North plans patriotic concert for veterans
The problem with most school celebrations of Veterans Day, says St. Charles North High School music director Jim Stombres, is they usually lack a crucial ingredient: veterans.
This year, Stombres' students hope to change that with a patriotic concert tailored specifically for those who have served.
"Our worst fear is there will be veterans at home, not being honored, not being appreciated," Stombres said in a presentation Monday to the city council. "We're trying to teach our kids the importance of honoring these heroes."
The Veterans Celebration concert is planned for 7:30 p.m. Monday at North, 255 Red Gate Road.
Admission is free, of course, for veterans, $3 for students and seniors, and $5 for adults.
Stombres said two concert bands and two choirs will perform patriotic pieces by John Philip Sousa and Morton Gould, as well as Howard Hanson's "Song of Democracy."
"We know it's going to be a fabulous event," Stombres said. "Our students have worked very hard. They're excited about presenting this music."
Concert-goers are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items and toiletries, which will be donated to homeless shelters serving veterans.
D303.org: If you haven't done so already, check out the new and improved St. Charles School District 303 Web site at www.d303.org.
It's more colorful and engaging than the old version, which disappeared a few weeks ago.
The redesign was the result of months of upgrading and revamping to make the site more helpful to the community, and easier to navigate.
Interesting features include a running list of upcoming events, an "E-News" subscription and weather alerts.
The site also still includes links to each District 303 school Web site, where parents can get more detailed contact information and communicate directly with their schools.
Jones appointed: St. Charles resident Grant Jones earned a place on the city's tree commission this week.
Jones, whose appointment was recommended by Mayor Don DeWitte, will fill a vacant seat that expires in April.
The tree commission is an eight-person panel that manages city-owned trees and monitors them for disease and pestilence.
Jones is interested in urban forestry and has a background in horticulture.
"You have a very impressive resume, and I'm sure you'll be a fine addition to the group," DeWitte told Jones at Monday's meeting.
Teen driving seminar: If you're the parent of a teenager about to get behind the wheel for the first time, you might want to check out an upcoming seminar in St. Charles.
School District 303's Parent University is putting on "Under Your Influence" at 7 p.m. Tuesday at North, where parents will learn strategies for keeping their teen driver(s) safe.
To reserve a seat, go to www.d303.org or call (630) 513-4408.
jstockinger@dailyherald.com