Wings of Hope
Christina, Paul, Mason and Giuliana Bihun of Oswego were among those in attendance at the Wings of Hope Angel Garden Blessing & Butterfly Release June 7 at Edward Hospital in Naperville. SHARE is a support group for those who have experienced a miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth or neonatal death. The Garden opened in 2010 as a place that allows parents who have lost a baby to remember and celebrate their child’s life.  (Photo courtesy Edward –Elmhurst Health)

Kendall County

Coffee with Kifowit Series

State Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, D-Oswego, is inviting area residents to join her at coffee shop stops across her district in July to discuss state and local issues.

“The number one issue I hear when I’m walking door to door and at my coffee stop shops is how Illinois’ lack of a budget is hurting our most vulnerable residents,” Kifowit said. “Meeting with families directly impacted by the budget crisis allows me to answer any questions they might have and take their message to Springfield. Throughout this year-long stalemate, I have urged both sides to pass a fair and responsible budget, not continue playing political games.”

All “Coffee with Kifowit” events are free to the public, and those who attend will be treated to a refreshment of their choice. The events are scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., and will take place at the following locations:

Monday, July 11 at Maxfield’s, 2290 Ogden Ave., Aurora; Monday, July 18 at Benny’s Place, 1158 Douglas Road, Oswego; and Monday, July 25 at Panera, 2775 Showplace Drive, Suite 123, Naperville

For more information on these or other events, please visit www.ILDistrict84.comor contact Kifowit’s constituent service office at 630-585-1308 or Stephanie.Kifowit@att.net.

Former Food Pantry executive director dies

The Former Kendall County Food Pantry Executive Director, who was under investigation for theft, has died.

Maria Spaeth, 52, was pronounced dead June 21 at 3:20 p.m. at Valley West Hospital in Sandwich, said DeKalb Coroner Dennis Miller. The cause of death is pending an autopsy. 

According to reports, Spaeth had been at her vacation home at Lake Holiday when emergency crews were called to the home. She was taken by ambulance to Valley West.

Spaeth was the longtime head of the Food Pantry until she resigned in early June following a Yorkville Police Department investigation into missing funds at the pantry.

Police said that on May 26, volunteers at the pantry came forward with allegations suspicious transactions and funds missing from food pantry accounts.

On June 1, police served search warrants at the pantry, 208 Beaver St. in Yorkville, as well as a private residence in Kendall County.

Montgomery

Holiday DUI Taskforce will be out

The Montgomery Police Department will be on patrol this Independence Day, making sure motorists are driving sober.

“Don’t even think about drinking and driving this Fourth of July – or you will be arrested,” said Deputy Chief Armando Sanders. “The ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ campaign means zero tolerance for drunk driving – no excuses.”

In addition to looking for drunk drivers, the Montgomery Police will be stepping up seat belt enforcement, particularly at night when seat belt usage rates are at their lowest.

If you’re caught driving drunk this Independence Day, you will be arrested. The consequences of drunk driving are that serious. Not only could you put your life and the lives of others at risk, but a DUI arrest means a loss of freedom and money, including going to jail, losing your license, and paying steep financial expenses.

Deputy Chief Sanders wants you to know that always designating a sober driver and not letting friends drive drunk are just two simple steps to help avoid a tragic crash or an arrest for drunk driving.

If you are hosting an Independence Day party, remember, you can be held liable and prosecuted if someone you serve is involved in a drunken -driving crash. Police say to make sure all of your guests designate a sober driver in advance or help arrange ride sharing with other sober drivers. Keep the phone numbers for local cab companies handy and take the keys away from anyone who is thinking of driving drunk.

Pedestrians are at risk, too. If you are walking, keep an eye out for cars. Even a sober driver is a risk if you are drinking and walking. Designated drivers: Be alert for impaired walkers who may not obey street signs.

Oswego

Police participating in Operation Chill

The Oswego Police this year will be participating in 7-Eleven’s Operation Chill Program.

