The winning shots were among 40 finalists chosen a year ago by a judging panel and displayed at the park throughout 2011. Visitors were invited to vote for their favorites. The top three receive a Cantigny gift card ($100, $75 or $50), and all finalists were awarded a Cantigny Park annual parking pass.
“We appreciate all those who shared their passion for Cantigny by entering the contest,” said Matt LaFond, Cantigny Park executive director. “Digital technology is making it easier for all of us to take great pictures and the photo opportunities here at the park are excellent in every season.”
Cantigny in Focus is an annual event for amateur photographers that began in 2006. Submitted images must be from the grounds of Cantigny Park in Wheaton, the 500-acre former estate of Robert R. McCormick and part of the Chicago-based Robert R. McCormick Foundation.
On Feb. 3, the top 40 images from the 2011 edition of Cantigny in Focus will go on display at the park. The three grand prize winners will again be determined by the public, with voting conducted throughout 2012.
McCormick Museum Announces “Community Trees” Winner
We have a winner! The Robert R. McCormick Museum at Cantigny Park announced that the Christmas tree decorated by the DuPage Senior Citizens Council and displayed at the museum throughout the holiday season received the most votes in public balloting. By winning the popular vote, the organization earned an additional $2,500 grant from the Robert R. McCormick Foundation for a total of $5,000. The six other participating local charities will each receive $2,500.
The trees were a holiday attraction to celebrate Cantigny’s connections with the community and honor Colonel McCormick’s philanthropic legacy. Seven local charities were invited to participate because their missions involve issues or causes that were meaningful to Robert McCormick.
Museum visitors were asked to vote for their favorite tree and, if they chose to, make a donation to one or more of the agencies. Cash contributions by visitors totaled $633.
“This was our second year for the event and it was even more popular than the first,” said Diane Gutenkauf, director of the McCormick Museum. “The trees were beautiful and creative, and our visitors responded generously. It’s an honor to support these organizations that do such important work throughout DuPage County.”
Participating organizations included DuPage Children’s Museum, Naperville – offering hands-on exhibits and programs for children up to 10 years old, stimulating their curiosity, creativity and problem solving. DuPage Community Foundation, Wheaton – supports the people of DuPage County by making grants to nonprofit organizations working in the areas of arts and culture, education, environment, health and human services. DuPage Senior Citizens Council, Lombard – eases the challenges of daily life for seniors by assisting them in their homes and communities. Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana,– develops courage, confidence and character in young girls, who make the world a better place. Giving DuPage, Wheaton – promotes giving and volunteering in DuPage County by helping people connect with nonprofit agencies that need their time and talents. Literacy DuPage, Naperville – provides accessible and customized tutoring in reading, writing, speaking and understanding English to help adults achieve independence. People’s Resource Center, Wheaton – brings neighbors together to respond to hunger and poverty in DuPage County, providing food and other basic needs.
The Untold Story: African Americans in the U.S. Military
Free presentation kicks off Black History Month at Cantigny’s First Division Museum
The First Division Museum at Cantigny Park invites the public to a free presentation that promises to be both educational and inspirational. Plan to attend on Wednesday, Feb. 8, at 6:30 p.m.
African Americans have served in the U.S. armed forces from the beginning of our country’s history. For most of that time, these soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines also struggled against the daunting obstacles of slavery, prejudice, discrimination and misunderstanding. In this special program, “The Untold Story: African Americans in the U.S. Military,” noted military historian Michael Lee Lanning will use excerpts from Frank Martin’s film, “For Love of Liberty,” and his own expertise to reveal a powerful story of service and sacrifice.
Lanning, a U.S. Army veteran and author of The African-American Soldier: From Crispus Attucks to Colin Powell, will be joined by local African American veterans Eugene Scott and Charles Harrison. Scott and Harrison will share their own stories of service in the U.S. Army and answer questions from the audience.
The program will conclude with a brief presentation about the evening’s sponsoring organization, The HistoryMakers, which through its MilitaryMakers program is seeking to correct the missing legacy of African Americans in the U.S. military by filming 200 oral history interviews with African American veterans and current servicemen and women. The information is then made available to the public via the HistoryMakers digital archive and through engaging public programs with the First Division Museum and other military museums.
An informal reception will follow the program. Doors open on Feb. 8 at 5:45 p.m.
The event is free, including parking, but pre-registration is requested by Feb. 1. To reserve your place, please contact Jessica Levy at (312) 674-1900 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Cantigny Golf Academy Announces Winter/Spring Workshop Series
The Cantigny Golf Academy is offering an affordable evening workshop series designed to help golfers play better, stay healthy and get more enjoyment from the game.
The 90-minute workshops will be conducted twice each month by Dr. Paul Callaway, Cantigny Golf Academy’s director of golf fitness, with assistance from other teaching professionals at the Academy. Instruction is presented in an interactive format appropriate for golfers of all ages and skill levels.
“Each session focuses on a key element of successful golf performance,” said Callaway. “At the Academy we emphasize an integrated approach to learning the game. It’s not just about professional swing instruction. We also cover practice techniques, choosing the right equipment, golf-specific physical training and the mental side of the game. All of these things fit together.”
The cost per workshop is $10 for individuals or $15 for couples. Junior players under age 18 are free with a paying adult.
Golf Academy workshops begin at 7:00 p.m. Here is the winter and spring schedule:
- The Pros’ Secrets to a Stress-Free Swing, Thursday, Feb. 9
- The “Mind-Body-Swing” Connection, Thursday, Feb. 23
- Total Golf Conditioning for Improved Power and Distance, Wednesday, March 7
- How to Set and Achieve Your Goals, Wednesday, March 21
- Golf Flexibility and Strength Training for Explosive Power and Distance,Wednesday, April 4
- Simple Conditioning Secrets to Prevent Common Golf Injuries, Wednesday, April 18
- Improve Your Golf Posture to Improve Your Game, Wednesday, May 9
- Stable Spine Angle for More Accuracy, Consistency and Power, Wednesday, May 23
