Waubonsee’s New Technical Education Center: A Game-Changer for Aurora and the Fox Valley

Aurora, IL — When it comes to home renovations, the details make all the difference. For homeowners across Aurora and the western suburbs, Stone Renovations & Trim Company LLC has become a trusted name for quality, craftsmanship, and customer-focused service. Specializing in kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, and custom trim work, this local company is helping families turn houses into dream homes.A Local Leader in Home RenovationFounded right here in Aurora, Stone Renovations has built its reputation on professionalism, precision, and integrity. Unlike large impersonal chains, their team takes the time to listen, understand, and design around each client’s unique vision.Their services include:Kitchen Remodeling – from modern cabinetry and countertops to functional layouts.Bathroom Remodeling – creating spa-like spaces with custom tile, vanities, and finishes.Flooring – installation of hardwood, laminate, tile, and luxury vinyl.Custom Trim & Moldings – crown molding, wainscoting, baseboards, and detailed finish work that elevate interiors.Painting & Interior Finishes – giving homes a polished, refreshed look.Whether it’s a full remodel or a small update, Stone Renovations delivers results that balance style, durability, and value.Why Homeowners Trust Stone RenovationsHome renovation is a major investment, and homeowners need a contractor they can trust. Stone Renovations stands out by offering:Free In-Home Consultations – so clients can explore options without pressure.Flexible Financing – making renovations accessible without overwhelming budgets.Licensed & Insured Professionals – peace of mind that every project is done right.Attention to Detail – especially in trim, cabinetry, and finishing work that many overlook.Strong Local Reputation – with reviews highlighting their communication, punctuality, and high-quality craftsmanship.The Power of CraftsmanshipWhat sets Stone Renovations apart is their focus on the finishing touches. Custom cabinetry, detailed trim, and precise flooring work aren’t just add-ons—they’re what turn a renovation from ordinary into extraordinary. Their skilled team treats each project as an opportunity to showcase craftsmanship, ensuring that every corner, joint, and detail looks perfect.Supporting the Aurora CommunityAs a locally owned and operated company, Stone Renovations contributes to Aurora’s growing reputation as a place where small businesses drive big impact. By keeping projects rooted in professionalism and care, they not only upgrade homes but also strengthen community trust in local trades.Ready to Renovate?Stone Renovations makes the process straightforward and approachable:Schedule a free consultation to discuss your project.Explore design and material options tailored to your goals.Bring your vision to life with expert craftsmanship and project management.📍 Based in Aurora, IL and serving Oswego, Naperville, Batavia, and surrounding suburbs.🌐 Learn more: stonerenovationsllc.comFinal ThoughtsIf you’re considering a home renovation, choosing the right contractor is the most important decision you’ll make. Stone Renovations & Trim Company LLC combines expertise, transparency, and artistry to create spaces that homeowners love for years to come.From kitchens and bathrooms to trim and flooring, they bring the craftsmanship that makes houses feel like home.

In today’s fast-paced world, finding balance and emotional well-being is essential. That’s where Flourishing Lives Counseling steps in, offering compassionate, evidence-based care for children, teens, and adults across Naperville, Aurora, and the surrounding Fox Valley.Founded by Dr. Nancy Rivas, Flourishing Lives Counseling brings together a team of licensed therapists, counselors, and psychiatric providers who specialize in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and life transitions. With services tailored for children, teenagers, college students, and families, their mission is to help every client grow, heal, and thrive.What Sets Them Apart?Holistic Approach: Combining traditional therapies with cutting-edge techniques such as EMDR, Brainspotting, and Somatic Experiencing.Specialized Care: Support for adoption issues, eating disorders, Christian counseling, and psychiatric medication management.Flexible Options: Both in-person sessions in Naperville and telehealth appointments for accessible care.Community Focused: Serving families across Aurora, Naperville, Yorkville, Oswego, and surrounding areas.Why It MattersMental health impacts every area of life—from relationships and parenting to careers and self-esteem. Flourishing Lives Counseling not only addresses symptoms but empowers clients with tools for resilience, communication, and emotional regulation. Their services have already made a difference for countless families navigating life’s challenges.How to Get InvolvedReady to take the first step? Flourishing Lives Counseling is currently accepting new patients. Whether you’re looking for therapy for your child, guidance for navigating trauma, or support for managing stress, their team is here to walk alongside you.📍 Visit them online at FlourishingLivesCounseling.com or call (331) 229-3123 to schedule an appointment.

