Downtown Auroran www.downtownauroran.com
Growing up in Aurora, I’d hear about all of these wonderful places that helped people. They were all sort of a mystery to me then, but I knew that they were there, and that was a comfort.
When I ended up in Marie Wilkinson’s house as a young girl, I saw firsthand the kindness and generosity of one person. Now, I see that same golden human spirit shining out through many in the community. They’re friends, coworkers, business owners, and strangers, and they all have a big heart. One of the biggest hearts in Aurora belongs to Sarah Hipp, an employee at Mutual Ground. Hipp is tireless in her efforts to promote fundraisers and other activities that support Mutual Ground, a community mainstay that works towards ending domestic violence and providing safety for those affected by abuse. Hipp shows up to nearly every Downtown Aurora Arts Mixer (DAAM) with fliers for the next Mutual Ground happening. In May, Hipp helped to organize Rock Out Against Rape (ROAR). The successful event filled the tavern at Two Brothers Roundhouse, but no sooner did the bands leave the stage than Hipp, along with other Mutual Ground employees and volunteers, rallied for Walk a Mile in Her Shoes, their next fundraiser. People with big hearts never stop. They never stop giving their time; they never stop caring. Lucky for us, the Aurora area is full of big hearts and open arms.
Marissa Amoni Founder, Publisher and Editor Kelmscott Communications Graphic Design Tony Scott Copy Editor Kate Purl Frank Patterson Contributors Advertising and Submissions: (630) 674-2099 m@downtownauroran.com Cover by Mike Mancuso; cover photo by Monique Jimenez Blind contour portraits by Chris Evans, Warehouse Escape Plan Downtown Auroran (DTA) is a local, independent operation. We promote and support local arts and culture while advocating for a vibrant downtown. DTA is published quarterly and distributed free of charge throughout downtown and select locations in the Aurora area. DTA is printed in Aurora, Ill. by Kelmscott Communications.
In this issue, we’ve picked 26 local organizations that make our city a better place. Whether it’s covering up a tattoo or providing a bed for a night, these nonprofits “do good” in our community.
Join us on Facebook! Please support the businesses that support us. Keep it local!
Maybe you’ll find a perfect fit for the big heart in you.
Copyrighted 2015
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Summer 2015
aurora. it’s an artwalk on the first friday of the month. a night of art. free. lots of food, music and fun. theatre and live performances. meet artists and see their work. eat at local restaurants. visit downtown businesses, museums and galleries. it’s an artwalk on the first friday of the month. a night of art. free. lots of food, music and fun. theatre and live performances. pop-up art galleries in downtown aurora. support local. art. music. food. fun. it’s an artwalk on the first friday of the month. pop-up art galleries in downtown aurora. visit downtown businesses, museums and galleries. it’s an artwalk on the first friday of the month. support local. meet artists and see their work. buy a piece of local art. it’s an artwalk on the first friday of the month. free. pop-up art galleries in downtown aurora. lots of food, music free. it’s artwalk the first June 5, July 3, an Aug. 7 &onSept. 4 friday of the month. pop-up art galleries in downtown aurora. eat. shop. support local. a night of art. lots of food, music and fun. free. visit downtown businesses. & see their work. popmusicand door artists support local. meets Out up art galleries olley rides.aurora. a night of art. freeintrdowntown free. lots of food, music and fun. meet artists and see their work. a night of art. free. lots of food, music and fun. visit downtown businesses. a night of art. lots of food, music and fun. free. visit downtown businesses. support local. meets artists and see their work. pop-
index
c over st ory
DOING GOOD Our local non-profit list. page
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features page
9
A r t i s t P ro f i l e By Frank Patterson
www.auroradowntown.com
Historical Notes
page
13
Wayside Rescue Mission: The Vision Continues Table of Contents
Summer 2015
4 comic
10 recipe
5 locust report
11 downtown voices
6 cover story
13 historical notes
9 artist profile
15 culture shock
Downtown Auroran
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Featured in The Pizza Issue of Downtown Auroran Magazine! On the corner of New York and Lake Street in downtown Aurora
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Downtown Auroran
Summer 2015
The L o c u st R ep o r t Reporting the News and Gossip in Downtown Aurora Emergent is the latest pop-up gallery to open in downtown Aurora. The gallery is the brainchild of Kit and Jason Sunderland, who hope to open Emergent in various vacant spaces throughout downtown Aurora on First Fridays. Kit, who is a resident artist at New Hites Studios, displayed her work along with a variety of local artists in May at 14 W. Downer Pl. Suite 16. Emergent will again occupy the space in June before moving on to other overlooked spaces and acting as an impetus in the renaissance of downtown.
