Kane County Coroner Rob Russell recently announced that his office has partnered with the From the Barrio Foundation on a violence prevention program.
The program was founded by author and civic leader Robert Renteria. It promotes education, a valued sense of pride and accomplishment and social values that foster improved self-esteem, according to a news release. The coroner’s office and the foundation will be donating an academic curriculum to schools at no cost that addresses critical thinking and conflict resolution.
Russell said the collaboration will include being in the community with Renteria, hosting events and offering “From the Barrio” books to at-risk youths and through organizations including the Kane County Youth Home.
For more information, go to www.fromthebarrio.com.
Community forum set on strategic plan
Residents, merchants, students and community stakeholders are invited to help shape the future of Geneva by attending the city’s Strategic Plan Advisory Committee’s upcoming community forum, Geneva officials said in a press release.
The forum will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 27, at the Geneva Public Library, 227 S. Seventh St. Attendees will have an opportunity to meet one-on-one with committee members to learn about how the plan impacts the community and provide feedback on the draft plan.
This will be the most substantial update to the city’s strategic plan since the most recent iteration was adopted in 2018, according to the release.
The forum is one of the final stages of a yearlong process to gather community input and develop a guide for Geneva’s future, officials said. Public feedback will help the committee finalize the plan before presenting it to the City Council in September.
For more information about the community forum, call Geneva City Hall at 630-232-7494.
Diaper Drive to benefit groups in Kane, Kendall
State Sen. Don DeWitte, R-St. Charles, state Rep. Dan Ugaste, R-Geneva, and their offices are participating in a Diaper Drive to benefit not-for-profit groups in southern Kane and Kendall counties, according to a press release about the event.
This Diaper Drive has been organized by the Fox Valley United Way.
Diapers will be collected at Ugaste and DeWitte’s District Office at 406 Surrey Woods Drive, Unit A, in St. Charles, through Sept. 14, according to the release.
A collection bin has been placed inside the front doors of the office. Drop-off hours are between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, the release stated.
In addition, diapers will be collected at Ugaste’s Shred Event and Food Drive to be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, at the Gail Borden Public Library District, Rakow Branch, 2751 W. Bowes Road in Elgin.
“Please consider making a donation to help your neighbors in need,” Ugaste stated in the release. “Diapers are very expensive and many families are struggling to afford them.”
All donations will be distributed to families through non-profit organizations in southern Kane and Kendall counties.
For more information on the Diaper Drive, call DeWitte’s office at 847-214-8245 or Ugaste’s office at 630-797-5530.
Concert planned at Venue 1012 in Oswego
Tribute bands Sins N’ Roses and Electric Shock – The AC/DC Show will perform the iconic hits of Guns N’ Roses and AC/DC during a concert on Aug. 24 at Venue 1012 at 1012 Station Drive in Oswego.
Doors will open at 5 p.m., with Sins N’ Roses kicking off the night from 6 to 8 p.m., with Electric Shock taking the stage from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m.
Attendees can enjoy a selection of beverages, including domestic beer and vodka lemonade, as well as a variety of non-alcoholic options, according to a press release about the event.
Local food trucks will be on-site. While outside food is welcome, outside beverages are not permitted, according to the release.
Tickets are available now and cost $10 for active members of the military and veterans. The price is $15 in advance for those 13 years old and older, or $20 at the door.
Those 12 years old and younger get in free to the concert.
To get tickets or for more information, go to bit.ly/SinsNRosesElectricShock.
Batavia Rotary offering Corvette Raffle
The Rotary Club of Batavia is offering its 36th annual Corvette Raffle, giving participants the opportunity to win either $50,000 in cash or a brand-new 2025 Corvette 1LT, club officials said in a press release.
Only 1,200 tickets are available for purchase at $100 each, providing ticket holders not only a shot at the grand prize but also multiple chances to win $500, according to the release.
The Corvette Raffle is a cornerstone event for the Rotary Club of Batavia, aimed at raising funds to support a wide range of endeavors benefiting both local and extended community causes, officials said. From education and health care initiatives to environmental conservation and youth development programs, the proceeds from the raffle play a vital role in sustaining and expanding these projects, according to the release.
Tickets for the raffle an be purchased from Rotary Club members, as well as at www.BataviaRotaryCharities.com. The drawing will be on Saturday, Nov. 23, at K. Hollis Jewelers, Boutique and Wine Bar at 2030 Main St. in Batavia. Winners need not be present to win.
Open house set at Plano High School
Plano High School is inviting the community to an open house from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 22, at the school at 704 W. Abe St. in Plano.
At the event, participants can meet high school staff members and tour the facilities including the Innovation Center, food labs, gymnasium, track and classrooms, school officials said.
Volunteers sought for Scarecrow Weekend
The St. Charles Business Alliance is looking for volunteers for St. Charles Scarecrow Weekend, which will take place in downtown St. Charles from Friday, Oct. 11, through Sunday, Oct. 13.
There are volunteer opportunities available to help at the information booths in Lincoln Park and at the St. Charles Municipal Building, as well as monitoring the Activity Zone on Riverside Avenue, organizers said.
All volunteers will receive a “Boo Crew” T-shirt to wear during the event. For information about volunteer positions available or to sign up, go to www.scarecrowfest.com/volunteer.
To find more information on St. Charles Scarecrow Weekend, go to www.scarecrowfest.com.
