Fall Newsletter 2023

Recreations

The History Behind the Eddie Biondo Fall Fest Parade

By: Liz Strack, Aquatic & Program Manager

As the leaves turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold, and a crisp autumn breeze sweeps through the streets, communities come alive with the spirit of the season. One event that has become a cherished tradition in our town is the Eddie Biondo Fall Fest Parade—a spectacular display of unity and celebration that brings the community together like no other. This year marked a celebratory year for The Eddie Biondo Fall Fest Parade: it celebrated 45 years!

The parade is named after the late Edward Biondo, who founded the parade and was the Grand Marshal for over 30 years. He started the parade in 1978 alongside Mike Lucchesi, the Grand Marshal for the Battle of the Bands.Over the years, participation in the Battle of the Bands declined, and the event slowly faded out. Biondo still wanted to continue the parade since participation from local companies and groups continued to grow, so he partnered with the Park District of Franklin Park to continue this annual fall tradition.

As Biondo was nearing retirement, John Cronin, a family member, took over as the parade’s Grand Marshal in 2013. Cronin learned what it takes to prepare a parade and stated, “It is an honor and privilege to carry on the tradition that Eddie Biondo started.” Eddie Biondo’s name is carried on through his children Jill, Joann, Judy, and Bruce, and of his grandchildren. The Biondo family still walks in the parade every year to honor Eddie’s legacy.

This year’s annual parade was held on Sunday, October 1 and we had 44 local groups participate. Family, friends, and neighbors watched as colorful floats, marching bands, school groups, classic cars, local businesses, and civic organizations marched through the streets of Franklin Park. The Park District of Franklin Park had their Early Childhood, Dance & Tumbling, and Ice Arena Programs march in the parade as well! The 46th Annual Eddie Biondo Parade will be held on Sunday, October 6, 2024.

FALL 2023

Save the Date!

Trick or Treat at the Park

Saturday, Oct 28

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Location: North Park

Scary Skate

Saturday, Oct 28 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Location: Ice Arena

The Parks FoundationEveryone Deserves to Play

By: Catherine Saponieri, Marketing & Communications Manager

We believe everyone should have the opportunity to play and learn at the Park District of Franklin Park, which is why the Parks Foundation of Franklin Park is here to help! The Parks Foundation of Franklin Park is a non-profit organization dedicated to the belief that all community members deserve to have an enriched and healthy lifestyle.

The Parks Foundation of Franklin Park provides financial assistance for Park District recreational opportunities for in-district residents dealing with financial hardship. Based on the availability of funds, the Parks Foundation will attempt to provide assistance for those residents who qualify. These scholarships are available for all recreation programs and are limited to one program, per person, per seasonal brochure, up to $100, and $500 per family per year. If you are looking to support the Parks Foundation, donations are accepted at the Community Center front desk. Donations received enable the Foundation to achieve its mission of funding scholarships to enrich the lives of people in our community.

We welcome community involvement in the Foundation and invite you to share your ideas with us! If you have a suggestion for a fundraiser or would like more information, email us at contact_us@fpparks.org. If you are looking to download an application and apply for assistance, scan the QR code. Applications must be returned to the Community Center.

Welcome Our New Zamboni

By: Matt Jakubowski, Arena Supervisor

In its 49 year history, the Franklin Park Ice Arena has been home to thousands of skaters. During that time there have only been two ice resurfacing machines. To only have two machines in almost 50 years shows that they are well built and can last for decades if you take care of them.

A Zamboni is a brand name for a type of ice resurfacer, a specialized machine used to maintain and smooth ice surfaces. Prior to the creation of motorized ice resurfacers, it took a crew of workers over an hour to scrape, shovel, and hose down the ice.

In June 2023, our Ice Arena received it’s third ice resurfacer in its 49 year history. The previous Zamboni has been here for almost 30 years! Even though the Ice Arena has a new Zamboni, it will keep the old Zamboni as a back-up. For the first time in the Ice Arena’s history, two Zambonis can be used at the same time.

If you want to see the new Zamboni in action, swing by the Franklin Park Ice Arena where it can be seen resurfacing the Main Arena ice!

The Benefits of Our After School Program

By: Sabrina Rivera, Program Manager

Our After School Program has provided families in Franklin Park with after school care for over 15 years. While some families utilize our program out of necessity, many use it as an extracurricular to let their children socialize with friends, receive homework help, and engage in child-led play.

In our Summer Camps, Early Childhood Programs, and Youth Enrichment classes, child-led play is our focus. Child-led play means letting a child lead and following or responding to them. This ensures an open-minded environment that fosters creativity. We believe that children should be able to play in activities they are interested in. Our relaxed structure creates a flexible environment that lets children choose what they would like to do.

Our counselors also provide homework help, if needed, as many students prefer to get their work done before going home for the evening. Children also have the option to work with other children to complete their homework, which encourages collaborative studies. Also, having full access to the indoor Sports Arena at the Centre at North Park and local parks, we are able to keep children active, which is beneficial to their physical and mental health.

Our After School Program creates a space for children to further develop their social skills outside of the academic setting. If you are interested in registering your child for our After School Program, visit fpparks.org or call 847455-2852. Please note our schedule is based on the Franklin Park School District 84 calendar.

Bundle up the Little Buzzers for Winter!

By: Jen Costa, Parks Service Assistant

Many pollinating insects survive the brisk Illinois winters in different ways. Nearly 70% of pollinators will nest in the ground, while 30% will use plant stems to stay warm. For example, bumblebees burrow themselves into the ground, and mason bees, leafcutter bees, and beetles live in hollow stems of plant material. Butterflies, such as the swallowtail and mourning cloaks, will go into chrysalis within the leaf piles at the base of plants. We can help with the survival of these pollinating insects with a few easy steps.

When autumn begins, let your plants start to die back. Avoid deadheading the flowers and cutting them back to the ground. Many pollinators will hibernate within the stems, and many birds will consume echinacea, black-eyed susan, and sedums throughout the winter months.

When raking up leaves, create piles and place them under your plants. This will create a blanket for the ground nesters and help your plants by adding a protective layer to the roots. This will ensure the plants will not be harmed by the cold.

In early spring, when the weather becomes warmer, plants can be cut back to about eight inches in height. Do not discard the heads, instead place them at the base of the plants where there could be sleeping insects at the top.

By following these simple steps, you can help your pollinator garden thrive the following year and support essential insects during the colder months!

9560 Franklin Avenue

Franklin Park, IL 60131

Phone 847-455-2852 • Fax 847-455-9053

www.fpparks.org • contact_us@fpparks.org

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Name: Phone Number:

Complete the puzzle and bring the correct answers to the Community Center, 9560 Franklin Ave. Participants will be entered in a raffle for a $10 Park District gift card. Two winners will be choosen.

Last Day to Submit: December 7th, 2023

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