100th COVID-19 patient discharged
Eugene “Gene” Pouliot, 68, was Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital’s 100th COVID-19 patient discharge, a mighty milestone for the Lyons resident and for his care team.
Stay at home order stands
By Jerry Nowicki As the state saw its largest single-day death total yet from COVID-19 Tuesday, governor JB Pritzker said his stay-at-home order stands despite a judge’s Monday ruling granting a limited temporary restraining order against it. “Let me remind everyone again —the stay-at-home order in Illinois is still very
Oswego postpones veterans honors
Activities planned for Oswego Honors Veterans, a 10-day series of events and observances on and around Memorial Day, has been postponed until 2021 to protect our veterans, volunteers, and the public, while the COVID-19 pandemic continues. The series of events organized by the Fox Valley Veterans Breakfast Club and the
COVID-19 housing in Wheaton College, DuPage County
DuPage County and Wheaton College agreed to provide temporary housing for first responders asked to self-isolate during the COVID-19 response. Wheaton College will provide the 28 units in its three Saint & Elliot apartment buildings for use by DuPage County police officers, firefighters, and medical personnel who need to self-isolate
Aurora Downtown COVID-19 response fund assists 35 businesses
The Aurora Downtown COVID-19 Response Fund will distribute 35 COVID-19 relief grants totaling $12,250. Aurora Downtown, a nonprofit group of business and property owners, launched the fund earlier this month. The fund accepted grant applications from businesses located in SSA #One to help provide financial relief from the pandemic. Aurora
Aurora Public Library heroes make face shields for health-care workers
Not all heroes wear capes! Thanks to some of the Aurora Public Library (APL) staff members and volunteer heroes, face shields were created using Aurora Public Library’s 3D printers for health-care workers in the Fox Valley area. At the Library we continue to seek for innovative ways to serve our
Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry food distribution
A collage photo of food distribution at the Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry on Jericho Road, reflects the demand that COVID-19 has placed on agencies which seek to help communities.
Masks essential to healing
By Judy Siedlecki It will be mandatory to wear a mask in public effective May 1, per governor JB Pritzker. Why wear a mask? Say you’re walking down the aisle at the grocery store wearing no mask, another person walking down that same aisle not wearing a mask, sneezes, or
Illinois House Republicans urge more transparency on inmate releases
By Peter Hancock Illinois House Republicans on Monday stepped up their demands that the JB Pritzker administration release more information about inmates being furloughed or granted early releases from state prisons during the COVID-19 pandemic. They requested the governor consult more with the General Assembly about granting such releases. “As
Volunteers offer assistance during COVID-19 food crisis
Shortly after the mid-March COVID-19 shutdown and stay-at-home orders, my friend reminded me of what Mister Rogers’ mother said to him during scary times, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” The friend is Sheli Massie, executive director of The Goldfinch Cafe, a pay-what-you-can restaurant
Relief Coalition assists in Aurora
Circumstances caused by the COVID-19 led to the development of the Relief Coalition in Aurora with the slogan of “For the People, By the People” and two volunteers placing boxes of food into the back of a vehicle last week.
Patient receives round of applause
Personnel in the hall at Rush-Copley Hospital in Aurora offer a round of applause to a patient ready for discharge after recovering from COVID-19.
Teen makes masks to hand out
Grace Bernal has suspended her home basement face-mask factory. In a Saturday Facebook post, Bernal, 16, a North Aurora resident, said “Thanks to you, I have been able to make a total of 1,254 face masks. This will be the last handout for a little while, as I am tired
Marie Wilkinson Pantry uses drive-up distribution
For more than 60 years Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry has been known for finding hope, help, and encouragement, in challenging situations. We are continuing to serve those in need using a modified drive-up distribution process. Our current distribution hours are Wednesday, noon to 2 p.m. and Friday, 1 p.m. to
Assistance request for Denise
The COVID-19 pandemic has altered all of our lives. Some are financially equipped to weather the storm. Others are not so fortunate. This request is for voluntary donations which would be made to our loyal server, Denise, who serves the Aurora Navy League so well each month at Grandma’s Table
George Orwell’s seminal work, 1984, recalled in this year
A progressive report: • December 2019: The coronavirus (COVID-19) is a hoax, said by our accidental president, fostered by the Democratic Party to sabotage his re-election bid. • January 2020: The coronavirus will pass quickly, said our accidental president, and everyone can maintain a normal routine. • February 2020: The
Requirements for third parties relaxed
By Rebecca Anzel Illinois ballot eligibility requirements will be loosened for third-party candidates affected this election cycle by State efforts to combat the novel coronavirus pandemic. In a lawsuit filed April 2, the State’s Libertarian and Green parties said social distancing and stay-at-home orders instituted by governor JB Pritzker made
Student loan relief: Pritzker
By Peter Hancock Residents in Illinois who still owe money on private, nonfederal student loans can now qualify for temporary relief while the COVID-19 pandemic continues. Meanwhile, families with school-age children who receive food assistance will qualify for additional benefits. Governor JB Pritzker announced those new relief efforts Tuesday as
Masks: Let’s Face It donation
State representative Mark Batinick (R-Plainfield) is launching a new program in his 97th Legislative District to motivate local stores and restaurants to require employees to wear protective face coverings. Batinick’s program, Let’s Face It, will donate 50 facemasks to the first 20 stores or restaurants that agree to add this
VNA Health Care offers COVID-19 tests by appointment
VNA Health Care (VNA) offers expanded testing for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), and it started Monday. These services are available by appointment to those with COVID-19 symptoms. A VNA provider will assess individuals prior to testing. Individuals without insurance will be served on a sliding fee scale based upon income, with