The creation of “Dream City” has been Brendan Short’s labor of love for many years. The Western Springs native said that his debut novel, slated to hit bookstores later this month, has been “on my computer and in my head for so long.” For the past months, advance copies have been receiving positive reviews. Short will begin helping to publicize the book through area readings and signings within the next several weeks.

The Women’s Society of the First Congregational Church of Western Springs is fulfilling the old adage, “if life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” From 11:30 a.m. until approximately 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7, the organization will hold its Lemon-Aid Festival.

Dave Evans has touched many area residents in a big way. Known affectionately as Mr. Energy, the Willowbrook resident just celebrated his 25th anniversary with the tennis department of the Western Springs Recreation Department.

Western Springs resident John Huebner recently brought home second prize in the prestigious International Aktion Club Contest. Aktion Club, which is affiliated with Kiwanis International, is a community service club made up of individuals with disabilities. The local club is coordinated by the South East Association for Special Parks and Recreation and is co-sponsored by Downers Grove and Lombard Kiwanis Clubs.

It’s almost impossible to get 13-year-old Mac Koziarz of Western Springs to sit down and play a video game. Vegging out in front of the television is not his thing. And spending hours on MySpace or Facebook? Well, forget it.

The books that have been gathering dust on your shelves or buried in your closet could make a world of difference for a child at Paul Revere Elementary School in Chicago. Former Western Springs resident Holly Bennett, a first grade teacher at the Chicago Public School, is hoping that area residents will donate children’s books to her book drive.

While organizers hope that substantial money will be raised at the event, the second annual Taste of the Arts is much more than simply a fundraiser for Theatre of Western Springs.

On June 1, members of Presbyterian Church of Western Springs showed their solidarity by shedding their shoes. Congregants left the shoes they wore to church in honor of Barefoot Sunday, sponsored by Soles4Souls.

It doesn’t get much better than this. Put on your most comfy pajamas, step out with some friends, shop till you drop, and enjoy refreshments along the way. Add the fact that proceeds from the evening benefit a local fundraiser, and it’s almost too good to believe.

The South East Association of Special Parks and Recreation recently honored a Western Springs resident as its Virtuous Volunteer. The annual award was given to John Coll for his longtime service to the organization, which provides year-round recreational activities and programs to individuals with developmental disabilities.

The Village is in full bloom, largely as the result of the work of the Western Springs Garden Club.

Boy Scout Troop 12  held its annual Pancake Breakfast on Feb. 3 at First Congregational Church of Western Springs, an event which the boys as well as the community have come to eagerly and hungrily anticipate.

Tower Town Topics has a New Year’s tradition of recounting highlights of the previous year. The opening of the column stays the same from year to year as it remains fitting; observing that if the wealth of a community is measured by the value of its resources, then by any measure, Western Springs and Indian Head Park are rich communities.

Lou Kafkes of Western Springs is hoping that the Highlands 5K Fun Run and Walk will become the “regular event that kicks off the school year, enjoyed by families for years to come.”

There’s a new book club in town.