The AID Street Outreach (SO) Program supports individuals experiencing homelessness by encouraging engagement with appropriate mental health services. The goal of this program is to reduce inappropriate use of emergency services and support individuals with mental health needs who are also experiencing homelessness or housing instability. Since it’s launch in late 2020, SO has seen… Read More AID Street Outreach Program Provides Necessary Service for Community

Fox Valley Special Recreation Association (FVSRA) collaborates with the St Charles Park District to empower individuals with disabilities to participate in leisure and recreation programs. With the support of the St Charles 708 Mental Health Board, the collaboration between the two organizations is amplified. When a child with a disability enrolls in the park district… Read More Fox Valley Special Recreation Association Supports Individuals with Disabilities

from the St. Charles Fire Department Falls are a leading cause of unintentional injury among adults age 65 years and older. Loose, unsecured rugs and damaged carpets with curled edges, are recognized environmental hazards that may contribute to falls. To characterize nonfatal, unintentional fall-related injuries associated with rugs and carpets in adults aged 65 years… Read More Information about Falls in the Geriatric Population

By Natural Resources Commissioner Meagan Provencher Our local tree canopy has been struggling as of late due to an onslaught of disease, bug issues, and climate stress. We are seeing a great decline in our tree numbers and the best way to fix that is to plant more trees. But we can’t just be “willy… Read More Planting Diverse Tree Species

by Natural Resources Commissioner Suzi Myers Remember last May when we turned off the outside lights to help the birds during their migration?  One of these birds is the Chimney Swift, coming 3,000 miles from Peru to breed. They can fly up to 150 miles per hour when they are chasing prey. This bird is… Read More Chimney Swifts: Amazing Insect Eaters

From TriCity Family Services The transition to summer brings longer days and less homework, but the lack of schedule and open structure can create its own stress. Counselors at TriCity Family Services offer tips for embracing summer’s changes: Noticing your child is experiencing challenges during the summer transition (such as extreme changes in sleep, eating,… Read More Tips for Families: Managing Summer’s Changes

by Tom Galante, Commissioner City of St. Charles Natural Resources Commission How would you like to pat yourself on the back for helping the environment, feeding the hungry, and reducing greenhouse gases,  all while using your other hand to pocket the money you’re saving? Does that sound good? Read on! Food waste, if it were a… Read More Food Waste: Save Money, Save Natural Resources

by Lee Haggas, Natural Resources Commissioner Looking for cheap (or cheep) entertainment this summer? Put a birdbath, or two or three, in your garden and watch the fun fly. Along with providing sources of food, shelter and nesting spots, giving birds access to water is one of the best things a homeowner can do for… Read More Bathing Birds Brighten Backyards

by Meagan Provencher, Natural Resources Commissioner There is nothing better than seeing all kinds of winged visitors in your garden. Butterflies dive-bombing the butterfly weed, hummingbirds buzzing around the salvia, tiny bees and insects visiting all the flowers in the garden. It’s fun to watch them go about their busy lives with no care for… Read More Attracting Pollinators To Your Yard

Spring, summer and fall are the best times of year for overnight camping or day trips, picnics in the park and on the beach, and tailgating. No matter what outdoor event you organize this year, food will surely play a major role in the festivities, and when you’re away from home, portable grills will most… Read More Outdoor Cooking Safety Tips