New Blue Star Marker dedicated in Darien
Darien Garden Club President Char Vuillaume took on another role recently – master of ceremonies – in leading a dedication of a new National Gardens Club Inc. Blue Star Marker., which honors all men and women who serve in the U.S. armed forces.
The community, club members and officials joined the event, which took place at the peace memorial garden at the Darien Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2836 in Darien Community Park.
The Hinsdale High School chamber choir sang the national anthem. Leading the Pledge of Allegiance were two of the club’s founding members, Cathy Streett and Judi Doychak, along with member Norinne Benes, who has been instrumental in contributing to the club’s maintenance of the peace garden.
Officials included Darien Mayor Joe Marchese, Garden Clubs of Illinois President Diane Greenawalt, VFW post member Nick Darien and Chuck McCafferty, co-chair of the Central Region of the National Garden Clubs, who gave a brief history of the Blue Star program.
Storm damage closes Berwyn playground
The Berwyn Park District has announced that recent storms have led to the temporary closure of the playground at Proska Park, 3001 Wisconsin Ave.
A team is assessing the playground at the city’s largest park to determine the extent of the damage to identify necessary repairs. That means the playground will be closed until it has been fully evaluated and determined it’s safe for the public to use.
Information is at 708-795-2892.
Pickleball league planned in Elmwood Park
The Elmwood Park Parks & Recreation Department will offer a pickleball summer league that starts this week at the Community and Recreation Center, 4 Conti Parkway.
A low intermediate league plays 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesdays July 7 to Aug. 18. Intermediate+ league is available 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays, July 8 to Aug. 19. THe fee for either league is $84.
The friendly competition is designed to develop skills and provide a fun creational activity while building confidence and strategy on the court. Register at parks.elmwoodpark.org or by calling 708-452-3935.
Taste of Oak Brook set for July 3
The Village of Oak Brooks presents its annual Taste of Oak Brook starting at 2 p.m. July 3 at the Village Sports Core Fields, 700 Oak Brook Road, and more than 30,000 people are expected to attend.
The event, celebrating the country’s 250th Independence Day, will feature multiple food vendors from the village and nearby communities, kids’ activities, a beer garden and a 300-aircraft drone show. Music on the main stage includes ‘80s band Sixteen Candles and Whiskey Friends: The Morgan Wallen Experience.
A highlight every year is the fireworks show, which starts about 9:45 p.m. and is nearly 25 minutes.
Attendance is free, but parking is available in VIP, preferred and value parking lots for a fee. Tickets for that are available in advance at www.universe.com/events/taste-of-oak-brook-tickets-18FMGL. A ride-share location also will be provided.
Information is at www.oak-brook.org/1280/Taste-of-Oak-Brook.
Franklin Park street dance includes food vendors and more
The Park District of Franklin Park will host a street dance from 6 to 11 p.m. July 10 at 9560 Franklin Ave.
The event includes far more than dancing. Live music, children’s activities and local food vendors will be available.
Details are at 847-455-2852.
Sledding hill closed to allow turf to rebuild
The Park District of Oak Park has closed Barrie Park Sled Hill through November as part of an effort to restore the hill’s surface.
The project includes grading, seeding and blanketing the hill with the goal of helping the grass get established. Having better turf in place will protect the hill to allow long-time use.
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