Jennifer Slown and Lew Breese describe the future Gold Star Families Memorial planned for Veterans Park in Naperville, why it's important and how others can help. For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS.  Quotes from the episode: “A Gold Star Family is—whether it’s a mother, father, brother, sister, son, daughter or spouse—someone who has lost a loved...

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    Gregg Kantz, founder of the nonprofit organization, Pull-Up Bars for Patriots, explains why he wants to honor fallen service members by installing pull-up bar memorials in parks. So far, two memorials are installed: one in Wheaton and the newest one in Naperville at Wolf's Crossing Community Park. For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS.  Quotes...

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Nature Center Manager Angelique Harshman takes us on a spring wildflower walk in the woods at Knoch Knolls Park. Learn about what to look for and what makes these flowers unique. Bluebells and mayapples at Knoch Knolls Park   For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS.  Quotes from the episode: “One of the flowers we see here is Dutchman’s breeches. It...

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      Pat Miller, a master naturalist, master gardener and conservation specialist, tells the story of the monarch butterfly, its amazing migration to and from Mexico, its plight and how everyone can help. Photo taken at the Idea Gardens at the Ron Ory Community Garden Plots, Naperville Park District. Photo by Ron Ory.   For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series visit...

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   Steve Constantelos and Joe Suchecki from the DuPage Birding Club talk about birdwatching in the Naperville area and how to get started. For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS.  Quotes from the episode: “Birding is something you can do wherever you go. It’s kind of a combination of hobby and learning and sport. With the way birds migrate, you...

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  Bob Langerveld, an experienced runner, member of the Chicago Area Runners Association and staff member of Naperville Running Company, shares tips for running outdoors in winter and why he enjoys it. For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS.  Quote from the episode: “We almost always see animals on our runs. Whether it’s deer, rabbits, squirrels, possum,...

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This 5-episode series features interviews with Park District leaders and elected officials who share insights into current and future Park District projects and plans.    

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  Fitness instructors Karen Moranchek and Mary Sullivan and participant Kathy Leis discuss the challenges and benefits of group fitness classes on Zoom, and how virtual classes help keep us healthy during a pandemic and beyond. For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS.  Quotes from the episode: “I was one of the first to start doing Zumba Gold...

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Fitness manager Kristina McGrath and trainer Dave Schatz discuss benefits of fitness training for middle school and high school students, including physical health, confidence, fun, social connections and good habits for life. For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS.   Quotes from the episode: “They (middle school students) get a lot (in our...

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NaperParks · S20 Episode 01: BIG Moves   Instructor Maura Connor and participant Hugh Flanders discuss a new class, BIG Moves, that helps those diagnosed with Parkinson's. For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS.  Quotes from the episode: “Exercise has been clinically shown to help delay the onset or the continuation of the disease. If a person living...

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NaperParks · S19 Episode 04: Spotlight On Golf   Golfer Jon Lee and his daughter, Abby, tell how golfing enriched their lives this summer during the pandemic. Director of Golf Kevin Carlson reflects on the growth of golf at Naperville Park District's two courses and the challenges of operating during COVID-19. For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series visit...

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    Recreation Superintendent Ted Adatto from Western DuPage Special Recreation Association (WDSRA) tells how special recreation programs are helping individuals with disabilities to reconnect with their community during the pandemic.   For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS.   Quote from the episode: “Sometimes we see recreation as another nice thing to...

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NaperParks · Tennis In The Pandemic Tennis program coordinator Meredith Pollack explains why tennis is a great sport to play or try for the first time during the pandemic. For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS.   Quotes from the episode: “One of the things that makes tennis a really good sport for people who want to stay involved in other sports...

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Rotary Hill and the Paddleboat Quarry have become an oasis in the pandemic. Ray McGury tells how the new Midday Spray came about, and we talk with families enjoying the water at these favorite locations. For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS.  Quotes from the episode: “From a stress level, I would say that this (the pandemic) is more stressful...

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    Naper Settlement, the community's unique outdoor history museum, is planning an exciting new interpretive center that will showcase Naperville’s farming heritage. Guests Rena Tamayo-Calabrese, Donna Sack and Jeanne Schultz Angel explain how the center will help tie farming from the past to agriculture of today and tomorrow. This episode is part of Series 18: Remembering our Agricultural...

