Enjoying Summer- Dupage Links for August 6th

The weekends of summer are quickly counting down. I don't know about you, but I feel like it took us so long to get into the swing of summer that now I want to cram as much fun in as I can before the weather turns cold again. And with all that is going on around us in the next few weeks, it seems I am not the only one trying to pack on the fun.

All night Garage Sale- Friday August 7th 9am through Saturday August 8th 4pm
Wheaton Drama Playhouse 111 N. Hale Street, Wheaton
Admission is free. Come see what treasures may await... at 1am!! :)

Veggie Fest 2009- Saturday August 8th 11 am - 8 pm and Sunday August 9th 11 am - 7 pm
Science of Spirituality Meditation Center, 4S 175 Naperville-Wheaton Road, Naperville
This free event features cooking demos, over 100 food vendors, and health talks by medical professionals... all centered around eating vegetarian and making healthy lifestyle choices. There will also be events and games for kids, live music and a food drive collecting non-perishable vegetarian foods to be donated to the People's Resource Center. I was perusing the video and comments about the event last year. It seems pretty cool. Are there any vegetarian DupageMamas out there that want to check this out and take some pictures to share?

Poochapalooza- Sunday, August 9th 1pm-4pm
Spring Avenue Dog Park, 185 Spring Avenue, Glen Ellyn
Fun for your whole family, including your canine friends. There will be pet vendors and demonstrations and a performance by the Purina Incredible Dog Team. The cost is $5 per pooch and you can register at www.gepark.org. I am for sure taking my Beagle down for some puppy-fun. If nothing else, maybe he'll learn something from the highly trained Purina dogs. It can't hurt to try.

Children's Flea Market- Wednesday August 12th 10-11:30am
Geneva Public Library Youth Services Department
A place for kids to sell their unwanted toys and trinkets and browse other kids' unwanted treasures too. All items must sell for $1 or less. Visit www.geneva.lib.il.us for more info and to register. What a great idea!! Although, with my will-power I would leave with more toys than I came with.

League of Women Voters of Glen Ellyn's Annual Wine and Cheese Event- Thursday August 13th 7pm
Hungry for some stimulating conversation and some free wine and cheese? This event is for you. The Glen Ellyn League of Women Voters is holding their annual new member's event. The focus of the evening is talking about ways you can get more involved in local and state politics and discussing current issues that affect us all. The event is free and open to the public but is held in a private home so send an e-mail to info@lwvge.org to find out the event details.

"Surviving the Recession" Workshops- Saturday August 15th 8:30am - 1:30pm
DuPage County Administration Building, 421 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton
Information about different programs in DuPage county that can help resolve issues regarding health care, employment, and food assistance. Also advice on how to avoid home foreclosure and stay afloat in these challenging financial times.

County Fair- Saturday August 29- Sunday August 30th
Kline Creek Farm County Farm Road Winfield
A recreation of an 1890's county fair, complete with a flea circus. :)

Also at Kline Creek Farm, don't forget their regular children's story hours and chore times for some classic summer fun.

Other great resources for Dupage summer fun:
Outdoor concerts, movies, and more at the Arboretum
A very extensive list of events around Dupage County courtesy of the DupageConvention and Visitors' Bureau

Wanna take your kids to a ballgame but don't want to drive? Check out the Pace Bus routes to Wrigley and U.S. Cellular Field.

And as always, be sure to check with your loal park district to see what summer fun they have planned for the next few weeks. Then just get out there are enjoy the last few weeks of summer with your family and your community!

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Weekend Events and the National Night Out- Dupage Links for July 30, 2009

This Saturday, August 1st, stop by the Whole Foods in Wheaton for some singing, dancing, healthy and delicious samplings, book readings, prizes and more! PBS' Miss Lori will be there as part of the entertainment.

Or if you like your entertainment a little more tactile, the Village of Winfield is having their annual Touch a Truck extravaganza also this Saturday the 1st at 11am. We went to a similar event a few weeks ago and the boys LOVED it!! You can't go wrong with ginormous dump trucks and diggers! Visit the website for a map to Winfield's Founder's Park on County Farm Rd.

