Raging cannons and marching infantry will be part of a reenactment of the Civil War May 20-May 21, at Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville.

COUNTY

Motorist should watch for turtles on roads

Why do turtles cross the road?

Because they are searching for water, food, mates or nests.

This is not a joke. The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is alerting motorists that turtles are mobile from April through October. Female crossings increase in particular, from mid-May to mid-July, as the turtles make their way to and from nesting sites. They must find the right spots for the eggs, if they are to survive.

DuPage County is home to a variety of native turtle species, including musk, snapping, eastern spiny softshell, common map, painted and Blanding’s.

Forest preserve officials are instructing motorists to be aware that turtles move too slowly to avoid a car and do not react to horns and flashing lights. And contrary to popular belief, their hard shells do not protect them from injury if they are hit or run over.

Anyone who finds an injured turtle should consult the Willowbrook Wildlife Center, 525 S. Park Blvd., Glen Ellyn. Employees and volunteers are available to answer questions daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at (630) 942-6200. Officials report that an endangered female Blanding’s turtle has already been hit this season.

Grocery store closures continue

The DuPage County area will have lost three grocery stores by June 18.

Ultra Foods, part of the Strack & Van Til supermarket chain owned by Central Grocers, a grocery cooperative headquartered in Joliet, has closed stores in Downers Grove and Lombard. Ultra Foods, 501 S. County Farm Road, Wheaton is set to close by June 18.

LISLE

French market opens for another season

Lisle’s French Market opens for another season May 6, at Route 53 and Garfield Avenue in downtown Lisle, adjacent to Prairie Walk Pond. The open-air market will run from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays through Oct. 28.

Vendors change weekly, so each market is a unique experience. Free parking is available adjacent to the market. Admission is free. Pets on a leash are welcome. Diverse offerings include artisan goods, baked goods, cheeses, food, fresh produce, home accessories, jewelry, knife sharpening, meats, olive oils, pet products and more.

NAPERVILLE

Fishermen can cast a line at park district waterways

The fish are biting in Naperville waters. Recreational fishing is available at 19 local parks that have waterways. Naperville Park District staff has recently stocked the pond at Commissioners Park, 2704 111th St., with 500 bluegills, 3-5 inches in size, along with 10 pounds of flathead minnows to provide an immediate food source for the fish.

Other ponds have been stocked in recent years when budget and opportunities allowed, include the pond at Sportsman’s Park, supported by a donation from the Naperville Sportsman’s Club; and the pond at May Watts Park, as part of a program through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Bass, bluegill, other types of sunfish, bullheads and crappies can be caught in local ponds and streams.

The park district offers an introductory program, Fishin’ Kids, for children ages 5-11 and parents at Knoch Knolls Park. Registration is being taken for the June 25 program. To learn more or to register, visit napervilleparks.org.

All state fishing regulations apply to fishing at Naperville Park District locations. Anyone between the ages of 16 and 65 needs a fishing license.

Civil War is subject of two events

Interest in America’s Civil War does not wane, and two events coming to Naperville will likely attract devotees of the subject.

The first one, “Margaret Mitchell – Before and After Scarlett” is a lecture about the life and

times of Pulitzer Prize winner, Margaret Mitchell, author of “Gone with the Wind.”

It will be presented at 4 p.m. May 7, at Century Memorial Chapel, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville, as part of the Naper Settlement’s History Speaks Lecture Series.

General admission is $10 for adults, $9 for youth (4–12 years old) or students. Naper Settlement members’ admission is $8 for adults and $7 for youth (4–12 yeas old) and students.

Hear about Mitchell’s childhood in Atlanta where she grew up listening to the Civil War stories of her relatives who served as Confederate soldiers. Photographs and letters will be shared. Reservations are recommended. Call (630) 420-6010.

The second event will be a weekend of raging cannons, marching infantry and fascinating presentations about life at a Civil War encampment. The presentation will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 20-May 21, at Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. Reenactors will stage a battle at 2:30 p.m., and will portray famous historic figures. Advanced tickets are $13 for adults and $8 for youth (ages 4-12). Day-of tickets are slightly higher. Purchase tickets at napersettlement.org/civilwardays.

ELMHURST

Art in the park attracts Midwest artists

More than 100 artists from around the Midwest will show and sell their work in a juried show of fine art, craft and design May 6 and May 7. The show will be held in Wilder Park, 175 S. Prospect, Elmhurst, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. May 6 and 1-5 p.m. May 7. At nearby Lizzadro Museum, 220 Cottage Hill, Elmhurst, members of the West Suburban Lapidary Club will demonstrate lapidary art at the same time as the art show. For more information, call (630) 833-1616.