A list to like on Facebook: Emergent, Blue Bird Beat, AKA Dance
Martin Soto’s Künstlerhaus moved to 114 S. River St. where Soto continues his vision of a gallery and cultural center in downtown Aurora. Soto, an Aurora artist who helped launch New Hites Studios and Gallery, currently holds classes in the space as well as First Fridays openings. Künstlerhaus is part of the Soto Art Project, which Soto founded with a mission to promote and facilitate a cultural dialogue, and nurture the creativity and growth of talented local artists and artisans. This spring, Jerod Powell invited folks to grab their bicycles and head out on the trails. Powell began the Saturday morning events with the support of River’s Edge Café and All Spoked Up. On the second and fourth Saturday of the month, Powell and others meet at 14 W. Downer Pl. to Bike the Fox. If all went according to plan, then Blue Bird Beat is now serving up hot coffee and other concoctions at 7 S. Stolp Ave. The coffee shop run by Karademas Management is located on the ground floor of the historic Leland Tower. Mayor Tom Weisner officially announced that he will not seek reelection come 2017. Weisner, 65, is serving his third term as Aurora’s mayor. Meanwhile, State Representative Linda Chapa LaVia announced that she is considering a bid for mayor. Chef Amaury at 33 West is saying goodbye this summer. The much loved upscale restaurant on Restaurant Row will shutter at the end of June. Proprietor Amaury Rosado said it was time to focus on his well-being and put his passion into other projects. Tentatively, a gastropub run by Chef Amaury’s sous chef is planned for the space. Whether you will call it the Santori Library or the Aurora Public Library, the new library is officially opening at 101 S. River St. on June 15. A grand opening is planned for June 14. The old library closed on May 23. Speculation is that the building at 1 E. Benton St. could become an Indian or Hindu cultural center, but that has not been confirmed. A new dance studio is opening in the ground floor of the Metropolitan Business College building at 14 W. Downer Pl. in the location that formerly housed Business Solutions. AKA Dance is opening up in that location in July, but look for them a couple doors down in Suite 16 during the month of June. Summer 2015
An Existential Epiphany in the Middle of the Night By Daniel Cox
Daniel Cox, 38, is a professional recruiter and parttime artist in Aurora. Cox is mostly self-taught and draws inspiration from local artists as well as greats like Pollock, Picasso, Dali, and Clyfford Still.
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[
VOLUNTEER-SEEKING, ORGANIZING, BIG-HEARTED, AND BOLD, THESE AURORA AREA NON-PROFITS STAND OUT WITH THE GOOD WORKS THEY ARE DOING IN THE COMMUNITY.
]
Fox Valley United Way★ EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: MICHAEL
MEYER
YEARS IN OPERATION: 93 MISSION STATEMENT: To
measurably improve lives in the communities we serve.
ANIMAL THAT BEST REPRESENTS US: Great
whale. It’s said to represent communication, physical and emotional healing, peaceful strength, wisdom and compassion.
TOP VOLUNTEER: JOHN WU WAYS THE COMMUNITY CAN HELP US: Fox
Valley United Way supports 52 non-profit agencies in Kane and Kendall Counties. Donating money or volunteering is the best way to help us.
Mission Possible★ PRESIDENT AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: GARY OPERATING SINCE: February
BAER
2012
MISSION STATEMENT: Our
Mutual Ground BOARD PRESIDENT: ANDI
DANIS
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: MICHELLE
MEYER
YEARS IN OPERATION: 40 MISSION STATEMENT: To provide education, awareness, and life-changing services that empower individuals, families, and communities to end the cycle of domestic and sexual violence ANIMAL THAT BEST REPRESENTS US: A TOP VOLUNTEER: FANNIE
bird in flight
ANIMAL THAT BEST REPRESENTS US: Lion
MORRISON
WAYS THE COMMUNITY CAN HELP US: The community can help us by donating online on our
web-site at mutualground.org. They can also help us by spreading awareness about the seriousness of domestic and sexual violence and how people can get help at Mutual Ground 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This can be done by attending events, liking us on Facebook, and sharing posts, and/or volunteering at Mutual Ground.
