within one. It includes a children’s garden, sensory garden and a “Walk Through the Seasons” garden.

Starting this fall, adults and children alike will benefit from additional programming focused on and around the Idea Garden. Upcoming scheduled events (all free) include:

Sept. 8: Flower Arranging Workshop, 12 pm
Sept. 15: Garden Tips & Tastes, 12 pm
Sept. 25: Monarch Butterfly Tagging, 1 pm

Event details are posted online at Cantigny.org. Admission to the Idea Garden is free with paid parking ($5 per vehicle, or just $2 on Mondays and before 10 am). Cantigny Park is open from 7 am to sunset every day through October. Hours are 9 am to sunset in November and December.

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Wheaton Rotary Announces Scholarship Awards

Administrator — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 15:48:25 +0000

The Rotary Club of Wheaton, Illinois has recently selected three recipients of scholarship awards. Rachel Marro, Brian Baranyi, and Jordan Zeno, all of Wheaton, are entering their junior or senior years, and will be receiving scholarships for their one or two remaining years.

Rachel Marro is attending the University of Chicago, majoring in Sociology and Linguistics. Brian Baranye is a student at the University of Illinois, Champaign, majoring in Kinesiology. And Jordan Zeno attends DePaul University, majoring in English and Spanish.

Wheaton Rotary has annually awarded scholarships to Wheaton residents starting their junior and senior years in college. The students are chosen for their outstanding scholarship and their commitment to service, leadership and responsibility.

Pictured in attached photo: L to R, Brian Baranyi, prior scholarship winner, Mary Broda, Scholarship Committee Chair, Rotarian Steve Charvat, Rachel Marrow, and Jordan Zeno.

Wheaton Rotary President a Triathlete for Literacy

Administrator — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 15:44:39 +0000

On September 11, 2010 Rotary Club of Wheaton President, Jeff Pringle, will compete in the Lake Geneva Half Extreme triathlon to raise funds for literacy. The triathlon consists of a 1.2 mile swim, a 56 mile bike ride on the back roads surrounding the lake and a 13.1 mile run featuring the famous “killer hill.”

“The motivation to push through the pain will come from the opportunity to help others improve their lives through literacy and to commemorate a great family,” stated Jeff Pringle.

Alex McPherson, a former Rotarian, and his wife, Thelma, both passed away in 2009. In the mid-1970’s Thelma founded the Literacy Volunteers of DuPage, an organization that still thrives today, teaching over 400 people to read each year.

Each student receives a picture dictionary, valued at $15, translating their native language to English. Jeff explained, “Our plan is to stamp the inside cover of each dictionary with these words, ‘In memory of Alex and Thelma McPherson, through the Rotary Club of Wheaton’.”

The Rotary Club of Wheaton is a group of individuals who provide service and contributions both locally and internationally.

For more information, contact Jeff Pringle at 630-209-4612 or email pringlejeff@sbcglobal.net.