Runners take off at the beginning of the annual Bonfield Express 5K, a Thanksgiving tradition in Downers Greove. Registration is still open for the race that gives scholarship assistance to local high school students.

COUNTY

Basket Brigade collecting supplies for the homeless

The DuPage County Basket Brigade has set up approximately 50 donation centers throughout the county to collect non-perishable foods and home care items that will be distributed to homeless families. Donations are being accepted through Nov. 17.  The Basket Brigade will use the donated items to fill baskets and bags. Some items needed for the homeless include: 

• Perishable foods 
• Toothpaste and toothbrushes 
• Deodorant 
• Shampoo and conditioner 
• Unscented soap 
• Gloves, hats, mittens 
• Feminine care products 
• White tube socks

A full list of drop-off locations can be found on the DuPage Basket Brigade website, dupagebasketbrigade.com. The DuPage Basket Brigade, which is run completely by volunteers, aims to fill and distribute 500 family baskets and 250 individual bags.

NAPERVILLE

Tickets to go on sale for Steven Tyler at Ribfest

Tickets will go on sale Nov. 22 for Aerosmith lead singer Steven Tyler’s performance at the 2018 Napeville’s Ribfest. How did Napeville’s Ribfest nab Aerosmith lead singer Steven Tyler as a headliner for the 2018 event? He agreed to perform because a percentage of the money made at the 2018 Ribfest will be donated to Tyler’s philanthropic initiative, Janie’s Fund. Janie’s Fund works with in partnership with Youth Villages to help girls who have been subjected to abuse and neglect.

Tyler, touring with the Loving Mary Band, will be the Saturday night main stage performer at the 2018 Naperville Ribfest on July 7. The tickets are expected to go on sale at 6 p.m. Nov. 22 at ribfest.net. A second Ribfest main stage performer is to be revealed shortly.

The event is sponsored by the Exchange Club of Naperville. The Exchange Club has donated more than $15.5 million to child abuse and domestic violence programs through Ribfest since its inception more than 30 years ago.

ELMHURST

City to light its first Christmas tree

Elmhurst will hold its first tree lighting ceremony to kick off the holiday season at 6 p.m. Nov. 16 in the Gazebo at the intersection of the Prairie Path and Spring Road, 483 S. Spring Road. The Lincoln School Singers will perform Christmas carols before Santa Claus arrives at around 6:30 aboard a fire engine to light the tree. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served.

LISLE

Class for senior execs explores values-driven leadership

How senior executives can use values to guide their leadership is the topic of   Benedictine University’s Ph.D./D.B.A. Program in Values-Driven Leadership. Designed for working leaders from around the globe, the program offers a combination of research, theory and action-based learning to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to think deeper and lead stronger. A Dec. 7 online session to explain the approach of the class. RSVP at cvdl.ben.edu/openhouse.

DOWNERS GROVE

Local 5K race continues Thanksgiving tradition

Thanksgiving in Downers Grove means the Bonfield Express 5K is about to be held. The annual tradition for both runners and spectators will be held Nov. 23, and will kick off at the intersection of Main and Grove Streets and wind through downtown Downers Grove before branching off into some neighborhood loops that include a jaunt through Denburn Woods. The finish line will be at the intersection of Main and Curtiss. 

Runners can register for the Bonfield Express 5K online at bonfieldexpress.com as individuals or as a family.

Bonfield Express Foundation is a locally based charity that has provided local high school students with more than $300,000 in scholarship assistance since it was founded. The foundation also provides funding to elementary schools and recently donated $13,000 to Downers Grove Grade School District 58.

Metra riders advised how to buy tickets during repairs

Metra ticket buyers will have difficulty purchasing tickets as repairs on the Metra Main Street station in Downers Grove are being done. The station’s ticket window will be closed during the repairs, which includes replacing tile in front of the on-site ticket window. To ease the situation, the village recommends that commuters either buy monthly, 10-day, or weekend passes at Union Station or via the Ventra app or purchase a one-way ticket with cash aboard the train. The service fee for purchasing from a conductor will be waived at that time. 

This phase of the Main Street Station repairs is expected to last approximately two weeks. Commuters will still be able to access waiting areas through the station’s east and west doors. The village hopes to complete the Main Street Station improvement project before the second week of December.

WESTMONT

Anonymous donor providing all the fixings for Thanksgiving dinner

Families who don’t have the money for a Thanksgiving meal can turn to West Hills Community Church in Westmont for help. The church is once again holding its annual Thanksgiving Meal Give Away.  A turkey, and ingredients for side dishes for a Thanksgiving dinner that families can prepare in their own homes will be distributed between 1-3 p.m. Nov. 19 at the church, 213 E. 55^th St., Westmont. 

One meal per family unit will be given out.  Thanks to an anonymous donor, the church can accommodate more than 200 families this year. All meals will be distributed on a first come, first served basis. 

–Dupage County News Briefs–