The Westmont Word The Village of Westmont - Winter 2018/2019

Residents Encouraged to Sign up for the Westmont is the Bestmont Contest

Westmont students as well as the Village staff have created the “Westmont is the Bestmont" contest to promote community spirit. “We are interested in making sure our entire community gets involved with our new branding process,” said Communications Director Larry McIntyre. “The kids had a lot of really great ideas and we are moving forward with the ‘Westmont is the Bestmont‘ Contest.“ This contest will provide an opportunity for residents and friends of the community to express their love for the village of Westmont in a variety of ways. Submissions for the contest can include things such as music, Westmont Fire Celebrates videos, art, poerty, photography and more. All entries must 95th Anniversary be submitted by Friday, January 11, 2019. Visit our website at westmont.illinois.gov to sign up! The Fire Dept. celebrated its 95th Anniversary and Open House on October 13, 2018. The event featured fire saftey presentations, a collection of newly created historical scrapbooks and a new Fire Dept. mural at the Johanik Headquarters at 6015 S. Cass. “Jenny Babyar did a wonderful job creating our anniversary mural,“ said Fire Chief Dave Weiss, “After the open house, Jenny and Larry made a celebration dinner for the Fire Dept. I can’t thank them enough for their kindness & generosity.“ The historical scrapbooks were put together by Chief Weiss’ wife Diane and features over 90 years of info, photos & press clippings. The scrapbooks are displayed at the Village Hall through the end of 2018.

New Historical Mural Unveiled On Nov. 8, 2018, the Village of Westmont celebrated its 97th anniversary at the Village Hall. The celebration included the announcement of the “Westmont is the Bestmont” contest, a rap performed by Westmont students, the presentation of several historical photos and a historical mural depicting Westmont in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. Local artist Fanny Moy, who has been commissioned to create a total of five historical murals, talked about some of the historical images included in the mural such as the Stephen’s Department Store, the ‘wind tunnel‘ train station, the Blue Village music club, community parades, the creation of Westmont Historical Society and the acquistion of the Gregg House, Westmont High School and blues music legend Muddy Waters and more. ”Westmont has a rich and diverse history,” said Moy, “I’m so happy to be a part of this project.” The evening introduced Westmont resident Maggie South as the writer to research, write and publish a Westmont historical booklet. The third historical mural will be displayed at the Westmont Library, 428 N. Cass Ave., with brochures.

What’s happening in Westmont? Find out at westmont.illinois.gov The Westmont Word The Village of Westmont - Winter 2018/2019 Sister City Student Exchange Program a Huge Success

For the second year in a row, students from in “We give thanks to all host families who invited our guests into came to visit the village of Westmont during the Thanksgiving their homes,“ said CUSD201 Superintendent Kevin Carey. “The holiday to experience American culture and learn from each other. connections between the students and host families will be treasured “Last year, the Village created a very successful foundation for this for a lifetime.“ program,” said Westmont High School Teacher Pete Landreth, one of All high school students living in Westmont interested in travelling the main coordinators of this year’s exchange program. “This year to Taiwan for Spring Break 2019, please contact Sister City Program was another outstanding success and now we focus our attention on Coordinator Larry McIntyre at [email protected] or the Spring 2019 when we plan to take Westmont students to Taiwan. call us at 630-417-0280. This will be an incredible experience for everyone involved.”

Village Plans for ‘Follow‘ Police Facebook Page New Public Works Facility The Westmont Police Dept. has a new Facebook page and invites everyone to stay informed. Community Meetings Scheduled for Dec. 4 & 11 “Social media is an important means of communication so we started our own Facebook page in addition to posting info on the At the Nov. 8 Village Board meeting, the Village discussed options Village of Westmont Government Facebook page,” said Police Chief to fund the multi-million dollar project for a new Public Works facility. Jim Gunther. “We plan to use this to keep residents informed about The Village has reviewed plans for a new Public Works facility and their PD like safety tips, special events & programs and more.” chosen the least expensive of 3 proposals, estimated to be about $16 The Police Facebook page is an outlet for local emergencies and million. The Village reviewed numerous funding mechanisms and serious crimes. “We encourage everyone to ‘follow’ the Police Dept. decided that several funding resources are required. These sources Facebook page,” said Communications Director Larry McIntyre. include: General Fund, Public Works Operating Fund, Stormwater For more information, please call 630-981-6400. Management Fund and the Water Fund. Even with all these sources, the Village still needs an additional $5 million for the project. The Village Board is currently investigating a Places For Eating Visit westmont.illinois.gov Tax (PFET) adding 0.5% bringing the PFET total to 2% in Westmont, for more Westmont News bringing us even with other DuPage County communities. The first meeting will be at the Public Works Street Division facility, Some of our current stories include: 328 S. Wilmette on Tuesday, Dec. 4 at 6 p.m. A second meeting will • Dupage Offers LIHEAP Assistance be at the Public Works Water Division facility, 39 E. Burlington on Tuesday, Dec. 11 at 6 p.m. • Westmont War Hero Honored The Village Board will consider the project financing at the Admin- • State of the Village on Youtube Finance Committee meeting on Thursday, Dec. 6, 4:30 p.m. and plan • Lawsuit filed against Sterigenics to vote at the Village Board Meeting on Thursday, Dec. 20, 6 p.m. Both meetings will be at the Village Hall, 31 W. Quincy St., 2nd floor. • Fire Dept. Presents Lifesaving Awards Please contact [email protected] for more information. • Police Personnel Recognized for Service

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