Friday, July 21
Brookfield Zoo presents program at the Library
Where do primates live and how do they survive in the wild? These questions and more will be answered at Brookfield Zoo Talks: Primates Around the World at the Villa Park Public Library from10:30-11:30 a.m. Children of all ages are invited to attend. Free tickets are now available at the library. Info: vppl.info or call 630-834-1164.
Monday, July 24
Library holds storytime at Cornerstone Books
Villa Park Public Library staff will be at Cornerstone Books, 22 S. Villa Ave., to tell stories and visit the community. Community Storytime @ Cornerstone Books will be held from 9:30-10 a.m. All children will receive a small goody bag, courtesy of Cornerstone Books. Registration is not required. Info: vppl.info or call 630-834-1164.
Tuesday, July 25
Library holds creative science program for kids
Building with blocks and bricks is fun, but why should kids stop there? The Villa Park Public Library will hold Creative Science: Building & Creating from 1:30-2:30 p.m. Children ages 5-8 will design and construct unique creations with straws, paper and recycled items. Registration is required. Info: vppl.info or call 630-834-1164.
Wednesday, July 26
Crafty Creations at the Gazebo
Young children and their adults can join the Villa Park Public Library and the Friends of the Villa Park Library at the weekly Kiwanis Club Concerts this summer. Crafty Creations at the Gazebo will be held from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Ruggard Gazebo, located near Ardmore Avenue and Park Blvd. in Villa Park. Just look-out for the handcrafted copper cupola gazebo and you’ll be there. Registration is not required, but supplies are limited. Info: vppl.info or call 630-834-1164.
Thursday, July 27
Library showcases live bats
The Villa Park Public Library is pleased to present Incredible Bats! from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Children of all ages can see real live bats and learn all about their lives, including how they survive in the world. Free tickets will be available at the library starting July 20. Info: vppl.info or call 630-834-1164.
Monday, July 31
Library holds ice cream making class
The Villa Park Public Library presents I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream! from 7-8 p.m. Attendees will learn how to make summer’s favorite treat using an electric ice cream maker, and even the old fashioned way by rolling around a coffee can. Registration is required. Info: vppl.info or call 630-834-1164.
Friday, Aug. 4
Dine Out with Friends of the Library
The Friends of the Villa Park Library will hold monthly fundraising dine-outs at local restaurants throughout the summer to benefit the library. Partial proceeds from each Dine-Out will be donated to the Friends by the restaurant. The Dine-Out for August takes place from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Chipotle (298 W. North Ave.). Chipotle will donate 50 percent of the proceeds to the Friends. Info: vppl.info or call 630-834-1164.
Wednesday, Aug. 9
Children’s art program at the Library
The Villa Park Public Library will hold Art Starts! from 2-3 p.m. Children ages 7-and-older will learn about the basics of art, different artists, and different art styles and techniques, and then do an open-ended project based on each session’s topic. Registration is required. Info: vppl.info or call 630-834-1164.
Thursday, Aug. 10
• Library hosts storytimes at Oakbrook Terrace Park District
The Villa Park Public Library will bring storytime to the Oakbrook Terrace Park District (1S325 Ardmore Ave., Oakbrook Terrace), delivering stories, songs, and movement. Tales for Twos and Threes at the Oakbrook Terrace Park District will be held from 9-9:30 a.m. Registration is not required. Info: vppl.info or call 630-834-1164.
• Library program sparks creativity
Kids can spend their summer making fun crafts at the library. The Villa Park Public Library will hold Crafternoons from 2-3 p.m. Open to children ages 7 and older, each session will feature new projects, using a wide variety of materials. Registration is required for each session. Info: Info: vppl.info or call 630-834-1164.
