COUNTY

In-home voter registration offered to elderly, handicapped

DuPage County is making it easier for the elderly and handicapped to register to vote for the upcoming March 20 primary. Joseph H. Sobecki, executive director of the DuPage County Election Commission, has announced that the commission’s office will arrange for prospective voters to make appointments with deputy registrars to register in their homes.  In addition, voters who have difficulty getting to their polling places can request to receive mail-in ballots. 

All eligible registered voters, including those who are physically unable to get to their polling place, are entitled to receive a ballot by mail or in person.  An individual may request a ballot to vote by mail up through March 15.  An individual may vote early at the Election Commission office, beginning Feb. 8, through March 5, or early vote in person at one of the county’s early voting sites, March 5-March 19.

A voter may request assistance with marking his ballot at the polling place on Election Day. Judges of election (one from each political party), a friend or a relative may help. Assistance with marking the ballot will also be available at early voting sites.

For additional information, contact the Election Commission office at (630) 407-5600, or the TDD number at (630) 407-5631. 

Sheriff’s office warns about telephone scam

A telephone caller impersonating a DuPage County deputy sheriff was successful in stealing $4,500 from someone who was tricked into thinking they were being called about posting bond. The incident prompted the sheriff’s office to issue a statement reminding the public that the office only accepts bond payment in person through cash, money order or credit card.

The office does not solicit bond fees, fine payments or charitable events over the phone, nor does it accept or request Moneypak cards, iTunes cards or any other form of payment other than cash, money order or credit card.

The sheriff’s office urges the public that when in doubt, hang up and call the office; do not provide personal information or give money or gift cards to anyone attempting to solicit money or information over the phone.

Forest Preserves need volunteers for programs, workdays 

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County invites potential volunteers to discover the rewards of helping others during its Blaze New Trails and Volunteer Open House Jan. 20, and information session Jan. 31, at Danada Forest Preserve headquarters, 3S580 Naperville Road, Wheaton.

The Jan. 20 open house, which will run 9 a.m. to noon, will showcase the district’s range of opportunities in 11 volunteer programs. A PowerPoint presentation will highlight each program, and attendees can talk with current volunteers and staff members about what they do.

Another opportunity to learn about volunteering will be held 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Jan. 31, and will feature a general overview of the district’s volunteer programs.

District volunteers introduce school groups and families to nature, bring history to life, and care for animals. They restore habitats and help visitors explore forest preserve trails and discover interesting outdoor activities such as archery, kayaking and fishing. Adults, teenagers and families can choose from a variety of weekly, monthly and one-time opportunities. Scout troops, church groups, corporations and community organizations can coordinate group workdays that bring members together through shared accomplishments.

For more details about volunteering, call Volunteer Services, (630) 933-7233.

ELMHURST

Cyberbullying seminar to be held Jan. 18

The average teenager spends several hours a day on social media, which can have negative consequences for their emotional well-being, including cyberbullying and feelings of disconnect. Adults are invited to learn tips and tools for helping the teenagers in their life at Social Media Use and Cyberbullying Seminar, which will be held 7 p.m. Jan. 18.

Taaha Shakir, M.D., pediatric hospitalist from Edward Hospital, will lead the discussion at Courts Plus, 186 S. West Ave., Elmhurst. This seminar is free and open to the public. Non-members of Courts Plus are asked to register by calling (630) 833-5064, emailing courtsplus@epd.org or visiting the Courts Plus Service Desk. 

Allison Brandt

DOWNERS GROVE

Clarinetist wins youth symphony competition

The Metropolitan Youth Symphony Orchestra (MYSO) has chosen Allison Brandt as the winner of the 2018 MYSO Concerto Competition. Her winning performance of Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto Mvmt 1 Allegro in A Major will be performed 7:30 pm. March 14 at Lewis University and 4 p.m. March 18 at Joliet Junior College.

Allison is MYSO’s principal clarinetist and a senior at Downers Grove South High School. She has been studying the clarinet since she was 9 years old. After high school graduation, she will study clarinet performance at Northwestern University.

She is the recipient of the Essentially Ellington Certificate of Merit, the Michael David Samel Spirit of Music Fund Award, Downers Grove Music Club Rising Star Award, the Clarence Shoemaker Band Scholarship from Downers Grove South High School, the Kowalski Scholarship from the American Wind Band, and the American Music Foundation Award for Outstanding Band Student.

–DuPage County News Briefs–