Oak Park Spring Soiree a success
Older adults had the time of their lives dancing during the Spring Soiree Dance held at Oak Park Arms Senior Living, thanks to live music performed by Swing Set, an 18-piece orchestra that played music from the 1940s through the 1960s.
Residents and staff enjoyed music from the past in the facility’s ballroom. The retirement community offers independent living as well as an onsite licensed home care agency.
More mussels join Salt Creek ecosystem
The number of mussels in DuPage County are growing, as the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County released the 50,000th native freshwater mussel that was bred and raised at the Urban Stream Research Center in Blackwell Forest Preserve.
The latest batch of mussels was released Aug. 21 along Salt Creek at Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve in Oak Brook. More than 9,500 mussels have been put into the creek in the last month by ecologists, and that will continue to happen through September.
The mussels were added to the creek to improve water quality along the creek, thanks to the cooperation of the forest preserve district, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago and the DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup. Mussels, the “most imperiled group of wildlife in North America” take in large amounts of water while feeding, filtering out “bacteria, algae, and other microorganisms before passing clean water back into the water. Just one adult can filter up to 18 gallons of water in one day,” a news release shared.
The release is the latest in the DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup’s plan, begun in 2020, to restore habitat. The MWRD gave $7 million to support the $9.5 million project. Learn more at dupageforest.org or 630-933-7200.
Hospital foundation benefits from Autumn Affair
The annual gala put on by Endeavor Health’s Elmhurst Memorial Hospital Foundation has taken on special significance this year because it officially launches the 100th anniversary of the hospital.
Autumn Affair, now in its 22nd year, will take place Sept. 12 at the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago, 120 E. Delaware Place. Cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction start at p.m., followed by dinner, a live auction and dancing to live music by The DJ Firm. Entertainment also features a performance by pianist Adam Chester, Sir Elton John’s official on-stage stand-in, rehearsal pianist, choral conductor and arranger.
Proceeds benefit the foundation’s Centennial Campaign and campus expansion projects, including enhanced clinical spaces, leading-edge technology and programs that allow patients to receive exceptional care.
Gala tickets are available by calling 331-221-0388 or by visiting the foundation’s website.
Mah Jongg tournament planned in Hinsdale
Mah Jongg fans can gather for a fundraising tournament for The Community House, set for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 12 at the center, 415 W. Eighth St. in Hinsdale.
The event features 12 games of Mah Jongg with rotating tables, round winners, lunch and the crowning of a tournament champion. Every game played will help further the mission of The Community House “to build healthier communities by connecting people to the experiences, programs and resources that strengthen physical, emotional and social well-being,” per a news release.
Play will follow national league rules, and participants must bring their current NMJL card.
Registration costs $50 for keyholders and $55 for others and includes lunch. Details are at 630-323-7500 or www.thecommunityhouse.org.
Benefit concerts boosts Wally’s Hearth
Nobody Walks the Last Mile Alone, a benefit concert featuring Ryan Joseph Anderson and John Ballantyne’s CrazyHeart, is planned for 6:30 p.m. Sept. 12 at Robert’s Westside, 7321 Madison St. in Forest Park.
Attendees can enjoy live music to support Wally’s Hearth, a nonprofit organization that is working to open the first social model hospice home in the state in Oak Park. It will be a welcoming place where people nearing the end of their life can be cared for compassionately in a home-like setting.
The benefit is open to those 21 and older although young people can be admitted with a parent or guardian. Buy tickets, which cost $40 per person, at www.wallyshearth.org.
Bocce event glows in the dark at Triton
A new glow-in-the dark experience, Glow and Roll Bocce Ball, is taking over from the longtime Glow Golf event offered by the Triton College Alumni Association.
The fundraiser is set for 6 p.m. Sept. 11 at the Elmwood Park Community Recreation Center, 4 Conti Parkway in Elmwood Park. All proceeds benefit the Triton College Alumni Legacy Scholarship Fund.
Food, friendly competition, music and games will be part of the fun. Attendees can join games or just watch and mingle. Attendance is open to the public as well as former students and employees of the college in River Grove.
Happy hour begins at 6 p.m. followed by Glow and Roll and 7 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to wear glow-in-the dark attire. The single-elimination tournament features four-player teams, with each match lasting 30 minutes and the first team reaching 11 points advancing.
Register for $50 for individual players and spectators or $200 for a four-person team. Space is limited. Tournament prizes are $400 for first place, $200 for second and $100 for third. Sign up at the alumni office at 708-456-0330, Ext. 3062 or at triton.edu/alumni.
Taste of Melrose Park set for next weekend
The 44th annual Taste of Melrose Park takes place 5:30 to 11 p.m. Sept. 4 and noon to 11 p.m. Sept. 5 and 6 at 1000 N. 25th Ave.
Food vendors and live entertainment are planned, with a laser light show planned for 10 p.m. Sept. 6 at the football field. Details are at 708-343-4000 or info@melrosepark.org.
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