September/October Neighbors of Batavia by Neighbors Media

Neighbors of ™

Magazine

Batavia is for book lovers Get ready for autumn Flag Day monument update 100 books that can change your life Even ghosts and goblins like to read BPS 101 Hall of Honor Halloween house decorating contest Introducing Batavia Business Directory

September/October 2021

The only community magazine for all of Batavia

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—Come to the Block Party for a Taste of Batavia..............................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—Your Library card can do incredible things............................................. 14

For advertising opportunities:

Beginnings—A gift delivered with courage................................................................6 City of Batavia Currents—Batavia is for book lovers..............................................8

Batavia Public Schools—You’re invited to the Hall of Honor ceremony...... 22 Park District—There’s a Nightmare on West Main................................................. 26 BATV—Sponsorships still available............................................................................... 30 Chamber news—Call for nominations....................................................................... 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 September Calendar............................................................................................................... 37 October Calendar................................................................................................................... 38

About the cover With the coming of fall, favorite activities are returning after a pandemic absence. Sign up for the Bat Race, get your costumes ready for BatFest and to start out, join the Block Party and Taste of Batavia on Sept. 5.

Neighbors is a Service Disabled Veteran owned small business. We are proud to offer special advertising discounts to all Veteran owned businesses. NEIGHBORS™ is published bimonthly. Editorial contributions are welcome. Send your information to newsroom@ neighborsmagazines.com. Advertising deadline is the 10th of the month preceding publication. ©2021 Neighbors is published by Emerald Marketing, Inc. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher.

Neighbors of Batavia Magazine

A message from our city Greetings, The arrival of the fall season brings many smiles and sentiments of thanks for the work of our ancestors who planted more than 15,000 trees in Batavia. Their vision created a woodland landscape on both sides of the Fox River where future homes would be built. These trees grew to maturity in the latter half of the 1800s and first half of the 1900s. The dreaded Dutch Elm disease ravaged Batavia in the mid 1950s and is said to have potentially killed more than 10,000 of our trees over a four year period of time. After this massive destruction of our tree stock we, as a community, came together in all parts of town to plant and grow an entire new tree inventory. It is believed that over 20,000 new trees were planted both in older neighborhoods and entirely new subdivisions. This effort was so impressive that it initiated the city government’s creation of a citizenbased group named the Batavia Tree Commission to oversee the efforts to plant trees. The Batavia Tree Commission proposed a number of new ideas and concepts to the residents. A popular program was the “Twig with Roots” program that was taken to each of our elementary schools. Students could either buy for a quarter, or be given for free, a small twig to bring home and plant in their yard. One legendary story of this community adventure was often shared by the late city historian, William J. “Bill” Wood, who is also fondly remembered as the first principal of JB Nelson School in the mid-1960s. According to Mr. Wood’s account, on a day when the twig distribution was taking place at his school the children of Harold and Marge Holbrook showed up with a quarter to buy a twig. Once purchased they quickly ran off to plant it in the front lawn of their childhood home at 214 S. Prairie St. With the help of their parents the twig was soon in the ground and quickly began to grow, and grow it did, indeed. Some fifty years later many older Batavians can recall the often told story by Harold Holbrook about how his kids’ twenty-five cent tree grew to become one of the tallest trees on the east side of town. Harold would often describe this tree height as being four times taller than his nearby two-story family home. If you drive down S. Prairie St. today, going south from Wilson, you can see the towering tree standing right in the spot on the front yard where the Holbrook children planted it. I often reflect to myself when I pass by the tree what a tribute it is to all those old Batavia citizens who shared the dream of a highly forested community to pass along to future generations. The tree at 214 S. Prairie St. is a grand specimen of what Mother Nature can produce when roots are placed in a small hole to grow and prosper. 4 kaneneighbors.com

As we move into the second half of 2021, like all the world around us, we still find the Corona pandemic sending us challenges that we must work with and bring control to. To all those worried and angry about why this story does not go quickly away, I guess I would repeat a lesson shared with me recently by a dear friend. They noted that we are all in this challenge together, and to help us find a safe ending ahead, we must all stick and work closely together. As I author this article in mid-August, the city council is in discussions and working on a variety of new developments and adjustments to several city ordinances. On Randall Rd. we are in discussions and approvals for what could be three or four new dining experiences for Batavians to enjoy in the days ahead. In the downtown area, we have enjoyed a rush of new small businesses. They are taking hold in either the Boardwalk Shops at the southeast corner of Wilson and River St., or in other cases are remodeling themselves into former business spaces along Wilson St., Batavia Ave. and River St. The Batavia City Council is working to improve the standards to ensure the safe installation of solar panels on the roof of any structure in Batavia which has them put into operation. The safety of the fire department and city electric department is of concern when an emergency may have them working near the solar panels. Thus, we will be requiring emergency turn off switches on all aspects of any building that includes solar panels. Finally, I am honored to share some news from Batavia’s past which reaches back some 38 years to 1983. This was the year in town when we commemorated our 150th birthday as a Fox Valley community, making Batavia the oldest city in Kane County. As part of the year-long celebration, a program was created featuring over 300 colored slides taken during the 12 months of 1982. Three members of the Batavia Police Department—Officers Bob Popeck, Dennis Anderson and Tim Mair—kept a film camera in their squad cars to capture moments to remember through this time period. They kept busy photographing people, places and events that featured the life in our town. Bob Popeck put together a slide show entitled, “Batavia, Illinois, A Tribute to Its Time” and this program was shown numerous times throughout 1983. It was also highly praised for the history it presented, and the record it preserved, for future generations to enjoy and continued on next page

