Aurora News

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Tonight: Meet & Greet with Negro League Baseball Legend, Dennis Biddle!
The City of Aurora, in partnership with Aurora Public Art, Alderman At-Large Will White, Ward 9 Alderman Edward J. Bugg, and Community Advocacy Awareness Network Director, Mary Fultz, will host a meet and greet with Negro League baseball star Dennis Biddle to kick off Black History Month.

Taking place tonight, February 6, at 6 P.M., the event will showcase Biddle’s traveling Negro League Museum, featuring memorabilia such as autographed baseballs, posters, calendars, and bats available in exchange for donations.

Negro League Player, Meet and Greet
Biddle was born in 1935 and graduated from high school at the age of 17 to pursue his dream of playing professional baseball. He joined the Chicago American Giants of the Negro Leagues as a pitcher and finished his rookie season with a record of 15-3. That same year, Biddle beat Gerald “Lefty” McKinnis, one of the few pitchers to beat Satchel Paige, earning him the nickname of “The Man Who Beat The Man Who Beat The Man.”

Biddle pitched one more year in the Negro Leagues before being asked by the Chicago Cubs to try out for the team. On the first day of Spring Training, Biddle broke his leg while sliding into third base, ending his short, but great baseball career. Today, he lives in Milwaukee and travels the country, speaking at schools, colleges, and military bases about the history of the Negro Leagues. Biddle was entered into the Congressional Record as the youngest person to ever play in the Negro Leagues and was also inducted into the Wall of Honor at American Family Field in Milwaukee.

Members of the public are invited to meet Biddle and take photos with him, while learning more about the history behind the Negro Leagues.

We Remember: Aurora Hosts Wreath-Laying Ceremony For 7th Anniversary of Henry Pratt Tragedy
Henry Pratt Remembrance
On the 7th anniversary of the Henry Pratt tragedy, we come together in solemn remembrance of the five souls lost on Friday, February 15, 2019.

With hearts united in reflection, join us for a wreath-laying ceremony as we honor the lives of Russell Beyer, Vicente Juarez, Clayton Parks, Josh Pinkard, and Trevor Wehner.

They will always be the lights that endure beyond the loss.

The ceremony will take place on Sunday, February 15 at 1 P.M. at 44 E. Downer Place.

Reserve Your Seat
Coming Soon: Public Transition Committee Forum!
Join the City of Aurora's Mayor's Office on Saturday, February 21, as they host a community forum, highlighting the findings of the Public Transition Committees.

These Committees were established to help develop community-based recommendations that inform the work of City Departments, and were formed following an in-depth application and vetting process. The five Public Transition Committees are centered on Finance and Responsibility, Sustainability and Development, Housing, Public Safety, and Supporting Youth and Education.

Public Transition Committee
During this public forum, each Public Transition Committee will deliver a high-level, visual presentation that covers each group's individual recommendations and findings. Live Q&A technology and children's activities will be included at the event.

Join us at Waubonsee Community College - 18 S. River Street, from 11 A.M. to 1:30 P.M. on February 21.

Secure Your Spot Today!
Data Center Open House Comes Thursday, February 12
Data Center Open House
Join the City of Aurora for a Data Center Open House on Thursday, February 12 from 5:30 P.M. to 7 P.M. at the new Public Works Facility, located at 2185 Liberty Street.

The event will provide Aurora residents, businesses, and stakeholders with the opportunity to ask questions, voice concerns, and learn about some of the findings and considerations of proposed requirements on future data center development.

RSVP Here!
Aurora African American Heritage Advisory Board Cowherd Scholarship Application Still Open!
Cowherd Scholarship
Applications are still open for the African American Heritage Advisory Board Annual Henry Cowherd Scholarship.

AAHAB provides annual scholarships to college-bound Aurora residents who are of African American descent. The scholarship is named in honor of trailblazing Auroran Dr. Henry Cowherd, and the recipients of the scholarships are deemed Cowherd Scholars.

