NAPERVILLE–Pre-schoolers invited for free! Naperville Park District invites young children and their families to see, touch, and experience life-sized community vehicles, including tractors, police cars, park maintenance trucks and more at the 2017 Wonderful World of Wheels presented by Woody Buick GMC. The event takes place on Monday, May 1 in the Whole Foods Naperville parking lot at 2607 West 75th Street from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Some of the familiar vehicles featured this year include Colonial Café’s Kitchen Sink Sundae truck, the Neptune Fire Truck, the Naperville Trolley and the Park District’s Reggie the Veggie truck. This is a free event, thanks to several participating community agencies and businesses that bring their vehicles and to our sponsors, including Woody Buick GMC, Whole Foods Market Naperville, Happy Family Organic Superfoods, Rocket Ice, KidSnips, Illinois Shotokan Karate Clubs, Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria, the Naperville Sun, and Buffalo Wild Wings. About the Naperville Park District Created in 1966, the Naperville Park District is an independent, municipal agency serving the recreation needs of its residents. An Illinois Distinguished Agency since 1994, the District is one of only 1% of park districts across the country to be nationally accredited through the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA). The Naperville Park District’s mission is to provide recreation and park experiences that enhance the quality of life for our community, including benefits such as community health, environmental education, social connections, and personal growth. The District maintains and operates more than 2,400 acres with 137 parks and provides more than 1,500 recreational, arts and environmental programs and special events annually. Included within the District’s operations are two championship golf courses, a multitude of playgrounds, trails, athletic courts and sports fields, Fort Hill Activity Center, Knoch Knolls Nature Center, two inline skating and skateboarding facilities, the Millennium Carillon, a paddle boat quarry, historic Centennial Beach, and the beautiful Riverwalk. #GlancerMagazine #Naperville #KidsTeens #Community #FamilyTime #GlancerWeekly

ST. CHARLES– The St Charles Arts Council is pleased to announce the Opening Reception of the Loft and the Street Pop-up Galleries in the Bourbon Street area of Pheasant Run Resort on Friday, April 28th. The Reception is from 6:30 to 9:00 and hosted by Pheasant Run. Many thanks to PRR for the space and the hospitality! The SCAC encourages gallery goers to consider taking advantage of all that Pheasant Run has to offer. Eat at one of their many restaurants/bars, from casual dining to their upscale Farm to Fork restaurant, Harvest. Or plan an overnight or day trip – enjoy spas and salons, swimming, games, golf, and more. Visit their web site for more information. And thank them for their support of the arts! The Loft and Street Galleries will be open from April 28 through May 28. Hours are 12-5pm on Thursdays and Sundays, and 12-6pm. on Fridays and Saturdays. More information about the Pheasant Run Galleries and the Pop-Up Gallery program can be found on the SCAC web site. The SCAC phone number is (630) 443-3794. The Arts Council encourages artists to learn more about their Pop-Up Gallery Program. Contact the SCAC at (630) 443-3794 or info@StCharlesArtsCouncil.org. Follow us on Facebook . About the St Charles Arts Council: The St Charles Arts Council is a 501(c)(3), registered not-for-profit Illinois corporation whose mission is to create an organization that serves and promotes the arts and cultural activities in St. Charles, to the mutual benefit of the arts and the community. The SCAC is staffed entirely by volunteers. Contact the SCAC for information at (630) 443-3794 or at info@StCharlesArtsCouncil.org. ARTISTS IN THE INAUGURAL SCAC POP-UP GALLERY AT PHEASANT RUN: The following Artists will have their work in the Street and Loft Pop-Up Galleries at Pheasant Run: Guy J. Bellaver | Lisa Bessler | Len Bielefeldt | Tony Carnesecchi | Berenice Cruz | Teresa Danna-Harbaugh | Albert DaValle | Barbara Eberhard | Shari Emme | Claudia Frost | Gabriela Guganovic | Dan Jarodsky | Robert Krawczyk | Kathi Kuchler | Lance Long | Linda Marquis | Barbara Mueller | Connie Olmstead | Mary Preistler | Sherry Pritz | Diana Rabinovich | Felicia Raschke | Linda Roxe | Mary Ellen Segraves | Carole Sluski | Nanette B. Stephens | Shane Stewart | Kasia Szczesniewski | Atala Dorothy Toy | Anita Wolff | Fred F. Zinke #GlancerMagazine #ArtsEntertainment #StCharles #Community #TrendingNow