Mayor continued from previous page

understand life in Batavia in a previous time. Now, with the assistance of Griffin Price, City of Batavia Communication Manager, and the LaVoy family at Real Pro Video on W. Wilson St., the program’s original film format has been copied and changed over from individual slides to a computer supported platform. You may access the program on the City of Batavia’s website at cityofbatavia.net. The program lasts about 55 minutes and includes a number of classic local photos featuring many legendary faces that take the viewer to the heart of the Batavia lifestyle. ENJOY! Mayor Jeffery Schielke

P hoto courtesy K im Moravec

kaneneighbors.com 5

Beginnings

A gift delivered with courage by Roger Breisch

recently learned a valuable, touching lesson from a man with aphasia. It’s a condition that makes communication difficult and afflicts two million people in the United States. I have published eighty-eight essays for this page in Neighbors of Batavia magazine since March 2007. I am allowed to write whatever I happen to be contemplating as I sit down at my keyboard. Tim Sullivan, the publisher, has not changed a single word. I take the opportunity and responsibility seriously. Occasionally, the words come easily, but more often, considerable time is required to ensure what I am feeling, or a lesson learned, is fully conveyed when the final period or question mark completes the piece. Over the years, I have received many compliments on the thoughts, and the words that deliver them. One day this past summer, I was walking the bike path—likely reading a book as I strolled—when a man came up from behind on his bicycle. “Are you Roger?” he asked. Whenever I get that question from a person I do not know, I can be fairly sure I have been recognized by the picture at the upper right. “I was riding the other way when I recognized you. I had to turn around to speak to you.” He told me he appreciated my essays, but there was one he found particularly meaningful. “My son suffers from anxiety and depression,” he explained. “It’s been exceedingly difficult; heart-breaking because my wife and I don’t know how to help. He is often angry because he does not understand why he has been singled out by these afflictions. You wrote a piece about encountering that on the suicide hotline, so I left a copy for my son in hopes he will read it and we can talk.” We strolled for another mile or so down the bike path and had an extended, heart-warming conversation. After we parted, I remember feeling overwhelmed with gratitude. If words given to me could open a life-affirming conversation between father and son, I am blessed. But this piece is about aphasia, not anxiety and depression. There is a man at the gym I attend for whom walking is a challenge. I am always impressed by the determination he displays as he completes multiple laps around the track. One morning, as I was preparing to leave, I felt a tap on my shoulder, only to discover it was the gentleman I been appreciating a few moments earlier. He paused; it was clear he was struggling to find 6 kaneneighbors.com

a word. Then, he asked “Batavia?” I acknowledged that yes, I live in Batavia. He struggled again and said, “I’m sorry, I suffer from aphasia.” I thanked him for helping me understand. It was clear he had something in particular in mind when he said, “That…that…” I wondered if he recognized me from my articles, so I took a small risk and asked if he was thinking about this magazine and my articles. He smiled and said “Yes… magazine articles. Thank you. That’s all,” and turned to walk away. It is a gift when anyone tells me of a positive relationship they have found with my words. However, this man must, every day, summon the courage required to meet a world that can be cruel in the face of human challenges. That morning he found the courage to thank me for my words. In the ensuing hours, I was overwhelmed. Of all the kind and generous words used to describe these essays, it is the courage represented by these four, “Thank you. That’s all,” that still brings me to tears. Many times, I have hesitated to say something to someone who I appreciate for fear that what I say will not be enough. I am reminded by this kind soul that it is always enough if the words are given with sincerity, kindness, and courage.

Roger E. Breisch is a resident of Batavia and Speaker/Provocateur View his TEDxQuincy remarks on his website: REBreisch.com His latest book, Humanity’s Journey Home, is available at Amazon.com

Advertise with us in the NEW Neighbors of Batavia Business Directory is available to all Batavia businesses and Neighbors advertisers. The directory is published in the magazine six times a year and is always online at kaneneighbors.com. For a submission form, FREE online listing, and $75 advertising credit, please email info@neighborsmagazines.com.

Currents Batavia is for book lovers The City of Batavia would like to welcome its newest bookstore, Bookhunters! Bookhunters recently opened a store at 1938 Fabyan Pkwy., located in the Fabyan Randall Plaza right next door to Trader Joe’s! Owner Vicki Allison has 20 years of experience in the new and used book market and has thousands of new and gently used books at discount prices on a variety of topics, including fiction and literature, graphic novels, children’s books, poetry, cookbooks and crafts, history, philosophy, theology, and more. Looking for an out of print or hard to find title? Let Bookhunters know. Be sure to stop in soon to say hello and find your next great readthere is something for everyone at Bookhunters!

Bookhunters 1938 Fabyan Pkwy. | 630-432-4604 facebook.com/people/ Bookhunters-New-And-Used-Books

Store hours: Monday–Saturday 10am–8pm Sunday 12pm–5pm

Want to make a day out of book and literary themed shopping in Batavia? Readers and writers alike will find plenty of opportunities for great finds at Bookhunters and these additional local and independent shops that call Batavia home:

The Book Shop

Hearth & Hammer General

River Peak Apothecary

Pretty Pages

Downtown Batavia used bookstore spot with stacks and stacks of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, mystery and more!

Recreate that book crawl feel at home with an assortment of literary and Library of Congress themed candles, books, journals, stationary and more.

Grooming products, gifts, and home accessories with stories that come to life. Plus, you may just find the occasional collectible inspired by the works of Tolkien, Martin, and more.

