BOREALIS

Eola Road Interchange project under way Tollway predicts completion by year’s end

fficials from the City of Aurora, $25 million of the project’s costs, with DuPage Tollway and DuPage County funding approximately $19 million for County broke ground April 15 for construction and right-of-way and the City of Oa new, full-access interchange that will feature Aurora contributing approximately $6 million IIndependencendependence DDayay all-electronic tolling at Eola Road and the for right-of-way. The interchange will include CCelebrationelebration Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88). four ramps providing access for Eola Road W NE traffic to and from the Tollway via Bilter Road TE! “Aurora residents will benefit directly from DA on the north side of I-88 and Diehl Road on the reduced congestion on local roads and July 3 - Fireworks south side of I-88. improved access to I-88 with the July 4 - Parade new interchange,” said Aurora Tenth Ward Alderman Lynda See pages 4 and 8 Mayor Tom Weisner. “The “Aurora residents will Elmore said that “there is INSIDE project will also bring jobs to no doubt that our residents benefit directly from City to host bone marrow drive the area.” as well as commuters from page 3 reduced congestion neighboring communities will Weisner was joined by DuPage Summer calendar on local roads and benefit from this project as it County Board Chairman Robert pages 4 and 5 provides increased access to Schillerstrom, Illinois Tollway improved access to Emerald ash borer update I-88 and eases the burden on Acting Director Michael T. I-88 with the new page 6 some local roads and the Route King and Director George interchange.” 59 interchange. Pradel, mayor of Naperville, to -Mayor Tom Weisner dig the first shovels of dirt on “However, roadwaydway projecprojectsts the site. The new interchange like these are momorere than nnewew is scheduled to be complete by the end of pavement,” she added. “The pprojectroject offers the year. an additional incentive for new bubusinesssiness aandnd developments to locate in Aurora.ra. It also cacann “The interchange will benefit all have a positive effect on one’s qualityuality of life residents of the Ninth Ward,” said as reduced traffic congestion mmeanseans less Alderman Leroy Keith. “Those living time on the road and more time at hohomeme wwithith in the Will, Kendall and Kane County family or friends.” portions will have a closer and more convenient access point onto I-88 and those in DuPage The Illinois Prairie Path will be relocatedelocated County will experience less congestion at the during construction. Wideningng of Route 59 access point.” the intersection of Diehl Road aandnd Eola Road is scheduled to begingin Agreements among the city, county and Tollway mid-summer. call for the Tollway to cover approximately

