Latest news with #Aurora-based
Chicago Tribune
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
A plucky Jessica Pleckham goes from bench to leadoff-hitting star for Aurora Central Catholic. ‘Worked her butt off.'
Is Aurora Central Catholic senior Jessica Pleckham having fun yet? You better believe it. 'Jessica has worked her butt off,' ACC coach Mark Pasqualini said of his right fielder and leadoff hitter who has blossomed this spring. 'It's been a struggle. She's had her ups and her downs. 'Last year, she was behind an all-stater. She had to wait her turn, find the right spot, and I couldn't be happier for her. She worked as hard as she could to put herself in the position she's in.' That position is someplace special. Last week, Pleckham was named the GCAC White's player of the year and joined three teammates — senior center fielder Kate Gambro, junior shortstop Morgan Vaghy and junior pitcher Corina Miller — on the all-conference team. On Wednesday, Pleckham started a six-run rally in the first inning with a leadoff walk and the Chargers made short work of their playoff opener in soggy conditions, topping fifth-seeded Winnebago 15-0 in three-and-a-half innings of a Class 2A Marengo Regional semifinal. Senior third baseman Madalyn Torrance highlighted the outburst with a grand slam and added a double in the six-run third inning for third-seeded ACC (23-9), which advances to a 4:30 p.m. Friday regional final against second-seeded Marengo (26-9). 'That's kind of how it's been all season,' Pasqualini said. 'I don't know who's gonna have their day. Maddie hits the grand slam, and she hasn't hit a home run in two years. 'It was a good moment for her.' Gambro added three hits, including two doubles, and senior designated player Ashley Moore had two hits with a double. It was plenty of support for Miller (16-3), who broke the program record for wins in a season. 'I don't know where it comes from sometimes,' Pasqualini said of the way his team shares the wealth. 'I have the lineup set, then you get (No. 8 hitter) Maddy Torrance with a grand slam.' The 5-foot-7 Pleckham, a speedy, slap-hitting lefty who throws right-handed, may be the team's prime example this season with her turnaround. She had a rare hitless day, going 0-for-2. It all began for her as the courtesy runner for Purdue Northwest-bound catcher Olivia Hernandez. 'Freshman year, I didn't see the field very much, but I was OK with that,' Pleckham said. 'I got to pinch run for one of the seniors, Olivia Hernandez. 'There were only 18 players, so we didn't have a JV team until last year. My sophomore year, I began to get on the field more. That was probably my better season.' Pleckham plays travel ball with the Aurora-based Illinois Hawks, coached by Minooka varsity assistant coach Sydney Singleton. Her twin brother, Brady, plays baseball at Marmion. 'I just love the sport a lot,' Pleckham said. 'I don't know where I'd be without it.' Last spring, however, she struggled. 'I started playing at the start of the season,' Jessica said. 'I didn't perform exactly the way I needed to, so I didn't see much of the field for the rest of the season, which makes sense. 'It just made me work a lot harder over the summer, fall and next winter.' That work ethic was fueled when she was 10. Her dad switched her to hitting lefty and slapping. 'He just turned me around and said, 'I don't care how mad you get, you're gonna learn how to do it,'' she said. 'It's a good thing he did. He thought I was fast, and by then, hitting right-handed wasn't going too well for me. It's worked out.' Has it ever. Pleckham entered the postseason hitting a team-best .451. She batted a league-best .515 in the GCAC White. In the fall, she committed to play at Trinity Christian in Palos Heights. 'Last year, I got in my head a lot and was really lacking confidence,' Pleckham said. 'This year, I think I stopped caring about what could go wrong and more of what could go right and just started hitting the ball.'
