Aurora BOREALIS FALL 2013 Mayor Thomas J. Weisner

Preparing FROM THE MAYOR’S DESK: Future A Summer Leaders of Success PAGE 5 PAGE 3

ALSO INSIDE THIS EDITION

PAGE 2: HONORING VETERANS PAGE 10: RESTAURANT ROW Moving Wall, Parade, Exhibits GROWS Two new restaurants coming downtown PAGES 8-9: CALENDAR OF EVENTS PAGE 16: FREE LEAF PICK-UP Something fun for everyone Leaf, yard waste, and brush collection

Si usted desea recibir una versión en español de Aurora Borealis, por favor solicítela llamando al 630-256-4636. Honors to Veterans span several days in November

The Moving Wall, a 3/5 size replica of the Complete information is available online at Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington www.vietnammovingwallaurora.org. D.C., will be on display at West Aurora High School, 1201 W. New York St., from On Nov. 11, the City of Aurora’s annual Nov. 7 to 11. The wall is engraved with the Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony will step names of 58,282 Americans who gave the off at 10:15 a.m. at Benton St. and Broadway ultimate sacrifice in the Vietnam War or who Av. in downtown Aurora. The parade are still unaccounted for. features numerous veterans organizations, various honor guard units, schools and The Moving Wall is the centerpiece of several other local organizations. The parade ends other memorials and events honoring our with a remembrance ceremony in front of servicemen and women taking place over a the G.A.R. building, 23 E. Downer Place. 10 day period at the school. Also on display Complete information is available on the will be the Fallen Heroes Traveling City’s website at www.aurora-il.org or by Memorial and a model of the World War calling (630) 256-INFO (4636). II Veterans Memorial. A “Healing Field” Aurora’s admiration and respect made up of more than 2,000 American Flags The Aurora Public Art Commission and dedicated to all military veterans will be on Aurora Historical Society will sponsor for the heroes that have fought display from Nov. 3 to 13. an exhibit featuring photos, objects, and for the country’s freedom will other items commemorating the Vietnam take place over several days Speeches by military dignitaries, salutes War. The exhibit will open Nov. 8 at the to families who lost loved ones in war, a David L. Pierce Art and History Center, in November, culminating on healing service, wreath-laying ceremony, 20 E. Downer Pl. See the Community Events Veterans Day. and candlelight vigil are also planned. listing below for complete information.

Healing Field: Saturday, November 9 The Healing Field of thousands of Community 2:00 p.m. American Flags will pay tribute to all of Ceremony at Vietnam Moving Wall our military service men and women. Events to recognize and honor Gold Star families Please sponsor a flag at: who have lost loved ones in war. aplusfoundation.org/healingfield.asp 6:00 p.m. to midnight October 30 through November 24 Thursday, November 7 Veterans Night Out Ballydoyle Irish Pub and Restaurant Miss Saigon at the Paramount Theatre 8:00 a.m. 28 W. New York St., Aurora 23 E. Galena Blvd. Vietnam Moving Wall arrives in Aurora Call 630-801-9591 for advance For tickets visit: with escort by Patriot Guild Riders to tickets Also available at the door. paramountaurora.com/events/miss-saigon West Aurora High School, 1201 E. New York St. $20 each with commemorative mug. or call 630-896-6666 1:00 p.m. Proceeds benefit Honor Flight Chicago, a Public viewing begins nonprofit organization that flies WWII veterans November 8 through December 28 Open for viewing until dusk, Sunday, November 11 to Washington, D.C. to visit the WWII memorial. Aurora Historical Society Exhibit: “Aurora in the Vietnam Era, 1961-1975” Friday, November 8 Sunday, November 10 Opening reception: Friday, November 8, 10:30 a.m. 10 a.m. 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Vietnam Moving Wall Opening Ceremony Nondenominational healing service Oral story project: “I Remember That – Aurora, 6:00 p.m. at the Vietnam Moving Wall. 1961-1975” Saturday afternoons, 12:00 p.m. Veterans Assembly to 4:00 p.m. until December 28 Please reserve open to public Monday, November 11 interview time by calling 630-906-0650 7:15 p.m. 10:15 a.m. Lecture: “Aurora and Aurorans in the Vietnam Flag retirement ceremony Veterans Day Parade Era” Sun., Nov. 10, 2pm. $5/$3 members (tattered, torn and faded flags steps off in downtown Aurora with Please make a reservation at 630-906-0650 accepted for retirement) 10:30 a.m. program at Grand Army of the Republic Building, 23 E. Downer Pl. Extended hours for Veterans Day Weekend: 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. November 9, 10 and 11. 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. “A Salute to our Veterans” 2:00 p.m. Aurora Historical Society Pipers Banquets Wreath-laying ceremony for all branches at the Pierce Art and History Center 1295 Butterfield Road of military at The Moving Wall. 20 E. Downer Place Hosted by Presence Health/Fox Valley Region Dusk aurorahistory.net – facebook.com/aurorahistory Ticket Information: 630-801-2661 Closing ceremony at The Moving Wall featuring candlelight vigil and final march.

