Neighbors of ™
Magazine
July/August 2021
The only community magazine for all of Batavia
Batavia lights up and celebrates the summer
All things patriotic in Batavia Say hello to summer downtown Explore your library this summer Welcome back BPS students Windmill City Festival returns
POSTAL CUSTOMER City of Batavia 100 North Island Ave. Batavia, Illinois 60510
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Neighbors of Batavia Magazine
Inside Information
Neighbors Publications 630-995-3482 KaneNeighbors.com Neighbors Staff and Contributors Tim Sullivan, Publisher Linnea Carlson, Creative Director Roger Breisch, Columnist Hannah Ott, Contributing Author
Community Liaisons
MainStreet—Say hello to summer downtown.........................................................13
Margaret Perreault, Batavia Chamber of Commerce 630-879-7134 Patricia Leonard, Batavia Public Library 630-879-1393 Holly Deitchman, Batavia Public Schools 630-937-8824 Allison Niemela, Batavia Park District 630-879-5235 Beth Walker, Batavia MainStreet, 630-761-3528 Griffin Price, City of Batavia 630-454-2000 Andrew VanMeter, BATV 630-879-9300
Library—Explore your library this summer............................................................... 14
For advertising opportunities:
Lighting up and bouncing back— Batavia celebrates re-opeming Beginnings—Founders Park..............................................................................................6 City of Batavia Currents—All things patriotic...........................................................8
Batavia Public Schools—Welcome back BPS students....................................... 22 Park District—Windmill City Festival is back........................................................... 26 BATV—Football season is coming................................................................................. 30 Chamber news—Congratulations scholarship winners...................................... 31 Community Above Self.................................................................................................... 34
Departments
Anita Malik, Account Executive 630-995-3482 info@neighborsmagazines.com See the online edition at KaneNeighbors.com.
For calendar listings:
Please submit your activity dates to newsroom@neighborsmagazines.com or add them to the Calendar at KaneNeighbors.com
Message from the Mayor.........................................................................................................4 Business Nuggets.................................................................................................................... 32 Around the Block.................................................................................................................... 35 July Calendar........................................................................................................................... 37 August Calendar..................................................................................................................... 38
About the cover After all the hardships and cancelled events of 2020 and early 2021, Batavia is celebrating the summer and the return of favorite festivals and events. Cover photo Michael Barton, Michael Barton Art.
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Neighbors of Batavia Magazine
A message from our city Greetings,
A
s we reach mid-year of 2021, Batavia is finding this spring and summer filled with postponed and longtime annual events that are drawing large crowds. Many are expressing a strong desire to get out and about town after the low-profile lifestyle due to the Coronavirus pandemic of 2020. Last year’s Memorial Day program was confined to a small gathering of veterans at VFW Post quarters, and this year it was one of the largest attended services in recent years. Hosted at the VFW Post many attendees felt it was one of the biggest turnouts for patriotism in recent years in our town. Next up to return is the annual 4th of July fireworks show at Engstrom Park. This event should be the talk of the town by the time you receive this edition of the July–August Neighbors Magazine, and it appears that we may very well see one of the largest attended fireworks shows ever produced in its 70+ years of past history. A true fact about Batavia’s fireworks show is the funding for each show has been totally donated by citizens and businesses, with no taxpayer dollars being spent on the fabulous fireworks display each July 4th. This is a fact that all lovers of American patriotism and those who feel the honor in calling themselves heartfelt Batavians should take serious pride in. On behalf of the Batavia city government and our locally staffed Batavia Fireworks Committee, I want to extend a cordial invitation to all citizens to gather together on the evening of July 4 in or around Engstrom Park and the Batavia High School football field to view the fireworks. It promises to be one of the most spectacular show of colors and love for the United States of America in the entire Chicagoland area. Prior to the start of the fireworks at 9:30pm the Batavia Community Band, under the directorship of John Heath, will present a concert of patriotic music from the American past. Please bring your family and friends and plan to attend this special moment of Batavia life celebrated each year. Over the last several months I have received a number of inquiries pertaining to the road construction projects underway throughout town. A couple of the main questions asked are: When will all this delay in traffic be over; and what is the reason for all the intense hole digging in our streets? A major source of congestion has been the replacement of a large gas main serving downtown Batavia which is buried under the street along both segments of Island Ave., north and south of Wilson St. This is not a city project, but we are working closely with Northern Illinois Gas to ensure we get
this work done as soon as possible. Hopefully, by mid-July much of the major work will be completed. I am pleased to report that there appears to be an end in sight for the completion of the 3+ years of street and roadway reconstruction on the streets found on the southwest side of town. This has been a long, involved project that impacted streets including Morton, Blaine, Walnut, S. Jefferson, Jackson, Harrison, S. Batavia Ave., First and Main Streets along with the West Side Cemetery. This construction effort involved a variety of public works issues including the replacement of a large portion of the city’s combination sewer and storm water system. This system had originally been placed under the streets in the years between 1893 and 1913. In addition, a decision was made by the city council in the early 1900’s was to install what was termed as the “combined sewer water and storm water system” that shared the same underground pipe network. This became an ongoing public works problem when sanitary sewer water and ground storm water shared the same pipes in an effort to move this water away from the points where it was originally discharged. Time and again it was realized that the old pipe was not large enough to accept discharged water from both systems at the same time. The result was numerous water backups onto the basement floors of homes on the southwest side starting at Main St. and continuing to the far south edges of town. Some three years ago the city council agreed to commence a separation rebuild project with costs running into millions of dollars. Now with street pipes and individual home services replaced, it is the hope of all members of the city government that this long-running problem has come to an end. Likewise, on the east side of town another notable road work project is wrapping up. The rebuilding of S. Prairie St. has been finished from Pine St. to Wilson St. It should be noted that the S. Prairie St. road work has been largely paid for with an 80% federal grant. The same is true for the roadwork completed on Main St. from Water St. to Van Nortwick Ave. and the S. Batavia Ave. rebuild from First St. to Elm St. I am told by our engineers and the road builder crews that most of this work will be completed in the near term. At the moment, the city is standing in a holding program awaiting future distribution of transportation dollars to further rebuild work on W. Main St. from Whipple Ave. to Randall Rd. On the east side, the continued on next page
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Mayor continued from page 4
longtime need for a traffic signal at Prairie St. and Wilson St. will also feature railroad crossing gates on the two legs of the intersection which are hosting railroad train crossings. Water drainage issues along Mahoney Creek on the east side and the Carriage Crest Basin on the northwest side are both undergoing engineering work in an effort to end water problems in these neighborhoods once and for all. I look forward to talking with many of you as the summer season rolls on and the memories of the impacts of the pandemic become part of a future Batavia history book. Mayor Jeffery Schielke
Windmill City Festival is back! Plan to have fun Aug. 27–29 at the Batavia River Walk.
kaneneighbors.com 5
Beginnings Founders’ Park“ by Roger Breisch
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I have read with interest the plans being investigated to remove the Fox River dam and retain the Depot Pond. I wish to share an idea I have considered ever since the 2003 referendum in which the community resolved to save the north dam. All things evolve; permanence is a word generally unheard of in the natural course of history. Let’s be clear, with the exception of the main channel of the Fox River, the waterways that have formed the center of Batavia have changed and evolved greatly over the years. The area we now know as the Depot Pond was formed from a man-made second channel of the Fox River, built to support the power needs of our early factories. Prior to digging a second channel, that land was likely forested and pristine. While it seems the Depot Pond we know today has always been part of Batavia, it wasn’t until the 1960s and 70s—little more than 50 years ago—that Houston St. was extended to Island Ave. to form the body of water that appears to end at that roadway. In 1957, when John Falter painted the famous Saturday Evening Post cover, prior to Houston St., he was able to document that event because the second channel, which flowed through the entirety of our downtown at that time, was shallow and would freeze more easily than the main channel of the Fox. The current idea is to salvage a body of water that was not natural to begin with and will be extremely expensive to birth and maintain. Suppose for a moment, we decide to allow impermanence to run its course, and admit this unnatural, man-made structure, is no longer the optimum use of that geography in our community. If the dam is removed and we allow land to reemerge where the Depot Pond currently exists, what might become of it? In all the years I have been active in Batavia, community organizations (MainStreet, the chamber, park district, etc.) frequently found large, community events were either impossible, had to be squeezed into challengingly small spaces, or moved out of the downtown. What if we were to re-imagine a new community park—Founders’ Park, perhaps—to honor the men and women who engineered the heart of our community so many decades ago. An ice rink could be built in the winter to allow us to recall the days of skating on the river—with better and more predictable ice surfaces, and without the need to monitor ice depth to prevent tragedy! The Peg Bond Center and stage are perfect for small, intimate gatherings, concerts, and 6 kaneneighbors.com
shows, but what if we were to imagine a large bandshell at the north end of the new park facing south that would allow spectacular community events—perhaps even a scaled-down, but magnificent 4th of July concert and fireworks? How might the Windmill City Festival be completely re-imagined? Might there even be room on this huge park for the long wished-for rec center? Coincidentally, as documented in John Gustafson’s Historic Batavia, Batavia once had such a park near downtown—Laurelwood, the area surrounding the boathouse. That park, it is said, could entertain tens of thousands of guests. It ceased to exist after a fire destroyed several structures. What extraordinary community events have we missed in the interim because we do not have a suitable space to accommodate them? No doubt, the community would mourn the loss of the Depot Pond for a period of time. However, new, magnificent memories will emerge in the lives of our neighbors: community gatherings beyond what we can even imagine today, skating all winter long without having to wait for Mother Nature to leave us a few days of difficult skating surfaces, perhaps even spectacular concerts and fireworks in our downtown where they have always belonged. I have little doubt that if Batavians were to discover a piece of land with almost unlimited potential, what would occur in that expanse over the next 50 years would be truly astounding.