AAHAB has provided more than $100,000 in scholarships to young scholars from Aurora! Applications are now open for this year’s Cowherd Scholarship and must be submitted by February 10!

To learn more about scholarship criteria and to access the application, click on the link below!

AAHAB Scholarship
Join the Indian American Community Outreach Advisory Board!
Indian Heritage Board
The Indian American Community Outreach Board is looking to seek multiple vacancies!

Joining the Board helps to embrace and preserve the heritage and contributions of Indian Americans, while promoting civic engagement and encouraging Indian Americans to increase their involvement in Aurora's growth.

Click on the link below to apply!

Apply Today!
Job Fair Alert!
Looking for a seasonal job? Or know someone who is? We've got you covered!

The City of Aurora is hosting a job fair on Monday, February 16, from 10 A.M. to 2 P.M. at the Phillips Park Visitor Center for seasonal positions available at Phillips Park Golf Course, Phillips Park Zoo, and Parks and Recreation.

This event is a great chance to meet with the hiring supervisors and HR personnel, learn more about available seasonal positions and job qualifications, and ask questions about what it's like to work with our team.

Seasonal Job Fair
We encourage anyone interested in a seasonal employment opportunity with the City of Aurora to attend this event! Registration is recommended, however walk-ins will be accommodated as space allows.

Register Now!
Stay Informed at TextAurora.com
Text Aurora
Subscribe to Aurora’s text alert service!

Stay up to date on all things taking place within the City of Aurora by signing up for the City’s new text alert service!

You can receive alerts about events, warming shelter notifications, snow operations, and much more.

Sign Up Today at TextAurora.com!
NOW EXTENDED: Illinois EPA Electric Vehicle Rebate Application!
EV Rebate Program
The Illinois EPA has continued its electric vehicle rebate application cycle, providing up to $2,000 for a new or used electric vehicle. Low-income applicants are eligible for an additional $2,000, leading to a total rebate of $4,000. The rebate amount for an electric motorcycle is $1,500.

Applicants must apply for the rebate during an open rebate cycle and within 180-days of vehicle purchase using the application forms available on this webpage. Rebates are only available as long as funds are available in the EV Rebate fund.

View the application and instructions through the button below.

EV Rebate Application
Community Spotlight: Northern Illinois Food Bank
Northern Illinois Food Bank’s mission is to provide nutritious food and resources for our neighbors—with dignity, equity, and convenience through partnerships and innovation. Since 1983, they have worked diligently to improve nutritious food access and increase food security for neighbors across 13 counties. Through the collaboration of over 900 network members, dedicated staff, volunteers, and food and monetary donors, they serve over half a million neighbors every month and distributed over 90 million meals in FY24.

Food Bank
Meals on the Move helps to ensure all kids have access to healthy food this summer. Dorothy and her energetic twin grandsons, who came to Plum Park to eat lunch and play, got to benefit from the well-balanced boxed lunches handed out to kids in attendance on Meals on the Move. Bingo cards and prizes are part of the free meal, with no registration required. For Dorothy and her grandsons, the opportunity to get out and play while enjoying a nutritious, free meal was wonderful.

“I need a lot more food on the days I watch them...the boys love the strawberries. So being able to come to come here for their lunch is great,” said Dorothy.

Food Bank Story
Learn More about Meals on Wheels, Friday Fresh Market, and More
Aurora Eats: Giardino Trattoria & Pizzeria
Giardino Trattoria & Pizzeria - where comfort, sharing, and celebration create the perfect ambiance for your next meal!

Join us as we take a stroll down to one of our favorite Italian spots here in Aurora and learn about the intentional flavors that come together to create a menu that never disappoints.

To learn more about Giardino's offerings and to make a reservation, visit https://www.eatatgiardino.com!

Giardino Trattoria and Pizzeria
Watch Aurora Eats!