School Bells Are Ringing: What Local Families and Drivers Need to Know

Back-to-school season is underway across Lombard, Glen Ellyn and Villa Park, with local students returning to classrooms on different dates throughout August.

Local districts include Glenbard District 87, DuPage High School District 88, Glen Ellyn District 41, School District 45, CCSD 89 and Lombard District 44.

Lombard District 44 begins Aug. 26.

As students return, drivers are reminded to slow down and watch carefully for school buses, bicyclists, and children crossing streets. In Lombard, the school-zone speed limit is 20 mph when children are present.

Welcome back, students, teachers, and staff — here's to a safe and successful 2026–27 school year!

District 45 referendum update

School District 45 will host another Referendum Town Hall Meeting on Thursday, Aug. 27, from 6:30–8 p.m. at York Center Elementary School, 895 14th St. in Lombard.

The meeting will give community members an opportunity to learn more about the District 45 referendum that will appear on the Nov. 3 ballot, hear information about the proposal, and ask questions.

Residents interested in how the referendum could impact District 45 schools and the community are encouraged to attend.

Villa Park Women's Club Next Meeting

• Tuesday, August 25, 2026
• 7:00–8:30 p.m.
• Villa Park Recreation Center (map)

Madison Meadow Athletic Center Temporarily Closed for Maintenance

The Madison Meadow Athletic Center (MMAC) will be temporarily closed August 24–30 while maintenance and facility improvements are completed.

During the closure, MMAC members may use the Ackerman Sports & Fitness Center. Members simply need to present their current MMAC membership upon entry.

MMAC is scheduled to reopen Monday, August 31.

Officials thank members for their patience while the work is completed and look forward to welcoming everyone back to the facility.

12th Annual Love Your Neighbor Day NEEDS VOLUNTEERS!!! 

Lombard Senior Fair Seeking Vendors for 20th Annual Event

The Village of Lombard is inviting local businesses and organizations to participate in the 

20th Annual Lombard Senior Fair, taking place Wednesday, October 7, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Lombard Park District’s Madison Meadow Athletic Center.

The annual event connects local older adults with valuable community resources, health screenings, programs and services designed to support seniors and their families.

Local organizations and businesses interested in participating as vendors are encouraged to apply soon. Space is limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to vendors offering health and wellness services, senior-focused resources and programs that directly benefit older adults.

Vendor Application Deadline: Friday, September 11, 2026
Senior Fair: Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Time: 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

Location: Madison Meadow Athletic Center, Lombard

Businesses and organizations interested in participating can learn more and find application information through the Village of Lombard.

Village of Lombard Seeking Nominees for Senior Man and Woman of the Year

The Village of Lombard is accepting nominations for its 21st Annual Senior Man and Woman of the Year Awards, recognizing older residents who make a positive impact through volunteerism, community service and helping others.

Nominees must be 65 or older and live within the incorporated limits of Lombard. Residents submitting a nomination should include a brief statement of 50 words or less explaining why the person deserves recognition, along with a short biography.

“We all know people in our community who generously give their time and energy to help others,” said Trustee Jessie Hammersmith, chair of the Community Relations Committee. “This is a simple way to recognize a deserving senior and let them know that their contributions to Lombard are seen and appreciated.”

Nominations are due by 4:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 14, 2026. The Community Relations Committee will select the recipients on Sept. 21, and the 2026 Senior Man and Woman of the Year will be announced publicly. Award recipients will also be invited to ride in the 2027 Lilac Parade.

Nominations may be mailed to:

Village of Lombard
Attn: Senior of the Year
255 E. Wilson Ave.
Lombard, IL 60148

Nominations may also be emailed to communications@villageoflombard.org

York Township - Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month Toy Drive

Village of Lombard Warns of Fraudulent Email and Invoice Scam.

The Village of Lombard has been made aware of a fraudulent email and invoice scam targeting businesses and falsely claiming to be from the Village’s Planning Services Division.