Saturday, Aug. 12
Super Sensational Saturday Mornings
Bring your blankets, lawn chairs and the family to Cortesi Veterans Memorial Park, 320 E. Kenilworth, from 10 a.m.-12 noon for a Super Sensational Saturday Morning. You’ll enjoy an interactive performance by entertaining groups, crafts and face painting. The lineup includes Ken Schultz The Flying Fool. This family event is free to all ages; no pre-registration is necessary. Info: call 630-834-8970 or vprd.org
Monday, Aug. 28
Library holds storytime at Cornerstone Books
Villa Park Public Library staff will be at Cornerstone Books, 22 S. Villa Ave., to tell stories and visit the community. Community Storytime @ Cornerstone Books will be held from 9:30-10 a.m. All children will receive a small goody bag, courtesy of Cornerstone Books. Registration is not required. Info: vppl.info or call 630-834-1164.
Saturday, Sept. 16
Calling all cool readers!
The Friends of the Villa Park Library will be hosting its third annual Readathon from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Consider being one of their Cool Reader fundraisers by volunteering to read out loud for a 30-minute shift at the Readathon. Cool readers will be asked to raise funds on behalf of the Friends of the Library. For more information or to sign up for a shift, contact the Friends of the Villa Park Library at [email protected]. The Friends are a 501(c)3 organization.
Ongoing events …
Parks and Recreation Mini Adventure Camps for kids
Villa Park Parks and Recreation offers a great program for kids ages 3-5 to keep them busy this summer. Mini Adventure Camps are accepting registrations and are available as a Monday/Wednesday/ Friday or Tuesday/Thursday option. The two camps can be combined as a full week if needed. Register for all eight camp sessions and pay a 10 percent discount. These mini camps are a great way to introduce children to camp in a relaxed and carefree atmosphere. Each camp sessions includes daily swimming at Jefferson’s wading pool, crafts, music, stories and games. Weekly themes will create a fun-filled camp atmosphere to keep kids active. Campers bring a non-perishable lunch each day. Drop off is at the Iowa Community Center at 9 a.m. and pick-up will be at 1 p.m. at the entrance of Jefferson Pool, 341 N. Harvard. Info: call 630-834-8970 or vprd.org for mini-camp dates and fees.
Parks and Recreation Summer Camp
Parks and Recreation is accepting registration for Summer Camp for kids ages 5-12. Summer Camp runs 10 weeks starting now through Aug. 11 and meets daily 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Iowa Community Center, 338 N. Iowa. You can register children by the week or by the day. If a camper needs to extend their camp day Sunrise and Sunset Camps are available for additional fees. The camp is packed with outdoor adventures, arts and crafts, games, sports, fishing, cookouts, special events, weekly field trips and afternoons at Jefferson Pool. All activities are included in the camp fee. Each week of camp has a different theme that is celebrated on Theme Fridays. Call 630-834-8970 for camp fees and information on the different weekly themes and field trips.
Swim lessons available at Lufkin Pools
Villa Park Parks and Recreation offers swim lessons throughout the summer at both Jefferson and Lufkin Pools. Lessons are available for all ages and skill levels including parent/tot lessons. Morning, evening and Saturday lessons are available to work with busy schedules. Private lessons are available for children as young as 5 years old and are tailored to specific needs such as overcoming a fear of water, improving a certain swim stroke or simply learning how to swim. Call 630-834-8970 for fees, dates and times.
Patron Appreciation Days at Lufkin Pools
Villa Park Recreation announces Patron Appreciation Days and Three Dollar Thrifty Thursdays at Jefferson and Lufkin Pools this summer. Spend the day on Patron Days, 1-6 p.m. at the pool with family and friends enjoying DJ music with games. Food will be available for purchase. Patron Appreciation Days will be held at Jefferson Pool Tuesday, Aug. 15. Patron Days at Lufkin Pool are Sunday, July 23; and Monday, Sept. 4. Enjoy the pools for just $3 per person on Thursdays July 20 and 27 and Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31. Call 630-834-8970 for more information.
Free fitness weeks
Villa Park Recreation is offering a free fitness week July 31-Aug. 4. Attend any Fitness Easy Pass class at the Iowa Community Center, 338 N. Iowa for free. No Easy Pass punch card is necessary; just sign in prior to attending each class. Choose from several classes such as Cardio Strength Training and Kettleball Training in addition to the very popular Zumba classes. A new class offered this summer is POUND, a full body workout using lightly weighted drumsticks to transform drumming into an effective cardio, conditioning and strength training exercise. Visit invillapark.com or call 630-834-8970 for class days and times.