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mission is to holistically meet human needs in Christ’s name through two primary mechanisms. One, we offer free healthcare services for those who are completely uninsured and unable to afford care elsewhere. The primary services include medical, dental, vision, and orthopedic care. Second, we offer a safe gathering place for men in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. We guide and equip these men as they seek to live a life transformed by Christ while becoming productive members of society.
Downtown Auroran
TOP VOLUNTEER: JULI
PEALSTROM
WAYS THE COMMUNITY CAN HELP US: Volunteer
or
donate at onjesusmission.org.
Summer 2015
Here is a list of our favorite “do good” non-profits (in alphabetical order).
Association for Individual Development For over 50 years, the Association for Individual Development (AID) has provided services to individuals who have developmental, physical and/or mental disabilities. They partner with the community to provide meaningful work, residential services, and more. the-association.org
Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry Since 1981, the pantry helps to put food on many tables in the Fox Valley. The year-round pantry is always busy collecting non-perishable food donations; they are currently in need of breakfast cereal. aurorafoodpantry.org
CASA Kane County CASA stands for “court appointed special advocates” and are now appointed to all child abuse and neglect cases in Juvenile Court as well as all private guardianship cases involving minors in Probate Court. casakanecounty.org
Communities in Schools (CIS) Through counseling, afterschool programs, and multiple community resources, CIS empowers students to stay in school and achieve in life. aurora. communitiesinschools.org
Culture Stock
★
It’s more than a welcoming bookstore in downtown Aurora; Culture Stock is a community cultural center. Visit the bookstore for storytime, family game nights, and live music every Monday night.
Family Counseling Service of Aurora/Big Brothers Big Sisters★ Family Counseling Service aims to strengthen the community by providing community mental health services and therapy to adults and children. Big Brothers Big Sisters makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers “Bigs” and children “Littles”, ages 6 through 12. aurorafcs.org
Family Focus Aurora From teen mother support to citizenship classes, Family Focus provides a plethora of services to help strengthen and support families. family-focus.org
Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity ReStore ReStore’s mission is to raise funds for Habitat for Humanity by selling donated building materials, furniture and gently used items needed to build, repair or improve a home; the profits go directly to support the Fox Valley Habitat for
Humanity in its mission to build affordable housing. foxvalleyrestore.org
low-income homeowners in Aurora. Since 1993, RTA has renovated over 600 homes. rtaaurora.org
Fox Valley Music Foundation
Simply Destinee★
Comprised of music lovers, music educators, arts enthusiasts, and other music folks, the foundation seeks to preserve, promote, and protect local music while supporting Blues on the Fox and providing music education to people of all ages and from all walks of life. foxvalleymusicfoundation.com
Martin Luna began Simply Destinee, a youth inspired dance team, to promote suicide awareness in memory of his niece, Destinee A. Oliva. simplydestinee.com
Fox Valley Orchestra The Fox Valley Orchestra is a not-for-profit cultural organization whose purpose is to provide fine musical performances for people of all ages as well as educational opportunities for youth. Their El Sistema program brings strings to schools. foxvalleyorchestra.org
Fox Valley Special Recreation Association An extension of area park districts, Fox Valley Special Recreation Association (FVSRA) was formed in 1976 to provide a diverse range of year round recreational activities to enable residents with disabilities to experience active, healthy, and playful lifestyles. fvsra.org
Hesed House Aurora’s Hesed House is much more than a homeless shelter; the shelter offers a variety of programs to get people back on their feet, as well as homeless prevention services. Taking a tour of Hesed House is an amazingly eye-opening experience. hesedhouse.org
SPARK★ SPARK (Strong, Prepared And Ready for Kindergarten) is United Way’s early childhood initiative, in partnership with the city of Aurora and local School Districts 129, 131, 204 and 308. sparkaurora.org
Suicide Prevention Services Located in Batavia, Suicide Prevention Services was born out of work that executive director Stephanie Weber started in Aurora. A 24-hour hotline, counseling, and other services continue to save lives. spsamerica.org
Triple Threat Mentoring★ Triple Threat is about sharing passion and building relationships to help fight poverty by helping at-risk youth. It’s grown beyond the original triple threat of art, athletics, and academics. triplethreat.org
VNA Health Care A staple in the community, VNA provides accessible healthcare and preventive services to everyone. Special programs offer mammograms to women and vision services to children. vnahealth.com
World Relief★
INK 180 Chris Baker’s INK 180 in Oswego transforms painful, permanent reminders into beautiful art by covering gang and human trafficking tattoos. ink180.com
The Light of the Heart★ Art can heal. Just ask Melissa Hedlund who started The Light of the Heart a few years back. Hedlund and her team provide art therapy and counseling for all ages; she brings her mobile art therapy program to wherever it’s needed. thelightoftheheart.org
Serving DuPage and Aurora, World Relief joins with churches and volunteers to serve refugees and immigrants so they may become fullyfunctioning, integrated participants in society. worldreliefdupage.org
YWCA Aurora The YWCA Aurora seeks to eliminate racism and empower women and youth through programs that educate and inspire, such as financial workshops and social-justice film screenings. ywcaaurora.org
Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry Marie Wilkinson, an advocate for human and civil rights, lives on through her good deeds, one of them being the food pantry and another being a child-care center. mariewilkinsonfoodpantry.org
Rebuilding Together Aurora Rebuilding Together Aurora (RTA) provides free home repairs and accessibility modifications for
WANT TO VOLUNTEER? United Way teamed up with Aurora University to bring you Volunteer Fox Valley, the area’s first Virtual Volunteer Center. Visit
www.volunteerfoxvalley.org.