Roger E. Breisch is a resident of Batavia and Speaker/Provocateur View his TEDxQuincy remarks on his website: REBreisch.com His latest book, Questions That Matter, is available at Amazon.com
Currents
All things patriotic in Batavia 4th of July Fireworks Show
On Sunday, July 4th, the City of Batavia will host its 72nd annual fireworks Sky Concert on the fields at Engstrom Park and Batavia High School. Starting at approximately 5:00 pm, food vendors will offer a variety of delicious foods. The Batavia Community Band will provide a patriotic concert prior to the 9:30 pm firing off of a beautiful fireworks show set to popular music past and present. No taxpayer dollars are ever used to pay for these fireworks which are totally funded by individual, business, and organization donations, along with fundraisers such as the Citywide Garage Sales the first weekend in May. Due to the pandemic, most fundraising opportunities were not able to be held this past year. Therefore, any and all donations are incredibly important this year to help pay for the fireworks, sound system, lighting, etc., which all make our show such a beloved event in the Fox Valley area. Please go to our website (bataviafireworks.org) to donate, or drop off a check to Batavia City Hall addressed to the Batavia Fireworks Committee. On the fields before, during and after the fireworks show, please look for volunteers in bright yellow T-shirts who will gladly take your cash donations. The Batavia Fireworks Committee would like to thank all homes that participated in the Citywide Garage Sales this past month. Your application fees greatly helped us to pay for this year’s fireworks show. We hope all the shoppers had a great time, too! Many wonderful businesses donated gift cards that were raffled to paid registrants for the garage sales. Our thanks to Shady Hill Gardens, Riverside Pizza and Pub, Pal Joey’s Restaurant and Bar, and Acquaviva Ristorante.
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630-454-2000 • cityofbatavia.net
Flag Day Monument fundraising update The Fox Valley Patriotic Organization (FVPO) will be hosting two more events in 2021 to help raise funds for the Flag Day Monument which will be built in downtown Batavia on the Riverwalk. About 2/3 of the funds needed to build this beautiful tribute to Flag Day, Dr. Cigrand (the Father of Flag Day who was a dentist in Batavia for decades), and Batavia veterans and first responders have already been raised; with your support, FVPO will get over the finish line and start building this monument in 2022–2023! Friday evening, Aug. 13 will be the third annual Flags and Flannel beer and food pairing event on Water St. in Batavia. “Flags and Flannel Under the Stars” this year will bring a fun new twist to hosting this delicious dinner and live auction outdoors with Ramblin’ Ray from WLS Radio as the Master of Ceremonies. Six local beer brewers will be at this event for tastings and pairings with amazing food. A live band will provide great street dancing. This event has become an
annual favorite for patriotic citizens who love wearing their jeans and flannel shirts and relaxing with their friends and neighbors on a Friday night! Please check out the website at flagdaymonument.com for further details. On Thurs., Oct. 7 the last fundraiser of 2021 will be a wonderful clay shooting event at the beautiful Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation in Dundee Township on Rt. 25, north of Elgin. This foundation is one of the premier research facilities for fish and wildlife management, as well as for conservation education. The natural beauty of this 1000+ acres provides a relaxing experience for those who will attend and enjoy the thrill of trying their skill at shooting clay disks. Please join the FVPO in the gorgeous month of October to walk the grounds of Max McGraw for the “Shooting for the Stars and Stripes” event for fun and prizes! Find further information about this event at the website (flagdaymonument.com). The FVPO is looking for
additional sponsors for both these events. Please contact Cathy McNally (cathy@intownestorage.com) with questions and interest. Also on the website is a store where such items as personalized brick pavers (for the monument) and challenge coins can be purchased. Please consider honoring a loved one or special veteran or first responder with a personalized brick. For the many supporters of the Flag Day Monument, thank you for your continuing patience as the organization works to raise the last needed funds for a hopeful 2022–2023 construction of this patriotic project. If you have already purchased a brick, rest assured that the brick company has your order and is ready to add your brick to the monument as soon as building is begun. Never has a tribute to Old Glory been needed more than now as a powerful symbol and everyday reminder of this great and strong country! Thank you for helping to make “Flag Day—Every Day” a reality in Batavia! 9
Currents Brush collection continues Curbside residential brush collection is available to all residents who pay the monthly leaf/brush fee on their utility bill. Please note that the interval between collection dates has changed, so your collection week doesn’t occur the same week each month; there are still seven collections per season. Brush/limbs are to be at the curb for collection no later than 7am on Monday of your scheduled week, but no sooner than the weekend before that. Crews will make only one pass by each residence. Brush placed out after our crews have passed will not be collected until the next scheduled pickup date. 2021 Brush Collection Schedule East Side Collection
West Side Collection
Aug. 2
Aug. 9
Sept. 6
Sept. 13
Oct. 11
Oct. 18
Nov. 29—Citywide
Nov. 29—Citywide
The following procedures must be followed to ensure the collection of your brush: • Maximum diameter is 6" (logs cannot be split); maximum length of limbs is 12'. • Brush should be stacked into one large pile in the front/side parkway with cut ends facing the curb, and placed away from parkway trees, mailboxes, utility poles/boxes, hydrants, and parked vehicles. Brush will not be collected from alleys or vacant lots. • Brush/limbs must not be tied, bundled, in containers, bagged, or put on the street. • Brush pile should contain only brush. Foreign objects will not be collected. • Program is for residentially-generated brush only, not contractor tree removals or trimming. • Brush left out on the parkway between collection dates is subject to a possible code violation citation.
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The amount of brush that has been placed out citywide in any given month dictates how quickly your area will be reached, but each side of town is typically completed by Friday of the scheduled week. The collections are intended to handle most minor storm damage limbs that fall during the season, and special collections are done very rarely. Major storms may affect the schedule, and a notice of any special brush collection will be posted on the city’s website. If your brush was out at 7am on Monday of your scheduled collection week and not collected by the end of the workday on Friday, please notify the Public Properties & Services Division at 630-454-2400 no later than the following Monday. If you have any questions, please call the Public Properties & Services Division at 630-454-2400 weekdays from 7am–4pm or visit our website at cityofbatavia.net/brushcollection. For materials that do not meet the above specifications: • Advanced Disposal will collect yard waste bags/32gallon cans (not to exceed 50 pounds per bag/32gallon can) consisting of twigs, evergreen clippings, roots, stumps, and plants on your regular trash collection day. From March 31 through Nov. 30, a refuse sticker should be attached to the yard waste bag or 32-gallon can. If a can is used, it should be clearly marked “Yard Waste” on the side facing the street. • Residents with limbs/brush exceeding the requirements for the program can contact a private service to have it removed at the resident’s expense. • Unincorporated residents should contact their township offices regarding brush collection services that may be available to them.
630-454-2000 • cityofbatavia.net
New rates for garbage and yard waste effective July 1 On July 1, the cost for refuse disposal will be changing for Batavia residents. Residents can continue to use the red stickers for either refuse or yard waste. This is the fourth year of a five-year contract with Advanced Disposal/Waste Management. • Refuse/Yard Waste Sticker: $3.18 • Half-Refuse Bag (Yellow): $2.16 • 95-Gallon Refuse Cart: $26.53/mo. • 65-Gallon Refuse Cart: $24.67/mo. • 35-Gallon Refuse Cart: $23.35/mo. • 35-, 65-, or 95-Gallon Recycling Cart: No charge • Additional 35-, 65-, or 95-Gallon Recycling Cart: $1.27/mo. • 65-Gallon Yard Waste Cart: $31.63/mo. (service runs April 1–Nov. 30 and is billed only for these months) Note: Vendors may add up to a 2% service fee Any toters in poor condition will be replaced by Advanced Disposal/Waste Management at no expense to homeowners. If you need an additional recycling cart, they are available from Advanced Disposal/Waste Management for an additional $1.27/cart/month. Collection days will remain the same. The contract includes yard waste collection for the first
two weeks of the season without stickers in March (see services calendar on the City of Batavia’s website next spring for these specific weeks). Residents may also add food scrap items to yard waste bags/cans (fruits, vegetables, grains, and pastas). To report missed pickups or for cart issues, please contact Advanced Disposal/Waste Management at 630-587-8282 Monday through Friday from 8am–5pm. If Advanced Disposal/Waste Management does not resolve your issue to your satisfaction or if you have any questions, please contact the Public Properties and Services Division of Batavia Public Works at 630-454-2400 Monday through Friday from 7am–4pm.
Household Hazardous Waste Front Door Collection service available The City of Batavia offers a Household Hazardous Waste Collection service to its residents. The city’s third-party provider, U.S. Ecology, will provide front door collection of many items that should not be placed in the regular weekly refuse collection. To learn about the items that will be accepted, please visit the city’s website at cityofbatavia.net (enter Household Hazardous Waste in search box), call U.S. Ecology at 866-373-8357 between 6am and 3pm Monday through Friday, or email curbside@usecology.com. If calling outside these hours, please leave a voicemail and your call will be returned.
Your elected city officials Mayor—Jeffery D. Schielke
City Clerk—Kate Garrett
Treasurer—Jennifer Fox
Aldermen Serving until May 2023 Aldermen Serving until May 2025 Ward 1 Christopher Solfa csolfa@cityofbatavia.net Ward 1 Jennifer Baerren jbaerren@cityofbatavia.net Ward 2 Alan P. Wolff awolff@cityofbatavia.net Ward 2 Leah Leman lleman@cityofbatavia.net Ward 3 Dan Chanzit dchanzit@cityofbatavia.net Ward 3 George Ajazi gajazi@cityofbatavia.net Ward 4 Joseph Knopp jknopp@cityofbatavia.net Ward 4 Tony Malay tmalay@cityofbatavia.net Ward 5 Abby Beck abeck@cityofbatavia.net Ward 5 Mark Uher muher@cityofbatavia.net Ward 6 Michael Russotto mrussotto@cityofbatavia.net Ward 6 Nicholas P. Cerone ncerone@cityofbatavia.net Ward 7 Keenan Alexander Miller kmiller@cityofbatavia.net Ward 7 Sarah Volgelsinger svogelsinger@cityofbatavia.net
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Currents Be prepared for severe weather
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evere weather can happen at any time of the year. The National Weather Service and local emergency management officials strongly encourage people to have a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) All Hazards Weather Radio with battery backup. These radios can be programmed to receive alerts for specified counties to keep you and your family apprised of impending weather and post-event information for all types of hazards including natural (earthquakes), environmental (chemical spills) and public safety
hazards (AMBER alerts). When an alert is issued for the programmed area, the device will sound a warning alarm tone followed by the essential information. These devices can alert you while you are sleeping to give you the time you need to get your family to safety. With families constantly on the go, it is also critical for people to have multiple ways to receive notifications and updated information about severe weather warnings. FEMA offers a FREE mobile app that provides fast and reliable weather alerts from the National Weather Service (NWS).
The app can be tailored to offer alerts for up to five different locations nationwide. The mobile app can also help you locate open shelters and disaster resource centers near you in the event of an emergency. For more information about what to do before, during and after a storm, please visit Ready.Illinois.gov. There you will find a Severe Weather Preparedness Guide, developed by IEMA and the NWS, which provides tips on how to prepare for all weather emergencies.