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Guests Ginny Wolf Chivas, Jerry Kuhn and Ed Kuhn recall life on Ginny’s grandparents’ farm in the 1950s and 60s in Naperville. The conversation touches on some of the themes from an interpretive sign that will honor Naperville’s farming history at Wolf’s Crossing Community Park, a new park under construction in 2020. This episode is part of Series 18: Remembering our Agricultural Heritage. For a list...

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Norma Yackley Yeates shares her experiences growing up on a farm in Naperville from the 1930s to early 1950s and Ginny Wolf Chivas adds her perspective as a lifelong friend of Norma's and member of a farm family with a 170 year history in Naperville. This episode is part of Series 18: Remembering our Agricultural Heritage. For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series visit...

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Guest Pam White, former owner of Wagner Farms in Naperville, Illinois, recalls growing up on the farm, favorite memories, and lessons that apply to suburban life today. This episode is part of Series 18: Remembering our Agricultural Heritage. For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS.  Quote from the episode: “What I remember most was fresh air. Just the smell...

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NaperParks · S17 Episode 03: Water Quality in Our Streams: A County Perspective   Mary Beth Falsey, water quality supervisor at DuPage County Stormwater Management, discusses county-wide programs and projects to improve water quality in our rivers and streams. This episode is part of Series 17: Protecting Our River For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series visit...

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Jennifer Hammer, director of watershed programs and ecological restoration for The Conservation Foundation, explains regional efforts to improve water quality and habitat in the DuPage River, mentioning both success stories and challenges.  This episode is part of Series 17: Protecting Our River For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS.     Confluence...

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Project Manager Peggy Motta explains how native plants along the river shoreline prevent erosion and protect water quality, provide habitat for pollinators, discourage Canada geese from nesting along the shoreline, and provide a beautiful place to enjoy.  This episode is part of Series 17: Protecting Our River For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series visit...

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Preschool teachers and program managers explain the basic units of the new preschool curriculum and share success stories from the classroom. This episode is part of Series 16: Play with a Purpose. For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS.   Quotes from the episode: “We have five thematic units. Family, Friends, Wind and Water, Shadows and...

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Preschool teachers and program managers share their excitement about a new curriculum that helps kids learn and thrive.This episode is part of Series 16: Play with a Purpose. For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS.   Pre-K students painting with straws as part of the Wind and Water unit Quotes from the episode: “As a preschool program we have always...

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This 6-episode series features interviews with Park District leaders and elected officials who share insights into current and future Park District projects and plans. This is the third year that we have offered the State of the Naperville Park District as a podcast series hosted by Sameera Luthman, Director of Marketing and Communications.     

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Three members of a drop-in painting group talk about the creative process and how this group nurtures their art.This episode is part of Series 14: Creative Pursuits Joe Rizzo, one of the members of the Drop-In Painting Group, occasionally demonstrates special techniques he has learned.  For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS.  Quotes from the episode: “We show up here...

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Listen to what goes into planning the beautiful floral displays at the Naperville Riverwalk and the wildflower gardens in Park District’s natural areas, and why staff enjoys designing these ever-changing works of art in the parks. This episode is part of Series 14: Creative Pursuits For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS.   Quotes from the...

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Zumba teacher Temeka tells how she discovered Zumba dancing and how it transformed her life and fosters creativity, energy and social connections for her students. Zumba teachers at Fort Hill Activity Center, 2018. Temeka is in the middle.  This episode is part of Series 14: Creative Pursuits For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS.  Quote from...

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Wayne Fischer, Senior Vice Commander of the Illinois American Legion, Joe Strebel, Naperville’s American Legion Post 43 historian, and Lew Breese, past commander of the Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873 explain the history behind our veterans organizations and how people can continue to support our service men and women. This episode is part of Series 13: Healing Field of Honor. Listen to the companion...

