Articles filed under North Aurora

• Learn what it takes to get ideas into laws Feb 16, 2015 8:58 PM
  Illinois 4-H 4-H members in Illinois will learn how ideas become law during a mock debate in the Chambers of the Illinois House of Representatives March 27-28 in Springfield. Delegates will debate mock bills using the same process used by real legislators in the Illinois House and Senate, including use of the House microphones and voting buttons to determine the fate of various bills. 4-H members who were at least 14 years of age by Sept. 1, 2014 may register online at go.illinois.edu/4hgreatdebate by March 13.
  

   
• 

  ‘Gen Silent’ film explores lives of elderly LGBTQ Feb. 27 in Geneva Feb 17, 2015 4:14 PM
  Unitarian Universalist Society of Geneva The award-winning 2010 documentary “Gen Silent” will be shown at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27, at the Unitarian Universalist Society of Geneva. This documentary by Stu Maddux reveals the plight of LGBTQ elders in facilities where they face discrimination by staff and bullying by other seniors. While this is not happening in all care facilities, it is prevalent enough that it has been called “an epidemic.”
  

   
• 

  Unidentified Body Found in North Carolina Has Streamwood Connection Feb 17, 2015 1:00 AM
  

  Streamwood Behavioral Healthcare System

  The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children's Facebook site, Help ID Me, recently contacted Streamwood Behavioral Healthcare System to help spread the word to local resources in hopes that the young man might be identified. New technology helped to produce an image to show what the unidentified teenager may have looked like. Help give him back his name. John Doe is a Caucasian male between the ages of 15-20, who had short, light brown hair, stood five feet nine inches tall and weighed 171 pounds. He was wearing jeans, a blue plaid long-sleeved shirt, a brown jacket and sneakers. Investigators believe he was transient for some time prior to his death, and may have lost touch with relatives. They believe he spent time in Florida, Illinois and Tennessee before arriving in North Carolina. If you have any information, please call 1-800-THE-LOST. A complete story can be found by the Crossroads Chronicle here: http://www.crossroadschronicle.com/pages/full_story_free/push?article-Body+still+unidentified+after+31+years%20&id=26459663&instance=top_stories Link to National Center for Missing & Exploited Children Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/HelpIDMe
  

   
• 

  Toms-Price hosts “Professional Secrets to Container Gardening” in March Feb 16, 2015 7:26 AM
  Judy Marcus Toms-Price hosts “Professional Secrets to Container Gardening” in March
  

   
• 

  TMA’s Zach Mottl Appointed to United States Manufacturing Panel Feb 16, 2015 7:20 AM
  Scott McPherson TMA’s Zach Mottl Appointed to United States Manufacturing Panel
  

   
• 

  First Detector workshops share key insights on invasive species in Illinois Feb 12, 2015 8:13 PM
  University of Illinois Extension More than 40 horticulture industry professionals and experienced gardeners learned about critical pest issues during the 2015 Illinois First Detector Workshop in Wheaton. Each year, the Illinois First Detector Program presents key information on invasive pests, diseases and plants through workshops in eight locations across Illinois, including the Feb. 3 event at Cantigny Gardens.
  

   
• 

  Volunteers are Valuable: Kane County 4-H says thank you Feb 12, 2015 8:28 PM
  University of Illinois Extension Kane County 4-H and University of Illinois Extension staff honored dozens of 4-H program volunteers at the recent annual 4-H Appreciation Dinner at the Kane County Fairgrounds Prairie Events Center in St. Charles. “The Kane County 4-H program would not be successful without the amazing volunteers,” said Doris Braddock, 4-H Program Coordinator, Kane County. “They lead our clubs, give time at the annual county fair, and provide other positive learning opportunities throughout the year."
  

   

• Kohl’s Cares to award $400,000 in scholarships Feb 12, 2015 10:59 AM
  Submitted by Kohl’s Cares Scholarship Program Kohl’s Cares Scholarship Program recently announced it will award nearly $400,000 in scholarships and prizes to more than 2,500 students who have made a positive impact on their communities.
  