Aqua fitness classes at Lufkin, Jefferson Pools
Villa Park Recreation is offering aqua fitness classes this summer at both Jefferson and Lufkin Pools. Participants can choose classes to attend and pay the drop-in fee of $7 each class (cash only) at the pool on the day of class. Deep Water Workout meets Saturdays, 8-9 a.m. followed by Aquacize from 9-10 a.m., both at Lufkin Pool. Churn the Water is held at Jefferson Pool on Tuesdays from 6-7 p.m. and Aqua Zumba is on Wednesdays from 7:15-8 p.m. at Lufkin Pool. Info: call 630-834-8970 or invillapark.com
Therapy dogs visit the Library
The Villa Park Public Library will hold Bark for Books on Wednesdays, July 26 and Aug. 30 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. A variety of dogs, certified by Therapy Dogs International to be gentle listeners, will be at the library, waiting for a reader. Children of all ages are invited to sign up for a 10-minute session with a furry companion. Those under the age of 7 must attend with an adult. All participants should choose a book to read to in advance. Registration is required for each session. Info: vppl.info or call 630-834-1164.
Travel Kids Summer Camp
Kids ages 5-12 can be a camper for a day by attending Villa Park Recreation’s Travel Kids Summer Camp on Wednesdays which is field trip day. All trips are supervised by camp staff and generally leave the Iowa Community Center at 9 a.m. and return by 4 p.m. Sign up for all 10 trips or just the weekly trip you want. Destinations include Haunted Trails in Joliet, Brookfield Zoo, York Theatre, Santa’s Village Azoosment Park and Rainbow Falls Water Park in Elk Grove Village. The fee is $33 per trip resident; $36 non-resident. Sign up soon because the field trips fill up quickly. Info: call 630-834-8970 or vprd.org
LEGO® DUPLO program for younger children at the Library
All children ages 2-5 are invited to come to the library to build, play, and socialize with other kids and families at LEGO® DUPLO® Build + Play. Sessions will take place at the Villa Park Public Library on Fridays July 28, Aug. 18, and Aug. 25, from 10-10:30 a.m. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required for each session. Info: vppl.info or call 630-834-1164.
Library screens summer Monday movie matinees
Children of all ages are invited to stop by the Villa Park Public Library all summer long for Monday Matinees. Screenings of new DVD releases (rated G, PG and PG-13) will be held at 1 p.m. on the following dates: July 24, July 31; and Aug. 7 and Aug. 14. Registration is not required. Info: vppl.info or call 630-834-1164.
Career workshops at the Library
Feeling stuck in your current job? Bring an open mind to Career Passioneering at the Villa Park Public Library and begin the career path that you design. Meetings will take place on Saturdays July 29, and Aug. 26, from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Tom Somora, an employment services representative with IDES (Illinois Department of Employment Services), will provide participants with the necessary tools to re-enter the job market and find a rewarding and fulfilling career. Each two-hour session is designed to provide practical, actionable, and relevant advice to those who are attempting to revive an old career or begin a new one. Registration is required for each session. Info: vppl.info or call 630-834-1164.
MSI Kids Club returns to the Library
The Villa Park Public Library is pleased to host an all-new Science Minors: MSI Kids Club. Children ages 8-and-older can get their top hats and bunnies ready as they prepare to make some magic. A world of illusion, tricks, and phenomena awaits them at this fun, educational program. Sessions will be held Mondays, July 17, July 24, July 31, and Aug. 7 from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Registration is required. Info: vppl.info or call 630-834-1164.
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.
Science Minors: MSI Kids Club returns to the Library
The Villa Park Public Library is pleased to host an all-new Science Minors: MSI Kids Club. Children ages 8 and older can get their top hats and bunnies ready as they prepare to make some magic. A world of illusion, tricks, and phenomena awaits them at this fun, educational program. Sessions will be held Mondays from 3:30-4:30 p.m. on the following dates: July 24, and 31; and Aug. 7. This program is made possible through a partnership with the Museum of Science & Industry Chicago. Registration is required. Info: vppl.info or call 630-834-1164.
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]
