Earth Day will turn 50 next year, April 22, 2020. Likely it is the reason for a lack of published information and emphasis this year in the 49th anniversary. President Richard Nixon, prior to his problems with the Watergate scandal, signed the document passed by both Houses to create Earth Day. As a society there exists an awareness that sustainability is viable. It is necessary. Climate change is a reality for much of society, at least those who abstain from making it a political football. The science is conclusive among serious students. The solutions and timing may pivot in greater quandary and debate.
Arbor Day, April 26 since 1872, has taken a greater sense of application in some communities. In Aurora the city government has made visits to schools in Aurora to plant trees on Arbor Day.
This year Aurora government representatives will pay visits to three schools Friday, April 26: The first-year Pope St. Paul II Catholic Academy South Campus at 8:30 p.m.; Pope St. Paul II Catholic Academy North Campus at 9:15 a.m.; and Hope Wall School at 10 a.m. for planting trees. The South Campus, 601 Talma Street, is the former OLGC (Our Lady of Good Catholic) and the North Campus, 706 High Street, is the former St. Joseph. The schools are in their first year following the merger.
Naperville has stepped up with its third annual Earth Week, which will run through Saturday, April 28. Click here for more information.
• Naperville has gained notoriety lately for another matter: Home of record-setting winner of the daytime national television game-show Jeopardy! James Holzhauer Tuesday this week surpassed $1 Million won on the television show in 14 days. He set records for one-day earnings. He won $131,127 in the episode shown April 17 to break his record of $110,914 set in the April 9 show. In fact, he has the top seven single-day earnings. Ironic it is a term earnings, because he is a professional sports gambler who was graduated from the University of Illinois with a major in mathematics. Contestants determine their wager amounts. He must have a bit of photographic memory because of his vast knowledge in a variety of trivia topics. Holzhauer is second all-time to Brad Rutter who won $4.35 Million over 74 games in 2001. The goal is evident.
• First Fridays in Aurora Friday, May 3 will have 28 sites for art, music, or, food, or all three. There will be two dozen food trucks on Benton Street in the annual event. Click here for more information.