The employees of the Village of Carol Stream waged a Penny War amongst departments to see who could raise the most money for the Veterans Memorial Renovation Project. The employees raised $1,375.78 overall, and on November 9, 2017, Barb Wydra (Accounting Manager) and Linda Johansen (Secretary-Engineering) delivered the donation to Veteran Jim Benzin, Commander of VFW Post #10396.
Here’s what the Village departments raised:
| Department | Pennies | Silver Coins | Total Raised |
| Administration, Building Maintenance & Clerk | $57.24 | $189.10 | $246.34 |
| Community Development | $18.60 | $141.40 | $160.00 |
| Employee Relations, GIS, IT | $20.62 | $151.11 | $171.73 |
| Engineering | $55.29 | $208.66 | $263.95 |
| Finance | $93.61 | $83.10 | $176.71 |
| Police | $14.16 | $131.30 | $145.46 |
| Public Works | $29.89 | $181.70 | $211.59 |
| Total amount raised | $289.41 | $1086.37 | $1375.78 |
The guide is out! We have something for everyone — from Fitness to Preschool to Adult Sports Leagues to Family Events and more! Take a look inside . . .
Resident registration begins November 10. Nonresident registration begins November 17.
The Carol Stream Parks Foundation is seeking service-minded individuals interested in contributing to the park district community. The Foundation helps strengthen the financial resources of the park district by receiving monetary gifts, bequests or endowments to use to improve existing park projects or programs, or to help fund future projects. The Foundation sponsors occasional events, such as the annual Duck Race and fundraisers for the Veterans Memorial renovation project. Popular with cyclists, the Foundation manages the Bike Club in which riders travel miles on and off trails to neighboring towns. The Foundation meets once a month, and attendance is suggested, but optional, at Foundation-organized or sponsored fundraisers. No application is required.
Interested individuals may contact csparksfoundation@gmail.com.
‘
The Carol Stream Park District is looking for your feedback about its next Parks and Facilities Master Plan. The Plan will help guide the District through the next five to ten years, providing strategic direction to Board and Staff. We would appreciate it if you would review the draft plan and then tell us how you feel about it! Thank you in advance for your participation. The survey will be available until November 1, 2017.
SURVEY IS CLOSED.
Commissioner Brian Sokolowski commends this great community – its residents, volunteers, partners – in making this a great park district. He also gives a snapshot of some of the planning the district is doing to maintain a positive direction and improve processes moving forward.
Hello! I’m Anthony Del Preto, and I am pleased to be your new Carol Stream Park District Commissioner. Let me tell you a little bit about myself.
I grew up in Arlington Heights, Illinois and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication from Eastern Illinois University. I became employed for Aerotek after graduation and am happily still employed with them today. My wife, Alison, and I moved to Carol Stream in 2005 to raise our family. We have three lovely children – Abby, Anthony and Adam. As my children became involved in sports, I, too, became involved and have been very active coaching all of them in park district soccer and basketball leagues. This fall I have started a Carol Stream United 10u soccer travel team, affiliated with the park district.
I have always been interested in community involvement, looking for opportunities to enhance others’ experiences as well. Carol Stream is a great town to live in, and I am eager to serve the community, along with my fellow Carol Stream Park District Commissioners, and to uphold our mission, vision and core values as the best parks and recreation provider.
Thank you for this opportunity, and I look forward to meeting you.
The Memorial Park Task Force, in partnership with Carol Stream Mayor Frank Saverino, the Village of Carol Stream and the Carol Stream Park District, have agreed with the suggestion that the new memorial outlined for the Memorial Park renovation project, also referred to as Veterans Memorial, be constructed at Carol Stream’s Ross Ferraro Town Center, located at the corner of Gary Avenue and Lies Road, Carol Stream.
Carol Stream’s Memorial Park, located at 342 Thunderbird Trail, is scheduled for a renovation to further honor the community’s brave individuals and stand as a tribute for years to come. Fundraising efforts for the renovation have been ongoing since Memorial Day 2016 with the goal to raise $200,000. Plans include an improved walkway, small shelter, new landscaping, lighting and various decorative features.
“The significance of this Veterans Memorial reconstruction, and ultimately a beautiful plaza memorial when completed,” says Mayor Saverino, “should be at the forefront of this Village. The town center is a popular gathering place for our residents and their families, who come to listen to live music, to attend special events, or to just enjoy the fountain and scenery. The new memorial will be seen by hundreds who come to visit weekly.”
Moving the project to the more accessible and visible town center, which already has a brick plaza, electricity, flag poles and parking, will enhance the attributes of the property, named after the former mayor, Ross Ferraro. An architect has been on site and new drawings are expected soon. “With the existing plaza in place, we may be able to decrease construction costs and arrive at our goal sooner,” says partner Carol Stream Park District Executive Director Jim Reuter.
To further along fundraising efforts, Mayor Saverino is holding an Open House Fundraiser on Thursday, August 24, from 4 to 8 pm at the Carol Stream Holiday Inn. Everyone is invited to stop by and make a donation and enjoy light appetizers, cash bar, fun raffles and music.
Other upcoming fundraising events, coordinated by the Park District and the Memorial Park Task Force, include Joe Cotton Ford’s Drive 4UR Community on August 5 at McCaslin Park, a concert featuring Prairie Station on August 19 at the Town Center, the Fall 5K Stars & Stripes Shuffle on October 1, starting at Armstrong Park and the Stars & Stripes Softball adult tournament on October 7, also at Armstrong Park.
The Memorial Park Task Force includes members from the Carol Stream VFW, American Legion, Village, Park District, Chamber of Commerce, and volunteers.
To make a charitable contribution to the enhancements and beautification of Veterans Memorial, send your tax deductible donation to the Carol Stream Parks Foundation, a 501(c)3 charitable organization.
Carol Stream Parks Foundation
c/o 849 W. Lies Road, Carol Stream, IL 60188
info@csparksfoundation.org
You may also make an online donation at GO FUND ME.
The Dolphins Swim Team won the A Conference of the DuPage Swim & Dive Conference, enabling the team to move up to the White division for the next conference, a first for the team.
Congratulations to the team and the following individuals who broke records:
Test drive a Ford during the Cool Trucks & Hot Wheels event on Saturday, August 5, between 10 am and 2 pm, Joe Cotton Ford of Carol Stream is bringing out some cars to test drive. For each person that drives a car, Joe Cotton Ford will make a donation back to the Memorial Park Renovation Project. Make a difference with Joe Cotton Ford to benefit this community project – there is no fee to test drive a car.
Also, Cool Trucks & Hot Wheels is a FREE family event. Location: McCaslin Park parking lot. Bring swimsuits and towels for the splash pad, a basketball to play Bankshot basketball, or a volleyball to sand volleyball. Don’t forget your cameras for photo shots of the kids on and in the many vehicles on display.
This is the ultimate Touch-a-Truck and Emergency Vehicle show!
Take your bike ride to places you could never recently go with Expresso Live! Fountain View Fitness Center has two upright and two recumbent Expresso Bikes for your workout/cycling enjoyment! The live service of these bikes offers challenges, group rides, virtual classes, gaming, and the ability to track your history and progress with other apps, such as MyFitnessPal. Find the bikes in the northeast corner of the fitness center and give them a try!