The fraudulent emails are designed to look like official Village communications and may reference planning, zoning, or development information to make the request appear legitimate. Scammers may use publicly available information about properties, projects, applications, or Village staff to make these communications more convincing.

The Village will never send an email requesting urgent payment by wire transfer or Automated Clearing House (ACH) transfer. If you receive an unexpected payment request claiming to be from the Village, do not respond or send payment. Instead, verify the request by contacting the Village directly at (630) 620-5700.

Residents and businesses are encouraged to take the following precautions:

• Check the sender’s full email address. Official Village of Lombard email addresses end in @villageoflombard.org. Be cautious of communications claiming to be from the Village that come from another domain.
• Do not assume a communication is legitimate because it contains accurate information. Scammers may use publicly available information to make fraudulent emails and invoices appear authentic.
• Be cautious of unexpected invoices or payment instructions, particularly those involving planning, zoning, building or development applications.
• Do not click suspicious links or attachments or submit payment based solely on instructions received by email.
• If you receive an unexpected payment request claiming to be from the Village, call (630) 620-5700 to confirm it is legitimate. Do not use phone numbers, email addresses or links provided in the suspicious message.

For more information about this type of scam and additional tips to protect yourself, review this FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) alert.

If you have sent money or provided personal or financial information in response to a fraudulent request, contact your financial institution immediately and report the incident to the Lombard Police Department at (630) 873-4400.

 Village Meetings:

Village of Lombard:

Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting

More Details

Village of Villa Park

Board of Fire and Police Commission Meeting

Community F.U.N. Commission Meeting

Local Liquor Control Commission Meeting - Canceled

Villa Fest Subcommittee

On Thursday, Aug. 27, Villa Park has Joint Review Board meetings scheduled for the North Avenue TIF #3, St. Charles Road TIF #4, Kenilworth Avenue TIF #5, and St. Charles TIF District #7, beginning at 10 a.m.

Village of Glen Ellyn:

TIF Joint Review Board - Central Business District

More Details

TIF Joint Review Board - Roosevelt Road

More Details

Lombard Public Works Begins Hydrant Flushing Program This Week.

The Lombard Public Works Department will begin its annual hydrant flushing program the week of Aug. 24, weather permitting. The program will continue for approximately six weeks, with work scheduled Monday through Thursday from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. Some overnight flushing will also occur to help reduce traffic impacts.

Hydrant flushing is a routine maintenance activity that helps maintain water quality and system reliability. Flushing removes natural mineral and sediment buildup from water mains, ensures hydrants operate properly in emergencies, and provides critical flow data to confirm the system’s ability to meet daily and fire-protection demands.

During the program, residents may temporarily notice lower water pressure, reddish discoloration from iron deposits, or cloudy or “milky” water from harmless air bubbles that typically clear within minutes. These temporary changes do not affect the safety of the water supply.

For more information about the hydrant flushing program, visit www.villageoflombard.org/hydrantflushing, contact the Public Works Department at (630) 620-5740, or email publicworks@villageoflombard.org.

Glen Ellyn names Brett Kryska deputy village manager

The Village of Glen Ellyn has selected Brett Kryska as its new deputy village manager as the community prepares to develop a strategic plan and undertake several major initiatives.

Kryska will begin work Aug. 31. He brings nearly 18 years of local-government experience, most recently serving as village manager in Schiller Park. In that role, he oversaw operations involving police, fire, public works, community development, and parks and recreation.

Before joining Schiller Park, Kryska worked for the Village of Grayslake for more than 12 years.
“Brett brings the kind of well-rounded municipal experience that will make an immediate impact,” Village Manager Mark Franz said. “He understands both the day-to-day work of municipal government and the long-term planning necessary to move us forward as a community.”

Kryska will work with village departments to advance the goals and priorities established by the Village Board. His areas of experience include economic development, financial and organizational planning, and municipal operations.

