Join 'Party on the Farm: Woodstock on Warrenville' May 20

In January, Warrenville became a Cool City and on May 20, it'll get a little cooler when Sierra Club members and supporters converge from far and wide for "Party on the Farm: Woodstock in Warrenville."

This annual event on Connie and Michael Schmidt's farm is a fund raising celebration with music and food. The funds raised will be used to support candidates for local and state public offices who are committed to protecting the environment.

"It is hard to beat Party on the Farm as a way to protect the environment," said Linda Sullivan, River Prairie Group Political Co-Chair. "Partiers listen to great music and mingle with like minded people in a farm setting and their donation goes to making democracy work. The money raised is not funneled through political leadership but goes directly to candidates who will stand up for clean energy, water, air and open space."

Some down home, rocking music will be provided by The Almost Brothers Band. Party on the Farm visitors will have an opportunity to feed carrots to horses, check out chickens and bunnies, participate in a scavenger hunt and bid on silent auction items.

"Growing up in a suburb, I always wished for a horse, enough land to grow some of my own food, and my own chickens to provide eggs." said Connie Schmidt. "These dreams have come true for me and my family and I love to share them with my neighbors and friends. In this hurried lifestyle of ours now a days, many of us may feel that there are few like minded people around. Here is a chance to rub shoulders with others who may have more in common with you."

Warrenville joined a nation wide network of Cool Cities when Mayor Brummel signed the US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement. Cool Cities is a Sierra Club initiative supporting the Climate Protection Agreement and provides an avenue for community members to become involved in innovative solutions to climate change. Making a commitment to reducing greenhouse gases was a logical next step for Warrenville which already had a history of sustainable accomplishments such as permeable pavers on Warrenville Road, a LEED certified middle school and a program for recognizing green businesses. The other five Cool Cities in DuPage County are Carol Stream, Lombard, Elmhurst, Villa Park and Westmont.

"Cool Cities is a way for people to go beyond changing their light bulbs," said Lonnie Morris, Illinois Sierra Club's Cool Cities Chair. "It's a way for an entire community to change their light bulbs or buy renewable energy or come up with energy saving projects. It's a win-win program for consumers and the environment because it saves money and reduces the threat of climate change."

Sierra Club, the nation's oldest and largest grass roots environmental organization, has been a leader on environmental issues in DuPage County for the past 20 years. In addition to Cool Cities, Sierra Club volunteers monitor water quality in local streams and rivers, participate in land restoration work days and meet with legislators to discuss laws for protecting the environment.

Sierra Club brings people together to protect the environment, socialize and celebrate. Party on the Farm is the best combination of having fun while doing something important.

Party on the Farm will be held from 3 to 8 p.m. Sunday, May 20 at 3S501 Landon Drive in Warrenville.

Cost is $15 per person, or $25 per couple. Bring a dish and/or drink to share.

For more information, contact Connie Schmidt at (630) 234-3029 or twnstr111@msn.com.