Time Inc. deputy general counsel, best-selling author to speak at Aurora University

AURORA, Ill. - Aurora University will host presentations by a best-selling author and an Aurora pastor to observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Both events are free to the public.

Rhonda Joy McLean, deputy general counsel of Time Inc. and co-author of "The Little Black Book of Success: Laws of Leadership for Black Women," will discuss "Leadership in a Multicultural Society" at 7 p.m. on Jan. 12 in Crimi Auditorium, 407 S. Calumet Ave. McLean, a 1972 Aurora College graduate, will address what she considers the building blocks of true leadership: self-confidence, effective communication, collaboration and courage.

McLean's book has been consistently ranked in the top three on Amazon's best-seller list for leadership and management. She will sign copies of the book after her presentation.

Based in New York, McLean manages one-third of the Time Inc.'s law department and conducts regulatory compliance efforts for consumer marketing materials for the publishing company's 21 magazines in the United States and Canada. Prior to joining Time in October 1999, McLean was the assistant regional director of the Northeast Region of the Federal Trade Commission for nine years. She holds a bachelor's degree in criminology and social work from Aurora College, master's degree in adult education and leadership development from North Carolina A&T State University, and law degree from Yale.

On Jan. 13 at noon, the Rev. Julian E. Spencer, pastor at Main Baptist Church in Aurora, will bring a message in Lowry Chapel in Eckhart Hall, 347 S. Gladstone Ave. An Oswego resident, Spencer became the 20th senior pastor in Main Baptist's 140-year history in 2007. Spencer also serves with the Fox Valley Christian Ministerial Alliance, Love Fox Valley, North Woodriver Missionary Baptist District Association and Illinois Missionary Baptist State Convention; and chairman of the Good Samaritan Network, a not-for-profit organization that provides holistic services to those in need.

Call 630-844-4924 for more information on the presentations, or visit aurora.edu/calendar.

Nov. 17: Piano Concert - at AU

The Third Thursday concert series will showcase Cristian Pastorello, a new member of the AU faculty, at 7:30 p.m. in Crimi Auditorium, 407 S. Calumet Ave. Information: 630-844-4577.

Nov. 19: Quad County Community Forum

THE QUAD COUNTY URBAN LEAGUE'S PROJECT READY PROGRAM invites you to a Community Forum:

THE ACHIEVEMENT GAP:

BRINGING OUR STUDENTS UP TO SPEED?

WHEN: Saturday, November 19th, 2011

WHERE: Quad County Urban League

1685 N. Farnsworth Avenue, Aurora, IL 60505

TIME: 9:30 - 11:30 am*

COST: FREE

*Refreshments will be served from 9:00 - 9:30 am

The purpose of the forum is to assist our community in resolving Academic Achievement as a hot-button issue of mutual concern in a respectful and non-confrontational manner. During the forum participants will:

• Weigh in on three approaches to tackling the gap in Academic Achievement
• Realize the advantages, costs, consequences and trade-offs of each approach
• Develop a common understanding of what is at issue
• Recognize complementary individual and collective actions that can be taken.

This community event is in conjunction with the Midwest Center For Civic Engagement.

For more information or to RSVP, please contact:

Dorletta Payton

Quad County Urban League

(630) 851-2203 ext. 238

Nov. 28: Deadline for Home Energy Modifications

AURORA, IL—November 9, 2011—The success of September’s energy efficiency program for Aurora residents, Green Home House Calls, by Rebuilding Together Aurora (RTA) and the City of Aurora will bring a second opportunity on December 3, 2011. The September event provided 66 homeowners with the tools and volunteers to perform energy modifications to their homes. In 2011-2012 RTA plans to provide 180 homeowners with the tools kits and knowledge to make their homes more energy efficient.

On December 3^rd, RTA will have a special Green Home House Calls event that focuses entirely on serving seniors and individuals with disabilities. Homeowners who register by November 28^th with Rebuilding Together Aurora will have trained volunteer Green Teams come to their home to perform minor energy modifications valued at $130 in materials, and even more in reduced energy costs. Applications may be obtained online at www.rebuildingtogetheraurora.com, at the RTA office, or by phone (630-585-7510.)