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Go behind the scenes of Naperville's 2019 Healing Field of Honor with Dave Wentz, Marty Walker and Sue Liston, who tell stories of what moves them to orchestrate this community event to honor and support veterans and active duty service men and women. (L to R) Dave Wentz, Marty Walker, Sue Liston and Sue Omanson  This episode is part of Series 13: Healing Field of Honor. The second episode is now...

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This is a meditation led by yoga teacher Sarah Weyenberg that you can use at home or wherever you can listen and relax for about 9 minutes. For an introduction to meditation, including the benefits of meditation and how to begin, go to Episode 02: Yoga Meditation – Introduction.  For the second meditation, also led by Sarah, go to Episode 03: A Meditation - Start Your Day with Gratitude These...

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This is a meditation led by yoga teacher Sarah Weyenberg that you can use at home or wherever you can listen and relax for about 9 minutes. For an introduction to meditation, including the benefits of meditation and how to begin, go to Episode 02: Yoga Meditation – Introduction. For the second meditation, also led by Sarah, go to Episode 04: Releasing Tension. These episodes are part of Series 12:...

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Experienced yoga teacher Sarah Weyenberg explains the benefits of meditation and how to begin. This is an introduction to Episodes 03 and 04, which are meditations that you can use. This episode is part of Series 12: Yoga. For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS.   Quote from the episode: “Anytime someone is nervous about starting meditation, I say,...

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Physical therapist and yoga instructor Dr. Allison Mitch discusses some of the many benefits of yoga both for the general population and for those with medical conditions or special needs. This episode is part of Series 12: Yoga. For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS.   Quote from the episode: “You get the flexibility benefits (of yoga), of course, but there are so many more,...

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Park Commissioner Josh McBroom, the newest member of the Park Board, explains why he chose to run and what he looks forward to over the next four years.   This episode is part of Series 11: Volunteers. For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS.  Quote from the episode: “I want to be a good steward of the taxpayers’ dollars. My understanding is that we...

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  Park Commissioner Mike Reilly reflects on his ten years on the Park District Board, what he learned, what the District has accomplished, and why he encourages others to consider running for office in the future. This episode is part of Series 11: Volunteers. For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS.   Quote from the episode: “Every commissioner has to have a...

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  Volunteer Donna Kent, who creates costumes for Magical Starlight Theatre, tells why she loves being part of the musical theater productions each year and how others can get involved. This episode is part of Series 11: Volunteers. For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS.   Quote from the episode: “We work well together. Each of the components of...

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Volunteer coach Bryan Duncan gives tips for youth sports coaches and explains why he has loved coaching multiple teams over the past 13 years. This episode is part of Series 11: Volunteers. For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS.   Quote from the episode: “One of the lessons I’ve learned is that in soccer in particular, the coaching happens...

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Local pickleball player and organizer Jim Wehrli explains the social benefits of the game and how beginners can get involved. This episode is part of Series 10: Pickleball in the Parks.  For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS.   Quotes from the episode: “You have a Saturday afternoon pickleball session for a couple of hours, and then fire up the grill...

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Finance professionals Sue Stanish, Tom Sawyer and Eric Anderson shed light on financial strategies that help maintain the Naperville Park District’s Aaa bond rating and readiness to meet future challenges. This episode was recorded in June 2019 as an informational interview for interested residents and anyone who wants to know more about local government finances.  For a list of other ParkTalk...

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Physical therapist Mary Rachford and occupational therapist Dina Kartsonas explain health benefits of pickleball and why they enjoy playing. Mary Rachford, PT - owner of Fyzical Therapy & Balance Centers NapervilleDina Kartsonas, OTR/L - owner of Fyzical Therapy & Balance Centers Naperville  This episode is part of Series 10: Pickleball in the Parks.  For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series...

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Program Manager Brock Atwell describes the growth of pickleball in Naperville, where beginners can play, and new courts planned for the future. This episode is part of Series 10: Pickleball in the Parks.  For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series and to submit ideas and questions, visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS For information about the July 16-21 Chicago Pickleball Open - a regional tournament coming to Nike...

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Ken Herrmann, executive director of Chicago Metro Pickleball, talks about the first Chicago-area pickleball tournament coming July 16-21 to Naperville and why pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the nation. This episode is part of Series 10: Pickleball in the Parks.  For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS.  Please help us make the podcast even...

