Curtain call for Cernan’s moon-used spacesuit
It’s not every day that a spacesuit gets a retirement party, but that’s what’s happening May 17 at the Cernan Earth and Space Center at Triton College from 2 to 4 p.m. May 17 at the college, 2000 Fifth Ave. in River Grove.
The spacesuit and 12 other artifacts will find a new home at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. The party will include a trivia challenge and short program in the planetarium and an explanation about the artifacts in the exhibit hall. Attendees are encouraged to wear space-themed outfits. Admission is free, and all visitors get 10% off purchases in the gift shop.
The spacesuit used by Gene Cernan – the last person to set foot on the Moon, during the Apollo 17 mission in December 1972 – has been on duty at the center named in his honor for more than 40 years. He wore the spacesuit while in lunar orbit 8 miles from the Moon’s surface during the Apollo 10 mission in May 1969, a mission that was a dress rehearsal for the first lunar landing of Apollo 11 just two months later.
“We owe our spacesuit a fond farewell on behalf of all the generations, approximately 1.5 million visitors from youngsters on a field trip to our elders out with family or friends, who have been amazed and inspired by this significant piece of our local and our nation’s history,” center director Kris McCall shared via a news release
The spacesuit will be on display until June 6. The center’s lobby exhibits can be viewed 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, except June 5, and 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturdays. Information is at 708-456-0300, Ext. 3372, or triton.edu/campus/certan-center.
Darien Dash hits silver anniversary
The Darien Dash marks its 25th year, stepping off at 8 a.m. May 17 at the Darien Swim & Recreation Club, 1001 Hinsbrook Ave. in Darien.
The event, which will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States, is sponsored by the Darien City Council and Mayor Joseph Marchese.
Each registered runner gets a T-shirt and swag bag. Business expo vendors will be on hand, and a DJ will provide tunes for warming up before the race and pre- and post-stretches with on-site physical therapy professionals.
Events include a free kid run for children 6 and younger. Awards will be given to the top three finishers in each of the other categories: 1 mile, 5K and 10K. Register at dariendash.org.
Musicians compete at Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra concert
Three young musicians will perform in Rising Stars with the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra at 3 p.m. May 16 at Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church, 149 W. Brush Hill Road in Elmhurst.
The Stanger Competition finalists are Adrian Gonzelez, piano; Ella Wimbiscus, cello; and Francesca Gaus Ehnin, oboe. Judges in the audience will listen to each performance and announce the winner at the end of the program.
Tickets, which cost $12 for adults and $10 for students 8 and older, are available at ElmhurstSymphony.org or 630-941-0202.
Garden club dedicates Blue Star memorial marker
The Darien Garden Club will honor everyone who has served in the US Armed Forces with a dedication of the National Garden Clubs Inc. Blue Star memorial marker at Darien Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2838 Peace Memorial at Darien Community Park.
The dedication is planned for 11 a.m. May 16, Armed Forces Day, at the North Pavillion of the park, 7100 Clarendon Hills Road in Darien. Local elected officials, Garden Clubs of Illinois Inc. officers, VFW post members will be on hand, and the public is invited to participate.
The Darien Garden Club plans to install patriotic-themed gardens to enhance the site.
Hinsdale walk benefits mental health help
Walk the Walk for Mental Health steps off May 17 at The Community House, 415 W. Eighth St. in Hinsdale.
The one-mile color walk raises money to expand access to life-changing mental health services for young adults, families and children in the community. Registration and T-shirt pickup begins at 8 a.m. with the walk starting at 9.
Attendees will find a health expo with local wellness vendors before the walk and join in a colorful opening ceremony. Guest speaker Jim Maley of The Maley Way, an organization designed to raise awareness about depression and suicide, will give a message about connection, resilience and the importance of support for mental health. Food trucks, music, games and other activities follow the walk.
Register for the walk or donate at runsignup.com/Race/IL/Hinsdale/WalkTheWalkForMentalHealth.
Send news to pioneerwest@tribpub.com.