City of Aurora Summer 2009 www.aurora-il.org Bone marrow donor u ary Garza is a mom, an employee of the City of Aurora’s engineering department and a lifesaver. But From the Mayor’s Desk unlike one who makes a split- State of the City: Transforming Msecond decision to jump into a lake to save a drowning person, Garza made her decision to DuPage County, the City of Aurora and was very happy to deliver my fifth be someone’s rescuer slowly and thoughtfully. State of the City address, recently, the Illinois Tollway for their hard work because it reminded me of Aurora’s and persistence on this project. Aside from Garza decided to attend a bone marrow drive in progress over the past year. The making it easier for commuters to get to May, 2007 because of a photo in a newspaper. I new police headquarters is almost and from their destinations, it will result “I saw a picture of this kid riding his big wheel,” finished. Crime figures hit their lowest in thousands of new jobs for Aurora. Garza said. “It was just a snapshot of him and mark in 30 years. Railroad quiet zones In the center of this edition of the Aurora his dad. I have little kids of my own, so I had to went into effect. People visited Aurora Borealis, you will find a summer calendar stop and read it. It was this heartbreaking story attractions in huge numbers. that has something for everyone. Make about how this child had a horrible disease.” Several months ago, the Tribune sure to note the dates of the Downtown The little boy, Felipe Aguilera of Aurora, published an article with a headline that Alive! festivals, which start on June 19 needed a bone marrow transplant to combat a was spot-on: A new dawn in Aurora. The with Blues on the Fox. Downtown Alive! rare genetic disease – Fanconi Anemia – and a story portrayed our city as a place where has a new format this year: four weekend- donor was being sought. “urban pioneers” are “starting to reclaim long festivals take the place of eight Garza went to a Lifesource Blood Center bone downtown Aurora, the second-largest Friday-only events. marrow drive the next day. “They swabbed my city in Illinois” by taking up residence Again, as I mentioned in my State of the mouth with a Q-Tip for the initial screening,” in new luxury condos “in the heart of City address, the Blues on the Fox and Garza said. downtown Aurora.” Rock on the Fox festivals brought more Although she never thought she would be I was lucky enough in my address to than 30,000 music fans to the city last matched, Garza took the initial step because be able to announce the latest project year. Aurora truly has become a prime she is of Mexican descent. “I read that the that will be getting under way very destination for people who are seeking racial and ethnic component is the key factor soon in downtown Aurora. Developer free, quality entertainment. in a patient-donor match,” she said. “The kid Steve Arwady plans to turn the Elks was Hispanic and Hispanic people have a very If you would like to read the entirety of Club building at Stolp Avenue and low rate of being tested and getting on the my State of the City address, log on to Benton Street into a condominium and volunteer bone marrow donor list.” the city’s Web site at www.aurora-il.org. restaurant development. I am confident You may also watch it on ACTV Channel The initial screening establishes “markers” – that Mr. Arwady, who has accomplished 10 at 5 p.m. Mondays and Fridays and indicators that one person’s DNA might be a similar redevelopments in Northbrook, 7 p.m. Wednesdays. good match to another’s. Although Garza’s Schaumburg and Chicago, will bring screening did not indicate a good match with the Mayan-architecture gem back to its Sincerely, Felipe (who was matched with a donor in May), former grandeur. she looked to be a good match with another little boy. You can read all about the new Eola Road interchange on the front page of this “They called me after the swab test and let me newsletter, but I would like to personally Tom Weisner know they were looking at me as a potential thank DuPage County Board Chairman Mayor, City of Aurora donor,” Garza said. “They asked me if I really Bob Schillerstrom and all those from Aurora thanks Leader Cross for funds State Representative Tom (DCEO) funds to restore windows was honored to be able to assist Cross was in Aurora this in the Grand Army of the Republic in securing funding for the project. spring to accept the city’s (GAR) Civil War Veterans Memorial The structure, designed by Aurora’s thanks for his help in at 23 E. Downer Place. first architect, Joseph Mulvey, is obtaining $100,000 listed on the National Register of Renovations to the building are in Department Historic Places. The remodeled being accomplished with state and of Commerce building will house memorabilia local funds as well as a $55,000 and Economic from the Civil War and subsequent Partners in Preservation grant. The Opportunity war efforts. House Republican Leader said he

