Nov. 11: Veteran's Day Parade

AURORA WILL BE ‘HONORING ALL WHO SERVED’
Aurora will celebrate the commitment local military service men and women have given to our country with a Veterans Day parade and ceremony.

The parade will step off at 10:15 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 11, at Benton and Water streets in downtown Aurora. The parade route will proceed north on Broadway Avenue to Downer Place and then head west to the Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Hall.

Groups participating in the parade will be Marmion Academy Flannigan Rifles, East Aurora High School Navy Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, Chicago Highland Rifles, Aurora Lamplighter Chorus and many local veteran organizations.

The “Honoring All Who Served” ceremony will be held at about 10:30 a.m. at GAR Memorial Hall, 23 E. Downer Place, and will conclude with a military rifle salute by veteran organizations at 11 a.m.

The event is sponsored by the Roosevelt-Aurora American Legion Post No. 84 and the City of Aurora. For more information, call the Aurora Special Events Office at (630) 256-3370 or visit www.aurora-il.org.

Note: Aurora’s GAR Commission will host an open house on November 11 from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. for people to visit the Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Museum at 23 E. Downer Place. The GAR was constructed in 1878 as a monument to Aurora’s Civil War veterans. Restoration of the exterior was mostly completed in 2009. Interior restoration is the planning stages.

Nov.: AU's free cultural events for November

Music, art, theater on Aurora University November events calendar

Events are free to the public except where a fee is indicated. The schedule is:

Nov. 2: Day of Dead Display — Latin American Student Organization students will display a Day of the Dead altar and provide information from noon to 1 p.m. in the Dunham Hall atrium, 1400 Marseillaise Place in Aurora. For more information, call (630) 844-6259.

Nov. 2: Book Discussion — The first of three public discussions of Yossi Klein Halevi’s “At the Entrance to the Garden of Eden: A Jew's Search for Hope with Christians and Muslims in the Holy Land” will be held from 3:15 to 4 p.m. by the Wackerlin Center for Faith and Action at 430 S. Evanslawn Ave. in Aurora. Reservations are requested. Call (630) 844-6864 for more information.

Nov. 4: Lecture — Comanche author Paul Chaat Smith will discuss “Everything You Know About Indians is Wrong” at 7 p.m. in Perry Theatre in the Aurora Foundation Center, 1305 Kenilworth Place in Aurora. For more information, call 630-844-7843.

Nov. 7: Music — The Prometheus Trio, premier ensemble of the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music, will perform chamber music at 2 p.m.in Crimi Auditorium in the Institute for Collaboration, 407 S. Calumet Ave. in Aurora. Reservations are required. Call 630-844-4924.

Nov. 9: Book Discussion — The second of three public discussions of Yossi Klein Halevi’s “At the Entrance to the Garden of Eden: A Jew's Search for Hope with Christians and Muslims in the Holy Land” will be held from 3:15 to 4 p.m. by the Wackerlin Center for Faith and Action at 430 S. Evanslawn Ave. in Aurora. Reservations are requested. Call (630) 844-6864 for more information.

Nov. 11: Holocaust Speaker — “Witness to the Holocaust” will be presented by Skokie resident Magda Brown at 3:30 p.m. in the University Banquet Hall in Alumni Hall, 1410 Marseillaise Place in Aurora. For more information, call 630-844-6864.

Nov. 12-13, 17-20: Theater — The Theater Department stages “The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds” at 7:30 in Perry Theatre located in the Aurora Foundation Center at 1305 Kenilworth Place in Aurora. Reservations are required. Call 630-844-4924.

Nov. 13: Theater — The Theater Department stages “The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds” at 7:30 in Perry Theatre located in the Aurora Foundation Center at 1305 Kenilworth Place in Aurora. Stephens Hall. Reservations are required. Call 630-844-4924.

Nov. 16: Book Discussion — The third of three public discussions of Yossi Klein Halevi’s “At the Entrance to the Garden of Eden: A Jew's Search for Hope with Christians and Muslims in the Holy Land” will be held from 3:15 to 4 p.m. by the Wackerlin Center for Faith and Action at 430 S. Evanslawn Ave. in Aurora. Reservations are requested. Call (630) 844-6864 for more information.

Nov. 29: Film — “Mad Hot Ballroom,” the second of four films in the 2010-2011 AU Film Series, will be shown at 7 p.m. in Perry Theatre in the Aurora Foundation Center at 1305 Kenilworth Place in Aurora. A discussion will follow. For more information, call (630) 844-4924, e-mail artsandideas@aurora.edu or visit www.AUartsandideas.com.

