Friday, July 29, 2011

Aug 2: National Night Out

On Tuesday, August 2, neighborhoods throughout Aurora are encouraged to join with thousands of communities nationwide for "National Night Out".

From 6-9 p.m., residents are asked to lock their doors, turn on their outside lights, and spend the evening outside getting to know their neighbors. Citizens have come to enjoy meeting their neighbors, Aurora Police Officers, and City staff members at National Night Out events that range from small gatherings to large neighborhood block parties.

"By partnering together, citizens, police and cooperating City and outside law enforcement agencies have been able to bring Aurora’s crime rate to its lowest level in 33 years", said Aurora Mayor Tom Weisner. "National Night Out gives us an opportunity to celebrate while we reaffirm our commitment to working together to keep Aurora a premiere City to live, work, and raise a family."

2011 marks the 28th annual celebration of National Night Out which is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch. Last year over 37 million people in the U.S. and Canada joined forces to send the message to criminals that they are organized and fighting back against crime, drugs, and violence. The annual event is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support for and participation in local anti-crime programs, and strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships.

"A strong neighborhood is a safe neighborhood", said Chief of Police Greg Thomas. "National Night Out affords everyone the opportunity to get to better know their neighbors and send a strong message that crime is not welcome in Aurora."

One headline event of the evening takes place on Aurora’s far east side where the Georgetown Relief Efforts Neighborhood Organization (GRENO) will host their 7th annual National Night Out event. From 6-8 p.m., the entire City is invited to enjoy live music, free hot dogs, chips, and lemonade, at Georgetown Elementary School, 995 Long Grove Drive. The event also features a children’s area including a clown, face painting, balloons, and the Aurora Public Library Bookmobile. Information on the free event is available from Dee Hakala at 630-918-1229 or Kris Harvey at 630-898-8287.

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Aug 6: Chicagoland Emergency Vehicle Show at Mooseheart

Celebrating their 14th year, the Chicagoland Emergency Vehicle Show has grown to be the midwest’s largest public emergency vehicle show, hosting 200 emergency vehicles throughout the weekend belonging to individual collectors, museums, and government agencies — all in the name of public education. Once again we are pleased to share space with the Kane County Safe Kids Safety Day as well as the North Aurora Days’ “Touch-a-Truck” event.

The Emergency Vehicle Show will be held on Saturday, August 6, 2011, from 10am to 4pm on the grounds of “The Child City”, Mooseheart, Illinois. Mooseheart is located between North Aurora and Batavia on Rt. 31. The show entrance will be off Mooseheart Rd. west of Rt. 31 (Lincolnway). Entrance to the event is free to the public. All preregistered and municipal/government vehicles are always free to register. There will be a $20 registration fee for private collectors who with to register on site the day of the show. Registration and vehicle staging begins at 8am. All vehicles are asked to arrive and be staged before the show opens to the public at 10am.

Or for complete show information, maps and registration forms, visit:
http://www.emergencyvehicleshow.com or find and like us on Facebook.

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Aug 6: Back to School Fair (low income)

The Back to School Fair is a "one-stop" shopping "get ready for school" event which will be held on August 6, 2011. At the Fair, participants obtain school supplies and a backpack, visit with and receive information from social service agencies within the Aurora area and for those who need them, school physicals, immunizations and dental screenings. The event is held at the Harkness Center, part of First Presbyterian Church located at 60 S. Fourth Street in Aurora. Participants must income-qualify by providing Fair volunteers with proof of low income status and Aurora residency. All participants must complete an intake form that is used to demonstrate income and track their activity during the Fair. Social service agencies are offered the opportunity to set up information booths and recipients are required to visit a specific number of booths and gather information. Dental screenings are offered at no cost and school physicals and immunizations are offered off site at two not-for-profit health providers. Participants are then able to receive their backpacks and school supplies, specifically prepared for each child's grade level.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Sept 10: Energy Efficient Home Workshop

Rebuilding Together Aurora (RTA), a local 501©3 non-profit that provides home repair assistance to low-income families, has teamed with the City of Aurora to help Aurora homeowners make their homes more energy efficient.

Any homeowner residing with the Aurora city limits may apply to RTA’s new Energy Efficiency Modification program, which will provide a free three-hour tutorial on do-it-yourself efficiency upgrades and a free energy efficiency tool kit with all necessary materials. Any homeowner that is not able-bodied (seniors and/or individuals with disabilities) that wishes to participate in the program will have the repairs done for them in their homes by qualified volunteers. Both events will take place Sept. 10, 2011 and Sept. 8, 2012. Applications may be obtained online at www.rebuildingtogetheraurora.com, in the RTA office, or requested via phone by calling 630-585-7510.

If interested in volunteering for this event, volunteer surveys can be obtained at the same website listed above. During the two-year program, RTA aims to provide 180 homeowners with the tools kits and knowledge to make their homes more energy efficient. Applications must be received by Sept. 1, 2011 to be considered for the Sept. 10, 2011 event.

In addition to the energy efficiency modification program, RTA will be providing wall and/or attic insulation in 30 additional homes during the next two years. To qualify, the applicant must: reside within Aurora city limits, must own and live in their own home, have homeowner’s insurance, and meet the HUD low-income guidelines. Priority will be given to seniors, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and families with small children. Applications may be obtained at the RTA office or by calling 630-585-7510.