“I am excited to join an experienced team and become part of a great community like Glen Ellyn,” Kryska said. “I look forward to working closely with staff and the Board to execute Glen Ellyn’s strategic initiatives and continue delivering exceptional service to residents.”

Kryska earned a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in management and leadership and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Northern Illinois University. He is also an International City/County Management Association-credentialed manager.

Villa Park Police Department Welcomes New Officer Joshua DiNatale

The Villa Park Police Department has welcomed a new member to its team, Officer Joshua DiNatale.

DiNatale earned a Bachelor of Science in Communication and Journalism from Illinois State University. While attending ISU, an internship with the Normal Police Department introduced him to law enforcement and sparked his interest in pursuing a career in policing.

According to the Villa Park Police Department, DiNatale stood out throughout the hiring process for his initiative, responsiveness, and enthusiasm.

The Lombard Lilac Ledger joins the community in welcoming Officer Joshua DiNatale to Villa Park and wishing him success as he begins his law enforcement career.

Public Hearing in Glen Ellyn Aug. 27.

$100 Lombard Farmers Market Shopping Spree

WIN A $100 FARMERS MARKET SHOPPING SPREE!

Ready, set… SHOP! 

Enter for your chance to win $100 to spend at the Lombard Farmers Market and then have some fun spending it!

Stop by the Lombard Chamber tent on August 18 or August 25 to enter.

🏆 Winner drawn August 25 at 6 PM
🙋 You MUST be present to win!
⏰ The winner will have from 6–7 PM that evening to spend their $100 throughout the Farmers Market.

Then the fun begins! Visit your favorite vendors, discover some new ones, and spend your $100 before the Market closes. We’ll be cheering you on as you make your way through the Market! 

Think of it as our own little Farmers Market shopping sweep!

📍 Lombard Farmers Market
📅 Enter August 18 & 25
🎟️ Enter in person at the Lombard Chamber tent
💵 $100 to spend with Farmers Market vendors

Come shop local, support our vendors, and maybe YOU will be the one making the $100 dash!

Monarchs and Margaritas

• 7:00 PM  8:30 PM
• Glen Ellyn, IL (map)

• August 27, 2026

Rotary Club of Lombard Annual Golf Outing

🏌️‍♂️ Grab your clubs and support a great cause! Join the Rotary Club of Lombard for its Annual Golf Outing Fundraiser on 

DATE: Friday, Aug 28 (weather rescheduled from 7/31)

Location: Lombard Golf Course.

1 pm Registration and Lunch 

2 pm Shotgun Start

5pm Fellowship

5:30 pm Dinner and Raffle

Enjoy a fun-filled 9-hole scramble, on-course games, lunch, dinner, beverages, raffle prizes, and fellowship, all while helping Rotary make a difference in our community.

⛳ Register your foursome today and tee up for a great cause!

TO REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT, CONTACT JEAN NOLAN (630)649-9426 or jean.nolan@thenolanagency.com

Monday Night Pub Trivia at Noon Whistle Brewing

Kick off your week with a fun and competitive night at Noon Whistle Brewing’s Lombard Brewpub. Monday nights are all about testing your knowledge, enjoying great beer, and spending time with friends.

Join in for free-to-play Pub Trivia where teams can compete for prizes and bragging rights. Whether you’re a trivia expert or just looking for a relaxed night out, this weekly event offers a great mix of entertainment and community.

Hosted at Noon Whistle Brewing Lombard Brewpub

DATE: Every Monday
TIME: 7:00 PM
DURATION: 3 hours

Open to the public.

Gather your crew, grab a pint, and put your knowledge to the test.

Trivia Night at O'Neils

Team Pub Trivia at Ellyn’s Tap & Grill

Open Mic Night at Shannon's Deli and Bar Lombard

The Beer Cellar Trivia Night

Gather your team and test your knowledge during Trivia Night at The Beer Cellar, featuring two hours of general knowledge trivia, themed bonus rounds, and music trivia.