GENEVA–The Viking Service Organization and Geneva Chamber of Commerce are pleased to announce that Lynn Landberg has been named 2017 Swedish Days Parade Marshal. “Wow. I never expected this. I’m really honored to be in the company of so many great Genevans who have served as honorary parade marshals in the past. I want to thank the Chamber of Commerce for this opportunity,” stated Landberg. Landberg is a life-long Geneva resident. He was the fourth generation to go through the Geneva school system, finishing at Geneva High School in 1962. After graduating with a Communications degree from the University of Illinois, he wrote for several trade publications. In 2003, after 30 years, he retired from Reed Business Information as editor of Construction Equipment magazine. Raising a family in Geneva was always a given for Landberg. Marrying his high-school sweetheart, they raised their family in the same home for 45 years. During that time Landberg was active in school PTO’s and Booster Clubs. Later his writing prowess was utilized, contributing to a Geneva High School alumni newsletter in the early 2000s. “I grew up in Geneva, as did my parents and many other relatives who went to Geneva schools, and, along with my wife Vicky, who also grew up here, raised our kids here. This is home, the only one I’ve known, and I’ve always given Geneva my full support, and wanted to do what I could to do my part in making it the great community it is.” In the 70s Geneva Mayor, Bert Wood, appointed him to the Economic Development Committee, working on the formation of the first TIF district. In 1979, Mayor Wood then appointed him to the Plan Commission, where he served for six years. In 1985, at the urging of his father, he ran and won the City Clerk position, serving two terms. His father, Harold Landberg, had served as City Clerk in the 60s. In 2005, he ran again for City Clerk and after a combined 20 years on the City Council, retired this year. In addition to his civic contributions, the Geneva History Museum has been fortunate to be a recipient of Landberg’s volunteerism and Geneva knowledge. This year marks twelve years that he has worked the front desk, told stories of growing up in Geneva to be preserved, assisted with mailings and welcomed visitors to Geneva History Museum and Geneva. “I’m a modest guy, and never considered myself a frontline mover or shaker, but felt that I could best serve Geneva working behind the scenes – helping where I could, but staying out of the limelight,” says Landberg. Landberg’s hometown pride will shine brightly as he leads the 2017 Swedish Days Grand Parade on June 25. “I can’t believe that I’m getting recognition like this. It’s humbling.” Swedish Days Festival supported by Northwestern Medicine runs June 20-25. For more information visit http://www.genevachamber.com/swedish_days.php. Brochures will be available around Geneva beginning of June. #GlancerMagazine #ArtsEntertainment #Geneva #Community #GlancerWeekly

WHEATON – Cantigny welcomes residents to these key garden events; Greenhouse Open House, National Public Gardens Day and “Project New Leaf” lecture and tour. The Horticulture Department at Cantigny Park will host events in May designed to inspire home gardeners and inform visitors about the exciting changes ahead for the park’s gardens and grounds. Greenhouse Open House Sunday, May 7 10 am to 3 pm Take a self-guided tour of the park’s production-style greenhouse. See over 50,000 plugs of native seedlings and wetland natives started this past winter, and a new nursery area holding perennial plants dug from the gardens to be re-used during Project New Leaf. Local organizations with an eco-educational slant will be on hand along with Cantigny Horticulture staff to answer your questions. Admission is free with paid parking ($10). Walk to the greenhouse or ride the complimentary tram from the main Cantigny parking lot to the greenhouse. Inside the Visitors Center, enjoy a trunk show by local jewelry artist Nancy Neill, and browse the ClaySpace Pottery Show. Hours are 10 am to 4 pm for each event. National Public Gardens Day Friday, May 12 9 am to 2 pm Take a free tour through Cantigny’s colorful spring plantings guided by the Cantigny Horticulture experts. Plus, catch two presentations in the Visitors Center Theater. At 11 am, keynote speaker Shawna Coronado, a local author and gardener from Warrenville, will discuss organic gardening solutions and tips. She will sign copies her book, “101 Organic Gardening Hacks,” available for sale in the Cantigny Shop. At 9 am, hear Jeff Reiter’s “Birds of Cantigny.” A free parking voucher (good May 12 only) is available for download at