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Post by title1parent on May 26, 2009 5:50:03 GMT -5
Aurora
Volunteen Camp openings for youths
The Fox Valley Park District's third annual Summer Volunteen Camp has openings available for its June and July sessions. Summer Volunteen Camp provides an opportunity for youths ages 13 to 15 to become actively involved in the community through volunteering, develop leadership skills and confidence and meet new friends. Activities include team-building, community speakers and hands-on experiences.
Session one is June 15-26. Session two is July 6-17. The camps run 9 a.m. to noon on Monday through Friday at Prisco Community Center, with campers participating in service projects offsite one day per week. Cost is $30 per camper.
To enroll or learn about other volunteer opportunities, contact Community Outreach Manager Debbie Smith at 630-966-4555.
FVPD sets Summer Blast camps
Fox Valley Park District offers three-week sessions of Summer Blast camps at the Prisco Community Center for kids ages 5 to 14. The camp is broken into age-specific groups and features arts and crafts, movies, field trips, games and sports. Check the Youth Activity Guide for details or call 630-859-8606 for more info.
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Post by title1parent on May 28, 2009 4:18:28 GMT -5
Recycle items in Naperville: DH 5/28/09
Naperville will sponsor its third annual Reuse and Recycle Extravaganza from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 6, at Alcatel-Lucent, 1960 Lucent Lane. The free event lets people drop off items suitable for recycling that might otherwise end up in landfills such as electronics, scrap metal, books, tattered American flags, keys, eyeglasses, hearing aids, bicycles, cell phone and ink jet cartridges. The city will not accept household hazardous waste, construction materials, lawn mowers, air conditioners and appliances. For more information visit naperville.il.us/reuserecycle.aspx.
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Post by title1parent on May 28, 2009 4:52:31 GMT -5
www.suburbanchicagonews.com/beaconnews/news/opinions/1594587,2_4_AU28_LONG_S1-090528.article More roles, more time for Summer Stage talentMay 28, 2009 Summer Stage is now twice as nice The kids are all right. The adults are liking this, too. And the older kids (young adults?) are thinking this is a pretty good arrangement as well. In fact, they're about to become one happy family, because each group is going to get a little more freedom and a lot more of the spotlight. For those who love to perform -- and there is a lot of aspiring talent out there -- the Fox Valley Park District is creating a bigger stage. For the first time, the Park District's Summer Stage is producing two separate musicals (instead of just one), with each production targeting different age groups. "Summer Stage has been so popular over the years that it got to the point where we almost had too many kids on stage," said performing arts supervisor Kim Wallace. "By allowing the younger kids to stage their own production, it gives them an opportunity to be more involved." As an example, Wallace cited last summer's production of "Beauty and the Beast" which involved 190 performers. Nearly 130 of them were under the age of 13. While they all had roles, many of them were involved for "just a couple minutes here and there" due to the sheer number of performers. The new Summer Stage Junior program -- for children between the ages of 7 and 13 -- will perform Disney's "Alladin Jr." Meanwhile, the big kids - along with adults and seniors - will perform "Guys and Dolls." Both productions will be staged in mid-July at the Paramount Arts Centre. While the intention is to allow young performers the chance to have a more prominent presence, the double production also opens the doors for more veteran actors and actresses. "Absolutely," said Wallace. "For 'Guys and Dolls,' we're looking for people of all ages -- from teenagers to moms to seniors. There are lots of roles for young adults and older adults alike." Prior experience is not the least bit necessary. And in the case of "Alladin Jr." the whole production is meant to be a learn-as-they-go process. "They don't have to be the most talented singers and dancers," said Wallace. "What's most important is that kids are creative and looking to have fun. This is a program for everybody. We'll learn and work on techniques along the way. It's a total team effort." All it takes to get involved is a little spirit and energy. Audition workshops will take place this weekend at the Prisco Community Center with the "Alladin Jr." crowd assembling on Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon and the "Guys and Dolls" auditions set for Sunday from 4 to 6 p.m. Participants will receive tips on auditioning while working on character development, choreography and vocals, with an accompanist provided. Each actor/actress should bring a non-returnable head shot such as a school photo. Or, in the case of some, a graduation photo. Jeff Long is the public relations manager for the Fox Valley Park District. Contact him at jlong@fvpd.net
