Neighbors of Westmont, August 2018 by Neighbors Media

Westmont Neighbors of ™

DuPageNeighbors.com

Your community magazine

August is vacation month. Make it a safe one.

Best getaway destinations in Illinois Natatorium proposal approved “I love Westmont” contest in the works Cruisin’ Nights roll on

August/September 2018

POSTAL CUSTOMER

PERMIT NO. 10 CLARENDON HILLS, IL 60514

Neighbors of Westmont Magazine 28 South Water St., Suite 301 Batavia, Illinois 60510

PAID

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE

Neighbors Publications

Neighbors of Westmont Magazine

Inside Information

630-995-3482 DuPageNeighbors.com Neighbors Staff and Contributors: Tim Sullivan & Kate Sullivan, Publishers Amber Johnson, Production Director Ben Scott, Community Editor Linnea Carlson, Creative Director Photo Contributors: Joe Paladino, 708-917-0073 Martika Gartman, 630-991-7140

Stay safe on your vacation

story begins on page

P hoto : Starved Rock State Park , A dam A lexander

Community Liaisons Larry McIntyre, Village of Westmont 630-417-0280 Larry Forssberg, Westmont Chamber of Commerce 630-960-5553 Kevin Carey, Community Unit School District 201 630-484-8000

Village news—New natatorium proposal approved. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 District 201 adopts new literacy program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

For calendar listings: Please submit your activity dates to newsroom@neighborsmagazines.com

Departments A message from Mayor Gunter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Westmont Chamber of Commerce—There’s always something to do. . . . . . . . . 5 Business Nuggets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

For advertising opportunities: 630-995-3482 info@neighborsmagazines.com See the online edition at DuPageNeighbors.com.

Around the Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 August Calendar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 September Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

About the cover:

Police Chief Jim Gunther and Fire Chief Dave Weiss team up and share some advice for a safe summer vacation. With summer sports programs over, the kids are ready for that much anticipated family vacation. Whether you are traveling or vacationing locally, make safety a part of your plan so you can enjoy some worry free time with your family. Our feature story starts on page six. Cover photo by Larry McIntyre. Follow us on Facebook “NeighborsMagazines”

Neighbors is a Service Disabled Veteran owned small business. We are proud to offer special advertising discounts to all Veteran owned businesses. NEIGHBORS™ is published bimonthly. Editorial contributions are welcome. Send your information to newsroom@neighborsmagazines.com. Advertising deadline is the 10th of the month preceding publication.

P hoto : Downtown Westmont—Cruisin ’ Night & Street Fair, L arry McI ntyre

Neighbors of Westmont Magazine

From the desk of Mayor Ron Gunter Dear Fellow Citizens of Westmont, As our summer winds down, I cannot express how proud I am to serve our community. We’ve been extremely busy with our Sister City Program, community events, economic development and more. Following are a few items I would like to highlight.

Sister City visit a big success

A big thank you goes out to our Sister City Committee and staff for following through on all of the details when our friends from Hsinchu County Taiwan came to visit us in July. It was my honor to host Magistrate Chiu and the Hsinchu County delegation. There were so many highlights during their visit—tours of local businesses, a gourmet chef from Taiwan cooking and serving food at the Taste of Westmont, a Hakka dance performance at the Westmont High School for hundreds of spectators and the signing of a letter of intent regarding specific business opportunities. This program has been very fruitful and we look forward to our next project, which will be a student exchange program this fall.

Exciting news with economic development

In July, the village board approved two economic development projects that will jump-start our local business community and economy. The FMC Natatorium project was relocated to Ty Warner Park and we are so happy that we were able to keep this project in Westmont. There is great anticipation regarding this project as it will bring thousands of guests to the community every year. Also, the new project at 63rd and Cass, which will include a movie theater and state-of-the-art fitness facility, is exactly what our South Westmont Business District needed. Thank you to staff for all their hard work in making this happen.

4 DuPageNeighbors.com

Community events and volunteerism

I've said it many times, but Westmont has the best events and the best volunteers anywhere. At our 4th of July celebration, our team worked together to help a young couple get engaged via fireworks display. The whole thing was covered by local media and this story received thousands of social media views and likes. Liz Nagy from ABC-TV reported, ”Westmont is a place that exemplifies what America is.” I agree.

Get connected

We encourage our residents and businesses to contact us directly if you have a question. Please visit our village website regularly for up to date info. Also, feel free to contact me at any time if you are interested in sharing your ideas, concerns or suggestions that may make our community better. I can be reached at rgunter@westmont.il.gov or 630-981-6201. Sincerely,

Mayor Ron Gunter

630-960-5553 â&#x20AC;˘ westmontchamber.com One South Cass Ave.

Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always something to do in Westmont

Events, dining, parks, programs, shopping and much more

Dear Westmont Residents and Guests, With the Taste of Westmont, Independence Day Celebration, Red, White and BBQ and Pet Promenade in the books for 2018, it feels like this year is flying forward! No worries, there are still many great community events on the way, remember to enjoy the street fair and car show every Thursday, concerts and movies in the park along with the summer reading program at Westmont Public Library to name just a few. These events and activities are a great way to engage both our Westmont residents and bring guests to our community on an ongoing basis. In terms of our Westmont business community, there is lots of activity underway. The Westmont Auto Mile is undergoing two major expansions at our BMW and Porsche dealerships. By the way, this is a great time of year for end of model year specials on purchases and leases. That also means a great selection of excellent quality used vehicles available from our award wining auto dealerships! On the dining side of our business community, the Westmont Chamber just released the latest dining guide in July, a copy of this informative publication was sent to every home to assist in making your dining selections. With over 100 dining establishments in Westmont and over 35 ethnic options, everyone can explore and dine around the world right here in Westmont each and every day of the year! Overall, Westmont has had a dozen new businesses open during the past quarter, including the return of the Sweet and Savory Spot at 15 S. Cass Ave. and an enhanced fuel and convenience store at N. Cass Ave. and Chicago/Naperville Road. In addition, watch for a new complex at the northwest corner of 63rd St. and Cass Ave. that will include a movie theater, LA Fitness and brand new dining options. For the swimmers in the area, watch for a new $20 million swim complex/natatorium at South Ty Warner Park. There are additional projects in discussions for downtown Westmont, including new residential units in the heart of our business district! The Westmont business community is strong and growing, over half of our downtown commercial space vacancies have been filled in the past eighteen months with additional projects underway and our Hilton invested $20 million in a total hotel renovation! We all love Westmont, so please remember to support community growth and success when together we shop, dine and discover Westmont daily! Larry Forssberg, Executive Director, Westmont Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau

Shop, dine and discover Westmont 24/7 at westmontchamber.com 5

Stay safe on summer vacations by Ben Scott

The police and fire departments want you to have a great vacation. Taking a few precautions will allow you to fully relax while youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re away. 6â&#x20AC;&#x192; DuPageNeighbors.com

Ottawa has spectacular river scenery.

