A secular, college-prep microschool through grade 12

Prairie Paideia, NFP

A secular, diverse, college prep, alternative learning community focusing on critical thinking, collaboration, communication and creativity for students elementary through high school (full-time, part-time or hybrid). We emphasize critical thinking, communication and collaboration skills across all levels. We have three levels of mixed-aged small cohorts that allow for differentiation that ensures all students are stretched without being stressed. We are college-prep without college pressure. Students are placed by ability vs. age and we are low-tech, but not no-tech. Our students use real books and writing utensils. Bullying is not tolerated here and we have a longstanding community culture of respect and encouragement among students and adults. Classes are taught in an eclectic combination of styles that includes themed, project-based, Modeling Instruction drawn from various pedagogies. We offer Advanced Placement (many project-based) and dual-enrollment. Let's talk about how to change your child's trajectory.

DuPage County

Lisa Marie Farver

Chicago Metropolitan Area

Naperville

Illinois

A secular, diverse, college prep, alternative learning community focusing on critical thinking, collaboration, communication and creativity for...

RowCal - Arlington Heights

Our mission is simple: make HOA management easier, more transparent, and more human—for boards, homeowners, and neighborhoods across the country. We believe strong communities start with clear communication, dependable service, and tools that help everyone stay connected. We combine local expertise with national resources, giving every community the best of both worlds. Our local teams understand the unique needs of each neighborhood, while our broader network provides the systems, technology, and experience to support communities of every size.

Cook County

Eric DeGrechie

Glenview

Our mission is simple: make HOA management easier, more transparent, and more human—for boards, homeowners, and neighborhoods across the country....

St. Sophia's Forgotten Felines

he cats we care for at St. Sophia’s come from many different places. The majority of the cats we help are those that are helpless, who have not experienced love or a home, stray, abused, and neglected cats. Primarily we work with high-volume/high-kill animal controls to save cats from needless euthanasia. Our largest partner is Chicago Animal Care and Control. Other ACs we partner with are Aurora, Joliet Township, DuPage, Herrin, Marion, Quincy, Tilton, Union, Jasper, and Whiting. St. Sophia’s also works with local Trap-Neuter-Return organizations. Trap-Neuter-Return (also known as TNR) is a method of humanely trapping unaltered feral cats, neutering them, and releasing them back to the same environment where they were originally found. TNR is promoted by proponents as a humane and more effective alternative for managing and reducing feral cat populations (compared to euthanasia). While most cats trapped are completely feral (wild, without any domestic socialization), some cats—often kittens, or even adults that have been well cared-for outdoors—can, and have, become socialized and adoptable. TNR organizations aren’t equipped to handle the “friendlies” that come in, so we step in to assist those cats looking for homes. Lastly, some of our cats are direct owner surrenders. Sometimes circumstances have it that people are unable to care for their cats due to moving, eviction, financial issues, death, allergies, etc. We accept these cats in when we have space and maintain a waiting list of those who need assistance. If you ever find yourself in this type of position, please read our surrender policies to see how we can help.

Wheaton

he cats we care for at St. Sophia’s come from many different places. The majority of the cats we help are those that are helpless, who have not...

Fourth Avenue Design Group

Interior Design Firm specializing in full scale interior remodels of kitchens, bathrooms, and lower levels, guiding projects from concept to completion.  Other services include new construction selections, custom cabinetry and construction guidance.

Arlington Heights

Interior Design Firm specializing in full scale interior remodels of kitchens, bathrooms, and lower levels, guiding projects from concept to...

WHEATON, IL — The 2026 Wheaton Block Party will be held Sept. 26 at Memorial Park. The free event features carnival games, a petting zoo, live music and other kid-friendly activities. Kids can take rides on a miniature train. Balloon artists and a face painter will be on hand to create on-the-spot art. Food and beverages will be available for purchase throughout the event. Other highlights include appearances by city officials and members of the Wheaton Police Department. What: Wheaton Block Party When: Sept. 26 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Where: Memorial Park, 225 Karlskoga Ave.

WHEATON, IL — The 2026 Wheaton Block Party will be held Sept. 26 at Memorial Park. The free event features carnival games, a petting zoo, live music and other kid-friendly activities.

Kids can take rides on a miniature train. Balloon artists and a face painter will be on hand to create on-the-spot art. Food and beverages will be available for purchase throughout the event. Other highlights include appearances by city officials and members of the Wheaton Police Department.

What: Wheaton Block Party When: Sept. 26 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: Memorial Park, 225 Karlskoga Ave.

Wheaton Block Party To Feature Live Music...

The free event will be held at Memorial Park. 