2 | City of Aurora | Fall 2013 Customer Service – 630.256.INFO From the Mayor’s Desk

Mayor Thomas J. Weisner

A Summer of Success... and more to come!

To say that it was an eventful summer All this activity on the riverfront has More good news for Aurora students arrived in Aurora would truly be an exercise in generated new interest in Aurora’s historic with the beginning of construction of the understatement. Aurora has been brimming downtown and the City is currently working John C. Dunham STEM School at Aurora over with activity of late, whether we talk with two developers to put three major University. A $3.5 million capital grant from about music and the arts, economic activity or downtown buildings back in action . . . the State that had the full support of the City programming for our children. and back on the tax rolls. of Aurora made it possible to move forward on this project, which will serve students and RiverEdge Park, Aurora’s lovely new music Citywide, there is a definite uptick in teachers, grades 3 through 8, from School venue along the Fox River, opened its first economic activity as we work to put the Great Districts 204, 308, 131, and 129. season with Buddy Guy and Dr. John at Blues Recession behind us. Issuance of building on the Fox and kept serving up top-notch permits were up 27% for new or redeveloped AU’s STEM School will constitute entertainment for the next three months, commercial, office or industrial space during another link in Aurora’s Cradle to Careers from a jammed-packed 4th of July celebration the first seven months of 2013, with a total initiative – meant to ensure the success of our to the likes of entertainers Trace Adkins, valuation of over $191 million – a 184% children – that already includes SPARK, an Idina Menzel, Peter Frampton, and Bruce increase over the same period last year. At early education program led by United Way Hornsby. the same time, we are working with Simon of Fox Valley. Property Group, Inc., owners of Chicago The Downtown bubbled with Art Shows, Premium Outlets, at Farnsworth & I88, to Each day during the summer, we also saw Flea Markets, new business openings and significantly expand the popular outlet Mall. young leaders in action at City Hall. Our the announcement of two new restaurants This will create hundreds of new jobs, and a 2013 Summer Interns were in a class by coming to Restaurant Row. stronger economic base for our community. themselves. Bringing new perspectives and limitless energy to the table, they left indelible It was a great summer for our marks in their respective departments. children, as well. More than Our future is in great hands with these 1,300 elementary school students future leaders. enjoyed summer camp at sixteen school sites in School Yes, it has been an exciting summer for our Districts 129, 131, 204 and community. As I sit on the back porch on 308. These camps are funded a warm late summer afternoon, closing this by the City of Aurora, directed letter, I notice that as the season changes, the by Communities in Schools sun is still shining brightly. Indeed, it shines of Aurora, and involve a almost as brightly as the future of our City. multitude of teachers, high school and college students gaining work experience, as well as a summer paycheck, and several of our many stellar social service agencies.

Mayor Weisner and students at the annual Back to School Fair.