   

• Feb. 15 last day to get 2015 Obamacare health insurance plan Feb 11, 2015 8:58 PM
  Dr. Harris Sunday, Feb. 15 is the last day to enroll for health insurance coverage. To help you beat the rush and avoid the penalty for not having health insurance, Aunt Martha’s Health Center will be offering free enrollment assistance at our Affordable Care Act Enrollment (ObamaCare) Fairs in Aurora this week.
  

   
• 

  Senior Star at Weber Place and Adventist Bolingbrook Hospital Present Age Related Cardiac Disease Lecture Feb 12, 2015 5:24 PM
  Jennifer Pruehs ROMEOVILLE, IL (February 11, 2015) – Senior Star at Weber Place is pleased to host Dr. James McMahon, MD, of Adventist Heart and Vascular, for an informative lecture on Age Related Cardiac Disease at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, February 25 at 605 South Edward Drive in Romeoville. Dr. McMahon is the medical director of cardiology at Adventist Bolingbrook Hospital. A graduate of Notre Dame University and Loyola University Medical School, Dr. McMahon is board certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular disease, nuclear cardiology, vascular medicine and technology. “February is American Heart Month, which is why we feel fortunate to have a medical expert like Dr. McMahon educating our residents, staff and the public about cardiac disease,” said Michelle Franzak, executive director of Senior Star at Weber Place. “Our ongoing relationship with Bolingbrook Adventist Hospital has been vital in addressing a proactive approach to living well.” Following the lecture, attendees are invited to stay for complimentary hors d’oeuvres and drinks. Seats are limited. Please RSVP no later than February 24 by calling 815.676.5776. For more information about Senior Star at Weber Place or to schedule a tour, call 815.676.5776 or visit the website at www.seniorstar.com. About Senior Star at Weber Place Senior Star at Weber Place, a Senior Star community, features 346 modernly decorated apartments spanning across 29 acres of beautifully landscaped property with many customized amenities to offer its residents in three distinctive living experiences: independent living, assisted living and memory care. For more information, visit www.seniorstar.com. ###
  

   
• 

  Youth theater group flies high with ‘Aladdin’ Feb 10, 2015 3:43 PM
  By Susan Klovstad Discover “A Whole New World” of magic, mayhem and magic carpet rides when Spotlight Youth Theater Aurora stages Disney’s “Aladdin Jr.” at the Batavia Fine Arts Centre, 1201 Main St., Batavia. Public performances of the energetic musical begin Friday, Feb. 13, and run through Sunday, Feb. 22. Tickets are $10-$12.
  

   

• Join Small Business Networking Group in Batavia Feb 10, 2015 9:03 PM
  Congregational Church of Batavia Great networking, great programs, and a price which is difficult to beat – that’s the winning combination offered by the Congregational Church of Batavia Small Business Networking Group. Established almost ten years ago, and often referred to by its nickname, “CCOB Networking,” the group now attracts between 25 and 40 attendees at each meeting. There’s always someone new to meet, as well as opportunities to touch base with longstanding business associates.
  

