Mother’s Day is fast approaching, and if you’re still thinking about what gift to buy or how to spend the weekend, I’ve got a couple ideas you might like.
I don’t think there is a mother in this world that doesn’t appreciate beautiful flowers and plants for a gift. From 8:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday, May 7, Gardeners of Lake County are hosting their annual plant sale at the Crawford Warming House, 817 W. Lake St., Libertyville. Knowledgeable club members will be on hand to help you select from beautiful healthy plants for sun and shade. Choose from a variety of mature perennials, herbs, vegetables, ground covers and more dug from members’ local gardens. The event will take place rain or shine and cash or check is accepted. For more information, call 847-918-7157.
Also on Saturday, May 7, the Buffalo Grove Bank & Trust, 200 Buffalo Grove Road, Buffalo Grove, is asking junior savers to stop in to pick up an extra special flower for Mom during the bank’s Mother’s Day flower giveaway. Call 847-634-8400 for more information.
Shoppers who are looking for that special something can head over to the stores at Deer Park Town Center. If you spend $150 or more at any retailer or restaurant, you could redeem your same-day receipts for a free manicure from Avalon Salon & Day Spa. For more information, call 847-726-7755.
The Lyric Opera of Chicago is offering 20 percent off select tickets to “The King and I” with the promo code MOM2016.
Let’s hope the weather will be good so moms can enjoy the 26th annual Arts and Crafts Adventure at Hodges Park, 101 S. Courtland, Park Ridge, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 7. Presented by the American Society of Artists, admission is free to view exhibitors’ work in paintings, jewelry, glassworks, pottery, woodworking, fabric crafts and more. For more information, call 847-991-4748.
On Sunday, May 8, a red rose will be given to the first 5,000 mothers who attend Arlington International Racecourse. Gates are set to open at 11 a.m. and the first post begins at 1:15 p.m. There will be bloody marys and mimosas to enjoy, along with a live DJ taking all of Mom’s requests and a special Mother’s Day craft for the kids. Visit www.arlingtonpark.com for more information.
If Mom enjoys a good run, here are a couple of races happening over the weekend. At 9 a.m. Saturday, May 7, at Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville, A Safe Place will host the EmpoweRun 5K race. Create a fundraising team or join as an individual to run and promote awareness of domestic violence. A Safe Place provides emergency shelter, counseling and a 24-hour crisis line (847-249-4450). Visit asafeplace.dojiggy.com. Sunday, May 8, is also the Susan G. Komen Race For the Cure at Grant Park in Chicago. There will be a 10K/5K timed race and a 5K/1mile fun walk. To register or donate, go to komenchicago.org.
Finally, I would like to wish every mother a wonderful Mother’s Day. A friend sent me a message that I would like to share with you:
“Mother’s Day is a special day put aside just for you as a reminder of how special you are and have always been to your children. It is a day not to be taken lightly either. You are without a doubt the greatest category of people in the world. You can go from the most fragile delicate soft-spoken creatures to the toughest, most terrifying species alive when our safety is threatened. You can make the most unbearable pain disappear with a single kiss and you can take a day without a second to spare and still find time to make cookies. You’re a teacher, nurse, bus driver, coach, banker and friend. Yet, you haven’t asked for a paycheck the entire time. I know God created Man, but his greatest creation may be Moms. You deserve more than one day a year. You deserve them all.”
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Aileen Simons is a freelance columnist for Pioneer Press.