www.aurora-il.org | 3 “Gifts From Home” AU Stem School Breaks Ground spreads holiday cheer to local veterans Governor Pat Quinn made a special The STEM Partnership visit to Aurora to announce a $3.5 We must be School is the cornerstone of If you have a family member million capital investment to help sure that all of the Mathematics and Science who is an Aurora resident build the John C. Dunham STEM today’s children Education Center of Aurora and serving in the military, (Science, Technology, Engineering are prepared University, which was launched let the City know! We’ll send and Math) Partnership School at and ready for the by the university’s Institute them a one-pound gift box of . The investment opportunities of for Collaboration in 2009 to mixed nuts and a greeting card will allow construction of the tomorrow. address the deficiencies in STEM from the entire community. school to begin immediately and education in the United States. open for the 2014-2015 school year. The center’s programs also include content- In order to send a gift, we need to know: based bachelors’ and masters’ degrees, • Active service member’s name “We must be sure that all of today’s children professional workshops and institutes for are prepared and ready for the opportunities teachers, and after-school and summer studies • Rank of tomorrow,” Governor Quinn said. “STEM programs for students. • Complete military address as it education is hands-on approach to learning should appear line-by-line that makes the classroom come to life and When fully operational, the STEM • A home address in Aurora. allows minds to grow. I commend the entire Partnership School on the AU campus Aurora community for collaborating on this will serve approximately 200 students The submission deadline is Friday, effort to ensure our students get a unique in third through eighth grades from the Nov. 1. To send a gift, call the Community educational experience that will prepare them four area public school districts. The Services Department for 21st century careers.” school’s curriculum will be aligned to new at 630-256-3400 educational standards and is being developed or contact Sara The STEM Partnership School concept was cooperatively by the four participating Townsend via email at authorized by the Illinois legislature with districts, the university, the corporate sector, [email protected]. the passage of special legislation that had and governmental and not-for-profit partners. bipartisan support and the championship of The City of House Minority Leader Tom Cross, State The school will be staffed via a unique Aurora Salutes Senator Linda Holmes, Representative Linda professional development model. Teachers its local Chapa LaVia, Governor Quinn and others. will be drawn from the four partner districts heroes at Support at the local level has come in a variety and will earn content-based STEM master’s the holidays of forms as well, including a recent grant of degrees during their residency in the school. and always! $220,000 from the Aurora City Council. They then will return to their home districts ready to serve as teacher-leaders and a “The STEM Academy is a wise city investment new generation of professionals will take that will put the city on the forefront of their places. Electronics Recycling education nationally,” said Mayor Tom Weisner. Remaining 2013 Dates: Oct. 12, Nov. 9, Dec. 7 Customer Service Center 3770 McCoy Dr. Oct. 26, Nov. 30, Dec. 14 Central Garage Facility 720 N. Broadway Ave. For a list of items accepted or for more information: www.aurora-il.org (630) 256-INFO

When fully operational, the STEM Partnership School on the AU campus will serve approximately 200 students in third through eighth grades from the four area public school districts.

4 | City of Aurora | Fall 2013 Customer Service – 630.256.INFO Young Leaders Impact Aurora Development on the Rise: Aurora’s Building and A critical part of the Cradles to Careers summer. Our interns really had an impact spectrum is on the latter end where academic with their fresh ideas and limitless energy,” said Permits Department preparation meets practical experience. Eight Mayor Weisner. “They are our future leaders receives honors young Aurorans merged both of those areas of Aurora. An investment in our youth is an together this summer as members of the investment in our city and its future.” As the city’s permit 2013 City Summer Interns. From assisting activity recently grew aldermen and arranging events to preparing In addition to the summer interns, the City to pre-recession financial reports to producing documentaries, of Aurora also offers summer employment to levels, the Building this class of emerging young leaders left their high school and college students throughout and Permits marks in their respective departments and different departments. The City has also Department earned throughout City Hall. partnered with Communities in Schools of recognition from the Aurora for youth programs. This summer, International Code “What a dynamic group of young leaders that CISA employed 69 high school students and Council for having a we had working throughout City Hall this 90 college students as camp counselors. fully certified staff.

In June, Aurora became the second Illinois municipality to earn the 100-percent certified staff award from ICC. Only Grand Rapids, Mich., and Des Moines, Iowa, rank as Midwestern towns with similar populations to receive the honor.

The department reported a 27% increase in building permits issued in the first half of 2013 compared to the same time period TYLER CARTER KYLE DEVRY SHERWOOD EDWARDS in 2012. The construction valuation for Aldermen’s Office Intern Aldermen’s Office Intern Finance Intern Waubonsee University of Illinois Northern Illinois University those permits is $191 million dollars – Community College 186% higher for the first six months of this year compared to 2012.