In addition, Rebuilding Together Aurora will be providing free wall and/or attic insulation in 30 homes in 2011-2012. To qualify, the applicant must: reside within Aurora city limits, own and live in their 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.

Mark your calendars now for the next Green Home House Calls program on September 8^th, 2012. This event will provide able-bodied homeowners a free do-it-yourself efficiency upgrade workshop and energy efficiency tool kit with all necessary materials. Volunteer Green Teams will once again be available to seniors and individuals with disabilities to provide the modifications for them.

Nov. 11: Veteran's Day Free Stuff

2011 Free Veterans Day Meals

Applebee's - free meal, Friday, Nov. 11: Last year, Applebee's served 1,024,000 million free meals to military veterans and active servicemembers. Applebee's is again offering a free meal to military veterans and active-duty service members on Veteran's Day, Friday, Nov. 11, 2011. There will be 7 entrées to choose from.
Military ID or proof of service required. Find locations athttp://applebees.com/.

Chili's - free meal, Friday, Nov. 11. Chili's is offering all military veterans past and present their choice of one of 6 meals. This offer is available during business hours on November 11, 2011 at participating Chili's in the U.S. only. Dine-in from limited menu only; beverages and gratuity not included. Veterans and active duty
military simply show proof of military service. Visit their website to find locations.

Golden Corral - Free meal, Monday Nov. 14: The 10th annual Golden Corral Military Appreciation dinner will be held on Monday, November 14, 2011 from 5 pm to 9 pm in all Golden Corral Restaurants nationwide. The free thank you dinner is available to any person who has ever served in the United States Military. If you are a veteran, retired, currently serving, in the National Guard or Reserves, you are invited to participate in Golden Corral's Military Appreciation Monday dinner.
For more information visit http://www.goldencorral.com/military/.

Special thanks to Golden Corral: To date, Golden Corral restaurants have provided over 2.5 million free meals and contributed over $4.3 million to the Disabled American Veterans organization.

Hooters - Free Meal, Friday, Nov. 11. Hooter's is serving up a free meal to military veterans all day on Veterans Day. Offer good for all veterans and active duty military personnel. Choose one of the new specialty items on the Hooter's menu. Offer valid at participating Hooters only; open to all active duty and military veterans with valid military ID or proof of military service. Drink purchase
required. For more information, visit, www.HootersVeteransDay.com.

Krispy Kreme - Free doughnut. Available only at participating Krispy Kreme stores. Offer available to all active-duty, retirees & veterans on Friday November 11th. Be sure to call ahead to verify your local Krispy Kreme is participating.

McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurants - free lunch or dinner, Sunday Nov 13, 2011: McCormick & Schmick's is celebrating their 13th annual Veteran's Appreciation Event on Sunday, November 13th. Veterans will be able to choose a complimentary lunch or dinner entrée. Veterans must provide proof of military service. Be sure to contact your local McCormick & Schmick's as this is valid at participating restaurants only. Also, Space is limited and reservations are highly recommended. For more information visit: M&S Veterans Appreciation Event.

Outback Steakhouse - A week of Free Bloomin' Onions and Cokes Monday
Nov. 7 - Friday Nov. 11. Outback Steakhouse is honoring America's military veterans by offering active duty military and veterans a free Bloomin' Onion and a Coca-Cola product during the week leading up to Veteran's Day. This offer is available to Military Personnel who have one of the following forms of identifications: U.S Uniform Services Identification Card, U.S Uniform Services Retired Identification Card, Current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES), DD
form 214 Veterans Organization Card (i.e., American Legion and VFW),
Photograph in Uniform, Wearing Uniform. For more information, visit,
http://outback.com/companyinfo/veteransday.aspx.

The Outback understands commitment. For the past two years, The Outback, with the help of their patrons, has donated $2 Million to Operation Homefront, a non-profit organization providing everyday and emergency support for active troops, wounded warriors and their families.