ronically, planning a vacation can be a fairly stressful undertaking—with limited time off and conflicting family schedules, it’s no surprise that 33% of Americans spend more time researching their vacations than deciding which doctor to visit (digitaltrends.com). While safety concerns might be the last thing on your mind while organizing a trip, taking a few precautions will help put you at ease and allow you to fully relax while you’re away. According to the Westmont Police Department, securing your home is one of the most important steps you can take when getting ready to go on a trip. “The Westmont Police Department wants residents to enjoy their vacations free from the worry of their homes and personal belongings,” said Jim Gunther, Chief of Police. “When you go on a trip it’s important to secure all doors and windows and leave a light on in a common area of the home (or put a timer on). You should also let trusted neighbors know that you are leaving and give them a key.” You’ll want to make sure your

home looks lived in, especially during peak summer vacation months when crime rates rise by about 10% (safewise.com). Mail piling up can be an indicator to a potential burglar that a house is vacant; put newspaper deliveries on hold and have the post office hold your mail, or request a trusted neighbor pick these items up daily. Additionally, residents should arrange for their lawn to remain trimmed or mowed, or the driveway shoveled in the winter months. Gunther said Westmont residents are also welcome to notify the Westmont Police Department before leaving on vacation. “The Westmont Police Department provides a vacation watch service to its residents free of charge and will follow up with a letter to the homeowner letting them know when members of the police department conducted the checks (more information about this service is available on the village website at westmont.illinois.gov/index. aspx?nid=499).” When planning your trip, there are several ways a reputable travel agent

can also help make your vacation safer—especially if you’re going on cross-county adventure or plan to travel abroad. “When asked about safety precautions when traveling the first thing that comes to mind is to use a reputable travel agent,” advised Peg Haskins, CEO of Viking Travel Service, located on Pasquinelli Dr. in Westmont. “We work as your ‘troubleshooter’ in advance, during and even after your trip. When you book with a credible travel agent, who works with a reliable agency, they are a team and they are with you every step of the way. We are your professional travel advocates even after your safe return.” According to Haskins, a travel agent’s services go well beyond merely planning your trip. “A trustworthy travel agent can inform you of ways to protect your home, yourself and family while you’re traveling,” she said. “A good agent will remind you to be sure you have a copy of your passport with you, to carry a photo ID at all times, to keep a copy of your medications with you and to carry

Police Chief Jim Gunther (left) and Fire Chief Dave Weiss and their departments want you to have a safe summer. P hoto : L arry McI ntyre

DuPageNeighbors.com 7

Neighbors of Westmont

Stay safe on summer vacations

Best getaways to enjoy Illinois Northern Illinois

Great Wolf Lodge, Gurnee The new Great Wolf Lodge, opening July 1, is a yearround family destination with numerous attractions and amenities designed to create memorable vacation experiences for the whole family.

Six Flags Great America, Gurnee Want to get your kids moving in the morning? Mention those six beautiful flags. That should do the trick. Plan a day at Six Flags Great America & Hurricane Harbor to get the blood flowing with classic rollercoasters like Superman, Batman and the Joker, or catch some age-appropriate entertainment at one of the many shows throughout the day.

Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa, Galena Set amid the rolling hills of northwestern Illinois, Eagle Ridge has four golf courses. Their jewel is the multi award-winning General, an 18-hole, par 72 course with over 250 feet of elevation changes throughout.

Great River Road, Alton

Galena

Seasonal waterfalls, awe-inspiring bluffs and rugged canyons dominate the storied landscape at Starved Rock. Outdoor activities include hiking, canoeing, paddle boat cruises, cross-country skiing, trolley rides, fishing and picnicking.

Carefully preserved nineteenth-century buildings set into the Mississippi River Valley paint the backdrop of this northwest hideaway. Shop the iconic downtown, sip wine at local vineyards, visit championship golf courses, hit the slopes for a day of skiing or explore the lush rivers and hiking trails dotted throughout the area.

Central Illinois

Southern Illinois

Springfield

The Links at Kokopelli, Marion

History comes alive in Springfield, home to more Lincoln sites than anywhere else in the nation. Springfield is also the center of many Illinois Bicentennial celebrations this summer as the state rings in its 200th birthday.

The Links set the standard in southern Illinois for a great golf experience with family-friendly green fees. Designed by internationally-renowned golf course architect Steve Smyers, Kokopelli has been recognized by Golf Week Magazine as a top course in Illinois.

Shawnee Forest Country

Starved Rock Country

Great Rivers Country Alton

Head south on the Great Rivers Scenic Byway for spectacular views of the Mississippi River and its limestone bluffs. Alton welcomes shoppers looking for antiques and art. My Just Desserts serves lunch classics plus delicious homemade pie—its signature is Mrs. Ledbetter’s chocolate. Browse several classy antiques stores, including Alton Antique Center, Country Meadows Antiques and Prairie Peddler Antiques. 8 DuPageNeighbors.com

Located in southern Illinois, the Shawnee National Forest’s natural beauty is ideal for all types of outdoor recreation. Experience the beautiful scenery in the southernmost region of Illinois and Shawnee Forest Country as you hike, bike, golf, and sip wine in quaint towns, state parks, and wineries. Getaway information provided by the Illinois Office of Tourism. For more in-depth information on these Illinois vacation destinations, read the extended version of this feature story at DuPageNeighbors.com.

Shawnee National Forest

Try ziplining in Shawnee Natural Forest them on—not to place them in your checked bags. They can inform you of any risks; where to go, how to go, what to do and not to do. If you are traveling internationally, they can also help you register with the proper embassies in case of any type of emergency. They’ll also, most assuredly, recommend travel insurance for your specific needs.” In short, a travel agent will help put your mind at ease, taking care of all the logistical concerns so you can sit back and relax. “While you’re enjoying your trip, the travel agent will have your itinerary enabling you to feel unplugged but not under the radar,” Haskins continued. “If you run into any issues, a respected travel agent can make the right calls and fix the situation so you don’t have to. We usually know who to call and how to ask for the right solutions—many times exceeding your expectations.” Folks traveling abroad have likely had their vacations planned months in advance, but for anyone looking to take an impromptu road trip this summer there countless weekend getaway destinations in Illinois. “Don’t let the summer slip away without traveling in Illinois, because this time of year brings an exciting energy to the state that’s hard to ignore,” said Cory Jobe, Illinois Office of Tourism Director. “From the rolling hills of southern Illinois to cruising the Great River Road or hiking through Starved Rock Country, Illinois offers amazing places and experiences when you’re looking to escape, unwind and enjoy.” (See page 8). If you don’t want to venture too far from home, consider taking a weekend trip to Ottawa this summer, only an hour-long excursion. “Nestled along the Illinois and Fox River, Ottawa has become a popular destination for anyone looking to relax and enjoy some ‘me time’ without losing the comforts of life,” said Curt Bedei, Director of the Ot-

tawa Visitors Center. “The downtown offers many shops and unique restaurants, and the architecture, large murals, art and performances bring culture to life.” Whether you’re taking a short weekend trip to Ottawa or going on a cross-country road trip, you’ll want to make sure your vehicle is in peak condition. The science and technology magazine Popular Mechanics notes that fluids are the lifeblood of any car; check your car’s six essential fluids (oil, radiator fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid and windshield fluids) before you leave and decide what needs attention. Service intervals on each of these fluids depend on mileage, so consider how far you’ve driven and how far you plan to drive on your road trip. Oil, for instance, should be changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, while transmission fluid can last for 60,000 miles or more. Of course, dependable tires are essential to any successful road trip. Underinflated tires will waste gas, while overinflated tires make ride quality worse because they’re less compliant. Check your tire pressure every 1,000 miles—a few times, depending on the length of your trip. Additionally, you should have your tires rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles and replaced every 25,000 to 50,000 miles. Other general car maintenance should include replacing worn brake pads, clogged air filters (about every 12,000 miles) and burnt out light bulbs (an easy way to get pulled over on a road trip!). You’ll also want to take a few safety precautions once you’re out on the road. Make sure you have a fully stocked car emergency kit

that includes a first aid kit, flashlight, flares or reflective triangles, seat belt cutter and window breaker. Before long drives, get enough sleep and eat a snack or meal for energy, and pull over and take breaks every couple hours even if you don’t feel tired. If you can, share the driving responsibility with someone else; this will allow you to keep an eye on each other while driving and enable you to nap without losing time. Or, if you’re driving alone, turn on the radio or crack the window to keep yourself awake. If you’re involved in an accident, move to a secure ground where you can call 911. To avoid more damage, turn on your car’s hazard lights and lay your reflective lights or flares. Even if you’re involved in a minor crash, it’s wise to get the police involved and fill out an accident report (be sure to secure a copy of this report). You should also photograph and document the crash—shots of the accident scene will help give a perspective to the event and will assist you in making your case if there’s a dispute with another driver. With so much going on in Westmont over the next couple months—Westmont Cruisin’ Nights & Street Fair and the summer concert series number among the village’s many fantastic events—it’s a wonder anyone would ever want to leave. But no matter how idyllic your hometown, it’s a fact of life that everyone needs a vacation. Take a few precautions before your next trip and ensure your vacation is a safe and happy one! Ben Scott is the community editor of Neighbors Magazines.