Curated home décor and gifts created from upcycled books and other literary themed items. Batavia Boardwalk Shops

15 N. River St. 847-337-3876 facebook.com/thebookshopbatavia Store hours: Friday 3–7pm Saturday 8am–4pm Sunday 12pm–4pm

319 Main Street 630-454-4279 hearthandhammer.co facebook.com/hearthandhammer Store hours: Wednesday–Friday: 12–6pm Saturday: 11–5pm

Your elected city officials

Mayor—Jeffery D. Schielke

119 S. Batavia Ave. 630-454-4820 riverpeakapothecary.com facebook.com/riverpeakapothecary Store hours: Wednesday–Sunday 12–6pm

City Clerk—Kate Garrett

114 E. Wilson St. etsy.com/shop/PrettyPagesDesigns facebook.com/prettypagesco Store hours: (through Dec.19) Friday 10am–7pm Saturday 9am–4pm Sunday 12pm–4pm

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

630-454-2000 • cityofbatavia.net

Prepare for autumn Autumn signals a return to cooler temperatures, more time outdoors, and preparations. Now is the time to make sure homes and families are ready for the upcoming holidays and winter weather both indoors and out. Check out some tips and tricks for getting your home and family ready for anything. Check your emergency supplies. Replace any items that are expired or have been used. If you don't have an emergency kit, build one. Directions and a checklist can be found at: ready.illinois.gov.

• Test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors for proper function. If needed, replace the batteries. • Check the seals on doors and windows. Repair or replace weather stripping to prevent drafts and save energy. • Have fireplaces and chimneys inspected. If needed, have your chimney swept to prevent potential fire hazards. • Clean your gutters. Leaves and debris build up can damage roofs and homes.

• Inspect your roof for loose shingles and damage. • Practice ladder safety and proper usage. Fall prevention let you and your family enjoy all seasons. • Be careful when doing yardwork. Use rakes that are the right length and wear eye and hearing protection. Hydrate and apply sunscreen. It’s easy to over-exert when temperatures are moderate. Keeping your home and family safe and healthy gives everyone the best chance at a fun and active autumn.

Deadline to join the 2022 Sidewalk Removal and Replacement Program is approaching Each year the City of Batavia performs sidewalk maintenance to repair deficiencies within the city’s sidewalk system. These repairs ensure pedestrian safety as well as reduce liability for the property owner and the City of Batavia. The repairs and replacement of sidewalk are completed by the city and no cost is incurred by the residents and/or business. Deficient sidewalk will have one or more of the following conditions: • Walks must be sunken or risen to a height difference of one inch or more between two panels; • Broken or separated into three or more pieces; • 50% or more of the surface deteriorated Please call the Engineering Department at 630-454-2750 to report substandard sidewalks that meet any of the above conditions. A city staff member will evaluate that sidewalk to determine if it qualifies

for repair. The deadline to apply for the yearly sidewalk improvement program is Oct. 31. Repair is typically completed in the following summer season. More information including photos and Frequently Asked Questions, can be found at cityofbatavia.net/sidewalk.

Fall River cleanup in Batavia is Sept. 18

Come out and help clean up your river! Friends of the Fox River (FOFR) is co-sponsoring a clean-up along the Fox River in Batavia with the City of Batavia. Everyone will meet at the Blackard Skate & Bike Park, 411 S. River St. at 9am on Sept. 18.

FOFR encourages everyone to bring their own garbage bags and gloves (we’ll have extras in case you forget!). We’ll also provide snacks and water. Sturdy shoes and sunscreen are recommended. All participants must sign a waiver and volunteers under 18 will require a parental signature. For more information, contact Gary Swick, Friends of the Fox River at swick@mc.net or visit the Friends of the Fox website friendsofthefoxriver.org. See you there! At the time of the publication of this magazine this event may have changes due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic as things seem to constantly changing. Please check the latest status on the City of Batavia’s webpage, cityofbatavia.net. Be a steward to the Fox River and surrounding land that flows through our town. Thank you 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

Sept. 7

Sept. 13

Oct. 11

Oct. 18

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.

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/Waste Management collects yard waste bags/32-gallon cans (not to exceed 50 pounds per bag/32-gallon can) consisting of twigs, evergreen clippings, roots, stumps, and plants on your regular trash collection day 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

Residential leaf collection programs begin in October There are two leaf collection programs available to qualifying residents who pay the monthly leaf/brush fee on their utility bills:

Curbside vacuum collection

Curbside vacuum collection provides every resident with up to three collection opportunities (weather permitting). • Updates showing daily progress will be posted online at cityofbatavia.net once the program is underway. • Dates may change due to the weather and volume of leaves put out for collection, although best efforts will be made to remain on schedule. Snow or freezing weather may significantly delay or permanently halt curbside leaf collection, since some of the equipment used to remove leaves is also used to handle deicing/ snowplowing operations. 2021 Collection Schedule

East Side of river

West Side of river

1st Pickup Begins

Oct. 18

Oct.25

2nd Pickup Begins

Nov. 1

Nov. 8

3rd Pickup Begins (will only be done weather permitting)

Nov. 15

Nov. 22

How the curbside vacuum collection program works:

• Rake leaves to the parkway by 6am on the Monday of your scheduled week. Leaves will be collected rain or shine. • Crews will make one pass by every qualifying residence during each collection period. Leaves that are placed out after the collection crew has passed by may not be picked up for another two weeks until the next scheduled pickup date.

Leaf bag collection program

From Dec. 1 through Dec. 31 residents may place leaves in brown Kraft yard waste bags and put them out for collection on their scheduled refuse collection day WITHOUT A STICKER. The refuse collection company will collect yard waste bags (no cans) weekly until Dec. 31. Only leaves may be placed in the yard waste bags. No grass or other yard waste can be mixed with the leaves. Please try to keep the yard waste bags as dry as possible.