Patti Vasquez headlines the Access Sat., July 17 Toy comedy show July 17 Doors open at 6:30pm, show begins at 8pm Batavia Moose Lodge Family Center, 1532 S. Batavia Ave. Batavia Access Toy Distribution Committee hosts its annual “Comedy For Access Toys” at the Batavia Moose Lodge Family Center starring radio personality Patti Vasquez. She is recognized for her performances in her own network show, “My Life Is A Joke,” “The Patti Vasquez Show” on WGN, and programs on the TBS Network entitled “A Very Funny Show” and “The Lipstick Mom Tour.” All net proceeds will go to Access Toys. New unwrapped toys will be accepted at the show. There will be a 50/50 raffle and a silent auction. Admission tickets are $10 at the door. 12
P hoto : Patti Vasquez, facebook.com
Comedy for Access Toys
Downtown Batavia
630-761-3528 • 4½ W. Wilson St. • downtownbatavia.com
Downtown is Everyone’s Neighborhood! Say Hello to Summer in Downtown—
There is no shortage of reasons to get your family downtown this summer. The Farmers Market is in full swing Saturday Mornings from 8am to noon on N River Street and the 10 new Boardwalk Shops are open Friday— Sunday on the corner of Wilson and Rt 25. We are so excited to welcome everyone back to in person events with Cocktails in the Park and Block Party! Our Batavia MainStreet Family and community volunteers have been planning and prepping for you to create many memories Downtown. In June, we welcomed two new board members: Jamie Koc, Heart of the Home and Missi Hartmann, The Tea Tree, who will be amazing additions to our team. We also welcomed Delaney Blauw, Special Events Coordinator, to our team. She will be working hard to make sure our events are amazing. Please contact her if you are interested in volunteering or getting involved delaney@downtownbatavia.com or 630-761-3528.
#DowntownBatavia_____________________________________________________________ Cocktails in the Park Sat. July 31, 7pm Appleton Park (behind Batavia City Hall, 100 N Island Ave.) We invited you to join us as we resume Cocktails in the Park in person! Discover downtown Batavia and enjoy an evening on the riverbanks of the Fox River with live music, drinks, small plates, and more. This year, take advantage of your chance to “Win the Bar” with a $20 raffle tickets where you get an opportunity to win a large selection of cocktail mixers, spirits, barware, and more. Downtown Batavia is everyone’s neighborhood, so we welcome you to join us for this beautiful
and unique event that will help raise funds for Batavia MainStreet’s revitalization efforts. Ticket price includes small plates from local restaurants, a collectible
Be entertained…Celebrate achievements… Get involved in your Downtown!
cocktail glass (first come, first serve), and entry to the event. Cash/credit bar is available. Tickets are on sale at downtownbatavia.com for $35 in advance, $40 at the door. Batavia Block Party and Taste Sun., Sept. 5 from 4–9pm Celebrate Labor Day weekend as Batavia MainStreet host a “Taste of Batavia” sample party complete with live music, activities, and dancing. The Block Party will take place on N. River St. and Houston St. And will include kids’ activities hosted by River City Church, a Classic Car Show, a Pie Bake Off and more! 13
Batavia Public Library Summer is a great time to explore your Library The summer months are a great time to explore how the Library can assist, educate, and entertain you. An excellent way to discover more about what makes up today's library is by joining the Summer Reading Club (now through Aug. 9.) You will find simple and fun challenges in the online tracking software, Beanstack. The challenges will introduce you to Library resources while you earn Summer Reading Club points and perhaps a reward. For example, you will learn how to use your Batavia Public Library card to stream or download movies and television shows, discover new recipes, read papers and magazines from around the world, listen to music, subscribe to our library newsletters, and more. And, of course, participating in the Summer Reading Club is a good way to encourage yourself to read more. You may have already finished one or more books this summer, but perhaps you need help finding books that interest you. The librarians are here to help you and have compiled the following ways to find your next read.
Kids reading recommendations:
• You can call us! 630-879-1393 ext. 500. • Kids’ Book Lists—whether you have a reluctant reader or a budding bookworm, check out these surefire, kid-tested titles. Check titles on our website: bataviapubliclibrary.org/ youth-book-lists. The Library will be closed: Sunday, July 4 Monday, July 5 Friday, Aug. 27, 9am–1pm staff development Library Hours Monday–Thursday: 9am–9pm Friday & Saturday: 9am–5pm Sunday: 1–5pm (June–Aug.) 14
• Surprise Me! Bundle—let us know what you like to read, and we’ll match you up with some great books, movies, video games, or other materials. • Register for Book Gems, the book discussion club for young readers.
Adults and teen reading recommendations:
• You can call us! 630-879-1393 ext. 200. • Check our website: bataviapubliclibrary.org/ all-about-books • Surprise Me! Bundle—tell us what you like, and we will select a personalized bag full of materials for you. • Your Next Read—answer a few questions online about your reading likes and dislikes, and our librarians respond with titles Telephone 630-879-1393 Fax: 630-879-9118 TTY: 630-879-8335 Home Delivery: 630-879-1393, ext. 290 Library Director George H. Scheetz
chosen just for you. • My Librarian pages on our website list the types of books each of our Adult Services librarians like to read—plus their suggestions. • Good Reads blog gives you longer book reviews. • Teens—share your favorite recent reads at the August teen book discussion. • Register for the August book discussion—The Lost City of the Monkey God by Douglas J. Preston.
Library Trustees Daniel R. Russo, President Elizabeth P. Larson, Vice President Marianne E. Fasano, Secretary Jennifer M. Culotta, Treasurer Andrew R. Deitchman Christy L. Ford Kathryn L. Hubbard
630-879-1393 • BataviaPublicLibrary.org
Under the Cupola Library lore
The new Board of Library Trustees was seated on Tues., May 18, the continuation of a process begun in 1882. Batavia Public Library was established by the voters of Batavia Township on April 5, 1881 and supported by a tax of one mill (equal to onethousandth of $1.00). One year later, on April 4, 1882, the first Library Board was elected. The first Library Directors (now called Trustees) were John Van Nortwick, O. T. Snow, D. C. Newton, N. S. Young, William H. Burnham, and F. P. Conde. John Van Nortwick—one of thirteen men who chartered the Batavia Institute, a private academy, on Feb. 12, 1853— was elected president. The newest Library Board includes seven citizentrustees: Jennifer M. Culotta, Andrew R. Deitchman, Marianne E. Fasano, Christy L. Ford, Kathryn L. Hubbard, Elizabeth P. Larson, and Daniel R. Russo. The origins of the Library can be traced to October 1866, when the Batavia Lyceum Association, an organization of young men, acquired a collection of books from the Sigournean Society, an organization of young women, which directly led to the creation of the Batavia Library Association, a membership library. The
Batavia Library Association held its last meeting on April 12, 1882, at which it voted to transfer the books and other personal property to the “Batavia Public Library,” a township organization. In April 1873, the Batavia Library Association became the first “free library” in the Tri-City area when it adopted a “free library plan” and opened its doors to all residents of Batavia Township, regardless of whether they were members. In Kane County, Batavia was the second membership library (after Elgin), the third township library (after Elgin and Dundee), and the third district library (after Dundee and Elgin). Your obedient servant is only the eighth librarian (executive director) since 1882—and only the second gentleman to fill the position. Francis H. Buck served as the first librarian of the Batavia Public Library (1882– 1888) and the last librarian of the Batavia Library Association (1873–1882). We want to be your first choice for information—on local history or any topic of interest. Come visit the Library or its web site today!
George H. Scheetz, Director
You’ll be surprised and delighted! The Library is not just for reading anymore! During the past year, we have added more items to our Library of Things. We began our collection with Wi-Fi hotspots, bike locks, and cake pans. Since then, we have added board games, a bocce ball set, musical instruments, a slide projector, and a projection screen. Whether you would like to learn to play the ukelele or throw a fabulous backyard party, the Library of Things will delight you! You can find a listing of these surprising items in our catalog or on our website at: bataviapubliclibrary.org/ library-of-things/
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Batavia Public Library Programs for adults and teens Registration Information: Registration is required for some programs; please call the Reference Desk, 630-879-1393, ext. 200, or register online at BataviaPublicLibrary.org. Advance registration is required for programs designated
Summer Reading Club
Sign up for Summer Reading Club online at bataviapubliclibrary.org/beanstack/ or on the Beanstack app. Earn 30 points to be entered for the prize
drawing at the end of Summer Reading Club. Books, audiobooks, graphic novels, and eBooks all count for 10 points each, or try one of our activities.
Feature Programs Summer Library Club Programs: Reading Colors Your World Color Down Under Thurs., July 8, 7pm, Online Inspired by the optimistic personalities in people and wildlife, Australian artist Pete Cromer’s artwork is renowned for his signature bursts of glowing color and beautiful textures. Participants make a bird collage based on Pete's art in this class taught by Water Street Studios artist Lisa Holzl. Space is limited so register early.
Museum of Bad Art: Tough Times
Tues., July 20, 7pm, Online In this presentation, Museum of Bad Art (MOBA) curator Michael Frank explores how artists react to disasters. MOBA collects, exhibits, and celebrates art seen in no other venue. They have collected art from thrift stores, yard sales, sidewalk trash, and even the artists who create it. Join us for this funny exploration of art!
Questions & Ancestors Genealogy Series
Pandemic 1918! Fighting Influenza During the Great War Thurs., July 22, 7pm, Online More than 30% of Americans were estimated to have contracted Influenza in 1918, and millions of people lost their lives. Join speaker Tina Beaird via Zoom as we explore the timeline of the outbreak and hear tales of how the U.S. Army, Navy, and civilian
population centers tried desperately to combat the disease. Discover resources for tracing your family’s influenza victims through newspapers, government records, medical journals, hospital registers, and more.
his Cherry Honey Mead Sorbet from his Hearty & Healthy Polish Cooking eBook. Plus, he cooks up some poached pears in a currant dessert wine. Watch anytime on our YouTube channel!
The Food Mercenary Presents: Exotic Sorbets
Starting July 1, Online No ice cream machine is needed when local chef Michael R. Niksic shares three different sorbet combinations to take the heat out of hot summer days. He shares 16
Job Searching Workshop
Thurs. July 22, 10am, Online Are you having a rough time navigating today’s job market? Learn strategies to help you compete for your next job. Explore tools and resources to update your personal marketing tools and networking strategies, target your job search, and get job leads. Find resources and individual coaching to help you look for and find your next job. Offered in partnership with Elgin Community College.
630-879-1393 • BataviaPublicLibrary.org
Sundays on Stage The Batavia Public Library Foundation is the 2021 Season Sponsor At Last… Sophisticated Songs of the 60’s!