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Naperville Park District staff members Jackie Gonzalez and Brad Wilson highlight favorite summer activities and what's new in 2019 at the Riverwalk, Centennial Beach, Rotary Hill, the Paddleboat Quarry and the Millennium Carillon. Audience at Rock the Hill, 2018 Centennial Beach This episode is part of Series 9: Outdoor Play and Fitness Destinations.  For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series and to...

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Guests Kristina McGrath and Mike Piszynski discuss the outdoor fitness opportunities that Naperville Park District offers currently and will offer in the near future. Kristina explains how to use the fitness stations at 3 parks and previews a new outdoor fitness class coming this spring.  Mike talks about the fitness area, challenge course and multi-purpose hill planned for the new park opening in...

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Landscape architect Jessica Burgdorf explains what goes into the design and construction of playgrounds in our public parks. We also take a quick audio visit to a playground to hear what a parent has to say. This episode is part of Series 9: Outdoor Play and Fitness Destinations.  For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series and to submit ideas and questions, visit...

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Table tennis players explain why they enjoy and benefit from weekly games at the local table tennis club. This episode is part of Series 8: Healthy Indoor Activities in Winter.   For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series and to submit ideas and questions, visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS Quotes from the episode about the health benefits of table tennis: “It’s a lot of fun,...

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Coach Peter Habala, five-time national champion from Team Romania, explains the challenges of fencing and why it's great both for adults and kids. This episode is part of Series 8: Healthy Indoor Activities in Winter.  For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series and to submit ideas and questions, visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS Quote from the episode: “Fencing is a multi-layered mental game and at the same...

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Three adult ballet students talk about the fun and benefits of beginning ballet as an adult. This episode is part of Series 8: Healthy Indoor Activities in Winter.  For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS.     Quotes from the episode:  “(Ballet) is a stress reliever because you’re focusing on just one small thing, and you don’t have to worry about...

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This 6-episode series features interviews with Park District leaders and elected officials who share insights into current and future Park District projects and plans. This is the second year that we have offered the State of the Naperville Park District as a podcast series hosted by Sameera Luthman, Director of Marketing and Communications. Listen now to the 2019 State of the Naperville Park...

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Nancy Wiersum from Loaves & Fishes Community Services and Brad Wilson from Naperville Park District discuss the impact of donations like garden fresh produce and pumpkin pies on ending hunger in our community. This episode is part of Series 6: A Season of Giving.  For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS.   Quotes from the episode:   “That fresh...

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Master Gardener Jan Gricus talks about the joys and challenges of growing vegetables at our community gardens and how donations of produce bring nutritious food to families in need. This episode is part of Series 6: A Season of Giving.   For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series and to submit ideas and questions, visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS Quote from the episode:  “This year, on...

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Three high school students explain how their workouts or dance activities at the Naperville Park District benefit them and relieve stress. This episode is part of Series 5: Parks, Recreation and Health.   For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series and to submit ideas and questions, visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS Quotes from the episode:  “Sometimes after a long day at school, you kind of have to forget about...

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KidsMatter CEO and Executive Director Kamala Martinez returns to talk about 3 initiatives to help students beat stress: free online tutoring, a digital leader program and a job fair for high school and college students. This episode is part of Series 5: Parks, Recreation and Health.   For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series and to submit ideas and questions, visit...

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KidsMatter CEO and Executive Director Kamala Martinez reports the results of an eye-opening survey of youth stress and new resources to help kids and parents recognize and deal with stress in a healthy way. This episode is part of Series 5: Parks, Recreation and Health.   For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series and to submit ideas and questions, visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS Quote from...

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Knoch Knolls Nature Center Manager Angelique Harshman and Naturalist Barbara Vrchota talk about a new program for young children, Nature Playtime, and other ways for busy families to enjoy nature. This episode is part of Series 5: Parks, Recreation and Health.   For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series and to submit ideas and questions, visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS Quote from the episode: “We want...