Subway - Free Six Inch Sub. Select Subway locations offer a FREE six inch sub to military veterans on Veteran's Day. However, Subway restaurants are franchises, so this offer may not be available everywhere. Please call ahead.

Texas Roadhouse - free meal, Friday, Nov. 11. Offer varies by location; our local Texas Roadhouse is offering a free meal from opening until 4pm. Other locations may vary in offer, hours, or availability. Call ahead to your local restaurant for more information.

T.G.I. Friday's - Buy one get one free Nov 11-14. At participating locations for anyone with an old or current military ID. November 11-14.

Uno Chicago Grill, Friday, Nov. 11. Uno's is offering a free entree or individual pizza with a purchase of an entree or pizza of equal or greater value. Offer good for all military for veterans and active duty military. ID or proof of service required: Show up in uniform (if your service permits), provide military ID, show a picture of yourself in uniform, or have other ID showing proof of service. More info here.

Home Depot and Lowes Coupon Updates
Update: Home Depot and Lowes 10% Military Discount Available Everyday.
Home Depot: The Home Depot(R) is offering all active duty personnel, reservists, retired military, veterans and their families a 10 percent discount off their purchases in honor of Veteran's Day. The offer is valid on purchases of up to $2,000 for a maximum of $200 and is available at The Home Depot stores, The Home Depot Design Center locations, Yardbirds and EXPO Design Center(R) locations. The 10% discount is available everyday for active duty and retirees, but not all veterans. Home Depot makes this offer available to all veterans on most military holidays. You can also find Home Depot discounts online.

Lowes: Lowe's Companies, Inc. will offer all active, reserve, honorably discharged, retired military personnel and their immediate family members a 10 percent discount on in-store U.S. purchases made during the Veterans Day holiday. The discount is available Nov. 7 - Nov. 11. The discount is available on in-stock and special order purchases up to $5,000. To qualify, individuals must present a
valid military ID or other proof of service. Excluded from the discount are sales via Lowes.com, previous sales, and purchases of services or gift cards. Like Home Depot, Lowes offers this discount daily to active duty military members, but not to veterans. However, they extend the offer to military veterans on military holidays. You can also find exclusive discounts at Lowe's.com.

Free Park Admissions for Veterans Day

Here's to the Heroes

Anheuser-Busch Parks. Anheuser-Busch Parks offers Active Duty Service
Members free admission for them and up to 3 dependents to any of their parks once a year. Throughout 2011, members of the military and as many as three direct dependents may enter SeaWorld, Busch Gardens or Sesame Place parks with a single-day complimentary admission. The Here's to the Heroes program is only available to Any active duty, activated or drilling reservist, or National Guardsman. Eligible parks include: Adventure Island, Busch Gardens (Tampa Bay or Williamsburg), SeaWorld (Orlando, San Diego, or San Antonio), Sesame Place, and Water Country USA. Not valid at Discovery Cove and Aquatica. Christmas Town at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Va. is not included as part of this program. For more information and to register, visit: Free admission summary, and ticket application.

Colonial Williamsburg Free Admission. Colonial
Williamsburg offers free weekend-long admission tickets to active-duty military, reservists, retirees, veterans, and their immediate dependents from Friday, Nov. 11 through Sunday, Nov. 13th. The complimentary ticket incudes admission to Colonial Williamsburg exhibition sites, art museums, and most daytime programs, as well as free parking and use of the shuttle bus system. Tickets are only available at on-site ticket sales locations. Tickets are also available to families of deployed servicemembers. Tickets available on the following dates: Nov. 11-13.

Historic Jamestowne - Free Admission. The National Park Service
commemorates Veterans Day with Fee Free days at Historic Jamestowne
November 11-13. Free admission for everyone. See events calendar.

Knotts Berry Farm Military Tribute Days - Free Admission.
Knott's Berry Farm has an annual Military Tribute event in which they offer military members past and present by offering free park admission. This year the Military Tribute Days run from November 1 - 24 November (Thanksgiving Day). Veterans or current serving military personnel plus one guest get in FREE with proper ID presented at Knott's turnstile (DD214, Veterans Administration Hospital ID or Active Military Service ID). Purchase up to six additional tickets for just $17 each. More info.

