Summer camp for preschoolers in Villa Park
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. The first session will be held June 3-7. 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. Call 630-834-8970 or visit www.invillapark.com for mini-camp dates and fees.
Annual Mutt Strut to be held May 18
The Mutt Strut 5K will be held Saturday, May 18, from 8-9 a.m. at 227 W. Parkside Ave. and sponsored by Lombard Veterinary Hospital. Participate with or without your dog. T-shirt and Pancake Breakfast included. All proceeds go toward a donation to the Lombard/Villa Park Food Pantry and the DuPage Animal Control Shelter. Visit www.lombardparks.com for more information or call the Lombard Park District at 630-620-7322.
Food Network star at Mariano’s May 17
This Friday, May 17, Food Network Star Jeff Mauro’s creative BBQ concept Pork & Mindy’s will be bringing its playful offerings to the suburbs with the opening of its newest location in the Lombard Mariano’s, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Mauro, co-host of Food Network’s “The Kitchen,” opened the first Pork & Mindy’s in 2016 in Bucktown with business partner Kevin Corsello as an outlet for their shared passions of barbecue, music and art. Mauro, when available, will treat guests to giveaways and samples.
‘Date with History’ program at Cantigny May 23
Thursday, May 23, Date with History: “City at War: Chicago” in the Visitors Center Theater, 7 p.m., for a special screening with the documentary’s creators. At the beginning of America’s engagement in World War II, President Franklin Roosevelt called on the country to become “an arsenal of democracy” – a major producer of war material to help defeat the Axis powers. This new film explores how Chicago answered the call. Free program and parking.
Endangered Species Day at Villa Park Library
The Villa Park Public Library will hold “Endangered Species Day” on Friday, May 17, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Children of all ages can drop by anytime to find out about the importance of protecting endangered species and to learn about the everyday actions they can take to help the endangered animals survive. The library will have crafts and activities for everyone to join in on the fun. Registration is not required. For more information, visit the library’s website at www.vppl.info or call 630-834-1164.
Fishing program in York Center
If you are new to fishing, the York Center Park District staff will be happy to show participants the lines and will cover safety, baiting a hook, and catch and release techniques. Participants may bring their own poles if they would like; however, the park district will provide a fishing pole, bait and the daily permit. Ages: 6-10 years. Wednesday, June 12, 4:30-5:30 p.m. at Lake Yelenich Pier. Fee: $5/resident; $6/non-resident. Register by Wednesday, June 5. Visit www.ycpdfun.com or call 630-629-0886.
Pool rentals available in Villa Park
Villa Park Parks and Recreation announces that Jefferson Pool is available for private rentals for parties, family reunions, block parties, team get-togethers, fundraisers or other occasions. Rentals are available evenings when special events aren’t scheduled, from 8:15-9:45 p.m. Thursday or Friday, or 7:15-9:30 p.m. on weekends. To reserve your date, stop in the Iowa Community Center, 338 N. Iowa (prior to the pool’s opening day June 1. After that date rentals are accepted at Jefferson Pool). A $50 deposit for residents and $100 for non-residents is due at the time the rental application is submitted.
Villa Park Library storytimes
The Villa Park Public Library will hold Community Storytime @ Whole Foods Elmhurst on Fridays, May 17, June 21, July 19 and Aug. 16 from 10–10:30 a.m. Children of all ages and their adult can join library staff as they tell stories and bring their enthusiasm for reading to share with all. Whole Foods Market is located at 215 S. IL Rte. 83 in Elmhurst. Registration is not required. For more information, visit the library’s website at www.vppl.info or call 630-834-1164.
Plum Library program
Senior Social: “Jacqueline Kennedy: The Aesthetics of Style” Monday, May 20, at 1 p.m. Dr. Michelle Paluch-Mishur examines Jacqueline Kennedy’s impact on culture in America during her tenure as First Lady. Paluch-Mishur’s lecture illuminates the relationship between Jackie’s style, grace and poise and her interests in fashion, art and more. Call 630-627-0316 or visit helenplum.org to register. “Exam Cram” Monday, May 20, from 6-8:30 p.m. Grades 9–12. Staff will provide the snacks — you provide the brainpower to get your studying done. Eve, a comfort dog, will be available to help if you are stressed from studying. Drop-in event, no registration required.
DuPage NAACP breakfast
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), DuPage County Branch, Education Committee, will hold its sixth annual Education Breakfast on June 1 at Wentz Concert Hall at North Central College in Naperville. The program, “It Takes A Village,” will embark upon “A Journey of Culture, Perseverance and Courage,” of Africans on the continent of Africa, their journey through the Middle Passage and enslavement, through the Jim Crow Era and the Civil Rights Movement, experienced by those of African descent here in North America. The journey will be traveled by way of storytelling, dance and song. The program will feature Community Student Leader Recognition; Community Contributors to Education Recognition; Craig Dellimore, political editor at WBBM Newsradio, guest narrator; Juan Thomas, Political Action co-chair, DuPage County NAACP, narrator; the Muntu Dance Theater of Chicago; and The Cathedral of Grace St. John AME Church Ensemble and Wax Museum performers. A continental breakfast will be available from 8:15-8:45 a.m. Awards, recognitions and program will follow from 9-11:30 a.m. For additional information, contact [email protected]. To register for this event, go to naacpbreakfast2019.eventcombo.com.
Cat Guardians Bake Sale May 25-26
Cat Guardians May Bake Sale May 25 and 26, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Place: parking lot, Cat Guardians, Inc., 932 E. St. Charles Road, Lombard. All proceeds benefit Cat Guardians shelter, a not for profit, 501(c)(3) humane society for homeless cats. For more information, call 630-543-3395.
