1st Farm Credit is distributing more than $127,000 to 14 groups whose work advances the future of agriculture through education and youth leadership programs. 1st Farm Credit Services recently announced the 14 recipients in conjunction with an on-going celebration of the Farm Credit System’s 100-year anniversary. (Photo courtesy 1st Farm Credit System)

Aurora

Library receives book club grant for at-risk teens
Aurora Public Library has been selected to receive a competitive grant from the American Library Association (ALA) to host a reading and discussion program designed for at-risk teens. The Aurora Township Youth Services is a partner in this endeavor.
As one of the 75 Great Stories Club grant recipients selected from across the country, Aurora Public Library will work with a group of 6 to 10 teens to read and discuss three books in which young adult narrators use the creative arts to move past challenges.
“Teenagers are inundated by choices, and it is often difficult for them to see the long-term implications of their everyday actions,” said Teen Librarian Pat Schwartz. “We’re excited to introduce our teens to these three true stories of young people using the arts to respond productively to hardship.”
The book titles, under the theme “The Art of Change: Creation, Growth and Transformation,” include: “Buck: A Memoir” by M.K. Asante; “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” by Sherman Alexie; and “The Complete Persepolis” by Marjane Satrapi. The titles — selected by librarian advisors and humanities scholars — were chosen to resonate with reluctant readers who struggle with complex issues such as incarceration, violence and poverty.
Aurora Public Library will receive 11 copies of each of the three books, which will be gifted to the book club participants. The library also will receive paid travel and accommodations for the library project director to attend an orientation workshop in late June at the 2016 ALA Annual Conference in Orlando, and project materials, training and support.
Gatherings of the Great Stories Club will begin Aug. 1. Those interested in learning more may contact Pat Schwartz at  630) 264-3612 or at pmschw@aurorapubliclibrary.org

Kendall County

Boulder Hill parking reminder
Recently, the Kendall County Sheriff’s Office has been receiving an increasing number of citizen complaints regarding vehicles parking on sidewalks throughout the Boulder Hill Subdivision. Not only does this create a safety hazard for area residents as they walk throughout the subdivision, it is considered a traffic violation, deputies said.

If sidewalks are obstructed by vehicles that are improperly parked, it forces people to either have to walk in the roadway or onto other residents’ property. Children playing in front yards or walking along the area may be obstructed from view by improperly parked vehicles creating a hazardous situation.

Neighbors that may be disabled or need assistance walking are prevented from using the sidewalks when vehicles are improperly parked on the sidewalk.
The Kendall County Sheriff’s Office will be patrolling the Boulder Hill Subdivision to locate violating vehicles and attempt to notify drivers/owners of the violations. Initially, the Sheriff’s Office will be distributing warning notices and give residents the opportunity to properly park their vehicles to prevent being cited for the violation.

After a period of time to provide residents the chance to correct the problem without further actions, deputies will begin identifying violators and issuing citations.
“The Kendall County Sheriff’s Office continues to strive to ensure roadways and subdivisions in the county are safe for both motorists and pedestrians. We greatly appreciate your attention to this issue and cooperation in making the roadways and sidewalks safe in the Boulder Hill Subdivision,” deputies said.

4-H advancing Illinois agriculture with 1st Farm Credit help
Illinois 4-H is telling the story of Illinois agriculture to a population which is becoming further removed from the source of its food, and this year, that work was supported with funds from 1st Farm Credit, which serves agricultural clients in 42 counties in northern Illinois.
“We will continue to steward the safe production of food, through our 4-H project work, conferences, workshops, and judging clinics,” said Dan Jennings, University of Illinois Extension State Animal Science Educator. “From the fields and classrooms, and urban areas, Illinois 4-H is committed to inspiring youth in the pursuit of excellence in agriculture.”
1st Farm Credit is distributing more than $127,000 to 14 groups whose work advances the future of agriculture through education and youth leadership programs. 1st Farm Credit Services announced the 14 recipients of the 1st Farm Credit Services Donor Advised Fund recently, in conjunction with an on-going celebration of the Farm Credit System’s 100-year anniversary.
“Since last summer, Farm Credit has been reflecting on the past 100 years and the evolution of the system, as well as Illinois agriculture,” said 1st Farm Credit Services Board Member Clinton Brown. “While reflection is important when you reach such as significant milestone, we have been equally focused on looking to the future.”
Brown praised this year’s recipient group, adding “we are proud of the relationships we have built with each of you.” To date, more than $700,000 has been awarded to groups since the fund was established six years ago. 1st Farm Credit Services has invested $1.25 million into the fund.

Oswego

Senior writing club
Do you have a passion for writing and enjoy sharing with others. Join this new formed writing group at the Oswego Senior Center, 156 E. Washington St. in Oswego. Participants can write and share memoirs, literature, poetry or short stories with others.  Classes start on Tuesday, July 12 from 10-11:30 a.m. for eight weeks. For more details call (630) 554-5602 or visit http://www.oswegoseniorcenter.org/.

School District 308 announced May PRIDE winners
School District 308 announced the May winners of its PRIDE (Proudly Recognizing Individuals Demonstrating Excellence) Recognition Program at the Board of Education meeting in May.
May’s teachers of the month are Fox Chase Elementary School LSP teacher Mary Marek and Oswego High School math and algebra teacher Matt Borrowman.
Employees of the month are Churchill Elementary School Principal Tammie Harmon and Fox Chase Elementary School LRC teacher assistant Robin Long.
Volunteers of the month are Oswego High School student Ashley Bossler and Oswego East High School student Katelyn Herndon. Both students are a part of the Interrelated Cooperative Education (ICE) Program at their schools.
The PRIDE program allows the Board of Education to formally recognize the efforts of teachers, employees and volunteers who are engaged in exceptional work across School District 308.
Each month, the program recognizes two individuals from three separate categories: teachers, employees and volunteers. A committee made up of various district groups and organizations selects the winners, and committee members serve six-month terms.

Sandwich

Win $1,000 and help area Seniors
Fox Valley Older Adult Services (FVOAS) is holding its annual Draw Down on June 29 from at 5:30-7:30 p.m. Only 250 tickets are on sale for $30 each. There will be on Grand Prize winner of $1,000, 3 winners of $300 and 10 winners of $50.
Jim and Craig Elliott, Professional Auctioneers, will be calling this exciting evening of Draw Down fun. Delicious hearty Hors d’oeuvers will be served at 5:30 p.m. with drawing at 6:30 p.m. Chairman Dennis O’Connell, along with a team of volunteers are making this night a successful time of both fun and fundraising. This event will be held at Fox Valley Community Center, 1406 Suydam Road, Sandwich. Call (815) 786- 9404 to purchase your ticket.

Proceeds from this drawing will support area Seniors in life enriching programs that improve and enrich vital, independent living, to enhance dignity and self-respect, and to encourage participation in community life. FVOAS serves DeKalb, Kendall, LaSalle and Bureau counties.

With the lack of a State budget and the necessity to cancel some programs, FVOAS, this year more than ever, is grateful to and depends on the continued donations of individuals, businesses and organizations to remain open celebrating over 44 years of service to area Seniors.

Yorkville

Cooling center locations
During the hot summer months, cooling centers are available throughout Kendall County. Currently sites in Yorkville include: Beecher Center, Senior Services Associates, Caring Hands Thrift Shop, Grace Community Church, Heritage Woods of Yorkville, Kendall County Health Department, Kendall County Safety Center, and the Yorkville Public Library. Call first to ensure the cooling center is able to receive you. Addresses and phone numbers of sites are available at http://www.yorkville.il.us/DocumentCenter/View/2638.

–Kendall County News Briefs–