Fee Free Day at National Parks. To honor America's service men
and women, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced that areas managed by the National Park Service would not charge entrance fees for Veteran's Day weekend - November 11-13, 2011. Over 100 national Parks will be participating in this event.

San Jacinto Monument and Museum (La Porte, TX). November 7-13: Free
admission to the theatre, Observation Floor, and (on November 12-13) the special exhibit to all veterans and their families. More info.

Bed and Breakfast for Vets

In the third year of the program, B&Bs for Vets has organized over 485 (and counting) participating Bed and Breakfasts and Inns across the US and Canada which will be offering veterans a free night's stay on November 10th, the night before Veterans Day. This offer is available to both active duty military members and veterans with ID, but space is limited. Each Inn and B&B has at least one room available for this promotion and reservations must be made directly through the participating Inns and B&Bs. For more information visit B&Bs for Vets.

Free Hugo® Canes for Veterans.

Sam's Club® locations nationwide will distribute 36,000 Hugo® canes free of charge on November 9th, 10th, 11th, 2011 to U.S. military veterans in need of mobility assistance. Limited quantities available, while supplies last. Sam's Club® Membership is not required, but proof of military service may be required. For more information, visit HugoSalutes.com.

Other Veteran's Day Discounts

Here are some additional Veteran's Day Discounts. In all cases, be sure to provide proper ID or proof of service. In addition, some of these stores are franchises, so verify participation before assuming the discount is in place.

Free Car wash. Thousands of car washes around the country are offering
vets a free car wash on Veterans Day. Find a list at Grace for Veterans, which helped veterans receive 101,537 FREE Washes on Veterans Day in 2010.
Amazon.com - Discount Veterans Day Honor MP3 album download.
This downloadable album includes 12 songs as performed by the military
bands and ensembles of the U.S. Armed Forces. Visit Amazon on Veteran's Day to download the album.
Netflix - One Month Free Trial.
Sport Clips - FREE haircut to active-duty military & veterans. Offer only available at select locations. Please call to verify local participation.
Tim Hortons - all US locations are offering a free donut to all veterans
(check out the Star Spangled donut!).

Dec. 4: Holiday Open House at West Branch

· Holiday Open House

1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4

West Branch Library

This annual open house has the theme “Sounds of the Season” and will include a sing-along, photos with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, storytime on the Bookmobile, crafts for all ages and cookies. Waubonsie Valley High School’s Pink Notes and Suenos Latin-Jazz will provide music. The library’s Holiday Celebrations in Many Lands will be on display throughout the month of December at the West Branch for self-guided tours.

Nov. 20: Art opening at Chef Amaury's in downtown Aurora

Sunday, November 20 from 3 to 6 p.m. local artists Lisa Gloria and Brian Busch will open their exhibit "The Food Show" at Chef Amaury. Their artwork will be foodcentric. The work is nothing short of spectacular. Cheese and fruit will be served compliments of Chef Amaury. Cash bar available. Dinner service will be available after 5 p.m.

Chef Amaury at 33 West is located at 33 W. New York St. across from Ballydoyle in downtown Aurora. Free street parking is available after 5 p.m., and free lot parking is located at the northwest corner of New York and River streets.

Nov. 11: Veteran's Day Parade

Aurora will conduct its annual Veterans Day parade and ceremony to recognize the commitment local military service men and women have given to our country.

The parade will step off at 10:15 a.m. Friday, Nov. 11 at Broadway Avenue and Benton Street in downtown Aurora. The parade route will proceed north on Broadway to Downer Place and then head west to the Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Hall, 23 E. Downer Place.

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

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

Aurora resident and Illinois Army National Guard Sgt. First Class Christopher Hess will serve as the keynote speaker at the ceremony. After graduating from Aurora Central Catholic High School, Waubonsee Community College and Western Illinois University, the 15-year military veteran was a Bronze Star recipient, among his many military commendations. Hess has been deployed to the Middle East on several occasions, including Operation Desert Storm with the Marine Corps (1990-91), the War on Terror in Iraq (2003-04) and Afghanistan (2008-09). He currently is a readiness non-commissioned officer with the Aurora Army National Guard.

