Good Morning Aurora

Decency, fairness & accountability; these are the principles with which Chief Fisher (North Aurora Police Department) operates. It is with those principles and through active community engagement that the department serves the people of North Aurora. Joining chief Fisher today in the studio was Deputy Chief Joe DeLeo. Both of these men are dedicated public servants with decades of law enforcement experience. Far too often people make assumptions of police work or are uninformed about the day to day lives of our officers. In this interview we speak directly to two men on the front lines of change in their respective community. Not only that, Chief Fisher was a D.A.R.E. officer for many years! Today we spoke about changes being made in the police department, counseling for officers, and their ideas on the future of policing. Good Morning Aurora is proud to have had these two men on our show. Their voices are important to us in our current social climate. We will continue to be the forum to bridge the gap. 

Special love and thanks to all of our listeners, friends and subscribers. Shout out to the West Aurora School District, Dr. Craig and all District 129 staff. Shouts go out to the Sheriff Hain and the Kane County Sheriff's Office for the change going on in the department. Shout out to the North Aurora CIT team, Mr. Dave Berman and the Mayor of North Aurora. Shouts go to Durango, Vizo Arts & Gin Ingram Art & McCarty Mills. We'd also like to say thank you to our friend and brother Greg of A Call To Shoulders, Joseph Weber & Alderman at Large Sherman Jenkins. Shouts go out to All Spoked Up, Ballydoyle, Mat & Edwin of Final Stretch Media, the Sideline Project, Aurora Rapid Response Team and Manny from PLS Services. Be blessed, be powerful and be motivated on this Thursday.

Today we had a great conversation with a friend of the show, our friend Juan of Dapper Brews coffee. Latte's, cold brews and food, we had a great chat and learned a lot about Mr. Almaraz. Our community is vibrant and full of interesting people, its in that spirit that our interview today was born. Born and raised in Aurora, Juan is a veteran of the United States Army and has done a lot of traveling. He returned to make Aurora his home so his roots to the community run very deep. His passion is in coffee and serving others and its obvious to tell when you sit down an get to know him. We spoke about family and chasing one's dreams this morning and that part of the episode was fun and enlightening. What is it that you want to do? Are the wheels in your head spinning? The time may already be present for you to put the rubber to the road and get started. If you're thinking about it, you should do it. Juan is a great guy to learn from and a friend of ours, so part 2 is definitely going to happen.

Thanks and shout outs go to all the Star Wars fans and comic book lovers out there. Don't forget Cape Con coming August 10th thru 15th at the Aurora Public Library. Special thanks to JV, Content Creator Jose and Hunter Tha Engineer. Big love and thanks to Josh (USMC) for the words of wisdom and motivation sitting on the back of the pickup truck having a few Coors late last night. Thank you to our friends, listeners and subscribers. Vizo Arts, Gin Ingram Art, Aurora Public Art, Tredwell (TW all day), Cotton Seed Creative Exchange and ONUS (stay tuned ya'll). Shout out to Eric Pry of the GAR Museum (Grand Army of the Republic), Steve Ports of the Air Classics Museum in Sugar Grove and all the veterans in Aurora. And an extra special thanks to Amy Nelson of Amy Nelson Photo. Be blessed, be motivated, be powerful, be dedicated and be kind to others on this Wednesday. We'll see you on the air tomorrow morning on the 2nd largest city's 1st daily news podcast. 

Did you know that you can change the color of your hydrangeas? Neither did we! That's one of MANY fun & interesting things we learned today speaking with Maria Cermano; owner & operator of Blissful Blooms. From floral arrangements to neighborhood diversity, Maria's voice was a welcome addition to the show this morning. From growing up in Chicago's Little Village neighborhood to making Aurora her home, her journey is an inspiration. When we talk about chasing dreams and never giving up, what we're talking about is perseverance. It is that spirit of perseverance that can provide determination, even though our spirits may waver from time to time. Good Morning Aurora is here to listen. To share. To provide that space with which the individual can help another person through their shared experience. Blissful Blooms just had a successful ribbon cutting event so we're happy to have the opportunity to listen to all they have coming in the community. Oh, and check the water in your plants; if it's murky, that means there's bacteria in the water. So yeah, go ahead and change that water!