Guests can enjoy craft beer, wine, spirits, canned beverages, and take-home drink selections while competing for prizes awarded to the top teams.

Location: The Beer Cellar, Glen Ellyn
DATE: Saturday, August 22, 2026
TIME: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

What’s happening at our local libraries this week

Looking for something to do close to home? Our local libraries have another full week of activities for kids, teens, and adults. 

📚 Lombard — Helen Plum Library

Rock Painting — Tuesday, Aug. 25
Families with children ages 4–10 can get creative and transform ordinary rocks into colorful works of art while exploring how natural elements can become art.

📍 Helen Plum Library at the Hub, 411 S. Main St., Lombard

📖 Glen Ellyn — Glen Ellyn Public Library

Tech Help Drop-In — Tuesday, Aug. 25
Have a question about your phone, tablet, laptop, apps, or another piece of technology? Bring your device and questions to the library for some help.

Online Privacy — Wednesday, Aug. 26
Learn practical ways to improve your privacy online and reduce your digital footprint. Registration is required.

Social Hour for Adults 50+ — Wednesday, Aug. 26
Adults 50 and older can stop by for cards, board games, conversation, light refreshments, and an opportunity to connect with others in the community.

Let's Play Dungeons & Dragons — Thursday, Aug. 27
Middle and high school students can join an adventure filled with imagination, problem-solving, and teamwork. Both new and experienced players are welcome. Registration is required.

Minecraft Mayhem — Thursday, Aug. 27
Kids in grades 3–5 can put their Minecraft knowledge to the test with trivia, activities, and a themed craft. Registration is required.

DuPage Architects — Thursday, Aug. 27
Discover the people behind some of DuPage County's notable architecture during a presentation from the DuPage County Historical Museum. The program is part of the library's America 250 programming. Registration is required.

Foam Party — Saturday, Aug. 29
Get ready for some outdoor fun! Families can enjoy music, movement, lawn games, and plenty of foam at this rescheduled program at Main Street Recreation Center. Registration is required.

📍 Glen Ellyn Public Library, 400 Duane St., Glen Ellyn

📚 Villa Park — Villa Park Public Library

Story Stretchers — Tuesday, Aug. 25
Young readers can enjoy a story together and then keep the fun going with an activity inspired by the book.

Summer Reading Prize Deadline — Monday, Aug. 31
Don't forget to pick up prizes earned through Villa Park Public Library's Unearth A Story Summer Reading Program. Aug. 31 is the final day to claim earned prizes.

📍 Villa Park Public Library, 305 S. Ardmore Ave., Villa Park

Library programs can fill up quickly, and some activities require advance registration or are designed for specific age groups. Check with the individual library before heading out for the latest details, registration information, and availability.

Whether you're looking for a new activity for the kids, a reason to meet some neighbors, help with technology, or simply something different to do this week, your local library is a great place to start.

Local High School Teams Kick Off the Fall Sports Season

The fall sports season got underway with a busy opening week for Glenbard East, Glenbard West, Glenbard South, Montini Catholic and Willowbrook.

Willowbrook and Glenbard East faced each other in their football opener Friday night. The Warriors earned a 20–13 victory in a game delayed by lightning. Dionel Rocha’s three-yard touchdown run on fourth-and-goal proved to be the difference, giving Willowbrook a 1–0 start while Glenbard East opened at 0–1.

Glenbard West began its season with a 21–14 road victory over Lockport. Northwestern commit Brady Johnson made a touchdown catch and added a 36-yard reception that helped set up one of Amari Harris’ two touchdowns. The Hilltoppers’ defense then stopped two Lockport possessions during the fourth quarter to preserve the win.

Glenbard South delivered one of the area’s most decisive performances, defeating Bremen 55–6 at home. The Raiders improved to 1–0 after controlling the game on both sides of the ball.

