June 12 & June 26: Books and Coffee at River's Edge

AURORA – Area mystery writers will appear at two free events in June at River’s Edge Café in downtown Aurora. The events are the first in the River’s Edge Author Series, presented in partnership with the Aurora Public Library.

Authors Patricia Rockwell, Diane Morlan and Karen Gallahue will meet for “A Cozy Afternoon for Mystery” from 2 to 4 p.m., Sunday, June 12, at River’s Edge Café, 18 W. Downer Place. The three authors write “cozies,” mysteries characterized by pleasant, often exotic settings and a finite number of suspects.

Besides discussing their books, the authors will speak about the art and business of writing and entertain questions.
Patricia Rockwell of Aurora is the author of “Sounds of Murder” and “FM for Murder,” published under her own company, Cozy Cat Press of Aurora.

Her heroine, Pamela Barnes, like Rockwell, is a university professor specializing in speech and sound. Barnes’ unique training allows her to use aural clues to solve mysteries, including the on-air murder of a radio disc jockey.

Diane Morlan of Sycamore is the author of “Too Dead to Dance.” Her heroine, Jennifer Penny, stumbles upon a dead body while on the way to work at her coffee booth during Hermann, Minnesota’s annual Polka Daze Festival. Morlan was born in Aurora, moved to Minneapolis at age 15 and now resides in Sycamore. She regards both Illinois and Minnesota as her home states. She also publishes with Cozy Cat Press.

Karen Gallahue of Naperville is the author of “Murder with a French Twist.” Her heroes, Dan Elliot and wife Caroline, travel to the Cote d’Azur to attend a friend’s wedding in Nice, only to encounter kidnapping and murder.

The second event, “A Thrilling Afternoon for Mystery” will feature thriller-writers Henry Perez, Shane Gericke, and Michael A. Black. That event will take place from 2 to 4 p.m., Sunday, June 26.

For more information contact Amy Roth at 630-264-4125.

April 30: El Dia de los Ninos fiesta

The Aurora Hispanic Heritage Advisory Board (AHHAB) is partnering with East Aurora School District 131 and West Aurora School District 129 to celebrate “El Dia de los Ninos,” or Children’s Day.

The traditional Latin American event will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 30 at the Aurora Transportation Center parking lot near the northwest corner of Spring Street and Lincoln Avenue. This year’s theme is “Books and Libros” and will focus on the importance of children’s literacy.

“We are excited about the partnership with the school districts. This event is to celebrate children and what better way to do it than with the support of our schools,” said AHHAB Chairman Diana Torres. “This partnership is the first of many future ones this board seeks.”

Both school districts will provide more than 3,000 books to give away to children who visit literacy stations staffed by volunteer teachers. Student participants will receive a bookmark that will be stamped at each station they visit and later can be redeemed for a free book.

Activities will include stage performances by the students in both District 129 and 131, a magic show, the Wulin Dynasty Cheer, inflatables, face painting and more. The event is free to the public, and food will be available for purchase.

Other organizations providing free children’s activities include Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois, the Aurora Public Library, Rush-Copley Medical Center, Aurora Township and Faith Tabernacle.

People interested in sponsoring or participating in this event can contact Dee Basile in the City’s Public Information Office at 630-256-3368or email her at dbasile@aurora-il.org. Money raised at the event will be used for student scholarship sponsored by the AHHAB Board.