Briefs: Villa Park honors gardeners

Villa Park honors gardeners: Villa Park is blooming with color, thanks to several area residents' efforts. To show appreciation for plantings the groups have tended around town, the village gave the green thumbs 2008 Garden of Character certificates of recognition. The honorees included the Ardmore School Garden Club, St. Alexander Girl Scouts, the Villa Park Junior Women's Club, Cub Scout Pack 33, resident Sandy Adamec and the recreation department's Early Childhood Program. "It's a great way to be a part of the community," said Carrie Karl, superintendent of recreation. "And, of course, your efforts are noticed throughout the entire planting season."

Lombard to recognize seniors:

Lombard is seeking nominations for this year's "Senior of the Year" award. The award, in its third year, aims to celebrate the accomplishments of one male and one female senior citizen in Lombard. The award will be presented at the village's Senior Fair on Sept. 24. Residents can nominate a senior by submitting the person's name and a brief (50 words or less) description of why the person should be considered for the award. Nominees must be 65 years of age or older. The nomination must be received by Sept. 8. Winners selected by the Community Relations Committee will receive a gift certificate to a local restaurant. Send nominations to: Community Development Department, Attention: "Senior of the Year" Award, 255 E. Wilson, Lombard, IL., 60148. E-mail nominations to kottj@villageoflombard.org. Fax nominations to: (630) 629-2374.

Blood drive in Lombard:

Lombard's summer blood drive will run from 12:30 to 7 p.m., July 16 at the Lombard Park District's Community Building, 433 E. St. Charles Road. The goal for the summer blood drive is 208 pints. Donors will receive a premium Heartland Blood Centers BBQ set as part of the four season's club. The club aims to get donors to participate in the blood drives four times per year, or once per season. Anyone interested in donating should make an appointment by calling Carol Bauer at: (630) 620-5712, or by email at: bauerc@villageoflombard.org. Walk-in donors are also welcome. Donors must bring a photo ID.

Patriotic music:

The fourth annual "Fourth of July Children's Patriotic Program" will be at 11 a.m. Sunday at Calvary United Pentecostal Church, at 19W701 Army Trail Road, Addison. Children ages 4 to 11 will perform a dozen songs and visitors will be met by actors portraying Abraham Lincoln, Uncle Sam, Betsy Ross and the Statue of Liberty at the front door. Admission is free. For details, call the church at (630) 628-6866.