Change your batteries when you change your clocks
The Elburn and Countryside Fire Protection District is sponsoring a coloring contest to promote fire safety.
"We're trying to encourage people to change the batteries in their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors," said firefighter/EMT Brad Reese, who is coordinating the contest. "Working batteries provide critical extra seconds in case of a fire, and increase chances for survival."
The theme of the coloring contest is, "Change your batteries when you change your clocks Sunday, March 8." The nation returns to Daylight Saving Time on that date.
One prize will be awarded in four age groups: ages 4-6, 7-9 and 10-12. Elburn Fire Marshall Plan Isberg will select the winners. The contest is open to children who live within the fire protection district.
"We'll be giving each winner a $15 gift card to a department store," Reese said. "They'll have a variety of items to choose from this way."
Entry blanks, including the picture to color and a cover sheet for contact information, are available at the fire station at 210 E. North St., at the Town and Country Library at 320 E. North St., and at the Jewel-Osco Store on Route 47 just south of Route 38.
The deadline to enter is 4 p.m. Monday, March 2. Entries need to be turned into the fire station. They can be dropped off between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Firefighter/EMT Monica Delmedico is also helping with the project.
"We're really trying to get people involved," Reese said.
For more information, call Reese or Isberg at (630) 262-9911.
Meet the candidates: The Sugar Grove Chamber of Commerce is hosting a "Meet the Candidates" night at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 19 at the Community House, 141 Main St.
The chamber is still seeking input from the community on topics. Candidates will make a brief presentation, and a moderator will ask questions of the candidates.
Candidates running for office within the village, the Sugar Grove Fire Protection District, the Sugar Grove Public Library, the Sugar Grove Park District, Sugar Grove Township, Kaneland School District and Waubonsee Community College have been invited, if they are facing opposition. There will also be information on the library's referendum requesting an increase in the tax rate for the operating budget.
"The entire community is invited," said Tina Cella, marketing chair for the Sugar Grove Chamber of Commerce. "Anyone who is interested in learning about what they are voting on should attend."
E-mail questions for the candidates to info@sugargrovechamber.org. Those who would like to help plan the event can call Shari Baum at the chamber office at (630) 466-7895.