Several area veterans will speak about their experiences in military service during a program honoring veterans on Sunday, Nov. 10, at the Chapel on the Green at 107 W. Center St. in Yorkville.
Veterans scheduled to speak include Art Killey, who served in the Navy from 1958 to 1962 and Navy Reserves from 1962 to 1983; Bob Meyer, Air Force, 1963 to 1967; Wendell Dominy, Army, 1965 and 1966; Steve Bailey, Marines, 1967 to 1969; Wayne Johnson, Army, 1969 to 1971; Larry Eichelberger, Air Force, 1971 to 1974; Paul Burd, Coast Guard, 1972 to 1976; and Carol Ginger Schulz, Air Force Reserves, 1978 to 1986.
In addition, family members of Frank Zirzow Jr. will tell the story of his service in the Navy from 1941 to 1945, event organizers said.
The free program, which is open to the public, begins at 2 p.m. Doors will be open at 1 p.m. for visiting and viewing military memorabilia.
The program will be followed by refreshments and time to visit and tour the historic Chapel on the Green building, according to event organizers.
Built in 1855 as the Yorkville Congregational Church, Chapel on the Green is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The building is now used for community meetings, programs and is available as a wedding venue. It is operated by the Chapel on the Green NFP.
Waubonsee to host STEM Week events
To celebrate National STEM Week, Waubonsee Community College is hosting a free afternoon of events on Thursday, Nov. 7, including a faculty presentation, open house and tours of the Sugar Grove campus’ Science Building, college officials said.
The presentation, titled “Plants Are Better Than Us,” begins at 3:30 p.m. in the auditorium of the Sugar Grove campus at Route 47 and Waubonsee Drive. Steven Frankel, a seasoned educator with 23 years of experience, will discuss the remarkable advantages plants have over humans, according to a press release about the event.
Following the presentation, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. in the auditorium, those attending can meet faculty members while enjoying refreshments and hands-on activities, officials said. Those interested in exploring Waubonsee’s Science Building can sign up for a tour at waubonsee.edu/STEM.
National STEM Week is celebrated every year in November to encourage children to explore their interests in science, technology, engineering and math careers.
For more information, go to waubonsee.edu/STEM.
Applications being accepted for scholarships
On Friday, the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley opened its online application for more than 500 scholarship awards totaling over $3 million to be given out over the next four years.
The awards are available exclusively to Fox Valley high school seniors, college undergrads, trade school and graduate students for the 2025-26 academic year, foundation officials said.
Students only need to submit one application to be considered for one of the hundreds of available awards, according to a press release from the foundation.
To apply, go to cffrv.com to access the common scholarship application, general policies, the list of materials needed to apply, primary eligibility requirements, types of scholarships available and location-based opportunities. Applications are due by 4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24, 2025.
The Community Foundation Scholarship Program consists of hundreds of separate scholarship funds conceived and funded by local donors, including individuals, families, local businesses, clubs and associations, according to the release. Scholarships are available to students who live in the greater Aurora area, Kendall County and southern Kane County.
Session on Alzheimer’s scheduled
The St. Charles Public Library is inviting caregivers to take part in “Alzheimer’s Workshop: Lunch and Learn” from 11 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 13, to learn more about behavioral and financial considerations associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
Representatives from the Alzheimer’s Association will present two topics during the event at the library, 1 S. Sixth Ave. in St. Charles.
“Responding to Dementia-Related Behaviors” kicks off the event from 11 to 11:45 a.m. This portion of the program will detail common behavior changes and how they are a form of communication, non-medical approaches to behaviors and recognizing when additional help is needed, according to library officials.
Lunch will be served from 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Then, from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m., “Managing Money: A Caregiver’s Guide to Finances” will provide guidance on the costs of caregiving, how to avoid financial abuse and fraud, how to start conversations about finances, assess financial and legal needs, and find support, officials said.
Registration is required for this event, but attendance at both sessions is not required. To register, go to scpld.org or call 630-584-0076.
Geneva looks for input on facilities
The city of Geneva will host four meetings in November to gather public feedback as part of an ongoing community engagement process to determine the future of Geneva’s municipal facilities.
The meetings will highlight information about the city and the challenges it faces in maintaining aging buildings, according to city officials.
The four upcoming meetings are scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 13, at Geneva City Hall, 109 James St.;
10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, at Geneva Fire Station 1, 200 East Side Drive; 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19, at the Geneva Public Works Department, 1800 South St.; and 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21, a virtual Zoom meeting that participants need to register for to attend.
Geneva launched the facilities community engagement effort in early October with an online presentation, background information and a community feedback form. Based on the first phase of community responses, the city has compiled a menu of potential facility improvements, benefits and funding levels, city officials said.
Residents attending the November meetings will have an opportunity to review and weigh in on the options to help establish a path forward for the city, officials said.
For more information about the facilities community engagement process, go to the city of Geneva website at https://www.geneva.il.us/.
Wild turkeys in the spotlight
Wild turkeys will be the focus of a Kane County Forest Preserve District program from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 22, at Pingree Grove Forest Preserve, 14N187 Route 20 in Pingree Grove
During the free program, district naturalists will lead a guided hike and discuss the many differences between domestic turkeys and the wild turkeys that inhabit the forest preserves.
Advance registration is required. To register, go to www.kaneforest.com/register, call 630-444-3190 or email programs@kaneforest.com.
For more information, go to www.kaneforest.com or find the district on social media by searching @forestpreserve.
