Westchatter: The Talk of Westchester: Recent Episodes
Jason Baumann
Westchatter is alll about Westchester, IL, featuring the people, businesses and goverment officials that make it a strong, vibrant community.
Yes, we have Dr. Phil (although I'm not quite sure that's what he wants to be called). Phil Salemi is the Superindendent of Westchester School District 92.5. And we do talk about that half. For all the information about the schools, tune in this week!
Lianne is the Acting Executive Director and Superintendent of Recreation & Marketing for the Westchester Park District. That is one heck of a title. We talked to her all about what's happening with the Park District this Fall.
Programming Note: Both Jason and his brother had to have surgeries between the recording and posting of this episode. I (Jason) apologize for this late post.
In this episode of Westchatter, we talk with Sandra Cardenas of Duncan & Dadas. D&D's is recently the talk around town. It is the restaurant at Eden's Lanes and it is far from bowling alley food. Since we have recorded this episode, I have visited the restaurant and ordered a pizza and their loaded waffle fries and they were both amazing. You have to check out this episode and, moreso, the food at Duncan & Dadas.
Scouting has changed dramatically in last years. From going to co-ed through changing public perspectives, it's a new day for Scouting. As an Eagle Scout (many moons ago), it was exciting to see some of the changes and how scouting is evolving to form a new era of scouts. Join us as we speak with Ryan Wright all about Westchester's own scout troop.
Warm Wick is a new latin-inspired candle shop in Brookfield with a bunch of Westchester connections. Today with bring Yesenia, the owner, on the podcast to talk about her journey to a brick and mortar shop.
We are super excited about this episode. Greg Hribal was definitely an underdog in the Municpal Election, only in the sense that he was a write-in candidate. Two weeks after the election, the results are in and Greg had a commanding lead in the polls and we are excited to have him as our next Village President and guest on Westchatter. This is an episode that you cannot skip.
Anisa Peraica from the Westchester Citizens' Advisory Board joins us this week to talk all about their work of bringing the thoughts and opinions of the mass to the Westchester government. Join us as we learn more about the board, their meetings and even how to get more involved.
It's becoming clear that green initiatives are quite important to the people of Westchester. So this week, we talk with Bethanny Alexander, the founder of the Grassroots Garden Club to hear more about her club and how it contributes to the beautification of Westchester.
In this episode of Westchatter, we speak with Wyatt from the Save the Prairie Foundation and Wyatt E. Coyote Ecological Services. We have spoken about green topics before but this episode was especially fun. You have to check it out.
With the guidance (and vision) of Gia Marie Benline, one of our hosts, we have assembled a group of Westchester's best real estate agents and loan officers to talk all about the real estate market, loan rates and whether or not it is time to buy a home. It's an episode filled with great info that you have to hear!
In this week's episode, we talk baseball and softball with Rick Ryan (Westchester Girls Softball) and Alex Trujillo and Mark Wesolowski (Westchester Baseball/Knights). Get all the info about these programs, learn about the importance of organized sports, and even hear Gia's misguided MLB allegiance.
In our 7th episode, we talk with Lynn LeTourneau, Principal of Divine Providence Catholic School. As the school prepares for Catholic Schools Week, we hear all about the advantages of Catholic School education.
Then we talk about the Conrad family - parishioners of Mary, Mother of Divine Grace, and a school family of Divine Providence, who lost their home to a fire in January. If you can help, DP is collecting gift cards to help the family through this hard time.
In our 6th episode, we talk with Nicole Molinaro, a Commissioner on the Ecological Commission of the Village of Westchester, part of GROW (Green Residents of Westchester) and one of the admins the Go Green Westchester online community. We talk about all things green. From the invasive Buck Thorn tree to leaves and water, we talk ecology in our town.
In our 5th episode, we decided to forego guests and turn the mics on ourselves. Did you know that Gia is the proud wife of a union electrician? Did you know Jason is married to a pediatric Occupational Therapist? Did you know Gia created Hump Day Highlight? Did you know Jason also has a few other podcasts including Explore Brookfield? This episode is packed with information about your hosts, so sit back and enjoy (and enjoy your holiday season).
In Episode 4, we talk with Melanie Tillis from the Westchester Public Library. Our library is so much more than a place to borrow books (now without fine, btw). With 3D printers, Nintendo Switches, sewing and crocheting classes and so much more, the Westchester Public Library has so much to offer our residents. If you haven't been there lately, check out this episode to learn more about all that happens there and head over to experience more than you can imagine.
Stay tuned to the end of the episode to learn about everything going on this holiday season in Westchester!
In Episode 3, we talk with Amanda Grant, the Executive Director of the Westchester Food Pantry. The food pantry serves Westchester but also the communities of: Bellwood, Berkeley, Broadview, Hillside, Hines, La Grange Park, and Western Springs. There is a lot going on at the pantry. Need is up and they are serving more than ever, but donations are down, so as we approach the holiday season and #GivingTuesday, remember to #GiveLocal.
Stay tuned to the end of the episode to learn about everything going on this holiday season in Westchester!
As we close October's Fire Prevention Month, Fall Back on our clocks, and (unfortunately) start to welcome the colder, winter days, we welcome to Westchatter, Fire Chief Michael Mavrogeorge. We talk about smoke detectors, fire safety into the winter and so much more.
Join Jason Baumann and Gia Marie Benline as we talk public safety with school resource officer, Office Aguirre, of the Westchester Police Department.