Montini Catholic also made an impressive opening statement. The two-time defending Class 4A state champions shut out Hoopeston/Armstrong 48–0. Quarterback Israel Abrams passed for 192 yards and three touchdowns as the Broncos began their pursuit of a third consecutive state championship.

Local golfers were also busy during the opening week. Montini’s boys defeated DePaul Prep 131–137, while Glenbard South edged Glenbard East 154–155 in a one-stroke match. Glenbard West and Downers Grove South finished tied at 156. At Saturday’s St. Charles North Invitational, Glenbard West placed third with a team score of 299. Willowbrook recorded a 345 at its weekend match against Downers Grove South and Downers Grove North.

Fall competition continues this week as football, golf, soccer, volleyball, tennis, cross country and girls flag football move into their regular-season schedules.

Sources: Daily Herald opening-week results, Saturday golf results, statewide football scores, Glenbard West recap

Week 1 Local High School Football Scores.

Week 1 Local Football Scores

• Willowbrook 20, Glenbard East 13 (OT)
• Glenbard South 56, Bremen 6
• Glenbard West 21, Lockport 14
• Montini Catholic 48, Hoopeston Area 0

The Lombard Lilac Ledger will continue following local high school football throughout the season, including Glenbard East, Glenbard South, Glenbard West, Willowbrook, and Montini Catholic.

Montini installs new turf at John L. Duffy Memorial Stadium

A new synthetic playing surface is ready for the 2026-27 school year at Montini Catholic High School’s John L. Duffy Memorial Stadium.
The previous surface, installed about 15 years ago when the stadium’s natural-grass field was replaced, was removed in June to make way for the new turf.
The playing field is named Chris Andriano Field in honor of Montini’s longtime former head football coach. Andriano guided the Broncos from 1979 through 2016, compiling 300 victories and leading the program to six IHSA state championships.

Maple Street Chapel welcomes Michael McDermott in concert to benefit Mercy Home

Singer-songwriters Michael McDermott and Heather Lynne Horton will take the stage at Lombard’s historic Maple Street Chapel on Saturday, Aug. 29, for a special benefit concert supporting Mercy Home for Boys & Girls in Chicago.

Date: Saturday August 29

The all-ages concert begins at 7:30 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30 p.m.

Located: Maple Street Chapel at 220 S. Main St. in Lombard

Maple Street Chapel was built in 1870 and provides an intimate setting for acoustic performances and community events.

Tickets are $50 for general admission, with all proceeds benefiting Mercy Home for Boys & Girls. The organization provides food, shelter, education, counseling, and other support to young people in need.

The evening will also feature a silent auction, with proceeds benefiting Mercy Home.

Saturday, Aug. 29 | 7:30 p.m.
Doors open: 6:30 p.m.
Location: Maple Street Chapel, 220 S. Main St., Lombard
Tickets: $50 general admission
Benefiting: Mercy Home for Boys & Girls

Subah Cafe - Grand Opening was last Saturday

Subah Cafe is a breakfast, brunch & lunch cafe in Lombard, IL. Hand-stacked pancakes, Eggs Benedict, fresh matcha & a bright, welcoming space. Open daily 7 AM–3 PM.

101 S Main St, Lombard, IL 60148

BURJ PLAZA OPENED THIS PAST WEEKEND!

At the corner of Roosevelt Rd. and Finley Rd. In the location of the former Dania Furniture. Spanning 12 acres and home to 21 businesses, Burj Plaza is bringing a brand-new destination for dining, shopping & community to the heart of Chicagoland. 

This weekend marks the beginning of the Burj Plaza opening journey, with select businesses opening their doors and more storefronts joining us in the weeks ahead. 

📍 515 W Roosevelt Rd, Lombard, IL 60148
🚦 Finley Rd & Roosevelt Rd

… this is just the beginning. 