Joliet, IL — What happens when an artwork refuses to “make sense,” when it resists tidy explanations and pushes us to sit with discomfort? In her new book, Painful Forms: Aesthetic Violence in American Literature and Art, 1945–2001(University of North Carolina Press, publishing October 21), Anna Ioanes, Associate Professor of English at the University of St. Francis, argues that this very resistance—what she calls aesthetic violence—has shaped the way Americans perceive suffering, justice, and social life from the end of World War II through the turn of the millennium.What Is “Aesthetic Violence”—and Why It Matters NowDrawing on a term first introduced by scholars Leo Bersani and Ulysse Dutoit, Ioanes defines aesthetic violence as the experience audiences have when artworks thwart our usual sense-making strategies. Rather than offering clear moral instruction or sentimental catharsis, these works complicate our responses to pain, asking us to slow down and reconsider what we think we know about harm, care, and accountability. Ioanes shows how that destabilizing effect isn’t a flaw—it’s a formal achievement that opens space for new ideas about violence, identity, and power.Five “Painful Forms,” Five Ways Art Reframes SufferingOrganized around five distinct artistic strategies, Painful Forms traces how literature, visual art, and performance during the long civil-rights era reframed public conversations about violence—structural, systemic, or senseless—and how audiences learned to read it.Frames that unsettle: Juxtaposing James Baldwin’s frame narratives with Andy Warhol’s silkscreens, Ioanes shows how “framing” can refuse easy explanations and expose violence’s rhetorical packaging.Happenings that keep meaning open: Through Yoko Ono’s performance, poetry, and multimedia work, the book examines the happening as a technique that preserves productive ambiguity about what violence means and who defines it.Grotesque cautions: Reading Flannery O’Connor alongside her friendship with experimental playwright Maryat Lee, Ioanes demonstrates how the grotesque can warn against misrecognizing suffering where it isn’t—or overlooking it where it is.Outlines and shadows: Pairing Toni Morrison’s fiction with Kara Walker’s cut-paper silhouettes, the study explores how pared-down forms short-circuit reflexive emotion, forcing more deliberate moral attention.Collage as counterforce: From Kathy Acker’s avant-garde novels to riot grrrl zines, collage emerges as a way for readers to assemble sense amid cultural noise and contest the violences that shape daily life.A concluding chapter brings these insights forward, showing how aesthetic violence helps us interpret contemporary representations of suffering and the ways images and narratives now circulate across feeds, headlines, and screens.A Local Scholar with a National ConversationA teacher of American literature, writing, and cultural theory in USF’s College of Arts & Sciences, Professor Ioanesbrings archival research and formal analysis together to bridge campus, community, and national discourse. Her contribution arrives at a moment when readers, students, and citizens alike are grappling with how artworks—from museum exhibitions to streaming series—shape our moral attention.Duke University scholar Stephanie Li calls Painful Forms “a significant contribution,” praising its rich dialogue between texts and artworks and its fresh account of how aesthetics and ethics intersect in late-twentieth-century U.S. culture.Why This Book Belongs on Your Fall Reading ListTimely lens: Offers tools for reading difficult art and media without dulling their critical edge.Cross-media insight: Moves fluidly among novels, performances, visual art, and zines—perfect for readers of literature, art history, and cultural studies.Civic relevance: Speaks to today’s questions about testimony, trauma, representation, and the politics of looking.Pre-Order & Learn MorePainful Forms is available for pre-order in paperback, hardcover, and ebook through UNC Press, Bookshop.org, and major booksellers. Explore the book page and details here: https://uncpress.org/9781469688947/painful-forms/.For media/review copies: Helen Kyriakoudes (UNC Press), helen.kyriakoudes@uncpress.org.Photo credit: Jaclyn Duske (author portrait).Fast Facts (for sharing)Title: Painful Forms: Aesthetic Violence in American Literature and Art, 1945–2001Author: Anna Ioanes, Associate Professor of English, University of St. Francis (Joliet, IL)Publisher: University of North Carolina PressPublication Date: October 21Scope: Post-WWII to 9/11; literature, visual art, performance; Baldwin, Warhol, Ono, O’Connor, Morrison, Walker, Acker, riot grrrl