This 7‑Eleven community outreach program is designed to reduce crime and enhance relations between police and youth during the hot summer months. Operation Chill allows law enforcement officers to “ticket” kids they observe doing good deeds or exhibiting positive behavior.

The ticket is actually a coupon for a free 12-oz. Slurpee at any participating U.S. 7‑Eleven store. The coupon is valid until the end of 2016.

Since its inception in 1995, Operation Chill has had more than 15 million coupons distributed by law enforcement agencies in the United States and Canada. In addition to rewarding such positive behaviors as wearing bicycle helmets, doing good deeds, participating in community activities and organizations, observing street crossing rules, picking up trash and deterring crime, the program offers added opportunities for police officers to interact with children and teens in a non-law enforcement situation and enhance their relationships with community youth.

Though the reasons for being “ticketed” may vary, the end result is the same for every youngster: a free Slurpee drink and a smile for a good deed. Oswego Police are hoping to see a great deal of good behavior this summer.

New Hunt Club Elementary principal named

Community Unit School District 308 has hired Elisabeth Gillham as assistant principal for Hunt Club Elementary School. The Board of Education approved Gillham’s appointment in April, and she will assume her new role on July 25.

Since July 2011, Gillham has served as an assistant principal at Ball Elementary, in the Ball-Chatham School District. For six years prior to that, she was a language arts teacher at Mahomet-Seymour Junior High, in Mahomet, Ill.

While at Ball Elementary, Gillham completed Growth Through Learning Modules to evaluate teachers based on the Danielson Framework, coordinated assessment services for Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC), created master schedules, and balanced class lists. She also developed school-wide systems for Tier 3 behavior services and coordinated special education and 504 services.

Gillham received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Illinois State University, Urbana-Champaign, and her master’s in educational organizational leadership from the University of Illinois, Normal.

Red, White and Pool Recycle Regatta

Get pumped for the first annual Pool Regatta at the Civic Center Aquatic Center in Oswego. You can test your boat building skills on a smaller scale while enjoying the Fourth of July at the pool.  Each boat entered into the competition for $5 must be created using duct tape and only these items: one milk jug, two cereal boxes, three paper towel rolls, four plastic water bottles, and five soda cans. Families are welcome to work together. Prizes given for: Best Costumed Crew, Most Creative, Titanic Award, Most Durable, and People’s Choice! Pool admission not included; boats set sale at 2 p.m.

Sandwich

Freedom Run 5K

Wear your best patriotic costume to win prizes ad the 33rd Annual Sandwich Freedom Run 5K.

The event will begin at James Knights Park, 1001 Latham St. The 1-mile fun run/walk will step off at 8 a.m. and the 5K race at 8:30 a.m. Judges will award a first place prize for the 1 mile and 5K race for best costume. These events are open to all who are physically fit and sufficiently trained.

This year the 5K runners will have a new course. Both events are run over flat city streets.

Registration forms are available at the David A. Francis Center, in Knights Park, or online at www.sandwichparkdistrict.org.  Day of event registrants will receive a shirt while supplies last. Race will be Chip timed. One Mile Fun Run/Walk $22 on the day of the race (7 -7:45 a.m.). 5K Race $28 on the day of the race (7:00-7:45am). For more information visit Xhttp://www.sandwichparkdistrict.org/.

Yorkville

A Matter of Balance

Do you have concerns about falling? Many older adults experience concerns about falling and restrict their activities. A Matter of Balance is an award-winning program designed to manage falls and increase activity levels. You will learn to view falls at controllable, set goals for increasing activity, make changes to reduce fall risk at home, and exercise to increase strength and balance. Anyone concerned about falls, interested in improving balance, flexibility and strength, fallen in the past, and who has restricted activities because of falling concerns is encouraged to attend.

Senior Services Associates will be offering A Matter of Balance Class at the Heritage Woods of Yorkville starting on Tuesday, July 19 at 2 p.m.

This is an eight-session class that will meet on Tuesdays and Fridays. If you are interested in attending the event,  Gina R. Dunlap, activity director at Senior Services Associates, at (630) 553-5777.

–Kendall County News Briefs–