Aurora's Fifth Ward has a third neighborhood citizens group

Invested Neighbors, Aurora University-area residents, held its debut meeting at AU's STEM school Tuesday, May 3.

About 50 people heard reports from eight local officials and asked questions.

Frances Berg, group chair, opened the 90-minute session with a welcome. Debbie Smith and Liz Ruddy were announced as group co-chairs.

In addition to Fifth Ward Alderman Carl Franco, who gave an economic development update, guest speakers were Jeff Craig, superintendent at West Aurora Unit District 129; Joe Toma of the Aurora Veterans Advisory Council; Chuck Nelson, interim director of the Aurora Neighborhood Standards department; Giovanni Santana, property standards division; Rick Smith, manager of animal control and care; and Officers Ron Miller and Chris Moore, Aurora Police Department.

Berg announced that Invested Neighbors future meetings are set for room 109 of AU's STEM School, 405 S. Gladstone Ave., at 7 p.m. on July 5, Sept. 6, Nov. 1, Jan. 3, March 17, May 2, Sept. 5 and Nov. 7.

The citizens group joins Fifth Ward neighborhood gatherings at Washington and Jefferson middle schools.

Call (630) 892-6803 for more information.