Sun., July 25, 2pm, Online Award-winning Vocalist Maureen Christine and woodwind player Michael Bazan perform classic songs such as “What the World Needs Now,” “More,” “I’m Leavin’ It All Up to You.” They play top hits from Frankie Valli, Elvis Presley, and Tony Bennett. Michael Bazan also performs the #1 jazz song of the 60’s, “Take Five.”
Kiddieland Remembered
Sun, Aug. 29, 2pm, Online From 1929 to 2009, Kiddieland in Melrose Park brought joy to thousands of families. Learn the history of the park, including the family fighting that caused it to be sold. Experience the action of the rides with an exclusive video. Enjoy viewing exclusive vintage photos of the park.
Monthly Programs Book Discussion
Follow the Library on
Tues., Aug. 10, 7:30pm The Lost City of the Monkey God by Douglas J. Preston In-person event Bestselling thriller writer Preston joins an archaeological expedition looking for evidence of a fabled city of immense wealth called the White City or the Lost City of the Monkey God. Named a best book of the year by National Geographic, the Boston Globe, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. September book discussion selection: Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid
Community Check-in with Misty & Aimee
Tues., July 6, 13, 20, 27, 6:30pm, Online Tues., August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 6:30pm, Online Each Tuesday, for 30 minutes, Misty and Aimee from Adult Services go LIVE on Instagram and Facebook in this popular fun program. Enjoy their explorations of various community locations. Registration is not required, but you need an Instagram or Facebook account. Instagram: instagram.com/bplbatavia/ • Facebook: facebook.com/BataviaPublicLibrary/
The Food Mercenary Presents: Garden Fresh Basil Recipes
Starting Aug. 1, Online Local chef Michael Niksic shows you how to transform any simple meal into something special by making and storing these fresh basilbased recipes. These recipes were staples in many of the restaurants that Chef Michael piloted. Watch anytime on our YouTube channel!
Artist for an Afternoon
Thurs., Aug. 5, 2pm In-person event Unleash your creativity by painting
a seasonal picture in acrylics with Adult Services Librarian Aimee at the Library. This is a socially distanced event; the Library provides all supplies. Make sure to wear clothes you can make a mess in or bring an apron.
Interviewing 101
Thurs., Aug. 12, 10am, Online A company wants to interview you! Now what?! It's not easy putting yourself on the line, especially when you want the job. This workshop helps you understand today's changing interview scene and give you some
tips and tricks to help you succeed. Offered in partnership with Elgin Community College.
Make a Felted Bookmark
Tues., Aug. 17, 7pm, Online Join fiber artist Natasha Lehrer Lewis as she teaches a fun, virtual class on wet felting! Make a colorful bookmark from the comfort of your own home. All supplies are included for this easy craft that uses wool to sculpt your bookmark. We notify registrants when the supplies are ready for pickup.
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Batavia Public Library Programs and activities for youth Program Registration: For programs requiring registration, please register online at BataviaPublicLibrary.org, Events Calendar. For programs as noted, call the Youth Services Desk, 630-879-1393, ext. 500. We give priority to Batavia Public Library cardholders for all programs requiring registration. Unless otherwise noted, registration for programs begins on the first of the month in which the program occurs. Patrons of all abilities are welcome at our programs. Please contact the Library regarding accommodations. Face coverings required at children’s programs. We require advanced registration for programs designated Pick up supplies at the Library during Library hours for programs designated . Unless otherwise noted, registered participants are emailed a link in advance for all Online programs.
For Babies, Tots, and Preschoolers
Storytime at the Caboose
Wed., July 7, 21, Aug. 4, 10am Ages 2–6 Join a Youth Services staff member at the Depot Museum Caboose for storytime, weather permitting. Enjoy your favorite books, rhymes, and songs. Co-sponsored by the Batavia Park District.
Baby Early Literacy Kits
Pick-up dates Fri., July 9, 23, Aug. 6, 10am–5pm Ages 0–23 months Bring your baby for a short kit demo at 10am. Take home your kit to share with your baby. If you cannot join us at 10am, pick up your kit after 10:30am at the Youth Services Desk. Kits alternate between bookbased kits and sensory-based kits and are yours to keep. Register for each date on which you would like to participate.
Truck Tales
Wed., Aug. 11, 10am Ages 2–6 Love trucks? Enjoy truck stories with library staff and Gary Holm, Batavia’s Public Works director, after which children can climb aboard one of Batavia’s big trucks. 18 kaneneighbors.com 18
For Students Color Your Library Art Show
630-879-1393 ext. 500. Presented by the Naperville Area Humane Society.
Yarn and Tale
Supply pick-up date Wed., July 7 Ages 5–14 Create a piece of art and bring it back to Youth Services. We will display it in our Color Your Library art gallery over the summer! Pick up your paint and canvas on July 7. We base participation for this popular program on a lottery. Priority is given to Batavia Public Library cardholders and those who did not participate in the June Art show. Please register in person beginning June 3 at the Youth Services Desk or by phone, 630-8791393 ext. 500. Members of the same household must register separately.
Online—Live Mon., July 12–July 26, 6:30-7:45pm Ages 8–14 Class in progress; please call for availability. All skill levels welcome; beginning instruction is available. Please provide your own knitting needles or crochet hook.
Animal Drawing Classes
Tues., July 13, Thurs., Aug. 5, 1, 2 or 3pm Grades 4–8 This program is back by popular demand! Choose from an amazing assortment of bead colors and templates to develop your one-of-a-kind creation. Register for one 45-minute session.
Online—Recorded Now–Aug. 15 Grades 2–5 The fun doesn’t end with Dan Gogh’s Magical Color Zoo! (See FAMILIES) Dan has created three video workshops that teach you how to draw 3–4 animals and add color to one of the animals. Learn to draw desert, grassland, and jungle animals. Grab some drawing paper and a pencil, then click the link to get started. Available on the Library website.
Paws for Tales
Sat., July 10, 10–11:30am Grades 1–4 Children practice their reading skills by reading aloud to a specially trained therapy dog. The Paws for Tales goal is to create a positive, nonthreatening, and fun environment in which reading aloud is enjoyed. Register for a 15-minute time slot; call
Chess Knight
Tues., July 13–Aug. 3, 7pm Age 8 through adult Participants should have a basic knowledge of the game of chess. Outdoor seating is available, weather permitting.
Perler Beads
Book Gems
Wed., July 14, 11am Mr. Summerling’s Secret Code by Dori Hillestad Butler Grades 2–3 Book discussion club for young readers. Join us for discussion and activities. Reserve a copy of the book when registering. Registration begins June 16.
630-879-1393 • BataviaPublicLibrary.org
Water Street Studios Art Workshops
Online—Recorded July 20, Aug. 10 Ages 6–12 The topic of color inspires each workshop. Participants learn about color, how cultures use color, art styles, and famous artists known for their work with color. The narrator reads a book selection aloud, and the instructor guides participants in completing the project. Pick up your supplies at the Library. We email a link to an instructional video. We base participation for this popular program on a lottery and give priority to Batavia Public Library cardholders. Please call for lottery registration beginning July 1 for both classes, 630-879-1393 ext. 500. Members of the same household must register separately.
Rock Your Art
Thurs., July 22, 1, 2, 3 pm Grades 5–8 Join us for 45-minutes of rock painting fun! We provide the supplies; you provide the creativity.
3D Pens
Tues., July 27, Thurs., Aug. 12, 1, 2, or 3pm Grades 4–8 Love drawing, and want to take
it to the next level? Our new Mynt3d 3D pens are back! During this 45-minute program, you will complete a short tutorial followed by a drawing session where you can create something using a template or develop your own oneof-a kind creation. Register for one session.
Can’t Resist Art?
Wed., July 28, 11am Grades K–2 Drawing + Books = Fun! Short picture books inspire you to try your hand at crayon resistance art. Bring your creative talent and be an artist.
String Art
Thurs., July 29, 11am Ages 7–14 Have you ever tried string art? You don’t need a hammer or nails with this easy-to-make string art picture. Using only string and a needle, you’ll be able to create your unique art design.
Reading Colors Your World!
Through Aug. 9 There is still time to join the Summer Reading Club 2021. Track every day you read: Library books, books from home, online books, audiobooks—whatever you read! Track your reading on Beanstack to earn prize drawing entries and rewards. Try the Mix-It-Up Challenges to earn an additional reward.
Dan Gogh’s Magical Color Zoo
Online—Recorded Now–Aug. 15 Dan Gogh’s Magical Color Zoo has a collection of animals that explode with COLOR. There is only one problem; somebody stole the Primary Stones, which give the zoo its color power! Join the adventure as we rescue each stone and discover three concepts of color: variety, harmony, and mood. This fun-for-thefamily show is complete with magic, comedy, and puppets! Click the link on the Library website, sit back, and enjoy.
Weekly Wow
Families Scavenger Hunt
July 1–Aug. 31 Colors of Batavia All ages Begin in the Library Reading Garden and use the provided QR Codes to enjoy all the colors of Batavia’s downtown while you search for clues to complete this scavenger hunt. Register on Beanstack via the Beanstack App or the Library website.
Mon.–Sat. through Aug. 7 All Ages Stopping by the Library? Check out the Weekly Wow! Different inLibrary activities are featured each week: do-it, find-it, draw-it, make-it, and more. Available during Library hours.
Youth Programs are continued on page 24
Don’t miss these special “TAKE-HOME” activities
Please note that all “Take Home” kits are available during Library hours while supplies last. One kit per child.
STEAM Lab-in-a-Bag
Supply pick-up Thurs., July 8, Boats Grades K–5 Go full-STEAM ahead this month when you pick up a supply kit with all the items you need to create your very own miniature boat. Explore the concept of buoyancy and find out whether your boat will sink or float!
Take-Home Craft Kit
Mon., July 19 Mon., Aug. 16 All ages Pick up a take-home craft activity in the Youth Services Department.
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Batavia Public Library Teen Programs
Advance registration is required for programs designated
Teen Volunteer Opportunities
Earn volunteer hours and make a difference in your community. Look for the V logo next to the teen events below. Tug-toy kits are available in the Teen Section, or have a kit held for you for Curbside Pickup.
Teen Book Subscription Box
Register by July 15 Looking for a fresh read and a few surprises? Try a Library teen book subscription! Register and let us know what you might like to read. We fill a box for you with a pre-selected YA library book, a craft, a snack, and a few themed trinkets
during the months of July and August. tinyurl.com/bpl-teen-box
Among Us
Sun., July 11 & Aug. 1, 7pm Are you addicted to Among Us? Meet up with other players for some private games. We’ll use Zoom for chatting between games and during the emergency meetings. Please email cedison@bataviapubliclibrary.org if you need help with Zoom.