Wheaton Block Party To Feature Live Music Carnival Games, More

Kids & Family 

Glen Ellyn

Lisle

Downers Grove

Oak Brook

Woodridge

David Giuliani

Elmhurst

Hinsdale-Clarendon Hills

Darien

Kane County

Emily Rosca

Batavia

Cantigny Park

*COME ONE COME ALL
BYOD – BRING YOUR OWN DOGS TO
THE GREAT AMERICAN DOG SHOW 
AT CANTIGNY PARK IN WHEATON
SEPTEMBER 5TH AND 6TH, 2026
Reasonable Priced Family Entertainment 

Families, family dogs and pet lovers from all over Chicagoland can enjoy great, affordable, family-friendly entertainment and the thrill of world-class canine competition at the upcoming Great American Dog Show(GADS). The Show will be held September 5-6, 2026, at The Cantigny Park (1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton).
The Show will be chalk full of premier show dogs and competitors from the 200 American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized breeds. The spirit of competition will come alive as America’s favorite animals compete for top prizes throughout the weekend.
Along with the competition, which will take place across multiple large rings, the event will showcase demonstrations of agility, scent work, trick dog, and more. A highlight of the shows will be a Greet the Breeds event showcasing lots of unique and recognized breeds. The two-day experience will include multiple vendors, sponsors and exhibitors providing area dog lovers with insights into the best new products and services to support the health, grooming, training, and wellbeing of their favorite furry friends. Other highlights and activities over the weekend include:
Dachshund Races – hot diggity dog! watch (and/or bring your own) oodles of the cutest Dachshunds race for top dog bragging rights 
BYOD - Bring Your Own Dog Fun Run – join in the fun and watch your own (well-mannered and vaccinated) dog compete in a lively, outdoor, exciting event for all
Informative Meet Ups with the Experts -Trainers, Groomers and Vets on hand to consult and answer all your burning questions about your furry family members. Educational programming throughout the weekend to learn about the latest information about how to care for, feed, train and understand your pet. 
Competitive Pee Wee Show– kids ages 5 to 9 can practice and learn about being a junior handler. 
Join In the Healthy Dog Walk – a self-guided walk, complete with fun stops along the way and a chance to earn a medal and certificate of completion. Walk benefits with Anti-Cruelty Society. 
Top Notch Competitions with World Renown Judges throughout the weekend including Best of Breed, Best in Group and Best in Show.
Specialty Shopping with numerous vendors showcasing the best of the best pet care products: treats, custom collars, fun collectables, personalized gifts and more.
Food Truck Row – treat yourself and your family to everything from ice cream, to tacos, to coffee to shaved ice
THE Kids Zone featuring a larger, more amped up area for kids of all ages featuring; face painting, coloring areas, stuffed animal obstacle course, and experts to teach kids how to care for their pets.
Cooling Pools for Furry Ones – let your pups frolic in the water in the park and stay cool on a hot summer day.
1-Day ticket pricing is as follows:
$22 General Admission$15 for Children (12 and under)$18 for Seniors and Veterans 
For information about how to purchase tickets, and for more information about the event, including vendor information, visit <a href="https://greatamericandogshow.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">greatamericandogshow.com</a>.

Local Event: Great American Dog Show

Great American Dog Show

*COME ONE COME ALL
BYOD – BRING YOUR OWN DOGS TO
THE GREAT AMERICAN DOG SHOW 
AT CANTIGNY PARK IN WHEATON
SEPTEMBER 5TH AND...

Grace United Methodist Church

International Champion Vocal Spectrum and Midwest Harmony
Champion Stiletto Will Join Join Chorus of DuPage
An A Capella, 4-Part Harmony Music Production for All Ages

Fans of high-energy a Capella vocal music will be treated to some of the most talented groups in the Midwest on September 12 as the Chorus of DuPage (COD) hosts "Melodies and Memories” -- a show designed to celebrate classic and contemporary tunes and showcase award-winning barbershop groups for Chicago-area audiences. 
At 3 pm at Naperville's Grace United Methodist Church, 300 E. Gartner Road, several award-winning vocal groups will perform with the popular 30-voice Chorus of DuPage, including Vocal Spectrum -- former Barbershop Harmony Society international quartet champion. Also appearing on the show will be Stiletto Quartet -- the Sing United Midwest Harmony 2026 Quartet Champions, as well as two popular Chicago area quartets, the Upside Downers and Stratosphere.
 "We hope to delight area music lovers with a program that features a diverse mix of top talent, and a musical program theme that showcases music we all know and love," said John Morrison, COD chorus manager. The Naperville-based COD chorus, with members from throughout the Chicago area, will perform hits such as Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,
Yesterday, Daydream, and You’re Nobody ‘til Somebody Loves You
– and other favorites, performed in classic 4-part barbershop harmony style.
 The guest quartets will perform separately, and join the host chorus in a mass chorus number to conclude the show. 
 Tickets are available online or by phone at $20
for adults and $15 for students. Children under 5 are free, if accompanied by an adult. There is ample free parking at the church. 
Visit&nbsp; <a href="https://www.chorusofdupage.com/Fallshow" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">chorusofdupage.com/Fallshow</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://www.chorusofdupage.com/fallshow2026" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"></a>to purchase tickets online or call the ticket hotline at 331.444.2740. 
 Tickets are first come, first served, so early purchase is suggested. If tickets are still available, they will be sold at the door.

