Category: Community

Blessed Sacrament Parish, Monsignor Wright, Sister Rose

By Ricky Rieckert Dear readers, This week I will continue with St. Mary’s Parish, and an Aurora affiliation at Blessed Sacrament Parish in North Aurora. Monsignor Edward S. Wright served as the assistant pastor at St. Mary’s Parish, from May of 1954 to August of 1959. I didn’t realize until

Diabetes Club of Fox Valley and Legacy Nutrition & Fitness to co-host second annual health expo; Diabetes Club members to hold three fundraisers in 2026

By Russ George The Diabetes Club of Fox Valley held its February 21, “Meet and Greet”, at Panera Bread, 1330 N. Orchard Road, in Aurora. A shout out of thanks to the staff, at Panera Bread, for allowing our club to distribute information about diabetes, prediabetes, and healthy eating. Members

Community Voices Art Reveal at Aurora Library

A community grows stronger when each voice has the opportunity to tell its story. At the Aurora Public Library District, we created the Community Voices initiative to provide a space for people in Aurora to share their personal narratives, learn from their neighbors, and see themselves reflected in our city.

Cathy Hayen retiring after years of beautifying Aurora

Cathy Hayen is retiring from the City of Aurora government at the end of February. You might not know her by name, but you know her by the gardens, baskets, and planters of vibrant colors that have transformed downtown Aurora over the years into a seasonal paradise. In 2014, Hayen

Kane State’s Attorney conducting review of walkout incident

The Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office is conducting an independent review in connection with concerns regarding the allegations that excessive force was used by the Aurora Police Department during the coordinated student walkouts February 9. This office has received all body-worn camera footage, reports, and related evidence from the Aurora

Diabetes Club ‘Meet & Greet’, Feb. 21, at Panera Bread, 1330 N. Orchard Road, in Aurora; Diabetes Club of Fox Valley welcomes two new members

By Russ George The Diabetes Club of Fox Valley members held their February membership meeting Wednesday, Feb. 11, at Oak Street Restaurant, 945 Oak Street, in North Aurora. Members of the Diabetes Club of Fox Valley welcomed two new members into the Club, at their February membership meeting: Gil Feliciano,

Dixieland band, ‘Chocolate Fest’ mark Mardi Gras

New England Congregational Church in Aurora, celebrated Mardi Gras with a guest Dixieland trio and an annual Chocolate Festival February 15. Special music during the worship service was presented by the John Papadolias Trio–Steve Gaugel, tenor saxophone; Chad Watson, upright bass; and Papadolias, guitar. Other performers were Heather Azem, soloist;

Reader’s Voice: Awareness of Aurora Black-owned businesses

February 5, 2026Dear editor; Every year, we hear reminders to “shop local” during the holidays…reminders that fade as we settle into the New Year. For Black-owned businesses in Aurora, it’s year-round support and patronage we need most. Black entrepreneurs continue to face barriers that others do not. A recent study

MLK Day in ceremony in Aurora, Stacy Davis Gates keynote

Celebrating MLK Day, Aurora held a 41st annual MLK ceremony Monday, Jan. 19, at East Aurora High School auditorium. “Beyond the Dream” was the theme. Keynote speaker was Stacy Davis Gates, president of both Chicago Teachers Union and Illinois Federation of Teachers. The leading national voice in the fight for