Inclusion Game Night
Wed., July 14, Aug. 11, Online Chat time: 6–6:30pm Game time: 6:30–8pm Teens and young adults of all abilities—and their families and friends—are invited to play Scattergories, Bingo, and other
. games online. High school volunteers are welcome. We have prizes for bingo, as well as UNO decks and other games available for checkout at the Library! Links for the games are emailed to registrants.
Teen Book Discussion
Wed., Aug. 4, 1:30pm In-person event Share your favorite recent reads, play a book-themed game, and maybe discover other books to try.
Summer Reading Club
ends Aug. 9 Don’t forget to turn in your paper reading logs or enter your books read/activities done on the Beanstack app or online at bataviapubliclibrary.org/beanstack/.
Youth Programs continued from page 23
Make-it, Take-it Craft on Water Street
Enjoy a rare chance to get a closer look at these animals and learn about their day-to-day lives. Meet us at the Peg Bond Center pavilion, weather permitting. Batavia Park District cosponsors this event.
Fri., July 2, 16, Aug. 6, 20, 10–11am Families Join Library Youth Services staff on Water Street for an easy drop-in craft, weather permitting.
Story Stroll at the Library Reading Garden
Lego Building Challenge
Tues., July 6, 4–7pm All Ages Are you looking for some family fun? Register for a 30-minute time slot to work together to build with Legos. Families are given a bag of Library Legos to use, a space in the Youth Services Department to work, and 30 minutes to create. Lego Creations remain on display in the Library for two weeks. Please call the Youth Services Desk to register, 630-879-1393 ext. 500.
Bingo
Mon., July 12, 11am, Big Woods Park Fri., Aug. 13, 11am, Library Reading Garden Ages 3–14 Join us for outdoor Bingo at the 20
Sat., July 24; Sat., Aug. 28 10am–4pm All Ages What do you get when you combine fresh air, light exercise, and a good book? A Story Stroll, of course! Enjoy a Story Stroll in the Library Reading Garden. Big Woods Park pavilion in July and in the Library Reading Garden in August. Bring a blanket or lawn chair. We provide Bingo cards and fun. A caregiver must accompany children. The Batavia Park District co-sponsors our July event. Weather permitting.
The Animal Express
Thurs., July 15, 7pm Staff from The Animal Express introduce families to several animals, from cute and cuddly to exotic.
630-879-1393 • BataviaPublicLibrary.org
Teen Programs
Advance registration is required for programs designated
SYNC YA is back!
Everyone who reads three books or more can win a free book. Books, audiobooks, graphic novels, and eBooks all count toward your goal, or try one of our activities. Batavia Public Library cardholders with at least 30 points are eligible for the end of Summer Reading Club prize drawing.
Get two free young adult audiobooks a week through Aug. 4 (requires the free Sora app): audiofilemagazine.com/sync/
ACT/SAT prep
Teen Virtual Murder Mystery
Ongoing Send an email to askus@bataviapubliclibrary.org with the subject line Murder Mystery Signup and we send you downloadable clues for this online game. There’s a hint file in there if you get really stuck, but don’t peek at the answers until you must!
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Teen Virtual Escape Room Ongoing Bored? Try a virtual Escape Room game! Using a cell phone or computer to help figure out the answers is absolutely allowed. Try this zombie-themed game: tinyurl.com/bpl-zombie-breakout
on our website Tutor.com provides on-demand tutoring, homework help, test preparation, and writing assistance in over 60 subjects seven days a week. Use their drop-off reviews, practice quizzes, video lessons, and The Princeton Review SAT®/ACT® Essentials. Visit Gale Presents: Peterson’s Test Prep to practice taking the ACT, SAT, GED, and AP exams. Also provides information about careers, scholarships, and colleges.
News from the Friends
Stock Your Classroom Sale is back! Sat., Aug. 7, 9am–noon, in the FriendSpace
The Friends of the Batavia Public Library will once again be holding an educators' sale in August. To participate, you will need to sign up for a half-hour time slot on Sign Up Genius beginning Aug. 1. The link for the sign-up will be on the Library's website: bataviapubliclibrary.org/friends To reduce crowding within our sales area, we ask that you stay in your car until the time of your reservation. We will check you in at the front door of the Library, and you may then proceed to the Friends' Space on the lower level of the Library. We require that everyone wear a mask at the sale. • Open to all teachers—including preschool teachers, daycare workers, home educators, and those who teach and mentor kids • Books for kids, teens, and adults • The price for all educator materials is $0.25
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Batavia School District 101 News School Directory District 101 Offices Rosalie Jones Administration Center 335 W. Wilson St. Batavia, IL 60510 630-937-8800 • bps101.net
High School Batavia High School 1201 Main St., Batavia, IL 60510 630-937-8600 • bhs.bps101.net
Middle School Rotolo Middle School of Batavia 1501 South Raddant Rd. Batavia, IL 60510 630-937-8700 • rms.bps101.net
Elementary Schools Alice Gustafson School 905 Carlisle Rd. Batavia, IL 60510 630-937-8000 • ags.bps101.net Early Childhood Center 905 Carlisle Rd. Batavia, IL 60510 630-937-8000 • ags.bps101.net/ early-childhood Grace McWayne School 3501 Hapner Way Batavia, IL 60510 630-937-8100 • gms.bps101.net H. C. Storm School 305 North Van Nortwick St. Batavia, IL 60510 630-937-8200 • hcs.bps101.net Hoover-Wood School 1640 Wagner Rd., Batavia, IL 60510 630-937-8300 • hws.bps101.net J. B. Nelson School Laurel & William Wood Ln. Batavia, IL 60510 630-937-8400 • jbn.bps101.net Louise White School 800 North Prairie St. Batavia, IL 60510 630-937-8500 • lws.bps101.net 22
Welcome back BPS students Batavia Public Schools is looking forward to welcoming all students back for the 2021–22 school year. The Illinois State Board of Education has confirmed their commitment to in-person learning and Batavia schools also believe that a return to in-person learning is in the best interest of students, their learning, and our community. As we plan and prepare for returning to school, BPS101 will be using the bps101.net/2021-22/ page to coordinate and communicate information as we progress through this process. Many of the documents will be “live” so that they are as up-to-date as possible. So please check back there often for updates.
Always Learning, Always Growing
BPS101 Board of Education welcomes two new board members BPS101 is proud to introduce the two newest members to the Board of Education, Aaron Kilburg and RJ Mathis. Stepping up to take on the challenge of being an elected member of a community organization is no easy task and we appreciate their commitment to our community. Here is a little more information on our newest members:
Aaron Kilburg Family: Aaron and his wife Kathleen have three children at all levels of BPS101: a 14 year old daughter at Batavia High School, an 11 year old son at Rotolo Middle School, and a 9 year old daughter at JB Nelson Elementary. Occupation: Mr. Kilburg works with plumbing and mechanical engineers and design-build contractors in his role as the Midwest Commercial Sales Manager for NIBCO, a domestic manufacturer of commercial valves, fittings, and piping systems. Education: Graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from the University of Illinois UrbanaChampaign. Community Involvement: Aaron and his wife Kathleen have been residents of Batavia since October of 2003. Mr. Kilburg was the “Top Dog” from 2015–21 for the JB Nelson Watch D.O.G.S., a program that promotes father involvement and volunteerism. Aaron was a JBN PTO chairperson from 2015–21, including master of ceremony for the annual JBN Trivia Night fundraiser. Aaron has been involved in coaching a variety of youth sports over the past decade, including baseball with the Batavia Youth
Baseball organization (BYB), Tri-Cities soccer, and Batavia Park District girls softball and boys basketball. From 2017-20 Aaron was a volunteer with the Batavia Pack 153 Cub Scout troop. This winter you might have seen Mr. Kilburg around town or heard him on WBBM radio as co-creator of the “We Side with Batavia Restaurants” campaign, a program that partnered with the Batavia City Council, Batavia Chamber of Commerce, and Batavia Main Street to promote and support the Batavia restaurant community.
RJ Mathis Family: RJ and his wife have two daughters that attend H.C. Storm Elementary School. Occupation: RJ has 15 years of experience in higher education and currently works as a Manager of Program Mentors at Western Governors University. Education: RJ earned a Bachelor of Science degree with a concentration in Human Resources from Northern Illinois University and a Master of Business Administration with an emphasis in Human Resources from Keller Graduate School of Management. Community Involvement: In addition to being a PTO member at H.C. Storm, RJ is also co-chair of the Batavia Interschool Council. When not juggling those responsibilities, RJ is a core team member for Building our Future Together. Welcome to Aaron and RJ, and congrats to re-elected incumbents Sue Locke and Craig Meadows. All four were seated at the April 20 BPS101 Board of Education meeting. A recording of the meeting can be found at the website bps101.net/board/board-meetings.
The Batavia Foundation for Educational Excellence Board of Directors would like to say farewell to the retiring Board members. Peter Gerardi, Melissa Walther, Brian Nallenweg, Glenda Peck, and Emily Shimizu have all given the board invaluable contributions during their time with BFEE. We are sad to see you go, but so happy you joined us while you did. We also give a huge welcome to the newest BFEE Board members: Melissa Dempsey, Tina Bleakley, Julie Johnson, and Freddy Martinez. We are so happy to have you and look forward to great things from you in the coming school year. 23
Batavia School District 101 News
Show Choir
Show Choir has been learning and practicing their 2021 show virtually and in person, when guidelines allow. Show Choir is made up of two groups: Legacy, an all girl ensemble; and Swing Singers, a mixed ensemble. Students meet once a week to work with their director, Melissa O’Neill, choreographer Ellie Jordan, and BHS choir director Peter Barsch. Students may have the opportunity to perform virtually in the next few months. “Show Choir has given me a chance to be with friends and do something I love. It has also given me a sense of normalcy,” said member Will Lambert. Choir member Ally Cooper noted, “When the world changes, passions don’t.”
Chromatics
Batavia Music Buffs proudly supports music in BPS101
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Batavia High School’s own a-cappella group, Chromatics, was asked to perform “Over the Rainbow” for the TriCity Family Services Emerald City Gala. Since that event was entirely online, they created a video to share. Michelle Rollins, one of the organizers of the event wrote, “The Chromatics’ performance was, hands down, one of the most moving, most heartfelt, most beautiful moments of the production…completely capturing what we wanted, during such a serious moment, as we share how important mental health is, particularly now. [I] cannot begin to tell you how many tears streamed down my face! I pray that your students watch this show and beam with pride as to how much their contribution, under your leadership, meant to our entire organization.”
