I took my usual weekly stroll through the corridors of Greenwich Town Hall earlier this week to check out notices and display cabinets for various announcements of board meetings and other town activities.

Very attention-getting were two walls on the second floor outside the offices of the Greenwich Department of Parks and Recreation. Prior to each summer season and even late in the year, the department posts on these walls information on a wide variety of programs and activities available to Greenwich residents of all ages.

I noticed a colorful booklet with a yellow-and-blue border on one of the walls that I had not spotted before. This 31-page pamphlet summarizes the mission of the department and the numerous activities available to the Greenwich public. For newcomers to Greenwich and even longtime residents, it provides and excellent source of information.

If you have children or even grandchildren and wonder how you can keep them occupied during the upcoming summer season, the department offers many ideas via these pamphlets. You can take any of the notices posted outside the office as needed.

Just to whet your appetite, here are a few suggested activities posted on those walls. If youre a tennis buff, theres a active program in town open to adults, juniors and pee wees that begins June 6 and concludes the first week in August.

Are your children interested in soccer? There is a co-ed program for 3- to 11-year-olds called Mighty Mites Spring Soccer; another coed program for 6- to 12-year-olds is called Soccer with Aldwin.

How about a skateboard clinic? Thats available for 6- to 12-year-olds. Interested in a youth golf clinic for your son or daughter? There is information for 6- to 10-year-olds. The program is scheduled at the Bendheim Western Civic Center on Pemberwick Road.

Reporting on golf, I should mention that the Griffith E. Harris Golf Course on King Street is open to Greenwich residents. That information is noted in the brochure mentioned earlier. For general information on the course, you can call The Griff at 203-531-7200. For starting times or reservations, call 203-531-8253; for the pro shop, call 203-531-7261; and finally, for the Fairways Restaurant, the number is 203-531-1138.

Music anyone? The department offers a morning music/art program that includes daily orchestra, band and jazz rehearsals. The art curriculum includes pen-and-ink, watercolors, oils and papier mache. There is more on this subject on a purple sheet posted on the wall.

For any additional information, call the recreation office at 203-618-7649.

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If youre a golfer, you might be interested in playing in one or more of three tournaments scheduled this year, all at the Griffith E. Harris Golf Course. All are charity events that support worthy community causes.

The Greenwich Old Timers organization is planning its annual Branca Brothers Charity Golf Outing, which benefits youth sports and scholarships on June 13. It is limited to 128 players. Contact Peter Pennella, chairman, at 203-837-2822 or Peter Catanzaro at 203-912-7764.

The Chickahominy Reunion Association is planning a shotgun scramble tournament on Aug. 29. Application forms are being prepared and will be mailed in the next few weeks. All proceeds from the tournament support scholarships for boys and girls and assistance to needy area families.

The third golf event is the fourth annual Witherell Celebrity Golf Tournament on Sept. 19. Tournament funds benefit residents of Greenwichs Nathaniel Witherell Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Contact Scott Neff at 203-618-4227 with any questions.

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For area gardeners unsure of whether to begin planting because of the cool, wet weather, Im about to visit my garden at the conclusion of this column to plant three kinds of lettuce — salad bowl, Boston and ruby red — all established plants and all my favorites. Although the soil is cool, these can take a bit of low temperatures. In about two weeks, I will seed the same lettuce types as well as mesclun.

I planted onion sets about two weeks ago and they are up three or four inches.

Good luck with your vegetable garden this year!

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Greenwich will be well represented in the Cheerleading and Dance Worlds championship at Walt Disney World on April 30 and May 1. The team known as the National Champions Liberty All Stars operates out of the Greenwich Tumble and Cheer gym on Mill Street in Byram, owned by Stacey Friedlander, of Cos Cob. The Greenwich team participate in the April 30 competition and Friedlander will travel with her team. More on this later.

Nino Sechi, a Greenwich native, is a former newspaper reporter and public relations executive. He welcomes your comments via his e-mail address, nsech@aol.com.

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Naper Settlement is at 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. Sumnmer hours are from 10 am to 4 pm Tuesday through Saturday and 1 to 4 pm Sunday. Admission is $9 adults, $8 seniors 62+ and $6.50 for youth 4-17. Children 3 and under are free. Call 630-420-6010 or visit www.napersettlement.museum.

Sign up for camp

Discover the secrets of the past and present when Camp Naper weekly summer day camps begin on June 20.

Choose from one of four camps: Secret Seekers, Treasure Hunters and THE. Detectives â?? Treasure Hunters Extreme for grades 1-6 and a Civil War Encampment for grades 6 to 8. During each session, campers will look for hidden treasures both on the grounds and around the community.

Middle school Civil War enthusiasts will enjoy camping overnight in the fort during the Civil War Encampment, where parents can join in the fun, too.

Visit the web site for details.

Heritage Month

During the month of May, Naper Settlement, along with its community partners, recognizes Community Heritage Month in Naperville, an opportunity to learn about the organizations, events and activities that contribute to our heritage.

Watch for information on special programs, events and heritage-themed activities held throughout the month.

Weed Ladies

The Weed Ladies Floral Designers will be open every weekend in May to celebrate Community Heritage Month. The Weed Ladies have been creating silk and dried floral designs since 1969.

Visit them in Daniels House. For custom arrangements and open hours, call 630-305-5289.

