It’s hard to believe that we’re only a week away from celebrating the Fourth of July! Time is really flying by and I am trying my best to stop and take a break to truly enjoy what summer time has to offer.
If you are looking for a great way to help others in our community, the Buffalo Grove Fire Department is hosting its annual blood drive with Vitalant (formerly LifeSource) on June 28 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. The summer months are traditionally the lowest time for donations, so every person who comes to donate blood is greatly appreciated. All donors will receive a coupon for a free pint of custard courtesy of Culver’s of Buffalo Grove. Walk ins are welcome at the Fire Department, located at 1051 Highland Grove Dr., Buffalo Grove, but appointments are encouraged and can be made by calling 877-258-4825 or visiting vitalant.org and searching for Group Code 041D.
In other news, golfers are encouraged to take part in The Illinois Bone and Joint Institute’s First Annual IBJI Cares Open Charity Golf Tournament and Silent Auction on June 29 from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., at Traditions at Chevy Chase Golf Course, 1000 N. Milwaukee Ave., in Wheeling.
IBJI Cares’ chairwoman Tara Banick shared more about the upcoming outing and how you could be involved, whether or not you are a golfer.
“As chairperson of IBJI Cares, I felt it was important to go into our first full year as a non-profit charity with a bang! Knowing we have many avid golfers among our IBJI physicians and rehab staff, we chose this first annual charity golf outing as a way to bring people together to have fun while supporting our charity’s goal of helping renovate the New Life homeless shelter on the north side of Chicago.
“The event is sure to be an exciting kickoff to our 2020 fundraising campaign, and it will include a silent auction, thanks to many generous local businesses who have donated products and services for the occasion,” she said.
IBJI Cares’ goal is to raise $100,000 this year to allow the shelter to make some much-needed upgrades including: dignified semi-private sleeping spaces, an upgraded kitchen and a renovated playground and basketball court. For more information, contact Tara Banick at [email protected] or call 847-918-9077.
As for the Fourth of July itself, there is lots to do to keep busy throughout the day and night! Runners can take part in Lincolnshire’s annual 4th of July 5K run/walk at 8 a.m. at Spring Lake Park, 49 Oxford Dr. in Lincolnshire. The race is just a part of their annual “Red, White & Boom” celebration which features a parade, carnival, cardboard boat regatta, food & beverage vendors, live music and fireworks. A full schedule of events is listed at www.lincolnshireil.gov.
The Wheeling Family Aquatic Center is hosting a Fourth of July barbecue from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 105 Community Blvd., in Wheeling. There will be grilled hot dogs and burgers at the concession stand and a free frisbee giveaway with each $5 meal purchase.
The Buffalo Grove Symphonic Band will play at 7 p.m. on Independence Day at the Village Hall campus, 50 Raupp Dr., in Buffalo Grove, followed by a spectacular fireworks show at dusk. The best spots for viewing the fireworks are at the Rotary Village Green, Willow Stream Park and the Buffalo Grove Golf Course.
Here’s wishing everyone a happy and safe Fourth of July holiday! Please keep in touch and send neighborhood news
Aileen Simons is a freelance columnist for Pioneer Press. Contact her at [email protected].
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