Connecting the Community Since 1957
October is National
FIRE PREVENTION MONTH Wednesday • October 8, 2025
The Morton Arboretum Launches 2025 Weekly Fall Color Report to Guide Visitors Through Leaf-Peeping Season LISLE, Ill. (Sept. 25, 2025)— The Morton Arboretum has launched its weekly Fall Color Report for 2025 to help visitors track the changing colors throughout the season and make the most of their fall visits. Updated every Wednesday through the season on the Arboretum’s website, the report provides real-time information about which species are changing, where to find the best colors and what to expect in the coming weeks. As fall color season officially begins, the Arboretum’s diverse collections of nearly 4,100 different tree, shrub and vine species offer visitors a continual opportunity throughout the season to experience peak color as various species change at different times. The weekly Fall Color Report helps guests plan their visits to catch peak colors across the 1,700-acre site. “The timing and intensity of fall color are unique to individual trees and species,” said Arboretum Senior Scientist in Forest Ecology Christy Rollinson, Ph.D. “While other areas may have one brief peak when sugar maples turn, our collections create an extended fall color season that gives visitors more opportunities to see brilliant displays from early October through late October, and beyond into November.” Currently, early-changing species like Virginia creeper, honey-locust and some maples are creating beautiful focal
points across the Arboretum, with more species joining the show each week. This week’s report notes early color in exposed areas such as parking lots or sunny areas, with Freeman maples, coffeetrees, tree lilacs, hackberries and redbuds showing early yellows. The impact of weather conditions so far this season presents opposing forces this year. While warm temperatures tend to delay fall color, dry conditions affecting much of the Chicago region can accelerate color changes in drought-sensitive trees. “Because most trees haven’t shut down for fall yet, continuing to water your trees is beneficial,” Rollinson said.
“Conditions moving into October will influence timing and intensity – particularly moisture levels as days shorten and nights get colder.” Fall Color Fun and Festivities at the Arboretum The fall season marks the start of the Arboretum’s annual Fall Color Festival, with festivities for all ages throughout October. Hike 16 miles of trails through vibrant tree collections, drive or cycle 9 miles of scenic roads, or enjoy fall-themed special events and the Vivid Creatures outdoor art exhibition all season. Special events include the Cider and Ale Festival, Oct. 4; 15th annual Glass Pumpkin Patch, Oct. 10 through 12; Fall Wine Tasting, Oct. 16; Fall Color 5K Run and Walk, Oct. 25; and Walking Plays: “Farewell, Mr. Poe”, weekends Oct. 4 through Oct. 26. Please check mortonarb. org as tickets are selling fast. Seasonal concessions will be available Fridays through Sundays Oct. 3 through Oct. 26 and Monday, Oct. 13 (Indigenous Peoples’ Day) from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Arbor Court area outside the Visitor Center, including apple cider doughnuts, taffy apples, cotton candy, warm kettle corn, warm pretzels, chili and a selection of craft beers and warm beverages. For more information about Arboretum programs, special events and admission, visit mortonarb.org.