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Clayton Muhammad, called the ‘voice of Aurora,' set to leave city government
Clayton Muhammad, Aurora's chief engagement and equity officer hailed as 'the voice of Aurora,' is set to leave his role at the city. Over more than 10 years, Muhammad has acted as one of Aurora's main spokespersons and promoters. At a city meeting on Tuesday, he was honored for his service to Aurora both within and outside of city government. 'The fingerprints that you've left all over the city, and these huge shoes to fill — just incredible,' Mayor John Laesch said. In a proclamation naming 'Clayton Muhammad Day' as July 22, his birthday, Laesch said Muhammad has been a 'dedicated and distinguished public servant' who has done the job 'with unwavering commitment, integrity and professionalism.' Since joining the city as the first Director of Communications in 2013 under former Mayor Tom Weisner, Muhammad has played a 'vital role' in the city's engagement, community outreach and communications efforts, according to the proclamation. Laesch also said during the event that Muhammad has earned the respect of his colleagues, elected officials and community partners because of his 'love of Aurora, institutional knowledge and tireless work ethic.' Videos shown at Tuesday's meeting featuring city employees and community members talking about Clayton backed up the proclamation's claims. Multiple people in one of the videos, when asked for one word to describe Muhammad, said he is 'phenomenal.' 'He is known far and wide, and beloved. I don't know if I've ever come across someone who didn't like Clayton,' Aurora Assistant Chief of Staff Nicholas Richard-Thompson said in a video. Others featured in the video spoke of Muhammad's work ethic, his care for others and the impact he has had on so many throughout the city. Representatives from Chicago area media were also among those who spoke highly of Muhammad in videos played at the Tuesday meeting. 'You really put Aurora on the map locally,' NBC 5 Chicago's Christian Farr said to Muhammad in a video played at Tuesday's meeting. Muhammad said at the meeting that, having been born and raised in Aurora, he loves the city. His 12 years working at the city, plus his 10 years working as the spokesperson of East Aurora School District 131, has been 'the honor of a lifetime,' he said. Before working as the director of Community Relations and district spokesman for East Aurora School District, Muhammad was first a sixth-grade teacher at Waldo Middle School in the district and then worked at the Quad County Urban League. Muhammad also founded the Boys II Men organization, an Aurora-based mentoring group. According to Laesch's proclamation, Muhammad leaves behind a 'lasting legacy of excellence in public service.' For his efforts, the city of Aurora also presented Muhammad with a custom-made brooch officially declaring him 'The Voice of Aurora.' rsmith@
Chicago Tribune
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Clayton Muhammad, called the ‘voice of Aurora,' set to leave city government
Clayton Muhammad, Aurora's chief engagement and equity officer hailed as 'the voice of Aurora,' is set to leave his role at the city. Over more than 10 years, Muhammad has acted as one of Aurora's main spokespersons and promoters. At a city meeting on Tuesday, he was honored for his service to Aurora both within and outside of city government. 'The fingerprints that you've left all over the city, and these huge shoes to fill — just incredible,' Mayor John Laesch said. In a proclamation naming 'Clayton Muhammad Day' as July 22, his birthday, Laesch said Muhammad has been a 'dedicated and distinguished public servant' who has done the job 'with unwavering commitment, integrity and professionalism.' Since joining the city as the first Director of Communications in 2013 under former Mayor Tom Weisner, Muhammad has played a 'vital role' in the city's engagement, community outreach and communications efforts, according to the proclamation. Laesch also said during the event that Muhammad has earned the respect of his colleagues, elected officials and community partners because of his 'love of Aurora, institutional knowledge and tireless work ethic.' Videos shown at Tuesday's meeting featuring city employees and community members talking about Clayton backed up the proclamation's claims. Multiple people in one of the videos, when asked for one word to describe Muhammad, said he is 'phenomenal.' 'He is known far and wide, and beloved. I don't know if I've ever come across someone who didn't like Clayton,' Aurora Assistant Chief of Staff Nicholas Richard-Thompson said in a video. Others featured in the video spoke of Muhammad's work ethic, his care for others and the impact he has had on so many throughout the city. Representatives from Chicago area media were also among those who spoke highly of Muhammad in videos played at the Tuesday meeting. 'You really put Aurora on the map locally,' NBC 5 Chicago's Christian Farr said to Muhammad in a video played at Tuesday's meeting. Muhammad said at the meeting that, having been born and raised in Aurora, he loves the city. His 12 years working at the city, plus his 10 years working as the spokesperson of East Aurora School District 131, has been 'the honor of a lifetime,' he said. Before working as the director of Community Relations and district spokesman for East Aurora School District, Muhammad was first a sixth-grade teacher at Waldo Middle School in the district and then worked at the Quad County Urban League. Muhammad also founded the Boys II Men organization, an Aurora-based mentoring group. According to Laesch's proclamation, Muhammad leaves behind a 'lasting legacy of excellence in public service.' For his efforts, the city of Aurora also presented Muhammad with a custom-made brooch officially declaring him 'The Voice of Aurora.'