• Leaves should be raked into piles no farther than 6' back from the curb. Raking leaves into a long windrow will expedite the process. Leaf piles should be in the parkway, as equipment cannot be used in alleys. • Leaves should not be raked into the street. This will obstruct the flow of storm water runoff during rain events and cause street flooding, as well as slippery streets. • Avoid placing leaves near obstacles such as parked vehicles, mailboxes, utility poles/boxes, hydrants, trees, or sign posts. • Avoid placing debris like sticks, bags, and plastic bottles in leaf piles, as this can cause injury to personnel, damage equipment, and cause delays. Foreign objects also contaminate the leaf material, which is taken to an agricultural site. • The program is intended to collect the majority of leaves residents may have during the curbside vacuum collection program time frame. Residents are encouraged to use other options for leaves that drop after the curbside vacuum collection program has finished for the season. • Various crews are working simultaneously during the program period. Trucks with large vacuum trailers are used for through streets, and a truck with a small trailer vacuum goes into areas where the larger equipment cannot navigate such as cul-de-sacs, “bubbles,” and dead ends. • Limbs/brush should be placed in a separate pile for collection and may not be combined with leaf piles. Limbs/brush should only be placed at the curb if there is a scheduled collection. The final citywide BRUSH collection will be done the week of Nov. 29 for both sides of town. • Ornamental grasses, plants, and corn stalks should be disposed of as yard waste.

Alternate options:

• Use a mulching lawnmower and mulch leaves back into the lawn. This provides nutrients for the soil. • Place leaves around plant beds and under trees and shrubs. This enhances the soil and provides insulation for the plants. • Stickered yard waste bags/cans will be collected weekly through Nov. 27.

If you have any questions about the leaf programs, please call the Street Division of Batavia Public Works at 630-454-2400. Residents can also visit the city’s website at cityofbatavia.net for the latest updates to the schedule and to view a progress map that is updated daily.

Currents Flag Day monument fundraising update The Fox Valley Patriotic Organization (FVPO) will be hosting one more event in 2021 to help raise funds for the Flag Day Monument which will be built in downtown Batavia on the Riverwalk. About 75% 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 veterans and first responders have already been raised; with your continued support, FVPO can get over the finish line and start building this monument in 2022! 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

Flag Day honorees

natural beauty of this 1000+ acres will provide 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! You can register for and find further information about this event at the website (flagdaymonument.com). The FVPO is looking for additional sponsors for this event. Please contact Cathy McNally (cathy@intownestorage.com) with questions and/or 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. It’s never

The Batavia Flag Day Committee would like to thank the hundreds of Batavians who came out to help celebrate Flag Day this year on June 14 on the Riverwalk. The Batavia Community Band played a beautiful concert of patriotic arrangements, followed by the announcement of this year’s Dr. Bernard Cigrand Patriot Award winners. Since there was no Flag Day event in 2020, two different groups were recognized this year by having their

too soon to begin thinking about holiday gifts, also! An individual or family brick for a loved one is a beautiful treasure that will last for years to come as part of this wonderful monument to our American flag. For the many supporters of the Flag Day Monument, we want to thank you for your continuing patience as we work to raise the last needed funds for the 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 we start building it. Never has a tribute to Old Glory been needed more than now as a powerful symbol and everyday reminder of our great and strong country! Thank you for helping to make “Flag Day— Every Day” a reality in Batavia!

names added to the city plaque. For 2020, Doris Sherer, “Patriotic Volunteer Extraordinaire”, was honored. And for 2021, Mark and Julie Harrington, “Flag Aficionados and Models of Patriotic Spirit”, were honored. This plaque hangs throughout the year in the council chambers at Batavia City Hall to honor Dr. Cigrand and those who work tirelessly to carry on his legacy.

Plans made for Mahoney Creek watershed The City of Batavia is in the process of developing a Watershed Based Plan for the Mahoney Creek Watershed. As part of this process, they will be hosting three stake holder meetings for residents and interested parties to become involved in the planning process. The first meeting will be held on Nov. 16 from 5:30–7pm at city hall in the council chambers. This first of three meetings will discuss: • The process of watershed planning • Summarize the history of the watershed • Present a summary of the existing conditions and characteristics assessment • Discuss the next steps Subsequent meetings will take place in January 2022 and March 2022 at dates yet to be determined. These meetings will focus on discussing water quality, pollutant loadings, goals for the watershed, action items and projects that can be implemented and finally funding 12

mechanisms. A notice will be sent to those within the limits of the watershed as the date approaches. The city is excited to be working through this process and looks forward to hearing from you!

Downtown Batavia

630-761-3528 • 4½ W. Wilson St. • downtownbatavia.com

Downtown is Everyone’s Neighborhood! Stay connected to your community as the season changes from Summer to Fall by spending your time at community events in Downtown Batavia! This time of year, we experience fantastic weather, to shop local, enjoy happenings, and dine outdoors in Downtown Batavia. If you would like to help make downtown Batavia the best it can be, please considering joining Batavia Downtown Block Party—Taste of Batavia is Sun., Sept. 5, 4–9pm on N River St. River Street will come alive as it is transformed into everyone’s neighborhood block party! Enjoy live music from River City Revival and ORD Rock as well as $3 tasters from your favorite Batavia eateries and a great variety of beverages too. Kids will love the Family Zone featuring Dave DiNaso’s Traveling World of Reptiles, giant games, and more. Batavia Mother’s Club will be hosting a Pie Bake Off contest. Cross the pedestrian bridge over to Houston Street to hop back in time with the Boyce Body Werks