Other businesses lined up:

@meltndip.us

@panwaari_il 
@ibraq.iq
@easysuitesil
@usmaniafinedining
@karahiboys
@karahiboys_lombard_il
@al.manakeesh
@dosainn
@gulf.fragrance
@milkcakebakery.us
@mashhoor_mfc
@shelbysusa
@bumper2burger

📣 Follow @burjplazail for storefront reveals, opening dates, events & all the latest updates as we bring the plaza to life!

BURJ PLAZA — THE WAIT IS OVER. 

Image by @foodwithibrahim on Instagram

Melt N Dip Soft Opening

Melt N Dip at the new Burj Plaza at Roosevelt Rd and Finley in Lombard.

Your late-night obsession 🍫✨
• crepes, waffles, gelato, Belgian chocolate
• coffee, drinks, & cravings

Panwaari is Now Open at Burj Plaza

Falooda, Paan, Kulfi & more! Located at the new Burj Plaza

Enchanted Castle in Lombard is Hiring

Thrive Life Wellness Center

 WE’RE HIRING: EXPERIENCED MEDICAL ASSISTANT! 

Thrive Life Wellness Center is growing, and we’re looking for an experienced, dependable, energetic Medical Assistant to join our team part-time in Lombard, IL.

We’re looking for someone who is confident in a busy Family Medicine & Weight Loss setting and can provide an exceptional patient experience from start to finish.

 Our ideal candidate has experience with:

• Patient rooming, vitals & medical histories

• Phlebotomy & specimen collection

• EKGs

• Injections & medication administration

• EMR documentation

• Assisting with weight-management patients

• Patient education & follow-up

• Strong organization and communication skills

• Bilingual is a PLUS!

We want more than someone who can complete tasks—we’re looking for a team player who takes initiative, connects with patients, and takes pride in excellent patient care.

 PART-TIME POSITION

Thrive Life Wellness Center
246 E Janata Blvd, Suite 130
Lombard, IL 60148

 Send your resume to:
thrivelifewellness@outlook.com

List Your Local Garage Sales For FREE!

Free Community Garage Sale Listings on RelyLocal - Lombard Area.  If you're looking to shop or want to list your own sales. 

https://relylocal.com/lombard-area-illinois/local-community-garage-sale-listings/

Meet Forest

 PLEASE FILL OUT THE APPLICATION on the website of www.4Paws4U4Ever.com under How To Adopt. She would love to be your BEST FRIEND

HEY LOMBARD AREA BUSINESS OWNERS!!

YOUR AD COULD BE HERE!

Want to get your brand in front of hundreds of engaged locals—every single week?

📬 The Lombard Lilac Ledger is the Lombard Area's go-to source for local news, events, and insider updates on the restaurant and small business scene. Our readership is growing fast!

By becoming a sponsor, you’ll put your business in front of a loyal, community-minded audience that loves supporting local. It’s a smart way to build brand visibility, boost trust, and bring new customers right to your door.

Lombard Lilac Ledger Info Page

Ready to grow with us?  Lombard Lilac Ledger

Email us at lilacrootsmarketing@gmail.com

🎉 Attention Schools!🏫

Do you have an exciting fundraiser coming up? 

We want to help spread the word and make your event a success! 

📢 Let Your Community Know:

Simply email us your event details, and we'll share them with our community superheroes. 

This is a fantastic opportunity to increase your event's visibility and engage with more supporters. Get the word out and watch your school's fundraising efforts soar!

Your success is our priority, and together, we can make a significant impact. 

The Lombard Lilac Ledger is growing, and we’d love your help in making it a true reflection of our community.

If you have an event or initiative in your town or organization, you can now submit it for consideration for an upcoming issue.

We’re currently accepting:

• Community events and gatherings
• Local fundraisers and benefits
• School announcements and activities
• Press releases and business updates
• Good news stories from Lombard, Glen Ellyn, and Villa Park
• Nonprofit updates and initiatives
• Community projects and local highlights

Event listings are always free, and we review submissions regularly for upcoming newsletters.

Lilac Roots Marketing

Have something to share? Send it to:lilacrootsmarketing@gmail.com