A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Monday to celebrate the opening of SamandaRose Couture, a new fashion boutique at 481 N. Commons Drive in Aurora.
“There’s no better way to kick off Black History Month than by welcoming a new Black-owned business to our city,” said Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin. “But this isn’t just any business. This is a Black-owned business rooted in African heritage, bringing something truly special to Aurora.”
SamandaRose Couture’s owner is Folashade Familola, a Nigerian native and Aurora resident, according to a press release from the city.
“SamandaRose is a blend of my name and my mother’s name,” Familola said in the release. “She was a talented fashion designer, and I learned the art of dressmaking from her. She passed away recently, and every time I create a piece, I feel her presence. This boutique is my way of keeping her spirit alive.”
Sourcing fabrics directly from Nigeria, the boutique offers ready-to-wear and custom-made outfits, accessories and jewelry, with each piece designed to celebrate African craftsmanship and contemporary style, the release said.
Seed Swap planned in St. Charles
The St. Charles Public Library’s annual Seed Swap and Seed Library Kickoff will run from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 15, in the Huntley Community Room at the library, 1 S. Sixth Ave. in St. Charles.
Members of the community can stop by the library to “check out” more than 150 different heirloom seed varieties, free of charge, to grow and enjoy, event organizers said.
Master gardeners at the University of Illinois Extension Office will be on hand to answer any gardening-related questions, library officials said.
All of the seeds available are heirloom or open-pollinated, meaning that once saved and planted again, they will grow into the same type of plant, according to officials.
For more information on the program, call 630-584-0076, Ext. 1.
Kane officials named to Emerging Adults Task Force
The Illinois Judicial Conference has appointed Kane County State’s Attorney Jamie Mosser and Kane County Court Services Executive Director Lisa Aust to its new Emerging Adults Task Force.
Task force members will study and recommend best practices for courts working with adults ages 18 to 24, according to a news release.
“This age group has unique needs and opportunities for rehabilitation that require tailored approaches,” Mosser said in the release.
Aust said in the release that research shows that young people’s brains are “literally” wired differently than mature adults and “we’re looking at this as an opportunity to re-imagine how the courts can work with this group to take into account their thinking and potential for change. It’s an exciting initiative.”
Oswego student in spotlight
In his fourth and final year with East Theatre, which is part of Oswego East High School, one student recently received the opportunity to showcase his talents at the state level, according to a press release from Oswego-based School District 308.
Last month, Cooper Carlisle, a senior at Oswego East High School, performed in the All-State production of “The Prom” at the 49th annual Illinois High School Theater Festival.
“Doing an All-State show was a bucket list item,” Cooper said in the release.
Cooper auditioned for the show over the summer, and once selected as part of the cast, dedicated one weekend out of each month to rehearsals, the release said.