2 City of Aurora Summer 2009 www.aurora-il.org r uplifted by experience City celebrates water ‘3-peat’ wanted to pursue or the third time in a row, Aurora’s this. I remember water has been named best in thinking that if A note from Evan’s dad the state. the situation were “It’s difficult to place into words how The Illinois Section American reversed, I would we feel about Mary’s sacrifice. We tried FWater Works Association (ISAWWA) held pray to God that to thank her for such a long time, but its 15th annual water taste contest March someone would step anything we wrote just seemed 17 in Springfield, featuring finalists from up and do this for insufficient. Even as I sit on my porch, I Illinois’ regional taste test contests. Aurora’s my child.” can tell you that I have re-written this competitors included samples submitted e-mail a couple of times. The level of Lifesource then by Oswego, Mattoon, Galena, Central Lake appreciation and of how much we love conducted the next County and Olympia Fields. her is not easy to describe. As cheesy step – a blood draw. as it may seem, Mary is our hero. She In December, Aurora won the Kane County Five weeks later, took the time and committed to Water Association contest. The city’s water Garza listened to something as selfless as giving a bested samples from Elburn, Geneva, Batavia, Sugar Grove, North Aurora, a message on her stranger a second chance at life. Our Elgin, Algonquin, Carpentersville and Montgomery. work phone. She whole family went through some had been matched. Next, said Bill Munch, superintendent of water production, samples of rough times. Melissa saw Evan go “They wanted to Aurora’s water will go to the American Water Works Association (AWWA) through toxic shock which sent the verify I was on board. national competition June 14-18 in San Diego. whole bone marrow floor into a frenzy. When they told me She really thought we had lost him. Munch said the “3-peat” wasn’t entirely surprising. “This was our third the patient was a Now he is perfect.” consecutive win and our fifth state win overall,” he said. “Aurora is blessed baby, I told them - Rogelio Garcia with high quality source water, an excellent treatment facility and a right then, ‘I’m in.’” knowledgeable and dedicated staff. Truthfully, it’s far more important that Six months after she read the article about Felipe, Garza we produce safe, high-quality drinking water day in and day out. The taste underwent the procedure at Loyola Hospital to harvest award is frosting on the cake.” marrow from a pelvic bone in her lower back. Although Munch said ISAWWA judges look at clarity, taste and odor (or the absence Garza didn’t know where her donation was going, she of it) to determine the winner. knew someone would be immediately boarding an airplane to get it to the recipient. A year passed without Garza knowing where the donation went. “At one year, you can break the anonymity,” she said. “I decided I wanted to know about the recipient. I signed the release right away.” Are you a match? Her first communication with baby Evan’s parents, Rogelio and Melissa Garcia, who live in Texas, came The City of Aurora, along with All landlords, via e-mail this past January. “I was on my laptop in the Lifesource Blood Center, agents and owners of kitchen and I saw an e-mail and I said ‘Who in the world is sponsoring a free non-owner occupied is this?’ When I saw who it was, I started crying like a baby. They sent pictures of Evan playing.” Bone Marrow Drive residential properties Wednesday, June 10 are required to attend a Although Evan looked well, he underwent a battery crime-free housing class. of tests this spring to determine how the marrow 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. transplant had affected his rare immune disorder, Fift h fl oor of City Hall, 44 E. Downer Place, Aurora. Free classes are being Chronic Granulomatous Disease. It was the day after offered until August 31. Easter, which also happened to be Garza’s birthday, Go to www.bethematch.org for Register on line at that she got the e-mail from Evan’s dad that said, “He more informati on about the www.aurora-il.org or by is disease-free.” Nati onal Marrow Donor Program. calling 630-264-8101. “If you are so lucky and blessed to be matched with Call (847) 803-7857 or (847) 803-7891. somebody, it’s such a fabulous experience,” Garza said. Failure to attend the Appointments are not necessary. “It made me realize there was a link between me and class may result in a fine this little boy who was so far away. But it also reminded and jeopardize an me that with just a change of the wind on one day, owner’s license. it could have been one of my children who was sick instead of Evan.”

City of Aurora Summer 2009 www.aurora-il.org 3 AURORA FARMERS Aurora comes alive in Summer 2009!

