Fall Festivities In Wheaton & Glen Ellyn Fall is here and it is time to celebrate this Autumn season. I have several ideas for you. Let’s start at Cantigny Park. October 10 is their “Fall Festival” from 10am – 4pm. A $5.00 parking fee grants you in. Some events charge a nominal fee. Meander the aisles of homemade goods for purchase at the craft fair, hop on a hay ride ($1.00) and release your creativity at pumpkin decorating. Kids will enjoy jumping in the inflatables, exploring the petting zoo ($1.00 animal feed cup), seeing jugglers, stilt walking & more.

Don’t forget their “Family Night Out” on October 16. Parking is only $2 per car and this free event runs from 5:30-7:30pm. Wear your costume on the 16th for trick-or-treating, pumpkin decorating and family friendly activities inside the Visitor Center.

Now that you are feeling the change of seasons, call Leslie Gail for organizing and brightening up your living space. Leslie is a professional organizer that can ease your life transitions. Transcend your home into a peaceful retreat. Send her a note with what you have in mind & she’ll take it from there. leslie@declareorder.com or visit her website at www.declareorder.com

Now that you are tucking into the ambiance of Fall, let’s explore your creative side at the Wheaton Public Library. Two events to ponder: the Writer’s Workshop on October 8th & November 12th from 7pm – 8:30 pm. Online signups via www.wheaton

library.org/calendar. You can also call (630) 868-7520. During this creative hour, you are provided different writing prompts and you will have an opportunity to create and share your thoughts with the group.

October 27th provides an additional writing activity. Use the information above to register your free spot where you will read and receive constructive peer feedback on your work of poetry, song, screenplay or project. Bring two hard copies to share & unleash your inner writer.

The Fall weather has arrived and you are looking for an indoor activity. Bring your kids and check out Karate for Kids ATA Martial Arts Family Center at Danada Square East in Wheaton. Having commitment issues? Try 5 classes & a uniform for $20 -- no pressure. They have classes all week and Saturdays. Kids can begin as early as three years of age. My 9 year old son has been attending since May of this year and has become more assertive and physically fit. Call (630) 681-0060 for more information & receive a class schedule.

ABOUT THE WRITER Kathy Ruggio lives in the Stonehedge neighborhood of Wheaton with husband Michael & 9 year old son Angelo. She seeks Vitamin D via daily sun exposure, rare finds at local stores, shopping for Christmas year round & making unique jewelry for friends using Scrabble pieces. Kathy’s chosen charity to receive complimentary promotion as part of our Modern Housewives program is Jolly Old Soles. “Phyllis Parise founded this organization. I see first-hand how she helps people locally and globally. No one should be without shoes. She sends them to the Philippines and right here to schools in Aurora. Learn more at www.jollyoldsoles.com