Cantigny.org. Otherwise the $5 weekday parking fee applies. Cantigny enthusiasts will also enjoy two events offering an inside look at the park’s just-launched Project New Leaf: Lecture: Joe Hibbard, Landscape Architect Wednesday, May 17 Visitors Center, 6:30 pm Hibbard, from Boston-based Sasaki Associates, is the principal in charge of Cantigny Park’s Project New Leaf, a 5-year revitalization plan. He will discuss how it all came together and the many exciting changes in store for Cantigny visitors. Admission is free with paid parking ($5). Garden Tour: Joe Hibbard, Landscape Architect Thursday, May 18 Visitors Center, 11 am Hibbard will lead a walking tour of the gardens and grounds, sharing information about the scope of Project New Leaf and commentary on the exciting new garden spaces planned for the park. Admission is free with paid parking ($5). The 500-acre Cantigny estate features one of the largest display gardens in the Midwest, showcasing perennials, ground covers, flowering bulbs, shrubs and trees. Cantigny’s 18,000-square-foot greenhouse supplies the plants displayed throughout the gardens and golf course, including 160,000 annuals. More information about Cantigny, including park hours, directions and a calendar of upcoming events is online at www.Cantigny.org. About Cantigny Park Cantigny Park, part of the Chicago-based Robert R. McCormick Foundations, is the 500-acre Wheaton estate of Robert R. McCormick (1880-1955). It is home to the McCormick Museum, First Division Museum (reopening August 26, 2017), formal gardens, picnic grounds, walking trails and a Visitor Center with banquet and dining facilities. More information, including hours, directions and upcoming events is online at Cantigny.org. Cantigny Golf, adjacent to the park, features a 27-hole championship golf course, full-service clubhouse, Cantigny Golf Academy and the 9-hole Cantigny Youth Links. For more information, visit CantignyGolf.com #GlancerMagazine #ArtsEntertainment #Wheaton #Cantigny #HomeGarden #Community #TrendingNow

ST. CHARLES – As spring emerges in the Fox Valley, the landscape of Mt. St. Mary Park in St. Charles will present – for the 12th consecutive year – a striking and engaging sculpture exhibition against the backdrop of nature’s seasonal beauty. The Sculpture in the Park event will begin the week of April 25 with installation of 12 unique works of art in addition to an array of pieces in the permanent collection. This year’s exhibit includes works of art from 10 sculptors all over the nation. On display will be Geospire By Tom Brewitz From Boynton Beach, FL Made of Stainless Sale Price: $25,000 In & Around By Ryan Slavik From St. Charles, IL Made of Steel Sale Price: $3,000 Par A Dice By Lambert Lucietto From Bartlett, IL Made of Steel Sale Price: $5,200 Antenna By David Orth From Marengo, IL Made of Steel Sale Price: $3,400 Angles, Shadows II By Bill McGrath From Batavia, IL Made of Steel Sale Price: $10,000 Bmcgrathsculpture.com Iron Aviator By Jennifer Meyer From Lansing, IL Made of Found Objects Sale Price: $1,200 Blue Staura By Micki LeMieux From Chicago, IL Made of Epoxy, Foam, Steel Sale Price: $12,000 Ursus By Joshua Enck From Rochester, NY Made of Steel Sale Price: $8,000 Tapered Striped Beach Ball By Howard Russo From St. Charles, IL Made of Steel Sale Price: $4,000 Six Finned Rocket By Howard Russo From St. Charles, IL Made of Steel Sale Price: $6,000 The Big Bang By James Lax From St. Charles, IL Made of Indiana Limestone Sale Price: $1,800 Dark Hollow Oolite By James Lax From St. Charles, IL Made of Indiana Limestone Sale Price: $1,800 “We’re honored to have the opportunity to share the original works of these very talented artists, and a highlight of the event is seeing how much the public enjoys it,” said Holly Cabel, Director of Parks & Recreation. “As guests have commented in the past, the sculptures are each so vastly different, visitors will be able to experience a range of style and expression, all in a beautiful, natural setting.” In addition to this year's sculptures, Mt. St. Mary Park features 11 permanent installations, bringing the total number of sculptures available for viewing through September to 23. The 5/8-mile walking path offers perfect views for photographing these unique works of art. And, feel free to spread out your picnic blanket below your favorite piece for a relaxing day in the park. Last year’s 6-month exhibit drew more than 10,000 visitors to the park. Sculpture in the Park is made possible by the combined efforts of the St. Charles Park Foundation and the St. Charles Park District. This event is also made successful by the support of several sponsors including Banner Up Signs in Sycamore and several St. Charles businesses and organizations including the St Charles’ Visitors Cultural Commission, Blooming Color, Minuteman Press, River Corridor Foundation and the Kane County Chronicle. The public is welcome and encouraged to visit Mt. St. Mary Park during the installation to enjoy the long-anticipated ‘first look’ at this year’s exquisite sculptures, all of which are for sale. For more information about Sculpture in the Park, please visit www.stcparks.org. #GlancerMagazine #ArtsEntertainment #StCharles #GlancerWeekly #Community

