Anderson Humane is holding a Wildlife Baby Shower and Open House from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, May 4, at its wildlife center in Elburn, where the group cares for orphaned and injured wild animals.
This is the only day of the year the center is open to the public, a news release said. The free, family-oriented event will include behind-the-scenes tours, educational talks from wildlife experts, wildlife-themed games and crafts, a chance to meet ambassador animals and a bake sale.
Attendees can support wildlife rehab efforts by bringing items from the nonprofit’s baby shower wish list, which can be found at ahconnects.org/event/wildlife-baby-shower.
The center is located in the Elburn Forest Preserve, 45W061 Route 38.
Aurora event to focus on services for seniors
AgeGuide and Senior Services Associates invite the community to join Advocacy Breakfast events – one in Aurora and the other online – to discuss protecting Older Americans Act services like home-delivered meals, transportation and caregiver support, organizers said.
Proposed federal funding cuts and a restructuring plan that dismantles the agency overseeing the Older Americans Act threaten aging services, according to organizers.
“These aren’t just budget lines, they’re lifelines,” said Marla Fronczak, CEO of AgeGuide, in a news release. “When seniors lose Meals on Wheels or home care, hospitalizations and long-term care placements skyrocket. We need every concerned citizen at these events before legislators finalize these harmful decisions.”
An Advocacy Breakfast event is set for 9 to 11 a.m. Monday, May 5, at Senior Services Associates, 2111 Plum St. in Aurora.
From 9 to 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 12, there will be a virtual Advocacy Breakfast.
These breakfasts will feature stories from older adults directly impacted by these services, legislators representing AgeGuide’s eight-county region and more.
Sponsored by AARP Illinois, these collaboratives are an opportunity to engage directly with decision-makers before critical budget deadlines, event organizers said.
Those wanting to attend should register in advance at bit.ly/2025-advocacy-collaboratives or call 630-293-5990.
Program on older drivers set in St. Charles
The St. Charles Public Library will host an informational program called “ThinkFirst for Life!” at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 7, which will focus on ways to prevent injuries among older adult drivers.
Michelle Larsen, project manager for ThinkFirst, will address areas of concern, provide guidance on protecting oneself and offer advice for staying active and independent for as long as possible, according to a press release from the library.
The program at the library, 1 S. Sixth Ave. in St. Charles, will offer information on safe driving practices and tips to reduce the risk of crash-related injuries, the release said.
To register, go to scpld.org or call 630-584-0076.
Airline travelers will need REAL ID or passport starting Wednesday
Travelers 18 and older who want to take a commercial flight anywhere in the U.S. will need to present a REAL ID or passport for verification starting Wednesday, May 7, according to an alert from U.S. Rep. Bill Foster, D-Naperville.
Either of those documents also will be needed to enter some federal facilities and military bases, Foster’s release said.
However, REAL IDs are not be needed to drive, vote or enter state-owned buildings and some federal buildings.
The requirement is a post-9/11 initiative to improve security. It took many years to implement but is now taking effect, the release said.
REAL ID designations on driver’s licenses or identification cards can be obtained at Illinois Secretary of State’s facilities. Recipients must provide several forms of identification in order to obtain the designation.
Information on making an appointment to obtain a license or card can be found at www.ilsos.gov.
