Human Library Event Planned at 95th Street Library
The city of Naperville, the Naperville Public Library and Naper Pride are sponsoring a “human library,” in which individuals with diverse life experiences can be checked out like a book for a conversation.
The free event will take place between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. April 20 at the 95th Street Library, 3015 Cedar Glade Dr.
It is part of the city’s 2024 “Embracing Community: Expanding Our Dialogue, Deepening Our Understanding” series that aims to foster inclusion among generations, cultures and those with different experiences.
The Human Library was created by a Denmark nonprofit group to allow for safe personal conversations that can help challenge prejudice and discrimination, a news release from the city states. Instead of books, people can be loaned to share the stories of their lives. Attendees are encouraged to ask questions.
Topics may include disability, ethnicity, gender and sex, health, ideology, lifestyle, mental health, occupation, religion and sexuality, the news release said.
Registration is encouraged at www.naperville.il.us/embrace-community.
Nature Foundation Offers Online Native Plant Sale
The Nature Foundation of Will County’s annual online native plant sale will run through 4 p.m. April 27.
The sale focuses on pollinators and will feature a variety of monarch butterfly, hummingbird and bee favorites, foundation officials said in a news release. Proceeds benefit the foundation, which helps the forest preserve district protect nature, restore biodiversity and preserve natural habitat, according to the news release.
Plants can be ordered through the foundation’s website, www.willcountynature.org.
They may be picked up from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 18 or from 9 a.m. to noon May 19 at Isle a la Cache Preserve, 501 E. Romeo Road in Romeoville. Plants will also be sold on site during this weekend.
Rain barrels can be ordered through the Conservation Foundation and Upcycle at https://upcycle-products.com/il-programs/wcfpd/ and picked up during the plant sale pickup dates.
KidsMatter Opens Applications for Teen Philanthropy Initiative
Applications are due May 3 for the 2024 to 2026 Teen Philanthropy Initiative by KidsMatter.
The two-year program that will start in September gives 30 high school students a hands-on experience in philanthropy, charitable giving, fundraising and community service, officials with KidsMatter said. Sophomores are encouraged to apply, officials said.
Students participating in the program can also earn college credit through North Central College for related coursework.
The program is based on the Three Pillars Initiative, a national philanthropic service organization that provides teens with leadership, teamwork, critical thinking and communication skills. Students learn skills for future philanthropic activities, including charitable investing and board and community service. They also learn about the nonprofit community, and they are exposed to nonprofit careers.
For more information, go to https://kidsmatter2us.org/teen-philanthropy-initiative/.
Noon Whistle Brewing Releases Hobson Oak White Peach Wood IPA
Noon Whistle Brewing in Naperville has created a new beer conditioned with Hobson Oak wood staves from the legacy burr oak that stood along Hobson Road near Greene Road.
The Hobson Oak White Peach Wood IPA is available on draft and to-go in four-packs at Noon Whistle Brewing stores, 1748 W. Jefferson Ave. in Naperville and 800 E. Roosevelt Road in Lombard.
Noon Whistle Brewing has partnered with the Naperville Outdoor Alliance, a news release from the alliance said. A portion of the sales of the new beer will benefit the Naperville Outdoor Alliance that provides individuals and families with opportunities to improve physical and mental well-being through outdoor experiences and recreation.
The Naperville Outdoor Alliance supports the Riding for Focus bicycle program at Naperville North High School and the Naperville Park District Fee Assistance Program that gives residents with financial hardships the opportunity to enjoy recreation programs.
The IPA boasts nuanced oak flavors and is fermented with succulent white peaches, according to the news release.
“It’s exciting to taste the unique complexity of oak tannins and sweet peach while the beverage honors local history and contributes to our mission in support of outdoor recreation,” Matt Sharritt, president of Naperville Outdoor Alliance said in a statement.
Michelle Mullins is a freelancer.
