A number of community events are planned throughout July in Vernon Township, with residents invited to take part in a blood drive, movie night, town hall meetings and more.
One of at at least two area blood drives are planned for the area, including one Thursday where the township partners with state Rep. Daniel Didech, D-Buffalo Grove, and the American Red Cross at the township’s Community Service Building, 2900 N. Main St., in Buffalo Grove.
“Donations can save lives,” officials stated in the release.
State Rep. Nicolle Grasse, D-Arlington Heights, is also hosting a blood drive that same day, collaborating with state Sen. Mark Walker. That drive will be held at Pioneer Park, 500 S Fernandez Ave., in Arlington Heights
Grasse stated in a news release from her office that blood drives offer donors the opportunity to “give the gift that can change someone’s life for the better.
“Blood drives are extremely important to make sure hospitals have a stable supply to help others in tragic accidents, treatments for cancer patients, and other emergency situations. Donating blood is fast and easy — plus, you can save lives and significantly impact local families in times of crisis and beyond,” she stated.
Grasse is working with state Sen. Mark Walker and Cook County Commissioner Maggie Trevor in hosting the event.
Additionally in Vernon Township, the Highway Department will host a free three-hour shredding event Saturday starting at 9 a.m. at Vernon Township, 3050 N. Main St., in Buffalo Grove, according to the township release.
Officials explained in the release that each resident may bring up to three medium-size boxes or bags of paper items – such as canceled or unused checks, old insurance policies, bills, medical records and invoices – to be shredded. But, magazines, newspapers, manila folders and binders won’t be accepted.
“Don’t miss this chance to securely dispose of any sensitive documents,” officials stated in the release.
As part of its summertime offering, the township presents a free outdoor concert featuring The Falconaires Orchestra Saturday at Peterson Park, 16652 N. Buffalo Grove Road, in Vernon Hills.
The concert is part of Unplug Illinois Day, where people are encouraged to put down portable devices and engage face-to-face with one another.
Though the school year only recently ended, some offerings are already looking ahead to the upcoming academic year. Due to an agreement with Metra, Adlai Stevenson High School students may start purchasing parking at the Prairie View train station beginning July 15, the township release states.
Officials noted in the release that parking is offered for the entire school year, for half the academic year – August to December and January to May – and through purchase of monthly permits.
Open-air movies are another summer staple. Vernon Township will show Disney’s “Moana” on Aug. 2 as part of Family Movie Night at Peterson Park in Vernon Hills.
“Bring picnic blankets or lawn chairs for seating in front of the pool building,” officials stated in the release.
Attendees will also receive discounted pool admission and a late-open concession stand offering popcorn, drinks, slushies, candy and more, the release states.
Vernon Township includes all or parts of Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Indian Creek, Lake Forest, Lincolnshire, Long Grove, Mettawa, Mundelein, Riverwoods, Vernon Hills, Wheeling and unincorporated Long View.