Every weekend during the summer, the Morton Arboretum holds Theater-Hikes. In August, they are doing Charlotte's Web. They perform part of the play then the entire group hikes to the next location for the continuation of the play. We can't go this weekend, but we are definitely gonna try to fit this in this month. I think it sounds so fun! If you go, let me know what you think.

Next Tuesday, August 4th, is the National Night Out. National Night Out is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness and to generate support for and participation in local anti-crime programs. It is also meant to strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back. Most communities will have increased police presence that night and are encouraging their residents to turn on all outdoor lights and get outside and talk with your neighbors. Some communities are having neighborhood watch meetings so check with your local village/city hall to see if your town has anything planned for the evening.

On August 5th, the Catholic Charities and the DuPage Educational Foundation will be holding a Back To School Fair where they distribute backpacks and school supplies to families struggling financially. This is done in cooperation with the Humanitarian Service Project, a group that strives to do the same year-round for under-privileged families in the DuPage County area. If you are interested in donating money or supplies to this effort, check out these links with contact information. My family and I are going to donate a backpack or two. I am always on the lookout for tangible ways to teach my sons about the importance of giving to others out of the abundance we have been blessed with. I am excited about this chance to let my family give back even in a small way to our community. Would anyone want to contribute something as a DupageMamas community? Leave a comment here or drop us an e-mail.

Do you know of any events coming up? Let us know so we can spread the word - or write up a post and we'll put it up. If you go to an event, write about it! Or take a picture for us to see the fun you're having.

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Concerts and Conferences and Fairs, oh my!

Its Fair Time! We've said it before, but its finally here - the Dupage County Fair! There's so much to do - check it out.

Are any of you Bloggers going to BlogHer this weekend? Bloggers from all over the world are flying to our very own Chicago for one of the coolest blogging conferences around. I wasn't able to get a ticket in time (bummer!) but Farrah will be there so keep your eyes peeled!

Do any of you like Keb Mo? He's got some cool tunes, and he'll be playing at the Morton Arboretum on Friday, July 24th. And if that wasn't enough, Smokey Robinson is playing on Saturday, July 25th! So, head to the Arboretum and enjoy the music and nature together.

If that's not enough to choose from, Oak Brook's Mayslake Peabody Estate Open House and Art Fair is Saturday and Sunday, July 24-25th, with live music and theater and tours of the Estate.

Last but not least, my son's third birthday party is this coming Saturday - but not open to the public. :)

Its summer! Get outside, hear some live music, eat some donuts, and enjoy the sun.

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Rivers, Fairs, and Sidewalks - Dupage News and Events for 7/16/09

Feel like strolling along the river?
If you're looking for a nice summer stroll, you're fortunate enough to have the World's best option. Well, maybe that's going too far. But the Naperville Riverwalk was just voted the Most Loved City Park in Glancer Magazine's 2009 Reader's Choice Awards. From the city press release:

Built in 1981 to commemorate the city's 150th birthday, the Riverwalk features fountains, covered bridges, the Riverwalk amphitheater consisting of the Celebration 2000 Millennium Wall and labyrinth, gazebos and shaded sitting areas, a large sled hill, the Riverwalk Eatery, a picnic pavilion and paddleboat rides. The Riverwalk is maintained by the Naperville Park District and is open year-round.

Way to go Naperville! I may just have to stroll on over myself one of these summer evenings.

Its Fair Time!
The Dupage County Fair Takes Place July 22 To July 26. Unlike past years, all concerts are free with admission to the DuPage County Fair. Besides music fair goers can experience carnival rides, food vendors, livestock exhibits, a demolition derby and several types of kids' activities. Nothing says "summer" like wandering around the Fairgrounds with cotton candy and mini donuts. I can't wait. Will I see you there?

Sidewalk Sales!
Another great hallmark of summer when I was a kid were sidewalk sales. Remember those? I remember hitting the sales with my mom and stocking up on school supplies, off season clothes, and even Christmas presents each summer. This weekend downtown Elmhurst is having sidewalk sales July 17-19 during business hours. Show 'till you drop!