Bolingbrook, IL — Craving something flavorful, fast, and different? Riceby has been turning heads with its fresh, handheld Asian fusion eats. Born from a love for bold flavor and convenience, this spot serves up creative bites that hit the sweet spot for both flavor seekers and people on-the-go. What Is Riceby?Riceby is a fast-service drive-thru and takeout restaurant in Bolingbrook specializing in handheld Asian fusion menu items influenced by Filipino, Japanese, and Korean flavors. Their menu features mashups like onigiri, musubi, pancit wraps, rice bowls, lumpia, bubble teas, and more—every item curated for flavor, comfort, and convenience. What People Love About RicebyFlavor & Variety: From curry chicken onigiri and pork adobo musubi to crisp lumpia and refreshing bubble teas (passion fruit, mango, etc.), there’s something for everyone. Handheld & On-the-Go Friendly: Meals you can eat easily while commuting, working, or grabbing something quick without sacrificing taste. Drive-thru and takeout make it super accessible. Friendly Prices: Many reviewers mention the value—big flavors without breaking the bank. How Riceby Is Impacting the Local CommunityRiceby does more than serve food—it adds variety and culture to the Bolingbrook / Aurora-area food scene. It gives locals access to flavors they might not find elsewhere easily. For families, students, and busy workers who want something tasty but fast, Riceby fills that gap.It also seems to have earned respect quickly—good ratings, high customer satisfaction, and buzz about the presentation and menu. Top Menu PicksCombo 1 “Rice Your Hand Up!” – any two pieces of onigiri, musubi, or a pancit wrap + drink + lumpia. Plain Rice Bowl / Beef Bulgogi / Vegetable Bibimbap – for those craving hearty bowls. Desserts & Treats – cassava cake, ube crinkle cookie, and bubble tea get called out often. Visiting Riceby📍 Located at 433 W Boughton Rd, Bolingbrook, IL 60440 — models as drive-through + takeout. 🕒 Hours open daily 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM. (closed on Tuesdays)Final ThoughtsIf you want something fresh, flavorful, and easy to grab on your schedule, Riceby is doing it right. It stands out for its fusion concept, strong value, and hand-friendly eats that fit the moment without compromising taste. Definitely worth a try if you’re nearby (or willing to drive for something good).

Halloween is creeping up fast!What’s your go-to Halloween activity in the Aurora area?After you vote in the poll, drop the event name, school, church, or business that hosts it!Let’s help the whole community discover awesome ways to celebrate this spooky season!Bonus: Tag your favorite event page or organizer so others can join the fun!

Oswego, IL — In a time when secondhand shopping is trending worldwide, Mixed Market Thrift has carved out a space that’s more than a store—it’s a community hub. Located at 27 Stonehill Road in Oswego, Mixed Market Thrift offers gently used clothing, home goods, furniture, décor, and one-of-a-kind treasures that shoppers won’t find anywhere else. But what truly sets them apart is their focus on community impact, sustainability, and supporting local causes.A Thrift Store With a PurposeMixed Market Thrift is about reimagining the lifecycle of items. By giving clothing, décor, and furniture a second chance, the store promotes sustainable living while helping customers save money. Every piece is thoughtfully curated, creating a shopping experience that feels fresh, stylish, and inspiring.The name says it al, Mixed Market is a place where styles, generations, and stories mix. Whether you’re a vintage lover, a DIY upcycler, or simply a budget-minded shopper, the store has something for everyone.Supporting Local CausesOne of the things that makes Mixed Market Thrift special is their commitment to community giving. The shop frequently hosts fundraisers and partnerships with local nonprofits. For example, their recent collaboration with Rover Rescue included a drive-by meal fundraiser, showing how retail and community service can go hand in hand.By shopping at Mixed Market Thrift, customers are not only scoring unique finds, they’re also helping support local organizations that make a difference.A Creative Space for EntrepreneursMixed Market Thrift also supports local creators and small businesses by offering vendor opportunities and special event partnerships. By giving makers and entrepreneurs a platform, the store helps turn passions into profit and strengthens Oswego’s creative economy.What You’ll Find InsideMixed Market Thrift has built a reputation for high-quality secondhand finds and friendly service. Inside, shoppers can browse:Clothing & Accessories for all agesFurniture from modern to vintageHome Décor pieces with characterBooks, Collectibles & Curiosities you won’t see in big-box storesSeasonal & Holiday Items that keep each visit fresh and funWhy It MattersIn an era where fast fashion and mass production dominate, Mixed Market Thrift reminds us of the value of slowing down, repurposing, and investing in our community. Every purchase helps reduce waste, supports local causes, and strengthens Oswego’s small-business culture.Visit Mixed Market Thrift📍 27 Stonehill Rd, Oswego, IL🕒 Open [10a -4 Monday, Thursday,Friday, Saturday, 12-3 Sunday]🌐 Follow on Facebook/Instagram for new arrivals, sales, and community eventsFinal ThoughtsMixed Market Thrift is more than a thrift store, it’s a movement for sustainable living and community giving. Whether you’re looking for your next great find or want to support local causes, it’s a destination that brings Oswego together one treasure at a time.

