600-PLUS SPORTS ITEMS DONATED AT GEAR SWAP
Community members donated 616 pieces of sports equipment during the inaugural Great Gear Swap sponsored by the Naperville Park District and Accelerated Climate Solutions.
As part of the event, which was held from March 16 to 20, residents could donate unwanted sports gear and receive a voucher to exchange for different sports gear at the sale. Residents could also shop the sale without making a prior donation.
The efforts were designed to keep unwanted sports equipment out of landfills while offering an affordable way to obtain gently-used equipment, a park district news release said.
Of the 616 items donated, about half, or 309 pieces of equipment, were bought at the March 20 sale, the release said. A portion of the sale revenue benefited the park district’s Fee Assistance Program to help residents in need access to recreation opportunities.
Another 260 items were donated to Soccer Gear for Zambia, Zeman’s Kicks for Kids and the Illinois Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, the release said.
The remaining items will be stored by Accelerated Climate Solutions for future swaps, the district said.
SPRING WILDFLOWER WALKS PLANNED AT PRESERVES
The Forest Preserve District of Will County is hosting two wildflower walks this month.
“Where the Wildflowers Are,” a guided hike from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 21, will be held at the Hidden Oaks Nature Center, 419 Trout Farm Road, Bolingbrook.
Participants can search for spring flowers such as trout lily, Dutchman’s breeches and cut-leafed toothwort while learning about their uses, a news release said. The trail is less than a mile in length.
The free hike is geared for those 10 years and older. Registration is required by April 20.
A second wildflower walk will take place from 3 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 22, at O’Hara Woods Preserve, just north of Romeo Road and east of Weber Road in Romeoville. Participants will learn about spring flowers such as bluebells and mayapples and get identification tips.
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Participants must register by April 19 for the free walk, which is open to anyone 7 or older. The hike is about two miles over uneven natural terrain and trails, the release said.
Registration and more information is available at www.reconnectwithnature.org.
NAMI DUPAGE PLANNING ANNUAL FUNDRAISING GALA
NAMI DuPage, which supports mental health programs for more than 35,000 people each year, will hold its Shine a Light gala at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, May 16, at the Chicago Marriott Naperville, 1801 N. Naper Blvd.
This year’s theme is “Growing Hope.” Tickets are on sale for $200 each at namidupage.org/gala. A table of 10 is discounted if purchased before April 24, organizers said.
The gala will feature dinner, dancing, live entertainment, silent and live auctions, and raffle prizes. A program will highlight the work of NAMI DuPage and the lives it has impacted, organizers said.
This year’s Community Partnership Award will be presented to Endeavor Health.
NAPER SETTLEMENT PROGRAMS FOR AGES 55 AND OLDER
Naper Settlement’s new Golden Days programs are designed for adults who are 55 and old.
The first, an outdoor chair yoga class, will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, April 30. on the museum campus, 523 S. Webster St. It’s free and and designed for active adults to improve flexibility, balance and circulation, a news release said.
No prior yoga experience is required, and there is no floor work.
The DuPage Birding Club will lead a bird walk through the settlement in a free Golden Days program from 8 to 10 a.m. Thursday, May 7. Participants can look for early spring migrants, such as warblers, and learn identification tips and listening techniques, the release said said.
Registration is required at www.napersettlement.org.