Saturday, April 22
• Library holds poetry reading
The Villa Park Public Library will host a poetry reading, beginning at 7 p.m. Attendees are welcome to read their own original works or a selection from a favorite author. This program sponsored by the Friends of the Villa Park Library. Registration is required. Info: visit the library’s website at vppl.info or call 630-834-1164.
• Kick-off of community gardens
Fellow gardeners are invited to come to Westmore Park between Plymouth and Sunset, to celebrate Villa Park’s new community garden project at 1 p.m. All are welcome to come out, meet fellow gardeners and learn more about gardening opportunities and resources available from the following organizations: Pioneer Garden & Feed, SCARCE, St. Paul School, Tri-Town YMCA, Villa Park Garden Club, Villa Park Library and the Parks & Recreation Department. Info: call 630-834-8970. In the event of rain, the event will be held at the Iowa Community Center.
Monday, April 24
Celebrate Money Smart Week at the library
Saving money is much more fun with a handmade piggy bank. In honor of Money Smart Week (April 22-29), the Villa Park Public Library will host Piggy Paint from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Children ages 6-and-older can paint their very own piggy bank to take home and start saving. Registration is required. Info: visit the library’s website at vppl.info or call 630-834-1164.
Tuesday, April 25
• Library celebrates spring in delicious style
Usher in the new season with Celebrate Spring at the Villa Park Public Library from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Jewel-Osco registered dietitians will share recipes and tastings that feature spring’s most delicious produce. Registration is required. Info: visit the library’s website at vppl.info or call 630-834-1164.
• Salvation Army hosts breakfast
From 7:30-9 a.m., the Salvation Army at 1S415 Summit in Oakbrook Terrace is hosting a complimentary breakfast so visitors can learn more about the good work the organization does in area communities. Join members of the Villa Park and Elmhurst Chambers of Commerce, hosted by Sue Linden of the Salvation Army. RSVP to 630-808-4165 or [email protected].
Wednesday, April 26
• LEGO® Builders Club at the library
The Villa Park Public Library will hold a session of its LEGO® Builders Club on this date from 3:30-4:30 p.m. for children ages 6 and older. Registration is required for this session. Info: visit the library’s website at vppl.info or call 630-834-1164.
• Increase financial literacy at the library
What is a credit score? How is it calculated? What are the common myths about credit? Get answers to these questions and more at All About Credit at the Villa Park Public Library from 7-8 p.m. Registration is required. Info: visit the library’s website at vppl.info or call 630-834-1164.
Thursday, April 27
State Treasurer to address multi-chamber luncheon
There will be a multi-chamber luncheon at Alta Villa Banquets, 430 N. Addison, featuring an address delivered by Michael W. Frerichs, the Illinois State Treasurer. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. followed by lunch; the program begins at 12:15 p.m. Participating chambers include Addison, Bartlett, Carol Stream, and Villa Park. Reservations are required no later than Friday, April 21, as space is limited. To make a reservation, call 630-941-9133 or email [email protected].
Friday, April 28
• Library hosts LEGO® Program for younger children
Children ages 2-5 are invited to LEGO®DUPLO® Build + Play for an hour of building, playing, and socializing with other kids and families. Sessions will take place at the Villa Park Public Library from10 to 10:45 a.m. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required for each session. Info: visit the library’s website at vppl.info or call 630-834-1164.
• VPRD hosts Mom and Son night
From 6:30-8:30 p.m., young men and their special date will enjoy dinner catered from Michael Anthony’s and great music and entertainment provided by Coach Josh and DJ Superman. A keepsake photo of the evening is included. Be sure to bring your golf clubs so you can hit some balls at the driving range. The golf course has a limited number of kids’ clubs available. Fee: $39 pre-registration required. Sugar Creek Golf Course is located at 500 E. Van Buren in Villa Park.
Saturday, April 29
• Library hosts Charlotte’s Web Pop-Up Concert
The Villa Park Public Library is hosting a Charlotte’s Web Pop-Up Concert from1:30-2 p.m., presented by The Elmhurst Area Children’s Choir. In honor of the 65th anniversary of E.B. White’s beloved children’s book, this special performance will feature songs and puppetry that are sure to entertain children of all ages. Registration is not required. Info: visit the library’s website at vppl.info or call 630-834-1164.