★ Located in downtown Aurora
Summer 2015
Downtown Auroran
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Auroran Words Strung By Ink
Be the light and let it shine through Hold hands, just your lover and you Stop hiding and venture to seek Keep pushing on, when you’re tired and weak Listen to music like it’s performed only for you Find serenity when you have a million things to do Be a fighter and never drop your guard Find purpose in life no matter how hard
By Mike Thoma The tip reaches down below, He runs with inevitability, The tip reaches down below, Hand to hand with futility. Midnight floods the surface, Breath held eyes closed tight, Midnight floods the surface, Fatigued he forfeits the fight.
Leo Zarko is a 53-year-old Aurora native who enjoys the arts and supporting the advancement of the local arts community. Zarko writes poetry and children’s books, and he is a big music fan
And he’s strung, White knuckles gripped on his lungs. A portrait of the afterlife, Perfected with the color strife. And he’s strung Strung by ink.
The Good Cows By Tricia Marcella Cimera The sun fades and the Wisconsin path twists, when with a start, I see through the gloom, something glowing, close by.
The pen dances, He unwillingly mocks, The hands spin trances, Upon the faceless clocks. His heart bleeds through his ears, His teeth fall from his eyes, Rear view reflections dance beyond mirrors, Seismic apparitions of every shape and size.
Cows in a pasture standing quietly, as I pass by them, in the gathering, growing darkness.
And the tip reaches down below, As midnight floods the surface, Raining ash as snow, Boiling epiphanies escape the furnace.
Gentle cows looking over their shoulders past white flanks shining, lighting the unfamiliar way.
Time does not exist, Regret does not desist. His eyelids erased he is unable to blink, Because he is strung, Strung by ink. Michael Thoma is a 27-year-old software developer for McDonald’s Corporation in Oakbrook; he lives in Aurora. Thoma is a fitness nut with an unfortunate addiction to candy.
Find Purpose By Leo Zarko Gather strength, from all that you love Embrace any chance to rise above Be a sculptor or just finger-paint Kiss so intensely, you could almost faint Fly high and notice the curvature of the earth Forgive yourself and start over like birth Move forward and leave the past behind Discover inner peace then open your mind 8
Cows milky-white and full, mother-like, round like the moon beaming. And I think, What a fine thing they are so kind to one passing by. And I bow low to these good cows. After a moment, they low in return. Tricia Marcella Cimera lives in St. Charles and works at a 103-yearold company in Aurora. Cimera is a newbie to the Waterline Writers community in Batavia. In addition to writing poems, Cimera has mastered the art of typing extremely fast, as well as driving stick shift.
Downtown Auroran
Summer 2015
A rt is t P r o file DTA Profile: Gerardo R. Madrigal Interview by Frank Patterson
FACES COVER THE WALLS of Gerardo R. Madrigal’s downtown Aurora studio. They are faces Madrigal has painted over the years. Predominantly, they are human faces, but there are two paintings of mandrills – one, calm; the other, angry. Madrigal explained that these represent the different natures found in man or animals: the advanced and thoughtful; and the primitive and savage. Madrigal, 28, was born and raised in Aurora. Madrigal excels in portraiture, though he has an interest in painting Mexican landscapes and would like to work in sculpture one day. “When I paint a portrait, I hope to capture more than just a photographic likeness of my subjects. I want people to see my portraits and feel the essence of the subject,” Madrigal said.
to be a good place to paint, because it is laid back and there’s less attention paid to time there. Upon returning to the U.S., he completed about 19 more.
