Patch Picks: Veterans Programs

Every Thursday, Patch will run a weekly feature called Patch Picks, highlighting editor and reader picks of great local businesses, destinations, services, organizations, ways to spend a day off, and more.

You’ll find useful lists to help you, your family, friends, and significant others find the best places for everything from Sunday brunch to New Year’s Eve celebrations, pumpkin patches, date night destinations, florists, girlfriend nights out, kids party places, parks and more.

For this week, we're looking at programs which benefit area veterans.

1. Veterans' Benefits Program

Attorney Bill Wilson of Wilson and Wilson Law Offices will discuss the range of benefits available to eligible veterans at 7 p.m. Thursday, at the , 50 E Wend St, Lemont. The program is free. Handouts will be provided.

2. Veterans Supply Drive

Through Nov. 11, The library is partnering for the fourth year with the Women’s Auxiliary of Lemont VFW Post 5819 and the Rotary Club of Lemont-Homer Glen to collect and distribute items requested by veterans at Hines Hospital and the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans, Inc. Details are included in these wish lists:

• Hines VA Hospital Wish List
• Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans Wish List

Donations can be brought to the Circulation Desk during regular library hours. For each donation, patrons will receive a coupon good for a free DVD rental or $1 off fines, up to a maximum of $10 per library account.

3. Veterans Day Commemoration

Capt. Patricia Kennedy will be the featured speaker for this year's Veterans Commemoration from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10, at the library. Kennedy served as captain in the United States Army. She was one of the first female helicopter medical evacuation and search and rescue pilots and crew leaders. She flew operationally in Korea and in the Persian Gulf 1991, for which she was awarded the Combat Air Medal and the Bronze Star for Valor. Local Boy Scout Troop 149 will also participate in the program. Refreshments will be served. Registration is not required.

4. Veterans Day Ceremony

The will host a Veterans Day ceremony to honor America's Veterans and Armed Forces at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 6, 400 N. County Farm Road, in Wheaton. The event is open to the public and will be held indoors. A complete program including all participants can be viewed on the DuPage Veterans Memorial, Inc. web page at http://www.dupageco-il-vetsmemorial.org

5. Veterans Day

Thank a veteran on Veterans Day Friday, Nov. 11.