June Super Screen Saturday Nights Rudy (PG) Free Summer Reading Program June 27 June 8-August 8 See ad this page MARKET All Aurora Public Library locations Farmers Market ATC . Saturdays Fifth Annual Hoops on Fire June 20th to October 3rd  Sports Festival Summer Camp June 27 8 am to Noon, Closed July 4th June 10-July 10, 8 a.m.-noon, M-F East Aurora High School, 500 Tomcat Lane Aurora Transportation Center  Washington Middle School, 231 S. Constitution Dr. Three on three basketball tournament. Fee: $50 233 N. Broadway Camp participants must be in 5th, 6th or 7th grade per team. Entry deadline June 12 as of May 1, 2009. $55 fee for Aurora/Fox Valley Park Farmers Market East . Tuesdays District residents. July 7th to August 25th  10 am to 2 pm Living Downtown Tour July Bethany of Fox Valley United Methodist Church Route 34 and Ridge June 14, 1-4 p.m. Opposite Rush-Copley Heart Institute Starts at 74 S. LaSalle St. Independence Day Fireworks Tour will feature 11 residential spaces. Go to July 3 NEW DATE! Farmers Market West . Wednesdays www.historichometours.com to buy tickets: $12 online The fireworks will be at the Illinois Math and July 8th to August 26th or $15 day of tour. Science Academy and Aurora Central Catholic 2 pm to 6 pm High School. The campuses are located between West Aurora Plaza Shopping Center Flag Day Concert at McCarty Park Edgelawn Drive, Randall Road, Sullivan Road and 1901 W. Galena Boulevard June 14, 3 p.m. Indian Trail. See back page (page 8) for schedule, East New York St. at West Park Place Presented by the Mayor’s Office of Special Events shuttle bus and parking locations. Featuring Aurora American Legion Band of 630-264-INFO (4636) www.aurora-il.org/specialevents Roosevelt-Aurora Post No. 84. Bring lawn chairs. Independence Day Parade July 4 Aurora Youth Co-Ed Softball League 10 a.m. — River and Benton streets to June 15-July 24 Broadway, to Galena Boulevard, to Stolp Sponsored by the City of Aurora and the Fox Valley Avenue, to Downer Place. Ends at Middle Park District. Avenue. The parade program begins in front of the Paramount Theatre at 9:15 a.m. vies In the Par Downtown Alive! FREE! Noon to 3 p.m.p.m — Annual Fourth of July Mo k Blues on the Fox CelebrationCelebration aat the Tanner House Museum, corner June 19 and 20 ofof Oak and CedarC Streets. Free family fun. Friday: Super Screen 6:45 p.m. — Big James & the Chicagogo PlayboysPlayboys DowntownDownto Alive! FREE! 8:30 p.m. — Davy Knowles & Back Door Slam Summer Jam Saturday July 10 and 11 Saturday: Nights 2 p.m. — Hix Brothers Junior All-Stars Friday 8:15 p.m. Pre-movie 3 p.m. — Henry Butler 6:15 p.m. — Spoken Four 4:15 p.m. — Cedric Burnside & Lightnin’ Malcolm 8:30 p.m. — Sister Hazel activities 5:30 p.m. — Sugar Blue FREE movie starts at 7 p.m. — Watermelon Slim & the Workers Saturday 8:45 p.m. on selected 8:30 p.m. — Los Lobos 2 p.m. — Hix Brothers Junior All-Stars Saturdays. See calendar. 4:30 p.m. — 7th Heaven Downtown Aurora on Galena Boulevard between 7 p.m. — Painkiller Hotel Phillips Park (Parking River Street and Broadway 8:30 p.m. — Eve 6 available in Aquatic www.downtownaliveaurora.com Free Festival in Downtown Aurora on Galena Center lot.) Boulevard between River Street and Broadway www.phillipsparkaurora. Super Screen Saturday Nights www.downtownaliveaurora.com comm Hotel for Dogs (PG) June 20 Bring your own See ad this page seats and eats Call 630-264-I