Rockin' for the Troops
This Saturday, July 18th, is the 4th annual Rockin' For the Troops benefit concert event at Cantigny Park in Winfield. Gates open at noon for you to claim your spot on the lawn and check out all the food vendors with opening acts starting around 3pm. Headliner Gary Sinise and his Lt. Dan Band goes on at 8pm. I went a couple years ago and Gary Sinise is actually really great! Plus we had a picnic on the lawn and had a fabulous evening! Tickets are $25 with all profits going towards sending boxes of goodies to troops serving overseas. You can get tickets by clicking the link here or at your local Jewel-Osco.


Do you know of any events coming up? Let us know so we can spread the word - or write up a post and we'll put it up. If you go to an event, write about it! Or take a picture for us to see the fun you're having.

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Sad news from Cosley Zoo

Today's guest blogger is Mandie from Wheaton:


Have you heard? The beloved horse, June, who has made Cosley Zoo home for the past several years died this past Sunday. She was 14 years old. According to one of the zookeepers, she was sick and taken to the vet, but did not survive. She died on Sunday evening, July 12, 2009. June was an American Cream Draft Horse and shared her stall with Pro the Shetland Pony. Pro appeared to be somewhat lost while on display today. Normally he is seen following June as she wanders in the horse enclosure. The zookeeper said, "He knows something is different, but I don't think he knows what," as she sympathetically scratched him behind his ears. Since June was not in the stall with Pro at her time of death, the keeper staff does not believe she is mourning at this time. According to Danielle, a zoo spokesperson, they hope to get a new companion for Pro since horses thrive with companionship.

There will be a memorial fund to remember June, but details are not yet available. If you are interested in making a donation in honor of June, you can do so by contacting the staff of the Cosley Zoo.

On a personal note, while the ducks are String Bean's favorite zoo animals by far, she is always thrilled to see the horses. Today was a sad day as the big white horse no longer is with us.

Have you heard a piece of news that might interest Dupage Mamas? Write us a post and we'll put it up.

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County Fair and other DuPage News

Coming to a fairgrounds near you.... the DuPage County Fair July22nd-26
Adults are $10, Kids 3 and up are $3 (ride tickets are extra)
(Click here for a $2 coupon)

I was 9months pregnant at last year's fair and we had a ball! We loved the carousel and the petting zoo and, of course, all the yummy treats!

Want to go and then blog about it? We would love to see the fair through your eyes! Send us your thoughts and pics.

Speaking of carnivals... Would you travel halfway across the globe to work at local fairs for the summer? These two girls did.
(BTW- the Glendale Heights Summerfest Festival is going on now through Sunday if you want to meet these two ladies for yourself.)

Looking for other free fun options, check out this list of some funky free concerts around DuPage County this summer. I'm thinking the Sting Rays 50's/60's cover band looks fun!

Want yummy ice cream? Here is a map of all the best ice cream places in the western 'burbs. You can even add your favorite to the list or just take other people's word for it.

Other News...
Could be trouble for the main Pace Bus route that travels through Dupage County. With so few options for public transportation in the suburbs, it would be a shame to see this go away. But it seems as if that decision is up to the Wheaton City Council.

But even in times of financial strain, the United Way of Dupage County is still working miracles for those in need in our community.

More Dupage County News Briefs

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Fireworks!! and Other Holiday Links

Here is a very comprehensive Fireworks List of all the local celebrations in Chicagoland (here is another too). But here, too, are some links for a few of the Dupage 4th of July parties near you.


Wheaton parade and fireworks: The parade starts at 10 and the fireworks are at dusk. We have actually gone to this parade for the last few years but will be out of town this year. I am kinda bummed to miss it. They do a nice job.

Glen Ellyn: Fireworks at Lake Ellyn at dusk but there is a little family carnival there too from 1:30-4:30.

Naperville Rib Fest: Thursday the 2nd-Sunday the 5th, Fireworks on the 4th at 9:30. Even if you don't go to Ribfest, they are opening the gates to the public at 7pm for the fireworks.