Chicago Tribune
25-04-2025
- Chicago Tribune
Column: From dusty prison path to Boston Marathon, Aurora man staying on track
Tom McCall admitted his legs 'are doing better but still sore' when we spoke on Wednesday. Two days earlier the 54-year-old Aurora man had run the Boston Marathon, clocking in at a personal best of 3:09:37. Which in itself is plenty of reason to celebrate. But crossing the finish line of the world's most prestigious marathon is more than a story of celebration, it is one of redemption: McCall began his long-distance training at Dixon Correctional Center, where he was serving six years for drug-related charges. How McCall, an Army National Guard veteran and once successful downstate businessman, ended up in prison is but one chapter in his made-for-TV narrative. The son of a Vietnam War Air Force veteran who himself spent seven years in the Army National Guard, McCall admits his focus after serving in the military was 'chasing the money.' Which not only led to a couple of profitable small companies in his name but also to addictions – first alcohol, and later cocaine. 'I did not have decent associates, much less friends,' McCall said. 'They pulled me into their world … it was total debauchery.' But that all changed, he insisted, 'when I began doing business God's way.' Unfortunately – or fortunately, however you choose to look at it – that transformation did not begin until he was incarcerated. Almost immediately after entering Dixon's gates, McCall sought out the chaplain, he told me, and enrolled in discipleship programs there, including Aurora-based Wayside Cross' 'Freedom from Fear' seminar. And he began running on those dusty prison paths, maintaining his training even while rehabbing an injured knee, inside his cell as well as the inmates' weight room. There were 'plenty of setbacks,' McCall admitted, especially when lockdowns prevented him from maintaining his routine. But he was determined to stay on the right track, both figuratively and literally, upon his release in December of 2022. That included going straight from prison to Wayside Cross, where he dived enthusiastically into the mission's multi-tiered gospel-based program while also 'starting my training all over again' on the bicycle trails along the Fox River. One thing about McCall, says Wayside Cross Executive Director James Lukose, he's 'disciplined' when it comes to his regimen, and he's got 'unwavering determination' when it comes to staying fit. McCall is also grateful – not just for the guidance Wayside provided for his reentry into society but for introducing him to Up and Running Again, a California-based Christian nonprofit that partners with missions to train homeless individuals to compete in half-marathons. 'The idea is to show them they have value. It gives them confidence … proves to the world they can take a big goal, break it down and crush it,' said Steve Tierney, who founded the organization 15 years ago. Credit for starting this national program at Wayside goes to the Rev. Bruce McEvoy, pastor at Chapelstreet Church in Geneva, and a longtime marathon runner himself who understands the mental, physical and spiritual benefits of this sport. As soon as he learned about Up and Running Again – there are nine programs in 12 states – McEvoy saw it as a perfect fit for the downtown Aurora mission. And so, three years ago, about 18 Wayside residents signed up for the 12-week program. By the time the 2022 Fox Valley Half Marathon rolled around, a half-dozen took part, including McCall, who a year later ran the same event's 26-mile version. 'Tom became a real student of marathon running,' said McEvoy, adding that, before long, he was outperforming the coaches, including Ron Preston, who last May competed with McCall in the Starved Rock Marathon, a pre-qualifier for Boston, but failed to get the time needed to join his good friend on the starting line of Monday's race. Preston was, however, on the sidelines to cheer on his star student as McCall joined 30,000 other athletes from well over 100 countries taking part in this 129th annual Patriot's Day event. McCall finished 390th in the 50-54 age group in what Tierney described as 'a very good time.' While the nonprofit has 'only had a handful' of its 1,500 participants compete in a marathon, Tom McCall is 'a level above' all the others and 'the first to qualify for Boston,' Tierney pointed out. And the Aurora runner – who described that race as 'awe-inspiring, electrifying' – has no intention of slowing down. Having graduated from Wayside's program in July of 2023, McCall is now living in a transition apartment and training online with a South African coach. The Chicago Marathon coming up on Oct. 12 is definitely on his to-do list. But McCall also has big plans for a tiny-homes community he wants to build for struggling veterans who have been imprisoned and/or are homeless. 'No one who ever served this country should be without a roof over their heads,' he declared, fully aware he's now 'running with smart Christian businessmen' who can help him reach yet another impressive goal. 'God helped me cross that finish line,' McCall said, referring to the Boston race itself as well as his journey of transformation. 'All the hard work paid off. But I had a great team.'
Chicago Tribune
04-04-2025
- Health
- Chicago Tribune
Kane County Health Department launches mental health awareness campaign
A new year-long initiative by the Kane County Health Department is aiming to help residents learn how to access mental health and substance use resources in the county, according to a news release from Kane County. The new initiative, 'Connect with Kane: Learn, Grow, Thrive,' is meant to increase awareness of, reduce stigma and promote access to mental health and substance use services, according to Thursday's news release. The initiative will also focus on 'affordability strategies' and tools for supporting friends and family with mental health concerns. 'While the reasons behind the increased need for mental health services may be complex, the trends are clear, residents are reporting increasing levels of stress, anxiety and other challenges that can be indicators of mood disorders,' Kane County Health Department Executive Director Michael Isaacson said in the release. 'This year, the Health Department plans to double down on communications around mental health to inform residents about the importance of this aspect of health and all the different resources available to access help for themselves and their loved ones.' The county said in the release that there was a 31% increase in adult depression rates from 2020 to 2022 in Kane County, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The biggest part of the initiative is the county's Behavioral Health 360 website, which has screening and assessment tools, informational articles, self-help guides and a resource guide of providers in Kane County. The Health Department program will also create toolkits for community partners focused on combating stigma and helping connect people with professional care or self-help options, for example. The campaign is a year-long program, according to the release. It is being funded from federal American Rescue Plan dollars allocated by the Kane County Board in 2023. The campaign will also focus on specific issues like youth mental health, suicide prevention, substance use treatment and harm reduction, according to the release. 'Mental health and substance use impact more than individuals and families, they have a huge impact on entire communities,' president and CEO of the Aurora-based Association for Individual Development Lore Baker said in Thursday's news release. 'When children and teens are struggling, it impacts their school performance and learning; for adults, mental health issues can significantly impact work performance and productivity. The consequences of ignoring these issues are far-reaching for our county and region.' Residents can contact the Health Department's information and referral specialist at 331-312-0060 or garciatoni@ for individual support or help navigating mental health care costs and insurance.