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Post by title1parent on Jun 4, 2009 5:21:15 GMT -5
www.suburbanchicagonews.com/napervillesun/news/1606022,4_1_JO04_NILE_S1-090604.article Health department warns of mosquito influxJune 4, 2009 From Submitted Reports JOLIET -- The Will County Health Department warns area residents to expect a bumper crop of floodwater mosquitoes early this summer. Executive Director John Cicero said Will County received approximately 18 inches of rain from March 1 through May. He knows wet conditions provide an ideal breeding environment for mosquitoes, but adds that floodwater mosquito species are not typically associated with the transmission of West Nile virus, or other infectious diseases. "We would expect to get approximately 10 inches of rain during the three spring months," Cicero said. "All of the excess rain we've received this year will certainly result in lots of mosquitoes. Fortunately, the mosquitoes typically associated with West Nile virus flourish in hot, dry weather. "We're already monitoring mosquitoes for West Nile virus, but we do know that we usually don't see human cases of the disease until the weather turns very hot and dry. In the meantime, mosquitoes will pose a significant nuisance because there will be lots of them around." According to the NOAA Midwestern Regional Climate Center (Champaign), Will County received 5.63 inches of rain during March, 5.13 inches in April, and 7.34 inches in May. The excess precipitation ranks the spring of 2009 among the wettest ever. Will County Environmental Health began monitoring local mosquitoes for the presence of West Nile virus May 25. The department operates seven mosquito monitoring sites across the county, and samples from each site are tested twice weekly. Environmental Health also monitors birds for the presence of the virus, a potentially serious condition responsible for 1,586 cases of human disease and 99 Illinois fatalities since 2002. Mosquitoes found at two Cook County monitoring sites have already tested positive for West Nile. Will County was one of 28 Illinois jurisdictions to report West Nile activity last year. Area residents are urged to protect themselves against mosquitoes by wearing long sleeves, pants, shoes and socks when spending time outdoors. Mosquito repellent containing DEET is also recommended. Always read label instructions before applying mosquito repellent. The Will County hotline (815-740-7631) is available 24 hours daily for area residents who wish to report dead birds. The health department will collect a limited number of dead birds and submit them to the state for virus testing.
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Post by title1parent on Jun 6, 2009 7:33:31 GMT -5
Free Aurora summer camps:
The Fox Valley Park District is providing free community camps for children entering grades one to five. The Summer Playgrounds Program meets from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays from Monday through July 24 at four park locations - Fearn Playground (1600 Hawksley Drive, North Aurora), Greene Field Park (Russell and Illinois Avenue, Aurora), Phillips Park (Moses Drive) and Waubonsie Lake Road (Kautz Road). The Neighborhood Art Extravaganza Camp is a free seven-week program run on a rotating schedule Monday through Thursday at seven different park sites. The camp will expose children to a variety of art mediums, providing opportunities to draw, paint, craft and create. Call (630) 859-8606.
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Post by title1parent on Jun 11, 2009 21:26:47 GMT -5
Teens need guardians at Downtown Alive! June 11, 2009
From Staff Reports AURORA – If you are younger than 18, don't expect to join in the fun at Downtown Alive! this summer unless you bring your mom or dad along.
The city of Aurora announced Thursday that anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian over the age of 21 at the city's summer music series this year.
Those of legal age who want to enjoy an alcoholic beverage will have to pay $1 for a wrist band that will allow you purchase drinks.
The first weekend event for Downtown Alive! this year is Blues on the Fox on June 19 and 20.
Gina Moga, manager of the Mayor's Office of Special Events, said the Aurora police department suggested that "in the interest of safety, those 17 and younger should have supervision."
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Post by title1parent on Jun 20, 2009 8:02:48 GMT -5
A second chance:
Like many of us, perhaps you weren't ready when Flag Day came around June 14. There's still time before the Fourth of July to replace a tired, worn symbol of red, white and blue. In many cases, the American Legion or VFW will help retire your colors properly. Take the time and do it right. You'll be glad you did.
