Briefs: Bowl for PADS
Supporters of DuPage PADS will help raise money for services to the homeless during a bowling outing on April 19. The event runs from noon to 3 p.m. at Fox Bowl in Wheaton. It is the sixth year DuPage PADS has organized the event. Teams last year raised more than $30,000 to help people in crisis in DuPage communities. This year, DuPage PADS said it hopes to find 30 bowling teams and raise $35,000 to help end homelessness in the county. Teams consist of one captain and four bowlers. Each bowler commits to raising $140 in donations, or at least $700 per team. DuPage PADS will provide three games, all-you-can-eat-pizza, ice cream, T-shirts, prizes for high donations, high score and a raffle. Sponsorships are available and raffle donations are needed. Call Kathleen Johnson at (630) 682-3846, ext. 222, for details.
Easter Seals plans benefit
Easter Seals DuPage and the Fox Valley Region will sponsor its 30th annual benefit, Gala in the Garden, at 6 p.m. April 12 in the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago. The evening will include dining, dancing to Orchestra 33 and unique auction items. Shannon Kelly, Easter Seals DuPage and Fox Valley region 2008 youth ambassador, will share her story of being a childhood cancer survivor and how Easter Seals has helped her become an independent 13-year-old. Proceeds support the Sponsor-A-Child program, which provides therapy to children and families who could not otherwise afford it. For details, visit www.eastersealsdfvr.org.
Lombard library sets goals
The board for the Helen Plum Library recently approved a new strategic plan that aims to better serve customers. Goals of the new plan, which covers 2008 through 2012, include working toward expansion of the Lombard library, using existing space better, staff training and development, upgrading technological upgrades and increasing use of library collections, programs and services. In addition, the library staff will work to improve communications and relationships with the community. To view the plan, visit the library's Web site at http://www.plum.lib.il.us/.
Villa Park book sale
Friends of the Villa Park Library is holding its semiannual used book sale. The sale runs from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. today and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the library, 305 S. Ardmore Ave. Many of the donated books are in good to like-new condition. A selection of movies and television shows also will be available. Prices range from 50 cents for paperbacks and compact discs to $5 for special items. Saturday will be bargain day with a plastic bag of books selling for $5. All proceeds will help pay for library programs.
Irish dancers win gold
Two teams from Trinity Academy of Irish Dance won gold medals in the recent 2008 World Championship of Irish Dance in Belfast. Two local dancers -- Elyse Smith, 12, of Naperville, and Marni Doyle, 12, of Villa Park -- were on both teams that won. Elyse asked to learn Irish dancing after watching "Riverdance" at the age of 2. Since then, she has won more than 200 medals and trophies. Marni comes from a large Irish dancing family and competes on the world level with her big sister.
Willowbrook music honors
Four music students from Willowbrook High School in Villa Park have been selected to participate in the Allerton String Chamber Music Symposium this month in Monticello, Ill., which is sponsored by the University of Illinois. Quartet members are: Adrienne Boni, cello; Marcy Columbus, viola; Diane Couzins, flute; Carolyn Van De Velde, violin. This quartet will be performing Mozart's Quartet Nr. 298, Mvt. III. Acceptance to the Allerton symposium is considered prestigious event for high school string ensemble. Twelve ensembles from throughout the state will participate in this year's symposium.
Aurora seeks a marshal
Aurora's Fourth of July Parade Board is accepting nominations for the grand marshal of the 2008 Independence Day Parade, which will be at 10 a.m. July 4. The nomination deadline is 5 p.m., May 2. Selection is based on the nominee's contributions to the quality of life in the city, through civic and/or social services, humanitarianism or through personal achievements. Nominees may be current or longtime past residents of the city. Nomination forms are available at www.aurora-il.org/specialevents or by calling the Mayor's Office of Special Events at (630) 844-4731.