DuPageNeighbors.com 9

Village News “This project, along with a few other developments that are coming forward, represent over a hundred million dollars of investment in Westmont. It’s very exciting.” Harold Barry III

Village Trustee & Westmont Economic Development Committee Chair

Updated natatorium proposal at Ty Warner Park approved “We are so excited to keep the natatorium in Westmont,” said Economic Development Director Larry Forssberg. “The project ran into a few hurdles with the original plan, so when the opportunity to partner with the Westmont Park District surfaced, we immediately pursued it. The natatorium is a win-win for everyone involved and will be an asset for our community for many years to come.” On July 19, the Village of Westmont Board of Trustees voted to approve plans from FMC Aquatic Opportunities and the Westmont Park District for a world-class natatorium project at 660 Blackhawk Drive, adjacent to Ty Warner Park. The natatorium project was previously approved to be built on the Oak Brook Hills Hotel & Resort property, but was relocated after a variety of development challenges. Mary Ann Kaufman with FMC Aquatic Opportunities said, "Making swimming accessible to as many children and adults as possible has long been a dream of mine. I have seen first-hand the positive effect swimming can have on children and their development. Locating the FMC Natatorium at Ty Warner Park will enhance this already beautiful recreation area and feels like a natural, synergistic fit. I want to thank the Village of Westmont for working closely with me and the FMC Aquatic Opportunities team to make this dream a reality." Nearly identical to the previous approvals in building design, the new location gives the building a new presence and importance on the currently vacant site. The 60,000 square foot aquatic center will include a 9-lane, 50 meter competition pool with spectator seating for 1,200. The facility will also include a 25 yard training pool with a primary use for swim lessons and learn to swim programming. The new design does not include the multi-unit, high-end residential development, which was part of the original proposal slated for the Oak Brook Hills property. “The Westmont Park District was excited to seize this opportunity,” said Westmont Park District Executive Director Bob Fleck. “This parcel has always been identified as a location for an aquatic center for the community, so this was a natural fit for our long range plan.” “We want to thank everyone involved with this project,” said Mayor Ron Gunter. “Especially Mary Ann Kaufman, who has been the driving force behind this initiative since day one. We could not ask for a better partner to invite to our community and create such an amazing, world-class facility. We are looking forward to breaking ground in the near future.”

630-981-6200 • westmont.illinois.gov

Westmont approves major economic development project at 63rd & Cass On July 19, the Village of Westmont Board of Trustees voted to approve the plans for a new, major development located on the northwest corner of 63rd St. and Cass Ave. The business development project includes the new construction of a 36,000 square foot theater, a 47,000 square foot LA Fitness, and multiple outlots including a Raising Cane’s restaurant. The intersection of Cass Ave. and 63rd St. is one of Westmont’s most prominent commercial areas and is the heart of the South Westmont Business District (SWBD). “This project will help kickstart the entire business district on the south side of our community,” said Trustee Harold Barry III, chair of the Westmont Economic Development Committee. “This project along with a few other developments that are coming forward represent over a hundred million dollars of investment in Westmont. It’s very exciting.” The final steps of the property acquisition are expected within the next 30 days with demolition of existing structures to begin this fall. The LA Fitness facility will be one of only two “Signature Clubs” in the Chicagoland area. The theater is expected to have 10 to 12 screens. The project will allocate space for up to five additional businesses as well. Businesses located on the corner of Cass and 63rd, including Walgreen’s, Burger King, and Italiamo, will be unaffected. “This is the second major development project in the SWBD TIF district,” said Finance Director Spencer Parker. “This project will provide additional capital, which can be further invested to spur even more development in the future. This development is a continuation of the success that was first realized when Mariano’s opened after the TIF district was created.”

Sister City signs letter of intent regarding business community During their recent trip to Westmont, the Hsinchu County Sister City delegation visited numerous Westmont businesses to learn about and investigate possible economic development opportunities. While in Westmont, Hsinchu County Magistrate Ching Chun Chiu and his team toured the Chicago Prostate Cancer Center, The McCrone Group, and China Furniture. “We were honored to have the Hsinchu County delegation visit and learn more about the medical advancements at Chicago Prostate Cancer Center,” said Brian J. Moran, MD, Medical Director of Chicago Prostate Cancer Center. Magistrate Chiu was intrigued with the specialized treatment for prostate cancer and the high cure rates. Working with the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO), Mayor Ron Gunter (above left) and Magistrate Chiu signed a letter of intent, which specifically addressed the interest in pursuing the possibility of opening a satellite Chicago Prostate Cancer Center in Hsinchu County, Taiwan. For information regarding the Sister City Program, contact Committee Chair Larry McIntyre at lmcintyre@westmont.il.gov or 630-417-0280. 11

Village News Taste of Westmont features special tribute to blues legend and former resident Eddy Clearwater Every year, the Taste of Westmont features the blues on Sunday in honor of the Godfather of the Blues Muddy Waters, who lived in Westmont from 1973 until he passed in 1983. This past June, Eddy Clearwater, another blues legend who lived in Westmont, passed away and it was decided to honor “The Chief” with a special tribute and presentation at the Taste. “Our blues jam and tribute is highly regarded throughout the Chicagoland area,” said Larry McIntyre, who created and has been coordinating the event since 2004. “I want to thank Renee (Eddy’s wife) and Lynn Orman Weiss for helping coordinate the tribute. And a huge thanks to Eddy’s band including Shoji Naito on bass, Stephen Bass on drums, and the wonderful Ronnie Baker Brooks whose heartfelt rendition of Eddy’s songs were truly inspirational.” The Clearwater family has loaned several new artifacts including Eddy’s stage costumes, rare photos, his first 45 RPM single, and his live performance stage chair to Westmont Special Events to be part of the Muddy Waters Historical Exhibit at Westmont Centre. The new exhibit will be finished this fall. For more information, contact us at Lmcintyre@westmont.il.gov or 630-417-0280

Ronnie Baker Brooks plays at the Eddy Clearwater Tribute during the Taste of Westmont alongside a display of Clearwater's trademark stage costume and photos.