4 City of Aurora Summer 2009 www.aurora-il.org Super Screen Saturday Nights August ! Shrek the Third (PG) July 11 Super Screen Saturday Nights See ad page 4 Transformers (PG-13) August 1 See ad page 4 Super Screen Saturday Nights My Big Fat Greek Wedding (PG) National Night Out July 18 August 4, 6-9 p.m. See ad page 4 Throughout Aurora The Aurora Police Department can help you Once on this Island Junior plan an event for your neighborhood. Go to July 21 and July 23 National Association of Town Watch Web 9:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. site for more information: NATW.org City of Aurora Youth and Sports ACT I Summer Teen Talent Competition Theatre Camp performances. Tickets are $3 August 8, 7-9 p.m. for adults and $1 for children 12 and younger. Prisco Community Center, 150 W. Illinois St., Aurora Sponsored by Aurora Public Library teen Super Screen Saturday Nights librarians. Auditions, DUE BY JULY 11, may be Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (PG) recorded on CD/DVD/VHS and must be turned July 25 in with a completed application form available See ad page 4 at any library or at www.aurora.lib.il.us d , Ac.Rock Super Screen Saturday Nights July 30, 6:30 p.m. Paul Blart: Mall Cop (PG) West Aurora High School near door 17 August 8 Free family outdoor event featuring Ac.Rock See ad page 4 musical overview of rock ‘n’ roll from the 50s to the 90s. Bring blankets, chairs and snacks. Rain location: auditorium. Sponsored by Aurora Public Library Downtown Alive! FREE! FFanan FFavoritesavo Downton Alive! FREE! AugustAugust 1144 and 15 Rock on the Fox r July 31 and August 1 FridayFriday 6:156:15 p.m. — Hot Rocks (Rolling StonesSt Tribute) T ib t ) Friday 8 pp.m..m. — Hi Infidelity 6:156:15 p.m.p.m. — Creedence Againn (CCR(CCR Tribute)Tribute) 88:30:30 p.m. — Foghat Saturday 2 p.m. — August SaturdaySaturday 4 p.m. — The Moods 2 p.m. — DBL-SHOTD 3:30 p.m.p.m. — Blue Truth 5:30 p.m. — Elevation (U2 Tribute) 4:45 p.m. p m — ARRA 8 p.m. — American English 6:45 p.m. — Trippin’ Billies (Dave Matthews Tribute) Downtown Aurora on Galena Boulevard 8:30 p.m. — Billy Squier between River Street and Broadway www.downtownaliveaurora.com Downtown Aurora on Galena Boulevard between River Street and Broadway www.downtownaliveaurora.com June 15-19 The Active Transportation Alliance (http://www.activetrans.org/) will be at the Route 59 Metra Station with free air (for your tires) and coffee (for your train ride) from 6 to 8:30 a.m. Monday, June 15 to encourage cycling as a -INFO for event information commuter option.

City of Aurora Summer 2009 www.aurora-il.org 5 In recognition of Arbor Day, Earth Day Boy Scouts & Friends of Phillips Park plant arboretum oy Scouts, members of The Bill Pauley, a certifi ed arborist and Aurora Johnson earned her arborist certifi cation Friends of Phillips Park and Street Department labor superintendent as this spring from the International Society lovers of nature gathered in well as Scoutmaster for Holy Angels School of Arboriculture and its local chapter. Phillips Park on April 18 to help Scout Troop 26, The city recently was honored by Tree establish a three-acre arboretum assisted with City USA for the 12th year with a Tree City Bon an island surrounded by Mastodon Lake the planting USA Award. in recognition of Earth Day and Arbor Day. and mulching of the trees. Phillips Park, located on more than 325 Seven trees were planted during the event: acres, is accessible from Smith Boulevard, two bald cypress, two swamp white oaks, Susan Johnson, Parker Avenue or Howell Place off of two burr oaks and one tuliptree. Signs horticulturalist Montgomery Road on the city’s southeast noting the tree types also were “planted” for the City of side. near the trees. Aurora, also To visit the arboretum, use the footbridge The idea of the arboretum is to identify worked with the Scout off Wyeth Drive to access the island. trees and include graphics that show Follow the path to the arboretum. the proper way to plant and care for the volunteers. diff erent species. One Emerald Ash Borer found in Aurora Could there be more? Ash leaves are somewhat unique since they ne Emerald Ash “Studies have shown that mass have several green leaflets per leaf stem, Borer (EAB) larva was removal has not stopped or slowed usually 7. The leaflets are located directly discovered in an ash tree the spread of EAB.” across from each other with one at the end. on Liberty Street on the Several methods of chemical O far east side of Aurora treatment have not been shown late last year, and, according to to be 100 percent effective, Pauley The Emerald Ash Borer Certified Arborist Bill Pauley, more said. Therefore, the city has elected is an exotic beetle from trees could be affected this year. not to treat parkway trees at Asia. Though small “Twenty-five test trap trees were this time. (approximately 1/2 an inch), selected city-wide in 2007 based on “Homeowners may decide to treat it can fly up to a mile from their declining condition,” Pauley their trees,” Pauley said. “Studies where it emerges. said. “The larva was discovered have shown the most effective in one of those test trees and treatment is with young trees before D-shaped exit it was confirmed by the Illinois they show signs of infestation, but holes can be found on trees where the Department of Agriculture.” they should be treated only by adult beetles emerged. A tree with these Aurora is a Tree City USA member licensed professionals.” holes has been infested for at least one with an active Tree Board of year. They will be present on the branches Trees found to be infested should and the trunk. Directors, Pauley said. “The be removed, but not during the members of the board have worked adult flight season in June and July, “Suckers,” or new sprouts, may to develop a strategy to deal with Pauley said. “All waste from the infestation in an attempt to develop around the bottom of the removals must be disposed of main trunk of an infested tree. They slow and contain the spread of EAB at sites that comply with Illinois in our community.” can grow until they are 2-3 inches in Department of Agriculture diameter and are again attacked by Pauley said trees on public guidelines.” Use of ash tree limbs the Emerald Ash Borer. property will be removed if they for firewood has been determined are showing signs of decline, crown to be the leading cause of the Tree canopy will begin thinning and dieback, excessive basal sprouting, spread of the ash borers. branches will die. First there will be woodpecker damage or confirmed Citizens who suspect a tree in yellowing of the leaves, then dead infestation. “Some communities a city parkway may be infested branches. The thinning will begin at the took drastic measures early on in should call the Customer Service top third of the tree, then spread over an attempt to eradicate the pest Center at 630-264-INFO (4636) time. Usually, a tree will live two to four by removing all the ash trees in so a staff member may conduct years after thinning at the top of the their communities,” Pauley said. an inspection. tree occurs.