Parade parking will be available at the Stolp Avenue parking deck located on the corner of Downer Place and Stolp Avenue. Parade patrons should use the entrance on Stolp Avenue to access the parking deck.

The parade and ceremony are sponsored by the City of Aurora and the Roosevelt-Aurora American Legion Post No. 84. For more information, visit the City’s website at www.aurora-il.org.

Nov. 19: Jefferson Craft Fair

Jefferson Middle School will be hosting its 3rd Annual Craft Fair, Saturday, November 19th, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Come join us and check out over 30 local vendors showcasing a large variety merchandise! Lunch will be available for purchase courtesy of the JMS PTA. Jefferson Middle School is located at 1151 Plum Street in Aurora, just one block north of West Aurora High School.

Pumpkin FUN!!! in the Aurora, Fox Valley area

Happy FALL!!! Here is a list of area pumpkin patches and farms that are sure to delight on a nice, crisp autumn day. And on free things we like to remind folks to compost old pumpkins, or better yet, make some pumpkin bread or pumpkin pie. Enjoy the bounty of fall.

Abbey Farms of Marmion Abbey, 850 Butterfield Rd., Aurora

Click: www.abbeyfarms.org

Anderson Farm, 251 Montgomery Rd., Montgomery

Click: Anderson Farms on Facebook

Ben's Giant Pumpkins & Farm Stand, 43W200 Jericho Road - Sugar Grove

Click: www.bensgiantpumpkins.com

Goebbert's Pumpkin Patch - two locations - Hampshire and South Barrington *kid's pick*

Click: www.pumpkinfarms.com

Kuipers Family Farm, 1N318 Watson Rd., Maple Park *editor's pick*

Click: www.kuipersfamilyfarm.com

Windy Acres Farm, 37W446 Fabyan Pkwy., Geneva

Click: www.windyacresfarmstand.com

Are we missing any? Which pumpkin patch is your favorite? Leave a comment!

Oct. 31: Jewish Poet and Social Activist exhibit at AU

AURORA, Ill. — “Emma Lazarus: Voice of Liberty, Voice of Conscience,” a national traveling exhibition opening at Aurora University on Oct. 31, traces the life, intellectual development, work and lasting influence of the Jewish poet and social activist.

AU was selected as one of 18 sites for the exhibit, which will run through Dec. 16 in the atrium of the Institute for Collaboration, 407 S. Calumet Ave. Three companion events — two lectures and a panel discussion — will be held in conjunction with the exhibit.

The display, open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, is free to the public. It includes informative panels featuring photographic reproductions of historical images and original works by Lazarus, including “1492,” “The Creation of Man,” and “The New Colossus.”

The exhibit is being sponsored by the AU Wackerlin Center for Faith and Action, and Phillips Library.

"One of the aims of the Wackerlin Center is to be a resource for education, dialogue and understanding concerning religious diversity, on campus and in the wider Aurora community," said Jonathan Dean, Assistant Professor of Religion and Wackerlin Center Fellow. "Emma Lazarus' is a powerful voice, from a Jewish background but with universal wisdom, helping us to reflect as a community on the issues of identity, religion, nationality and belonging."

Lazarus (1849-1897) was a fourth-generation American from a prominent Jewish family in New York City who is known for the iconic words of her 1883 poem, “The New Colossus,” engraved on a plaque now located in the Statue of Liberty Museum: “Give me your tired, your poor,/Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” In addition to her progressive work as a poet, Lazarus was a tireless advocate for justice and championed her most cherished causes: denouncing anti-Semitism, promoting Zionism, and training and educating refugees.

“Emma Lazarus: Voice of Liberty, Voice of Conscience” was developed by Nextbook, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Jewish literature, culture and ideas, and the American Library Association Public Programs Office. The national tour of the exhibit has been made possible by grants from the Charles H. Revson Foundation, the Righteous Persons Foundation, the David Berg Foundation and an anonymous donor, with additional support from Tablet Magazine: A New Read on Jewish Life. "Emma Lazarus" is also a book by Lazarus biographer Esther Schor, published as part of the "Jewish Encounters" series by Nextbook/Schocken.