He easily names artists who have influenced him, including the great masters: Degas, Picasso, Rembrandt, and Van Gogh. He also names local artists, who have inspired him. He admires the work of Aurora artist David Hettinger, but Juan Sepulveda is the one who has influenced his career enough to be named by Madrigal as “my rival.” Madrigal and Sepulveda have known each other since they attended East Aurora High School. The two have challenged each other in a friendly rivalry ever since. “It’s like Picasso and Matisse,” Madrigal said of the rivalry. “They influenced and they motivated each other.” While a student at East High, Madrigal was unclear of his future path. His art teacher, Tony Iniguez, advised him to choose a discipline on which to focus, adding that he would do well in the fine arts. Madrigal chose to focus on painting. After graduation, he devoted a year to painting before going to college. At his grandparents’ ranch in Mexico, Madrigal completed six paintings. Madrigal found Mexico Summer 2015
Those completed works were some of the images he submitted with his application to the Savannah College of Art and Design, where Sepulveda also studied. After being accepted to the college, Madrigal was awarded a full-ride scholarship. Since being back in Aurora, Madrigal frequently shows his art in the Aurora community. Madrigal was part of Hecho en Aurora along Water Street Mall; he shows often at The ArtBar, and he and Sepulveda held a twoman show in 2013 at VARA Design. Periodically, he also opens his studio at 52 W. Downer Pl. to the public during First Fridays in Downtown Aurora. With First Fridays, Madrigal said, “People are getting educated on art. You’re developing the artists and you’re developing art collectors, as well.” Currently, Madrigal is working on a larger-than-normal piece for Emergent, a pop-up gallery in downtown Aurora. The painting is of La India Maria, a comical character based on an indigenous Mexican woman portrayed by actress and comedienne María Elena Velasco, who died in May. “I found inspiration in her character, for she brought millions of people laughter and happiness. If I can capture a glimpse of what she stood for then I will be very pleased,” he said.
Downtown Auroran
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Summer Raspberry Mousse Contributed by The Reluctant Hippie Summer desserts are as simple as putting out a bowl of whatever is in season. But sometimes, you need a little fancy in your world. This treat is a fantastic way to end a summer meal—cool, seasonal, and not too sweet. This mousse is light and airy, and full of yummy raspberries.
Ingredients:
2 cups fresh raspberries (or thawed frozen berries) cup sugar 1 T fresh lemon juice cup cold water 2 tsp. unf lavored gelatin (or vegan substitute such as agar powder) 1 cup half & half
Method:
I See You By Kit Sunderland
Kit Sunderland is a fine artist with a studio in downtown Aurora in the New Hites Studios. Besides art, Kit is obsessed with Muppets, Star Wars, and overall geekdom. She has been an exhibiting artist since 1995. kitsunderland.com
Puree raspberries in the food processor. Press the puree through a strainer to remove seeds. Stir in sugar and lemon juice, and then set aside. Pour the water into a small saucepan, then sprinkle gelatin over the water. Turn the burner to low; stir until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Stir gelatin into the raspberry mixture, then refrigerate until it thickens (start checking around 45 minutes— you do NO T want the gelatin to set). Remove from the refrigerator and beat it on high speed until the raspberries get foamy. Gradually add the half & half, then continue beating until the mixture thickens (2-3 more minutes should do the trick). Spoon the mixture into cups and refrigerate at least 1 hour until the mousse is completely set. Serves six. Kate Purl whips up creative and healthful recipes for her family of four on a regular basis and chronicles the fun on her blog: thereluctanthippie.wordpress.c om.
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Downtown Auroran
Summer 2015
D ow n t ow n V o ic es Poverty Awareness Project With Alexander Garza These images convey the poverty within Aurora, Illinois, and the many struggles the subjects face on a day-to-day basis. I’ve become intrigued with understanding and helping people in similar, disadvantaged situations. Several compositional techniques are being applied to display these images as strongly and as accurately as possible. Being influenced through similar works done by Paul D’Amato and Dawoud Bey, I attempt to exhibit an even deeper look into poverty from the perspectives of my subjects. A lot of questions are asked as to why poverty exists and it is often assumed to be due to lack of employment. After getting a firsthand look into the situation at hand, I now know it’s important to understand that poverty stems from a number of issues like addiction, mental health conditions, misled youth and rehabbing humans discouraged by lack of opportunities. When thinking that could be you or someone you love, we must ask ourselves, “Is looking away the right thing to do?”
