The school bells recently tolled to close the year and before we know it , they will chime once again to open the 2013-2014 school year . The first days of school for Aurora students are :

SCHOOL DISTRICTS :

Illinois ’ second city ranks at top of charts throughout the country ! Aurora has recently been the recipient of a number of national awards and recognitions :

The United State Environment Protection Agency ( EPA ) hosts a national , year-long campaign to encourage communities coast-to-coast to use renewable energy and fight climate change . As part of the campaign , communities compete to see which one achieves the highest green power percentage of total electricity use and which one uses the most green power . Throughout the country in 2012 :

• Aurora ranks # 4 in the United States with 34 % of Green Power Total Electricity Use

• Aurora ranks # 5 in the United States with 490,975,000 kWh Annual Green Power Usage ( kWh )

Senior citizens and disabled residents are eligible for rebates on their utility taxes paid on gas and electrical service .

Eligible residents can apply for the standard rebate of $ 25 for the municipal gas use tax and $ 25 for the municipal electricity tax by filling out an application and supplying a copy of their December 2012 bill ( s ). Rebate forms were mailed to residents in March but can also be found on the City ’ s website at www . aurora-il . org .

In order to receive more than the standard rebate , residents have to prove they paid more than $ 25 for either the municipal gas use tax or municipal electricity tax . Residents applying for more than the standard rebate must include copies of all 12 electricity and / or gas bills from 2012 .

To be eligible :

• A resident must be 65 or older by Jan . 1 , 2012 or possess an Illinois Disabled Persons Identification Card ;

• Have lived in an Aurora residence and paid the municipal taxes for the entire 2012 calendar year .

• Have their name listed on the utility bill .

Rebate applications and supporting documentation should be filed by December 2 , 2013 , to the City of Aurora Finance Dept ., City Hall , 44 E . Downer Pl ., Aurora , IL 60507 .

More information on the program is available by calling 630-256- 3510 or by visiting the City website .

Phillips Park Golf Course is one of only six courses in the country to receive the Design Excellence Award from the American Society of Golf Course Architects ( ASGCA ). The Design Excellence Award shines a light on the innovation and problemsolving skills required of today ’ s golf course design .

ASGCA Officials present award to Phillips Park Golf Course management

The ASGCA states that “ The renovation of Phillips Park Golf Course provides new life to an 80-year-old facility and serves the community by providing an improved , modernized , and fun experience to golfers of all ages and abilities .”

In 2012 , Aurora received recognition as a Best Practice Community three times from the International Code Council ! Aurora received the recognition more than any other municipality throughout the nation !

The International Code Council is a member-focused association . It is dedicated to developing model codes and standards used in the design , build and compliance process to construct safe , sustainable , affordable and resilient structures .