Lindenhurst celebrates Earth Day
Family fun intermingled with environmental awareness at Lindenhurst's Earth Day Festival on Saturday. Dozens of families were drawn to the annual event typically held the Saturday following the official Earth Day holiday on April 22.
"We try to have people here who are at least talking about what they can do to be more environmentally friendly," said Melissa Forsberg, the chairwoman of the Lindenhurst Environmental Commission, which is the event's main sponsor. "Or do things for the kids to sort of show them what they can be doing in the future as they grow."
The festival kicked off at Lindenhurst's Millennium Park with a free Super-Hero 5K fun run and walk. Park district Executive Director Dave Mohr said this was the first year that a costume theme was suggested for racers.
Activities then shifted to Lindenhurst Village Hall, which was the headquarters for a villagewide clean up and an indoor expo featuring informational booths, bingo and food. The nearby Slove Park hosted kite flying and a "Nut Hunt" for kids (similar to an Easter egg hunt).
Amy Bell of Antioch was inspired to create a display and a many anti-plastic bag costumes for kids to wear after watching the 2010 environmental animated film "A Turtle's Tale: Sammy's Adventures" with her now seven-year-old daughter, Anna.
"I've been trying to get people to switch over from plastic bags to reusable bags," said Bell, also emphasizing the importance of composting, rain barrel water collection and the push for more wind and solar power.
Tempel Farms Organics co-owners Chris and Tania Cubberly, who have been farming in Old Mill Creek for eight seasons, made their first appearance at the festival.
"This is our neighborhood. Our certified organic farm is two miles away right down the road, so these are our customers," Chris Cubberly said. "We're here to make people aware that maybe it's a good idea to buy local."
The festival also had a somber aspect with the annual tree planting ceremony honoring community members who passed away. Co-workers of Gina Winiewicz suggested to that this year's event honor her late husband and daughter, Chris and Haylie Winiewicz, who both died from injuries sustained in a car accident on Aug. 29. Gina's twin sister, Dana Slotkus, spoke on behalf of the Winiewicz family.
"I hope the tree grows nice and strong just like the strength of the community and the support they've shown us," Gina Winiewicz said. "It means a lot. Whenever we come down to Lindenfest, we'll see and remember."