Development in Aurora is clearly on the rise! The 2013 City Comparison of Construction Activity

Summer 200

ANGELA LIN Interns ERIC MANGAN Mayor’s Office Intern Special Events Intern West Aurora High School Aurora University 150

100

50 $130 million $95 million million $167 $191 million ALEXANDER PEREZ KAYLE RIEGER ANNA WETHERHOLT ACTV Intern Public Art Commission Intern Community Services Intern 0 Columbia College Aurora University University of Illinois 2010 2011 2012 2013 1st Half

www.aurora-il.org | 5 “BROADWAY AT ITS VERY FINEST” – HEDY WEISS / CHICAGO SUN-TIMES

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6 | City of Aurora | Fall 2013 Customer Service – 630.256.INFO AURORA POLICE DEPARTMENT National Night Out APD Sergeants and Area Youth Honored For Life Saving Heroics The annual National Night Out, held on August 6, brought together law June 28 was supposed to be a relaxing day of enforcement and residents for a night of kayaking on the Vermillion River for Aurora collaboration. Police Sergeants Dan Eppard and Rick Ahlgren (both far right). By the end of the afternoon, however, they ended up saving the lives of five boys.

As the experienced kayakers were navigating an area of the river near Oglesby, IL, they came across the youths who had become trapped in the current of a dam while rafting. their raft, but it also became caught in the The two quick-thinking sergeants beached current. Shortly thereafter, James was able to their kayak, threw a rope to the boys, and free his raft and paddle to shore. pulled them to safety. The whole episode was déjà vu for The incident began when one of the boys, Sgt. Eppard. He had saved the life of a 10 year old Ryan Elenz and his father, woman at the exact same spot five years prior. James (both far left), became stuck in the same dam for about 40 minutes. When Eppard, Ahlgren, and the four youngsters four other rafting youngsters – Colin Fath, received recognition from the Illinois Graham Fath, Matthew Grammas, and Tyler Conservation Police for their heroics during Fredrickson (middle) – heard their screams a ceremony at the Aurora Police Department for help, they were able to transfer Ryan into on August 13.

AURORA FIRE DEPARTMENT

First female firefighters in two decades

Aurora Firefighters Alicia Pedrie and Donna When asked what inspired them to choose Feil were sworn in in August — 19 years after the career path of the fire service, both Pedrie the first female firefighter, Luanne Whitmer, and Feil said they were curious about the job was sworn in to the Aurora Fire Department. and decided to take an Emergency Medical Luanne became the 436th firefighter hired by Technician class. For Pedrie, between the the Aurora Fire Department, but was the first EMT class and joining the Aurora Fire female hired since the department became full Explorers Post 99, she was hooked. For Feil, time in 1856. her mind was made up the first time she rode with the Roberts Park Fire Department as part of her training.

Today fewer than 4 percent of the nation’s firefighters are women, and more than half of paid fire departments have never hired a female firefighter, according to a new report by Cornell’s Institute for Women. The Aurora Fire Department is proud to continue moving in the right direction.

Aurora Firefighters Alicia Pedrie (left) and Donna Feil (right) are Aurora’s first female firefighters in two decades.