DOWNERS GROVE–Your wish has been granted! Downers Grove South High School Drama proudly presents… CINDERELLA Original Book, Music, & Lyrics by Richard Rogers & Oscar Hammerstein II. New Book by Douglas Carter Beane It’s the timeless rags-to-riches classic like you’ve never seen it before! Poor Cinderella is endlessly mistreated by her wicked Stepmother and envious Stepsisters. Worst of all, she's been denied a chance to go to the ball. Fortunately, with a little help from her Fairy Godmother, Ella discovers that anything is possible! Featuring beloved songs such as, "In My Own Little Corner", "Impossible", and "Ten Minutes Ago", this show hopes to inspire audiences of all ages to seek their own happily ever after. Show Schedule: Performances will be held April 27, 28, & 29 at 7:00 pm, and April 30 at 2:00 pm. At the Downers Grove South Auditorium (1436. Norfolk St. Downers Grove, IL). Tickets: Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for senior citizens and non-DGS students, and free for D99 students with their student ID. Tickets may be purchased at the door or by calling 630-795-8518. Recommended For: The young and the young at heart. #GlancerMagazine #ArtsEntertainment #DownersGrove #GlancerWeekly #EducationNews

GLEN ELLYN– The Village of Glen Ellyn will host its third-annual Market Francais on Wednesday, April 26 from 4-8pm at the Glen Ellyn Civic Center Gymnasium, located at 535 Duane Street. Residents and visitors will have the opportunity to experience French food, culture and a variety of French inspired items for sale by local Glen Ellyn and DuPage County vendors. This event is open to the community and free of charge. In 2014, the Village of Glen Ellyn joined together with Le Bouscat, France to form a Sister City partnership. The partnership was formed to foster mutual opportunities for cultural, educational and economic exchanges that highlight the diversity and rich culture between the two international partners. Le Bouscat is located in the Bordeaux region of France and boasts many similarities to Glen Ellyn such as population, strong local economy and a vibrant and engaged citizenry. In honor of the Sister City partnership, once a year, the Village transforms the Civic Center into a French Street Market to host Market Français. This year, visitors to the market will experience a more robust line-up of local businesses and organizations participating. Food, wine, craft beer and a variety of specialty items will be available for sale. Participating vendors include: Cabernet & Company, Glen Ellyn Reserve 22 at the Village Links, Glen Ellyn Euro Crepes, Glen Ellyn Adelle’s, Wheaton The Stand, Glen Ellyn Marche, Glen Ellyn The Sweet Shoppe, Glen Ellyn Chocolaterie Stam, Glen Ellyn The Beer Cellar, Glen Ellyn Olive ‘n Vinnie's, Glen Ellyn Sunset Slush, Glen Ellyn  Papier Girl, Glen Ellyn Sweet P. Doll Studio, Glen Ellyn The Green Branch, Glen Ellyn Bottle & Bottega, Glen Ellyn Shawn Sargent Designs, Glen Ellyn Courier Travel, Glen Ellyn Real Fruit Tea, Glen Ellyn Alliance Francaise, DuPage County Glen Ellyn Public Library French Honors Society, Glenbard West High School, Dist. 87 There will be vibrant music from a local accordionist, kids’ games and activities, among other happenings that celebrate the French culture. Special features to this year’s market include: Antique Bugatti on Display: Attendees can have their picture taken next to this 1937 classic car. Weather permitting, the Bugatti will be on display outside of the Civic Center. French Street Mime: As a new addition this year, a French Street Mime will be providing entertainment throughout the entire event, and will offer balloon artistry for children. Caricature Artist: Former Walt Disney World caricature artist will be on hand to draw live caricatures for participants throughout the event. A $10 donation is requested, with the proceeds helping to offset the Market Francais event expenses. French Bulldog Parade: New this year, 8-10 rescued French Bulldogs will be in attendance. There will be a brief parade at 6:30 p.m., followed by one on one meet and greets