Alexander “Kino” Garza Garza was born and raised in Aurora. He is a photography student at Waubonsee Community College.
Summer 2015
Downtown Auroran
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Hi s t o r ic a l N o t e s Wayside Rescue Mission: The Vision Continues By Marissa Amoni
In early 1928, the Ministerial Alliance in
activities, as they grew, demanded more assistance and there have been many who have felt the call to serve.”
Aurora instructed a committee, chaired by Rev. Joseph Clare, “to look into the advisability of opening a rescue mission” in the city. The inspiration came from a sixweek revival in Aurora conducted by Billy Sunday in 1927.
Soon there was a ministry of music, Sunday school, jail work, and more as the Mission took on other interests and those of “poor mothers and their children.” Over the years, the Mission grew beyond its size, expanding to multiple buildings in the 200 block of New York Street.
According to an article in a 1937 edition of the Aurora Beacon News, the committee visited missions in other cities and came back with enthusiasm for the project. The various pastors from the Ministerial Wayside Cross Rescue Mission’s Board of Directors circa 1938. Alliance then appointed representatives from their congregations, and the group of over 50 met at the YMCA to consider the project. In 1994, the board In June 1928, the Wayside Cross Rescue Mission was born. The vision was to feed the hungry, cloth the naked, shelter the sojourner, and visit the imprisoned.
The first superintendent was Charles “Uncle Charlie” Wieand. His wife suggested the name Wayside Cross Rescue Mission as the official name for the newly established mission in Aurora. “Uncle Charlie” with the help of his assistant, Alton J. Crouse, preached and practiced “soup, soap, and salvation,” to and for the needy coming into the mission for help. Supporting Uncle Charlie was Axel F. Erikson, first president of the board of Wayside. With Uncle Charlie at the helm, many services were initiated such as a jail ministry and clubs for boys and girls. During the Depression, the Industrial Department was started to provide useful work for men. After Wieand died in 1937, Crouse assumed the position of superintendent with his assistant, Paul Zimmerman. Initially, the doors of the Mission were open to provide spiritual and material help to the growing numbers of transient men in downtown Aurora. During the first nine years, 450,000 meals were served, 64,000 beds furnished, and 54,000 garments and shoes were issued. As Wieand wrote in the 1937 article, “All of these Summer 2015
In 1993, the Mission opened up the Hope Chest, a resale store at 36 N. Lincoln Ave. Just recently, they acquired Sweet Charity Resale at 3450 Montgomery Rd. in Aurora.
of directors voted to change the name from Wayside Cross Rescue Mission to Wayside Cross Ministries to reflect the organizational restructuring of Wayside Cross that now included six individual but interdependent ministries: Master’s Touch, Lifespring, New Life Corrections, Urban Youth Ministry, Hope Outreach, and Wayside Center. The Lifespring women’s ministry moved to its College Avenue location in 1999. In October 2013, construction started on a 47,000-square-foot building on New York Street. The building will house new living quarters for the Master’s Touch residents, improved teaching and counseling areas, as well as offices and meeting spaces for the executive staff and administration. Thanks to Aurora Historical Society and Wayside Cross for providing historical information.
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Repainted By Jason DeLancey
Jason DeLancey is a good guy on the West Side. DeLancey is a frequent contributor to The ArtBar and a regular at DAAM.