www.aurora-il.org | 7 Fall 2013 Calendar

OCTOBER Saturday, October 12 Saturday, October 26 Electronics Recycling Electronics Recycling Through October 19 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Aurora’s Farmers Market Customer Service Center, Central Garage Facility, 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays 3770 McCoy Drive 720 N. Broadway Ave. Aurora Transportation Center, Take advantage of the free electronics 233 N. Broadway Ave. recycling program, this time in downtown Get your local fresh produce and so much Aurora. For a complete list of accepted NOVEMBER more during the last three markets of the items and future collection dates, call Saturday, November 2 season: Saturday, October 5; Saturday, 630-256-INFO or visit the City’s website at October 12, and the final harvest day on www.aurora-il.org. Residents with ground- Run for the Athletes 5K Saturday, October 19. level floors also can schedule a front-door 8:00 a.m. collection appointment (maximum 10 Blackberry Farm, Through November 22 items) by calling the City’s vendor, Vintage 100 S. Barnes Rd. An Introduction to the Tech Recyclers, at 630-305-0922. The annual Run for the Athletes 5K is a fund raiser for Special Olympics Illinois World of Comics Saturday, October 12 and is presented by the Aurora Police and Noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday to Friday Low-Cost Pet Fox Valley Park District. The event also David L. Pierce Art and History Center, features the fourth annual Police and Fire 20 E. Downer Place Wellness Clinic 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Team Invitational 5 K Challenge made The Aurora Public Art Commission’s City of Aurora Animal Control up of teams of police and fire personnel. newest exhibit, presented in association and Care Division Registration begins at 6:30 a.m. Information with Rotten Apple Studios in downtown 600 S. River Street and registration forms are available at Aurora, features the works of 22 comic www.runfortheathletes.com. book artists including well known artists Just Animals, a local non-profit, no kill Charley Krebs and Jon Stanicek. Admission animal shelter, is providing vaccinations to to the gallery is free, and parking is available dogs and cats, heartworm tests, discounted in the Stolp Avenue parking deck located heartworm prevention medicine, Feline across the street. For more information, visit Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) tests and www.aurora-il.org. micro-chipping for Aurora area pet owners at a low cost. The services are available by Friday, October 4 appointment only and can be arranged by calling Aurora Animal Control at Flavors of Aurora: Stirred 630-256-3630. Not Shaken – Italian Opening Reception 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. David L. Pierce Art and History Center 20 East Downer Pl. “Flavors of Aurora: Stirred, Not Shaken” Trick-or-Treat hours is a series of exhibits paying tribute to the are 4 to 7:30 p.m. many cultures which have gone into the making of Aurora. Highlighted this fall Please drive carefully to keep is Italy. The full exhibit will be open from our little ghosts and goblins safe! Oct. 4 – Nov. 2 every Wed – Sat from 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Other countries covered in the series have been: Luxembourg, Romania, Greece, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Germany, and Ireland, as well as Tejano, South Asian, and African-American cultures. Future salutes are planned for India and the Jewish community. Admission is free, donations are appreciated.

8 | City of Aurora | Fall 2013 Customer Service – 630.256.INFO Friday, November 29 through Thursday, December 26 Festival of Lights 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Sunday to Thursday 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Phillips Park, 1000 Ray Moses Dr. One of the largest free outdoor holiday light displays in Northern Illinois, Aurora’s Festival of Lights returns for its seventh year with even more dazzling displays that will delight both adults and children. Presented in partnership between the Rotary Club of Aurora and the City, this signature winter event is a drive-through of more than one mile of spectacular lighted displays, many of which are animated, and are illuminated by tens of Thursday, November 7 through Monday, November 11 thousands of bulbs. Free-will donations Monday, November 11 Veterans Day Parade benefit local charities. For information Vietnam Moving Wall and Ceremony visit www.aurorafestivaloflights.com. and Field of Honor 10:15 a.m. Saturday, November 30 Open Continuously The Parade will step off at Benton St. and West Aurora High School, Broadway Av., travel west to Downer Place, Electronics Recycling 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 1201 W. New York St. and end with a remembrance ceremony in Central Garage Facility, The Moving Wall is a half-size replica front of the G.A.R. building, 23 E. Downer. 720 N. Broadway Ave. of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in The event is presented by the City of Aurora Washington, D.C., that is emblazoned with Veterans Advisory Board. the names of 58,282 American soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice during the Friday, November 22 DECEMBER Vietnam War. Also featured will be the Winter Lights and Saturday, December 7 Field of Honor where thousands of U.S. flags will be displayed in honor of all who Holiday Walk Electronics Recycling have served in the military. For information 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. visit www.vietnammovingwallaurora.org. Downtown Aurora Customer Service Center, Bring the family to celebrate the start of the 3770 McCoy Drive Saturday, November 9 holiday season. Join us for the second annual Electronics Recycling holiday walk starting at the David L. Pierce Saturday, December 14 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Art and History Center, 20 E. Downer Pl. Electronics Recycling Customer Service Center, Patrons will be warmly greeted by carolers, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 3770 McCoy Drive find artwork and holiday crafts from Central Garage Facility, Cultural Creatives, and be treated to 720 N. Broadway Ave. Saturday, November 9 light refreshments and warm cocoa. The Miss Merry Christmas and Jack Frost Saturday, December 14 Low-Cost Pet winners will join Santa and Mayor Tom Wellness Clinic Weisner in lighting the City’s official Low-Cost Pet 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. holiday tree at 6 p.m. For more information, Wellness Clinic City of Aurora Animal Control visit www.aurora-il.org. 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Care Division City of Aurora Animal Control 600 S. River Street and Care Division 600 S. River Street

www.aurora-il.org | 9 The Signature Winter Event Restaurant Row at the Holidays continues to grow The stretch of New York Street known is bigger and more dazzling than ever! as “Restaurant Row” will soon welcome Aurora’s Festival of Lights two new dining options to the popular downtown destination. Drive-through over one mile of lighted holiday displays at one of the largest, free holiday light displays in Northern Illinois November 29 to December 26 at Phillips Park, 1000 Ray Moses Drive

See why the festival set record numbers for attendance last year!