The three companion events at AU are also free and open to the public:

· Nov. 3, 3:30 p.m.: Magda Brown, a Holocaust survivor from Skokie, will present “From Slavery to Freedom” in Crimi Auditorium, 407 S. Calumet Ave. She will describe coming to the United States as a Hungarian refugee and beginning a new life after World War II. In a November 2010 lecture at AU, Brown inspired a capacity audience with her chronicle of surviving stays at two Nazi concentration camps. Her story reflects many concerns and passions of Lazarus’ life and work. A reception will follow her presentation.

· Nov. 15, noon: “Emma Lazarus: A Passion for Justice” will be discussed in Crimi Auditorium by Victor A. Mirelman, rabbi of West Suburban Temple Har Zion in River Forest and chair at the Spertus Institute in downtown Chicago. An expert in the Sephardic Jewish community, to which Lazarus belonged, Mirelman will link her life and work to the quest for peace and human fulfillment.

· Dec. 7, 3:30 p.m.: A panel of AU faculty members will discuss “Emma Lazarus and Us” in Crimi Auditorium. Offering reflections on Lazarus’ legacy and its importance for today will be Rebecca Sherrick, AU President; Barbara Strassberg, Professor of Sociology; Donovan Gwinner, Associate Professor of English; and Jonathan Dean, Wackerlin Center Fellow and Assistant Professor of Religion, who will moderate. A question-and-answer session will conclude the panel discussion.

Call (630) 844-6866 or visit aurora.edu/wackerlin for more information.

Sept 16, 17 & 18: Fiestas Patrias

Fiestas Patrias brings the sound, culture and taste of Mexico to North River Street Park this coming Sept. 16^th, 17^th, and 18^th. The three-day music festival will showcase a variety of international music acts, food vendors, and a carnival. Sunday, Sept. 18^th will kick off with a parade, which will wind through downtown Aurora at 10 a.m. Extensive television coverage of the weekend’s events will be provided by the Chicago area’s largest Spanish-language TV network: Telemundo.

The festival series will be staged at North River Street Park and the parking lot immediately south of the park. The fiesta begins at 6 p.m. Friday evening, and runs until 10 p.m. Saturday’s festivities begin at noon until 10 p.m. The parade steps off at 10 a.m., Sunday at the corner of River Street and Benton Street; then to Broadway, Galena Boulevard, Stolp Avenue, Downer Place, and ending at Middle Avenue. The parade program begins at 9:15 a.m., and the reviewing stand will be situated on Downer Place. Festivities at the fairgrounds to start immediately after the parade until 10 p.m. Various genres of music will be performed throughout the weekend including: banda, mariachi, cumbia, tejano, norteno, and rock. A children’s amusement area will be featured, in addition to a carnival area complete with games and rides.

Admission to Fiestas Patrias Aurora 2011 is free. A $2 fee will be charged for festival attendees that are over the age of 21, and wish to purchase alcohol. The Aurora Police Department will coordinate the festival’s security efforts, and volunteers will make up the vast majority of the event staff. Anyone interested in becoming a Fiestas Patrias Aurora 2011 event volunteer, or for more event information, should contact Norma Vazquez, Executive Director at (630) 264-2422 or visit WWW.AHCC-IL.COM.

After a wildly successful 2010 Fiestas Patrias event, the Aurora Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (AHCC) is proud to coordinate this year’s festival in partnership with the City of Aurora. “We are ecstatic about returning Fiestas Patrias to Aurora in September,” said Rene Cruz, President of the AHCC. “2011 is going to be bigger and better than last year; we want this to become an annually anticipated event for the Fox Valley area.”

“This fest will be like a taste of Mexico,” said Norma Vazquez, Executive Director of the AHCC. “Anyone that enjoys Mexican food will need to stop by and try a little bit of everything, Aurora is home to the best Mexican restaurants in the Chicagoland area.”

