Briefs: Elmhurst honors NIU victim
A tree will be planted at Plunkett Park in Elmhurst to honor Dan Parmenter, one of the five Northern Illinois University students killed by a gunman in February. The Elmhurst Baseball League is sponsoring the dedication in Parmenter's memory. Parmenter grew up in Elmhurst. Parmenter was a standout ballplayer as well as an umpire with the league for a decade, officials said. The dedication will take place at 11 a.m. June 14 at the park.
Gypsy moth spraying
Aerial spraying for gypsy moths in the Riverwoods Park area of Naperville will take place on Thursday, weather permitting. A second spraying will follow one week after the first. Last summer, an infestation of gypsy moths was discovered in this area. Spraying was effective in killing a large number of the caterpillars, though many were too advanced in their lifecycle to be killed or were not in accessible locations. The spraying is not harmful to humans or pets. A map of the proposed spray area is available on the city's Web site at www.naperville.il.us/gypsymoth.aspx.
Lions send aid to China
Oak Brook-based Lions Club International Foundation and Lions clubs in China are launching a $1.5 million relief effort for victims of the earthquake that struck Sichuan Province earlier this month. Lions in Hong Kong and Macau have raised $600,000, and the foundation has committed an initial grant of $500,000 to address immediate needs and provide medicines, clothing, blankets, water purification and temporary housing. Lions already have sent 5,000 tents for displaced victims and more are on the way. Through a vast network of Lions clubs in China, foundation members also are dispatching relief teams to the affected areas to deliver supplies and assist with hands-on relief efforts.
Additional funds raised in coming weeks will go toward long-term reconstruction and rehabilitation needs, such as housing, schools and eye-health care.
Reward offered in theft
A reward is being offered for information in the theft of a 2-foot-tall white plaster statue of the Virgin Mary taken earlier this month from in front of Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 36 N. Ellsworth St., Naperville. The theft occurred late May 1 or early May 2, Naperville police said Monday. The statue, valued at roughly $700, was located outside the Pastoral Hall. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Naperville Crime Stoppers at (630) 420-6006. A reward of up to $1,000 is being offered for information that leads to an arrest.
Job fair, expo Wednesday
Hanover Township Youth and Family Services, in conjunction with the chambers of commerce for Bartlett, Streamwood and Hanover Park, will sponsor its first Job Fair and Expo from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Tefft Middle School, 1100 Shirley Ave., Streamwood. The event is aimed at teens, adults and seniors and is free to the public and employers. Those slated to be on hand include UPS, Vertex Research Group, OfficeMax, the city of Elgin, Grand Victoria Casino, Elgin Community College and many others. Professionals also will be on hand to offer job search tips. For details, call Hanover Township Youth and Family Services at (630) 483-5799 or Astor Avenue Community Center at (630) 540-9085, or go to hanover-township.org and click on "Departments" and then "Youth and Family Services."
Bicycle Rodeo slated
The Carol Stream Police Department has scheduled its 35th annual Bicycle Rodeo for 9 a.m. to noon May 31 at the Ross Ferraro Town Center, Gary Avenue and Lies Road. Children ages 3 to 15 can attend to register their bike with the police department and participate in a bike safety course. All bicycles will be inspected by a technician for problems before each rider attempts the course. The event will include special appearances by McGruff the Crime Dog, Sparky the Fire Dog, Ozzie of the Kane County Cougars and Skates of the Chicago Wolves. Children who attend the rodeo will be eligible for a free raffle. Prizes include gift certificates, bike helmets, locks and other merchandise. For details, contact officer Rich Garza at (630) 871-6201.