And the Fourth of July wouldn't be the same without the Taste. My Hubby and I went one year (pre-kids) and it was one of the hottest, most tiring days of my life. But the food is delish so it makes it somehow worth it. :)
Taste of Chicago: June 26th- July 5th.
Fireworks on the 3rd at 9pm and fireworks at Navy Pier- July4 9:00

Other fun Independence Day links:
You may want to check out this tutorial on how to take good fireworks pictures with your point-and-shoot or SLR camera. It has some good tips on how to get those perfect shots of the fireworks.
A goofy quiz- How well do you know our country's history?
Some 4th of July Crafts and activities for you and your kiddos to try
Patriotic Recipes for that backyard barbecue or family get-together

If you have a favorite 4th celebration or a tip on how to make the most of the weekend, we would love to hear it. Leave a comment here and get the discussion going.

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Trouble in Illinois

Everyone knows that we've having economic trouble right now, and the impact this is having everywhere - Wall Street, Main Street, our families, our jobs. But I hadn't realized the impact on Government until I began reading about the "crisis budget" our Illinois State Legislature needs to pass before the end of the month.

While I understand that budgets need to be balanced - and certainly don't advocate for going further into debt or cutting, say, roads or schools - I have a hard time seeing how a state could function with no money going into Human Services. Some of the proposed cuts would mean, for instance, no state funding for Mental Health services, domestic violence shelters, substance abuse programs, disability services. Where are the people currently served by these programs (and this is just a few examples) going to go if their programs are cut and their residences closed? It is estimated that 20 percent of Dupage County residents will be directly hit by these cuts, not to mention the impact it will have on all of us to have these vulnerable populations suddenly without resources. This link will give you the specific impact to Dupage County.

I'm sure this isn't the first you've heard about the proposed budget cuts; I know my inbox was flooded with concerns from just about every Human Services agency and community-aware friend that I have when it was first announced. And the general consensus is that the state probably won't cut Human Service programs entirely as has been put forward.

But the fact remains - there's not a lot of money in the economy right now, and government is no exception (all the recent poor behavior hasn't helped that either). If not Human Services, then what should be cut? What are we willing to live without? Or are we ok with racking up debt? Or paying higher taxes?

I once heard that, before the Great Depression, recession was seen as a good and healthy thing. It caused society to consider its choices and readjust to meet with reality on individual and corporate levels. Since the Great Depression we've just been scared of what could happen. And I'm scared right now of what could and is happening - to individuals and family's, businesses, and governments. But maybe it is good for us to take a look at our budgets - at home and at work - and reevaluate our priorities.

Which makes me also ask - if our state does cut services to the most needy and vulnerable among us, will we as individuals and groups step up to fill the gap?

Well, I sat down this morning to give you a flavor of the news and events going on around Dupage County, but it looks like I got bogged down. I'll be back with our regularly scheduled links next week; in the meantime, I'd love to hear your thoughts on this. If you would like to take action, this link will hep.

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Dupage News for June 11, 2009

More affordable housing in Dupage County? Hmmm.... I'm listening.

June is Bike Month in Naperville. Their aim is to emphasize the importance on bicycle safety and encourage residents to travel by bicycle, especially for trips less than 2miles.
June 15th (monday) is being set aside as Bike Day and they are encouraging people to only travel by bike on that day. There are several other promotional events going on, including something called "Bike for Donuts." Now that may be a cycling promotion I could get behind. :)

The former site of the Jewel in Downtown Wheaton will finally be going up for sale in the next few weeks. The site has sat empty since the store closed in Feb. of 2008 after being open for more than 4 decades. It is such a prime spot, so close to downtown and to major through roads. (Side note: In college, my friends and I used to call it "ghetto Jewel." HeHe!!) I wonder what they will put there?

Even though this happened in Cook County, I still love what these kids did: A human chain that resulted in over 5,000 items donated to their local food pantry. What a cool idea to get kids excited about giving their time and resources to those in need.