   
• 

  Impressive Suspended Sculptures Bring Indoor Public Art to Main Street Promenade Feb 12, 2015 5:35 PM
  Jini Clare The indoor pieces are bringing a touch of modernism to Naperville’s eclectic mix of publicly viewed art. The sculptures feature gracefully connected, uplifting geometric shapes, fabricated to reflect the materials, architectural design, and arches within the building itself. “The developers created a multi-dimensional space at Main Street Promenade,” Jones explained. “And the venue is emblematic of the larger community.” The building includes upscale small and large service businesses. “It has a sense of energy,” Jones noted. “People from all walks of life pass through the halls every day.” In describing the artwork, Jones said, “I wanted to create a beautiful point of emphasis in each atrium – sculptures that are uplifting and reflect a sense of optimism. I have tried to capture movement and contrast in each piece.” The geometric and curvilinear aspects of the pieces, as well as triangular grids that allow light to pass through and cast shadows, create graceful circular and vertical movements in each hanging sculpture. Fabricated of steel, the sculptures include bronze-powder-coated and bright nickel-plated surfaces. The warm nickel plating plays off the dark metallic bronze, creating a strong visual contrast and nice artistic movement in the pieces. Each of the sculptures weighs less than 300 pounds. “I had to create designs that use positive and negative space. I tried to use different planes that visually implied volume,” Jones explained The first sculpture was installed on January 8. “I titled it Shiver – like when you meet someone new or have a new opportunity,” said Jones. “That positive shiver of excitement!” The second piece was installed on January 14 and is titled Pulse. The sculptures were created by the artist in the Neuqua Valley High School Fine Arts Department workshop with the help of Terry Peterson, a surface treatment expert from Performance Powder Coating in Naperville. Jeremy Thurlby, a graduate sculpture student at SIU helped Jones solve some of the more complex design aspects of the pieces. John Fries, a master craftsman who builds custom motorcycles in Aurora, also mentored Jones, suggesting tools and sharing steel-fabricating techniques with him. Mike Stengel, who oversees construction at Main Street Promenade, was instrumental in hanging the artwork in the building. Jones also credits his wife, Janie, for her support and for allowing him to create and complete the suspended sculptures in a timely manner. “She brought dinners to me at the studio and freed up time for me at home so I could work on them,” he said gratefully. “It has been a great journey,” Jones said. “Anybody who is an artist or craftsman knows that you start with the original vision and do a lot of problem solving during the journey. Things happen along the way that change the way you need to approach things. That is part of the excitement and fun. “The back and forth with the students in the studio at Neuqua was exciting,” he continued. “The students helped with color selection and the placement of the pieces.” Each piece was personally hand cut and custom built, and many were awkward and big. “Sometimes it was difficult to rig support pieces so I could work on the sculpture. At times, I set parts of my piece up so I could visualize them together, and students helped me with that.” It was Debbie Venezia, executive director of the Naperville Art League, who first encouraged Jones to submit his concepts for the project to Dwight and Ruth Yackley. “I’ve always been an admirer of Steve’s work. I was a judge for a Lombard art show several years ago and first saw his work there. Steve is an excellent choice for this project. He has many students in the area, and it will be inspirational for them to see his success!” “I want to thank Principal Dr. Robert McBride and Fine Arts Department Chair Charles Staley for their support,” Jones said. “They nurture us to develop as practicing artists, as well as teachers. We are on the same journey as our students. That’s what makes our art department so special.” According to Staley, “Most teachers call the room where they teach a classroom. Mr. Jones calls his space his studio. “One of the things that makes Steve an extraordinary teacher is his continual development as an artist. His work is evolving from day to day. Students have watched him ‘finish’ one of his works of art for months. His painstaking attention to the detail required to produce a piece helps students understand what it takes for an artist to communicate directly with an audience.” Staley explained, “He challenges students to trust their ability to express themselves through their art. He helps students gain confidence so that they go beyond their own expectations to create art that effectively evokes their feelings and emotions. Spend 10 minutes in Mr. Jones’ classroom and you will see how he gently encourages his students to take risks and to think and feel artistically. You will see why his students love working with him.” Principal Robert McBride described the importance of encouraging teachers to work on their art at school. “Steve is incredibly committed. It is so important when you teach art to be an artist yourself. You can empathize with the students about their art and about their frustrations. I can’t think of a better way for an art teacher to prepare to teach his own students that to practice his own art.” McBride added, “I appreciate the support that other organizations have given to Steve and to the arts. They recognize that he is an incredibly talented artist.” Dwight and Ruth Yackley have long been supporters of public art in Naperville. The 10th piece dedicated by Century Walk, a bronze sculpture titled Genevieve, is located outside their development at Washington Corners, near the entrance to Barnes and Noble. The Yackleys also worked with artist Jeff Adams to create the 22nd Century Walk piece, a bronze fountain titled Symbiotic Sojourn, which is in the archway at Main Street Promenade. The developers also financed the book, Century Walk: Art Imitating History, which highlights the first 35 pieces of public art in Naperville. For more information about Steve Jones and his artwork, please visit his website at stevejonesart.com.
  