MainStreet and giving some of your time as a volunteer during an event or joining one of our many planning committees. Volunteer opportunities can be found on the Downtown Batavia website. To learn more about the above opportunities, please contact the MainStreet office at 630-761-3528 or visit DowntownBatavia.com.

and Comfort Care Heating & Air Conditioning’s Classic Car Show. The First State Bank and All of Us Research Program Block Party is going to be the place to be for you and your family this Labor Day. BatFest—Be a part of Batavia’s annual Halloween themed family event on Sat., Oct. 30 at the Batavia Riverwalk from 10am to 2pm. BatFest includes, downtown Trick-or-Treating, Mothers’ Club Parade, Batavia Library Storytime, costume fashion show, pet costume contest, art and games for free family fun.

Farmers’ Market—The season is wrapping up, but each remaining week still promises a fresh batch of local shopping options. Head out and enjoy the Farmers’ Market on River St. every Saturday, from 8am–12pm. Grab some breakfast, listen to music, shop fresh and live local. On Sat., Sept. 18 and Oct. 16, the market will feature guests from the Artisan Collective. 13

Batavia Public Library Your library card can do incredible things! Your Batavia Public Library card gives you FREE access to books, video games, DVDs, CDs, eBooks, audiobooks, movies, TV shows, music, as well as databases, classes, events, museum passes—plus our unique Library of Things. This September, during Library Card Sign-Up Month, we remind parents, caregivers, and students that signing up for a library card is the first step towards academic achievement and lifelong learning. Adults living with the boundaries of the Batavia Public Library District may register for a free library card for themselves and their children under the age of 18. Registration may be done online or at the Check Out Desk. Please bring proof of identity and residency within the Library district to obtain a Batavia Public Library card. For more information, please call the Circulation Services department at 630-879-1393.

Show your BPL card for a reward

Don’t have a Library card yet? Get one today! Children showing their current—NEW or existing—Batavia Public Library card at the Youth Services desk in September receive an entry for a special reward. You

can also stop by our creation station to make a bookmark. Adults and teens who show their current—NEW or existing—Batavia Public Library card at the reference desk in September receive an entry for a special reward.

Marley Dias supports Library Card Sign-Up Month

Marley Dias is the witty and purpose-driven 16-year-old founder of #1000BlackGirlBooks and

Library Leader honored

Jo Ann Smith has been named a Library Leader by the Board of Library Trustees for her positive contributions The Library will be closed: Sunday, Sept. 5 Monday, Sept. 6 Library Hours Monday–Thursday: 9am–9pm Friday & Saturday: 9am–5pm Sunday: 12–5pm (Sept.–May) 14

to the Library of work, volunteer involvement, and genuine leadership.

Telephone 630-879-1393 Fax: 630-879-9118 TTY: 630-879-8335 Home Delivery: 630-879-1393, ext. 290 Library Director George H. Scheetz

author of Marley Dias Gets It Done: And So Can You! The international movement #1000BlackGirlBooks collects and donates children’s books that feature Black girls as the lead character. Dias launched the #1000BlackGirlBooks drive in November 2015 with the help of GrassROOTS Community Foundation. The goal was to collect 1,000 books by February 2016, and to date Dias has collected more than 13,000 books.

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

Books unite us. Censorship divides us.

In honor of the 40th annual observance of Banned Books Week (1982–2021), we celebrate the freedom to read. “Censorship in this country is widespread, subtle, and surprising. … We inflict it on ourselves.”— Barbara Cohen, author of Molly’s Pilgrim (1983) “There is more than one way to burn a book. And the world is full of people running about with lit matches.”—R ay Bradbury, Coda to Farenheit 451 In The Language Police (2003), Diane Ravitch, a historian of education at New York University and a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C., documented numerous instances of how “pressure groups” go about the practice of restricting what high school students are allowed to read in classrooms,… in every area of letters, including such fictional works as Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World, even Watty Piper’s The Little Engine That Could.… Some of this censorship, Ravitch demonstrated in numerous examples, is “trivial, some is ludicrous, and some is

breathtaking in its power to dumb down what children learn in school.” Even more sobering was evidence she marshaled showing that the pressure to limit what children can read comes from many directions. “Both right-wingers and left-wingers demand that publishers shield children from words and ideas that contain what they deem ‘wrong’ models for living. Both assume that by limiting what children read, they can change society to reflect their worldview.”—from Every Book Its Reader: The Power of the Printed Word to Stir the World (028.9 / BAS) by Nicholas S. Basbanes (2005), a book I highly recommend. “I can hardly wait for the day that I shall be able to comb through the books in the public library.”— A nne Frank, 6 April 1944 (four months before her arrest) Celebrate the freedom to read during Banned Books Week (Sept. 26–Oct. 2) and every day throughout the year. George H. Scheetz, Director

Batavia’s 100 Books That Can Change Your Life nominations open What’s the book that changed your life? Become a part of Batavia’s 100 Books That Can Change Your Life by nominating the book that made the greatest impact on you. Batavia Public Library is compiling a collection of life-changing books nominated by people who live and work in Batavia—and we’d like your input. This project is funded by anonymous donors. Please submit your response via the online form at: https://tinyurl.com/3k958r6u. Thank you! 15

Batavia Public Library Programs and activities for youth Program Registration: For programs requiring telephone registration, please call the Youth Services Desk, 603-879-1393 ext. 500. For all other programs please register online at BataviaPublicLibrary.org, Events Calendar. 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 are required at children’s programs. We require advanced registration for programs designated . Pick up supplies at the Library during Library hours for programs designated .