Like, No Way!! Am I the only girl who will admit to being a fan of The Hills? (It is shockingly addictive and very entertaining!) Well, if I am not the only fan, you may be interested to know that Lauren is coming to Naperville on June 20th to pitch her new young adult fiction book. I will probably be passing on the novel, but it would be fun to see LC in person. If I wasn't going to be at the Wheaton Market that Saturday, I might actually have joined in the fun. Anybody want to go and take a picture for me? :)

Speaking of markets... here is a great map of local markets and list of the days and hours.

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Roses, Tasting, and Cook Offs - Dupage News for 6/4/09

Its almost the weekend! And even better, its almost the weekend during summertime. So there's bound to be something exciting going on. Here's a few things I've found.

Roselle Rose Festival
Roselle is celebrating its 50th Annual Rose Festival, and the town is kicking it up with all kinds of different activities, going from June 4th through June 7th.

Taste of Wheaton
While Roselle is celebrating a 50 year tradition, a brand new tradition is being started just a few miles south. Wheaton has consolidated their "Cream of Wheaton" and "Autumnfest" celebrations into a brand new event - the Taste of Wheaton. Its a five day fest from June 3-7th, with free admission.

ConAgra Foods Healthy Kids Cookoff
If you have kids between the ages of 9-13 who enjoy cooking, this is the place for you. In an Iron Chef-style event, teams of kids, culinary students, and Chicago's chefs will compete to create "tasty, healthy, and low-cost meals and snacks." My two year old has loved cooking since he was born...I wonder if he'd pass for a nine year old??

Shopping!!!
And of course, nothing says summer weekend like garage sales! Here's where to find all that's for sale this weekend.

Do you have a great idea for local events or activities? Write up a guest post, or send us the links!

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Trucks, Trees, and Tutus - Dupage News for May 28, 2009

Touch a Truck
West Chicago is hosting their annual "Touch-a-Truck" event this Saturday (the 30th) at Reed-Keppler Park (9am-11am). The kiddos will have the chance to climb on and sit in unusual trucks and cars of all sorts. Police cars, construction trucks, ... you name it, it will be there for your truck-lover to devour. Add in some free hot dogs and Italian ice and you've got a party! :)

Animal Houses at the Morton Arboretum
Let your little animal run around and explore 10 new animal habitats built to human scale. Kids (and adults too) can experience these houses that are designed to show how trees provide shelter for animals and reinforce the importance of appreciating and protecting the trees. Come see how the coyotes, beavers, raccoons, skunks, ants, and more depend on the trees for survival. The animal houses exhibit is free with admission to the Arboretum ($11adult, $8child 2-17).

Time Capsule
When I was in high school, some friends and I put some of our favorite memories into a shoe box and hid it in the ceiling tiles of our church, thinking we would come back years later and share some laughs. I probably don't need to tell you that it never happened. But, if you want to be part of a real time capsule, you can submit something to the City of Wheaton by August 10th.

Tutus for a Cause
Two GlenEllyn moms are selling their adorable tutus at the GlenEllyn Farmer's Market and Flea Market this Friday and Saturday. Both these women have lost loved ones to breast cancer and started selling their creations to raise money for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day Breast Cancer Walk in August.

Need more Dupage News.... Rib fest, Recycling, local High Schools get awards....Check out these little blurbs.
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Planning Ahead....
For those of you (us) with busy social calendars that fill up fast, be sure to pencil in some of these fun events you won't want to miss:
Taste of Wheaton Festival June 3-7
50th Annual Rose Festival in Roselle June 4-7
Poetry in the Park June 13th
Naperville Rib Fest July 2-5

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Worthy causes abound this weekend

Did you know that one blood donation can save three lives? That's hard to pass up. The Wheaton Police Department will be sponsoring its sixth annual blood drive on May 15. The event will take place at the Wheaton Police Department, 900 W. Liberty Drive, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Here's where to go for more information.

