Dear Stephanie,

I hope this message finds you enjoying the first week of October. With all the surprising warmth in the air, it seems that even the weather is reluctant to let go of summer just yet!

It has been a wonderful week in and around our district. On Tuesday my office was proud to attend the German flag raising ceremony in downtown Aurora celebrating German Unity Day! You can't speak about Aurora's greatness without recognizing the contributions of German immigrants, including the oldest active retail store in town - the Wurst Kitchen on the East Side. At the ceremony the city recognized several German-Americans for their contributions to the city. It was a heart-warming reminder that our diversity and our unity are what makes our community so amazing.

Continue reading to learn about Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and more!

As the weekend approaches, I hope you find time to relax and enjoy the little things that bring you joy.

Take Care and Be Well,

P.S. Please reach out to our office if you need assistance at (630) 585-1308 or send me an email.

October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. This year's theme is 'Secure Our World.' 

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, National Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a dedicated time to provide the public with information needed to stay safer and more secure online. 

During the month, the City of Aurora offers the community a free home internet security course and a free virtual cybersecurity workshop.

FREE HOME INTERNET SECURITY COURSE

The City's Information Technology department is collaborating with KnowBe4, the world's largest internet security awareness training platform, to offer Aurora residents a free home internet security course designed to assist all family members in making wise decisions regarding internet usage.

Available only through October, the course will help community members: 

• Identify what security awareness is and why it's essential to online safety.
• Understand how cybercriminals use common tactics to mislead and manipulate.
• Learn how to protect ourselves and those closest to us from cyber-attacks. 

To access the course, visit www.aurora-il.org/FreeInternetSecurityCourse. 

 The password is: homecourse

VIRTUAL CYBERSECURITY SAFETY WORKSHOP

The City of Aurora is also participating in the Cybersecurity Awareness Month Champions Program to promote online safety and privacy awareness.

In collaboration with the National Cybersecurity Alliance, the City will host a virtual cybersecurity workshop - It's Easy to Stay Safe Online - at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 24. 

Led by Lisa Plaggemier, Executive Director of the National Cybersecurity Alliance, the free session will provide easy, practical advice and tips on how to keep yourself, your family, and your organization safe and secure. City of Aurora Chief Information Officer Michael Peques will moderate the workshop. 

Guests can join the conversation via Zoom at www.aurora-il.org/CybersecurityBriefing. 

The link will be live on Tuesday, October 24.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) has officially started!

Did you know that each year in the United States, about 240,000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in women and about 2,100 in men. About 42,000 women and 500 men in the U.S. die each year from breast cancer. Early detection is key to fighting breast cancer. Lean the sign and symptoms, and spread the word!

Regular mammograms can help detect breast cancer at an early stage when treatment is most successful. For those who are uninsured or underinsured, IDPH operates the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program which offers free mammograms and other important services.

Read the pamphlet below to better familiarize yourself with the signs & symptoms of breast cancer

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October 2023 is Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Illinois.

Domestic violence touches every community in out State.

During National Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month, I stand with the tens of millions of people who have experienced intimate partner violence, and I thank the first responders, service providers, and community members who work to make sure that every American can live in safety, with dignity and respect.

This year I was honored to sponsor and pass SB 257, a law that extends the authority of military protection orders beyond military locations, ensuring survivors of military sexual violence receive their full protection no matter where they are and that perpetrators can be held accountable for violations. The legislation also provides survivors with additional employment protections as they recover.

If you are in need of help, contact the Domestic Violence Helpline:

   1-877-TO END DV or 1-877-863-6338 (Voice)

   1-877-863-6339 (TTY)

The hotline is toll free, confidential, multilingual, and open 24-hour.

Learn more about IDHS Domestic Violence Victim Services here

Veterans in the Fire Service

Two Day, Challenge Training Event

November 4-5, 2023

Register at FSI.ILLINOIS.EDU

Watch the most recent Coffee Chat on Facebook!

Or, subscribe and listen wherever you get your podcasts 🎧!

I continue to host Monday Morning Coffee live via Facebook at 9:00am-10:00am where you can post your comments and questions.

I realize not everyone has Facebook. The good news is that you can still participate. If you would like to join us on Monday mornings, you can join in via ZOOM! Once connected via ZOOM, you'll be able to interact just as if you were on Facebook. Don't worry you will not be on live - your video feed and mic will be muted.

The ZOOM link will be emailed to everyone separately for Monday morning participation.

If you would like to join us, please email Michelle@ILDistrict84.com or call the

office at 630.585.1308.