6 City of Aurora Summer 2009 www.aurora-il.org Fire Chief Oelker retires after 30 years fter serving the citizens of Aurora Oelker was born in Aurora and attended Allen for 30 years, Fire Chief Tim Elementary, Simmons Middle School and Oelker retired this spring. Oelker East Aurora High School. began his tenure with the fire “What better calling is there?” Oelker said as Adepartment on Feb. 26, 1979. he reflected on his time as an Aurora Oelker, 57, was promoted to chief in firefighter. “Every time that bell rings, you November, 2005. “My retirement will be the have the potential to affect someone’s life in beginning of a new life,” Oelker said. “Thirty a positive way. When you go to a fire or on an years ago I walked into the old (Central) fire ambulance call, when you interact with station (now the Aurora Regional Fire people who are looking to you to make their Museum) not knowing anything about lives a little better or even to save their lives, firefighting. I didn’t want to be a firefighter you can walk away feeling great about some hobbies, including restoring old since second grade or anything. But I took yourself and what you did.” motorcycles, collecting antique fishing advantage of an opportunity that has worked When Oelker began his firefighting career, tackle, canoeing, woodcarving and gardening. out to be the best thing in my life.” there were about 110 full-time sworn But he was also relieved to take off the Mayor Tom Weisner said Oelker’s choice firefighters. Today there are 207. responsibility for a large fire department for was a positive one for the citizens of Aurora. “I tried to tell the firefighters that the potential the last time. “In his own quiet way, Tim Oelker has for the good they do may seem insignificant “When I was a battalion chief and my relief been a powerful force in the Aurora Fire to them, but it may seem like the angels have would come in the morning and I physically Department,” Weisner said. “Morale, come down from heaven to the person on transferred the equipment over to him, a cooperation and positive attitudes have never the other end of the phone. The career itself is thousand pounds of relief came off my y been better. the highlight.” shoulders knowing that my responsibility “Tim’s will be tough shoes (or boots) Oelker said he’s excited to concentrate on was over.” to fill.”