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Downtown Auroran
Summer 2015
C u l tu r e S h o c k JUNE AURORA FARMERS MARKET Sat June 6 to Oct 17 from 8 to noon Fresh produce, food demonstrations, crafts, music, and more. Aurora Transportation Center, 233 N. Broadway. aurora-il.org MID-AMERICAN CANOE & KAYAK RACE Sun June 7 from 9 to 3 Paddle down the Fox River from St. Charles or Batavia to Aurora. Ends at McCullough Park at Illinois Ave. and Lake St. (630) 966-4527. foxvalleyparkdistrict.org AURORA GREENFEST—FESTIVAL ECOLOGICO Sat June 13 from 10 to 4 Kids Eco-Village, Local Market and Trade Show brings common sense solutions to renew Fox River Valley. Prisco Community Center, 150 W. Illinois Ave. auroragreenfest.org NEW LIBRARY GRAND OPENING Sun June 14 from 1 to 5 Celebrate the opening of the Richard and Gina Santori Public Library. Free. Aurora Public Library, 101 S. River St. aurorapubliclibrary.org BLUES ON THE FOX:TROMBONE SHORTY & MAVIS STAPLES Fri June 19 from 6 to 10 and Sat June 20 from 2 to 10 Enjoy two days of the Blues at Aurora’s new outdoor amphitheater and park. RiverEdge Park, Aurora. riveredgeaurora.com STORYTIME AT THE CAFE Mon June 22 at 11 The Aurora Public Library hosts an off-site storytime for children with books, dancing, and fun, plus a free cookie. Free. River’s Edge Cafe, 14 W. Downer, Ste. 18. No reg. needed. aurorapubliclibrary.org TWO BROTHERS SUMMER FESTIVAL: DAWES & JASON ISBELL Fri June 26 thru Sun June 28 Three days of live music and great beer. Two Brothers Roundhouse, 205 N. Broadway. twobrothersbrewing.com
JULY 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION AND FIREWORKS Fri July 3 from 5 to 10 Celebrate the 4th with plenty of festivities at RiverEdge Park or McCullough Park in Aurora. Free. aurora-il.org 4TH OF JULY PARADE Sat July 4 at 10 Watch the streets of downtown come alive in a sea of red, white, and blue. Step off at River and Benton streets. aurora-il.org DOWNTOWN ALIVE! ONE OF THESE NIGHTS, COWBOY JUKEBOX Fri July 17 at 7:30 A tribute to the Eagles. $3. RiverEdge Park. riveredgeaurora.com AURORA HERO CON Sat July 18 from 11 to 4 Fun with superheroes; drawing class, costume parade, and more. Free. Aurora Public Library, 101 S. River St. aurorapubliclibrary.org
Summer 2015
THE BAZAAR ON WATER ST. Sat July 18 from 2 to 8 Artists will be displaying and selling original works and wares. Presented by The ArtBar. Water Street Mall. auroraartbar.com STORYTIME AT THE CAFE Mon July 20 at 11 The Aurora Public Library hosts an off-site storytime for children with books, dancing, and fun, plus a free cookie. Free. River’s Edge Cafe, 14 W. Downer, Ste. 18. No reg. needed. aurorapubliclibrary.org AURORA PUERTO RICAN FESTIVAL AND PARADE Sat July 25 & Sun July 26 at 11 Celebrate over 40 years of Puerto Rican pride! Parade is Sunday at noon at Benton and Broadway. RiverEdge Park. (630) 631-9270. auroraprcc.org SHAKESPEARE ON THE MALL:TWELTH NIGHT Sat July 25 at 7 It’s fun, family-friendly Shakespeare under the stars. Fast-paced with lots of action. Midsummer Theatre Troupe, Water Street Mall. riverfrontplayhouse.com
AUGUST ON THE WALL Sun Aug 2 from noon to 6 A daytime, outdoor celebration of hip hop culture and urban art produced by Culture Stock and Them Bad Apples. Water Street Mall, Aurora TEEN TALENT SHOW COMPETITION Sat Aug 8 at 2 Seventh annual teen talent show sponsored by Aurora Public Library Teen Librarians. Free. Copley Theatre, 8 E. Galena Blvd. aurorapubliclibrary.org LOUCHE PUCE FLEA MARKET Sat Aug 15 from 9 to 4 Just once this summer, vendors of all things cool will fill up the pedestrian brick alley known as Water Street Mall. Peruse antiques, collectibles, and more. Water Street Mall between Downer and Galena. louchepuce@gmail.com STORYTIME AT THE CAFE Mon Aug 17 at 11 The Aurora Public Library hosts an off-site storytime for children with books, dancing, and fun, plus a free treat. Free. River’s Edge Cafe, 18 W. Downer. aurorapubliclibrary.org AUTO ROW CAR SHOW Sun Aug 23 from 11 to 3 Annual auto show on historic LaSalle Street open to cars 1975 and older. Spectators are free. LaSalle St. between Benton St. and Downer Pl. lasalle-auto-row.org