The Environmental Improvement Commission welcomes the community to lend a hand during the DuPage County River Sweep on May 16. From 9 a.m. to noon, volunteers are needed to remove trash and debris and restore stream banks of the DuPage River and its tributaries. Here's your link to find out more

There is so much going on in West Chicago on Saturday, May 16th, at their Blooming Fest! This sounds like something you won't want to miss, be you child, shopper, or vendor - so check it out!

What are you planning for this weekend? Let us know! Send us your tips, posts, or pictures! For today's headlines, scroll to the bottom of this page for daily news links - updated each day.

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A little Coffee, a litte dancing, a little (more) kite flying

Do you live in Roselle? Do you like Coffee?
Coffee with the Village Board is a great opportunity to meet and talk with the Mayor and Board of Trustees. The next Coffee with the Board is this Saturday, May 2, from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. at Village Hall. Unlike regular Village Board or Committee of the Whole meetings, this informal session provides residents and business owners an opportunity to discuss issues affecting them and the community. So come in and enjoy a cup of coffee and chat with your local elected officials.Is that a cool idea or what? Visit the Roselle city website for more info.

West Chicago's Artist in Residency
Have you heard about West Chicago's Artist in Residency program? This is too cool to miss, resident or not. From May 8th-16th, 2009 New York based artist Jorge Rojas will be working collaboratively with the community with the theme of "My Space." Visit the West Chicago city website for details.

Feel like dancing?
The City of Naperville's Sister Cities Commission invites residents and local business people to listen to the music of the Zobor Folk Ensemble on Friday, May 1, 2009 at 5:30 p.m. at the Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle Street. The Zobor Folk Ensemble was founded in 1956 at the Slovak Agricultural Institute in Nitra, Slovakia. The ensemble is comprised of a folk music group, chorus and dance group. They incorporate costumes, dances, music and songs that represent a wide range of eras of Slovak culture. The group has performed throughout Slovakia as well as more than 25 other countries.

The purpose of the Sister Cities Commission is to foster international understanding and friendship by forging personal links through city-to-city affiliations. By exchanging ideas and experiences with Nitra, Slovakia, the two cities strive to strengthen culture, business, government and environment. For more information, contact the Sister Cities Commission at (630) 420-6018 or visit www.naperville.il.us/sistercities.aspx.

Did you fly a kite?
Wheaton's Mayor announced that while the 800 simultaneously flying kites during Wheaton's Go Fly a Kite event fell short of setting the Guinness World Record, overwhelming community response has sealed a run for the record in 2010.

“We had overwhelming community response to an idea we thought would just be a fun day in one of our beautiful Wheaton parks,” Gresk said. “People have been asking when we will do it again, so we’ve decided to attempt a new world record on Saturday, April 17, 2010. It will be bigger and better than ever.”

You might be the best Mommy in Glen Ellyn!
Well, I bet your kids think so. Its not too late to twist their arms into entering you into this contest!

Dupage Mamas keeps you up to date on local news and events that pertain to you. Do you have a news item you'd like to share with the Dupage Mamas community? If so, send us your tips, posts, or pictures! For today's headlines, scroll to the bottom of this page for daily news links - updated each day!

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Shakespeare, Garage Sales, and Free Money!

Hear ye, hear ye! Doth thou knowest that...(cough). Sorry, I can't keep that up for long. What I meant to say was "Did you know that Chicago has dubbed today Talk like Shakespeare Day?" You better believe it. He would have been 445 years old today. So, geteth thou into thine...oh, forget it. I hope you do better than I am.

One thing I am good at is knowing a good deal when I see one. Am I the only one that can't stand to buy all the truck load of gear kids need at full price? Our Savior Lutheran Church in Carol Stream is hosting their annual mega Garage Sale this coming Saturday, April 25th. So come on over and spend - I mean, save - some money with me!

Speaking of Garage Sales, its finally warm enough for us to start trading goods with our neighbors once again. Click here for a complete list of Garage Sales open this weekend.

Don't have money for shopping? Thousands of Dupage residents can be expecting $250 checks in the mail. Are you one of them?

And last but certainly not least, two winners have already been announced here at Dupage Mamas, and there's four more contests to go. Sign up and tell your friends before its too late!

