Library member Margie Hatter just told us about how she kept strong relationships with out-of-state grandchildren by using books suggested by one of our previous Children's Librarians and a tape recorder. Click on the link to read her story, get recommendations for books to share with your own little ones, and tips on how to make your own recordings. <a href="http://fordlibrary.org/thomas-ford-library-connects-grandparents-and-grandchildren" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">http://fordlibrary.org/thomas-...</a>Want more help? Ask our Librarians for additional suggestions and tips when you're in the Library, or by calling (708) 246-0520, or by emailing info@fordlibrary.org.

Library member Margie Hatter just told us about how she kept strong relationships with out-of-state grandchildren by using books suggested by one of our previous Children’s Librarians and a tape recorder. Click on the link to read her story, get recommendations for books to share with your own little ones, and tips on how to make your own recordings. <a href="http://fordlibrary.org/thomas-ford-library-connects-grandparents-and-grandchildren" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">http://fordlibrary.org/thomas-...</a>Want more help? Ask our Librarians for additional suggestions and tips when you're in the Library, or by calling (708) 246-0520, or by emailing info@fordlibrary.org.

Cook County

David Giuliani

Chicago Metropolitan Area

Western Springs

Illinois

Grandparents & Grandchildren Connect Through...

Learn how the Library helped Margie Hatter and her grandchildren stay close and how it can help you, too.

Grandparents & Grandchildren Connect Through Thomas Ford Memorial Library

Neighbor News

La Grange

DuPage County

Hinsdale-Clarendon Hills

Oak Brook

Burr Ridge

Darien

Lisa Marie Farver

Downers Grove

Forest Park

Elmhurst

Oak Park-River Forest

Woodridge

Countryside Banquets & Conference Center - Countryside

Looking for something fun to do this Sunday? Drop by you won't be disappointed!&nbsp; All ages!!&nbsp; LPs, CD's and collectiblesDJ&nbsp;Ruta takes requests &amp; Ledo's PizzaAdmission is $5Early Bird Admission $15 - Early Bird Time 7AM
Checkout Chicagoland Record &amp; CD&nbsp;Collectors facebook page for more details... vendors will post items they are highlighting this Sunday!!!

Local Event: Chicagoland Record & CD Collectors Show - Sunday May 17th

Chicagoland Record & CD Collectors Show -...

 Looking for something fun to do this Sunday? Drop by you won't be disappointed!  All ages!!  LPs, CD's and collectiblesDJ Ruta...