   
• 

  Albright Theatre to hold auditions for “Wonder of the World” Feb 10, 2015 5:45 PM
  Linda Brooks Albright Theatre Company will hold auditions for “Wonder of the World” by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright David Lindsay-Abaire at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, March 1, and Monday, March 2. Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script. Callbacks may be held at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 3, by invitation only.
  

   
• 

  St. Charles Arts Council presents jazz great Fareed Haque in concert Feb 10, 2015 9:19 PM
  St. Charles Arts Council The St. Charles Arts Council is delighted to announce that jazz great Fareed Haque will be performing in St. Charles at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 7, with his trio and local student musicians sitting in, plus the Alex Murphy Quartet, as part of the Student Artist Event presented by the arts council in partnership with Northern Illinois University.
  

   

• Kane County 4-H Hosts International Night Feb. 20 in St. Charles Feb 9, 2015 9:53 PM
  University of Illinois Extension Would you like to explore several countries without ever leaving Illinois? At the annual Kane County 4-H International Night, visitors can discover the geography, culture and food of many nations, all while staying close to home. “International Night is a great experience for both 4-H youth and our communities,” said Doris Braddock, 4-H Youth Development Program Coordinator. “Through the 4-H Passport to the World project, youth not only learn about another country and its cultures, but they gain skills in presenting that information both visually and verbally to the community.”
  

   
• 

  Images: The Week in Pictures Feb 9, 2015 1:00 AM
  This edition of The Week in Pictures features Daily Herald staff photos of a laughing archbishop, a praying keynote speaker and two different bowling events, all from more than 20 communities.
  

   
• 

  Geneva church puts 140 volunteers to work in Day of Service Feb 10, 2015 9:34 PM
  Unitarian Universalist Society of Geneva The Unitarian Universalist Society of Geneva turned out in force on Feb. 7 for its annual Day of Service event, performing a wide range of community service activities across the Fox Valley.
  

   

• Local Soroptimist Club Offers GED Grant Feb 9, 2015 4:56 PM
  Diane Kegley Chicago Suburbs —Women who currently attend G.E.D. courses and who are seeking financial assistance to complete certification can now obtain an application for this award. The G.E.D. Grant is Soroptimist International of Suburban Chicago’s cash award that honors the women completing their equivalency to improve their lives and those of their family. Applications are available by contacting Soroptimist International of Suburban Chicago (SISC) via e-mail at siofsuburban.chicago@soroptimist.net . SISC will give two cash awards that cover the cost of the test. Deadline for completed applications is April 1, 2015. The winners will be honored at a luncheon in May where their checks and grant certificates will be awarded. Soroptimist International of Suburban Chicago is a volunteer organization for business and professional women dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls, in local communities and throughout the world. Founded in 1989, the Suburban Chicago club is part of Soroptimist International which has over 90,000 members in more than 120 countries and territories who contribute time and financial support to community-based projects that benefit women. In addition to the G.E.D. Grant, Soroptimist International of Suburban Chicago has three additional awards for women and girls. For more information about the awards, our local programs and Soroptimism visit our web site at si-suburbanchicago.org .
  

   

• Nominations Accepted for 2015 Woman of Distinction Feb 5, 2015 4:15 PM
  COD News Bureau In celebration of Women’s History Month, College of DuPage is accepting nominations for the 2015 Woman of Distinction Award. Named for former COD History Professor Adade Wheeler, the award has been given annually since 1983 to individuals who have made significant contributions to the personal and professional advancement of women through education, advocacy and motivation. Nominees must reside, work or volunteer within Community College District 502. Priority is placed on activities that are beyond the scope of the workplace. Nominations must be received by Monday, March 3. Forms are available by clicking here. The Award Ceremony will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 19, in the Student Resource Center, Room 2000, on the Glen Ellyn campus, 425 Fawell Blvd. A reception will begin at 6:30 p.m. For more information, contact Mary Jean Cravens at cravens@cod.edu or Julia diLiberti at dilibert@cod.edu.