Aurora, IL — Right in downtown Aurora at 37 W New York Street, a family-owned restaurant is bringing the rich, bold tastes of Bolivia to the heart of our city. Alice’s Corner Bolivian Cuisine isn’t just another spot to grab lunch—it’s a place where flavor, community, and culture meet.What Makes Alice’s Corner SpecialFamily & Authenticity: Alice’s Corner is locally owned and operated. Their Bolivian family roots shine through each dish, made from scratch with high-quality ingredients.Wide, Vibrant Menu: From empanadas and tamales, to steak sandwiches, yuca con queso, stuffed plantains, and quinoa salad, the menu offers both comfort and adventure. And don’t skip the desserts—flan and alfajores get rave reviews.Welcoming Atmosphere: Diners say the ambiance is cozy and inviting, it’s like walking into someone’s home with warm service, bilingual staff, and genuine friendliness.Why Alice’s Corner is Impactful for AuroraAlice’s Corner strengthens the cultural fabric of Aurora. Here’s how:Fills a Unique Culinary Niche: Bolivian food is rare in Illinois, especially authentically made homeland-style. Alice’s brings South American flavors that many locals haven’t had access to before.Supports Local Economy: As a small family-owned business, it contributes to downtown foot traffic, supports local jobs, and keeps money circulating locally.Community Building: For many customers, whether Latino/Hispanic or not—eating here is about more than food: it’s about connection, culture, and welcoming diversity in Aurora. Also, their online presence is strong: great reviews on Yelp, TripAdvisor, Google, and social media.Top Menu Highlights & What Locals LoveEmpanadas & Arepas with cheese or chicken—crispy, flavorful, and satisfying.Steak Sandwich / Steak Empanada — many mention these as stars.Passionfruit Lemonade / Agua de Maracuyá — refreshing & perfect side drink.Desserts like flan and alfajores—subtle, sweet, and loved by many.How to Experience Alice’s CornerVisit them in downtown Aurora: 37 W New York StreetHours: Open Monday–Saturday 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, closed Sundays.Can order online via their website; deals like free dessert or salad for online orders over certain amounts (check current promos).Final Thoughts: Why Aurora Should Celebrate Alice’s CornerAlice’s Corner embodies what a great local restaurant should be, it’s authentic, community-minded, and full of flavor. For Aurora residents, it’s a chance to explore new tastes, support family-run business, and build cultural diversity. If you haven’t been yet, this is your invite. Your taste buds and community will thank you.Want more? Check out menus, reviews, and photos here:Website: alicescorner.com TripAdvisor & Yelp for guest feedback.

Get ready to feel the energy, Aurora! LUMENAURA is back and brighter than ever!From October 10 to 26, downtown Aurora will glow with interactive art, immersive light displays, and community-powered celebration.But the real buzz begins the weekend of October 10–12, when the festival launches its new IBEW Locals 461 & 701 Main Stage at Benton & River Streets and trust me, it’s going to be epic.This isn’t just another weekend. It’s a celebration of who we are as a city bold, creative, and united under the lights.The expanded Main Stage area means more room to dance, more food trucks, more beer vendors, and yes, even more community fun.Here’s what’s lined up for opening weekend:🔥 Friday, October 10 – Soul & Retro NightMotown Nation brings the smooth, timeless sounds of classic soul.Then, party like it’s 1989 with Sixteen Candles, Chicago’s favorite ‘80s tribute band.🎉 Saturday, October 11 – Hispanic Heritage CelebrationKick off the night with the powerful rhythms of Sin Anestesia (Spanish Rock).Then experience a vibrant tribute to a music icon with Selena The Show — a must-see for fans of Tejano and Latin pop.🌈 Sunday, October 12 – Pop Icons & Rock LegendsCalling all Swifties: Fearless – A Tribute to Taylor Swift will have you singing your heart out.Close out the weekend with Hairbangers Ball, delivering an over-the-top ‘80s rock experience that’s pure fun.LUMENAURA is more than a music festival - it’s a multi-sensory celebration of light, sound, and art, unique to Aurora’s identity as the original City of Lights.From October 10–26, downtown streets, alleys, and buildings come alive with:Projection mappingInteractive light art installationsLive performancesFamily-friendly activitiesAnd new this year: community-led pop-up displays!It’s a one-of-a-kind experience that’s free, inclusive, and 100% Aurora-made.Aurora is showing off our city's culinary chops too! Expect:Rotating food trucks and vendors from Aurora and neighboring communitiesCraft beer and beverage tents featuring local brewersSweet treats, snacks, and global flavors to keep you energized all weekendDon’t forget to explore local businesses, many of which will be hosting LUMENAURA specials and extended hours.LUMENAURA is designed for all ages and abilities. The festival grounds are:Walkable and ADA accessibleFree to attend — no tickets needed!Designed with sensory-friendly hours and zones for those who need a calmer environmentVisit LUMENAURA.com for full schedules, artist lineups, and event maps.Aurora residents know: this city is special. From our diverse communities and rich history to our growing arts scene and thriving downtown LUMENAURA is a celebration of it all.Whether you're a lifelong resident or new to town, this is your moment to connect, create memories, and show off what makes Aurora shine.

