Tuesday’s City Council meeting was a time to celebrate milestones associated with several local organizations that benefit youth in this community—Exchange Club of Naperville’s Ribfest, Little Friends and the DuPage Children’s Museum. During Awards and Recognition at the beginning of the agenda, Councilman Doug Krause read three proclamations signed by Mayor A. George Pradel.
First up, members of the Exchange Club of Naperville were lauded for 25 years of Ribfests. With an ongoing mission to raise funds for social service agencies that help prevent child abuse and domestic violence, this year’s event will run June 29 to July 3 at Knoch Park, culminating with spectacular fireworks at dusk on July 3.
Also, Jack Ryan, CEO of Little Friends, Inc., was recognized for his 39-year career as he heads for retirement on June 30. A Mayoral Proclamation declared that Thurs., June 28, as “Jack Ryan Day.”
In addition, Sue Broad, Executive Director of the DuPage Children’s Museum, accepted a Mayoral Proclamation that recognizes the museum’s first 25 years.
The DuPage Children’s Museum, located at 301 N. Washington St., turns 25 in 2012. To kick off a year-long celebration, organizers have planned a special birthday bash from noon to 5PM Sun., June 24.
Families will have the opportunity to play in the museum, dance to music and explore some special extras in the parking lot.
Founded in 1987 by Louise Beem and Dorothy Carpenter, two early childhood educators from Hinsdale, the purpose of the DuPage Children’s Museum has been to provide open ended, interactive learning experiences for young children focusing on math, science and art and where they intersect. After first opening in other locations in DuPage County, the museum found its permanent home in Naperville in 2000.
All ages are invited to Sunday’s festivities to see how children have continued to learn through play since the DCM officially opened its doors in Naperville on May 19, 2001.
Admission for the special event is $2.50 for members and $5 for nonmembers.
To symbolize the fountain of education that even includes water play for children to learn during every visit to the museum, Broad and Alison Segebarth, Director of Marketing and Membership, stood for this photo in front of the Naperville Municipal Center after their proclamation was presented June 19.
For more information, call (630) 637-8000 or visit www.dupagechildrensmuseum.org.
