Bugle Newspapers 4-25-24

oakton College and village of Skokie celebrate earth Month with tree planting initiative

Oakton College, Village of Skokie and Skokie Park District leaders joined community members to celebrate Earth Month by planting trees on the College’s Skokie campus, April 18. The event kicked off the Skokie Roots for Trees campaign, which aims to increase tree canopy in the Village. Skokie received a $327,000 grant from the USDA Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program through the Inflation Reduction Act to support the initiative.

“Oakton’s Skokie campus is a great example of how to incorporate native plants into suburban landscapes,” said Amanda Krause, Oakton’s naturalist. “Not only are native plants low-maintenance, but they fill the area with vibrant butterflies, birds and other pollinators that may otherwise struggle to find much to eat in the suburbs.”

Oakton’s current landscape master plan goals include adding trees and other native species to the

campus. The generous contribution from the Village will accelerate the College’s environmental sustainability efforts.

The Skokie Roots for Trees campaign will bring more than 20 trees to the College’s Skokie campus. The grant, secured with support from the Village’s Beautification & Improvement Commission, will allow the Village to plant 450 free trees on non-Village-owned properties over five years.

“The Village of Skokie is pleased to partner with Oakton College to increase canopy coverage on campus as part of the Skokie Roots for Trees initiative,” said Cathy Stevens, Village forester. “Trees provide innumerable environmental and community health benefits, and will enhance quality of life for students, residents and Skokie visitors.”

The two bur oaks planted on the campus’ north side (Quercus macrocarpa) were grown from acorns

sourced in Evanston and are well adapted to the Chicagoland climate. The trees will anchor new garden beds full of native wildflowers, planted in a continued effort to replace turf grass with native plants. The gardens will help feed the honey bees that live in the oncampus community apiary, which was established through a partnership between the Village of Skokie and Oakton.

In addition to the two bur oaks, the Village plans to add a mixture of oaks and hickories to Oakton’s campus. The oaks are not only harmonious with the Oakton campus aesthetic, given the oak leaf’s presence in the Oakton logo, but they are also native to the area and an excellent food source for many local insects and animals. Known as “the megamarts of the tree world,” oaks can feed over 700 different wildlife species compared to other tree species that feed between 50200.

Oakton, with campuses in Des Plaines and Skokie, has emerged as an environmental education and sustainability leader. Oakton’s Environmental Studies Concentration curriculum equips students to tackle intricate environmental challenges on both local and global scales. For more information about Oakton College’s Environmental Studies Concentration and sustainability efforts, visit Oakton. edu.

uSF students create project for residents of Timbers

Freshman and sophomore students from the University of St. Francis (USF) prepared and executed an intergenerational painting and drawing project with seniors from The Timbers of Shorewood Senior Living on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at the Timbers of Shorewood, 1100 N River Rd, Shorewood.

The project with the Timbers is part of the Recreation and Sports Management department at St. Francis, and the course title is “Program Design and Leadership.

“Students majoring in Recreation and Sport Management had another successful year of events at The Timbers, thanks to Amy Odell’s support throughout the semester,” said Associate Professor Jessica Monu, Ph.D. “The April project involved USF students who designed and implemented two different events at The Timbers. The first focused on getting the seniors outdoors and active with a variety of games. The second event focused on inter-generational coloring with a Spring theme.”

“The program the students planned had the residents us-

ing their creativity and had them sharing their favorite springtime memories while listening to their

favorite oldies,” said Amy Odell, director of activities at the Timbers of Shorewood. “We love do-

ing Intergenerational activities at the Timbers, whether it’s with kids, teens, or young adults, seniors get

so much joy from being with multiple generations.”

adventure Falls Sprayground resident season passes offer unlimited fun

Downers Grove Park District’s much anticipated grand opening of Adventure Falls Sprayground and Mini Golf is happening at McCollum Park on May 25, 2024. Located at 6801 Main St. in Downers Grove, Adventure Falls Sprayground and Mini Golf will provide a diverse recreational haven for the community.

Open daily from May 25 to Aug. 11, residents can enjoy extended hours from 10am to 7pm, while non-residents are welcome from 1 to 7pm. Special back-to-school weekend hours will extend the season with the facility open from 10am to 6pm on Saturdays and Sundays from Aug. 17 to Sept. 1. Sprayground and Mini Golf daily admission will be available onsite for residents and non-residents. Children under 2 are free. Due to Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) requirements, capacity at the Adventure Falls Sprayground is limited to 200 persons at any one time. Visitors can view weather and capacity updates on the District’s website at dgparks.org or subscribe to receive text alerts.

