A Message from the Mayor: Woodridge Time Capsule Update

Dear Neighbors,

We have exciting news to share! Nearly 50 years after it was buried, we were excited to locate and open the Woodridge time capsule from 1976, which was buried during our nation’s Bicentennial. This capsule represents a meaningful piece of Woodridge’s history, a snapshot of who we were, preserved with the hope that future generations would one day experience it.

In the months leading up to the excavation, a great deal of thoughtful planning went into our effort. Because the time capsule was buried along 75th Street, our team worked closely with the County to secure the necessary permits and ensure the excavation could be done safely. We also had to carefully research its original location, as exact records were limited. Since this was the first time our Village has ever unearthed a time capsule, thoughtful consideration was given to how it would be located, excavated, and lifted from the ground.

Thanks to that preparation, our dedicated Public Works team successfully located and unearthed the capsule. I want to extend my sincerest gratitude to the team for their expertise, care, and commitment throughout this extensive process. Their work truly made it possible to bring this long-buried piece of our history back to the surface.

Our hope was to recover the contents and create a special display for the community to experience and enjoy. Unfortunately, as the capsule was lifted, it became clear that it had taken on a significant amount of water over the years. The structure gave way during excavation, and water poured from the vault. Inside, the contents had been exposed to years of moisture and mold.

As a result, the items, including photographs, letters, newspapers, and other keepsakes, have significantly deteriorated. Many are extremely fragile, illegible, or no longer intact. While this is not the outcome we had hoped for, it is unlikely that the materials can be preserved or displayed in the way we had intended.

Even so, we remain committed and hopeful to honoring the intention behind the time capsule. Our Village team is carefully documenting what we can through photography and video, capturing this moment so it can still be shared with our community. While we may not be able to present the items themselves, we will work to create a digital story that reflects the spirit and significance of what was placed inside nearly 50 years ago.

Although time has altered the physical contents, the meaning behind the time capsule endures. It stands as a reminder of the pride, optimism, and sense of connection felt by those who came before us, and their desire to reach forward and share their story.

For me, this moment is especially meaningful. I was living here and was a student in Woodridge when this time capsule was originally buried nearly 50 years ago. I remember writing my own letter, which was part of this time capsule. To now stand here as Mayor, helping to uncover it alongside our community, is both humbling and deeply full circle. While the items inside may have changed with time, the spirit of Woodridge, rooted in community, resilience, and connection, remains as strong as ever.

Thank you for being part of our community that values its history while building for the future. We look forward to sharing more with you very soon.

Honoring Our Past as We Celebrate Together,

Mayor Gina Cunningham

Proposed Development Under Consideration for May 7 Village Board Meeting

At the May 7, 2026 Village Board Meeting, the Village Board will consider ordinances related to the annexation and zoning of a property in Will County. The request would designate the site as M-1 Manufacturing to allow for the construction of an approximately 221,400-square-foot speculative industrial building. The contract purchaser and developer of the property is Stotan Industrial. The meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m. in the Werch Board Room at Village Hall, 5 Plaza Drive.

Summer Starts at the Woodridge Jubilee!

Summer in Woodridge wouldn’t be complete without the sights, sounds, and flavors of the Woodridge Jubilee, returning June 18–21, 2026 for four days of community fun and celebration.

Hosted by the Woodridge Park District and Village of Woodridge, this beloved annual festival brings neighbors together with live bands, food and drinks, carnival rides, bingo, family activities, and more - all in a lively, welcoming atmosphere that marks the official start of summer in Woodridge.

Throughout the Jubilee, guests can enjoy evening entertainment, a beer tent, a bustling carnival, classic bingo, kid-friendly activities and entertainment on Saturday, the Jubilee fishing derby, bags tournament, and the return of the Jubilee Ale Trail! Whether you stay for a few hours or make it a multi-day tradition, the Jubilee offers plenty of ways to celebrate close to home. Explore the full schedule of events on the Woodridge Park District website.

Let's Connect at Our 2026 Woodridge State of the Village!

Join us for our 2026 State of the Village! This year’s theme, “Let’s Connect,” celebrates the relationships, conversations, and community spirit that make Woodridge such a special place. Connect with neighbors, businesses, and local organizations, celebrate progress, and look ahead to the future of Woodridge together!

Tickets are selling fast! Click here to register!

Save the Date for Cop on a Rooftop!

The Village of Woodridge and the Woodridge Police Department invite the community to support Cop on a Rooftop on Friday, May 15, 2026, benefiting Special Olympics Illinois and the Torch Run!

From 5:00 a.m. to noon, staff and officers will be at the following Woodridge Dunkin’ locations:

• Hobson Road and Route 53 (Drive-through donations accepted!)
• 87th Street and Woodward Avenue (Drive-through donations accepted!)
• 75th Street and Janes Avenue

Join us as we raise funds for local Special Olympics athletes! Neighbors can show their support by stopping by and donating. Each donation earns a free donut as a thank you while supplies last. Those who are unable to attend in person can still support the cause by making a donation online at soill.org.

