Good morning, DuPage! It's a beautiful day with a high of 46°F and a low of 28°F, so enjoy the clear skies!

The Village of Westmont has announced a formal commitment to implementing "Dark Sky" lighting strategies as part of upcoming infrastructure improvements in the Central Business District and at the Westmont Metra Station. These projects are specifically designed to curb light pollution, glare, and light trespass by utilizing fixtures that direct light downward rather than allowing it to scatter toward the sky. Scheduled for completion in 2026, the initiative includes the conversion of four fixtures during the East Burlington reconstruction and a comprehensive update at the Metra Station that will replace nearly 50 existing lights, with a third project currently under review.

To encourage broader community participation in these environmental efforts, the Village’s Environmental Improvement Committee (EIC) has launched the Dark Sky Grant Program. This initiative provides resources and potential funding for Westmont residents to adopt Dark Sky-compliant lighting solutions for their own properties. By combining large-scale municipal infrastructure upgrades with these residential grants, the village aims to enhance nighttime visibility and reduce the ecological impact of light pollution across the local area. More information on the technical benefits of these strategies is available through the village website and the International Dark-Sky Association.

The Village of Carol Stream has officially opened applications for sponsors and food vendors for its 2026 Summer Concert Series. Held on Thursdays throughout June and July at the Ross Ferraro Town Center, this beloved community tradition typically draws between 600 and 2,000 attendees per event. This year’s series holds extra significance as it includes a massive July 4th celebration marking America's 250th anniversary, complete with an enhanced fireworks display. Because the concert series aims to operate without taxpayer funding, the Village relies heavily on local business partnerships to keep the events free for the public.

Sponsorship packages start at $500 and offer varying levels of brand visibility, including logo placement on marketing materials and on-site recognition. For food vendors, the Village is looking for 3–4 providers per concert who can efficiently serve high volumes of guests in a family-friendly outdoor setting. In addition to the standard Thursday lineup, which includes a "Pride" concert on June 18 and a "Concert for the Troops" on July 16, the July 4th event offers a unique platform for sponsors to participate in a landmark national celebration. Interested businesses and organizations are encouraged to submit their applications early, as space for both vendors and sponsors is limited.

The Naperville Junior Woman’s Club recently hosted its annual Hoppy Easter fundraiser at Naperville Safety Town, welcoming over 100 families for a day of community-focused celebration. The event featured a variety of interactive activities, games, and candy distribution provided by approximately 25 local community sponsors lined up along the miniature streets of Safety Town. Families also had the opportunity to meet and take photographs with the Easter Bunny, a perennial highlight for the children in attendance.

Beyond the holiday festivities, the event serves as a critical financial support mechanism for Safety Town, which operates as a volunteer-led organization reliant on community donations. In a dual-purpose effort to support local hunger relief, the Naperville Junior Woman’s Club also required a donation of one non-perishable food item per person for Loaves & Fishes Community Services. Organizers emphasized that the continued success of the event ensures that Safety Town can maintain its educational programming for the community indefinitely.

See our Calendar of Events Here!

On this day in 1775, Patrick Henry delivered his famous "Give me liberty, or give me death!" speech at St. John's Episcopal Church in Richmond, Virginia. His passionate plea is credited with swinging the balance in the Virginia Convention toward passing a resolution delivering Virginian troops to the Revolutionary War, marking a pivotal moment in the fight for American independence.

Because of its location along the Ogden Avenue corridor, Westmont has one of the highest concentrations of luxury and high-performance car dealerships in the Midwest. This has earned it a reputation as a "destination" for car enthusiasts, featuring everything from Lamborghinis to classic restoration shops.

Thanks for reading! See you tomorrow, and remember to always support your local businesses!

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