Fox Valley Older Adult Services (FVOAS) has joined a global day of giving known as #GivingTuesday, celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, through the FVOAS’ Adult Day Service (ADS) program.  ADS is a service providing families and caregivers with peace of mind knowing their loved ones are receiving person-centered care by a trained staff.  Adult Day Service provides social, physical and mental stimulation with meals and transportation, provided in partnership with Voluntary Action Center. (Photo courtesy of FVOAS)

Aurora

‘The Little Mermaid’ comes to the Paramount

“The Little Mermaid” comes to life in this awe-inspiring Paramount Theatre production that’s perfect holiday fun for all ages. Ariel, Scuttle, Sebastian and the entire underwater world come to life as they embark on Ariel’s quest for love. With Paramount’s legendary full-orchestra, exquisitely-crafted underwater creatures (some towering over 13 feet), a stunning set and heartwarming songs, this is the musical production Chicagoland will be talking about this holiday season.

Take in all of the holiday cheer from the giant Christmas tree in the lobby to the decorative lights, wreaths, music, hot chocolate and more.  This timeless tale begins November 23 through Jan. 8. Rated G. Tickets range from $59-$44. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit http://paramountaurora.com/.

Kendall County

Oswego juvenile charged with armed robbery

A 17-year-old Oswego Juvenile is facing felony charges following the investigation into a September armed robbery that occurred in Kendall County.

On Sept. 24, Kendall County Sheriff’s deputies took a report of a robbery at gunpoint in the 1500 Block of Simons Road, in Plainfield. The complainant alleged to being battered and robbed by two acquaintances at gunpoint.

Kendall County detectives launched an investigation, and on Oct. 28, the Kendall County State’s Attorney’s Office charged a 17-year-old male juvenile from Oswego with Armed Robbery, a Class X Felony, Aggravated Battery, a Class 3 Felony, Aggravated Assault, a Class A Misdemeanor, and Criminal Damage to Property, a Class A Misdemeanor. The juvenile was taken into custody on Oct. 31 and transported to Kane County Juvenile Justice Center.

Oswego

OHS athletic director receives highest certification

Oswego High School Athletic Director Darren Howard has achieved the rank of Certified Master Athletic Administrator, the highest designation achievable through the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA).

Howard is among a very elite group of interscholastic athletic administrators nationwide to attain this rigorous designation, and has demonstrated exemplary knowledge, contributions, and on-going professional development in the field of interscholastic athletic administration.

“Mr. Howard is the consummate professional and works very hard at making sure Oswego Athletics are among the best in the state and country,” said Oswego High School Principal Mike Wayne. “We are very fortunate to have him leading our athletic programming.”

The voluntary certification process includes an evaluation of each candidate’s educational background, experience, NIAAA leadership courses, and professional contributions, and requires each applicant to complete a practical written project.

“I’m very pleased to have attained this prized designation,” says Howard, who has been the athletic director at Oswego High School since 2012.

District 308 Schools share $13,000 in grants

Community Unit School District 308 is one of nine Illinois school districts chosen to receive funds from USDA and the Midwest Dairy Council for innovative school meal programs and new school menu offerings, such as yogurt-based smoothies.

On Thursday, Oct. 27, at the District Administrative Center, Illinois dairy farmer Ethan Heinzmann presented a check for $13,000 to District 308 Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Sparlin.

“We are thrilled to have been chosen as a recipient of the school nutrition equipment grants,” Sparlin said. “Having access to a healthy and nutritious breakfast sets the tone for the day and ensures our students have the energy and focus they need to do their best in the classroom.”

The $13,000 award will be distributed to seven of District 308’s schools to use for breakfast carts, commercial blenders, and reimbursable breakfast smoothie programs.

The grants recognize efforts by the state and the district to ensure all students have access to more nutritious foods. They were available to schools enrolled in the Fuel Up to Play 60 program, which is supported by 690 dairy farmers throughout Illinois who have made a commitment to youth wellness. The grants are to be used for the purchase of equipment and infrastructure upgrades to enhance school breakfast and lunch programs.