Fire Prevention Week, October 5-11, 2025, to address lithium-ion battery risks and ways to minimize them Most of the electronics in our homes — smartphones, tablets, power and lawn tools, laptops, e-cigarettes, headphones, and toys, to name just a few — are powered by lithium-ion batteries. However, if not used correctly or damaged, lithium-ion batteries can overheat and start a fire or explode. In response to these potential risks, the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) – the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week™ for more than 100 years – has announced “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home” as the theme for Fire Prevention Week, October 5-11, 2025. “Lithium-ion batteries are powerful, convenient, and they’re just about everywhere,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of Outreach and Advocacy at NFPA. “Making sure the public knows how to use them safely is critical to minimizing the potential risks they pose.” According to NFPA, devices powered by lithium-ion batteries are largely used without incident. However, reports of fires and explosions involving lithium-ion batteries have been on the rise in recent years, reinforcing the importance of better educating the public about how to use, handle, and recycle them safely. This year’s Fire Prevention Week theme, “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home,” provides the information, guidance, and resources needed to buy, charge, and dispose of/recycle lithium-ion batteries
safely, with a focus on the following messages: BUY only listed products • When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery, take time to research it. Look for a stamp from a nationally recognized testing lab on the packaging and product, which means that it meets established safety standards. • Many products sold online and in stores may not meet safety standards and could increase the risk of fire. CHARGE devices safely • Always use the cables that come with the product to charge it. Also, charge the device in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. • If you need a new charger, buy one from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved. • Charge your device on a hard surface. Don’t charge it under a pillow, on a bed, or on a couch. This could cause a fire. • Don’t overcharge your device. Unplug it or remove the battery when it’s fully charged. DISPOSE OF/RECYCLE batteries responsibly • Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins because they could catch fire. • Recycling your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location is the best way to dispose of them. Visit www.call2recycle.org to find a recycling spot near you. Fire Prevention Week is celebrated throughout North
America every October and is the oldest U.S. public health observance on record. For more than 100 years, Fire Prevention Week has worked to educate people about the risk of home fires and ways to minimize them. Local fire departments, schools, and community organizations play a key role in bringing Fire Prevention Week to life in their communities each year and spreading basic but critical fire safety messages. To learn more about Fire Prevention Week and this year’s theme, “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home,” visit fpw.org. Additional Fire Prevention Week resources for children, caregivers, and educators can be found at sparky.org and sparkyschoolhouse.org. For this release and other announcements about NFPA initiatives, research, and resources, please visit the NFPA press room. About Fire Prevention Week™ NFPA has been the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week™ since 1922. According to the National Archives and Records Administration’s Library Information Center, Fire Prevention Week is the longest running public health and safety observance on record. The President of the United States has signed a proclamation declaring a national observance during that week every year since 1925. Visit www.firepreventionweek.org for more safety information.
A Taste of Theatre Festival Returns to Chicago on October 11, 2025 — “Experience the Magic. Decide the Legacy.” Chicago, IL — The stage lights will shine once again as A Taste of Theatre Festival returns to the ETA Theatre, located at 7558 S. South Chicago Avenue, on Saturday, October 11, 2025, for an unforgettable weekend celebrating creativity, storytelling, and community. Since its founding in 2015, A Taste of Theatre has become a nationally recognized platform where playwrights from across the country present one powerful scene from their plays. This year’s theme, “Experience the Magic. Decide the Legacy,” invites audiences to play an interactive role in shaping the future of theatre by voting for the winner of the coveted Playwright Award. A Taste of Theatre is dedicated to helping artists and filmmakers develop and share their work. The organization was founded on the belief that every good play deserves a stage, and every community deserves access to inspiring,
family-friendly entertainment. Guided by its core pillars of integrity, honesty, education, and transparency, the festival continues to expand its reach by supporting playwrights and filmmakers in a positive and affordable environment. The festival starts on Saturday, October 11, from 1:00 to 5:30 p.m., attendees will have the rare opportunity to participate in the Acting with the Stars Workshop. This hands-on experience allows participants to step into a movie scene and act alongside well-known actors including Jason Louder (Black Lightning), Patrice Fisher (Saints & Sinners), and Nakia Dillard (The Wire). The cost to participate is $150 per person, and space is limited. Registration is available at www.ATasteOfTheatre.org. The main event, A Taste of Theatre Play Showcase, takes place Saturday evening from 6:30 to 10:00 p.m. at the ETA Theatre. Six playwrights will present one to two
short, compelling scenes from their full productions. The audience will laugh, cry, and experience the full range of human emotion before casting their votes to decide who will take home this year’s Playwright Award. Ticket prices are $45 for VIP seating and $35 for general admission and may be purchased online at www.ATasteOfTheatre.org. A Taste of Theatre is proudly sponsored by Victor Gulley, host of the long-running radio show A Taste of Theatre, which airs Thursdays at 8 p.m. on WIIT 88.9 FM Chicago. The organization operates as a 501(c) (3) nonprofit, committed to transforming theatre one community at a time. Seats are limited, and both workshop and show tickets are expected to sell out quickly. For more information, to purchase tickets, or to sign up for the Acting with the Stars Workshop, visit www.ATasteOfTheatre.org.