LIMITED RUNS & SHOWINGS LATIN JAZZ OCCURRENCE 5 Thru July 11 The Aurora Public Art Commission exhibit welcomes local and global artists inspired by jazz to the 3rd floor of The DLP. Open Wed-Sat, noon to 4. Free. David L. Pierce Art & History Center, 20 E.Downer Pl. (630) 906-0650. aurora-il.org
Downtown Auroran
SAVING HISTORY: A LIVE MURAL RESTORATION New exhibit Part of the “WPA Art in Aurora” exhibit by the Aurora Public Art Commission; art conservator Scott Sherwood is restoring a 12-foot section of West Aurora High School’s historic mural “The History of Writing and the Alphabet.” Open Wed-Sat, noon to 4. Free. David L. Pierce Art & History Center, 20 E.Downer Pl. (630) 906-0650. aurora-il.org THE AURORA STORY Continuing The Aurora Historical Society exhibit on the 2nd floor of The DLP tells the history of Aurora with vintage treasures and more. Open Wed-Sat, noon to 4. Free. David L. Pierce Art & History Center, 20 E.Downer Pl. (630) 906-0650. aurorahistory.net ART AT CITY HALL Thru Jan 16 Aurora’s City Hall features works of art on every floor. Open Mon-Fri, 8-5. City Hall, 44 E. Downer Pl. aurora-il.org RIVERFRONT PLAYHOUSE “Better Late” thru June 27; “Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean” opens Aug 21 Riverfront Playhouse, 11-13 Water Street Mall, is a 90-seat, not-forprofit theatre located next to City Hall on the Water Street Mall in downtown Aurora. $12$15. (630) 897-9496. Reservations recommended. riverfrontplayhouse.com
ONGOING EVENTS M.U.S.I.C. MONDAYS Mondays from 6 to 7 Free, live music every Monday night. Culture Stock, 43 E. Galena Blvd. M.U.S.I.C. on Facebook. CLASSIC MOVIE MONDAYS Mondays at 7 Great, classic movies every Monday. $1. Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd. paramountaurora.com AURORA GREEN DRINKS Second Tuesday of the month at 6:30 An environmentally-friendly mixer. Ballydoyle Pub. Sponsored by Green Buddha Life. greenbuddhalife.com DAAM! First Thursday of the month at 8 Join artists of all kinds at the informal Downtown Aurora Arts Mixers. Various locations. Sponsored by Downtown Auroran Magazine. downtownauroran.com FIRST FRIDAYS IN DOWNTOWN AURORA: JUNE 5, JULY 3, AUG 7 First Friday of the month Art is alive in downtown Aurora. Enjoy several art openings in one glorious night. Various venues in downtown, including If These Walls Could Talk, Paramount’s Grand Gallery, New Hites Studios, Yetee Gallery, Allen and Pepa Architects, The DLP, and The ArtBar at Two Brothers Roundhouse. auroradowntown.com
Need more art and culture?
Visit downtownauroran.com and click on Marissa’s Calendar for all the best local events.
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GET YOUR SUMMER ON 2015 SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
JUNE 13 BODEANS JUNE 19-20 19TH ANNUAL BLUES ON THE FOX FRIDAY: North Mississippi Allstars, Royal Southern Brotherhood SATURDAY: Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Mavis Staples, Otis Taylor Band, Moreland & Arbuckle
JULY 3 FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION Aurora American Legion Band, Fox Valley Orchestra & Fireworks
JULY 10 SMASH MOUTH & TOAD THE WET SPROCKET with special guest TONIC JULY 17 DOWNTOWN ALIVE! One of These Nights: Eagles Tribue & Cowboy Jukebox
JULY 18 REO SPEEDWAGON JULY 24 ROCK THE YACHT Little River Band, Ambrosia, Player, Stephen Bishop, Robbie Dupree
JULY 31 DARYL HALL & JOHN OATES AUGUST 7 DOWNTOWN ALIVE! Maggie Speaks & Catfight AUGUST 15 SING-A-LONG FROZEN Movie in the Park FREE thanks to the generosity of the Dunham Fund
AUGUST 21 GET THE LED OUT The Led Zeppelin Tribute AUGUST 22 EARTH, WIND & FIRE SEPTEMBER 5 FOX VALLEY IRISH FESTIVAL The Mahones, The Ploughboys & Brendan Loughrey
630.896.6666 or RIVEREDGEAURORA.COM
ONE WEEKEND ONLY