For Babies, Tots, and Preschoolers Fall Storytime Registration

Fall storytimes will be offered in two 4-week sessions. Please call the Youth Services Desk, 630-879-1393 ext. 500 to register for one 4-week session beginning Sept. 1. Storytimes will be held in the Founders Room. All storytimes have participation limits and are limited to caregiver/child teams. Priority is given to Batavia Public Library cardholders. Face coverings are required at children’s programs.

Baby Early Literacy Kits Pick-up dates Sat., Sept. 11, Oct. 9, 10am–5pm Ages 0–23 months Join Miss Kathleen for a short demo at 10am of what to do with early literacy activities and then take home a kit to share with your baby. If you cannot join Miss Kathleen at 10am, your kit will be available after 10:30am at the Youth Services Desk.

Toddler Time

Mon., Sept. 13–Oct. 4, 10:30am OR Mon., Oct. 18–Nov. 8, 10:30am Ages 2–3 with a caregiver

Preschool Storytime

Wed., Sept. 15–Oct. 6, 10:30am OR Wed., Oct. 20–Nov. 10, 10:30am Ages 3–6 with a caregiver

All Together Storytime

Thurs., Sept. 16–Oct. 7, 1pm OR Thurs., Oct. 21–Nov. 11, 1pm Ages 2–6 with a caregiver

Baby Storytime

Fri., Sept. 17–Oct. 8, 10am OR Fri., Oct. 29–Nov. 19, 10am Babies through 23 months with a caregiver 16

Saturday Storytime Sat., Sept. 18, 10am Sat., Oct. 16, 10am Ages 2–6 with a caregiver

For Students Homeschool Hangout

Tues., Sept. 21, 1pm (Lego Building) Tues., Oct. 19, 1pm Families with children in grades K–8 Whether you are new to homeschool or have a lot of homeschool experience, bring yourself and your homeschool learners for connection and fun during our monthly get-together. In Sept., build with Library Legos, and help decide the projects and activities for future meetings.

Fall Into Reading: A Reading Challenge Sept. 22–Nov. 28 Grades K–8 Expand your reading fun with our fall reading challenge. Earn a free book by reading one book from each of three of the following categories: Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Mystery, Animals, Science Fiction, Realistic Fiction, or Humor. Then continue reading to complete all 7 categories to earn a second book. The challenge begins the first day of fall, Sept. 22, and continues through Nov. 28. Register on Beanstack.

Chess Knight

Tues., Sept. 28 7pm Tues., Oct. 26, 7pm Ages 6–14 Participants must have a basic knowledge of the game of chess.

Bookmark Contest: Decorate your Life with Books Oct. 1–30 Grades 1–5 Use your unique talent to create an entry for our Bookmark Contest: Decorate your Life with Books! Entries are available at the Youth Services Desk beginning Oct. 1.

Book Gems

Tues., Oct. 5, 4:30pm Ages 7–9 Join us as we commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Chicago Fire. Read accounts of how the fire began, spreading throughout the city for days, and discover the connection between Chicago and Batavia. A variety of titles, both fiction or nonfiction, will be available to choose from to read about the event and may be reserved at registration. Register beginning Sept. 1 by calling the Youth Services Desk.

630-879-1393 • BataviaPublicLibrary.org

STEAM Lab-in-a-Bag

Wed., Oct. 6, All day Grades K–5 Stop in on Wed., Oct. 6, and pick up a bag filled with fall-themed STEAM activities. Investigate, discover, and create with apples, leaves, and more. Bags are available while supplies last.

to make a bookmark.

Make It Monthly

September: Mystery Mosaic October: Pumpkin Hunt November: Thankfulness Turkey Make a trip to the Batavia Public Library every month this fall. Drop by the Youth Services Department during your visit and participate in a different children’s activity each month.

Take-Home Craft Kit

Design a Miniature 3D Haunted House

Thurs., Oct. 21, 6 pm Grades 6–8 If you have a flair for the creepy, a fondness for fright, and a compulsion for crafting, join us for a ghastly DIY project. Using scrapbook paper, stickers, and other eerie decorations, create your very own mini (8.5" x 14") 3D haunted house.

Families September is National Library Card Sign-Up Month Don’t have a Library card yet? Get one today! Children showing their current, NEW or existing, Batavia Public Library card at the Youth Services Desk in September receive an entry for a prize drawing. You can also stop by our creation station

Thurs., Sept. 9 Thurs., Oct. 14 All ages Pick up a take-home craft activity in the Youth Services Department. One kit per child, while supplies last.

Free Poster Day

Sat., Sept. 11 Children may stop by Youth Services for a free book poster and sticker sheet today while supplies last.

Story Stroll

Sat., Sept. 25, 10am–4pm Sat., Oct. 23, 10am–4pm All Ages What do you get when you combine exercise, fresh air, and a great story? A Story Stroll in the Library’s Reading Garden, of course! Bring the family to this fun activity!

about the gear and equipment used by firefighters and how to be prepared if you encounter a fire. Then see us at the Library for a craft and some Fire Prevention giveaways.

Children’s Musician Laura Doherty

Mon., Oct. 11, 10:30 am Ages 2–8 Musician Laura Doherty will present a lively concert of upbeat songs to warm the hearts of children. With an ear for a catchy melody and a passion for creating sweet, folk-inspired songs, Laura creates music that gets even the shyest wallflower up to dance. Space is limited. Please call the Youth Services Desk to register.

