Briefs: Aurora fugitive sought
Aurora police are assisting U.S. marshals in their continuing search for Miguel Martinez, a former Aurora resident who is wanted on federal racketeering charges stemming from his alleged involvement in a conspiracy to commit violent crimes and distribute narcotics. Martinez, 28, was one of 16 men charged as part of Operation Double Down, which culminated in 2005, with conspiracy to commit multiple shootings, homicides and other violent crimes in the summer of 2002. Federal authorities are offering a $5,000 reward for information that leads to his arrest and conviction. Marshals said Martinez, who goes by the nicknames "Fat Mike" or "Big Mike," has been reported to still be in the Chicago area, although he may be changing his appearance. Police said he is 6 feet 1 inch tall, weighs between 220 and 250 pounds and has black hair and brown eyes. Anyone with information on his whereabouts should contact the U.S. Marshals Service at (877) 926-8332.
Naperville a Tree City
Naperville has been named a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation for the 18th year in a row. The National Arbor Day Association, in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters and the U.S. Agriculture Department Forest Service, sponsors Tree City USA. The title is given to communities that adopt a tree care ordinance, appoint a tree board or department, develop a comprehensive community forestry program and hold an Arbor Day observance.
Native plant sale slated
More than 100 hardy common and specialty varieties of native plants are available through The Conservation Foundation's 2008 Native Plant Sale. Orders must be placed by May 6. To obtain an order form, visit www.theconservationfoundation.org or contact Jill Johnson at jjohnson@theconservationfoundation.org or (630) 428-4500, ext. 20. Plants will be available for pickup on May 31. Orders of fewer than 2,000 plants will be delivered to one of two locations: The McDonald Farm, 10S404 Knoch Knolls Road, Naperville, or the Headwaters Conservation Area, 42W525 Beith Road, Elburn.
ChildServ to hold event
ChildServ, a not-for-profit child and family services agency, will hold a food and wine pairing fundraising event from 6 to 8 p.m. April 30 at Maggiano's Little Italy, 1847 Freedom Drive, Naperville. The event, dubbed A Tuscan Evening, will offer hors d'oeuvres and desserts paired with a variety of wines. Experts will be on hand to give recommendations and ChildServ staff will talk about the organization's outreach projects and services. There also will be a silent auction and prizes. Admission is $60. Business casual attire and advanced registration are recommended. To register call (773) 867-7360.
Donor Awareness Day set
Lisle has declared Saturday Donor Awareness Day to help bring recognition to the chronic shortage of organ donors in Illinois. Residents may register or re-register to be organ donors through the Donate Life Illinois initiative at a table setup from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Jewel Food Store, Route 53 and Maple Avenue, Lisle. The state began a new registry in 2006 and it no longer is valid just to sign your driver's license to be an organ donor. Registration also may be done online at www.DonateLife Illinois.org.
Class to teach coping skills
People with mental illness can learn coping skills to help prevent a relapse at a free class offered by the Association for Individual Development. The Peer-to-Peer Education course will meet from 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesdays for nine weeks beginning May 6 at the Mercy Provena Behavioral Health Center in Aurora. The class is a group-based recovery program developed by the National Alliance for Mental Illinois. For details, call (630) 966-4300.
Special needs grant
Western DuPage Special Recreation Association received a $10,000 grant from the Bubel/Aiken Foundation to support inclusion services for the Before and After School Program offered by the West Chicago Park District in the 2008-09 school year. The program is offered at three sites and includes days off due to holidays, teacher work days, holiday weeks and spring break. Inclusion services provide children with disabilities the opportunity to play, socialize and learn in an all-inclusive environment with their nondisabled peers.
Free hearing screenings
In recognition of Better Speech and Hearing Month, Easter Seals DuPage and the Fox Valley Region will offer free hearing screenings to adults 21 and older on May 5, 12 and 19 at the Easter Seals office at 830 S. Addison Ave., Villa Park. To schedule a screening, call (630) 282-2023.