At the Centre…
BataviaFineArtsCentre.org • 630-937-8930
Call
630-937-8930 for information & tickets
Carole’s Kings
Sat., Oct. 23, 7:30pm An iconic singer-songwriter gets a brand-new sound in Carole’s Kings, the world’s first all-male Carole King tribute. With lush orchestrations, witty banter, and a cast of three incredibly talented New York stage veterans, Carole’s Kings is a dynamic act jam-packed with charttopping sensations such as “The Locomotion,” “I Feel the Earth Move,” “You’ve Got A Friend,” and many more. Amazing vocals and hilarious comedy, make Carole’s Kings a unique experience that’s fun for the whole family!
The Four C Notes
Fri., Nov. 19, 7:30pm Pioneered by John Michael Coppola, best known for his appearance in Chicago’s long-running production of the Broadway smash hit Jersey Boys, The Four C Notes are the Midwest’s only tribute dedicated to recreating the music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons! The performance features all of your favorite hits, including: “Sherry”, “Big Girls Don’t Cry”, “Walk Like A Man” “Workin’ My Way Back To You, (Babe)” and many, many, more.
B2wins: Home Together for the Holidays
Fri., Dec. 3, 7:30pm B2wins (Pronounced B-Twins… short for Brazilian Twins) This high-energy entertainment group continues to captivate audiences worldwide with its unique sound and an engaging live show. Led by charismatic twin brothers from Rio de Janeiro, they combine genres into a live show that is an equal parts rock concert, jam session, dance party, and house party. Growing up in the violent, slums of Brazil, the twins began playing classical music on violins their father made by hand. After being featured on National Public Radio, the Twins were invited to the US on full-ride
music scholarships. Join these twins for a high-energy start to your Holiday season!
Buckets ‘N’ Boards
Fri., Feb. 11, 2022, 7:30pm Buckets ‘N’ Boards comedy percussion show is a spectacularly imaginative work brought to life by two prolific performers, musicians, and comedians. The sheer variety of instruments and found objects they are able to manipulate is inspiring! The comedy centered on the improvisational interactions with the crowd is the driving force of the show. From their imaginative songs to a fresh and unique brand of clean comedy, Buckets ‘N’ Boards has crafted an original theatrical experience the entire family will enjoy! “One of the most requested headline acts on Disney cruise lines.”
That Motown Band
Fri., June 17, 2022, 7:30pm Do you love songs like “Heat Wave,” “Ain’t too Proud To Beg,” “Baby Love,” “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “My Girl,” and “Rescue Me”? Do you love artists like Smokey Robinson, The Temptations, The Supremes, and The Four Tops? Then, you are going to love this group of talented vocalists and musicians. 25
Batavia Park District News River Rhapsody concert series
Select Wednesday evenings from 7–8:30pm Batavia Riverwalk Free! River Rhapsody concerts are back! This summer, the concert series will be hosted at the Peg Bond Center. No registration is required for these free outdoor concerts. For the first time, we will be offering wine for sale at River Rhapsody. What a great way to relax and enjoy beautiful music under the summer sky!
On stage at the Peg Bond Center for River Rhapsody: July 14—Johnny Russler & the Beach Bum Band July 21—Ethan Bell Band July 28—Good Clean Fun Aug. 4—Cadillac Groove
Drive-in summer movies
Thurs., July 22: The Santa Clause Thurs., Aug. 12: The Croods: A New Age 8:30pm West Main Community Park
We are proud to announce evenings at the movies! Bring your family, friends, blankets, and pillows and enjoy nights under the stars watching great movies together outdoors! The fee is $20 per car. You may register for these cool, family friendly movies at bataviaparks.org. 26
630-879-5235 bataviaparks.org
Summer camps
Now through Aug. 13 Summer time is adventure time! Before your children head back to school, book some time for frolicking outside with friends and making new friends at camp. The park district offers an array of camps, from the signature Camp SUN-sational to a thrilling array of nature, performing arts, science, sports and technology camps. There’s something for everyone so sign up while camp space is available! Register at bataviaparks.org. Camp SUN-sational is scheduled for 7:30am to 4pm at the Eastside Community Center. Extended hours are available, from 4pm to 6pm, for an additional fee. Any questions? Please contact Bethanne at bethanneg@bataviaparks.org or 630-879-5235.
Kayak and paddleboat rentals Bring the family to the Batavia Riverwalk for a mini summer retreat! Kayaks are available for single and tandem rentals, and paddleboat rentals fit up to four people. Participants must be 16+ years with a stateissued ID to operate the kayaks and paddleboats.
Dates & Hours:
Now—Aug. 15 Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 5–8pm Tuesday, Thursday: 12pm–2pm, 5–8pm Saturday, Sunday: 1–6pm Aug. 21—Sept. 26 Saturday, Sunday: 1–6pm Sept. 6: 11am–4pm
Rates:
One-person kayak: $10 for 30-minute rental Two-person kayak: $20 for 30-minute rental Paddleboat: $15 for 30-minute rental 27
Batavia Park District News
Hall Quarry Beach
Now–Aug. 15 Open 11:30am to 6pm daily Season passes are on sale for residents, nonresidents and seniors, and may be purchased from 8:30am to 4:30pm on weekdays at the Civic Center, 327 W. Wilson St. Get this year’s pass at a preseason rate! Check out our season pass rates at bataviaparks.org. Or, daily admission is $10 for residents and $13 for non-residents. Reservations are not required since transitioning to Phase 5.
Beach amenities
Beach amenities include kids flume, sandy beach, swimming area, thrilling drop slide, wiggle bridge, large picnic area, limited concession stand, and sand volleyball courts. Swim lessons and quarry rentals are available. Facemasks must be worn when entering Hall Quarry Beach. While not in the water, patrons must wear a mask when they will be closer than 6 feet from individuals who do not reside in the same household.
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630-879-5235 bataviaparks.org
Windmill City Festival is back! 5–11pm, Fri., Aug. 27 12pm–11pm Sat., Aug. 28 12pm–6pm Sun., Aug. 29 Riverwalk Stage: 151 N. Island Ave. The Comedy Vault Stage: 18 W. Wilson St. parking lot What’s on your summer bucket list, Batavia? That’s right, Windmill City Festival is back! There will be a bevy of bands, Euro bungee, golf challenge, pet competition, a Tribute to Michael Heaton, the fire hose challenge and so much more. Don’t forget about the amazing food, assortment of refreshments and… the beer. Stay up-to-date on all things Windmill City Festival by going to windmillcityfest.org. Times and events are subject to change.
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BATV
MyBatv.com
Sponsorship bundles available again for 2021 football season
With the expected return of the Batavia football season this fall, BATV is making its sponsorship bundles available to community businesses again! Ranging from your company logo appearing on screen, all the way to being our instant replay sponsor, we have a plethora of options to fit whatever informative exposure you are looking for!
Premier Sponsor (One business featured per game) $350 per game Your logo on screen after intro, two mentions per quarter, halftime logo slide in video, and logo at the end of the game on screen.
Single Sponsor for Instant Replay
$225 per game Your company logo on screen during instant replay, plus “Brought to You By:” replay announcement—minimum five times per game.
Quarterly Sponsor with Mention
$75 per quarter Your logo shown end of quarter full screen with mention.
Quarterly Sponsor
$25 per quarter Your logo shown end of quarter full screen. Sponsor a quarter of BHS football on BATV and your logo will be displayed at the end of the quarter.
Contact Andrew Van Meter for questions and details at: 630-937-5413 or email andrew@mybatv.com
Welcome back BPS students
BATV would like to welcome students and the graduating class of 2022 back to school! Stay tuned to BATV for broadcast of many Batavia High School events, including concerts, award ceremonies, some Batavia Fine Arts events, and more! Watch BATV on Comcast (Channels 17 & 10), MetroNet, and AT&T U-Verse or on our Youtube Channel BATV1017!
Tune in to your community information station throughout 2021
Like and follow us on Facebook, sign up for our newsletter at mybatv.com for all the latest updates. FOOTBALL • GRADUATION • CITY COUNCIL 30
BATV1017 facebook.com/batv1017 630-937-5413 • info@myBATV.com
106 West Wilson St., Batavia 630-879-7134 • bataviachamber.org
Batavia Chamber Breakfast Club is back in person The Batavia Chamber listens, and they hear their members! Zoom networking worked great during the pandemic to keep in touch with each other. However, many members said that they missed inperson relationship building. The good news is that the networking events have returned to “normal.” Evening networking events are a great way to make connections and build relationships, but evenings aren’t always the best time for everyone. Please join the chamber for morning networking and a hot buffet breakfast. Benefit from building professional relationships and gain access to new opportunities.
Attendees will be asked to present a two-minute selfintroduction and will be given business cards of all those in attendance for ongoing networking. Advanced registration is recommended. Walk-ins are welcome. $10 advanced registration, $15 at the door. Batavia Chamber Breakfast Club is always held on the second Wednesday of each month at the Geneva Comfort Inn and Suites. Mark your calendar now! Wed., July 14, 8–9am Wed., Aug. 11, 8–9am
Congratulations to our scholarship winners! Four members of the 2021 graduating class of Batavia Public School District 101 are winners of Inspire Scholarships. The four scholarship categories are motivated by the makeup of the Batavia Chamber of Commerce membership. The financial award of $500 will be paid directly to the institute the recipient will be attending. Congratulations!
Applications will open to 2022 seniors of BPS 101 in January 2022 for the Inspire Scholarships. Donations to this fund are always welcome, contact the chamber office at 630-879-7134 for more information.
• Inspiring Entrepreneurship: Sasha Nahorski, Iowa State University
• Inspiring Career & Technical Achievers: Ellie Ditchman, Ferris State University
• Inspiring Women in Business: Grace Krohse, Belmont University
• Inspiring Contributors to a Chamber Business: Evelyn Schmitz, Ball State University
Upcoming Events Rebuild & Reenergize Series: The Art of Pivoting: Strategies for Developing a Flexible Business Model for the Future* Wed., July 14, 9am—Virtual Net-Working-It! Wed., July 21, 4:30pm Gammon Coach House—in person
Batavia Women in Business Luncheon* Annual Progressive Networking Luncheon Tues., Aug. 10, 11:30am Enticing Cuisine Banquets—in person
Rebuild & Reenergize Series: Sales and Marketing to Help you Dominate your Market* Wed., Aug. 18, 9am—Virtual
*Registration required, please visit bataviachamber.org.
