Naperville’s bulk leaf collection program begins Oct. 21
Naperville’s free bulk curbside leaf collection program. meant to complement other options to dispose of leaves including mulching, composting and bagging, will start Monday, Oct. 21.
To participate, residents should rake leaves into the street next to the curb by 6 a.m. of the first day of each collection cycle, which will occur Oct. 21, Nov. 4 and Nov. 18. Each cycle takes about two weeks, and crews will collect leaves once during each cycle, city officials said in a news release.
Snow, rain or freezing weather may delay the collection. The program may end at any time due to weather or other circumstances, officials said.
Only leaves should be raked the curb, officials said. Branches, twigs, lumber, rocks and other items could cause equipment damage and delay the collection process. Residents should avoid sweeping leaves into storm drains, officials said.
Collection cycles can be tracked at www.naperville.il.us/leafcollection.
The free bagged leaf and yard waste collection runs from Nov. 4 to Dec. 13. No yard waste stickers are needed during this time. Before Nov. 4, a yard waste sticker is required. Yard waste collection ends Dec. 13 and will resume March 17, officials said.
Fall Festival being held Saturday and Sunday at Danada
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is holding its largest ever event of the year from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 12-13, at the Danada Equestrian Center, 3S507 Naperville Road, Wheaton.
The Fall Festival will features trick riding, vaulting, carriage driving, drill teams and therapeutic riding demonstrations, a news release said. Performers include the Midwest Renegades, Chicago Vaulting, Stateline Hotshots Rodeo Drill Team, Stateline Spitfires Drill Team and Danada’s own drill team.
Visitors can meet Danada’s newest painting horse, Captain, and tour the barn that once housed Kentucky Derby winner Lucky Debonair. Horse-drawn and tractor-drawn wagon rides through the woods will be offered, the release said.
Children can decorate a paper hobbyhorse, ride a pony or go through a straw maze. A meet-and-greet opportunity with Daisy from PBS’s children’s show, “Nature Cat,” will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday.
Entertainment includes Grammy-nominated Wendy and DB, who will perform original blues music from their children’s album “Back Home,” and Firefly Family Theatre, which will put on a show with fall-themed music and puppets. The ranger adventure trailer includes animal and plant artifacts to view.
The festival will take place rain or shine. Some activities require a fee. Local food vendors include Stix & Noodles, Serna’s Grill, La Cochina de Maria and Kona Ice.
For more information, go to www.dupageforest.org/fall-festival.
Will County Health Department offering new COVID shots
The Will County Health Department is offering the updated COVID-19 vaccine at its immunization clinics, health officials said.
The department has the Moderna (mRNA) vaccine for ages six months and older at its main office, 501 Ella Ave., Joliet, and its branch offices, 323 Quadrangle Drive, Bolingbrook, and 5601 W. Monee-Manhattan Road, Monee.
Vaccines are available to residents with Medicaid or Medicare, a health department news release said. Limited private insurance plans are accepted. Low-cost vaccines are available for the uninsured or underinsured, health officials said.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a vaccine to protect against severe disease, hospitalization and death, the release said, adding that it is especially important for those at a higher risk of severe COVID-19, including anyone 65 or older.
Walk-ins are welcome but those who make an appointment by calling 815-740-8143 will receive priority.