If you’ve lived in Aurora for more than five minutes, you already know the name Basement of the Dead. It’s not just a haunted house, it’s an experience, a local legend, and a must-do every Halloween season.This fall, the haunt is back, bigger, darker, and scarier than ever.Tucked beneath New York Street in the heart of downtown, Basement of the Dead turns an old, industrial basement into one of the creepiest attractions in the Midwest. Think pitch-black hallways, freakish animatronics, twisted soundscapes, and actors so good you’ll forget they’re not real. (Until you scream. Then it’s real.)The haunt kicks off September 19 and runs through November 8, 2025. Here’s what Aurora locals should know:Locals Nights: Aurora residents get discounted tickets on select weekdays! (Keep an eye on their site or social pages for promo codes.)Off-Season Haunts: Miss the Halloween window? They’ve been known to host bonus haunts — like “Rotten Tails Revenge” around Easter or a creepy Valentine’s Day date night. Yes, seriously.New Scares: Every year, Basement updates scenes, characters, and effects. 2025 brings a new maze section known as The Veil, promising “zero light, zero sound, and zero mercy.”Before you even get inside, street performers, stilt walkers, and DJ beats are waiting to get you hyped (and creeped out). Once you’re in, it’s a relentless mix of:Claustrophobic tunnelsScreaming animatronicsFog, strobe lights, and loud joltsSome of the best makeup and costuming in ChicagolandPro Tip: Not for kids under 13 or anyone with a weak heart. You've been warned.Check basementofthedead.com for the full calendar and to snag your tickets.Local Love“This place isn’t just a haunted house, it’s a rite of passage for anyone in Aurora.” — Marcus J., lifelong East Side resident“I’ve been every year since 2017. They STILL get me. That basement is pure nightmare fuel.” — Carla T., AU studentWhether you’re a haunted house junkie or just looking for something to spice up spooky season, Basement of the Dead is a Halloween essential. And lucky for us? It’s right in our backyard.

The fall season is creeping in, and you know what that means.. Yorkville’s beloved Scarecrow Walk is back, and it’s shaping up to be the biggest one yet! From September 26 to October 31, 2025, Bicentennial Riverfront Park will transform into a whimsical (and slightly spooky) trail filled with the most creative, quirky, and festive scarecrows you’ve ever seen. And guess what? You can be part of the magic!Whether you’re a DIY dynamo or just in it for the fall fun, the Scarecrow Walk is your chance to shine. All ages and experience levels are welcome to submit their own scarecrow display. From funny to frightening (but family-friendly!), every scarecrow adds to the community spirit that makes this event such a fall favorite.👉 Submit your scarecrow here: https://bit.ly/YPRDscarecrowwalkThis year, the competition is heating up! Each scarecrow will feature a custom sign with a QR code that allows park visitors to vote for their top 3 favorites. It’s interactive, fun, and adds a whole new layer of excitement to your scarecrow-making mission.🗳️ Winners will be announced on the United City of Yorkville Parks and Recreation Department Facebook page, so make sure your entry turns heads!Each participant receives a personalized sign created by the Yorkville Parks and Recreation Department, perfect for showcasing your name, group, or business. Want to rep your brand? You can even include a logo!📅 Dates: September 26 – October 31, 2025📍 Location: Bicentennial Riverfront Park 301 E. Hydraulic St. Yorkville, IL 60560So grab your straw, gather your glue guns, and get your scarecrow on. This is your chance to be part of something unforgettable and a little spooky! Let’s make the 2025 Scarecrow Walk the best one yet. 🍂