with willing guests. Unveiling of Sister City Mural: A mural depicting the Sister City partnership and the unity of the two cities will be unveiled during the event. The mural, to be painted by community members on April 22, will be unveiled at Market Francais and ultimately housed in the Village. Virtual Reality Experience: The Glen Ellyn Public Library will be offering attendees the opportunity to virtually visit France, with the ability to see certain landmarks and even visit our Sister City itself. The age range for this VR experience is 8-and-up. Children between the ages of 8-18 will need to have a parent sign the VR waiver, which will be provided. For more information on this event and to learn more about Glen Ellyn’s Sister City, please visit www.glenellyn.org/sistercity . About the Village of Glen Ellyn Located just 23 miles west of Chicago, the Village of Glen Ellyn, Illinois offers big city amenities with a small town feel. A historic downtown filled with unique shops, restaurants and seasonal events is just one of many attributes that draw visitors to this award-winning community. Smalltown charm, civic pride, friendly people and some of the best schools in the state make Glen Ellyn the perfect place to call home. For more information about the Village of Glen Ellyn, visit www.glenellyn.org. #GlancerMagazine #GlenEllyn #ArtsEntertainment #GlancerWeekly

ST. CHARLES–This week Zanies is thrilled to welcome back comedy legend Gilbery Gottfried. From The Tonight Show, to Aladdin, to Saturday Night Live, Gilbert has been everywhere and done everything. His Aristocrats joke is the stuff of comedic mythology. His podcast, Gilbert Gottfried's Amazing Colossal Podcast!, is top-rated. A true legend of comedy, Gilbert is bringing his unique voice to the Zanies stages in rare club appearances that only Zanies audiences can get: Zanies/Chicago Thursday, Zanies/St. Charles Friday, and Zanies/Rosemont Saturday. Chicago shows are sold out, and few remain for his Rosemont and St. Charles shows, so get your tickets today! www.zanies.com #GlancerMagazine #ArtsEntertainment #StCharles #GlancerWeekly

HINSDALE – Hinsdale Humane Society (HHS) will host its fourth annual Kitten Shower on Saturday, April 22, 2017 from 1-3pm at the shelter located at 22 N. Elm St. in Hinsdale, across from Hinsdale Hospital. The goal is to gather much-needed supplies in anticipation of kitten season which typically runs from April through October. The event typically attracts nearly 100 community residents and shelter supporters who come with kitten supply donations such as bags and cans of kitten/cat food, litter, cat treats and toys as well as gift cards and cash donations. All of the items assist with caring for the many litters of kittens that arrive at the shelter during kitten season. “We anticipate a busy kitten season this year due to the mild winter,” said Jennifer Vlazny, Operations Manager, HHS. “The kitten shower has been a great way for us to gather much needed supplies and share details about our foster program, while also offering our friends in the community, the opportunity to meet and play with our kittens.” During the Shower, guests are invited to take shelter tours, play with the kittens, visit the face painting table and balloon artist who makes balloon animals for the children. There will be a raffle, cat-face cupcakes, lemonade and other fun activities and opportunities to meet the HHS staff and the shelter residents. Attendees will have the chance to learn about the shelter’s work on behalf of homeless animals, and particularly about the importance of spaying and neutering cats in an effort to control overpopulation. Since the cat gestation period is 61 days, an unspayed female is likely to have three or more litters during kitten season. During this time, the influx of kittens at HHS is constant. The shelter is committed to caring for the kittens by providing nutritious food, water, medical attention, clean bedding and kennel environment, kitten/cat toys for stimulation and interaction, and socialization experiences until they are adopted. Foster care is also provided when needed, through the network of wonderful individuals and families who are a part of the HHS foster program. We invite anyone looking for a kitten to visit the shelter or its website to find a feline companion to adopt. For more information, visit www.hinsdalehumanesociety.org or call 630-323-5630. #GlancerMagazine #CaringSharing #Pets #Hinsdale #GlancerWeekly

