The front page of Wednesday's Beacon-News featured a great story about Mayor David Stover's recognition of area residents "for their volunteer contributions and commitments to community service." I think we'd all agree that the overall quality of life in any city is directly related to the degree to which people are willing to get involved in efforts to improve their community. In my work with downtown property and business owners, I am continually impressed by the level of involvement and commitment they have to making Aurora a better place in which to live, work, and raise families. Though some of their activities are targeted specifically at bettering downtown, many donated hours and dollars are spent on projects that help the entire city. Let me share some examples with you.

Aurora Downtown, the property owners whose buildings lie within Special Service Area #One (Lincoln, Lake, Spruce, and Clark), devote much time (and their own tax dollars) to improving the streetscape with flowers, landscaping, painting, trees, and support of events like Downtown Alive! and Blues on the Fox. Call 844-3670 for more information.

The Paramount Theatre makes dreams come true for kids who may not ordinarily have the chance to attend live theatrical performances. Generous individuals and businesses purchase blocks of seats for shows like "Jason and the Golden Fleece," "Pinocchio," "Cinderella," and "Neil Goldberg's Cirque Dream it Live." The tickets are then passed along to organizations that work with kids who might otherwise never be part of a Paramount audience. The Paramount also organizes benefit shows for the Fox Valley Arts Hall of Fame and the Over the Rainbow Foundation. Staff members are involved with the Northern Illinois Food Bank, too. Call 896-7676 for more information.

The Aurora Public Art Commission, in partnership with the YMCA, co-sponsor the Artist's Studio Project and ARTWorks. Both programs provide teachers and supplies to help kids widen their creative horizons. Classes in drawing, painting, sculpture, and television production are offered. Future programs including jewelry-making and stained glass fabrication are being planned. Fees are reduced so as to make classes accessible to as many students and possible, and high-school or college credit may one day be offered as part of the programs. Call 906-0654 for more information.

The owners of Ciara's Place, a downtown restaurant, serve as mentors for west suburban teens, through the organization Top Ladies of Distinction. TLD coordinates young volunteers for projects like the March of Dimes and assisting at homeless shelters. Call 844-9904 for more information.

Volunteers from SciTech Hands On Museum bring science exhibits and demonstrations to local communities and events throughout the Fox Valley and beyond. The museum provides free passes for schools, faith communities, scouting groups, libraries, and the Red Ribbon Task Force, among others. Call 859-3434 x236 for more information.

Just Because…Kids Count is a joint project of the Aurora Interfaith Food Pantry and Just Because Gifts, a downtown retail business. Over the past nine years, thousands of Easter baskets have been provided for clients of the food pantry, plus families whose children would otherwise not have special treats during the spring holiday. Baskets for senior citizens are assembled and distributed as well. And, emergency clothing and furniture drives are organized to help families in times of stress. Call 892-1234 for more information.

"Help Plant Aurora's Riverbanks" is an environmental partnership that sponsors an annual aquatic re-vegetation project along the Fox River, just north of downtown. Financial and volunteer support come from Superior Beverage Company, Anheuser-Busch, Hollywood Casino Aurora, Aurora Downtown, National City Bank, the Fox Valley Park District, Aurora Township, the City of Aurora, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the Aurora Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Greater Aurora Chamber of Commerce, the Aurora Economic Development Commission, SciTech Hands On Museum, and private individuals. Call 844-3670 for more information.

There are so many individuals and organizations who hang their business "hats" in our downtown neighborhood, but give their hearts to the whole community. I hope this column will encourage you to join them in their efforts to make Aurora the best "second-largest city" in the world.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT KAREN CHRISTENSEN AT 630-844-3670 OR kchristensen@aurora-il.org.

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