Home Run Inn fundraiser

Hit a home run and support the Naperville Heritage Society/Naper Settlement during this fundraiser from 3 to 10 pm May 4, held in partnership with Home Run Inn at 1280 W. Boughton Road in Bolingbrook.

Print out on Naper Settlementâ??s website, www.napersettlement.museum, present it when paying for your order, and 20 percent of all proceeds will go directly to the Naperville Heritage Society/Naper Settlement. Either dine in or carry out.

Call Home Run Inn at 630-679-9966.

Blacksmithing 101

Learn the art of blacksmithing with an introduction to safety, tools and the forge in this two-session class to be held from 8 to 11 am May 7 and 14 in the Blacksmith Shop.

Participants will learn hammer techniques while making an iron hook. For ages 18 to adult. Fee is $150 for two sessions, which includes materials. Registration required.

Cemetery Walk

During the Cemetery Walk to be held from 2 to 3:15 pm May 7, learn about 19th century mourning customs and superstitions from Museum Educators. Then take a walk through the Naperville Cemetery to take a glimpse back in time.

Learn about some of the early settlers, see their headstones and explore the different symbols and their meanings used in the creation of these unique artifacts and, in some cases, works of art.

For ages teen to adult. Some historical material may be too graphic for younger audiences.

The walk begins at the Visitor Center,. Tickets are $10; $8 for Heritage Society members.

Streaming History Walking Tour

This guided stroll of the Riverwalk begins at the site of Napervilleâ??s co-founder, John Naperâ??s estate, and will be held from 2 to 3:30 pm May 8.

Other points of interest include the site of the Naperville Ice Cream Factory, the site of Joseph Naperâ??s Mill, and former quarry workersâ?? homes.

The tour ends at the Naperville Fire Department Memorial on Jefferson Avenue. All ages welcome. Tickets are $12; $10 for Heritage Society members.

History Speaks: Nellie Bly

Lynn Rymarz portrays Nellie Bly, newspaper reporter, for whom nothing was too daring or impossible to scoop a story during this presentation of the History Speaks Lecture Series to be held from 4 to 5 pm May 8 at Century Memorial Chapel.

Hear about her life lessons and some of her stories, such as how she got herself arrested, danced as a chorus girl, rode an elephant and raced around the world.

Advance tickets are $5 for Heritage Society Members and students, $6 for adults; at the door, tickets are $7 for adults, $6 for youth or student.

Colonial Cafà fundraiser

During this fundraiser to be held from 4:30 to 10 pm May 12 at Colonial CafÃ, 8 W. Gartner Road, Naperville, tell your server that you are supporting the Naperville Heritage Society/Naper Settlement.

The receipt will be dropped into a box at the cash register and the Naperville Heritage Society will receive a portion of the sales.

Call Colonial Cafà at 630-420-7722.

Tour of Archives

Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the archives from 2 to 3:30 pm May 14, which begins at the Visitor Center.

Learn how the museum curators care for and store archival items like newspapers, photographs, letters and books, and learn how you can help preserve the archival items you have in your home.

In commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, participants will have a rare opportunity to view Civil War era diaries, letters and photographs housed in the museum collection. For ages teen to adult.

Tickets are $10; $8 for Heritage Society members.

Celebration of Craft Beer

Calling all beer enthusiasts, beginners and hardcore geeks â?? get a â??hopâ? on American Craft Beer Week as Naper Settlement debuts the first in a series of â??Liquid Historyâ? events. During â??A Celebration of Craft Beerâ? from 6 to 9 pm May 14, stroll the grounds munching appetizers and tasting craft beers from six exceptional breweries â?? Summit, Bells, BridgePort, Rogue, Samuel Smith and Lindemans.

Guests will have the unique opportunity to learn about each specialty beer and the story of the breweries directly from the representatives; plus the history of Napervilleâ??s Stenger Brewery. Must be age 21 and over to attend.

Reservations recommended. Advance tickets are $40; $45 at the door; $25 Designated Driver tickets.

Town Gown Walking Tour

This walking tour of the campus and neighborhood surrounding North Central College will explore the history and architecture while highlighting buildings, instructors and alumni of the college as it celebrates its 150th anniversary this year.

The tour will be held from 2 to 3:30 pm May 15 and begins on the west side of Old Main, North Central College, 30 N. Brainard St., Naperville. All ages welcome.

Tickets are $12; $10 for Heritage Society members.

Evolution of Fishing in America

Dan Basore has one of the largest collections of historic fishing tackle in the country, which explores the evolution of fishing spanning more than 5,000 years.

Join Dan from 7 to 8:30 pm May 19 at the Visitor Center.

After the presentation, he will be available to evaluate and appraise fishing tackle brought in by participants. For all ages.

Tickets are $5, free for Heritage Society members. Registration recommended.

Civil War Days

Commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Civil War during Civil War Days to be held from 10 am to 4 pm May 21 and 22 at Naper Settlement.

The entire museum campus is transformed into a Civil War encampment where visitors can meet famous figures of the past and experience firsthand a turbulent time period in our nationâ??s history.

Hundreds of re-enactors participate, staging a battle complete with cannons and infantry. Walk the grounds and talk to President Abraham Lincoln, famous generals and characters that bring the past to life.

The battle begins at 2:30 pm both days.

Admission is $12 for adults, $11 for seniors and $8 for youth.

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