NAPERVILLE– This week The Exchange Club of Naperville announced the musical line-up for Ribfest 2017. The event will be held Friday, June 30-July 3 and will feature musical performances by favorites Toby Keith, The B-52's, Shinedown, Better than Ezra, Colt Ford, Drew Aldridge, A Flock of Seagulls, The Wall Flowers and more. Tickets will go on sale, Friday April 14 at 10am. Ribfest is produced by the Exchange Club of Naperville and sponsored, in part, by Navistar, Miller-Lite & Coca Cola, Naperville Bank & Trust, Gerald Kia Naperville, Meijer, Baird & Warner, Exelon, Big Bite Tour and many other wonderful sponsors, including Glancer Magazine, in conjunction with the City of Naperville and the Naperville Park District. Volunteer run and mission driven, the Exchange Club of Naperville welcomes volunteers to assist in making Ribfest the premier outdoor summer festival in the area. For more information or to purchase tickets, please go to www.ribfest.net. #partywithapurpose #GlancerMagazine #Ribfest2017 #ArtsEntertainment #Naperville #CaringSharing #Business #Community #GlancerWeekly

Naperville Welcomes Patel Brothers Grocery Store, New Shopping Plaza to Ogden Avenue Development at 1568 Ogden Avenue Revitalizes Long-Vacant and Underutilized Piece of Property NAPERVILLE — The City of Naperville announced today that Patel Brothers, a nationally-known Indian grocery chain, will be re-developing the long-vacant property at 1568 Ogden Avenue. In addition to a 39,000-foot grocery store specializing in ingredients and cuisine of India and southeast Asia, the remainder of the total 88,000 square foot property will be converted into a new shopping plaza with multiple retailers, including numerous dining and shopping options. “This is a huge win for the City of Naperville,” Mayor Steve Chirico said. “For 15 years, this building has sat empty along one of the busiest corridors in our City. Revitalization of Naperville’s vacant commercial spaces and the resulting economic benefits it brings is a continued effort of ours, and to see this prime piece of real estate coming to life once again is reason to celebrate. We welcome Patel Brothers to Naperville with open arms.” Patel Brothers has 52 locations throughout the country; the Naperville store will be the fourth location in Illinois. Demolition on the property began today and includes a complete interior renovation, new glass façade, new utilities and new landscaping in the adjoining parking lot. The property was purchased by Raja Foods, LLC. “This project is an outstanding addition to Naperville,” said Christine Jeffries, President and CEO of the Naperville Development Partnership. “This is also a great example of how existing properties in our market can be easily repurposed and reimagined to serve the community. Patel Brothers is a great fit for Naperville.” The opening of the grocery store and associated shopping plaza is tentatively scheduled for August 2017. For more information on Patel Brothers, visit www.patelbros.com . For more information on the City of Naperville, visit www.naperville.il.us . For more information on the Naperville Development Partnership, visit www.naper.org . ABOUT NAPERVILLE Located 28 miles west of Chicago, Naperville, Ill., is home to approximately 145,000 people. This vibrant, thriving City consistently ranks as a top community in the nation in which to live, raise children and retire. The City is home to acclaimed public and parochial schools, the best public library system in the country, an array of healthcare options and an exceptionally low crime rate. Naperville has ready access to a variety of public transportation, housing and employment options. The City’s diversified employer base features high technology firms, retailers and factories, as well as small and home-based businesses. Residents also enjoy world-class parks, diverse worship options, the opportunity to serve on several City boards and commissions, a thriving downtown shopping and dining area, a renowned outdoor history museum known as Naper Settlement and an active civic community. For more information, please visit our website at www.naperville.il.us. #GlancerMagazine #Business #Community #FoodKitchen #Naperville #TrendingNow