“I want to thank Fuel Up to Play 60 and Illinois dairy farmers for their commitment to District 308 students,” Sparlin said.

To learn more, visit www.fueluptoplay60.com/funding/nutrition-equipment-grant.

Plans for Oswego Christmas Walk Celebration announced

The village will hold its annual Christmas Walk Celebration, held on Friday, Dec. 2 and Saturday, Dec. 3 throughout Oswego. The festivities begin on Friday, Dec. 2, from 5-9 p.m. in downtown Oswego.

The night will begin with Toyland Train rides, the Sledding Hill (giant slide), ice skating rink, ice carving demonstrations, strolling carolers and characters, holiday music, kids crafts and games, delicious food vendors and shopping opportunities in the wonderful downtown businesses on Main Street. 

At 7 p.m., the Silent, Illuminated Fire Truck parade will make its way down Main Street. Fire trucks from Oswego and other local fire departments will participate in this annual event.

Don’t miss a Visit with Santa from 5:30-8 p.m., hosted by the Garden Faire.

Delicious and tantalizing food will be available along Main Street.

The festivities will continue on Saturday, Dec. 3 with a Pancake Breakfast with Santa sponsored by the Rotary Club of Oswego, Fox River Academy of Music and Art, Oswego Senior Center and the Oswego YMCA at the District 308 Center (old Traughber Junior High). From 8-11 a.m., this event will include a delicious breakfast, games, crafts and pictures with Santa.

The annual Holiday Cookie Walk will take place in downtown Oswego from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday. Purchase your holiday tin and then visit all of the participating merchants for a homemade holiday cookie

For a complete list of activities, please visit our website at www.oswegoil.org or call (630) 554-4636.

Yorkville

Yorkville cyberbullying seminar announced

A national expert, speaker and researcher on the topic of bullying is slated to present at a free parent information night on at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 28 in Yorkville School District 115.

District 115  has scheduled Dr. Dorothy Espelage to present at the parent forum on bullying at 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 28 in the Yorkville Middle School Auditorium, 920 Prairie Crossing Drive, Yorkville.

Considered to the nation’s leading researcher on the topic of bullying, Dr. Dorothy Espelage will provide an engaging discussion for parents regarding bullying in general and the newest intersection of bullying and social media.

This discussion will include an overview regarding the prevalence of bullying, the latest medium for such behavior (cyberbullying), and active strategies for all parents to monitor and reduce the likelihood of such peer interactions.

This free presentation is geared toward parents of students in grades 5-12. Please see the District 115 website for information (y115.org).

City gives solicitor update

Two representatives from Edward Jones have been issued solicitors licenses in Yorkville. There are now four companies that are approved for door to door solicitation in city limits: Edward Jones, Protek Construction, Aptive Environmental, and Comcast/Xfinity.

An updated list of all licensed solicitors can be found at http://www.yorkville.il.us/367/Licensing. All of the individuals listed on that page will be carrying a City of Yorkville solicitors license. If a solicitor comes to your door and does not have one, call the Yorkville Police Department non-emergency number at (630-) 553-4343.

Winter Wonderland Festival this weekend

Yorkville’s Holiday Celebration and Winter Wonderland Festival is happening Saturday, Nov. 19.

Kick off the holiday season with this fun, family event at the Circle Center Grade School’s 4th Annual Winter Wonderland Festival at the Circle Center Grade School from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The school will be bursting with holiday cheer as they have carnival games, bake sale, shopping circles, concessions, and of course Santa Claus.

Afterwards come out to Riverfront Park for a Holiday Parade starting at 5:30 p.m. A Tree Lighting Ceremony will follow the parade and end with the fireworks show. For more information, visit www.yorkville.il.us/holidaycelebrationweekend.

–Kendall County News Briefs–