🌷 Good Morning, DuPage!

Spring Showers Bring Local Fun

Good morning, DuPage! Grab your umbrella—today's high is 64°F with a low of 44°F and some light rain is on the way. 

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🐝Top Stories

Murals at Block 59 Enhance Community Spirit

The new murals at Block 59 and Westridge Court are designed to foster a sense of community and belonging. Local artists collaborated to create vibrant artworks that reflect the unique character of the neighborhood, aiming to engage residents and visitors alike. This initiative not only beautifies the area but also encourages community interaction and pride. 

Health Sciences Career Day Inspires Future Healthcare Workers

Midwestern University hosted its 21st annual Health Sciences Career Day, welcoming over 600 high school juniors and seniors from 18 schools. Students participated in hands-on workshops across various healthcare fields, including optometry, veterinary medicine, and physical therapy. The event aimed to give students a glimpse into potential careers in healthcare, with many expressing newfound confidence in their career choices. This engaging experience showcased the diverse opportunities available in the health sciences field and was well-received by both students and educators. 

The Purple Pig Expands to Oak Brook

The long-awaited arrival of "big city" flavor is officially here as The Purple Pig makes its suburban debut at Oakbrook Center today, March 6. Taking over the massive 11,000-square-foot space formerly occupied by Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, the new location is twice the size of its iconic Michigan Avenue predecessor. 

The restaurant is holding a soft opening throughout the weekend with limited seating, providing a first look at the modern Mediterranean aesthetic and the sprawling outdoor patio that is sure to be a hotspot for shoppers and foodies alike.

True to its "Cheese, Swine & Wine" philosophy, the Oak Brook menu features Executive Chef Efrain Medrano’s celebrated nose-to-tail dishes, including the famous crispy pig’s ears and roasted bone marrow. Beyond the main dining room, the new location introduces The Purple Pig Marketplace, a grab-and-go counter serving house-made gelato, pastries, and artisanal pizza by the slice for those on the move. 

Whether you’re stopping in for a full Mediterranean feast or a quick espresso and a jar of private-label olive oil, the expansion brings a sophisticated touch of River North energy directly to the heart of DuPage.

🌿Quick Hits
  • ☘️ The 28th annual Elmhurst St. Patrick’s Day Parade kicks off today, March 7, at noon. Recognized as one of the largest St. Paddy’s celebrations in the Chicago suburbs, the route travels south on Wilson Street from the intersection of Vallette Street, featuring floats, marching bands, and local dignitaries.

  • Elmhurst University just received a major boost with a $265,000 gift dedicated to its renowned jazz program. The donation will specifically fund the annual Elmhurst University Jazz Festival and provide two new scholarships for students in the school’s top-tier Jazz Band. This ensures that one of the premier collegiate jazz events in the country—a local staple for over 50 years—will continue to bring world-class talent to DuPage County for years to come.

🦋 Events this Week

The Best Local Events from the Area

  • Sat, Mar 7 — Elmhurst St. Patrick's Day Parade · Spring Rd, Elmhurst · Noon · Free — Details →

  • Sun, Mar 8 — Obstacle Course Play Date · St. James Farm · 11a - 3:45p · $10 — Details →
    Exercise and school your horse at your own pace

  • Sun, Mar 8 — Maple Sugaring · Kline Creek Farm · 1 - 4p · Free — Details →

  • Sun, Mar 8 — Open House: Women & Wine · ko-ze wine room 484 North Main Street Glen Ellyn, IL · 2-5p · $34 — Details →

  • Thu, Mar 12 — Nature 101: Flyfishing in the Preserves · The Preserve at Oak Meadows · 6 - 7:30p · $30 — Details →
    Full Course: March 12/26, April 11. 18 & Up

🌦️ On This Day

 On this day in 1876, Alexander Graham Bell was granted a patent for his groundbreaking invention—the telephone! Can you imagine a world without those late-night chats and conference calls? Bell's innovation truly changed the way we communicate, paving the way for the connected world we live in today. 

Fast forward to 1989, when Iran and the United Kingdom broke diplomatic relations over the controversial novel, The Satanic Verses, by Salman Rushdie. This literary kerfuffle sparked debates that echoed through the years, reminding us of the power of words. 

So, whether you're chatting on the phone or diving into a good book, remember the impact they can have!

🐞 Local Fun Fact

Warrenville's name comes from the Warrens, a family of early settlers who played a significant role in the town's development. 

Julius Warren arrived from New York in 1833. He and his family were the quintessential "founding family." Julius was a jack-of-all-trades: he was a surveyor, a mail carrier, and he built the Warren Tavern in 1834 (which still stands today as the oldest timber-frame building in the county)!

🌼 That's it for today.

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

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