Gymnastics team participates in Special Olympics 50th Anniversary Expression Dance Studio in Westmont was officially selected to perform at Soldier Field as part of the Special Olympics 50th Anniversary Celebration. The Special Olympics Unified Rhythmic Gymnastics Team performed at the Global Day of Inclusion Festival on Sat., July 21. The team, which trains at Expression Dance Studio, was part of the on-field sports demos led by professional and Special Olympics athletes. “Expression Dance Studio is proud to support Special Olympics,” said Amber Saraceno, owner and artistic director. “We instill the mindset with our dancers that we are all equal. We have been teaching dancers of all abilities since the day we opened in 2009. Starting our own team and becoming an official training site for Rhythmic Gymnastics has been a dream of mine for many years. Expression Dance Studio is very excited to be part of the Inclusion Revolution!” The team was recently featured in the Chicago Sun-Times video series commemorating Special Olympics’ 50th Anniversary. The Special Olympics movement got its start at Soldier Field in 1968 and returned to its birthplace to commemorate the occasion. “I love my Unified Dance Team because we are all very supportive of each other,” said team member Callie Devine. “I also love that everyone loves to dance with the entire team—it‘s not just a one person show.” 12

630-981-6200 • westmont.illinois.gov

Wicked West Fest Schedule Saturday, October 20 Downtown Westmont Wicked West Fest Costume Contest - 10:30am Pumpkin Smashing Extravaganza - 11am Trick or Treat Trail 11am to 1pm

Caskets on Cass Race—12:30pm Also part of Wicked West Fest, be sure to check out the Haunted Forest at Diane Main Woods on Oct. 20, and on Sat., Oct. 27, the WSEC will host its second annual Zombie Crawl. For more information, contact Westmont Special Events at wsec@westmontevents.com or 630-829-9378.

Fire Truck Night August 9 “Over the years, our Fire Truck Night has continued to get bigger and better,” says Fire Chief David Weiss. “This year is the Fire Department’s 95th Anniversary so we are going to make it even more special.” On Thurs., Aug. 9, Westmont Special Events and the Westmont Fire Department will co-host the Westmont Street Fair and Cruisin’ Nights Fire Truck Night. The event will be held on Cass Ave. in downtown Westmont from 5 to 9pm and will include many activities for families including a moon jump, tours of the various fire department vehicles, as well as visits with Sparky the Fire Dog and Freddy the Fire Truck. The night will end with a Fire Truck Parade at 9pm. As always, classic cars of all makes and models are invited each week and people can sign up for free drawings. “Our goal is to bring families and visitors to downtown Westmont to enjoy all it has to offer,” says Westmont Special Events President Sam Alonzo. “We hope that when people come to the event, they stop and shop at our downtown businesses.” For more information, contact the Westmont Special Events office at 630-829-9378.

Community Garage Sale August 3–5

The Westmont Community Garage Sale, which encourages residents to hold their garage sales during the same weekend, will be held Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, Aug. 3, 4 & 5. Garage sales will be held between 8am and 5pm. No garage sale permit is necessary for this specific event on these dates. The event is coordinated by the Village of Westmont and the Westmont Special Events Corporation (WSEC). Participants should sign up online at westmont.illinois.gov and are encouraged to promote their individual sales. The village and WSEC will publicize this event on the Village Website and social media as well as have printed copies of the sale addresses available at the Village Hall, Park District, Westmont Library, and Westmont Special Events Office at Westmont Centre, 1 S. Cass. For more info, contact the WSEC at wsec@westmontevents.com or 630-829-9378.

Village offices closed for Labor Day Westmont Village Hall and Department offices will be closed on Mon., Sept. 3 in observance of Labor Day. Normal business hours will resume on Tues., Sept. 4. After-hour bill payments can be made via the after-hours drop box located near the entrance of the Westmont Commuter Train Station on west Quincy St. There will be no recycling and garbage collection on Labor Day. Waste and recycling collection will be one day late for the remainder of the week. If you need to contact Police or Fire, please call 9-1-1. 13

Village News U.S. Olympic Luge returns to Westmont Over Father's Day weekend, the U.S. Olympic Luge Team returned to Westmont for the fifth time in 15 years to conduct their Midwest Slider Search for future Luge Olympians. Despite the heat, more than 100 Olympic hopefuls came from throughout the Midwest to give the sport of luge a try. Held on Cass Avenue between 55th Street and West Dallas Street, Westmont is the only location in the United States to host the event more than twice based on the perfect hill and exceptional hospitality. "On behalf of the U.S. Luge Team, I would like to thank Westmont for once again hosting our Slider Search event this year," said Aidan Kelly, USA Luge Slider Search Coordinator and former Luge Olympian. "The village and all its representatives could not have been more accommodating."

More than 100 young athletes participated in the U.S. Olympic Luge tryouts in Westmont. Westmont is the only community in the U.S. to host the tryouts more than twice.

There's Always Something Happening In Westmont Couple gets engaged via fireworks display at Westmont 4th of July At the 2018 Independence Day Celebration at Ty Warner Park, Dylan Dias proposed to his girlfriend of six years Donna Szatko... via fireworks display! “I’m still in shock,” said Szatko the day following the proposal. Szatko said it was “the best day of my life!” Dias and his friend Hayden Fuller had contacted the Westmont Park District about a month before the 4th of July to see if the idea of having a proposal via fireworks was a possibility. “As soon as we received the request, we immediately started working on it,” said Park District Executive Director Bob Fleck. “We put Dylan in contact with our fireworks vendor and they worked out the details. On our end, we created a story that Dylan and Donna had won a contest through the park district and that was the supposed reason we were giving them special attention and the media was present. Based on Donna’s reaction, she was definitely surprised.” The wedding proposal via fireworks, which read ‘WILL YOU MARRY ME DONNA’ was covered by WGN, CBS and a full story regarding Westmont’s 4th of July Celebration was reported by Liz Nagy of ABC-TV who interviewed guests in attendance. In the story, Nagy stated, “Westmont is a place that exemplifies what America is.” Congratulations to Dylan and Donna! A complete video of the proposal can be found on the Westmont Special Events Facebook page at: facebook.com/WestmontEvents. 14

630-981-6200 • westmont.illinois.gov

Painted rain barrel raffle to benefit Richmond Gardens Westmont resident and artist Jenny Babyar recently painted and donated a rain barrel to the Environmental Improvement Commission in support of Richmond Education Gardens and Apiary project, located at 1 S. Richmond, Clarendon Hills. Richmond Gardens is a joint project between Clarendon Hills and Westmont that will provide a location designed to promote educational programs about the importance of our environment. “I saw the enthusiasm for Richmond Gardens and thought I would offer to help,” said Babyar. “It’s a great project and I’m excited to be a part of it.” The rain barrel depicts a detailed outdoor garden scene that includes a bluebird, worms, a praying mantis, and a monarch butterfly, as well as several lady bugs and ants. Raffle tickets will be sold at various community events as well as through the Richmond Education Gardens and Apiary website at richmondgardens.org.

Electronics recycling website updated Downers Grove Township, in conjunction with AVA Recycling, hosts a monthly recycling event every third Saturday from 8am to 12pm at the Township Highway Facility at 318 E. Quincy in Westmont. Most electronic items can be dropped off free of charge, however, there is a fee for all TVs, monitors, and microwaves. Cost is based on size. In order to drop off televisions, monitors, and microwaves, you must first visit the AVA website at escrap.org/westmont-recycling.html to obtain prices and to purchase receipts. Residents MUST have a prepaid receipt printed out and brought to the electronic drop off, or the item cannot be accepted. Please use the URL above to get specific info for Westmont. PROGRAM DETAILS • NO audio cassettes, videotapes, or CDs will be accepted • All TVs, monitors, microwaves must have a prepaid receipt from AVA to be accepted, go to escrap.org/westmont-recycling.html • TVs range from $25 to $60, Microwaves are $10, Monitors are $15 • A copy of your receipt can be taken to AVA’s retail store in Glendale Heights to be used as cash towards the purchase of refurbished electronic equipment ITEMS ACCEPTED • Most electronics will be accepted • Computers, Laptops, LCD Monitors, Batteries & UPS Systems • Printers, Copiers, Fax Machines, Electronic Circuitboards, Cords, Wires • Small Appliances & Toys, Central Office Equipment • Stereo Equipment, Games, PDAs • Banking and Financial Equipment, Medical Equipment • Telephones, Cell Phones The collection event closes promptly at 12pm. Electronics can only be dropped off on event dates. For more information, contact AVA Recycling at avarecycling.com or 847-397-2900.