A Gathering of Gratitude: On the 5th Anniversary of the Father's Day Tornado

Please save the date and join us for a gathering of gratitude as we reflect on the resilience, strength, and heart of our community five years after the 2021 Father’s Day tornado on June 21, 2026, at 10:30 am at Duffy's Pavilion located next to the Woodridge ARC. We have endured much together, and with this gathering, we will honor our community spirit of neighbors helping neighbors. A moment of silence will be observed at 11:10 am. If you are unable to join us in person, we invite you to pause and reflect with us from wherever you are.

Welcome to Our New Community Service Officer!

The Village of Woodridge and the Woodridge Police Department are pleased to welcome Community Service Officer (CSO) Michael James to the Woodridge team. CSO James brings valuable law enforcement experience from both the United Kingdom and Australia. We are confident he will serve our community with dedication and professionalism, and we look forward to the contributions he will make in his new role.

Leash Up & Clean Up: Doing Your Part for a Safe, Clean Community



Keeping Woodridge clean, safe, and welcoming is a shared responsibility, and that includes caring for our pets when we’re out in the community. When walking your dog, please remember that pets must be kept on a leash at all times in public areas. Leashing helps protect your pet, other residents, and wildlife, and ensures everyone can comfortably enjoy our parks, trails, and neighborhoods.

Equally as important, please clean up after your pets. It helps keep our parks, trails, and neighborhoods clean and enjoyable for everyone. Be sure to bring waste bags with you and dispose of them in a nearby trash can.

If you encounter a situation where a dog is off-leash or behaving aggressively, or if a pet owner is not following these rules and it creates a safety concern, please call 911 so the situation can be addressed promptly. Thank you for doing your part to keep Woodridge a safe and beautiful place for all.

Today is Giving DuPage Day!



DuPage County unites for the 7th Annual Giving DuPage Day - a 24-hour online fundraising event aimed at raising money to support local charities on May 1! This is your chance to make a real impact in our community by helping organizations that feed the hungry, support seniors and those with disabilities, provide housing, healthcare, and education, and care for animals in need. Let’s make this year’s Giving DuPage Day the most impactful yet! Visit www.givingdupageday.org for more information.

Volunteer for the

WSEC 4th of July Picnic!

The Woodridge Special Events Committee needs your help to make the 2026 4th of July Picnic at Castaldo Park unforgettable. This cherished tradition, going strong since 1968, depends on community involvement. Interested in volunteering? Contact Marilyn Ristic at (630) 963-1975 or hmristic@comcast.net.

Help Our Local Seniors in DuPage County Get Their Yards Ready for Summer!



DuPage Senior Citizens Council (DSCC) is helping seniors get their yards ready for summer, and you can too! Grab your family, friends, and co-workers. This event brings together groups to enjoy the outdoors and help a senior in need. Volunteers will be doing light yard work such as raking leaves, picking up sticks and branches, and trimming small bushes. Everyone is welcome, and plenty of volunteer dates are available for this May. If interested, please register at www.dupageseniorcouncil.org/volunteering.

Whole Home Electric Program

Are you interested in upgrading your current heating and cooling systems in your home to be fully electric? If so, you may qualify to upgrade your heating and cooling system at little to no cost through ComEd’s Whole Home Electric program.

The Whole Home Electric program:

• Assists income-eligible residents in both single-family and multi-family housing.
•  Provides new heating and cooling systems and appliances at no cost.
• Reduces overall energy costs, improves air quality, and lowers emissions.

After enrollment, your home will receive products such as an air source heat pump, heat pump water heaters, electric or induction stoves, or heat pump clothes dryers, etc., to replace old or inefficient equipment.

To learn more, visit ComEd.com/WHoleHomeElectric. To enroll, visit https://www.comedwhe.com/s/, call 779-774-7680, or email WholeHomeElectric@resource-innovations.com. 

Woodridge Rotary to Hold

2nd Annual Duck Dash



Following the success of the inaugural Duck Dash, the Woodridge Rotary Back-to-School Duck Dash returns on Saturday, August 15, 2026! Ducks are already available for adoption at $10 each. Cheer your rubber duck on as it races down the Cajun Creek Lazy River at Cypress Cove for a chance to win big prizes: $1,000 for first place, $500 for second, and $250 for third. Visit www.woodridgerotary.org for full event details and to adopt your duck today!

FEATURED BUSINESS

Lemongrass Thai

The Village of Woodridge is pleased to welcome its newest business, Lemongrass Thai, to the community! Located inside the Woodgrove Festival Shopping Center, Lemongrass Thai is serving up authentic Thai flavors in a warm and inviting atmosphere. From classic favorites like Pad Thai and flavorful curries to fresh stir-fry dishes and savory appetizers, the menu offers something for everyone to enjoy. Each dish is thoughtfully prepared using traditional ingredients and bold spices that bring the vibrant taste of Thailand right here to Woodridge. Whether you’re dining in or grabbing takeout, Lemongrass Thai is a great new spot to explore and support. Be sure to stop by, welcome them to the community, and experience their delicious offerings for yourself!

Do you have a favorite Woodridge business?

Share it with us, and it could be featured in the next E-News issue!