Sunday, July 17, 2011

July 19 & 26: Shakespeare at the Roundhouse

Come enjoy Shakespeare under the stars this summer. Midsummer Theater Troupe presents...
Love's Labour's Lost has something for everyone young and old alike...laughter, goofy characters, love at first sight. This is not your classroom Shakespeare...done in 90 minutes this show is a blast. Set in the Islands, you'll not only get great Shakespeare comedy - but you might see some Island flair as well...overall a wonderful family event or even a first date. FREE. Food and beverage available to purchase.

Two Brothers Roundhouse, Aurora - Tuesdays, July 19th and 26th at 7:00 PM

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

July 15: Downtown Alive! Fan Favorites

The setting will stay the same along the Fox River, but the music scene will shift from blues to rock as Downtown Alive! starts Friday, July 15.

The concert series is presented in conjunction with the Paramount Theatre at North River Street Park. Dbl-Shot will open with high energy 80s rock followed by the Beatles tribute band American English.

Starts at 6 p.m. American English at 8 p.m. North River Street Parking Lot just north of New York Street. $3 entry

Friday, July 8, 2011

Vote for GAR!!!

The Aurora Public Art Commission (APAC) got some refreshing news this summer after the Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Hall (GAR) was deemed eligible to receive a $50,000 grant from Pepsi.

The beverage giant is giving away millions of dollars to fund projects that revitalize communities, education and the arts. Residents can vote up to five times daily to support the GAR rehabilitation project at www.refresheverything.com/saveourgar, or they can vote twice a day by texting “Pepsi” at 73774 and then text “107607” and wait for the confirmation.

The top 10 organizations in the $50,000 category will receive a Pepsi Refresh grant.

Any grant money received would help complete tuck pointing the exterior of the GAR building, 23 E. Downer Place. Exterior restoration was completed between 2007-08 to stabilize the foundation, walls and roof, but tuck pointing was omitted from the project due to the poor economy. An addition also was built to provide modern utilities and access.

The GAR is currently undergoing interior restoration work being paid by a $250,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and a $95,000 grant from the City of Aurora.

The Grand Army of the Republic, a national Civil War veterans’ organization, existed in Aurora from the 1860s to the 1920s. The GAR Memorial Hall was built in 1878 as a monument to those soldiers who had fought in the Civil War. The building also served as a veterans’ meeting hall and as Aurora’s first free public library.

APAC is seeking to raise more money through public and private partnerships to finish the remaining GAR Memorial Hall renovations. Once work is complete, the building will be opened as a veterans’ center and museum to learn about Aurora’s role in America’s wars – spanning from the Civil War through World War II – and genealogical research.

People looking to make a donation to APAC’s GAR restoration effort can:

Go online to the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley’s website at www.communityfoundationfrv.org/fund_profiles-aurora_art.asp;
Send a check or money order to the Aurora Public Art Commission Fund, Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley, 111 W. Downer Place, Aurora, IL 60506; or
Call Aurora’s Customer Service Center at 630-256-INFO or call the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley at 630-896-7800.

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

July 12: Internet Safety

Using Facebook and the Internet Safely

A free seminar will be offered at the Montgomery Village Hall at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 12, 2011. Keith Wheeler, owner of Responsive Network Services in Oswego, will provide information on how to use Facebook safely so that your personal information is protected. He will also discuss guidelines and tips for browsing the Internet or using email in order to avoid viruses or scams.

This event is being offered by the Village of Montgomery. There is no charge and the event is handicapped accessible.

For additional information on this event, please call the Montgomery Village Hall at (630) 896-8080 ext. 1227.

Sunday, July 3, 2011

July & Aug: Photo exhibit at River's Edge Cafe

An installation of photographic works from the 2011 Doc.Crew will be on display at River's Edge Cafe (18 West Downer Place, Aurora) throughout July and August. In May,19 West Aurora HS students partnered with seven local professionals to documents the April Rebuilding Event and surrounding community. Five winning pieces were selected from nearly 100 submittals for best illustrating RTA's mission in action, receiving prizes and a chance at publication.
The winning photo is in the summer issue of Downtown Auroran Magazine. Pick up a copy of the yellow "Outsiders" issue at Aurora Public Library, downtown merchants and many fine local businesses. On Facebook.

July & Aug: Farmers Markets at West Plaza & Spring Lake

Residents looking for fresh produce and flowers will now have two additional City of Aurora Farmers Market sites to shop at starting in July.

Farmers Market West will be open from 2 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays July 6 to Aug. 31 at West Aurora Plaza Shopping Center, 1901 W. Galena Blvd. Starting this year, a new Farmers Market location will be held on the Far East side from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays at Spring Lake Park, 3500 McCoy Drive.

Both markets will offer farm fresh produce, fresh bread, baked goods, flowers and more.

The City’s downtown Farmers Market continues serving customers from 7:30 a.m. to noon Saturdays through Oct. 22 at the Aurora Transportation Center, 233 N. Broadway Ave. The market, which is in its 99thyear, features an expanded lineup of farmers and vendors, weekly entertainment and periodic food demonstrations.

For more information on the Farmers Market, visit the City’s website at www.aurora-il.org.