Shout outs go to Gin Ingram Art & Vizo Arts for the fantastic artwork added to the Aurora Food Pantry. Peace of ART Camp is Thursday, Aug. 13th from 5 to 7 pm at the Peace House so be sure to attend that. Much love and respect to the IL House District 83 & 84 for all they do for our community. Illinois Department of Human Services Virtual Recruitment tomorrow at 1 pm (information will be posted) and shout out to the Aurora Public Library. Jalisco's on Lake Street, TBA Crew (them Bad Apples), Culture Stock & Aurora Public Art, Aurora Tap House & Blueberry BBQ, super shouts! Shouts go out to all the authors in Aurora: Devan The Artist (the Bear Book), Sarah Sommer, Tracy Duran & Xeli Xelz. You can check out the 'Local Authors' section on our website to see Devan's book and many more will be added as well. Shout out to Grant Milleren, McCarty Mills, PLS Solutions, Crystal House, Fox Valley Veterans Breakfast Club, Air Classics Museum in Sugar Grove & Alderman at Large Sherman Jenkins. Shout out to Alderwomen Smith & Hart-Burns, shout out to PreMil (Mac Appeal & Jay Money what up!), mad love and respect to all US Marines & United States Navy personnel. Extra special thank you to all of our listeners, supporters and subscribers. We appreciate you all and we have much more to come. Be blessed and motivated on this Tuesday.

Women In Business returns and starts us off strong this week! Very strong indeed. We sat down with attorney, community partner, actress & Miss Illinois for USA Monica Patankar. With a background in sticking up for and advocating for others were proud to have Monica on today's show. From Naperville where she grew up to Aurora, Monica's been on the front lines of change. As an attorney she's fought battles on behalf of her clients; as a community partner she's brought smiles to the faces of Aurora's residents. Here on Good Morning Aurora we're proud to highlight our public servants and we've been impressed with her work since day one. Education, food, family and chasing your goals; Monica speaks volumes and is a natural leader. Shout outs go to McCarty Mills and Michael Rawls for the great show yesterday afternoon and also a big shout to Blueberries BBQ. Special thanks to Aurora Public Library, Tredwell Coffee & Ana's Custom Treats (much love!). Continue to shop local, shout out to Wyckwood House for their successful 2 year anniversary party.

Special thanks for Ana’s Custom Treats for the professional delivery and great service and shouts to Tredwell Coffee. Crystal House, Cotton Seed Creative Exchange & Two Brothers. Shout out to Blue Agave in North Aurora (Sergio what up!), McCarty Mills, Vizo Arts, Aurora Public Art & the Aurora Veterans Advisory Council. Scientele is coming to Aurora so shout out to them, alderman O’Donnell and the City Council of Aurora. Big shout to the Kane County Sheriff’s Office, Sideline Project and all organizations fighting for change and social justice in America. Shouts go to the Indian American Community Outreach Advisory Board. So many shouts! Be blessed and powerful on this Monday!

How often do we stop and walk in someone else's shoes? Better yet, how often do we take the time to listen to the voices of other? Today we were grateful to have Joanna Sanchez, co-founder of the Sideline Project on the show. We also had a return appearance from our dear friend Sandra Gonzalez of the Aurora Rapid Response Team.  Joanna shared with us her real life experience being an undocumented member of the LatinX community. With a passion for advocacy and the her father's consistent pushing for education, Joanna came to the show with a story to tell. She's dedicated, passionate about what she does we're proud to have had her voice on our program. We at Good Morning Aurora are dedicated to providing our listeners with real, grassroots interviews. For our undocumented community members, our voices are united. Extra special shouts go to our brother & friend of the show Uly Verse, Tredwell Coffee (all day) and Aurora Public Art. McCarty Mills, Vizo Arts (after party status so stay tuned) and Taqueria Aurora. Shout outs go to Horse Talk & Cycle Vision Network. A Call To Shoulders, Olivia Ports, Michael Rawls ... so many shout outs! Aurora Public Library and Marie Wilkinson's Food Pantry (fundraisers Aug. 15th & 30th) and indie singer-songwriter Grant Milliren (friend of the show). Two special shouts to two of our listeners Vanessa & Tracy for being with us from practically the beginning of this show and the kind words and support. We're trying daily to spread love and positive vibes in the morning for our city and we thank the community for supporting us. Shout out to the small businesses, shout out to all the Moms, shout out to the Rotary Club of Aurora, Wyckwood House (2 year anniversary party today from 3 to 7 pm). Shouts go to Crystal House, 6th Ward Alderman Mike Saville, the Quad County African American Chamber of Commerce, Hispanic Regional Chamber and Manny at PLS Solutions. And shout out to the Cotton Seed Creative Exchange, every day all day. Be blessed, be positive, be motivated and vote. In that order. See you all Monday at 8 am!

This interview was very good! And boy, did we go the length in this one! Today we sat down with photographer and community partner Mr. Jacob Zepeda. He is the organizer of 'Under The Light' which was an art & fashion gallery that took place in Aurora last year. Due to current health restrictions, the show for this year is currently on hold but it'll be back for sure. We spoke with Jacob about his background, his life before being involved in the art community and his visions of & for Aurora. With a passion for photography and expression his views, both through the lens and in everyday life, are very refreshing. We appreciate Jacob for sharing his experiences of being an advocate for the LGBTQ community and all the work he has done. As a show, we at Good Morning Aurora are proud to highlight the voices of our under-served and under-represented communities. Shout outs for the day go to Crystal House (59. S. LaSalle street) for their #supportcrystalhouse campaign. Also big shouts to McCarty Mills, Gary Brown Art, Kill Tojo (friend of the show) and our crew at Aurora Public Art. Big things taking place on the show so stay tuned for that and thank you to the overseas squad (you know who you are). Big shout outs to 'A Call To Shoulders', 'Horse Talk', Cycle Vision Network and Aurora Public Library. Cape-Con coming soon and Michael Rawls plays in Lakemoor, IL. tomorrow night. Be blessed and motivated and tune in tomorrow morning on FB live to the 2nd largest city's 1st daily news podcast. Peace!