Local Event: "Melodies and Memories" Show Will Bring Barbershop Champion Groups to Naperville 

"Melodies and Memories" Show Will Bring...

International Champion Vocal Spectrum and Midwest Harmony
Champion Stiletto Will Join Join Chorus of DuPage
An A Capella,...

"Melodies and Memories" Show Will Bring Barbershop Champion Groups to Naperville 

St. James Farm Forest Preserve

Join NAMI DuPage for our 2026 NAMIWalks
Help break the stigma associated with mental illness at the 2026 NAMIWalks (Runs) 5K and 1 Mile Color Run. Before, between, or after the runs, visit the Kids Zone and Health Fair.
This highly anticipated event will be held on Sunday, September 13th, at <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/St.+James+Farm+Forest+Preserve/@41.8333486,-88.1619043,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x880e55f0b0b22935:0xa5ed064d126e1387!8m2!3d41.8333486!4d-88.1619043!16s%2Fg%2F1hf70yd7b?entry=ttu&amp;g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDcwOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">St. James Farm Forest Preserve</a> in Warrenville on their USATF Certified course. Participants with wheelchairs, strollers, and leashed pets are welcome.
The event is free.Earn money, win prizes!
9:00 – 5K 
9:00 – Kids Zone &amp; Health Fair 
10:45 – 1 Mile Color Run (in partnership with the DuPage Prevention Leadership Team, led by local high school students as part of our Anti-Stigma Campaign)
Don’t miss out on this exciting event – it’s sure to be a blast while making a meaningful difference in the mental health community! All proceeds from this event will go directly to supporting mental health programs and services in our community. Your participation helps rase awareness and provides crucial support to individuals and families affected by mental illness.
For more information or to buy tickets, go to the Race Webpage <a href="https://namidupage.org/run-for-the-mind/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">namidupage.org/run</a>!
*In the event of inclement and/or severe weather, this event will be canceled, and there will not be a rain date. 
No refunds, no exchanges.

Local Event: NAMIWalks DuPage

NAMIWalks DuPage

Join NAMI DuPage for our 2026 NAMIWalks
Help break the stigma associated with mental illness at the 2026 NAMIWalks (Runs) 5K...

Across Illinois

The 10 Best Colleges In Illinois, According To...

Niche, a Pittsburgh-based college search and review site evaluated more than 4,000 colleges.

The 10 Best Colleges In Illinois, According To New 2027 Ranking

Schools

Stormy, Hot And Humid Weather Expected This...

Peak heat index values of 105 are possible for parts of the Chicago area. 

Stormy, Hot And Humid Weather Expected This Week For Chicago Area

Weather

🌱 Patch AM: How a 110% Medicaid spike could...

Coming up: Great American Dog Show on the Wheaton Patch calendar

🌱 Patch AM: How a 110% Medicaid spike could affect care in Wheaton

Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: West Plaza Ribbon Cutting and 11...

You won’t want to miss Reserve your Fall Annuals, mums and more in beautiful colors for the season! on the Wheaton Patch calendar

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Kids & Family

Wheaton Block Party To Feature Live Music Carnival Games, More

The free event will be held at Memorial Park.

Lisa Marie Farver, Patch Staff

Find out what's happening in Wheatonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Find out what's happening in Wheatonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

More from Wheaton

Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Planned For Wheaton Public Library's Renovated West Plaza

'I Was Cheated Out Of A Fair Playing Field,' DuPage County Clerk Claims

Stolen Tequila, Facebook Marketplace Scam, More: Wheaton Crime Blotter

Great American Dog Show

"Melodies and Memories" Show Will Bring Barbershop Champion Groups to Naperville

NAMIWalks DuPage

RowCal - Arlington Heights

St. Sophia's Forgotten Felines

Prairie Paideia, NFP

Fourth Avenue Design Group

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Wheaton Block Party To Feature Live Music Carnival Games, More

The free event will be held at Memorial Park.

Lisa Marie Farver, Patch Staff<img alt="Verified Patch Staff Badge" class="styles-module-scss-module__AKw7-a__Badge" src="https://patch.com/img/cdn/assets/layout/badges/verified-patch-staff.svg"/>

Find out what's happening in Wheatonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Find out what's happening in Wheatonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Lisa Marie Farver, Patch Staff