The familiar sounds of mower blades whirr in the distance. A vendor restocks the soda machine under the pavilion. And there’s a chocolate lab pup looking for a game of tug over in the dog park. It looks and feels like a normal Wednesday in mid-May out here, really. But beneath the docile surroundings carpeted… Read More

A “Leah Hayes” Google search generates 55,600 results in .58 seconds. When you swim a 200 freestyle at 2:14.87, and a little later clock a 28.33 in the 50 free, both national age group records at the time, things like that can happen. Especially when you’re 10. A competitive swimmer since age 8, Hayes in… Read More

To the right are three viewing windows that provide a panoramic peek at the action unfolding on nine hardcourts on the other side of the glass. Ahead and off to the left is the full-service pro shop that’s outfitted with logoed racquet bags, shoes and a wide selection of apparel featuring the hottest colors and… Read More

Before impressive credentials like “Monarch Watch Conservation Specialist” and “Master Gardener” became linked to her name … Before her personal garden in 2005 became the first Monarch Waystation in DuPage County to be registered with Monarch Watch … Before the Chicago Tribune dubbed her “Queen of the Monarchs” … Pat Miller grabbed one of her… Read More

If you’re looking to stash money for college; save for that down payment; or simply for “something to do in retirement,” swing by Prisco Community Center on Saturday, March 11 for the Fox Valley Park District’s annual Job Fair. FVPD staff across all departments and facilities will be on hand from 9 a.m. to noon… Read More

The Fox Valley Park District’s annual celebration of everything October, Pumpkin Weekends officially begins Sunday, October 1, at charming Blackberry Farm – the district's 54-year-old living history museum at 100 S. Barnes Rd. in Aurora. The popular monthlong event runs 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays throughout October, along with Indigenous Peoples’/Columbus… Read More

AURORA – The annual Mid-American Canoe & Kayak Race is set for Saturday, June 1, but a recently discovered obstacle in the Fox River has caused race officials at the Fox Valley Park District to relocate one of its launch points. Due to construction on the Island Park pedestrian and railroad bridge that spans the… Read More

He may’ve eluded capture yet again, but the sightings? Oh, they were there – we’ve got the proof. And when the Bigfoot Trail Run 5K returns to the woods and wilderness of Red Oak in North Aurora at 9 a.m. on Saturday, September 28, race enthusiasts of all levels will get another crack at cornering… Read More

A weekday caregiver to five grandkids – a 7-year-old, twin 6s, and a pair of 3-year-old cousins – Aurora resident Becky Burkhalter finds a trusty oasis in Blackberry Farm. “It’s a place that provides sheer joy for the kids,” says Becky, a Blackberry season passholder who’s a safe bet to ‘go live’ on Facebook a… Read More

In life, Dylan Richardson loved walking on his tippy toes. And eating the cream out of Double Stuf Oreos (before hiding the cookie part from mom). And batting around a baseball with his older brothers. And Spider-Man. Oh, how the 7-year-old loved him some Spidey. In death, Dylan continues to play the role of superhero.… Read More