Village discusses alley address ordinance The village recently discussed the creation of an ordinance requiring businesses and residences to post their addresses so that they are visible from the alley. “This is being considered for both safety and maintenance issues,” said Jason Vitell, Westmont Building Commissioner. “In regards to safety, being able to see property addresses is very important so that emergency services can more quickly respond to a call.” Vitell added, “Additionally, when residents and business owners contact the village regarding an alley-related maintenance issue, it can be reported more accurately and staff can better find the problem that needs to be resolved. Many communities already have a similar program in place.” The village will review and consider the recommendation in the near future including the timeframe for implementation.

Village News Chief Gunther attends special training Westmont Police Chief Jim Gunther recently completed a three-week training program called the Senior Management Institute for Police (SMIP) hosted by the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF). The training was conducted at Boston University. Attendees included 84 upper command level members of police agencies from across the United States and Canada. The majority of the professors hail from Harvard University, MIT and Johns Hopkins University. “Attending SMIP was one of the best experiences of my career,” said Chief Gunther. “I was able to network with 83 other law enforcement professionals from

police agencies from coast-to-coast who share similar situations that we face in Westmont on a regular basis.” PERF is an independent research organization that focuses on critical issues in policing and is considered one of the top three training programs for police chiefs and law enforcement senior management. The overall focus of the training was leadership principles broken down by power and networks of organizations, changing organizational culture, influence, leading with and without authority,

Patriot Day Ceremony on Sept. 11

Fire Department 95th Anniversary Oct. 13

The Westmont Police and Fire Departments will co-host the annual Patriot Day Ceremony on Tues., Sept. 11 at 6:30pm at the PoliceFire Facility, 500 N. Cass. The Village of Westmont continues one of the longest running 9-11 ceremonies, which honors those who perished when our nation was attacked on Sept. 11, 2001. The entire community is invited to attend.

See It Report It When in doubt... Call 911 16

persuasion, and fairness. “We also received diversity training and information about media relations best practices,” added Gunther. “We talked about the culture of law enforcement and trying to affect positive change in our organizations. Concepts from this training will be passed on to our command level staff as well as to the entire organization.”

The Westmont Fire Department continues to plan for its 95th Anniversary Celebration, which will be held Sat., Oct. 13, 1 to 3pm at Johanik Fire Station, 6015 S. Cass Ave. The Fire Department has several fun and educational activities planned for the public including equipment demonstrations, EMA displays, the Fire Dept. Bounce House, face painting and more. Freddy the Fire Truck and Sparky the Fire Dog will also be present to meet and greet visitors. The open house will also feature a scrapbook showcasing historical photos and news clipping dating back to the early 20th century. “We are very excited for our upcoming 95th Anniversary celebration,” said Fire Chief Dave Weiss. “We look forward to sharing the colorful history of the Westmont Fire Department with the entire community.” Leading up to the celebration, the fire department will have special giveaways at Cruisin’ Nights to promote the anniversary and plan to honor Westmont Fire retirees during Fire Truck Night, Aug. 9. Plans are also underway to have Westmont elementary school children participate in a coloring contest. Also, decals are being designed for fire vehicles that capture the identity of each station. We hope you will save the date to come celebrate the Westmont Fire Department’s 95th Anniversary on Oct. 13.

630-981-6200 â&#x20AC;˘ westmont.illinois.gov

Tips for reuniting with your lost pet Losing your dog or cat can be a traumatic experience for both you and your pet. The Westmont Police Department is here to help when your loved one goes astray. Westmont Police has helped reunite countless pets with their owners in the community, but they need your help. Below are steps you should take to help you reunite with your pet. * Contact the Westmont Police Department non-emergency dispatch number at 630-981-6300 immediately when your pet goes missing to provide information regarding the animal including the date lost, location, breed, color, pet name and microchip number if applicable. If your pet has been impounded, there may be fees and additional costs to retrieve your pet. * Contact Dupage County Animal Services at 630-407-2800 or submit a missing animal report online at dupageco.org/AnimalServices. * Submit a lost pet report to missing pet websites (lostdogsillinois.org, helpinglostpets.com, fidofinder.com) and post information on your local nextdoor.com. Include a photo. These websites also give useful information on what steps to take if your pet does get loose or is missing. Use social media outlets to post pet information so that others can keep their eyes open in surrounding towns to help locate your pet. * Contact your neighbors. Provide them with details about your pet including a photo. Many lost pets are found or seen within a 10-block radius of where they were lost. Remember, a pet has a better chance of being returned if he/she always wears a collar and an ID tag with your name, address and telephone number. Ask your local animal shelter or veterinarian about permanent methods of identification, such as microchips. For more resources on finding your lost pet, visit DuPage County Animal Services at dupageco.org/AnimalServices. For additional info, contact Community Resource Officer Rosanne Terry at rterry@westmont.il.gov or 630-981-6378.

Mosquito management The Village of Westmont contracts with Clarke Mosquito Management to help control mosquito populations. At different times during the year, there will be various treatments applied throughout our community. On occasion, Clarke will perform after-hour spraying throughout the community to provide control for adult mosquito populations. The product used for this application is OMRI-listed and approved for use in residential areas. The treatment is applied by a truck and is performed between dusk and dawn, when adult mosquitoes are most active.

Mosquito Hotline

Residents may sign up to receive advance notice alerts regarding when treatments are scheduled. To get up to date information and/or sign up for alert notices, please call the Clarke Mosquito Hotline at:

1-800-942-2555 As mosquitoes become more of a nuisance over the summer and fall, citizens can follow these steps: use repellent, limit outdoor activities at dusk and dawn, eliminate standing water, and make sure windows and screens are secure. For additional information, please visit their website at:

clarke.com

Chicago Prostate Cancer Center 5K Sept. 9 The Chicago Prostate Cancer Center will hold the 8th annual Run & Walk for Prostate Cancer Awareness on Sun., Sept. 9 at 8am with a 5K run and 3K walk. Race day registration opens at 7am. The race will begin and end at the Chicago Prostate Cancer Center, 815 Pasquinelli Dr. in Westmont. Chicago Prostate Cancer Center works hand-in-hand with Prostate Cancer Foundation of Chicago to encourage prostate cancer awareness and prevention, patient peer-support, education and clinical research. For more information about CPCC and this event, visit prostateimplant.com/ or call 630-654-2515. 17

Westmont Strategic Plan Update Westmont students help with Community Branding Project This summer, students from CUSD 201 and Maercker District 60 are serving as Youth Ambassadors for the Village of Westmont Community Branding initiative. The students are working to develop the “I Love Westmont” contest, (also known as the “Why is Westmont the Bestmont” contest), which will provide an opportunity for residents to express their love for Westmont through music, drawing, photography, writing, and much more. “This contest is a great way for the citizens of Westmont to really get to express themselves while helping to create a new vision of our community,” said Westmont High School freshman and Youth Ambassador Pranav Viswanath. “This endeavour is not only a way for citizens to celebrate Westmont, but also a stepping stone in order to re-envision Westmont as a

community for all to enjoy through the process of community branding.” Branding was identified as a priority in the Village of Westmont Strategic Plan for 2021. One of the first steps in the process has been to solicit community engagement including the Youth Ambassador program. The ideas produced through the “I Love Westmont” contest will be used to help formalize the Westmont brand. Details regarding the contest are still being finalized, however, the students hope to get residents of all ages to participate and are developing an awareness campaign that includes social media and visits to local senior residences to get

the word out. The students will continue to meet this summer to roll out the program as part of the Village 97th Anniversary celebration this fall. For additional information regarding the community branding program, please email communications@westmont.il.gov or call 630-417-0280.

