Good morning, DuPage! It's a chilly 41°F with a low of 32°F and some mostly cloudy skies. Perfect weather to cozy up with a good book or layer up and take an afternoon stroll. 

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In a major funding announcement this week, Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs awarded $200,000 in grants to 10 small nonprofits across the state, with Lombard's own The Outreach House named as one of their recipients. 

The Lombard-based organization received a $20,000 grant
through the Charitable Trust Stabilization Program, which is designed to support small nonprofits that provide essential community services like food assistance, housing support, and workforce development. This significant injection of capital will help The Outreach House continue its mission of providing a "bridge to a better day" for local families in need, ensuring that critical resources for food and basic necessities remain accessible right here in our community.

The College of DuPage’s InterCultural Student Initiatives (ISI) recently debuted its immersive museum experience, "From Africa to America," which transformed the Student Hub (SSC 1138) into a powerful living history exhibit. Running through the final week of February, the installation guided visitors through the African Diaspora—from the kingdoms of Ghana and Angola and the realities of the Transatlantic Slave Trade to a "hallway of innovation" featuring African American contributions like the mailbox and potato chips.

Led by advisor David Swope and student representatives, the project aimed to foster a tangible sense of belonging on campus, with plans to expand the "Hub Museum" concept to celebrate other cultures in the future.

Spring is officially in motion at the Naperville Park District, with the Spring 2026 Program Guide now live and resident registration having just kicked off this morning (March 2). This season’s lineup is packed with new adventures, including the Good Times Day Camp, which offers a unique mix of indoor activities and weekly trips to Centennial Beach, alongside specialty programs like Dreaming About STEAM Club—an eight-week deep dive into the cosmos for young space enthusiasts.

Beyond the classroom and camps, the district is inviting the community to get hands-on with nature through Free Nature Discovery Days (March 28 & 30) and family hikes with a naturalist. For those looking to clear out the garage or level up their hobby, the Great Gear Swap on March 16 provides a perfect opportunity to donate or find gently used sports equipment, while new adult workshops like Quilting for Beginners and Residential Landscape Design offer a chance to master a new craft. With Centennial Beach preseason memberships already on sale at a discount, it's the perfect time to lock in your summer plans while the spring blossoms.

[Click Here to See Key Registration Dates]

On March 3rd, 1847, Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone, was born in Edinburgh, Scotland. His groundbreaking work in communication technology changed the world forever, allowing people to connect across distances in ways previously thought impossible. Bell's inventions didn't stop at the telephone; he also contributed to advancements in aviation and hydrofoils. His legacy continues to influence modern communication, making it easier and faster than ever to reach out to loved ones or conduct business.

While Woodridge is now a thriving community of over 34,000 people, it was incorporated in 1959 with a population of only
459 residents.

It was primarily the vision of a single housing developer, Albert Kaufman, who named the village for its location on a wooded ridge overlooking the East Branch of the DuPage River.

Thanks for reading! Enjoy the your first day of Spring; it'll be warmer before we know it.  See you tomorrow, and remember to always support your local businesses!