DuPage County News Briefs

Chronicle Media Staff

Wilder Park Conservatory is favorite location for flower and plant lovers. It will be the site for the Elmhurst Park District’s annual flower show, April 8-April 23, daily 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission is free.

COUNTY

 

Vote processing begins; Vote machines to be tested

 

The DuPage County Election Commission Office has begun processing vote-by-mail ballots for the April 4, 2017 Consolidated General Election, and will continue through Election Day. The processing is conducted by bipartisan teams at the Election Commission Office in the DuPage County complex, 421 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton.

The same office will conduct a public test of the computer equipment and the computer program, which will be utilized for the tabulation of the April 4, 2017, Consolidated General Election, at 9 a.m. March 30, in the auditorium of the Jack T. Knuepfer Building at the county complex. The test will be open to candidates, the press, representatives of political parties and the public.

 

 

Students vie for sustainable water, energy designs

 

This April, DuPage County and SCARCE (School & Community Assistance for Recycling & Composting Education) will celebrate the 11th anniversary of the Sustainable Design Challenge, promoting environmental and stormwater education within Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) curriculum in DuPage County high schools. Each competition brings increasingly advanced designs demonstrating how much water is being detained or energy is being conserved.

The annual event, slated for April 4, encourages participating schools and students to design buildings and landscapes using sustainable design techniques, including green infrastructure to capture and treat stormwater runoff. Last year’s event drew the largest number of participants to date, and this year’s attendance is anticipated to surpass that record.

SCARCE Founder and Executive Director Kay McKeen credits the success of the competition to local teachers who recognize the importance of bringing real life situations into the classroom.

All high schools are encouraged to participate and join groups who are frequent competitors, including students from: Wheaton Warrenville South (Wheaton), Wheaton North, Naperville North, Glenbard South (Glen Ellyn), Glenbard East (Lombard), Addison Trail, College Preparatory School of America (Lombard), Neuqua Valley (Naperville), York High School (Elmhurst), Willowbrook (Villa Park), Downers Grove North, Downers Grove South, Hinsdale Central and Westfield Middle School (Bloomingdale). For information on participating in this year’s challenge, as well as to view a video from last year, visit scarce.org/event/sustainable-design-challenge2017/.

 

 

Chocolates for Charity slated for April 8

 

Become a chocolatier for an evening to raise funds for Hope’s Front Door, a local organization that provides immediate needs, such as food and medical aid, and long-term support to help people get out of a “crisis-to-crisis” existence. The event will be held at Louisia’s and Millie’s Chocolates, 5129 S. Main St., Downers Grove

For a donation of $30 at the door ($25 in advance), participants will have a hands-on experience in making chocolates and will take home a box of their own creations. Snacks and complimentary wine and chocolate beverages will be served.

Reservations will be taken for sessions at 5 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 6 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. April 8. Participants must be 13 or older. Chocolate dipping menu includes strawberries, pretzel rods, candied orange peels and other treats.

To make your reservation, email two time preferences, indicate if you will pay at the door or ahead of time and give the number of guests to charities.friendswhomarch@gmail.com

The public may also donate before the event through Hope’s Front Door’s website and present an email receipt (a printed copy or on a device) for proof of donation.

Funds raised to support Hope’s Front Door vouchers for food, transportation, car repair and lodging to clients seeking assistance in the service area of Darien, Downers Grove, Lisle, Westmont, Willowbrook and Woodridge. Hope’s Front Door is at 1047 Curtiss St., Room 610, Downers Grove. For more information, call (630) 322-9803.

 

 

ELMHURST

 

 

Spring flowers bloom at conservatory

 

The Elmhurst Park District’s annual flower show with be held again at the Wilder Park Conservatory, located in the southwest corner of Wilder Park, 175 Prospect Ave., Elmhurst.

The show will open April 8 and will continue through April 23, daily 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call the Elmhurst Park District administrative office at (630) 993-8900.

 

 

NAPERVILLE

 

 

95th Street Library renovations to begin in April

 

Renovations for the 95th Street Library, 3015 Cedar Glade Road, Naperville, are expected to be in full swing by April. The project include the installation of new furniture and flooring as well as a recording studio, green screen room and teen space with a gaming center.

Other improvements included in this $2.7-million project will feature more small rooms for studying, increased electrical outlets and dedicated quiet zones, with the first floor designated as a social zone and second floor designated as a quiet zone.

The goal is for the space to attract teens to the area after school and help to reduce the noise and commotion on the second floor.

 

 

HINSDALE

 

Volunteers are being sought to spruce up Robbins Park

 

Hinsdale Parks & Recreation is looking for volunteers to clean up Robbins Park on April 21, in honor of Earth Day, which is observed on April 22.

This will be the department’s third annual Park Clean-Up Day. This event is a great opportunity for residents of all ages, scout groups, churches, businesses, and service organizations to give back to the community.

This year the focus location will be Robbins Park, 7th and Vine streets. Projects will include planting, painting and debris removal. Refreshments will be available to our volunteers, compliments of Trader Joe’s in Downers Grove. The work will be down from 4-7 p.m.

To register, call Hinsdale Parks & Recreation at (630) 789-7090.