VILLAGE OF WESTMONT MISSION STATEMENT

Shaping a vibrant community and future through connection, service and leadership

Community Mural Update The concept of a Westmont Community mural project has been suggested by various entities over the years including the Community Branding Initiative, Westmont First Committee, and the 100th Anniversary Committee. In spring 2018, the Village Board directed staff to research the potential of this project to support art and culture in Westmont and make recommendations for moving forward. “This is an idea that we’ve been talking about for some time,” said Trustee Bruce Barker, chair of the Westmont First Committee. “We think murals in the community will add to the aesthetic attractiveness of our downtown, but might also become a destination for residents and guests of the community to come out and see.” Staff gathered information from several communities with successful mural programs including Evanston, Oak Park and Bloomington/Normal as well as nonprofit art organizations such as Arts Alive Chicago and Century Walk in Naperville. Using this data, proposed goals and recommendations for the project were developed and presented to the public at the Westmont Community Branding Initiative meeting on 18

June 27. Attendees discussed the proposed ideas and made several suggestions for moving forward with the project including possibly working with the Green Star Movement, a Chicago non-profit group that helps communities design and install bricolage murals, and providing an opportunity for those with disabilities to be part of the process. This feedback will be further researched and considered as the program guidelines are finalized. In addition to developing program recommendations, several building owners have been contacted and have shown interest in participating in the program. Staff will work to formalize agreements with owners as the program develops. The next steps for the Community Mural Project are to finalize the guidelines including comprehensive project expectations, and seek board approval for the program. For additional information regarding the community mural program, please contact us at 630-417-0280 or communications@westmont.il.gov.

School District 201 CUSD 201 adopts new literacy series for Manning and Miller New research, best practices, standards, and assessments around reading language arts, and English language development have changed literacy instruction in recent years. These new standards dictate the depth and breadth of the needed instructional resources. For the past several years, teachers and administrators in District 201 have engaged in high quality professional development to learn how the Comprehensive Literacy Framework (also referred to as workshop, guided reading, Daily 5) provides our students with research based instruction. Our approach to curriculum writing, assessment systems, and best practices in literacy instruction have been a coordinated effort across all grade levels. In grades K–5, we continue to work with our teachers to build a framework for literacy that meets the needs of all students within an integrated, inquiry based curriculum. The school and district administration engaged in a needs analysis of instructional materials to support reading and writing. Through that process we determined that there was a significant shortage in core curriculum materials to support literacy development and content area knowledge in science and social studies. To ensure that students benefit from a comprehensive, integrated core literacy program and to help teachers be successful with changes in teaching and learning, we must furnish all K–5 classrooms with sufficient text materials and instructional supports.

After researching several programs that claim to provide important classroom instructional materials, we have determined that Benchmark Advance is the only program that is designed around the core shifts in literacy curriculum, instruction and assessment. The following will outline the key shift in literacy instruction and highlight the impact Benchmark Advance will provide:

Text-rich learning environment

Classroom resources are needed to provide a text-rich environment including high interest literature and informational text. Students need frequent interaction with progressively rigorous text in order to develop essential reading comprehension skills. Currently, teachers attempt to curate text from a variety of available resources including websites, trade books, magazines (Time for Kids or Scholastic) and guided reading libraries. Some teachers still use textbooks that were purchased several years ago, as an informational text resource that supports content area knowledge (science and social studies).

Literacy skills fully integrated Reading, writing, and speaking are grounded in evidence from both literary and informational text. Standards emphasize that students use evidence from text as they present well defined claims, thorough analysis, and detail-rich information during class discussions, presentations, writing, and performance assessments.

Because all instruction is dependent upon literary and informational texts, students need access to text resources across all genres, levels, and subject matter.

Differentiation to meet the needs of all students

Students come to us with a wide range of literacy experiences and abilities. In order to engage all students with common learning targets, differentiated instruction opportunities must be available. Differentiation strategies adequately improve the abilities of struggling learners, close the achievement gap among students in subgroups, and provide more than modest gains for our high achieving students. Research tells us that the most effective teachers are able to monitor the learning process carefully and intercede with appropriate supports without losing the flow of the lesson.

Building content area knowledge

In grades K–5, fulfilling the standards requires a 50-50 balance between informational and literary reading. It is imperative to select texts—both within and across grades—to support students in systematically developing knowledge about the world. Informational reading including content-rich nonfiction around topics including history/social studies, sciences, technology, and the arts directly correlate and prepares our students for inquiry, research, and knowledge acquisition.

630-468-8000 • 133 S. Grant St. www.cusd201.org

Westmont Junior High School Sprouting Seeds Jr. Café continues its mission This is the fourth year running for this entrepreneurial endeavor led by Ms. Bartosz. The café, housed in the Jr. High Media Center balcony, continues to be a place of creative inspiration for our students. The students continue to visit the café each morning to share snacks, homework and games with friends. We are always impressed with their evolving ideas for the café’s future. The café took on new initiatives this year including delivery service for teachers, signature drinks each month, special events, and after school workshops. One of our key cafe goals was connecting the cafe with resources and experiences outside of our school day. Students volunteered at the registration desk of CoffeeCon, which is a networking event for

coffee aficionados in downtown Chicago. They gained real-life employability skills while also earning $300 from the sale of homemade coffee magnets. The café also partnered with HOPE FOR THE DAY, an organization that engages the community around conversations about mental health. Our partnership provided wellness activities, workshops, and outreach opportunities. All café profits continue to support the Sprouting Seeds Café, which is run by an orphanage in Kalaw, Myanmar. This year, as a token of our appreciation for their tireless work in our café, students also made a donation to support Sip of Hope cafe, which donates 100% of profits to suicide prevention.

Westmont High School gets high marks It has been another excellent year at Westmont High School. For the fifth year in a row we have had only one student not meet all graduation requirements in four years. 100% of our African-American and Latino students graduated on time in four years. Few high schools ever achieve this feat, and Westmont High School has done it five years in a row. Westmont High School’s graduation rate continues to be one of the best in the state and nation. Last year, Westmont had the highest graduation rate (98.8%) of any regular high school in seven surrounding counties. This year we achieved similar results. No student from the Class of 2018 has dropped out of school. Our Advanced Placement program is the most inclusive of any regular high school in Illinois. Maintaining high standards and rigorous expectations for all students is a central expectation of our evaluation rubric. Westmont has not only one of the most inclusive and improved Advanced Placement programs in the state and nation, but now ranks in the top 1.5% of regular high schools in performance. Why is Advanced Placement important? This program is recognized internationally, and almost every university and college in the country privileges these courses during the admissions process and most offer college level credit for success on these exams. Students can begin earning college credit in high school, and the research is overwhelming that the rigor of these courses better prepares students for success at the collegiate level. We have many fine non-A.P. courses at Westmont, so we are not limited in our quality to just A.P. However, the positive impact this program has on students is undeniable and it is clear that few schools do Advanced Placement better than Westmont.

