The Bloomingdale Park District unveiled 'Choice Pics VI,' its sixth annual photography exhibition, Saturday at the Bloomingdale Park District Museum, 108 S. Bloomingdale Road.
The opening was marked with an artists' reception and the presentation of awards for a number of entries.
Some 227 photographs were submitted for the juried exhibit. Of those, 65 were chosen for the exhibition. Natasha H. Egan, assistant curator for the Museum of Contemporary Photography, judged the entries.
Winning Best of Show was Diane Bruno of Wheaton for her silver print entitled 'City Lights.' In the category of black and white photographs, Paul Clark of Arlington Heights won first place for 'Garden No. 22, 1998,' a silver gelatin print.
German Flores of Wheaton took second place for an untitled gelatin silver print, while third place went to Karen Loffing of Glen Ellyn for her gelatin silver print, 'Seeking Joe No. 2.'
Three more ribbons were awarded for the color category. Taking first place was Shirley Calby of St. Charles for her print from color film entitled 'Through Rose-Colored Glasses.' Second place went to Paul Conarty of West Chicago for his C-Print, 'A Study in Blue.' 'My Domain,' a digital photograph by Carrol Hines of Naperville, took third place.
Try to find the time to view this exhibit, which runs through March 5. Not only will you find the collection of photographs fascinating, but the variety of processes and subject material guarantees visitors will be able to find at least one favorite to vote for in the 'Viewers' Choice' competition.
Museum gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. For details, call the museum at (630) 539-3096.
Football season
Super Bowl Sunday marks the end of the season for professional football, but Saturday is just the start of Bloomingdale Bears football, sponsored by the Bloomingdale Athletic Club.
The Bloomingdale Bears are part of the Bill George League, which stresses sportsmanship, teamwork and cooperation.
Treasurer and head coach Tom Price reminds youngsters and their families that sign-up for the popular league will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Erickson Elementary School, 290 Springfield Drive.
Price is no stranger to the Bloomingdale Bears. He played on the first team back in 1961 when the Bears were part of the Pop Warner League. Now a father and coach, his son is playing with the Bears for his fourth year.
Price's daughter, currently a varsity cheerleader at Lake Park High School, coaches the Bears' cheerleaders.
Price stresses that although the registration is known for football sign-up, there also is quite a push this year to recruit cheerleaders. Girls who will be in fourth through eighth grades are eligible.
For details on the Bears, cheerleading or the sign-up, call BAC president John Ewen at (630) 980-5587.
In other local sports news, the Bloomingdale Baseball Association is hosting its last baseball and softball registration from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday at Westfield School, 149 Fairfield Way. Players can sign up for co-ed instructional T-ball, boys baseball and girls fastpitch softball.
For details, call (630) 582-0854 for boys ages 6 to 10; (630) 980-3341 for boys ages 11 to 18; and (630) 540-1998 for girls of all ages.
Character counts
Residents Bob Gergen and Patricia Frank were recognized by the Bloomingdale Character Counts! Coalition at its Jan. 19 meeting.
The couple was presented with a certificate of appreciation for their financial support enabling the coalition to spread the message and ideal of 'Character Counts!' throughout the community.
Gergen and Frank came forward to offer their support after hearing Michael Josephson, founder of the national program, address some 200 local leaders in Bloomingdale this past summer.
The Character Counts! Coalition is made up of several local agencies and organizations committed to a broad-based community effort to foster positive character development in children by modeling good character.
