Aurora preservation nominations sought 

The City of Aurora’s Preservation Commission is looking to honor local property owners who in 2012 have made significant exterior improvements while maintaining the historic character of their buildings. 

The commission is accepting nominations for the Mayor’s Awards for Historic Preservation through Monday, April 1.  Eligible properties should be at least 50 years old and projects must have been completed in 2012. 

Builders or residents are encouraged to submit their own work or other projects warranting consideration.  The winners will be named during the celebration of National Historic Preservation Month in May and in conjunction with the opening of an Aurora Public Art Commission exhibit on the restoration of the Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Hall Building (GAR), which will be on display beginning Friday, May 17 at the David L. Pierce Art and History Center, 20 E. Downer Place. 

Nomination forms are available on the city’s website or by contact the Commission’s Acting Chair Donald Truax at 630-707-7406 or by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Basic Crisis Response training at IMSA

The National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA) is holding Basic Crisis Response Training (24-hour training) for those who work with victims and survivors of violent crime, trauma, and disaster.

The training will be held at Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy’s campus at 1500 Sullivan Road in Aurora, Illinois. It will take place from April 10-12th, 2013, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The registration fee is $300 for NOVA members or $360 for non-NOVA members, plus the $75 cost of the training manual.

NOVA is a non-profit organization of victim and witness assistance programs and practitioners, criminal justice agencies and professionals, mental health professionals, researchers, former victims and survivors, and others committed to the recognition and implementation of victim rights and services. For registration information go to NOVA’s website or contact NOVA at (703) 535-NOVA (6682).

IMSA president to setp down June 30

IMSA President Dr. Max McGee recently informed the Board of Trustees that for personal and family reasons he will retire June 30. 

The search for IMSA’s next president will begin soon, and plans are in place for an interim president.

Dr. McGee has served as IMSA president since July 2007, leading execution of the institution’s strategic plan, extending IMSA’s reach throughout Illinois with special emphasis on underresourced communities and underrepresented populations, initiating enhancements to IMSA’s academic/residential program, cultivating partnerships with state, national and global institutions and engaging countless individuals to advance IMSA’s legislative charges and mission.

Cathy Veal, IMSA’s Vice President for Strategy and Advancement, will serve as interim president until a new president is selected. She has served in several administrative roles, including board secretary.

4th Batavia rain barrel sale now under way

The City of Batavia is teaming up with The Conservation Foundation for  the 4th Annual Rain Barrel Sale.

Orders are now being taken in a pre-sale period running through April 25. Orders placed online are for credit card purchases only and cash/check purchases can be brought to the Conservation @ Home program on April 4th at City Hall at 7 p.m.. and placed directly with the Conservation Foundation representative.   

The Conservation Foundation Rain Barrels are 55 gallons each and made from recycled food grade plastic.  The rain barrels come equipped with a spigot, garden hose threaded overflow and screw off lid with a screen to keep out bugs and debris, and a 1 year warranty. The prices $58.50, $63.50, and $78.50 respectively and include options for home delivery and installation. Available colors include black, blue, grey and terra cotta. 

To place an order go to www.cityofbatavia.net/rainbarrels anytime.  The orders will be delivered Saturday, April 27th from 9 to 11 a.m. to Clark Island Skate Park located along the Fox River off Route 25 at approximately 411 S. River Street. 

Contact Jim Kleinwacther with the Conservation Foundation at (630) 553-0687 ext 302 for more information.

Scholarships funds for disadvantaged

DuPage County has announced the Department of Community Services received a Community Services Block Grant to fund scholarships for disadvantaged students.

The grant was established more than 20 years ago to provide financial assistance to low-income individuals with high academic potential. Scholarships can be used for formal education or occupational training. Special consideration is given to students interested in high technology fields or other occupations in emerging fields.

The scholarship, funded and designed in cooperation with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, will supplement the cost of tuition, books, supplies and other school-related items for a semester or a quarter to offset the student’s need.

Applicants are required to provide proof of county residency, gross household income for the past 90 days and information about members living in the household. Income for the household must be at or below 125 percent of the federal poverty level. 

Applicants must also include a 500 word essay or personal statement, official school transcripts, two letters of recommendation, a financial aid award letter and proof of enrollment in an Illinois accredited institution. Deadline is May 3.

Call (630) 407-6500 for more information.