District 201 Schools

Manning Elementary School 200 N. Linden Ave. Westmont, IL 60559 630-468-8050 Principal: Lindsay Pietrzac Miller Elementary School 125 W. Traube Ave. Westmont, IL 60559 630-468-8300 Principal: Tim Wyller South Early Childhood Center 133 S. Grant St. Westmont, IL 60559 630-468-8015 Director: Linda Klawitter Westmont Junior High School 944 N. Oakwood Dr. Westmont, IL 60559 630-468-8200 Principal: John Jonak Westmont High School 909 N. Oakwood Dr. Westmont, IL 60559 630-468-8100 Principal: Jack Baldermann

District 201 School Board

Board President Marie Charlton Board Vice President Joel Price Board Secretary Gary Armstrong Board Members Laura Coyle Jon Rudey Judy Wilson Rick Strohmaier Superintendent Kevin Carey 21

Business Nuggets

™

An eclectic collection of what’s happening in the Westmont area Typically, municipalities and utilities are not responsible for the water, sewer, electric, gas and other services lines that are on your premises—you are the one most likely responsible for making repairs to these lines. State Farm® Service Line Coverage may be added to your homeowners policy at any time for a low annual cost with a $500 deductible and a $10,000 limit per occurrence to provide coverage for loss or damage to critical services to your home. To learn more about this coverage, contact State Farm® Agent Angelo Tzinares: 630-828-2102, angeloinsurance.net. The full story about this affordable Service Line Coverage is available online at DuPageneighbors.com.

long-term investing goals. With constant changes in market conditions and a barrage of media information, today’s investment world can seem quite complex. Whether you are new to investing or more experienced these important principles can serve as a blueprint for building a long-term investment portfolio. Refreshments will be served. 630-242-7670, bankfinancial.com/page/investment-seminar-825/

The Darien Women in Business Luncheons take place on third Fridays, 11:30am at First American Bank, 2013 75th St., Darien. The Darien Women in Business are a group of business women collaborating and sharing their wisdom, resources and experiences to enhance business growth. The next luncheon will take place Fri., Aug. 17. darienchamber.com

ALDI, one of the fastest growing retailers in the country, will use the How2Recycle label across all exclusive brand products in the next two years. ALDI is the most recent company to join the How2Recycle program. The How2Recycle label will empower ALDI shoppers to recycle better by making it easy to decipher which package can be recycled, and if they need to take any special steps to prepare the package for recycling. Joining How2Recycle aligns with broader ALDI goals to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills by recycling equipment batteries and cardboard, paper, plastic film and foil from all stores and warehouses. The How2Recycle label is the only U.S.-based recycling label that is standardized across all packaging types and is the only label to offer comprehensive instructions on packaging recyclability in an easy to understand format. Thousands of name brand products already use the label. How2Recycle.info, aldi.us

The DuPage Foundation recently awarded a record breaking $500,000 in Community Needs Grants to 36 local health and human services charities. Recipients, along with Foundation Trustees, Grant Committee members, donors and staff were all smiles during the milestone event where the critical work these not-for-profit organizations are doing was celebrated. A list of grant recipients is available at dupagefoundation. org/grants/spring-grant-recipients The annual Westmont Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau Fall Open House takes place Wed., Sept. 19, 5–7pm at the Westmont Park District Fitness Center, 242 Plaza Dr. Bring plenty of business cards and come out for a fun time! Connect with fellow members and guests while enjoying great food and refreshments. This is a free event. 630-960-5553, westmontchamber.com/programs--events. BankFinancial Westmont Branch will hold a “Principles of Successful Investing” seminar Sat, Aug. 25, 1pm, 6301 Fairview Ave. This complimentary seminar will cover ten fundamental investing principals that can help you meet your 22 DuPageNeighbors.com

The Westmont Chamber welcomes The Sweet & Savory Spot back to downtown Westmont. The restaurant recently opened at their new location, 15 S. Cass Ave. Owners and Chefs Dan and Danielle and the Chamber invite you to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony on Fri., Aug. 17, 4:30–5pm. Stop in and give a warm welcome and sample light refreshments. Stay for the live band and grand opening party. The Sweet & Savory Spot serves traditional American cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 630-442-7468, facebook.com/TheSweetSavorySpot/

If you are a widow or widower you may be eligible to receive Social Security benefits based your deceased spouse’s earning records. Funeral homes like West Suburban Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Westmont can automatically report a spouse’s death to Social Security. If you want them to do that, you will need to give the deceased’s Social Security number to the funeral director so they can make the report. You can apply for benefits by contacting Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, or apply in person at the Social Security office located at 7440 Providence Dr., Woodridge. For more information, visit ssa.gov/benefits/survivors. 630-852-8000, westsuburbanfh.com

. d e t i m i l s i e c a Sp y

The Art of Business

We’d like to share YOUR story with the world.

Call toda to reserve the spot. le b a il a v a t x e n

630-995-3482

The residents of Westmont want to read your story. Now you can share the passion you have for your business with your customers… our readers. Neighbors Magazines introduces The Art of Business, a new section dedicated to sharing your story with your customers…our readers. Imagine you are at a humongous networking event with thousands of people. Suddenly, the noisy chatter stops. There is complete silence. Everyone turns to hear your story. Sure, they want to hear what you do…but what they are really waiting to hear is who you are. This is an opportunity to share your story with a captive audience of thousands. …Tell them who you are, where you came from, how you got into your business.

Your story can be published in the next issue of Neighbors of Westmont and any of our print and online media in DuPage and Kane Counties. Reach up to 138,000 Neighbors Magazines readers! Plus you will have a powerful marketing tool that will serve your business for years.

Magazines.com rs o b h ig e N @ info

Included with your story… • Professionally written/edited story about your business • Your photos • Published in print and online • Widget to link your story to your website • Shared to social media • A free online microsite for your business PLUS (for a limited time) we will include 25 full color reprints* of your story and a FREE acrylic display. Space is limited. Call today to reserve the next available spot. 630-995-3482 info@NeighborsMagazines.com *Additional reprints available on request.

DuPageNeighbors.com 23

Around the Block™ Kindergarten in the fall. Call or email Lisa Graziano at 630-968-3232 or bethelearlylearningcenter@yahoo.com today to reserve your child’s spot at Camp Learn-A-Lot. Facebook.com/BethelELC

Westmont Street Fair & Cruisin’ Nights continues through August The Cruisin’ Nights and Street Fair takes place Thursday nights in August, 5–9pm on Cass Ave. downtown Westmont. Come out to see classic cars and enjoy live music, raffles, theme nights, kid’s activities and more. westmontevents.com/streetfair/

Author William Hazelgrove discusses Al Capone book at Westmont Public Library

Annual Fishing Derby at Patriots Park

On Tues., Aug. 21, join author William Hazelgrove for a discussion about the book Al Capone and the 1933 World’s Fair: The End of the Gangster Era in Chicago. Take a historical look at Chicago during the darkest days of the Great Depression, and hear the story of Chicago trying to fight organized crime to put on the 1933 World’s Fair. Register online. 630-969-5625, westmontlibrary.org

On Sat., Aug. 4, 9am–12pm, the Downers Grove Park District will hold their Annual Fishing Derby at Patriots Park/Barth Pond, 55th Street and Grand Ave., Downers Grove. Prizes are awarded for the shortest and longest fish caught by each age level. The Downers Grove Moose, Rod and Gun Club and the Downers Grove Park District co-sponsor this annual event. A fishing license is required for participants 16 years and older. Licenses can be purchased at Bass Pro Shop or Wal-Mart. Registration required on-site at Barth Pond on the day of the event to be eligible for awards and prizes. 630-963-1300, dgparks.org

Register for Kindergarten Readiness Camp at Bethel Early Learning Center Sign up your child for a fun skills boosting week to prepare them for Kindergarten. Camp Learn-ALot reinforces social relationships through engaging and fun camp activities. Camp Learn-A-Lot runs Aug. 13–17, 9am–12pm at Bethel Early Learning Center, 36 N. Grant St. in Westmont. A healthy snack will be provided each day. The cost is $125 for the week with a class maximum of 20 children with two teachers. This camp is for children aged five and attending 24 DuPageNeighbors.com