Tradition festival food fare of hamburgers, Bar-B-Que, etc… will also be available to festival goers.

Oct 5: Riverside Cemetery Walk

The third annual Cemetery Walk in Montgomery’s Riverside Cemetery will be held on Wednesday, October 5^th from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Guests will be led through the cemetery in small groups to meet the fascinating “ghosts” of some of the early pioneers and other area residents that now occupy the cemetery. This is not a scary event, but more an opportunity to learn about the past from authentically costumed actors who will portray some of the people buried in the cemetery. Tours will begin near the corner of River and Taylor Streets on the south side of the cemetery about every 10 minutes, so visitors can arrive any time between 7:00 and 8:30 p.m. Parking is available along River Street and at the playground at the north end of Montgomery Park. Visitors are encouraged to bring a flashlight and wear sturdy shoes.

The Cemetery Walk is being planned by Montgomery’s Historic Preservation Commission. There is no charge for this event. In the event of rain, the Cemetery Walk will take place on Thursday, October 6^th at the same time.

Volunteers are being sought to serve as guides to escort the groups through the cemetery. To volunteer or for additional information, please contact Debbie Buchanan at the Montgomery Village Hall at (630) 896-8080 ext. 1114.

Sept 9: Art Opening at DLP

The works of three generations of artists with various creative talents come together for a new exhibit hosted by the Aurora Public Art Commission.

An opening reception will be held from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9 at the David L. Pierce Art & History Center, 20 E. Downer Place to celebrate the start of the “Three Artists Entwined” exhibit. Patrons will be entertained by solo guitarist Tom Salvatori. Light refreshments will be served, and a cash bar will be available.

The family members delve into different artistic mediums, but their work is intertwined by family bonds and their travels across the globe. The artists include:

• Helen Humay– She traveled the world during a time when it was uncommon for women to travel alone. Humay visited Japan, Singapore, China and Europe, and her pottery is a reflection of the different cultures she experienced in her life. Humay, 95, died in 2010.
• Priscilla Humay – Developing an appreciation of art from her mother, she honed her drawing skills after being inspired by nature’s beauty. Priscilla Humay is an award-winning artist who lectures and teaches at universities, museums and the Chicago Botanic Gardens. Her work has found homes in private and corporate collections nationwide.
• Anton Witek – Immersed in a family of artists, Witek has visited more than 30 foreign countries in search of cultural treasures. He uses the symbols he collected to create unique works of art to represent the traditions, customs and places he encountered during his travels.

Both the reception and daily admission to the gallery is free and open to the public. The exhibit will be on display from noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday through Nov. 18. Off-street parking is available at the parking deck located at Downer Place and Stolp Avenue, and patrons can bring their parking ticket to the Aurora Public Art Commission Museum Shop to be validated.

For more information on the gallery, visit www.aurora-il.org.

Sept 15 & Ongoing: Home Energy Workshops

The City of Aurora is offering monthly seminars to help residents get the best return on their home’s energy efficiency and promote water conservation.

The first workshop series provides residents with information to help reduce their home energy costs, increase comfort and maintain the structural integrity of their home. The program is part of the City’s Aurora GreenWorks Community Education Workshop series and is funded by an U.S. Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block federal stimulus grant.

Seminars will be held from 7 to 8:15 p.m. on the following Thursdays:

• Sept. 15, Customer Service Center, 3700 McCoy Drive;
• Oct. 20, Fred Rodgers Community Center, 501 College Ave. (presented in Spanish only);
• Nov. 10, Eola Road Branch Library, 555 S. Eola Road;
• Dec. 15, Fred Rodgers Community Center;
• Jan. 19, 2012, Aurora Police Department, 1200 E. Indian Trail Road;
• Feb. 16, Fred Rodgers Community Center;

Another GreenWorks workshop series will focus on reducing water consumption to save money and protect the environment. Seminar topics will touch on how to conserve water, time and money in the backyard with water efficient landscapes, rain barrels and other green tips. Remaining sessions will be held from 7 to 8:15 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 8 at the Fred Rodgers Community Center and Thursday, Oct. 20 at the Customer Service Center.