Fox Valley Area 4-H Youth Dominate Regional Equine Contest, Local 4-H’ers Advance to the State Competition PLANO – 4-H members from Kane, Kendall and DuPage Counties placed in several divisions of the Northeast Regional 4-H Hippology and Horse Bowl Competition on Saturday, March 25 at Emily G. Johns School in Plano. 4-H youth from around the state compete at their regional event at various age levels, vying for entrance to the state contests in individual Hippology and team Horse Bowl. During the competitions, participants answer questions about equine anatomy and care including: diseases, genetics, parasites, feed, nutrition, behavior, breeds, equipment and the digestive, respiratory, skeletal, endocrine, and circulatory systems. University of Illinois Extension of Kendall County hosted the Northeast Region state-qualifying event, with leadership from the Kendall County 4-H Horse Committee volunteers. “The youth, and their coaches, regularly meet to study academic and science materials and practice for the events,” said Deanna Roby, 4-H Youth Development Educator with University of Illinois Extension. “These contestants are very dedicated and work hard for months prior to the regional event, and many will go on to compete at state April 29 and 30.” Horse Bowl competitions are like other scholastic bowls, with two teams competing at a time, and each trying to be the first to buzz in and answer correctly to score points. In the Hippology contest, individuals complete both a written test and visual stations to earn a combined score. In the regional Horse Bowl Junior division, Kane County Team A earned top honors with its team of Samantha Lind and Nora Thompson of Maple Park, Andrew Haviland of Elgin, and Elizabeth Melton of St. Charles. Kendall County Team 2 finished second with members Emily Wacker, Sara Buss, Karrington Kirkby and Jenna Buss, all of Yorkville. DuPage County Team 1 claimed the third spot with Josephine Rauch of Downers Grove, Josie Schwab of Naperville, Madigan Mausiak of West Chicago, and Bridget Weyer of Warrenville. Other junior teams competing included Kane County Team B, fourth place; Kendall County Team 1, fifth; Kane County Team C, sixth; a combined Grundy-Kane-DuPage team, seventh; and DuPage County Team 2, eighth. The top 10 individual placements in the junior Horse Bowl contest were (in order): Jenna Buss, Josephine Rauch, Samantha Lind, Madigan Marusiak, Nora Thompson, Elizabeth Melton, Bridget Weyer, Ella Follman of Sycamore, Emily Wacker and Andrew Haviland. In the Senior Horse Bowl division, Kane County earned the ticket to state with the team of Madde Klinkey and Gwen Klinkey of St. Charles; Miranda Scheel and Grace Feuerborn of Batavia. Grundy County took second in the division. Senior level 4-H members also placed individually with top scores during the Horse Bowl (in order): Madde Klinkey, Gwen Klinkey, Miranda Scheel, Grace Feuerborn, Brook Viehman of Grundy County and Heather Girard of Grundy County. In the Junior Hippology contest, tri-county 4-H members took nine of the top 10 places, earning regional ribbons. The top eight overall qualify for the state contest. Results are as follows: Rauch, Thompson, Michaela Persico of Montgomery (Kendall County), Weyer, Sara Buss, Mia Ratajczak (Grundy County), Madilynn Wietting of Joliet (Kendall County), and Faith Schmale of Wheaton (DuPage County). Kirkby, and Annika Copper of St. Charles (Kane County) rounded out the top 10. In Intermediate Hippology, area 4-H’ers also will advance to the state competition (in order): Lind, Grace Feuerborn, Wacker, Anne Gulbransen of West Chicago (DuPage County), Jenna Buss, Schwab, Marusiak, and Elizabeth Melton. Rounding out the top 10 were Haviland and Ansonia McIntire of Elgin (Kane County). At the Senior Hippology level, Kane County’s Scheel and Gwen Klinkey took first and second, and Grundy County’s Viehman and Girard placed third and fourth, respectively. All qualified for state. Local 4-H youth were coached by Casey Blair, Kim Marusiak and Deb Woznicki, DuPage County; Rita Feuerborn, Jen Haviland, Sandy Klinkey, and Teresa Melton, Kane County; and Debbie Buss and Patti Wietting, Kendall County. In addition, Tammy Brigel of Oswego led the Kendall County Horse Committee in organizing and managing the event, along with Kim Eisnaugle, 4-H Youth Development Program Coordinator for Kendall County, which hosted the event. Other event volunteers included: Melissa Aquino, Carol Boyer, Jessica Brigel, Debbie Granat, Kiley Granat, Leah Rende, Karen Sander, Chuck Smith, Pat Smith, Toby Staudacher, and veterinarians Dr. Joan McArthur and Dr. Jim Siegrist. “Without the time and efforts of our 4-H volunteers, these youth would not have the chance to learn and grow through this program,” said Eisnaugle. “Opportunities like this allow 4-H members to build critical life skills, including communication and cooperation. We wish everyone best of luck at the state event.” 4-H is part of University of Illinois Extension. It is a community of young people across America learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills. For more information on the 4-H program in your county, visit http://web.extension.illinois.edu/dkk/ . #GlancerMagazine #FoxValley #Plano #Kaneland #KidsTeens #CaringSharing #GlancerWeekly