Welcome New Chamber Members The Batavia Chamber of Commerce would like to welcome our newest members! • Affordable Party Tent Rentals • American Technologies, Inc. • Bethany Lutheran Church • First Student
• GreenSeed Contract Packaging • Hightails Hideaway, Inc. • HK Mobile Notary LLC • R & S Liquors and Wine • Rejoice Lutheran Church
• She Soars Digital • Strategica IT Solutions • Toys N Hobbies 4 All • Transformative Growth, LLC
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Business Nuggets
™
An eclectic collection of what’s happening in Batavia
It was an early morning for Batavia Boardwalk Shop owners on Fri., June 18 as they welcomed Ana Belaval and her WGN morning crew. First, at 7am, Batavia Chamber of Commerce conducted a ribbon cutting ceremony to welcome the 2021 class of Boardwalk Shops. The ten new shops are Black Angel Designs, Cortney Kinzler; Bumblebee Cottage Apothecary, Sarah Stupegia; CatTalpa Manor, Abbey Estes; EV Creative, Emily Velazquez; Farmdog Flowers, Gerrit Husar; Fox Valley Gallery of Wood, John Dillon, Rich Nye, Rich HallReppen and Andy Kuby; MoJo Re-Creations, Maria Pensinger; New Moon Vegan, Jo Colagiacomi; Pretty Pages, Meli Bernas; and Wanderin’ Barefoot Farm, Jillae Dalmolin. Following the ceremony, Ms. Belaval interviewed several owners live on the morning show for the popular “Around Town” segment. Also interviewed was Jamie Saam, manager of the Boardwalk Shops. Regular hours for the Batavia Boardwalk Shops are Friday, 10am–7pm; Saturday, 9am–4pm; and Sunday, 12pm–4pm through Dec. 19.
Find out the latest, including special hours or popup shops, by following their Facebook page, facebook.com/ bataviaboardwalkshops. Grants and EIDL loans are still available. The Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program is still accepting applications. Check out the Small Business Administration (SBA) sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/ covid-19-relief-options/shuttered-venue-operators-grant for program details and application portal. Additionally, the SBA is offering low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses and non-profit organizations that are suffering substantial economic injury as a result of COVID-19. The Economic Injury Disaster Loan program (EIDL) may be used to pay debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact, and that are not already covered by a Paycheck Protection Program loan. The interest rate is 3.75% for small businesses and 2.75% for non-profits. The deadline to apply for this program has been extended to Dec. 31. More information and an application are available on the SBA's website. After a yearlong wait, the Batavia Chamber of Commerce celebrated the new ownership of the historic Batavia Popcorn Depot with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thurs., June 3. Dating from 1929, the shop was purchased in spring 2020 by Batavian Talitha Mueller. Special guests were Robert-George Merrill, a member of Batavia Boy Scout Troop 6 who organized and built planter boxes for the Batavia Popcorn Depot as an Eagle Scout project. Located currently at WGN host Ana Belaval interviews Rich Nye, former Cubs pitcher and veterinarian, about his wood turnings and the Fox Valley Gallery of Wood.
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1 N. Water St., the Batavia Popcorn Depot was opened in 1929 by two 12-year-old Batavians, Buddy Anderson and Normie Freedlund, who with the help of their fathers built the stand. Through the years, the stand’s owners, location, and name has changed, but the one thing that remains constant is Batavia’s love of popcorn and the historic stand. Menu choices include the original white corn, caramel corn, cheese corn, a mix of caramel and cheese corn, or the “BOB” caramel and white mix. Summer hours for the Batavia Popcorn Depot are Wednesday–Sunday from 5–9pm. Catering and private orders are available upon request and other popup hours are likely. Find out the latest, including special musical events, by following their Facebook page, facebook.com/Batavia-Popcorn-Depot-112596733735385. Miscella Real Estate/ABEI Company finally was able to celebrate their move to 150 First St., Suite A, Batavia with a ribbon cutting ceremony on May 25. The Geneva Chamber of Commerce joined the ceremony. Miscella is an independent residential brokerage serving the greater Fox River Valley area, bringing an individual, personalized focus to real estate that centers on client care. BEI moved Miscella Real Estate to the current location in February 2020, shortly before the pandemic shutdown. miscella.com, 630-232-1570.
Encore Batavia, an initiative of the Batavia Parks Foundation has launched a volunteer project, Engage Batavia Volunteers, a centralized location for Batavia area volunteer opportunities. A custom deck of 68 information cards, funded by a Batavia Rotary Club grant, features Batavia area non-profits and places to volunteer organized by category. Categories include: Arts, Civic, Community Service, Education, Environment, Service Organizations and Social Services. New Batavia residents will receive a postcard inviting them to participate through Welcome Home Batavia. Cards are also available for public use at the Eastside Community Center, the Civic Center, Batavia Public Library and Limestone Coffeet & Tea. For more information about the project visit bataviaparksfoundation.org. On June 10, Margaret Perreault, president and CEO of the Batavia Chamber of Commerce, introduced the new state representative to local downtown business owners. During the walking tour, the owners shared their concerns with Rep. Maura Hirschauer; including staffing difficulties and what they need as a business to recover post COVID. Those businesses visited were Deluxe Cleaners, Beardsgaard Barbers, Red Hive Market, Limestone Coffee & Tea, The Tea Tree, The Sidecar Supper Club & Beer Garden and Briana’s Pancake House Restaurant. Rep. Hirschauer can be reached through her website maurahirschauer.com.
Batavia Mayor Jeffery Schielke presided over the celebration, along with Batavia Enterprises CEO Austin Dempsey. Miscella managing broker/realtor Debbie Gurley, along with fellow brokers Shauna Wiet and Julia Ziller.
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Community Above Self Event planning underway!
The Batavia United Way is in full swing planning for our fall fundraising events. They are very excited to celebrate with one another again! The Barn Party will be held on Sept. 11 and will feature live music, outdoor fun, and heavy appetizers. The Bat Race 5K/10K will be held on Oct. 30 and is a chip-timed event with awards AND a costume contest. Costumes are encouraged but not required. Take advantage of early bird registration! Tickets and details for both events are available on our Facebook page and the website bataviaunitedway.org. Thank you for your support!
Community Foundation is here to serve
Whether you’re planning your estate of simply looking to give back in a meaningful way, the Community Foundation is here to serve you. With wise and careful investments, thoughtful oversight and donor-driven policies, the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley exists to help fulfill philanthropic goals both short-term and for perpetuity. The Community Foundation: • Has a strong partnership with trusted financial advisors, money managers and estate planning attorneys • Can create a planned giving approach that will allow you to support your favorite charities, in your family’s name, to continue for perpetuity Learn more by visiting cffrv.org.
Young men learn leadership skills
Do you have a son between the ages 12–21? Does he like to play games, participate in sports, and wants to learn skills to lead others? The David M. Wheeler Chapter of DeMolay is for your son. This organization is an environment for boys to mature into young men. Members learn leadership skills and fundraise for the Shriner’s Children Hospital in Chicago, helping children with free medical care. Meetings are every month on
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the first and third Wednesdays at Batavia Lodge 404, 28 Van Nortwick St., in Batavia. From 7 to 8:30pm enjoy fun, food, and fellowship. For information contact Nathanielupham@gmail.com.
Lion’s plant sale supports community
On May 8, the Lion’s held their 39th Plant Day which was a great success! Many thanks to all who participated or donated to the event. The proceeds fund programs that support the needs of the community. Also, each year the Batavia Lions sponsor a Service Award Scholarship to a high school student who makes community service a priority. This year, through the diligent efforts of the Lions and generous donors, the club awarded two, $1,500 scholarships to two, well deserving Batavia High School Seniors: Allison Ten Haken and Lauren Hunecke. Congratulations! Learn more/Donate/Join: batavialionsclub.org
Teri Dykhuis leads the Rotary Club of Batavia environmental projects.
Rotary Club of Batavia focuses on the environment
“Protecting the Environment” is one of Rotary’s Seven Areas of Focus. Each club is encouraged to identify a focus lead. Teri Dykhuis is the Batavia club lead. In her role, Teri will champion environmental projects and coordinate the efforts of multiple Rotary clubs. The Batavia Rotary Club participates in a Friends of the Fox River cleanup called “It’s Our Fox River Day!” and will repeat that effort this year on Sept. 20. You can also see Rotarians regularly cleaning Main St. west of Randall Rd. Visit with the group at one of the meetings and see what it takes to Make an Impact and Do Something Really Great! Email info@BataviaRotaryClub.org for more information or visit their website, BataviaRotaryClub.org.
Around the Block™
for more, visit KaneNeighbors.com
Batavia Mothers’ Club holds fundraisers In addition to the yearly FoxTrot 5K/10K run held virtually this year, the Batavia Mothers’ Club Foundation held a Virtual Bingo event. Participants picked up bingo kits and were able to play in small, personal groups. A number of prizes were raffled off including gift cards to local Batavia enterprises. The event was well received and raised over $1,600. The second event was “SomeBunny Loves You,” a campaign that delivered Easter treats and a stuffed animal friend to friends and loved ones. The Easter event raised almost $700. BMCF hosts a variety of fundraisers throughout the year such as the annual Autumn Craft & Vendor Show to be held at Shannon Hall on October 23rd, 2021; Totally Rad 80’s Bunco Charity Event held in January/February; and the Fox Trot 5K/10K held in April. In addition to the large fundraisers held annually, BMCF also supports local charities each month by providing needed donations or services. The BMCF provided funds to over 30 local community organizations and schools. For more information about the club and foundation, visit bataviamothersclub.org.
New head golf coach starts at Marmion Lou Solarte will join the Marmion Academy Athletic Department this fall as head coach. Most recently, Solarte was Director of Instruction at White Eagle Golf Club in Naperville. Previously he had served in the same position at Cantigny Golf. From 1997–2003 he served as head coach at College of DuPage where he lead the men’s team to two national championships. He as named the Illinois PGA Teacher of the Year in 2003. Solare is also a former U.S. Kids Golf Certified coach with over 10 years experience in the U.S. Kids Golf organization. For more information visit marmion.org.
Robotics for kids—join the programs Fox Valley Robotics will be starting their season programs in August and September. Info Meetings scheduled in August will go over the LegoWolves 1st–3rd grades, LegoDogs 4th–8th grades, and Coyotes 8th–12th grades and what the robotics programs is all about. Kids and parents are invited to attend. Visit foxvalleyrobotics.com or send an email to info@foxvalleyrobotics.com.