Attendance at the seminars is free, but pre-registration is requested. To register, call Karen Zilly, Neighborhood Redevelopment Division Development Coordinator, at 630-256-3323. Registration also can be completed online by visiting www.aurora-il.org, clicking on the “Community Services” tab, selecting the “Neighborhood Redevelopment Division” link and then choosing the “Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant Program.”

Future dates for both programs will be announced in the spring.

Sept 9: City Ceremony for 9/11

The City of Aurora is marking the 10^thanniversary of 9/11 terrorist attacks with a remembrance ceremony that will honor families who lost loved ones and salute the bravery of emergency responders during the tragedy.

The 9/11 commemoration ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 9 at Aurora’s Central Fire Station, 75 N. Broadway Ave. Residents are invited to attend the event as towns across the country reflect on the 2001 attacks, the worst incident of terrorism on U.S. soil.

Highlighting the event will be Darien resident Tom Jones, who was in the World Trade Center’s South Tower for meetings in New York on Sept. 11, 2001. Jones will speak about his decision to leave the building as a precautionary measure after seeing the initial destruction from the plane hitting the World Trade Center’s North Tower, and his journey navigating his way to safety amid confusion and chaos from the building’s 61^stfloor. He was in a crowded stairwell near the 36^thfloor when the second hijacked airplane crashed into the South Tower.

“We felt the vibrations and the building shaking as we all steadied ourselves on the handrails,” Jones said. “That is when any thoughts that this was a false alarm went out the door.”

The ceremony also will honor the four Marines who attended Aurora high schools that died while serving our country in the War on Terror in Iraq. The soldiers included:

• Captain Timothy Louis Ryan, 30, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron – 364 Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3^rdMarine Aircraft Wing; died 2003.
• Lance Corporal Hector Ramos, 20, Company C, 1^stBattalion, 3^rdMarine Regiment, 3^rdMarine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force; died 2005.
• Private Edwardo Junior Lopez, 21, Company F, 2^ndBattalion, 3^rdMarine Regiment, 3^rdMarine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force; died 2006.
• Lance Corporal Jesse Dan DeLaTorre, 29, Headquarters & Service Co., 2^ndBattalion, 7^thMarine Regiment, 1^stMarine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force; died 2007.

The Aurora Fire Department Honor Guard will perform a flag folding ceremony and present each family of the fallen soldiers with a flag.

The event will feature the West Aurora High School Madrigals performing the national anthem, East Aurora High School Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps leading the Pledge of Allegiance, bag pipes and a 21-gun salute. Mayor Tom Weisner, Fire Chief Hal Carlson, Police Chief Greg Thomas, Police Chaplain Father Jerome “Jerry” Leake and Fire Chaplain Gerald Rygh also will give remarks at the ceremony. Refreshments will be served following the event.

Parking for the ceremony is available behind the Aurora Regional Fire Museum, 53 N. Broadway Ave., and the adjacent parking lots across the street on Broadway Avenue and New York Street. In case of inclement weather, the 9/11 ceremony will be moved inside the Central Fire Station Garage.

The Aurora Fire Department Museum will be hosting an open house following the ceremony to showcase a special 9/11 exhibit. Originally produced in 2001, “Ground Level: September 11-14” is comprised of more than a dozen photographs from New York City Sanitation employees Tom Pasquarelli and Vincent Piccolo and crane operator Steve Bova surveying the aftermath of destruction. The City’s Aurora Public Art Commission is loaning the exhibit to the Museum.

The Museum also will highlight how the 9/11 tragedy impacted Aurora. One display case spotlights Aurora firefighters responding to New York as part of a national rescue and relief effort while another section features mementos from residents grieving and reacting with a flurry of patriotism.

The “Ground Level” photos and 9/11 artifacts will be on display through Saturday, Oct. 1. The Museum is open from 1 to 4 p.m. Thursday to Saturday. For more information on the exhibit, visit www.auroraregionalfiremuseum.org.

Residents interested in attending the ceremony are encouraged to RSVP by calling the City’s Community Services Department at 630-256-3400.

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.

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.