Chicagoland Record & CD Collectors Show - Sunday May 17th

Meet &amp; shop 115+ talented local &amp; Midwest artisans this Sat-Sun, May 16-17, 2026 (10am-4pm both days) at the Naperville Artisan Market at CityGate Centre (Just N. of I-88/Rt. 59) at 2135 CityGate Lane in Naperville, IL.
RSVP &amp; let us know you're coming: <a href="https://napervilleartisanmarket.com/RSVP" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://NapervilleArtisanMarket.com/RSVP</a>&nbsp;(Free parking &amp; Free admission both days) | Dog-friendly | Kid-friendly
We'll be OUTDOORS (with INDOOR amenities!) on the picturesque 30+ acre campus of CityGate Centre on the Great Lawn, office plaza &amp; along CityGate Lane -- near the 4-diamond rated Hotel Arista, and DOMAIN CityGate luxury residential complex.
* WHAT: Outdoor Market | 115+ Talented Artisans | Food, Fashion, Home Goods &amp; Art | Kid-friendly | Free Parking in Garage | Dog-friendly (leashed, well-behaved only) | Indoor Restrooms | Sit-down Dining Indoors | Coffee &amp; light bites by Arista Coffee &amp; Cafe | Breakfast, Lunch &amp; Dinner options by a combination of Arista Coffee &amp; Cafe, Zorba Lounge, and Che Figata Kitchen | Craft Cocktails at Zorba Lounge | Brunch both days at Che Figata* WHEN: Sat &amp; Sun, May 16-17, 2026 (10am-4pm both days)
* WHERE: 2135 City Gate Lane, Naperville, IL (just N. of I-88 via Rt. 59 or Ferry Rd.).
Shop small, LOCAL &amp; sustainable with talented small business owners who pour their passions into creating one-of-a-kind products in food, fashion, home goods &amp; decorative art.
Look for the collection of white tents visible from Rt. 59 - and turn on in!
Parking is free both days for shoppers in the parking garage behind Hotel Arista near the Ferry Rd. entrance to CityGate Centre.
Are you a talented artisan looking to vend in the Chicago area? Learn more about our curated markets in Naperville, Oak Brook, Northbrook, Wilmette &amp; Chicago (Fulton Market &amp; Ravenswood) at <a href="https://chicagoartisanmarket.c/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://ChicagoArtisanMarket.c</a>...
Not in town this weekend? We'll be in downtown Winnetka for the <a href="https://northshoreartisanmarket.com/rsvp" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">North Shore Artisan Market</a> on Sat-Sun, May 30-31, at Oakbrook Center for the <a href="https://oakbrookartisanmarket.com/rsvp" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Oak Brook Artisan Market</a> on Sat-Sun, Jun 6-7, in downtown Northbrook for the <a href="https://northshoreartisanmarket.com/rsvp" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">North Shore Artisan Market</a> on Sat-Sun, Jun 27-28, and then back INDOORS at the <a href="https://chicagoartisanmarket.com/tickets" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Chicago Artisan Market</a>&nbsp;in Fulton Market on Sun, Jul 12th. <a href="https://chicagoartisanmarket.com/calendar" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">View our full 2026 Market Calendar</a>
Apply now online for Naperville or any of our other markets at <a href="https://napervilleartisanmarket.com/apply" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://napervilleartisanmarke...</a> or <a href="https://chicagoartisanmarket.c/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://chicagoartisanmarket.c</a>... ...or call 630.202.4590 for more info. (We do NOT charge junk fees just to to fill out application online.)
"Keep your friends close, and your supply chain closer."
- Naperville Artisan Market | Oak Brook | Chicago |&nbsp;Winnetka |&nbsp;Northbrook
Don’t miss a future market! Get invited to future future markets at <a href="https://napervilleartisanmarke/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://napervilleartisanmarke</a>...
Apply now online at <a href="https://napervilleartisanmarket.com/apply...or" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://napervilleartisanmarke...</a> call 630.202.4590 for more info. You can also email us at events@stylechicago.com or learn more about all our markets at <a href="https://chicagoartisanmarket.com/vendors" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://chicagoartisanmarket.c...</a>
ABOUT US: We are a Chicago area company based in Oak Brook, IL that has been showcasing independent artisans &amp; small businesses for 20+ years. We also produce the Oak Brook Artisan Market, the North Shore Artisan Market (in downtown&nbsp;Winnetka, IL &amp; downtown Northbrook, IL), and the Chicago Artisan Market (9 x's a year) in 2 City locations in Fulton Market at Morgan MFG (401 N. Morgan St., Chicago) and in the historic Ravenswood neighborhood at Artifact Events (4325 N. Ravenswood Ave., Chicago).

Local Event: Naperville Artisan Market - CityGate Centre (Sat-Sun, May 16-17)

Naperville

Naperville Artisan Market - CityGate Centre...

Meet & shop 115+ talented local & Midwest artisans this Sat-Sun, May 16-17, 2026 (10am-4pm both days) at the Naperville Artisan...

Naperville Artisan Market - CityGate Centre (Sat-Sun, May 16-17)

British Swim School of Oakbrook Terrace/Villa Park

Join The British Swim School of Oakbrook for Splash-a-POOL-ooza! This a FREE event for all ages and abilities.10 E Roosevelt Rd, Villa Park IL, 60181 Come swim with us on Sunday, May 17th, 2026 from 3:30pm -6:30pm