Dupage Mamas keeps you up to date on local news and events that pertain to you. Do you have a news item you'd like to share with the Dupage Mamas community? If so, send us your tips, posts, or pictures! For today's headlines, scroll to the bottom of this page for daily news links - updated each day!

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Earth Day Events

Looking for something to do tomorrow on Earth Day?  Here are some local options for celebrating all things Green.  

Residents in or near Wheaton have plenty of Earth Day action to pick from:

Celebrate Arbor Day at April 24 Ceremony

Want to plant a tree?  Join Washington Elementary School in Wheaton on Friday, April 24

Prairie Path Cleanup

Do you love the Prairie Path?  Here's your chance to give back!  Wear gloves to this event on Saturday, April 25th.  

Buy Native Plants

Did you know that using plants native to Dupage County helps the environment?  Native plants don't require pesicides and they provide a safe habitat for native wildlife.  The sale is also on Saturday, April 25th. 

Libertyville is hosting a "Give Back to the Earth Day" on Wednesday, April 22nd.  

The Morton Arboretum in Lisle has activities for kids this weekend, April 25-26th, where they can plant seeds and seedlings to bring home.  

Of course, you could also save the gas and fumes and spend Earth Day at home planting your own garden!  

Whatever you do for Earth Day, we'd love to hear about it.  Write up a post and send it to us for submission!  And don't forget to enter our giveaways: 

Women's Massage Gift Certificate

Barefoot Books

Homemade Gourmet

Ring Sling Baby Carrier

Dupage Mamas keeps you up to date on local news and events that pertain to you. Do you have a news item you'd like to share with the Dupage Mamas community? If so, send us your tips, posts, or pictures!  For today's headlines, scroll to the bottom of this page for daily news links - updated each day! 

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Dupage News for April 16, 2009

Let's go fly a kite!
I seriously think this sounds so fun and exciting. As we've already mentioned, this coming Saturday, April 18th, Wheaton is hoping to break the Guinness Book of World Records record for most number of kites flying simultaneously. If they break the record, wouldn't you and your kids love to have been part of it? And even if they don't...how fun to fly kites with so many others?

Guinness' rules state that participants must register ahead of time and sign in the day of. The current record is 967, but wouldn't it be fun to be that 968th kite next weekend? More details and registration can be found here.

So here's what I'm thinking - who wants to go fly a kite, then submit a guest post or a picture about it? Maybe even a Weird Picture Friday picture? If you go to this event, as participant or just to watch, send us something to post about it!

Got paper?
The Village of Downers Grove will be hosting a Paper-Shredding Event on Saturday, April 18, 2009 from 8:00 a.m. until Noon at the Police Department, 825 Burlington Ave. This free service is being offered to Downers Grove residents in an effort to prevent identity theft. Participants must show proof of Downers Grove residency.

Three brown paper bags or banker's boxes worth of documents will be shredded per customer and shredded materials will be taken to a recycling facility.

Lock your car door
The Wheaton Police Department continues to receive reports of multiple motor vehicle burglaries occurring throughout the city. In the vast majority of all burglaries, the vehicles were left unlocked. Vehicle burglaries are occurring during hours of daylight and darkness. Property taken includes computer-related equipment, cell phones, cash and radios.

This is a problem throughout Dupage County - its easy to look innocent if you're just opening an unlocked door. This may be our home, but please - lock your car doors and don't be afraid to call 911 if you think you see something suspicious.

Recycling Extravaganza
Ever wondered where you can recycle that old American flag, scrap metal, car batteries, and wheel chairs? Well, here's your chance - all that and more. The date is this coming Saturday, April 18th, so fly your kite, shred your documents, and recycle your random items - all in one day!

For more headlines, scroll to the bottom of this page for daily news links - updated each day! And don't forget to our daily giveaways this week - six days in a row!

Dupage Mamas keeps you up to date on local news that pertains to you. Do you have a news item you'd like to share with the Dupage Mamas community? If so, send us your tips, posts, or pictures!

