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Once again, I'm looking at the calendar and realizing that summer is almost half over. On this incredibly lovely June day, I'm drawn once again to that unforgettable line from Mary Oliver's amazing poem, The Summer Day: "Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?"
I thought about that poem last weekend, as people across our state gathered to take part in Unplug Illinois Day. The Unplug Illinois campaign was created by the Illinois Park and Recreation Association to encourage people to "unplug" from their electronic devices and recharge their minds and spirits by spending time in our state's beautiful parks and recreation areas.
As we move into late summer, I encourage you to keep on finding ways to unplug, turn off your screens, get outside, and have fun! If you want to explore some unfamiliar parks in our communities, you can download my Summer Parks Passport and discover some new favorites for picnics, hikes, or simply sitting on a bench enjoying a quiet summer afternoon.
And if you need a little nudge to take time to enjoy summer, here's a classic summertime column by one of my favorite writers, Mary Schmich.
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Camp with your family in Glen Ellyn TOMORROW
You're invited to spend a night under the stars, starting at 6:30 p.m. tomorrow (Friday) through 8 a.m. Saturday at Maryknoll Park, 845 Pershing Ave. in Glen Ellyn.
You can frolic in the splash park, play a round of mini-golf, and join a guided nature walk. Then you can settle in for pizza or hotdogs for dinner, watch a movie in the park, and have a late-night snack before getting cozy in your tents and sleeping bags.
In the morning, campers will dig into a continental breakfast in the Maryknoll Clubhouse. Please note that camping gear is not provided. This event is open to all ages. The fee, per tent, is $40 for residents and $50 for nonresidents. For more information, click here.
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Dance to Fool House, Fueled by Emo in Wheaton SATURDAY
The summer music in Memorial Park continues with Fool House and Fueled by Emo, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 20, at 225 Karlskoga Ave.
The show, part of the Summer Entertainment Series, will feature sing-alongs and choreographed dance moves. Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased here.
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Vroom again! Rev up your engines and head to the Lisle Car Show on SATURDAY
It's summer in Lisle, which means it's time for another downtown car show series. This month's show will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, July 20, on Main Street, Burlington Avenue, and commuter parking lots.
During these events, downtown Lisle is transformed into a car-themed block party, with music, food, beverages, prizes, raffles and more. For more information, you can click here.
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Wheel on out to Tour of Lake Ellyn and Family Fun Ride SATURDAY
This weekend marks the beginning of the DuPage Triple Crown Bike Race. Cycling fans can cheer their favorite racers at the Ray Whalen Builders Tour of Lake Ellyn, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 20, at 645 Lenox Road in Glen Ellyn.
These pros will be racing on a demanding course that includes a roundabout, power climbs, and a tight final turn.
While the pros race, the rest of us can enjoy the Duncan Law Group Family Fun Ride on the Tour of Lake Ellyn course. The ride starts at 2:20 PM and will last around 30 minutes. Helmets are required, and participants are asked to bring donations of non-perishable food for the Glen House Food Pantry.
You can pre-register for the ride online here or at the event with the Volunteer Tent. For more information about the Tour of Lake Ellyn, you can click here.
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Hear the DuPage Symphony Orchestra (for free!) in Memorial Park SUNDAY
The award-winning DuPage Symphony Orchestra will play a free concert on Sunday, July 21, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at Memorial Park Bandshell, 225 Karlskoga Ave. in Wheaton. Make sure to bring some lawn chairs and sunscreen!
The DuPage Symphony Orchestra is an ensemble of 100 talented musicians led by Conductor Barbara Schubert. The ensemble strives to enrich communities culturally through music and community engagement. To learn more, you can click here.
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Lombard Cycling Classic returns TUESDAY
The Lombard Cycling Classic, a one-day, all-day event for amateur and professional cyclists, will return to downtown Lombard from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 23.
The race course will be opened for Kids & Family Community Ride at 6 p.m. To participate, you must register in advance here.
Visitors may find parking in the Parkside Metra Commuter Lot, south of the train tracks, and on-street parking in the surrounding area.
The last race ends at 8:15 p.m.; road closures will be in place until 10 p.m. For more information, you can click here.
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Help guide Downers Grove's future by joining public workshops MONDAY and THURSDAY
Residents can help chart the course for Downers Grove's future by taking part in public workshops next week.
There will be three Community Visioning Workshops – one on Monday, July 22, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Downers Grove South, 1436 Norfolk St., and two on Thursday, July 25, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Downers Grove Village Hall, 801 Burlington Ave., or from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Downers Grove Recreation Center, 4500 Belmont Road.
