Controlled burns planned for DuPage County forest preserves
The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County will conduct controlled burns at various preserves over the coming weeks, officials said.
The prescription burns help control invasive, exotic plants so that native species can thrive, a county news release said. They are used as a natural resource management tool to restore native prairies, wetlands and woodlands.
Usually conducted in late fall and early spring, the district’s schedule depends on a variety of factors, including wind speed, wind direction, temperature and humidity to determine when crews can safely conduct the burns. That is why they cannot be scheduled in advance, officials said.
Residents who live near a planned burn site will be notified by mail. Crews will post signs and contact local fire departments the morning of the burns. Specialty trained crews will remain on site during the process, which only takes place in the daytime, officials said.
Last fall and spring, 65 burns at 23 forest preserves benefitted more than 1,600 acres, officials said.
Deadline to file petitions for park board election Nov. 18
Candidates interested in running for the Naperville Park District board of commissioners have until 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 18 to submit their nomination materials, district officials said.
Four, four-year terms are up for election on April 1. The terms of commissioners Rhonda Ansier, Mary Gibson, Leslie Ruffing and Alison Thompson are expiring.
Those interested in running for the board must be a qualified voter and a Naperville Park District resident for at least one year prior to the election.
Candidates need to submit a statement of candidacy, a receipt from the DuPage County Clerk showing filing of a statement of economic interests and petition sheets.
The filing period is weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12, through 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 18.
Materials may be mailed or filed in person with Monika Solomacha at the park district administration building, 320 W. Jackson Ave. For more information, contact Solomacha at msolomacha@napervilleparks.org or call 630-848-3502.
Naperville man receives Lutheran Social Services award
Naperville resident Lee Selander is the recipient of the True Friend Award for service and philanthropy from the Lutheran Social Services of Illinois.
Selander, a longtime board of directors member, was bestowed with the honor for his leadership, support and guidance over decades of service to the organization, a Lutheran Social Services news release said. Selander spent three years as the board chair, served as treasurer and participated on committees for finance, governance and property and investment.
Lutheran Social Services presents the True Friend Award annually to people or organizations that make significant contributions to the human community, the news release said.
The organization celebrated its 43rd annual True Friend event last month and raised $260,000 for its foster care services. Past award winners have included former U.S. Sen. Paul Simon and Millard Fuller, founder of Habitat for Humanity, the news release said.
Health department to hold Well-Woman event Wednesday
The Will County Health Department will hold its third annual Well-Woman Day from 2 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 13, at the Joliet Chapter of the National Hookup of Black Women, 1705 Richards St., Joliet.
Free health screenings for things such as blood pressure and glucose levels and basic medical evaluations will be provided and educational resources, raffle prizes and giveaways offered, a health department news release said.
Insurance enrollment counselors from the county’s Community Health Center will be on hand to assist with open enrollment for the Affordable Care Act Marketplace. The Will County Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships Collaborative will lead a roundtable discussion on maternal health.
More than 20 local agencies and individuals, including U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood, D-Naperville, are partnering to hold the event.
