The Aurora Historical Society has just released for sale its Vintage Aurora 2025 calendar, with the theme “Downtown Aurora in the Mid-Century Era.”
The calendar features historic photos of Aurora’s downtown from 1948 to 1975, in black and white and color, officials with the Aurora Historical Society said in a press release.
Images include street scenes and closeups of the downtown business center with views on Broadway, River Street, Galena, Downer and Stolp, officials said.
The wall calendar measures 9½ by 12½ inches and features a full-sized photo for each month, plus some smaller images, according to the release.
The calendar sells for $18.95 plus tax and is available in the Museum Shop at the David L. Pierce Art and History Center, 20 E. Downer Place in downtown Aurora. The center and shop are open from noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday
through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.
The calendar is also available at the Tanner House Museum at Oak Avenue and Cedar Street in Aurora during its December holiday hours of 4 to 7 p.m. Fridays and 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays.
For more information, call 630-906-0650.
Kane Forest District to sponsor contest through app
The Forest Preserve District of Kane County is celebrating its 100th anniversary with interactive experiences through the Goosechase app.
From Jan. 1 to June 8, 2025, members of the public can participate in a large-scale, mission-based contest through the app, district officials said.
Participants using the Goosechase app on a smartphone can visit and check-in at Kane County forest preserve natural areas, explore historic sites, answer trivia questions and complete “missions” for a chance to win prizes, according to district officials in a press release.
As missions are completed, participants will earn points, according to the release. The more missions completed, the greater the point total.
At the end of the challenge on June 8, 2025, three individual winners with the top three highest scores will receive prizes. The person in first place will win a $100 Visa gift card, a centennial mug, a district tote, stickers and a frisbee; the second-place finisher will get a $50 Visa gift card, a centennial mug, stickers and a frisbee; while the thrid-place finisher will get a $25 Visa gift card, a centennial mug and stickers.
All participants who remain active and have accumulated at least 50 points will be entered into monthly participation drawings to win a themed gift basket, officials said. At the end of each month, winners will be randomly selected and announced via social media and the Goosechase app, according to the release.
For more information on the program, go to www.kaneforest.com or find the district on social media by searching @forestpreserve.
Annual Bubble Bash to be held at children’s museum
DuPage Children’s Museum’s annual Bubble Bash, a family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration, will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Dec. 31, at the Naperville museum.
Special kids’ activities include designing festive wearable art, creating firework paintings that sparkle, glitter and shine, ringing in the new year with DIY ribbon wands and rings, staying warm while playing in snow and taking home a fun keepsake from the Photo Booth by RGML Entertainment.
Live musical performances by Istvan & His Imaginary Band will be presented at 11 a.m. and 12:15 p.m.
There are three noon countdowns to choose from, one with confetti, a second featuring a bubble shower and a third quieter sensory-friendly option.
Ticket prices are $25 per person for members and $35 for nonmembers. Children under age 1 get in free but still require a ticket, according to the museum website.
For more information or to purchase tickets, go to dupagechildrens.org/family-fun/bubble-bash.
District 308 looking for residents for program
Oswego-based School District 308 is looking for residents who want to actively participate in shaping the district’s strategic plan by hosting a Community Conversation.
These discussions are a vital step in gathering feedback and ideas to create a shared vision for the future of the district’s schools, district officials said in a press release.
Any community member or group is welcome to host a Community Conversation, officials said. Participants will be provided with a template that includes an opening video, questions to discuss and an online tool to record feedback, according to the release.
School District 308 is offering two optional online training sessions for those who want to host a Community Conversation, one from 5 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17, and the other from 8:30 to 9 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 19.
The sessions will provide an overview of the process, tips for facilitators and guidance on using the provided materials, according to the release.
For more information about hosting a Community Conversation, go to www.sd308.org/ourstory.
CASA seeking holiday gifts for foster children
CASA Kane County, which advocates for children in the foster care system, is conducting its annual holiday giving program to ensure that each of the more than 640 children in its foster care system receives a special gift during the holiday season, according to a news release.
Donations of cash, gift cards and new gift items can be donated to the nonprofit organization. Suggested gifts include new toys, games, puzzles, books and items tailored for teenagers, the release said
Financial contributions also help fund the children’s essential needs by covering the cost of such items as hygiene packs, safety equipment and special experiences, including birthday celebrations and driving lessons for older youth.
To make a contribution or host a collection drive, email Rose Dula at RoseD@casakanecounty.org. To make a monetary donation, go to secure.qgiv.com/for/holidaygivingevent.