Walk in's welcome, no registration required!!! Want to quick enroll before coming? Skip the wait and click the link below to fill out a registration form. Registration Form: <a href="https://app.jackrabbitclass.com/regevent.asp?xID=8126772&amp;orgid=516158&amp;fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExaTVJdHF3WTlaR1VpSHkwcHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7aXbMxGs9k8kGjaGWZvs0PUCFGWqh4yJVSTY2q6txdsJEUMnTX8SG9Rymjow_aem_aw9L_Ab4ov6-cnvajZ7SRA" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://app.jackrabbitclass.com/regevent.asp?xID=8126772...</a><a href="https://app.jackrabbitclass.com/regevent.asp?xID=8126772&amp;orgid=516158&amp;fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExaTVJdHF3WTlaR1VpSHkwcHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7aXbMxGs9k8kGjaGWZvs0PUCFGWqh4yJVSTY2q6txdsJEUMnTX8SG9Rymjow_aem_aw9L_Ab4ov6-cnvajZ7SRA" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"></a>&nbsp;What to expect - Open Swim&nbsp; - Water Safety Talks - Lesson Previews&nbsp; - Fun Games&nbsp; - BSS Swag&nbsp; - &amp; more!*

What to bring - Swim Suit - Towels - Goggles - Change of clothes
Find out more by contacting us, or by visiting our website! Phone: 630-833-8145 Email: goswimoakbrook@britishswimschool.com Website: <a href="https://britishswimschool.com/oak-brook-area/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExaTVJdHF3WTlaR1VpSHkwcHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5UzdJjHzOC0dFbp70arjrOO6rtFN8eWeeGoN83k9y-Z-TslwGPPCOC_cJRCg_aem_1PskccnLmKHkcZhUbbmv2A" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://britishswimschool.com/oak-brook-area/</a>
<a href="https://britishswimschool.com/oak-brook-area/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExaTVJdHF3WTlaR1VpSHkwcHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5UzdJjHzOC0dFbp70arjrOO6rtFN8eWeeGoN83k9y-Z-TslwGPPCOC_cJRCg_aem_1PskccnLmKHkcZhUbbmv2A" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"></a>*All patrons must sign a waiver on-site or online before entering the pool area. All non swimmers must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who is above 18 years of age. Children who are not potty trained must be double diapered. Photo's will be taken during the event. British Swim School agrees to verbal and written consent from parents to post photos taken on social media

Local Event: Splash-a-POOL-ooza!

Splash-a-POOL-ooza!

Join The British Swim School of Oakbrook for Splash-a-POOL-ooza! This a FREE event for all ages and abilities.10 E Roosevelt...

Darien Park District

Getting Started On Medicare: Are you intimidated by Medicare? Would you like to understand the basics, to make it easier to understand your choices?Learn how to navigate Medicare by understanding Original Medicare A &amp; B as well as the difference between Medicare Advantage programs versus Medicare Supplements.

Local Event: Getting Started on Medicare

Getting Started on Medicare

Getting Started On Medicare: Are you intimidated by Medicare? Would you like to understand the basics, to make it easier to...

First Presbyterian Church

This month’s performance in our free Community Concert Series&nbsp;features saxophonist and clarinetist Matt Shevitz. Matt is an in-demand musician in the jazz, blues and popular music scenes in Chicago. Throughout his music career he has performed alongside such internationally renowned jazz musicians as Dick Hyman, Ignacio Berroa, Howard Levy, Frank Capp, Randy Sandke, Ken Peplowski, Byron Stripling and Frank Wess along with blues/roots rock guitarist Eric Lindell and many others. Matt has performed at such festivals and clubs as the Chicago Jazz Festival, the Chicago Blues Festival, Lollapalooza, the Jazz Showcase, the House of Blues in Chicago, the Waterfront Blues Festival (in Portland, Oregon) and as a featured artist for Shedd Institute for the Arts (in Eugene, Oregon) and the Modlin Center for the Performing Arts (in Richmond, Virginia). In addition to performing, Matt has contributed several articles to DownBeat Magazine ranging from transcription analysis of great jazz solos to jazz theory and effective practice habits.&nbsp;
Matt is currently on faculty at the College of DuPage where he teaches a wide range of courses, directs the jazz ensembles, and co-chairs the Music Department. Prior to this appointment he served on the faculty at Harold Washington College, one of the City Colleges of Chicago. He received a doctoral degree in Jazz Performance from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 2009, for which he did extensive research on the great jazz saxophonist Harold "Tina" Brooks. Matt's other degrees consist of a Master of Music in Jazz Pedagogy from Northwestern University and a Bachelor of Science in Music from the University of Oregon.