Experience nature at night Explore the nocturnal world of the forest with afterhours programs from the Kane County Forest Preserve. Learn sounds of the forest at the “Singing Insects” program Wed., Aug. 11 from 7–8pm at Hampshire
Forest Preserve. The late summer soundscape is amazingly beautiful and intricate. Naturalists will lead the program. Then, discover the “Secret Life of Bats” on Thurs., Aug. 12 from 7:30–8:30pm at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve. Naturalists explain the important niche that bats fill in the local ecosystem. Be prepared to enjoy the acrobatic flights of these mysterious winged creatures. Advanced registration is required. Fee is $2 per person for each program. Call 630-444-3190 or email programs@kaneforest.com to register. Go to kaneforest.com for more information and a full list of programs available.
Fox Valley youth donate $25,000 to valley social services 22 students from seven Fox Valley high schools spent a year fundraising for 10 local non-profit agencies. The students were members of the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley’s (CFFRV) Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program. Meeting throughout the past school year, primarily over Zoom, the students worked in teams to research and evaluate the grant applications submitted by Fox Valley youth service organizations. Funds were raised on Giving Tuesday last November with #BeTheGood and other events including an in restaurant fundraiser at a local Chipotle. The students also coordinated a variety of hands-on community service projects during the year including a gently used children’s shoe drive for Mutual Ground. The CFFRV created the YEP program to help local high school students learn more about fundraising, grant making and making a difference in the community. Visit cffrv.org to learn how you can help.
Water Street Studios offers artistic Fridays Plan a fun evening out with friends Fri., July 30 and create a one-of-a-kind floral hand-cut canvas using stamps and an X-Acto knife. Details are up to the creators. Pieces can be backlit for a dramatic effect. All supplies provided. Class is 7–9pm and cost is $42 per person. For safety, masks are required until further notice. Register at water-street-studios.coursestorm.com.
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Neighbors of Batavia
Batavia Resources
If you would like your club or organization listed, forward contact information to: info@neighborsmagazines.com
Community organizations 100 Women Who Care Fox Valley . . . . . . . . . . 100womenwhocarefoxvalley.org Alcoholics Anonymous. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 630-377-6610, aadistrict61.org Batavia 12 Step Club. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 630-318-0323 Batavia American Legion Post 504. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bataviapost504.org Batavia Arts Council. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BataviaArtsCouncil.org BATV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . mybatv.com Batavia Boosters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bataviabulldogboosters.org Batavia Chamber of Commerce. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bataviachamber.org Batavia Foundation for Educational Excellence. . . . . . bataviafoundation.org Batavia Historical Society. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bataviahistoricalsociety.org Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bataviafoodpantry.org Batavia Lions Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . batavialionsclub.org Batavia MainStreet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . downtownbatavia.com Batavia Masonic Lodge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . batavialodge404.blogspot.com Batavia Mothers’ Club. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bataviamothersclub.org Batavia Music Buffs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bataviamusicbuffs.org Batavia Park District. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bataviaparks.org Batavia Public Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bataviapubliclibrary.org Batavia Public Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bps101.net Batavia RSVP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bataviarsvp.org Batavia Triathlon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bataviatriathlon.org Batavia Township . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bataviatownship.com Batavia United Way . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bataviaunitedway.org Batavia VFW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bataviavfw.org
Quick phone guide: Emergency Batavia. . . . . . . . 911
City Hall. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 630-454-2000 Police (Non-Emergency). . 630-454-2500 Fire (Non-Emergency) . . . . . 630-454-2100 Chamber of Commerce. . . . 630-879-7134 Batavia Park District. . . . . . . . 630-879-5235 School District 101. . . . . . . . . 630-937-8800 Batavia Public Library. . . . . . 630-879-1393 Batavia Township. . . . . . . . . . 630-879-1392 MainStreet.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 630-761-3528
Utilities
Batavia Woman’s Club. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bataviawomansclub.org Batavia Women in Business. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bataviawib.com Boy Scouts of America, Three Fires Council. . . . . . . . . . . . threefirescouncil.org CASA Kane County. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . casakanecounty.org CHIP IN Batavia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . chipinbatavia.org Elderday Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . elderdaycenter.org Fermilab (Public Affairs). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . fnal.gov Fox Valley Hands of Hope. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . fvhh.net Fox Valley Special Rec Assoc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . fvsra.org Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .girlscoutsni.org Kane County Health Department. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . kanehealth.com Kane County Veteran’s Assistance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 630-232-3550 Kiwanis Club. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 630-879-2281 League of Women Voters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . lwvckc.org LivingWell Cancer Resource Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . livingwellcrc.org Lutheran Social Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . lssi.org Mutual Ground.Domestic Violence Hotline 630-897-0080, mutualground.org Rotary Club of Batavia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bataviarotaryclub.org St. Vincent de Paul Society. . . . . . . . . holycross-batavia.org/st-vincent-de-paul Tri City Family Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . tricityfamilyservices.org Tri City Health Partnership. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . tchpfreeclinic.org Valley Sheltered Workshop. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . valleyshelteredworkshop.org Water Street Studios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . waterstreetstudios.org Waubonsee Community College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . waubonsee.edu Zonta Club. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . zontawest-sgb.org
J.U.L.I.E. . . . . . . . . . . . . .811 or 800-892-0123 (call 48 hours before you dig) Water Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . 630-454-2450 Electric Utility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 630-454-2350 NICOR GAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 888-642-6748 Advanced Disposal . . . . . . . . 630-587-8282 (garbage pick up)
Kane County
County Clerk. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 630-232-5950 Sheriff (Non-Emergency). . 630-232-6840 Voter Registration . . . . . . . . . 630-232-5990 Kane County Forest Preserve. . . . . . . . . . . . 630-232-5980
Other
Aurora Secretary of State Facility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312-793-1010 U.S. Post Office (Batavia) . . . 630-879-1483
B A T A V I A SUNDAY
Reach every home and Now you can add your own business for just events to the Events Calendar at pennies each! KaneNeighbors.com 630-995-3482
J U L Y 2021
MONDAY
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WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
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Send us your event information!
2 Drop-in Craft on Water Street 10am Water Street
newsroom@neighborsmagazines.com Deadline for the September/October 2021 issue is August 1, 2021
3 Farmer's Market 8am-12pm River St.
Please note: Some programs listed may require registration and/or fees. Please check with individual organizations.
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Sky Concert 5-10:30pm Engstrom Park
11 Among Us 7pm Library online
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25 Sophisticated Songs of the 60's! 2pm Library online
STEAM Lab-ina-Bag All day Library
City Council 7:30pm City Hall
Plan Comm. & Zoning Board 7pm City Hall
Color Down Under 7pm Library online
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Yarn and Tale 6:30pm Library online
Committee of the Whole 7pm City Hall
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Take-Home Craft Kit All day Library
Museum of Bad Art 7pm Library online
City Council 7:30pm City Hall
Committee of the Whole 7pm City Hall
26 Historic Preservation Comm. 5:30pm City Hall
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Storytime at the Caboose 10am Depot Museum
Chess Knight 7pm Library
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Fire & Police Commission 4pm City Hall
Historic Pres. Comm. 5:30pm, City Hall
Bicycle Comm. 7pm City Hall
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Book Gems 11am Inclusion Game Night 6:30pm Library online Environ. Comm. 7pm, City Hall River Rhapsody 7pm Peg Bond Center
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22 Job Searching Workshop 10am Library online
Plan Comm. & Zoning Board 7pm, City Hall
Pandemic 1918! 7pm Library online
River Rhapsody Concert 7pm Peg Bond Center
Drive-in Movie 8:30pm West Main Park
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Baby Early Literacy Kit All day Library
16 Drop-in Craft on Water Street 10am Water Street
Storytime at the Caboose 10am Depot Museum
River Rhapsody Concert 7pm Peg Bond Center
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23 Baby Early Literacy Kit All day Library
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10 Farmer's Market 8am-12pm River St.
17 Farmer's Market 8am-12pm River St. Comedy for Access Toys 6:30pm Batavia Moose Lodge
24 Farmer's Market 8am-12pm River St. Story Stroll 10am Library
31 Cocktails in the Park 7-11pm Appleton Park
B A T A V I A SUNDAY
Reach every home and Now you can add your own business for just events to the Events Calendar at pennies each! KaneNeighbors.com 630-995-3482
A U G U S T 2021
MONDAY
TUESDAY
1 Among Us 7pm Library online
WEDNESDAY
2 City Council 7:30pm City Hall
3 Fire & Police Comm. 4pm City Hall Committee of the Whole 7pm City Hall
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Storytime at the Caboose 10am Depot Museum Teen Book Disc. 1:30pm, Library Plan Comm. & Zoning 7pm, City Hall River Rhapsody 7pm Peg Bond Center
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5 Artist for an Afternoon 2pm Library
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6 Drop-in Craft on Water Street 10am Water Street
East Side Brush Collection Aug. 2–Aug. 6
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9 Historic Preservation Comm. 5:30pm City Hall Bicycle Comm. 7pm City Hall
10 Book Discussion 7:30pm Library Committee of the Whole 7pm City Hall
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Truck Tales 10am Library Inclusion Game Night 6:30pm Library online Environmental Comm. 7pm, City Hal
12 Interviewing 101 10am Library online
7 Farmer's Market 8am-12pm River St. Educator’s Book Sale 9:15am Library Chili Cook Off 1:30pm Riverwalk
13 Flags & Flannel 6-10pm Water St.
14 Farmer's Market 8am-12pm River St.
Drive-in Movie 8:30pm West Main Park
West Side Brush Collection Aug. 9–Aug. 13
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Take-Home Craft Kit All day Library
Make a Felted Bookmark 7pm Library online
City Council 7:30pm City Hall
Committee of the Whole 7pm City Hall
23 Historic Preservation Comm. 5:30pm City Hall
24 Committee of the Whole 7pm City Hall
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Plan Comm. & Zoning Board 7pm City Hall
20 Drop-in Craft on Water Street 10am Water Street
21 Farmer's Market 8am-12pm River St.
Bulldog Boosters Cornboil 4-7pm BHS Stadium
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27 Windmill City Festival 5-11pm Downtown
28 Farmer's Market 8am-12pm River St. Story Stroll 10am, Library Windmill City Festival 12-11pm Downtown
29 Kiddieland Remembered 2pm Library online Windmill City Festival 12-6pm Downtown
30
31 Committee of the Whole 7pm City Hall
Send us your event information!
newsroom@neighborsmagazines.com Deadline for the September/October 2021 issue is August 1, 2021 Please note: Some programs listed may require registration and/or fees. Please check with individual organizations.
