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Warrenville proclaims Earth Day, Arbor Day and Mental Health Awareness Month; honors longtime volunteers
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Summary
At its April 20 meeting, Warrenville Mayor Andrew Johnson issued proclamations for Earth Day (April 22), Arbor Day (proclaimed April 24; celebration April 25) and Mental Health Awareness Month (May), honored volunteers David Anderson and Tim Sleep, and heard event and mental-health remarks from local commissioners and board leaders.
Warrenville Mayor Andrew Johnson opened the April 20, 2026 city council meeting by proclaiming April 22 as Earth Day, April 24 as Arbor Day and May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month, and by honoring longtime volunteers David Anderson and Tim Sleep for their work at the Warrenville Historical Museum and Art Gallery.
The mayor read the Earth Day proclamation, citing the global theme "Our Power, Our Planet" and urging residents to support renewable-energy initiatives and environmental education. He also proclaimed April 24 as Arbor Day and invited residents to an Arbor Day celebration at the Warrenville Park District Recreation Center gym on Saturday, April 25 at 10:00 a.m.
Pat McNulty, a commissioner on the Warrenville Environmental Advisory Commission, thanked the council and invited the public to an environmental fair tied to the Arbor Day activities. "Please, join us," McNulty said, and listed participating organizations including Warrenville In Bloom, Fermilab Natural Areas, the Sierra Club, DuPage Birding, the DuPage Forest Preserve, the Warrenville Park District and the Warrenville Library. The commission said approximately 350 seedlings (redbuds, serviceberries, bur oak, dogwood and white spruce) will be made available at the event.
Mayor Johnson recognized David Anderson and Tim Sleep for decades of volunteer service to the museum; the mayor noted David's long tenure and Tim's leadership experience as a former principal. One of the honorees—speaking from the podium—thanked the council and community for the recognition.
On mental health, the mayor proclaimed May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month and highlighted local supports, including the newly established Winfield Township mental health board and services coordinated with the DuPage County Health Department. Sheila Rutledge, Winfield Township supervisor, told the council she expects grant funding to support local mental-health work and encouraged volunteer participation, including a Prairie Path cleanup she is leading. "We're going to make big changes to our mental health in our community with this grant money that is coming soon," Rutledge said.
Barb Lamon, chair of the Winfield Township mental health board, urged residents to reduce stigma and to support people who seek help. "If someone shares their experience, believe them," Lamon said, adding that community conversations and empathy can make it easier for people to ask for help.
Mayor Johnson closed the segment by noting that May is also autism awareness month and referenced the upcoming state of the city address. No formal votes or policy decisions were taken during the proclamations and recognitions portion of the meeting; the items were ceremonial and informational.
The Arbor Day celebration and environmental fair are scheduled for Saturday, April 25 at 10:00 a.m.; residents seeking more information were directed to city and commission channels.
