DuPage County Briefs

Chronicle Media Staff
Dawn Smith, executive director of the Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce

Dawn Smith, executive director of the Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce

 DuPAGE COUNTY

 

Third year for award for debris disposal

The icky, wet debris from storm sewers is not often on the public’s mind, but it is on the minds of DuPage County officials. For the third time in as many years, a county facility that makes it easier and cheaper for towns to dispose of the debris has earned DuPage County national recognition.

The National Association of Counties has honored the county for its Vactor Receiving Station in Woodridge. County employees came up with the idea for the special disposal station, that cost about $950,000 to construct.

DuPage in 2014 opened the special disposal station at its Woodridge Greene Valley Wastewater Treatment Plant along Route 53. Now vacuum tanker trucks can simply empty their cargo inside the one-story building.

Water drained from the waste flows into the plant for treatment. The remaining material is dried, and the county takes it to a landfill.

The process is environmentally friendly because the water is cleaned before being discharged into the East Branch of the DuPage River. Municipalities that use the facility include Carol Stream, Darien, Lisle, Naperville and Woodridge.

 

 

GLEN ELLYN

 

Chamber of commerce has new executive director 

Dawn Smith took over as the new executive director of the Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce’s Aug. 15. She replaced Mike Formento, who stepped down from the position after leading the chamber for eight years.

Smith and her husband, Mike, have lived in Glen Ellyn for nine years with their daughters. She has a background in event planning, training, presenting and public speaking with emphasis on problem-solving and time management. Before being hired by the chamber, she worked part-time for Global Education, managing the operations of the student foreign exchange program.

Smith has been a volunteer on the Glen Ellyn Fourth of July Committee since 2008. In addition, she has served as curriculum enrichment coordinator at Glen Ellyn School District 41’s Abraham Lincoln Elementary School.

 

Sample COD enrichment classes free for a day 

The Continuing Education program at College of DuPage will host a Sampler Day open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 20, in the Student Resource Center, Room 1110, on the College’s Glen Ellyn campus, 425 Fawell Blvd. The event is free and open to the public.

During Sampler Day, attendees get a sneak preview of upcoming personal enrichment classes such as The Beatles, Blogging about Travel, The Business of Craft Beer, Great English Queens, Italian for Travel, Makeup and Skincare, Pirates in America, Tai Chi, 3-D Printing, Test Preparation and Writing. Information about professional programs, including Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training and Massage Therapy, will also be provided.

Participants will also receive opportunities for discounted tuition prices on many fall classes and workshops. Space is limited and registration is recommended. Call (630) 942-2208.

 

 

WHEATON

 

College gets nod to build concert hall

Wheaton College soon will have a 550-seat concert hall on its campus.

The Wheaton City Council approved the plan Aug. 1, when it a OK’d a special use permit to allow for the renovation of Wheaton College’s Armerding Hall, 520 Kenilworth Ave., and the construction of the concert hall addition on the building’s west side. The project also includes the demolition of the existing Breyer Laboratory, 603 Irving Ave.

City staff members had said the plans were consistent with the college’s master plan. The project is planned in two phases.

The renovation is expected to start this fall, and work on the concert hall addition could begin in early 2018. However, that work could be delayed up to five years, depending on the project’s funding.

 

 

DOWNERS GROVE

 

Resident wins $500 a week for life

The financial life of a 50-year-old Downers Grove man just got a little better because of an instant Illinois Lottery ticket.

Steven Sousanes, who has lived in Downers Grove for 22 years, won the Illinois Lottery’s $500 A Week for Life instant ticket. He purchased the winning $1 ticket at the 7-Eleven, 5105 Fairview Ave., Downers Grove. Sousanes chose to take his prize as a one-time cash payment of $392,000.

 

Ribbon to be cut at fitness center opening

Join Chamber630 4:30 p.m. Aug. 18, for the ribbon cutting celebration at Spenga, 5216 Main St., Downers Grove. The ribbon will be cut promptly at 5 p.m. Spenga   ombines spin, HIIT training and yoga as essential elements of fitness to create its special workout.

Chamber630 is a regional business organization with a focus in the villages of Downers Grove and Woodridge.

 

 

ELMHURST

 

Drive a new BMW, raise money for special needs

 

Test drive a BMW this month and help a good cause.

Elmhurst BMW is trying to raise $10,000 by the end of August for the Western DuPage Special Recreation Association. During the Drive for a Cause campaign, a donation will be made to WDSRA whenever anyone test drives a vehicle from the dealership, 466 W. Lake St.

WDSRA provides engaging, community-based recreational programs and inclusion services for children, teens and adults with special needs.

 

VILLA PARK

 

State senator holds holds job fair

State Sen. Tom Cullerton (D-Villa Park) will host a job fair on Aug. 24, at the Odeum, 1033 N. Villa Ave., Villa Park. The Springfield lawmaker said that there will be more than 100 employers from Villa Park at the fair looking for new employees.

The event will be open to the public from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Veterans will have the opportunity for early admission starting at 10 a.m.