Aurora offers groups chance to adopt a road They depend on you Animal Control would he City of Aurora invites Call Brett Weiler, assistant director/public like to remind pet community organizations, school property, at 630-801-5240 for information or owners that dogs and groups and businesses to to adopt a road. cats can suff er from participate in an Adopt-A-Road the same problems humans do in the T Program in an effort to enhance summer, including Aldermen: Drive 25 the appearance of the city and beautify its overheati ng, roadways. By adopting a road, participants All of the City of dehydrati on and sunburn. will directly contribute to the beautification Aurora’s departments Here are some important reminders for of their city. have Wildly Important the season: Goals, or WIGs, and Guidelines for adoption include an Never leave your pet alone in a vehicle. that includes the agreement to clean the assigned section of It takes just 10 minutes on an 85-degree day Aldermen’s Office. One roadway four times a year between May 1 for the inside of a car to reach 102 degrees, of their goals is to even if the windows have been left open. and Oct. 1. Participants are required to make residents aware attend a safety training program and sign a of the Keep Kids Alive Drive 25 safety Don’t let your dog stand on hot waiver and release form. asphalt. Provide plenty of fresh water and campaign. “We encourage Aurora shade for animals kept outdoors. Bring your The city residents to place ‘Drive 25’ signs in their pets inside during the heat of will supply front yards to remind motorists to slow the day. garbage down,” said Cindy Hernandez, executive bags, safety secretary to the aldermen. Residents can Do not apply sunscreen or vests and a insect repellant to your request signs, like the one shown, at the pet if it is not recommended road sign Aldermen’s Office, 60 E. Downer Place. for use on animals. identifying Call 630-844-3619 for information. Go to the adopting www.keepkidsalivedrive25.org to find out Don’t forget to register your pet with group. more about the nationwide campaign. the City of Aurora Animal Control. Call 630-897-5695.

City of Aurora Summer 2009 www.aurora-il.org 7 Your Elected Officials PRESORT STD Mayor Thomas J. Weisner U.S. POSTAGE 630-844-3612 PAID [email protected] AURORA, IL Aldermen’s Office PERMIT NO. 2 630-844-3619 At-Large: Robert O’Connor At-Large: Richard Irvin Ward 1: Abby Schuler 44 E. Downer Place Ward 2: Juany Garza Aurora, IL 60507 Ward 3: Stephanie Kifowit Ward 4: Rick Lawrence Ward 5: John “Whitey” Peters Ward 6: Mike Saville Ward 7: Scheketa Hart-Burns Ward 8: Rick Mervine Ward 9: Leroy Keith Ward 10: Lynda Elmore Postal Customer Aurora Borealis is published four times a year. Editor, Amy Roth Address correspondence to: Newsletter Editor - City of Aurora 44 E. Downer Place Aurora, IL 60507-2067 or [email protected] City Web site: www.aurora-il.org Aurora Community Television: Comcast Channel 10

Independence Day Shuttle Bus and Parking Locations Celebration P3 Sequoia Dr. NEW DATE 31 July 3 N P5 P4 Sullivan Rd. A P1 FE FIREWORKS! P6 P2 SCHEDULELE: B Indian Trail Rd. Orchard Rd. Orchard Edgelawn Dr. 6 to 6:45 p.m.m. Circus Boy, comedycomedy andand jugglingjuggling Randall Rd. P7 Lake St. 7 to 8 p.m. Band,B d DBL-SHOTDBL SHOT Aurora 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. Aurora Summer Concert Band and parachutists C D 9:30 p.m. Fireworks 10 p.m. Family Video, Looney Tunes, The Golden Collection Galena Blvd. For July 4th parade and event details, see page 4. Handicapped parking reserved at IMSA (P1) and Aurora Central Catholic High School (P2)

Free! Shuttles to Fireworks Free! Fireworks Parking P4. Milgard Windows & Doors Park and ride locations: Park and walk locations: 1785 N. Edgelawn Dr. D. West Aurora High School A. Home Depot P1. Illinois Math and Science Academy P5. Kraft/Excel 1201 W. New York St. 1250 N. Orchard Rd. 1500 W. Sullivan Rd. 1700 N. Edgelawn Dr. E. Cermak Fresh Markets B. Lowe’s P2. Aurora Central Catholic High School P6. Vaughan Athletic Center Lake St. at Indian Trail 2372 W. Indian Trail Rd. 1255 N. Edgelawn Dr. 2121 W. Indian Trail Rd. F. Provena Mercy Outpatient Lot C. West Aurora Plaza P3. Hyundai P7. Rosary High School 1325 N. Highland Ave. West Galena Blvd. at Edgelawn 1705 Sequoia Dr. 901 N. Edgelawn Dr.