Get ready for Kindergarten at Camp Learn-A-Lot Aug. 13–17 at Bethel Early Learning Center.

for more, visit DuPageNeighbors.com

Participate in the Westmont community garage sale Since 1996, the village has organized a communitywide garage sale event, which encourages residents to hold their garage sales during the same weekend to bring out the bargain hunters en masse. The event is coordinated by the Village of Westmont and the Westmont Special Events Corporation (WSEC). This year’s event will be held Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 3, 4 & 5 between 8am–5pm each day. No garage sale permit is necessary for this specific event on these dates. westmont.illinois.gov

Chicagoland Daylily Society sale is Aug. 11 The Chicagoland Daylily Society will hold a daylily sale on Sat., Aug. 11, 10am–2pm, at 41 S. Stough St., Hinsdale. The Daylily Society will have beautiful daylilies available for purchase at reasonable prices. The sale will include beginner’s tables, collectors’ tables, named varieties, new colors and unusual forms, ruffles, teeth, and newly hybridized unnamed seedlings. Enjoy the camaraderie of daylily lovers in the garden of one of the society’s members. In case of storms, the sale will proceed on Sun., Aug.12. chicagolanddaylilysociety.org

Around the Block™

Music at Mayslake: Gypsy Jazz Sept. 9 Enjoy an outdoor concert featuring gypsy jazz at Mayslake Peabody Estate, Sun., Sept. 9, 11:30am–1pm. This is an all ages event. Tickets are $10 per person ages 11 and up and free for children 10 and under. Mayslake Peabody Estate is located at 1717 31 St., Oak Brook. 630-206-9566, dupageforest.org

Don’t miss the Downers Grove Fine Arts Festival The Downers Grove Fine Arts Festival will be celebrating 42 years this fall. The festival is held downtown Downers Grove in the middle of Main St., Sept. 8 and 9, 10am–5pm. Live music, boutiques, cafes and a children’s art area will complement the high caliber of art at this popular show attended by more than 5,000 people annually. downtowndg.org/whats-happening

26 DuPageNeighbors.com

Westmont summer concert series heats up in August Westmont’s summer concert series continues with three concerts in August. Bring your picnic baskets, lawn chairs, blankets and dance moves to the park and enjoy an evening of outdoor entertainment. Concerts are held Wednesday evenings from 7–8:30pm at various parks in the community: Wed., Aug. 1, The Neverly Brothers at Diane Main Park; Wed., Aug. 8, The Flat Cats at Veterans Memorial Park; Wed., Aug. 15, The Sting Rays at Veterans Memorial Park. 630-969-8080, westmontparks.org.

Go on a Wine and Art Walk at The Morton Arboretum The Morton Arboretum will hold a Wine and Art Walk on Sat., Aug. 18 and Sun., Aug. 19, 11am–5pm each day. The walk will take place on Meadow Lake Trail, north of the visitor’s center. Enjoy live music, sip wine and shop for unique nature-themed art as you stroll around Meadow Lake. Browse this juried art show

for more, visit DuPageNeighbors.com featuring photography, woodturning, jewelry, digital and traditional painting, ceramics, fused glass more from Midwest artists. The art show is free with admission. A complete list of participating artists is available online. 630-968-0074, mortonarb.org

NAMI Run for the Mind 5k Run/Walk is Sept. 22 Help the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) DuPage continue to improve the lives of those with mental illness and their families through its many support and education programs, and its advocacy at the state and national level. NAMI’s signature run/walk event takes place Sat., Sept. 22, 7am–12pm. The run/walk begins and ends at the DuPage County Fairgrounds, 2015 Manchester Rd., Wheaton, and takes place on the streets of Wheaton for the community to see. Following the race, there will be an awards ceremony and a BBQ. Additionally, there will be a community health and wellness fair to showcase products and services for a healthier lifestyle. Register online. 630-752-0066, namidupage.org/news-and-events/events/rftm/

Northern Illinois Hosta Society hosts auction and plant sale Hostas and other shade plants will be the main attraction at the Northern Illinois Hosta Society Auction and Plant Sale on Sun., Aug. 12, 1:30pm at Hinsdale Community House, 415 West 8th Street, Hinsdale. All plant lovers are invited to come bid and buy top quality plants at reasonable prices. This year’s special guest auctioneer is Mark Zilis, one of the foremost hosta

experts in the country who will be glad to answer your hosta questions. A wide variety of new and classic hostas and companion plants will be available. Most plants will be auctioned, but many will be available for sale separately at the bargain table. A raffle will allow lucky winners to take home a mature, desirable hosta. northernillinoishostasociety.org

DuPageNeighbors.com 27

Reach every home & business in Westmont!

WESTMONT SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

newsroom@neighborsmagazines.com Deadline for the October/November 2018 issue is Sept. 1, 2018

Economic Dev. Com. 9am Village Hall

Please note: Some programs listed may require registration and/or fees. Please check with individual organizations.

5 Community Garage Sale 8am-5pm Village Wide

6 Environmental Imp. Com. 6pm Library

20 Westmont First Com. 6pm Library

8 Planning & Zoning Com. 7pm Village Hall

21 Board of Fire and Police Com. 2pm Police Dept.

info@neighborsmagazines.com

A U G U S T 2018 THURSDAY

Send us your event information!

Feature your business here! Call 630-995-3482 or write

FRIDAY

Cruisin’ Night & Street Fair

5-9pm Downtown Admin. & Finance Com. 4:30pm Village Board of Trustees 6pm, Village Hall

Cruisin’ Night & Street Fair

5-9pm Downtown

Code Adjudication Hearing 12pm Village Hall

Public Safety Com. 4:30pm Village Board of Trustees 6pm, Village Hall

4 Community Garage Sale 8am-5pm Village Wide

Movie in the Park 8:30pm Ty Warner Park

Cruisin’ Night & Street Fair

3 Community Garage Sale 8am-5pm Village Wide

Administrative Hearing 10am Village Hall

First day of school for District 201 students

SATURDAY

5-9pm Downtown

Cruisin’ Night & Street Fair

5-9pm Downtown

Cruisin’ Night & Street Fair 5-9pm Downtown

Public Works Com. 4:30pm Village Board of Trustees 6pm, Village Hall

18 Electronics Recycling Program 8am-12pm Highway Dept. Facility

Wicked West Fest

Feature your business here! Call 630-995-3482 or write info@neighborsmagazines.com

Save the Date! Sat., Oct. 20

WESTMONT SUNDAY

S E P T E M B E R 2018

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Send us your event information! newsroom@neighborsmagazines.com Deadline for October/November 2018 issue is Sept. 1, 2018 Please note: Some programs listed may require registration and/or fees. Please check with individual organizations.

Economic Dev. Com. 9am Village Hall

10 Environmental Imp. Com. 6pm Library

17 Westmont First Com. 6pm Library

11 Patriot Day Ceremony 6:30pm Police-Fire Facility

18 Board of Fire and Police Com. 2pm Police Dept.

12 Planning & Zoning Com. 7pm Village Hall

Admin. & Finance Com. 4:30pm Village Board of Trustees 6pm Village Hall

14 Fire Pension Board 9am Fire Dept.

15 Electronics Recycling Program 8am-12pm Highway Department Facility

Administrative Hearing 10am Village Hall Code Adjudication Hearing 12pm Village Hall

26 Public Information Com. 10am Village Hall

Community Dev. Com. 4:30pm Village Board of Trustees 6pm Village Hall