By now, we’re familiar with the term, Economic Stimulus Package. Well, here’s another term for the lexicon: Recreation Stimulus Package.

“Studies show that participating in recreational activities helps to relieve stress and anxiety,” said Bloomingdale Park District spokesperson Anita Escalante. “We’re concerned that residents experiencing economic hardship won’t take advantage of the many affordable and often free park district programs and events.”

So the park district has put together a great incentive package. Qualified families can receive free: four wristbands for the Friday, Dec. 12 Winter Carnival at Johnson Recreation Center, 172 S. Circle Ave.; four carriage ride vouchers for cavorting around Old Town Park on Wednesday, Dec. 17; a $20 gift certificate for any park district program and a raffle ticket for the drawing of a free 2009 family pass to the Oasis Waterpark.

Kudos to the park district for this great holiday present. For information, contact Sandy Johnson at (630) 529-3650.
 
Guns for Christmas

Nine-year-old Ralphie Parker wants an air rifle for Christmas. Of course, this is the plot of the 1983 film, “A Christmas Story.”

On Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Dec. 5 and 6, Lake Park High School students will transform this film into a  play at East Campus Auditorium, 600 S. Medinah Road, Roselle.

Freshman Andrew Trybula of Roselle will play little Ralphie. Senior Taylor Sheeks of Roselle will play his mother. Junior Andy Greskoviak of Bloomingdale will play Santa Claus.

Tickets are available at the door. In addition, patrons can purchase $1 raffle tickets to win a miniature version of the famous “leg lamp.” Proceeds will benefit the marching band. For information, contact (630) 295-5313.

Free hot dogs with Santa

It’s obvious that Santa loves to eat. From 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, Santa will be lunching on hot dogs at Trinity Lutheran Church Family Life Center, 405 Rush St., Roselle. Everyone’s welcome.

After lunch, youngsters can chat with Santa and have their photo taken. There will also be time to decorate a Christmas ornament.

The free lunch with Santa is the gift to the community from the Roselle Lions Club. Admission is a non-perishable food item for the Bloomingdale Township Food Pantry. For more information, log onto www.rosellelionsclub.org.

Congratulations Dianna and Kaitlyn

Bloomingdale VFW Post 7539 has announced its 2008-09 Voice of Democracy Contest winners.
Lake Park High School senior Dianna Necka of Bloomingdale won $300 as the first prize winner and freshman Kaitlyn Kesler of Roselle won $200 for her second place audio essay.

Congratulations.