Nov.: Park District offers facilities for free to Veterans

Park District proclaims November as Veterans Recognition Month

AURORA – The Fox Valley Park District has proclaimed November as Veterans Recognition Month and will pay its respects with a month-long fitness promotion and a free luncheon.

Throughout November, veterans may visit any Park District fitness facility an unlimited number of times for no charge. Free admittance for veterans and their families (spouses and children) is offered as the Eola Community Center (555 S. Eola Road), Prisco Community Center (150 W. Illinois Ave.) and Vaughan Athletic Center (2121 W. Indian Trail).

In addition, the Park District is hosting a Veterans Day Luncheon from noon to 1 p.m. on Nov. 11 at the Prisco Community Center. The lunch will be catered by Reuland’s and feature speakers from Honor Flight Chicago. Veterans are free; guests are $6 per person.

“We urge our residents to express gratitude to and recognize the sacrifice and valor of our active and former service men and women,” said Laurie Hoffman, director of Parks, Recreation and Communications.

The offers apply to all veterans and active military – and their immediate dependents – as well as members of the National Guard and Reserves. Participants need to show a valid military ID card.

*Oct. 30: Pancake Breakfast at Luigi's Pizza

Aurora Noon Lions Club To Hold Halloween Pancake Breakfast Benefit Oct. 30



AURORA, Ill.—Aurora’s Noon Lions club will hold a fourth annual Great Pumpkin pancake breakfast from 7:30 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 30.



Luigi's Pizza and Fun Center, 732 Prairie St. in Aurora, will host the fundraiser to benefit Lions vision- and hearing-impaired charities.



The public is invited. The menu includes unlimited pancakes with sausage, mini donuts and milk, cider, coffee or orange juice.



Children are invited to attend in Halloween costumes and to have free instant color photographs taken with a costumed pumpkin character. Special photo frames will be available for purchase.



Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for children 3-12, and $20 for a family.



Tickets are available from Lions members and at the door. Admission is discounted $1 per person from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m.



Proceeds will benefit hearing and visually impaired persons. For more information, call 630 -921-1307.

Nov 13.: Craft fair at Alden of Waterford

Alden of Waterford 4th Annual Holiday Craft Fair & Open House - will be held on Saturday, Nov. 13th from 10 am - 2 pm at 1955 Randi Drive, Aurora. Come out for unique gifts, one of a kind decorations, crafts etc. Enjoy complimentary gift wrap, refreshments, a raffle and more. Admission is free.

Oct. 31: Trunk or Treat at Wesley United

What? Trunk or Treat is where you decorate the trunk of your car & children Trick or Treat from car to car.
Where? In the parking lot of Wesley UMC 14 W. May St.
When? Sunday, October 31st 4:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Who?
YOU! Anyone wishing to participate. Decorate your trunk or bring the kids trick or treating. Join the FUN!

If you plan on decorating your car, please let us know! Call the church office and ask for Sue or Laurie, 630-896-1033.
http://www.wesleyalive.com/cms/index.php

Oct. 31: Halloween Critical Mass bike ride

What: Critical Mass bike ride
When: Sunday, October 31 · 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Location: West Aurora High School
1201 W New York St
Aurora, IL
Created By Facebook group:
More Bike Lanes in Aurora, IL
Things to Bring:
Your Bike
Your Friends
Your Kids (either attached to your bike or if able to ride alone)

WEAR YOUR BEST COSTUME!!!!!

http://www.mapmyride.com/route/us/il/aurora/741128759993196849

Oct. 25: The Guild at Backthird Audio in downtown Aurora

If you've read Donald Passman's classic "All You Need to Know About the Music Business," you'll remember the emphasis he puts on having a good entertainment attorney. Traditionally, music lawyers do more than "lawyer stuff" - they maintain long-term relationships with record labels, pitch artists and serve as a (sometimes rare) source of informed advice.

Take Susan Basko, for example. She writes and negotiates contracts for both music and film. But she also handles copyrights, does research for film and TV scripts, and pitches artists to media companies when it's appropriate.

Sue splits her time between Hollywood and Chicago. On Monday, she'll join us at the Guild.