Earlier this year, the city approved plans for Aliano’s Ristorante to occupy space at 29, 31 and 33 W. New York St. The Aurora location is expected to be open by year’s end.

More recently, in July, city officials signed off on an agreement with Daniel and 5 new displays and 50 new holiday Sofia Modesto for their new concept for a trees have been added this year! restaurant to occupy buildings at 35 and 37 W. New York. The Modestos plan to bring a “farm-to-table” approach to their restaurant, which focuses on buying and using locally produced foods.

These two new restaurants will join the popular Ballydoyle Irish Pub and Santa’s Toy Factory, Chef Amaury’s Old Man Winter, elves and Epicurean in reindeer, holiday trains, a stretch of gigantic snowflakes and other New York seasonal favorites — many Street not of which are animated! far from Hollywood Casino between Free-will donations welcome that assist dozens of local charities the Fox River Presented by the Rotary Club of Aurora and the City of Aurora and River Street. www.aurorafestivaloflights.com

10 | City of Aurora | Fall 2013 Customer Service – 630.256.INFO Technology helps make parking more convenient Stop In an effort to Downer. The payment center nearest the and make life a bit GAR Memorial Hall accepts credit or debit easier at two popular cards only. Patrons using credit or debit cards Adopt city parking lots, new can also pay directly at the ticket repository tech advancements have at both garage exits. Parking at the deck is been introduced at the Garage free for up to the first hour of use and $1 and the Route 59 commuter lot. for each succeeding hour up to $5 per day. Lost time-stamped tickets are subject to a In June, the Stolp garage went fully $25 charge. Dozens of Dogs and Cats automated, allowing drivers to pay for the Need Loving Homes time they have spent at two payment centers In February, the city started offering the located at both street-level stair towers on option of using your smartphone to pay Downer Place. One of the payment centers for daily parking at the Route 59 Metra Find Your Perfect is located at the corner of Stolp and Downer Station. As part of a two-year agreement with Pet Today! and the other is just west of the GAR Parkmobile USA, drivers can now use their Memorial Hall. phones as a quicker and more convenient way Aurora Animal Control & Care to pay for parking instead of visiting the ticket 600 S. River St. Patrons receive a time-stamped ticket when vending machines. Call (630) 256-INFO (4636) entering the deck and after parking their for adoption hours vehicle they should keep the ticket they Drivers create an account and enter credit received. After conducting their downtown card information for replenishing the account. View available pets online: business, they should insert the ticket into Those using the pay-by-phone system are www.aurora-il.org one of the pay stations and after paying for charged $2.55 per day to use one of the lot’s the time they used, will receive another ticket 1,665 daily spaces. Commuters who pay in for exiting purposes. cash or purchase a pre-paid payment card Animal Control & will continue to pay the regular $2 daily Care Facility Payment can be made by cash, credit, or parking fee. For more information, visit 600 S. River Street debit card at the payment center at Stolp and www.parkmobile.com. Aurora, IL 60506

Make your Enjoy the neighborhood coyote UN-friendly freshest Coyotes sightings typically rise in the fall harvest! autumn months and although they are leery of humans, they do pose a threat to small pets. Learn important tips on making your neighborhood unfriendly to these wild animals by: • Visiting the City’s website at www.aurora-il.org • Calling Aurora Animal Control at 630-256-3630 Saturdays through Oct. 19 8 a.m. to noon Viewing and Adoption Hours Monday - Friday Aurora Transportation Center, 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 233 N. Broadway Ave. Choose from farm-fresh Saturdays produce, gourmet food, bread, 12 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. wines, flowers and more For adoption guidelines, www.aurora-il.org visit www.aurora-il.org

www.aurora-il.org | 11 Kayaks A.M.O.Y!

