Thanks for Wheaton poetry in park

June 13 was scheduled as the Picnic/Poetry in the Park at Adams Park. A Wheaton Sesquicentennial event, the afternoon would be an old-fashioned picnic, featuring a cakewalk and poetry readings by District 200 students.

Unfortunately, the rainy weather meant cancellation of the planned hot dog booth from the Wheaton Kiwanis and cotton candy and games sponsored by Wheaton Rotary. Thanks to the generous offer of space by the Wheaton Park District in the DuPage History Museum, the cakewalk and poetry readings took place in the building's auditorium.

We thank Mike Benard and Ellen Huber of the Wheaton Park District for their support and help in getting the event underway. On Saturday, Sara Buttita helped us transition from an outdoor venue to one indoors. Diane DiLeonardi and her crew had a beautifully organized and fun cakewalk that was enjoyed by everyone. Ann Wank from Tate's ice Cream went above and beyond by providing 300 ice cream sandwiches for participants.

Thank you to Mayor Michael Gresk for help, support and enthusiasm for Wheaton and poetry events. Thanks to Ben Peterselli, teacher and co-chairman of Community Partners in Poetry, for introducing our poets. Congratulations to the young poets who entertained and inspired the audience. Thanks to the proud parents and friends who came to watch and listen.

Special thanks to Joan Reuss, who organizes the volunteers who weed and trim Adams Park to perfection. Thanks to Kevin Maloney and Guy Beck and the city workers who expertly tend Adams Park. Ray Catala organized a sound system for the park that would have worked perfectly.

Finally, thank you to the faithful women of the Adams Park Preservation Council - Carol Powell, Muriel Krakar, Joan Reuss, Mary Wachter, Ginny Christensen, Barb Vercoe, Virginia Isgren - for attending those 6:30 a.m. meetings, offering wonderful ideas and always going that extra mile.

Mary Landreth

Carol Honeywell

Wheaton