These workshops will offer an opportunity to work with your neighbors to identify priorities, map your vision, and propose new projects.
Guiding DG is a combined planning effort that includes the Comprehensive Plan, the Bike and Pedestrian Plan, the Environmental Sustainability Plan, and the Downtown and Fairview Focus Area Streetscape Plan. For more information, you can click here.
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Meet us at TUESDAY(S) with Terra at Lisle Library
We're continuing Tuesdays with Terra, my one-on-one constituent meetings, from 10 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, July 23, at the Lisle Library, 777 Front Street.
So if you have an issue you'd like to discuss or an idea you want to share - or even if you just want to talk about our state government and the work we do, I'd love to meet with you.
As always, registration is required. To make your appointment, please reach out to my office at 630-812-9292 or email reptch42@gmail.com.
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York Center Park District offers lunchtime Kids Klubs on WEDNESDAYS
The York Center Park District invites children and their parents to enjoy midday shows from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Wednesday at Lake Yelenich Park, 1609 S. Luther Ave. in Lombard.
There will be a new, interactive show every week, from giant bubbles to reptiles to a foam dance party! The shows are free – just bring your own blanket or lawn chair. Pizza and other foods and beverages will be available for purchase at the concession stand. For more information, you can click here.
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Hear some of your favorite tunes in Lilacia Park WEDNESDAY
Lombard Park District is bringing more music to Lilacia Park with a free concert on Wednesday, July 24 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Lilacia Park.
The concert in the park, at 150 S. Park Ave. in Lombard, will feature the band Sealed With a Kiss. You'll want to bring your own chairs, blankets, and snack – and some friends. To learn more you can click here. Please be aware that this concert will be canceled if it's rainy or extremely windy.
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Celebrate summer at York Center Park District's Family Fun Fest on July 26
Enjoying the summer and want to squeeze in a little more fun? Mark your calendars for the York Center Park District's Family Fun Fest next Friday, July 26, from 5 to 9 p.m. at Knolls Park, 1502 S. Meyers Rd. in Lombard.
There will be music, games, and other amusements, as well as four food trucks. The evening will end with a fireworks display. For more information, you can click here.
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Please help support Lombard Junior Women's Club School Supply Drive
The Lombard Junior Women's Club will host a School Supplies and Allies Drive on August 3 from 8 a.m. to noon at St. John's Lutheran School, 220 S. Lincoln Ave. in Lombard.
They'll be accepting school supplies and backpacks at the event, and you're invited to write "back-to-school" cards to students while you enjoy some coffee and donuts.
If you're interested in participating in the event, or if you can't attend but want to schedule a drop-off or pick-up, you can email lombardjrs@gmail.com. You can also check out the Club's Amazon Wishlist here.
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Upcoming Events
We have lots of events coming up, so please take a look and mark your calendars today!
July 27: Glen Ellyn Park District’s Family Luau, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Sunset Pool, 483 Fairview Ave.
July 30: Downers Grove Summer Concert Series, at 7 p.m. at Fishel Park, 1036 Grove St.
July 31: Lisle Summer Entertainment Series, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Lisle Community Park (Van Kampen Stage), 1800 Short St.
August 2: Summer Pop-Up Party, from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Four Seasons, Finley Road & 16th Street in Lombard.
August 3: Glen Ellyn Park District’s Back to School Splash Bash, from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at Sunset Pool, 483 Fairview Ave.
August 3: Villa Park Back-to-School Resource Fair, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Tri-Town YMCA, 136 S. Cornell Ave, in Villa Park.
August 5: Naperville National Night Out Kick-Off/Movie Night, at 6:30 p.m. at Fry Family YMCA, 2120 95th St.
August 6: National Night Out in Glen Ellyn, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Newton Park, 707 Fairview Ave.
August 6: National Night Out in Lisle, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Lisle Police Station, 5040 Lincoln Ave.
August 6: National Night Out in Wheaton, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Northside Park, 1300 N. West St.
August 10-11: Veggie Fest 2024, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Danada South Park, Navistar Cir, in Lisle.
If you have any questions about pending legislation or other issues related to your state government, please don't hesitate to contact my office at 630-812-9292 or RepTCH42@gmail.com.
Stay safe, stay healthy, and stay strong,
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Terra Costa Howard
State Representative
42nd District
913 S. Main St.
Lombard, IL 60148
(630) 812-9292
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