We've asked Sue to bring a brief presentation covering her work and the "need to know" points of music and law. Among other things, expect her to touch on:
where the money is in music these days
what you should do legally to position yourself for success as a songwriter, performer or music business
which pitfalls to avoid, and how
The Guild kicks off, as always, with drinks and snacks at 7:30pm. Sue will present around 8 or 8:30, and we'll wrap as always with a time of Q&A and conversation. See you Monday!


Benjie Hughes
Backthird Audio
67 S. Stolp Ave.

Oct. 30: Say "Boo" to the flu at VNA

VNA of Fox Valley will host a “Say Boo to the Flu!” flu shot clinic on Saturday, October 30 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This Halloween-themed event takes place at VNA, 400 N. Highland Avenue in Aurora and will offer flu shots and simple flu prevention tips for both children and adults. From 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., VNA will offer indoor “Trick or Treating” for children ages 3 to 8. Children are encouraged to wear their holiday costumes, though it’s not necessary to do so to participate.

The indoor “Trick or Treating” is free to the public. Flu shots are $25 each, or no charge with Medicare part B or Medicaid. Those covered under Medicaid or Medicare Part B must bring their valid ID cards. Tetanus shots are available for $35 and pneumonia shots are available for $50. The pneumonia shot is covered under Medicare part B every 5 years; if you have had a pneumonia shot previously you must bring a note from your doctor authorizing a second shot. VNA accepts cash or checks for those paying for the shots.
Earlier this year the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expanded its seasonal flu vaccine recommendations to include everyone 6 months and older, making vaccination a priority for the whole family.

“Say Boo to the Flu!” will take place at the VNA Health Center, 400 N Highland Avenue in Aurora. For more information on this event, call (630) 978-2532.

Oct. 26: Celebrate Montgomery's 175th!

On Tuesday, October 26th, the Village will host a 175th Anniversary Gala Reception from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Gray’s Mill, 211 N. River Street. The event will feature hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. The event is free, but only 200 tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. At this event, certificates and plaques will be awarded to descendants of people who lived in the area that is now Montgomery prior to 1910. Please contact the Village Hall by October 15th if you qualify for this recognition.

For additional information on these activities, please call the Montgomery Village Hall at (630) 896-8080 ext. 1114.

Nov. 4: Trace your family tree - Montgomery

The Historic Preservation Commission will be offering a free seminar on How to Trace Your Family Tree on November 3, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. in the Montgomery Village Hall Board Room. Debbie Buchanan, an accredited genealogist with 40 years of experience, will present this topic. This is an introductory-level seminar that will explain various forms and resources that will help you get started with your family tree.

This is the same seminar that was offered during daytime hours in September, but due to several requests an evening presentation is now planned.

For additional information on this seminar, please call the Montgomery Village Hall at (630) 896-8080 ext. 1114.

Nov. 6: Coffee with the Mayor of Montgomery

Montgomery Village President Marilyn Michelini will hold a Coffee with the Mayor on Saturday, November 6th from 9 – 11 a.m. at Bill’s Restaurant, 702 Montgomery Road in Montgomery.

This Coffee will provide an opportunity for residents to meet the Village President on an informal basis and discuss items of concern with her. Residents are encouraged to bring their comments, questions and ideas to the session.

Coffee and a continental breakfast will be provided by Bill’s Restaurant.

Oct. 22 to 24: VAC celebrates 5 years with free fun

The Vaughan Athletic Center will mark its fifth anniversary with a three-day celebration from Oct. 22 to 24 with free events and activities that are open to the public.



The triple-header weekend begins on Friday (Oct. 22) with a family gala from 5 to 8 p.m., highlighted by a performance from the Jesse White Tumblers. The evening will feature inflatables for the kids, face painting and caricature drawings. A magician and DJ also will be on hand.



On Saturday, a health fair featuring more than 20 vendors will be held from 9 a.m. to noon. The event will feature insights, exhibits and information about everything from massage therapy and foot screenings to health supplements and nutrition.



An array of fitness demos are slated on Sunday. From 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., the Vaughan Center will showcase live demonstrations on fitness routines such as spinning, Pilates, kettle bell, Tai Chi, yoga, tire-flipping and a ZumbaTomic demonstration for kids.



Also on Sunday, a “Zumba Party in Pink” will be held from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., with optional donations accepted to benefit the Susan G. Komen Foundation supporting breast cancer research.



The state-of-the-industry, 225-000-square foot Vaughan Center opened in 2005 and currently hosts 11,000 members. Since its opening, more than 2 million guests have used the facility.