Exclusive to residents of Downers Grove Park District, a Sprayground Season Pass will provide unlimited visits for $10 per child (ages 2 to 15) and $5 for adults (ages 16+). In addi-

tion, a Caregiver Add-on pass will be offered for $5 with the purchase of one adult pass per family—ideal for a grandparent or childcare provider. Season passes are available for purchase May 1 to July 8, 2024, online at dgparks.org, or in person at the Recreation Center located at 4500 Belmont Rd. or the Lincoln Center located at 935 Maple Ave. in Downers Grove.

Sponsored by Jackson Family Dentistry, the sprayground promises an immersive experience with dynamic spray features designed for various age groups.

From the gentle sprays in the Tot Area for our youngest visitors to interactive water elements in the Family Area, and the ultimate teenage oasis in the Teen Area, Adventure Falls will offer an array of aquatic delights. For those moments of reprieve, comfortable lounge chairs and covered seating is the ideal spot to unwind and revel in the vibrant atmosphere.

Adventure Falls Mini Golf (previously known as Miner Mike’s Adventure Golf), will welcome putt-putters of all ages onto its course for some fun in the sun.

Sponsored by Belmont Golf Club, visitors can anticipate enhancements such as upgraded synthetic turf and improved signage.

Discover the newly renovated plaza featuring picnic tables and benches conveniently situated near the concessions building. Whether

visitors are seeking a casual gathering or planning a special celebration, Adventure Falls offers the perfect setting. Families and friends can create last-

ing memories with birthday parties, group outings, and private rentals, all available later this summer. For more information, please visit dgparks.org.

RuSSeLL

oBiTuaRY

Terry L. Russell, 80, of Clearwater, FL formerly of Plainfield, IL, passed away at home with family on Saturday, March 30th, 2024. Terry, who was a U.S. Navy Veteran, beloved husband, father, and Papa, was born December 11th, 1943 in Joliet, IL to Howard and Lillian (Austin) Russell who have preceded him in death.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Patricia (Flagg) Russell; his son, Kevin Russell and his wife Lynn; his daughter Ann (Russell) Otterson and her husband John; his brother Richard Russell and his wife Judi; his sister Bonnie Ostermeier; his brother-in-law Robert Flagg and his wife Joanne; his sister-in-law Debbie Jo (Flagg) Gonzales. Terry was also blessed with 6 grandchildren who were his pride and joy, Caitlyn, Emily, Claire, Lauren, Samantha and Noah and by many loved nieces and nephews as well as countless friends.

Terry was raised in Plainfield, IL and met the love of his life while they were at Plainfield High School. Terry and Patricia had a blessed and loving life together having been together for 65 years. When Terry enlisted in the Navy, the couple lived in Charleston, South Carolina but returned back to Plainfield where they raised their family. Terry worked as an office manager with a family business until relocating with Patricia to Clearwater, FL in 1997. There they owned and operated 2 UPS Stores until they changed careers and became involved with the Baycare ballpark that is the home to the Phillies during spring training.

Throughout his life, Terry was an avid sports enthusiast, die hard Cub’s fan, and enjoyed many summer and winter activities with his family while at their Wisconsin lake home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to the American Heart Association.

A memorial visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 30, 4:00 until 8:00 PM at the Overman-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, corner of Routes 30 & 59, Plainfield. For information please call 815/436-9221 or visit www. overman-jones.com

National Take Back initiative in Plainfield

On Saturday, April 27, 2024, from 10am-2pm, the DEA will coordinate a collaborative effort with state and local law enforcement agencies focused on removing potentially dangerous controlled substances from our nation’s medicine cabinets at the Plainfield Police Department, 14300 S. Coil Plus Drive.

This national take-bake day will provide a unified opportunity for the public to surrender expired, unwanted, or unused pharmaceutical controlled substances and any other medications to law enforcement officers for destruction and will bring national focus to the issue of pharmaceutical drug abuse. The program provides an

opportunity for law enforcement, prevention, treatment, and business communities to collaborate and establish a safe collection site for all Americans, regardless of where they reside.

During this event, the Plainfield Police Department will act as a host collection site and the following protocols will be followed.

Controlled, non-controlled, and over the counter substances will be collected. This event is for patients and their families to dispose of unwanted medications. Pharmacies, hospitals, and physicians may NOT drop off their excess medications for disposal.

Any solid dosage from pharmaceutical products (tablets, cap-

sules, etc.) in consumer containers may be accepted. Small (pint size) bottles of cough syrups may be accepted if they are sealed in their original container.

The depositor should ensure that the cap is tightly sealed to prevent leakage.

There are however items that will NOT be accepted.

Illicit illegal substances such as marijuana or heroin are not part of this initiative and will NOT be accepted.

Also, NEEDLES WILL NOT be accepted.

Anyone having any further questions regarding this event is encouraged to contact Officer Erin Cook at (815)267-7207.