At 22, the System Ends. The Journey Does Not.Giant Steps Illinois to Host April 18 Gala Focused on Preparing Students with Autism for AdulthoodLisle, IL – Giant Steps Illinois will host its Annual Charity Gala, “Rock Around the Clock: Celebrating the 50’s,” on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the Embassy Suites in Naperville, bringing together more than 250 families, advocates, and community leaders for an evening focused on one of the most pressing questions facing individuals with autism and their families: What happens after age 22Held during Autism Awareness Month, this year’s gala will spotlight the transition to adulthood and feature keynote speaker Dr. Kerry Magro, an internationally recognized autism advocate and self-advocate known for his national media presence, including appearances connected to Netflix’s Love on the Spectrum.For many families, the end of public education services at age 22 can feel uncertain. Structure shifts. Support systems change. The path toward employment and independence becomes less defined.“At Giant Steps, we believe adulthood does not begin at eighteen or twenty-two,” said Dr. Sylvia Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Giant Steps Illinois. “It begins the moment a child is taught that their work matters. Our responsibility is to ensure that students leave with the confidence, skills, and real-world preparation they need to participate meaningfully in their communities.”For nearly three decades, Giant Steps has provided specialized autism education and support services in Northern Illinois. Licensed by the Illinois State Board of Education as a therapeutic day school, the organization serves 166 students from more than 60 school districts at its Lisle campus. Through its Canopy Adult Program in Sugar Grove, Giant Steps also supports 55 young adults as they continue building independence beyond the classroom.A central focus of this year’s gala is the FutureSteps Vocation 360 Program, a developmentally sequenced approach to vocational learning that begins early and evolves alongside each student. Rather than waiting until students approach graduation, the program integrates responsibility, collaboration, workplace behaviors, and communication skills into daily instruction from the earliest years.Students learn routines, accountability, and follow-through long before they receive a diploma. As they grow, those experiences expand into more complex responsibilities and real-world expectations, helping them understand not just how to work, but how to see themselves as contributors.“Giant Steps has been a lifeline for our family,” said Mrs. Peggy Galey, whose child is a student at Giant Steps. “The personalized care, dedicated staff, and resources have transformed our lives. This gala is a wonderful way for people in the community to give back by supporting children and adults with autism to ensure they receive the specialized care that enables them to reach their full potential.”This year’s gala will feature keynote speaker Dr. Kerry Magro, an internationally recognized autism advocate and self-advocate known for his national media presence and advocacy work. Dr. Magro’s personal and professional journey reflects what is possible when high expectations and early transition planning are prioritized.“Transition to adulthood must be intentional,” said Dr. Magro. “When students are given the right tools and believed in from the start, their opportunities expand.”Funds raised through the April 18 gala directly support individualized education programs, speech and occupational therapy, vocational training, adult services, and family resources that strengthen independence and long-term outcomes for individuals with autism.The event is open to the community. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available at gala.gsteps.org. Event DetailsWhat: Giant Steps Illinois “Rock Around the Clock: Celebrating the 50s” Annual Charity GalaWhen: April 18, 2026Where: Embassy Suites, Naperville, IllinoisExpected Attendance: 350+Keynote Speaker: Dr. Kerry MagroTickets: gala.gsteps.org

Cubs  have returned to spring training and with new Clubhouse leader Alex Bregman is changing the approach his teammates are taking towards preparing for the season. Cubs lost Kyle Tucker who signed with the Dodgers in the offseason and signed Alex Bregman to help replace his offense production. However, the Cubs also got a player who leads by example and is helping to shape the new culture in the clubhouse that will see the Cubs build on last season 92 wins and getting all the way to the NLCS before losing to the Brewers in 7 games.

Kaneland continues Historic Season up next playing the Central Rockets 

Upcoming DatesFebruary 28 -- Village Board on Your Block at Hometown ExpoMarch 2 -- General Primary Election: Early Voting Begins at Village HallMarch 3 -- Village Board MeetingsMarch 4 -- State of the Village AdressMarch 11 -- General Primary Election: Early Voting Ends at Village HallMarch 16 -- Village Board MeetingsMarch 17 -- General Primary Election Day

FEBRUARY ATHLETIC SPOTLIGHT!Kaneland School District 302The No. 23 Knights are the only undefeated team in the Super 25. Go Knights!

Riverfront Pergola ProjectThe contractor took advantage of the warmer weather this week and finished up concrete pours for pathways and the areas surrounding the active and passive pergolas. They also began installing the recreational tables (chess and backgammon!) and stools near the active pergolas.

Oswego's Strategic PlanStrategic PlanOswego is growing with purpose.

Bears have pivoted and now have made their decision to move the team and build new stadium in Northwest Indiana in the City of Hammond. The public statement comes on the same day that the Bears were meeting with the Governor’s Office finalizing a public works bill that would fund improvements for the Arlington Heights property. Bears President Kevin Warren made the final decision not to continue to pursue the Illinois plan out of frustration of two years of negations of with no movement. Now looking at the details of both plans, the Bears will bring 2 billion dollars and invest in the project, Indiana will cover 2 billion in public improvements, and the final Billion will come from the NFL and private funding. This will allow the Bears to build the stadium and own the rights and improve money-making ventures through license, and ticket sales. So why do we feel that this is not the best path forward for the Bears. Here is the reason why! Northwest Indiana has many obstacles to overcome first they do not have the infrastructure to support the expropriate Bears plan that includes future commercial and residential growth as part of the Stadium development plan. This is in terms of overall population, economic downturn, and road and amenities that are currently in place. Northwest Indiana Economically does not match Suburban Cook County that has access to some of the wealthiest areas in the Country like DuPage County and the surrounding Chicago Suburbs.

The Village of Montgomery proudly announced the recipients of its inaugural Employee Awards Program, a new peer-nominated initiative recognizing outstanding employees whose work reflects the Village's strategic priorities and core values.

Cubs are back and ready to build on last season’s success of winning 92 games and winning their first post-season victory in eight years. Well the off season has been busy shoring up the pitching staff and perhaps the biggest surprise is the signing of Alex Bregman in free agency who has already changed the atmosphere in the club house. Last season finally ended the Cubs season was mental toughness in terms that the Cubs battled in late season to make the playoffs and then battled in post season to beat the Padres and then again with the Brewers to push that series to seven games. This season a Veteran like Alex Bregman in the lineup will change both the dynamic to the order and the atmosphere in the Clubhouse. Bregman brings veteran leadership and someone who has won two world series titles and will influence his teammates. The adage in sports is that you need to learn how to lose before you can win. That where Alex Bregman comes into play offering leadership in the Clubhouse and teaching the Cubs how to win. Players like Pete Crow Armstrong and Mathew Busch will benefit as young players learning how to mov to the next level and helping this Cubs squad to mature and focus on winning those tough one run games in the Dog Days of the Summer that will help them when it comes to the post season. The added experience will help the Cubs to learn. So as simple as it is with Adding Alex Bregman will allow the Cubs to garner more experience and learn from It and we will be witnessing the Alex Bregman Affect!

Registration is now open for the City of Aurora’s Special Lawn Mowing Support Program! This program provides eligible seniors (62 and over) and individuals living with legally recognized disabilities who are in need with scheduled lawn mowing support from April through October 2026.

Naperville CentralRedhawks52FinalOswegoPanthers65