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Post by title1parent on Oct 5, 2009 5:20:01 GMT -5
Forum set for 111th StreetNaperville residents can learn about proposed improvements to 111th Street between Route 59 and Perth Drive during a forum from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 14 at Crone Middle School, 111th Street and 248th Avenue. The city plans to widen 111th Street between Route 59 and Perth Drive to three lanes and the intersection of 111th and Route 59 to five lanes. It also plans to install sidewalks and streetlights and to improve stormwater drainage. Construction is slated to begin in spring 2010 and be completed that fall. For details, visit www.naperville.il.us.
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Post by title1parent on Oct 13, 2009 5:10:58 GMT -5
Park reopening in Aurora:
The newly renovated Spring Lake Community Park will be unveiled during ceremonies at 4:30 p.m. Oct. 21 on the far east side of Aurora, Fox Valley Park District officials said. The 34-acre park, which includes a 20-acre lake, is along McCoy Drive, just west of the Westfield Fox Valley mall. Festivities will include games, prizes, fishing, food and free test rides in canoes and kayaks from the new boat launch. The work was funded, in part, with a $400,000 state grant.
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Post by title1parent on Oct 31, 2009 4:08:29 GMT -5
Twilight cast in AuroraVIP passes on sale Saturday October 30, 2009 From Staff Reports Would you like a chance to meet some of the cast members of "The Twilight Saga: New Moon?" Come on, of course you would. Aurora's Westfield Fox Valley mall has been confirmed as one of the stops on the cast's 15-city pre-release tour for the new movie, which opens Nov. 20. Ten days before that, on Nov. 10, members of the cast will hit Aurora for a question-and-answer forum, and some select fans will get to come to a special event and meet some of the stars of the film. If you want one of the VIP passes that will get you into this event, you need to be at Hot Topic at the Fox Valley mall at 8 a.m. on Saturday. VIP credentials are limited to 500 and will be handed out on a first-come, first-served basis to those who buy the New Moon tour T-shirt for $30. The line will be inside the mall, in front of the Hot Topic store. You may want to get there early. For more information, go to www.hottopic.com. For more on the movie, log onto www.newmoon-themovie.com. ---------------------- The screaming started in my house yesterday with the MS daughter.....unfortunately the jubilation turned to disappointment. This mom is NOT getting tix.
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Post by title1parent on Dec 12, 2009 5:36:12 GMT -5
Aurora coat drive
Aurora's Youth Services Department is collecting new or clean, gently worn coats, hats, scarves and gloves through Dec. 21 for Aurora youths, adults and senior citizens. All sizes are needed. Community members may drop off items between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at: Youth and Sports Activities Department, 501 College Ave., Suite 304; Aldermen's Office, 60 E. Downer Place; and Customer Service Center, 3770 McCoy Drive (adjacent to Fire Station 8). For more information, call (630) 844-3619
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Post by title1parent on Dec 16, 2009 6:19:21 GMT -5
Sun LTE 12/16/09
We're not letting kids be kids anymore
It seems these days the school district continues to take away the fun of being a kid. First we could only bring in packaged items for holiday snacks, and then each grade level had to have the same snack, now every classroom has to have the same snack. I do understand the issue with respect to packaged goods is allergies. But why do we all have to have the same snack? To make matters worse, District 204 has taken away the Halloween parades. But this latest decision gets under my skin. No snow days? Late days? What fun is that? Some of my best childhood memories are snow days. We'd sit around the night before discussing the possibility of a snow day based on the forecast.
My kids have a superstitious ritual -- they wear their pajamas backward, put a white crayon in the freezer and put a spoon under their pillow -- that apparently increases their chances of a snow day. When morning comes kids jump out of bed, throw up the blinds and their faces light up when they see the ground blanketed with snow. They run downstairs, tear through the winter clothes bin, and race into their snow clothes. Then they spend hours outside building snowmen, throwing snowballs, and making snow angels ... not anymore. Best case scenario now is they get an hour or two more of sleep. For what? So we don't need to tack on an extra day at the end of the school year? Experts say our children are scheduled -- snow days allow for an opportunity to wipe the calendar of all scheduled events and just be a kid. Let's get back to the basics of being a kid -- playing outside, snow days and parties filled with creative goodies.