Local Event: Community Concert Series: Matt Shevitz, saxophonist/clarinetist

Community Concert Series: Matt Shevitz,...

This month’s performance in our free Community Concert Series features saxophonist and clarinetist Matt Shevitz.  Matt is an...

Community Concert Series: Matt Shevitz, saxophonist/clarinetist

Name: William “Bill GTO” Nawrot
Service Branch:
United States Army
Years of Service:
1968-1970
Rank: Spec 4
Member: 132nd
Assault Support Helicopter Co
Battle
Region/War: Chu Lai, Vietnam
Awards:
National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam
Service Medal

The Western Springs Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10778 announces the
Grand Marshal and&nbsp;date for the Western
Springs Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 25, 2026. Bill Nawrot will
serve&nbsp;as the parade’s
Grand Marshal.
Parade Grand
Marshal
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Located in Vietnam’s
Quảng Nam Province, Chu Lai was a United States Marine Corps&nbsp;military base,
operational from 1965 to 1970, which included an airfield to support
military operations&nbsp;during the Vietnam
War.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Joining the service
ranks in Aug of 1968, Bill enlisted in the Army on his 19th birthday.
He was&nbsp;assigned to the Flight Line in Chu Lai, Vietnam, from Feb 1969 to April 1970, as part
of a 5-man&nbsp;mechanics crew. Bill
was charged with major and minor maintenance repairs, for 12 CH-47
Chinook&nbsp;helicopters
completing a scheduled rotation for parts replacement every 100 hrs.
Sporadically, the Flight Line was
under mortar fire from the Vietnamese forces.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;On Apr 1970, Bill was
discharged from Army Service. Bill returned to Illinois to his
previous&nbsp;job at Illinois Bell
Telephone. He worked at Bell Telephone for 27 years as an outside
communications&nbsp;technician. After
Bell Telephone, Bill began a second career at MCI/Verizon where he
worked for 12&nbsp;years until
retirement in 2010.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Bill was part of the
“Operation Support The Troops America” in Naperville, IL. Since
joining&nbsp;the Western Springs
VFW in 2014, Bill has worked with the Memorial Day Parade Committee
where he&nbsp;creates the 4-page
parade program, and coordinates the vehicles where veterans ride
during the parade.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Bill is married to
Patti, and they are parents to 4 children, 12 grandchildren, and one
great-granddaughter. Bill
and Patti are avid classic car collectors with 2 Pontiac GTO, a
Lincoln Town&nbsp;Car, and 2 Mustangs.

Local Event: VFW Post 10778 Memorial Day Parade And Remembrance

VFW Post 10778 Memorial Day Parade And Remembrance


Name: William “Bill GTO” Nawrot
Service Branch:
United States Army
Years of Service:
1968-1970
Rank: Spec 4
Member:...

🌱 Patch AM: The Western Springs Historical...

Make time for Chicagoland Record & CD Collectors Show - Sunday May 17th on the Western Springs Patch calendar

🌱 Patch AM: The Western Springs Historical Society 40th Anniversary House Walk and 11 more events

Community Corner

And check out Naperville Artisan Market - CityGate Centre (Sat-Sun, May 16-17) on the Western Springs Patch calendar

Across Illinois

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Dogs and cats on the loose can put neighbors in a tough spot. Should they intervene or call the pound?

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Buddy Guy, Beagle Rescue, Basketball Benefits:...

See which news stories made us the happiest in this week's good news roundup. 

Buddy Guy, Beagle Rescue, Basketball Benefits: Good News, Illinois

More Western Springs Pickleball Courts Expected

Privately funded courts are slated for a public park. Parking is considered an issue. 

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Neighbor News

Grandparents & Grandchildren Connect Through Thomas Ford Memorial Library

Learn how the Library helped Margie Hatter and her grandchildren stay close and how it can help you, too.

Christine Ricker, Community Contributor

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