Judy loves wildlife photos, fears wildlife

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Updated: June 27, 2011 12:44AM

Here’s Judy‘s pick of coming community activities in the Oak Brook/Oakbrook Terrace area, spiced with a little commentary. To suggest an event for her weekly column, send an e-mail to clafortune@pioneerlocal.com.

Just to let you know

The lawn of the Graue Mill, 3800 S. York Road in Oak Brook, is the backdrop for the annual Fine Arts Festival from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 4 and 5. The event features paintings, ceramics, wildlife and nature photography, and much more. Admission to the festival is free. Regular admissions apply to the Mill. For more information, call (630) 655-2090.

I wanted to show my wildlife photography at this Fine Arts Festival. Unfortunately, I’m a bit leery (scared to death) of wildlife. Meaning any animal one might encounter in nature — possums, raccoons, foxes, spiders (yes, I consider spiders animals. At least BIG spiders). So I have no wildlife photos at the festival, so don’t look for them.

What about an environmental change for me?

Praise and Play Summer Camp, for ages 2 1/2 through 5, will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 31 to June 2; and at the same times from June 6 to June 9, at Christ Church of Oak Brook, 31st and York Road. The cost is $100 per week. A Bible-based curriculum of activities is featured, including songs, Bible stories, arts and crafts, and more in a nurturing environment. To register, contact Robyn Menna Strausser at (630) 321-6782 or via e-mail at rstrausser@cc-ob.org.

“ ... in a nurturing environment.” That’s what I need. A nurturing environment. Instead, all I get is, “Nag, nag, nag, that’s all you do, Mom.” And, “Constantly asking me to empty the garbage is so annoying, dear. I will. Sometime.” And, “Because you’re my daughter, I believe it is my duty to tell you that haircut is atrocious.” Nurturing? Hardly. Depressing? Yep.

Dance fever for dogs

Register for a Latin Craze dance class held from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Mondays, June 6 through July 18, at the Oakbrook Terrace Park District Fitness Center. Participants will learn to dance the merengue, samba, cha-cha and more. The class is for ages 18 and older. Register by May 31. For fees and to register, call (630) 627-6100 or visit www.obtpd.org.

Dear Oakbrook Terrace Park District Fitness Center: Our pug, Lucy, is only 8-years-old, but she truly wants to be in this Latin Craze dance class. Lucy is quite proficient in other dance styles. Her pug pirouette is amazing, and she would especially like to learn the samba, as the annual Pug Dancing With The All-Stars Competition is being held in Brazil this year and she wants to ace first place. Thanking you in advance, Judy “I’m So Proud Of My Pug” Brinkworth.

I can dream, can’t I?

A representative from MetLife will discuss the finer points of “Estate Conservation” at 7 p.m. June 8 at the Oak Brook Public Library, 600 Oak Brook Road. For more information, call (630) 368-7700 or visit www.oak-brook.lib.il.us.

Unfortunately, I have no personal estate to conserve. Unless you count a closet full of outdated, under-sized clothes, including a purple poncho, which is the only thing that fits and makes me look like a huge grape. But who knows? Maybe it’s called “vintage” by now and worth a fortune ($2.98), so I’ll see you at the program.

Sounds fishy to me

Join the Northeast DuPage Special Recreation Association and the Oakbrook Terrace Park District for their annual Summer Kick-off and Fishing Derby taking place June 12. This annual event is a family favorite for all ages and abilities and will take place at Terrace View Park, 17W063 Hodges Road in Oakbrook Terrace. The event is free to the public, but pre-registration is required by June 1 in order to receive a free dinner. For times of activities, more information and to register, contact NEDSRA at (630) 620-4500 or visit www.nedsra.org.

A Kick-off and Fishing Derby? Does that mean one has to kick a fish in the Fishing Derby? Seems a trifle nasty to me. I mean, what did the little fishies ever do to deserve … what? I’m totally misinterpreting this event? There are lots of fun activities scheduled for the kick-off to the NEDSRA summer programs, and there also is a separate Fishing Derby? Phew, because I just couldn’t kick a fish. I could possibly slap its face, but that’s all.