Today was a great on location interview with Mr. Freddy Rembert; chef, entrepreneur & inventor. As many of you know 'Wellness Wednesday's' are dedicated to mental, emotional, financial and physical health. Its all about feeling good and being positive. This is a great interview and our co-host Salvatore J Hall did a great job as usual.

Big shout outs go to Illinois House District 84 for their successful blood drive; they're always on the front lines of helping people! Shouts go out to Tredwell, Aurora Public Art and Aurora Tap House. Happy Birthday to our friend Gregas well. He's a dear friend of the show and we appreciate him. Stayy tuned in to the 2nd largest city's 1st daily news podcast. We'll see you all here tomorrow morning at 8 am live!

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Today the interview subject we had lined up did not show up, but later texted that they woke up late. It happens! So instead our host and new co-host Kristine talked about the benefits of being on time and practiced joint interviewing. What was also cool to listen to was our personal stories of being late, not being on time and how its looked at in the professional world. We've all been there before so we share those experiences with each other. Speaking on yesterday's interview both host & co-host identified things they'd like to see and work on with each other. These two will work out nicely! Shout outs for the day go to Aurora Public Art & IL House District 84. Don't forget the blood drive happening today from 2 to 5 pm at 1 E. Benton Street in downtown Aurora. Emma Lee has a Pinney Street performance this Thursday from 6 to 9 pm (Pinney St. is behind Gillerson's Grubbery) and Michael Rawls is in Lakemoor, IL this Friday. Shout out to Cotton Seed Creative Exchange, they have a coffee sip & shop on August 7th during 1st Friday's and shout out to Ballydoyle, Two Brothers, Blue Agave in North Aurora & to all of our listeners and subscribers. Be motivated & powerful on this Tuesday!

"The core of food is soul", those are the words of Mr. Angelo Chresanthakes, longtime GM & rep for Basil's Dining. Today we had the opportunity to sit down and speak with this amazing man and learn about the restaurant industry. With a passion for food and developing strong leaders, Mr. Chresanthakes spoke about what it takes to build a strong team. Oftentimes individuals compartmentalize talent, which is not the right approach. You have to share, ask for help, inspire and motivate and be prepared to pass the torch to the next generation. We talked about his background growing up in Chicago & the impact of Grandmother's in our lives. Not only that, we also talked history as well and the progression of spice and food. Shout outs go to Basil's staff, executive leadership and chefs. IL House District 84 has a blood drive at 1 E. Benton tomorrow from 2 to 5 pm so please donate if you can. Also a very special shout to Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity  for their successful car show on Saturday. Beyond The Walls Art Show hosted by Vizo Arts on August 7th (save the date) & Bill Grady in Mundy Park on the 8th (the Venue). Shout out to Tredwell, all Aurora veterans, students, teachers and City of Aurora staff. Be blessed, powerful and motivated on this Monday!

Coffee, grants, paying taxes & helping non-profits, just the kind of Friday we need to motivated us into the weekend! Today we had a fantastic interview with Vicki Morcos of the Dunham Fund & Julie Christman of the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley. We learned so much today and we were impressed by all the hard work they do as part of the collective Fox Valley Grantmakers. Each of their respective organizations have long-standing community ties so it's helpful to learn about both from a resident perspective. In response to the COVID19 pandemic, this team has awarded nearly $600,000 in rapid response grants to non-profits in the area. The care, dedication and desire to see Aurora thrive by these organizations is really a blessing to the city and we're proud that they are here and helping. St. Louis & Arkansas natives respectively, Julie & Vicki have been on the front-line of change and economic development here in the City of Aurora. Family, professionalism, giving back to the community and actionable information; this episode has it all! Extra special shouts go to Fox Valley United Way, Marie Wilkinson's Food Pantry & the Aurora Food Pantry. Also, the Neighbor Project, Mundy Park & the Venue, Northern Illinois Food Bank and the Paramount Theatre. We'd be remiss if we didn't thank Mr. Kelly & Mr. Friend (Paramount); so many shout out, so little time! Links will be provided for the Dunham Fund & CFFRV, please reach out to them for any questions you have. Have a safe, blessed and wonderful weekend. Thank you to all of our listeners and supporters! We will see you on Monday at 8 am!