retiring Aurora Police Chief honored

Retiring chief honored

An open house honoring retiring Aurora Police Chief William Powell has been scheduled for May 7 at the Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd. The event will run from 3 to 8 p.m. and include presentations from federal, state and area law enforcement agencies. Powell's retirement is effective today. He was appointed chief in November 2005. A Chicago native, Powell, 56, joined the department in December 1977. He was promoted to sergeant in 1993; lieutenant in 2000; and commander in 2005. He was the first black to serve in the department's supervisory and command ranks. Those planning on attending should respond by April 25 by calling (630) 801-6500.

Learn about health careers

Individuals interested in joining one of the fastest-growing career fields in the country might want to attend Midwestern University's Health Professions Career Day from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at 555 31st St., Downers Grove. The university offers degree programs in osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, physician assistant studies, occupational therapy, physical therapy, biomedical science and clinical psychology. The program is free. For details, call (630) 515-7200 or register at www.midwestern.edu/events/dgprofessionsday.asp.

Wrestler places at state

Glenside Middle School student Teddy Bostert, 14, took sixth place in the Illinois Elementary School Association's state wrestling championship at Huntley High School. Teddy, an eighth-grade student at the Glendale Heights school, participated in the sport for the first time this year, achieving a 20-3 record. "He probably would have taken first place had he started wrestling from the beginning of the season," coach Mike Summerville said.

Sponsor cancer walk team

Victoria's Kitchen in Wheaton is sponsoring a fundraiser Thursday for a group of local women who will be participating in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. Jeannie Maglio, Patti McHugh, Deb Discher, Lynn Fox, Rochel Melka and Patty Schreiber need to raise $10,800 to participate in the walk. To help raise money for the team, Victoria's Kitchen will host three events on Thursday. The morning event will run from 8 to 9:30 a.m. The second event will run from noon to 2 p.m. An evening event is planned for 7 to 9 p.m. The events, called Stuff Our Purses and We'll Stuff Your Freezer, will cost $150 per person. The price includes three meals that are freezer-to-oven ready and five raffle tickets per person. During each event, participants will stuff their raffle tickets into a purse of their choice, depending on which prize they hope to win. Prizes will include a variety of hand-knit scarves, sterling necklaces and bracelets with matching earrings. Anyone unable to attend still can participate. Winners do not need to be present to win. To reserve a spot at one of the events, contact McHugh at (630) 260-1429.

Grants go to youth groups

Two high school groups that have been awarded $1,000 matching grants by the Rotary Club of Naperville/Downtown will present a program at the club's regular meeting at 4:44 p.m. Wednesday at Tessa's Restaurant, 16 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville. The Naperville Central High School Interact Club and Waubonsie Valley High School Warriors Reaching Out received the grants under a program the Rotary/Downtown club introduced last fall to award funds to efforts that target youth charities and causes, the disadvantaged, education, diseases/disabilities and the arts. Earlier this year, the Interact Club collected old cell phones and ink cartridges for recycling to raise funds for the American Red Cross. The WVHS Warriors Reaching Out is a new stewardship and cultural exchange that provides students with volunteerism opportunities around the globe. In June, 12 Waubonsie students in the Mosiac Choir Ensemble, along with some parents and teachers, are going to Cape Town, South Africa, to help with AIDS education and set up several libraries in conjunction with the LEAP Science and Math School.