Lego® Building Challenge

Wed., Oct. 13, 4–7pm All Ages Does your family love building with Legos? Register for a 30-minute time slot to work together to build with Legos. Families will be given a bag of Library Legos to use, a space in the Youth Services Department to work, and 30 minutes to create. Lego Creations will remain on display in the Library for two weeks. Please call the Youth Services Desk to register.

Be Prepared!— Fire Prevention

Wed., Oct. 20, 3:30–5pm Families Join the Batavia Fire Department on Water St. to get an up-close look at one of their fire trucks. Learn

Summer Reading in Batavia 2021 More than 950 children from birth through 8th grade tracked their reading on the “Reading Colors Your World” reading challenge on Beanstack this summer. Children received reading rewards for their accomplishments and participated in contests, drawings, and more than 65 special activities offered during the summer months. We would especially like to thank the following businesses and organizations who generously contributed prizes for Summer Reading Club 2021.

Our THANKS to these SRC 2021 sponsors: Abbey Farms Batavia Creamery Batavia Park District Classic Cinemas Colonial Café

Culver’s Fresh Thyme Farmers Market Friends of the Batavia Public Library

Funway Entertainment Center Keller’s Farmstand Limestone Coffee & Tea

McAlister’s Deli McDonald’s Museum of Science and Industry

Portillo’s Raising Cane’s Target Trader Joe’s Batavia

Walmart Wendy’s Batavia Windmill Grille and Pizzeria 17

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

Author in the Spotlight: Chris Bohjalian

Wed., Oct. 27, 6:30pm Online Join us for an author interview! Best-selling author Chris Bohjalian will be talking about his latest book, The Hour of the Witch, just in time for Halloween. Boston, 1662: where every neighbor is watching for signs of the devil. Mary Deerfield finds herself accused of witchcraft when a boy she treated with herbs dies, and her servant girl runs screaming from her home.

New Lyceum Lecture Series

The Batavia Public Library Foundation is the 2021–22 Season Sponsor

The Essential Great Chicago Fire

Thurs., Oct. 7, 7pm Online 2021 marks the 150th anniversary of the fire that started in a barn and nearly destroyed a city. William Pack weaves together technical details of the fire with vivid firsthand accounts from those who lived through the conflagration of 1871, bringing alive all the excitement and terror in a multi-media storytelling event that you will not soon forget.

Questions & Ancestors Genealogy Series

Researching the Great Chicago Fire and Your Genealogy Mon., Oct. 18, 7pm Online Learn how the fire started, how it changed the city of Chicago forever, and how it made the city what it is today. Jenny Warner will focus on locating

Surprise Me Bundles

Adults and teens—Do you need something new to read or watch, but you’re not sure what to choose from the Library’s collection right now? We can help! Fill out our online form, and librarians will find up to five items just for you to pick up later. Fill out the form here: https://tinyurl.com/yyxgy67h

Follow the Library on

18 kaneneighbors.com 18

records about the Great Chicago Fire and how to find information that you could have found in vital records that now don’t exist because of the fire.

Community Check-in with Misty & Aimee

Tues., Sept. 7, 14, 21, & 28, 6:30pm Tues., Oct. 5, 12, 19, & 26, 6:30pm Join us for thirty minutes of local exploration and a chance to connect with your neighbors. You will laugh with and learn from the people who make this community great. Follow us on Instagram or Facebook, and be sure to turn on notifications, so you don’t miss our live streams! Instagram: https://instagram.com/bplbatavia/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/BataviaPublicLibrary/

630-879-1393 • BataviaPublicLibrary.org

Sundays on Stage The Batavia Public Library Foundation is the 2021 Season Sponsor The Mystery of Living: Packing for Syria with Agatha Christie

Sun., Sept. 26, 2pm Online Performer Betsey Means brings Agatha Christie to life. The year is 1949 and you are at the home of the prolific British “Queen of Crime,” author Agatha Christie, creator of such famous detectives as Hercule Poirot and Miss Jane Marple. Agatha Christie is going away, and she has some things to tell you.

The author, Agatha Christie

Paranormal Illinois: Tales of Ghosts, UFOs, and Mysterious Creatures Sun., Oct. 24, 2pm Online

Just in time for Halloween, this presentation is an eerie combination of the most bizarre paranormal topics set in Illinois. Hear tales of strange cases of alien abductions, haunted places, mysterious creatures, crop circles, and everything else weird and unusual. Author Chad Lewis leads viewers on a most unusual Illinois road trip.. Programs are continued on page 24

Monthly Programs Book Discussion

Tues., Sept. 14, 7:30pm In-person Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid In this captivating novel about race and power dynamics, a video goes viral when a babysitter is unjustly accused of kidnapping.

Tues., Oct. 12, 7:30pm In-person The Library Book by Susan Orlean Award-winning author Susan Orlean revisits the compelling story of the fire that started in the Los Angeles Public Library more than 30 years ago. The catastrophic fire destroyed more than 400,000 books. Unfortunately, the mystery of who started the fire remains unsolved.

November book selection: The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen

kaneneighbors.com 19 19

Batavia Public Library

The Food Mercenary Presents: Chocolate Overdose

Starting Sept. 1 Online: YouTube channel Not the best choice if you are on a diet, but a great choice if you love chocolate. Chef Niksic presents three very flexible chocolate recipes every cook should have plus a classic cookie ramped up to satisfy the deepest chocolate cravings. No registration needed!

Your Resume vs. the Robots, Part 1

Mon., Sept. 13, 10am, Online Unfortunately, about 50–75% of applicants’ resumes are never even seen by a human, and the reasons have nothing to do with skills or qualifications. Find out how to avoid online application pitfalls when Lauren Milligan of ResuMAYDAY brings Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) insider information to you. She’ll show you how to work better with ATS, so your resume will get into the right hands.

