Flags such as these will mark graves of of Civil War soldiers in Forest Hill Cemetery in Glen Ellyn. Volunteers will begin planting flags  May 22. To help, call (630) 469-1867 or visit the historical society’s website at glenellynhistory.org.

COUNTY

Itasca resident appointed to county board

The DuPage County Board unanimously approved Chairman Dan Cronin’s appointment of Dino Gavanes of Itasca to serve on the Board, filling the vacant District 1 seat following the resignation of Paul Fichtner.

Gavanes is a principal with the Advisers Group Inc. with more than 40 years of experience in the insurance industry. He graduated from the University of Illinois with a B.S. in Engineering and received his M.B.A. from DePaul University. Gavanes has held several leadership positions within the insurance industry including President of the Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois, and national director from Illinois to the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America (IIABA). He also serves on the Board of Governors of the National Alliance for Insurance Education and Research. He serves on the Board of the Itasca Chamber of Commerce and the Itasca Police Pension Fund.

Gavanes will complete Fichtner’s term, which ends Nov. 30. DuPage’s District 1 includes all or parts of Addison, Bensenville, Bloomingdale, Elmhurst, Elk Grove, Glendale Heights, Lombard, Roselle, Villa Park and Wood Dale.

GLEN ELLYN

Flags will mark graves of Civil War soldiers

Civil War soldiers will be remembered this Memorial Day with flags on their graves in Forest Hill Cemetery. Volunteers will begin planting flags at 10 a.m. May 22, at the cemetery, Riford Road at St. Charles Road, Glen Ellyn. The effort is being led by the Glen Ellyn Historical Society.

The public is invited to join the historical society volunteers to walk together to locate the graves of Civil War soldiers and to place the flags. Advance registration is not required.

The historical society began the flag remembrance at Memorial Day two years ago and the recognition has become an annual event. Flags will be picked up May 29. For information, call 630-469-1867 or visit the historical society’s website at glenellynhistory.org.

ELMHURST

Orchestra announces new season

“Musical Masters” will be the theme when the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra opens its 58th season this fall with five major concerts on its schedule.

The season will begin Oct. 7 with a program celebrating the music of Leonard Bernstein and will continue with performances showcasing French composers, German baroque masters, symphonies of Prokofiev and Mozart and finally Mahler’s “Symphony No. 5.”

All the concerts will be at Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church, 149 W. Brush Hill Road, Elmhurst.

Subscriptions are available through May 31 for three to five concerts and range in cost from $90 to $130, with savings as much as 28 percent compared to single ticket prices. To become a member or request a season brochure, call 630-941-0202 or visit elmhurstsymphony.org.

Here’s a look at the schedule:

• 3 p.m. Oct. 7: “Bernstein Spectacular” featuring soprano Michelle Areyzaga in an afternoon of Leonard Bernstein vocal and instrumental favorites. Copland’s “Suite from Our Town” also is on the program.
• 3 p.m. Nov. 11: “French Connections” showcases the talents of organist Michael Surratt and pianist Adam Nieman and music of Bizet, Chopin and Saint-Saëns.
• 3 p.m. Jan. 27, 2019: “Trumpet Glory: German Baroque Masters” features the music of Telemann and Handel.
• 7 p.m. March 2, 2019: “Classical Delights” features the music of Prokofiev and Mozart.
• 7 p.m. May 4, 2019: “Mahler Immersion!” brings the season to a close.

AURORA

Garden club holds annual sale

The Fox Valley Garden Club hosts its annual Gardeners’ Sale this coming Saturday. Stroll through the farmer’s market-style sale that features vendors selling plants and gardening-related items. The market will be open 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. May 19, at the Aurora Transportation Center – Metra Train Station, 233 N. Broadway (Route 25). Proceeds from the sale fund the club’s community projects. Visit foxvalleygardenclub.com./

NAPERVILLE

Rotary celebrates Residents who make a difference

Rotary Club of Naperville honored non-Rotarian community members for their service to Naperville. Called Paul Harris Fellows, those who were singled out May 10 are:

• Steve Rubin
• John & Agnes Anderson
• Margie Tarpey
• Moses Baryoh
• Kathryn Boyens
• Chuck Papanos
• Caroline Senetar
• Steve Skorup

The Paul Harris Award is the highest recognition that Rotary bestows on individuals who exemplify the Rotary’s motto, Service above Self. The club honors individuals who have made a difference in improving the quality of life in our community and have shown leadership in volunteer activity.

The purpose of Rotary is to bring together business and professional leaders to provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards, and help build goodwill and peace in the world. The Rotary Club of Naperville has more than 135 members who meet every Thursday at noon, at the Pavilion at Meson Sabika, 1025 Aurora Ave., Naperville.

WHEATON

Cantigny marks WWI battle

The centennial anniversary of World War I’s Battle of Cantigny will be observed May 28, at its namesake, Cantigny Park in Wheaton.

The U.S. Army’s First Division led the charge during the battle that began on May 28, 1918, ultimately liberating the small village of Cantigny from German occupation.The first offensive major battle American forces fought in World War I, The Battle of Cantigny, had a significant impact on the life of Col. Robert R. McCormick. After arriving home from his service, Col. McCormick, renamed his family estate Cantigny after the battle.

To celebrate this historic anniversary, the First Division Museum will offer moments of reflection with a memorial ceremony and poppy display, as well as family-friendly activities.

A memorial ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. to commemorate the centennial of the Battle of Cantigny with a memorial ceremony, wreath laying and pigeon release.

At 1 p.m., costumed performers will read letters from soldiers spanning from World War I to Operation Desert Storm.

A World War I encampment with living-history reenactors and historic vehicles will be on exhibit all day on the Parade Field. There will also be reenactments of McCormick’s 1937 speech in Cantigny, France, at 11 a.m., noon, 1, 2 and 3 p.m.

An artistic poppy display in the World War I galleries will contemplate the casualties of WWI.

The Illinois Brass Band will perform at 3 p.m. There will be a World War I photo booth; and self-guided tours of the newly renovated museum First Division Museum.

From 11 a.m.-5 p.m., activities for kids include dressing up with WWI history trunks, finger knitting, making poppy pinwheels, and building and painting Doughboy helmets.

–DuPage County News Briefs–