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Dupage News for April 13, 2009

Desperate for Donuts?
This story is almost too wacky to be true, but a Dunkin' Donuts in Dupage was robbed by a teenager who later returned to apologize, return the money, and offer the frightened employee a hug. The Hinsdale police department initially thought it was a joke when they received the call, and once they heard the whole story commented that they had never heard of anything like this.

Go Fly a Kite 2009
If you're looking for something to do this coming Saturday, April 18th, why not help set a new world record? Wheaton is hoping to break the Guinness Book of World Records record for most number of kites flying simultaneously. Guinness' rules state that participants must register ahead of time and sign in the day of. The current record is 967, but wouldn't it be fun to be that 968th kite next weekend? More details and registration can be found here.

Need a job?
If you have a teenager who hopes to work a summer job, its not too early to start looking. Many of the jobs typically slated as summer work for teens now have unemployed adults competing for them. Here's some info on what you can expect, what the stimulus plan means for teenage workers, and where you can go if you need help searching for jobs.

Want to start your own business? Itasca might be the place.

Want some of Ethel's Chocolate? Better get some before the end of the month.

Dupage Mamas keeps you up to date on local news that pertains to you. Do you have a news item you'd like to share with the Dupage Mamas community? If so, send us your tips, posts, or pictures.

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Dupage News for April 9, 2009

Dupage Election Results
I admit it. I didn't vote this week. And apparently not many of us did. But in case you still care who won, here ya' go! Our lives are impacted by who wins these local elections in ways we aren't always aware of. But it is good to know who is making the decisions for our community.

Easter
A very comprehensive list of worship services this weekend throughout our area. If you are wanting to attend a service on Good Friday or Easter Sunday, click the link and flip through the pages to find the worship style and times that are the best fit for you.

An Egg Hunt at Whole Foods in Wheaton or Naperville
Wheaton: Saturday the 11th. Enjoy a free morning with the easter bunny which includes the kids (4-7) painting their own egg and doing an egg hunt in the store. Register at the customer service desk. 10am-12
Naperville: Saturday the 11th. An afternoon of easter fun including dying eggs and decorating cupcakes will all natural dyes. Also sample a variety of holiday dinner ideas throughout the store. 12-3pm

More Easter Activities...
A Free Egg Hunt at Cantigny Park Sat. 11th 10:30-12:30 with different hunts for different age groups (parking fee still applies). No registration required.
Breakfast with the Bunny at Brookfield Zoo Sat. 11th, 9:00 and 11:00 seatings. From $18.50child/$26.00 adult (members) $24.50child/$36.00adult (non-members) (children under 3 free). Register online.
Naperville Park District Sat. 11th 27th Annual Egg Hunt 10:00sharp! (free)


Sprucing up Downtown
Many local downtown areas, including Downtown Wheaton, are seeing signs of their own spring with new business moving in and beginning to thrive even in the midst of this economic downturn. People seem to be rallying to support local businesses and business owners from the community.


For more headlines, scroll to the bottom of this page for daily news links - updated each day!

Dupage Mamas keeps you up to date on local news that pertains to you. Do you have a news item you'd like to share with the Dupage Mamas community? If so, send us your tips, posts, or pictures! Know of an Easter activity, comment here so everyone else can know about it too.

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Dupage News for April 6, 2009

Here's a bit of what's new around Dupage County. Click the headline to read more.

Time to vote!
Wait...didn't we just have an election? Tomorrow, Tuesday April 7th, is the day you should once again be making your way to your local polling place. These local elections might not have the marketing power of the national elections, but here you're a bigger fish in a smaller pond - and these are decisions that directly impact you and your family. Education, taxes, libraries...local government impacts us and we can make an impact too. You can find out everything you need to know here.

Snow!
In April? At Easter time? Really?

Here's the wind-up...
It's opening day for baseball season, snow or no snow! Will it be the Cubs or White Sox this year?


For more headlines, scroll to the bottom of this page for daily news links - updated each day!

Dupage Mamas keeps you up to date on local news that pertains to you. Do you have a news item you'd like to share with the Dupage Mamas community? If so, send us your tips, posts, or pictures!

Read more...