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Physical therapist Dr. Allison Mitch discusses health benefits of spending time in nature for both adults and children. This episode is part of Series 5: Nature and Health.  For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS.   Quote from the episode: "Research coming out of the public health domain suggests that zip code is more important than genetic code,...

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Executive Director Ray McGury explains what's behind the new mission statement of the Naperville Park District, which is to provide recreation and park experiences that promote healthy lives, healthy minds and a healthy community. This episode is part of Series 5: Parks, Recreation and Health.  For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS.  Quote from the episode: “What we do as...

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Occupational therapist Dina Kartsonas describes the benefits for seniors of her WellFit Seated Strength Training and Better Balance and Core classes at the Naperville Park District. This episode is part of Series 4: Senior Adult Connections and Resources.  For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS.   Quote from the episode: "Statistics say that one...

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Executive Director Laura Milligan of Riverwalk Adult Day Services explains how providing a safe, social, stimulating environment for adults of all ages in need of daytime care benefits participants and their caregivers. This episode is part of Series 4: Senior Adult Connections and Resources.  For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series and to submit ideas and questions, visit...

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Award-winning wood carver Shelly Weiser tells how he began carving at age 75, learned from a master carver and teaches kids and adults at the Naperville Park District. Shelly Weiser with some of his artwork. This episode is part of Series 4: Senior Adult Connections and Resources.  For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series and to submit ideas and questions, visit...

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Guest Karen Courney explains a new transportation service available for Naperville seniors—how it works, her hopes for expanding in the future and opportunities to support this valuable and successful program. Ride Assist Naperville (RAN) was founded in 2016 and has been offering rides to medical and dental appointments for Naperville seniors since May 2017. RAN was created as a result of needs...

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Program Manager Lorraine Ouellette invites adults 50 and up to enjoy free or low-cost activities, classes and resources that can lead to better health, fitness, social connections and lifelong learning. This episode is part of Series 4: Senior Adult Connections and Resources.  For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS.   Quotes from the podcast...

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Organic gardener Kelly Foster explains what organic gardening is, how it helps nurture healthy soil, and how you can take a step toward more of an organic approach to your home garden. This episode is part of Series 3: Celebrating Earth Day. For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series and to submit ideas and questions, visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS. Quotes from the podcast...

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Four sixth grade students in Naperville, Illinois discuss their experiment comparing phosphorus runoff from natural and artificial fertilizers. They entered their research in the U.S. Army’s eCyberMission competition. As one of only five sixth grade National Finalist Teams, they  competed in nationals in Virginia the week of June 17-22, 2018 and won first place in their division!...

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Entomologist Brittany Buckles explains how and why to protect both honey bees and native bees. Brittany served as the beekeeper for the honey bee hives at the Ron Ory Community Garden Plots in 2017 and then worked with the US Fish and Wildlife's rusty patched bumble bee protection and recovery project in the Chicagoland area. This episode is part of Series 3: Celebrating Earth Day. For a list of...

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Kay McKeen, founder and executive director of SCARCE, an environmental nonprofit in DuPage County, Illinois, talks about how composting can benefit one of our most valuable natural resources: the soil. Learn how to start your own compost bin or join with neighbors in curbside composting. This is the first episode in Series 3: Celebrating Earth Day.See list of all ParkTalk series and episodes....

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Arnoush Javaherian, also known as Coach Java, founded the Ultimate Frisbee® Club at Neuqua Valley High School in 2007, where he has helped the sport grow to include more than 200 students each year and to win the state championship 5 of the last 7 years. Java also coaches youth Ultimate at the Naperville Park District and is passionate about growing the sport worldwide.   This is our second...

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Parent and volunteer coach Monica Lodge tells the story of how she brought field hockey to Naperville, why it's a great sport for young, female athletes, and how the story continues to unfold with the help of parents, schools and the park district. This is episode 01 in Series 2: Emerging Sports. See a list of all ParkTalk podcast series and episodes here. For more information, check the...

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This 7-episode series features interviews with Park District leaders and elected officials who share insights into current and future Park District projects and plans. Presented in past years as a talk to a live audience, the State of the Naperville Park District is now offered as a podcast series hosted by Sameera Luthman, Director of Marketing and Communications. Listen now to the 2018 State...

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