Eileen Murphy
Naperville
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Post by wvhsparent on Dec 16, 2009 11:04:10 GMT -5
Sun LTE 12/16/09 We're not letting kids be kids anymore It seems these days the school district continues to take away the fun of being a kid. First we could only bring in packaged items for holiday snacks, and then each grade level had to have the same snack, now every classroom has to have the same snack. I do understand the issue with respect to packaged goods is allergies. But why do we all have to have the same snack? To make matters worse, District 204 has taken away the Halloween parades. But this latest decision gets under my skin. No snow days? Late days? What fun is that? Some of my best childhood memories are snow days. We'd sit around the night before discussing the possibility of a snow day based on the forecast. My kids have a superstitious ritual -- they wear their pajamas backward, put a white crayon in the freezer and put a spoon under their pillow -- that apparently increases their chances of a snow day. When morning comes kids jump out of bed, throw up the blinds and their faces light up when they see the ground blanketed with snow. They run downstairs, tear through the winter clothes bin, and race into their snow clothes. Then they spend hours outside building snowmen, throwing snowballs, and making snow angels ... not anymore. Best case scenario now is they get an hour or two more of sleep. For what? So we don't need to tack on an extra day at the end of the school year? Experts say our children are scheduled -- snow days allow for an opportunity to wipe the calendar of all scheduled events and just be a kid. Let's get back to the basics of being a kid -- playing outside, snow days and parties filled with creative goodies. Eileen Murphy Naperville Where was she last year? There were several snow days(and extreme cold days IIRC) This year we have not had enough snow to warrant a "snow day"
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Post by warriormom on Dec 18, 2009 9:33:46 GMT -5
Sun LTE 12/16/09 We're not letting kids be kids anymore It seems these days the school district continues to take away the fun of being a kid. First we could only bring in packaged items for holiday snacks, and then each grade level had to have the same snack, now every classroom has to have the same snack. I do understand the issue with respect to packaged goods is allergies. But why do we all have to have the same snack? To make matters worse, District 204 has taken away the Halloween parades. But this latest decision gets under my skin. No snow days? Late days? What fun is that? Some of my best childhood memories are snow days. We'd sit around the night before discussing the possibility of a snow day based on the forecast. My kids have a superstitious ritual -- they wear their pajamas backward, put a white crayon in the freezer and put a spoon under their pillow -- that apparently increases their chances of a snow day. When morning comes kids jump out of bed, throw up the blinds and their faces light up when they see the ground blanketed with snow. They run downstairs, tear through the winter clothes bin, and race into their snow clothes. Then they spend hours outside building snowmen, throwing snowballs, and making snow angels ... not anymore. Best case scenario now is they get an hour or two more of sleep. For what? So we don't need to tack on an extra day at the end of the school year? Experts say our children are scheduled -- snow days allow for an opportunity to wipe the calendar of all scheduled events and just be a kid. Let's get back to the basics of being a kid -- playing outside, snow days and parties filled with creative goodies. Eileen Murphy Naperville Where was she last year? There were several snow days(and extreme cold days IIRC) This year we have not had enough snow to warrant a "snow day" Indeed...this is an odd LTE Did someone at the district office announce no more snow days regardless of the amount of snow OR have we just not had enough snow! :/ And, White Eagle Elementary (in Dist. 204) still has a Halloween parade. As far as the snack things goes...big deal, so they all have the same snack. IMO, it makes for easier parties/planning Merry Christmas to all!!!
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Post by WeNeed3 on Dec 18, 2009 13:48:53 GMT -5
Well, I count 5 scheduled days off in November, 9 days off in December, 3 days off in January and 3 days off in February where kids can be kids and play in the snow. Do we really need more?With only one snow day threatening to make us go past Memorial Day, I think it would be great if they just started school 2 hours later and not have to make it up.
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