For information, contact the Vaughan Athletic Center at 630-907-9600.

Oct. 18: Downtown Auroran magazine release party

You're invited! Downtown Auroran magazine is celebrating the release of the Fall/Winter 2010-2011 issue.

When: Monday, Oct. 18
Where: Aurora Regional Fire Museum
53 N. Broadway Ave. in downtown Aurora
Time: 4 - 5:30 p.m.

A family-friendly magazine event. Pick up a copy. Stay for a minute or two and explore a fabulous museum right in downtown Aurora.

Meet the folks who are featured in the magazine and learn how to submit to the only free arts and culture magazine in Aurora.

Free parking in the rear of the museum.

Oct. 15: Art opening at the DLP "Skillets" by Donnell Collins

DONNELL COLLINS PHOTO GALLERY COMES TO AURORA

Award-winning photojournalist Donnell Collins explores the theme of race and the beauty industry in a gallery at the Aurora Public Art Commission this fall.

An opening reception for “Skillets, a Photo Essay by Donnell Collins” will be held from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 15, at the Public Art Commission, 20 E. Downer Place. The reception, which is free, will feature musical entertainment by Allison Zabelin.

Collins, 54, who lives in Aurora, has worked on “Skillets” for more than 15 years. The gallery delves into negative messages and stereotypes that Collins said pervade in the beauty world. Studying race has been “one of the more exhausting themes” of his life, he said.

“Somewhere along the way, I have noticed within the so-called beauty world that many of us will go out and attempt to purchase what someone else has been naturally blessed with,” Collins said. “We sit in a salon or spa for hours adding on, cooking our skin, changing our eye color, bleaching our skin, avoiding the sun and having no fun.”

Collins attended Oak Park Elementary School, Simmons Junior High and East Aurora High School. After obtaining his bachelor’s degree from Northern Illinois University, he served in the U.S. Army from 1974-1977. Collins then worked as a photographer for 20 years at the “Aurora Beacon-News,” winning numerous awards for his photo journalism.

In 2004, Collins was honored by the City of Aurora’s African-American Heritage Advisory Board for his outstanding achievements. He now works as a freelance photographer for the “Beacon-News” and operates his own photo studio in downtown Aurora.

“Skillets” will headline the Aurora Public Art Commission gallery Oct. 15 through Saturday, Dec. 4. Regular gallery hours are noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday. Admission is free.

Oct. 12: AU presents "Race, Roots and Relations"

Lecture: "Race, Roots and Relations: Native and African Americans"

(Lectures/Speakers)

The Schingoethe Center for Native American Cultures at Aurora University will host anthropologist and author Terry Straus in "Race, Roots and Relations" at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 12, in the center in Dunham Hall, 1400 Marseillaise Place in Aurora.

The public is invited. Admission is free. The program is part of the Schingoethe Center's 20th anniversary celebration.

Straus will discuss her latest book, "Race, Roots and Relations." She is a lecturer in the graduate division of the social sciences, anthropology of Native Americans, at the University of Chicago. Straus works with African-Native Americans in Chicago to help them preserve their heritage and determine their future.

Center hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, and 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday. Free parking is available adjacent to Dunham Hall.

The museum opened in 1990 as a place to display some of the 6,000 artifacts donated by collectors Herb and Martha Schingoethe. The late Aurora couple also funded the construction of Dunham Hall and the museum on its lower level.

Call (630) 844-7843, e-mail museum@aurora.edu or visit aurora.edu/museum.

Oct. 8: Free football at East High

Tomcat fans can earn FREE admission to Friday night’s football game by donating at least one non-perishable food item to the East Aurora High School Food Drive.

On Friday, October 8, the East Aurora Tomcats host South Elgin High School at the Roy E. Davis Field. The sophomore game is at 5:15 p.m. and kick-off for the Varsity game is at 7:30 p.m.

One free ticket per person will be issued for donating at least one non-perishable food item at the main gate. More than one item will be accepted. Students, staff, parents, and community members are invited to participate and support a very worthy cause.

All food items will be donated to the Aurora Interfaith Food Pantry.

Regular paid admission is still available.

Oct. 22, 23 & 24: Vaughn Center turns 5!

Happy Anniversary VAC! Celebrate five years of fitness at the Vaughan Athletic Center from Oct. 22 to 24. There will be a health fair, fitness demonstrations, children's activities and more. Call 630-907-9600 for more information.