• Pride Commission takes part in Earth Day
The Villa Park Community Pride Commission with gather at the Villa Park Historic Museum, 220 S. Villa Ave, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon to help with clean-up of the Illinois Prairie Path and Great Western Trail. Organizations, clubs, churches, schools, boy/Girl Scouts and residents are invited to roll up their sleeves and volunteer to pick up litter along the trails from Addison Avenue to Villa Avenue/Route 83. The event takes place rain or shine, so dress appropriately. Garbage bags and water and snacks will be provided. Each volunteer receives a backpack; bring your own work gloves. Info: e-mail [email protected]
Thursday, May 4
Star Wars party hosted by Villa Park Recreation
Channel your inner Jedi and use the force to have some Star Wars fun at this party that Villa Park Recreation will hold at 4:30 p.m. at the Cortesi Veterans Memorial Park Depot. Come dressed as your favorite Star Wars character, participate in themed activities and enjoy an out of this world snack. Fee: $15 includes one adult and one child. Additional children are $10. Pre-registration is required.
Friday, May 12-Saturday, May 13
Garden Club plant sale
The Garden Club of Villa Park will hold its annual plant sale on Friday, May 12 and Saturday, May 13 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days, or while supplies last. It will take place at the Community Rec Center, 320 E. Wildwood. The sale will include specialty plants, native plants, heirloom vegetables and exotic herbs.
Ongoing events …
Library offers Mini-Library at Jefferson Middle School
In an on-going partnership with School District 45 and Jefferson Middle School, the Villa Park Public Library offers a mini-library for families and kids of all ages at Jefferson Middle School (255 W. Vermont St.) from 3-4 p.m. every Thursday through April 27. Visitors can enter through the main doors to apply for library cards, check out materials and participate in fun activities and crafts. Info: vppl.info or call 630-834-1164.
District 88 student art show at PAC
The Park Art Center, located at 9 E. Park Blvd. in downtown Villa Park, will be the scene of the District 88 Student Art Show. The exhibit features the work of students from District 88 which includes Willowbrook and Addison Trail high schools. This exhibit remains on display for a month. Visitors may stop in during regular Park Art Center Gallery hours, which are Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Info: call 630-501-1455 or visit parkartcenter.org
Gymnastics program
Parks and Recreation has announced a new gymnastics program in partnership with Tumbling Times Gymnastics, 400 Rohlwing Road. A wide variety of gymnastics classes are available for all ages and skill levels. Info: vprd.org or call 630-834-8970.
VFW Friday Night Fish Fry
From 5:30-8 p.m. every Friday evening, the Villa Park VFW Post #2801, 39 E. St. Charles Road, holds its Fish Fry. Menu available for purchase includes fried shrimp, fish/shrimp combos, beef/sausage sandwiches, combos and hot dogs.
Widows or Widowers meeting
Widows or Widowers (W.O.W.) of the Western Suburbs meets on the third Thursday of each month starting at 6:30 p.m. Held at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 537 S. York Road, Elmhurst. Admission: $5. Info: (630) 620-4060 or wow.cfsites.org.
TOPS meetings held on Friday mornings
Remember TOPS? Take Off Pounds Sensibly is still here helping and supporting people to lose weight. Meetings are held on Friday mornings at Grace Lutheran Church 950 S. York Road, Bensenville. Weigh in 9:30 a.m., and meet from 10-11 a.m. Info: email Millie at [email protected]
Storytimes return to the library
The Villa Park Public Library will hold another round of its very popular storytimes during the month of April. These storytime sessions will introduce children to the world of language and books and include stories, rhymes, music, movement, and other fun activities. Family Storytime is held every Tuesday in April from 10-10:30 a.m. Young children of all ages and their families can stop by for stories, music, and movement. Children under 3 years old must be accompanied by an adult; Story Circle for Preschoolers is held every Wednesday from 9:30-10 a.m. Designed for children ages 3–5 to attend independently, this is a lively program of imaginative stories, learning games, and musical fun. Some storytimes require registration and have recommended age ranges. Info: visit the library’s website at vppl.info or call 630-834-1164.
Special storytimes at venues around Villa Park
The Villa Park Public Library will hold special storytimes at Cornerstone Books, Whole Foods Market Elmhurst and Oakbrook Terrace Park District throughout April.
• Community Storytime at Cornerstone Books (22 S. Villa Ave.) will be held from 9:30-10 a.m. April 24. All children will receive a small goody bag, courtesy of Cornerstone Books.
• Whole Foods Storytimes (215 S. Route 83, Elmhurst) will take place from 10-10:30 a.m. April 21. Attendees will hear stories and then enjoy a snack, courtesy of Whole Foods Market Elmhurst. Registration is not required for these storytimes. Info: visit the library’s website at .vppl.info or call 630-834-1164.
