NAPERVILLE RESIDENTS RECEIVE MARKLUND AWARD
Naperville residents Laura and Russ Karlins were presented with Marklund’s 2026 Friend of the Year award for their dedication in supporting individuals with profound developmental disabilities.
Marklund is a nonprofit organization that provides residential, educational and day services to more than 300 people with severe developmental disabilities and special health care needs in Geneva, Bloomingdale and Elgin.
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Marklund has been giving its Friend of the Year award since 1979, honoring an individual, couple or group that has served its residents in ways that will affect their lives significantly, a news release from the organization said.
The Karlins have been active volunteers at Marklund since Laura’s brother moved into one of the residential facilities in 2018, the release said.
The couple serve on numerous committees, take part in fundraising events and support staff recognition activities. Laura also serves on the board of directors as the development committee chair.
FREE DENTAL SCREENINGS BEING OFFERED FRIDAY
The DuPage County Health Department is offering free dental screenings for school-aged kids Friday, Feb. 27, at the central public health center, 111 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton.
Families are asked to call 630-221-7776 for available appointments. Space is limited.
The health department is joining the American Dental Association’s “Give Kids a Smile Day,” a program that provides essential dental care to children who need it most.
Health department dentists will provide a free dental check-up, oral health education and a take home oral health kit, officials said.
Cavities are the most common chronic disease among children in the U.S., according to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention. More than half of children 6 to 8 years old have had a cavity in at least one of their baby teeth, and more than half of teens ages 12 to 19 have had a cavity in at least one of their permanent teeth, the health department said.
The county’s Dental Clinic offers ongoing dental care for eligible school-aged children and adults. For more information about general dental services, call 630-682-7400.
CHAT WITH CHIEF ARRES TO BE HELD MARCH 6
Residents who would like to speak with Naperville Police Chief Jason Arres can meet with him from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 6, at Sweetwaters Coffee and Tea, 110 S. Washington St. in downtown Naperville.
The Chat with the Chief series offers residents a chance to meet with Arres and other members of the department in an informal manner, a Naperville Police Department news release said.
No formal agenda or presentation will take place. Residents can stop by at any time during the event.
The Chat with the Chief series is presented several times a year in various locations throughout Naperville for police to have one-on-one and small group conversations, answer questions and listen to residents’ concerns, the release said.
For more information, go to www.naperville.il.us/npd/chatwithchief.