Kayaking adventure from (A)urora to (M)ontgomery to (O)swego This united effort also illustrated the need to (Y)orkville shines light on the importance of the Fox River. to open the existing canoe bypass channel in Montgomery, which would greatly increase This summer, the leaders of four contiguous “From leading the charge to establish the state’s the value of the waterway for recreational municipalities – Aurora, Montgomery, River Edge Redevelopment Zone in 2007 to uses and spur further tourism, recreation, and Oswego, and Yorkville – enjoyed a day opening the area’s premiere entertainment economic development on the 13-mile stretch kayaking on the beautiful Fox River to destination – RiverEdge Park – on the banks of the river from Aurora to Yorkville. promote the waterway as a tool for economic of the Fox River, Aurora recognizes our river as development and recreational opportunities a key asset to improving communities along Village of Montgomery President in the region. its shores,” said Mayor Weisner. Matt Brolley states, “Opening up the canoe chute in Montgomery where there is currently an earthen dam would provide a beautiful, continuous waterway stretching from Aurora to Yorkville. We look forward to the day when the river can be more fully utilized by everyone in the region.”

(L to R) Aurora Mayor Tom Weisner, Montgomery President Matt Brolley, Oswego President Brian LeClercq, and Yorkville Mayor Pro-Tem Chris Funkhouse.

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www.aurora-il.org | 13 Sept 11-Oct 6, 2013 Oct 30-NOv 24, 2013 JaN 15-Feb 9, 2014 Mar 12-apr 6, 2014

Bringing great music to the Fox Valley Community Retirement Planning • Asset Allocation

The Fox Valley Orchestra, under the baton of Colin Holman, continues its 2013-2014 season with Exotic! on October 26/27.

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Bronze Sponsors: Participating Sponsors: Buck Cleaning Services Great Lakes Aurora Central Catholic Michelle T. Chase For Further Information High School Attorney at Law Regarding Advertising, Pomegranate Restaurant Batteries Plus Contact: Dave Anderson Dieterle Memorial Home Alarm Detection Services. Phone: 630-232-9677 Ext:119 Kevin Ryan DDS Email: [email protected]

www.aurora-il.org | 15 Mayor Thomas J. Weisner Presort Std Aldermen U.S. Postage AT-LARGE: Robert O’Connor PAID Aurora, IL AT-LARGE: Richard Irvin Permit No. 2 WARD 1: TBA WARD 2: Juany Garza WARD 3: Ted Mesiacos WARD 4: Bill Donnell WARD 5: John “Whitey” Peters WARD 6: Mike Saville 44 E. Downer Place WARD 7: Scheketa Hart-Burns Aurora, IL 60507 WARD 8: Rick Mervine WARD 9: Edward Bugg WARD 10: Lynne Johnson Mayor’s Office 630-256-3010 – [email protected] Aldermen’s Office 630-256-3020 – [email protected] Postal Customer The Aurora Borealis Community Newsletter is published four times per year through the City of Aurora’s Communications and Public Information Division. Connect with us Please address correspondence to on Social Media: [email protected] or: Borealis Editor – City of Aurora /CityofAuroraIL 44 E. Downer Place Aurora, IL 60507 @CityofAuroraIL

www.aurora-il.org /CityofAuroraIllinois

City makes fall home spruce-up easy! Everybody loves the beautiful autumn colors — until the leaves fall into their yards.

Leaf Collection Yard Waste Collection Unbundled Brush Collection Starting in mid-October, Aurora’s annual Yard waste other than leaves is also collected Aurora’s unbundled brush collection ends fall leaf collection lets residents dispose on your regular garbage pickup day until Friday, Nov. 1. Branches and limbs ½ to of those leaves for free. Just put them into Friday, Dec. 6. Make sure the waste is placed 4 inches in diameter and 2 to 4 feet in length 30-gallon Kraft paper bags, don’t mix in a 30-gallon Kraft paper bag not weighing can be placed at the curb. Brush must be in them with other yard waste, and place more than 60 pounds and not mixed with neat, manageable piles with the cut side of them at the curb by 6 a.m. on your regular garbage. Do not place yard waste in garbage the limbs facing the street. Brush that is in scheduled garbage day. No garbage sticker cans or plastic bags! A sticker is required for unmanageable piles will not be collected. is required during the collection dates. Visit yard waste. Brush that results from contracted services www.aurora-il.com in late September for the will not be picked up and is the responsibility exact dates or call (630) 256-INFO (4636). of the contractor. Brush less than ½ inch in diameter is considered yard waste. Garbage stickers are not needed for unbundled brush collection.