Your Resume vs. the Robots, Part 2 Mon., Sept. 27, 10am, Online Find the right keywords and how to

Teen Programs

incorporate them into your resume and LinkedIn profile with Lauren Milligan of ResuMAYDAY. She’ll walk you through each step using Google, LinkedIn, Word, and a free ATS simulator program. Finally, she’ll demonstrate her proven “stacking method” that guarantees a strong match score.

Sell Your Stuff Online

Wed., Sept. 22, 7pm, Online Decluttering? Instead of discarding, get some cash by selling your old possessions online. Michael Gershbein, from Very Smart People, discusses the pros and cons of online platforms like eBay, Craigslist, Amazon Seller Marketplace, and Facebook Marketplace—and offers expert selling and safety tips.

The Food Mercenary Presents: Ciel Bleu Tomato Bisque

Starting Oct. 1 Online: YouTube channel Learn the recipe Chef Niksic put together that became the house soup for one of Chicago’s iconic 80’s French restaurants, Ciel Bleu. This method also makes a tomato mother sauce with no thickening agents, no cholesterol, no sugar, no gluten, and, if desired, no dairy products.

Artist for an Evening

Thurs., Oct. 14, 6pm, In-person Unleash your creativity by painting a seasonal picture in acrylics with Adult Services Librarian Aimee at the Library. This is a socially

Advance registration is required for programs designated

Inclusion Game Night

Wed., Sept. 8 & Oct. 13, 6:30 to 8:30pm In-person We missed you! Teens and young adults of all abilities, their families and friends are welcome to play board games and card games together in person. We need to limit registration for safety, so please register for this program soon. Limit: 15. 20

distanced event; all supplies will be provided by the Library. Bring an apron or wear clothes that can get messy.

Vegan Diet How-to

Thurs., Oct 14, 7pm, Online Vegan diets are becoming more and more popular. Maybe you’ve wanted to try it out but didn’t know where to start. Join us as Diane Reinhold of the University of Illinois Extension explains the ins and outs of the vegan lifestyle.

Let’s Talk Downsizing!

Tues., Oct. 19, 7pm, Online Down-sizing can be the time to right-size. But, making sense of a lifetime of possessions down doesn’t have to be overwhelming! Colleen Klimczak will lay out the process, talk about deciding what to part with and what to keep, and share resources to make it all happen.

630-879-1393 • BataviaPublicLibrary.org

News from the Friends

Even ghosts and goblins like to read!

Give All Hallows’ Read coupon books on Halloween instead of, or in addition to, candy. Giving a coupon is like putting a book into each trick or treat bag. Each coupon allows its bearer to receive a children’s or young adult book of their choice during one of the Friends’ monthly book sales or from the book corner on the upper level. Coupons are valid for one year. Sets of 10 coupons will be available at the Circulation Desk for $2.50 throughout October. Questions? Contact Friends@BataviaPublicLibrary.org.

Friends Book Sales Friends Corner, main level—everyday FriendSpace, lower level— Check the website for future Saturday sale dates: bataviapubliclibrary.org/friends/

Teen Programs

Advance registration is required for programs designated

Fall College Programs

Sponsored by Batavia, Geneva, North Aurora, St. Charles, West Chicago, and Wheaton public libraries

The College Application Process

Don’t Pay the College Sticker Price!

The Financial Aid Process

Understanding College Financial Aid—and How You Can Benefit from It

Tues., Sept. 14, 7pm, Online An ISAC corps member will discuss the ins and outs of the college application process. Tues., Sept. 21, 7pm, Online An ISAC corps member will outline the general financial aid process and explain how financial aid works.

The Financial Aid Process

Wed., Sept. 29, 7pm, Online ISAC corps member Lauren Waitt will discuss college costs, the types of financial aid available, how to apply using the FAFSA, and financial aid award packages.

Mon., Oct. 4, 7pm, Online Certified Financial Planner Joe Orsolini will discuss money-saving strategies for college planning.

Wed., Oct. 6, 7pm, Online My College Planning Team will give a deep dive on financial strategies for affording college.

How to Virtually Visit a College Campus: Interact with Colleges from Home

Wed., Oct. 20, 7pm, Online Tom Jaworski from Quest College Consulting will discuss how to explore colleges remotely.

Five Steps to Effective College Essays

Thurs., Oct. 21, 7pm, Online Stephanie Kennedy, professional college coach, presents this mini boot camp to prepare students of

any writing ability to launch their essays confidently.

Making Your College Search Count

Wed., Oct. 27, 7pm, Online Julie Nelson, Regional Recruitment Director at Xavier University, will help students and parents navigate the college search, particularly in light of the pandemic.

FAFSA Workshop

Wed., Nov. 17, 7pm In-person Is your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form done? This program by Lauren Waitt and Martha Gutierrez from ISAC can help. If you bring a laptop, you can complete the FAFSA during the program. Registration required. Limit: 20. 21

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

You’re invited— BPS101 Hall of Honor to celebrate 16 inductees On Thurs., Sept. 23, 2021, Batavia Public School District 101 will welcome sixteen inductees into its BPS101 Hall of Honor at Batavia High School. In a typical year, the Hall of Honor welcomes eight inductees, but the 2020 celebration was delayed so this year’s celebration will combine the 2020 and 2021 classes with, “Twice the Fun in ‘21!” The BPS101 Hall of Honor was initiated by the Batavia Foundation for Educational Excellence and BPS101 to promote pride in Batavia Public Schools and to honor alumni, faculty, and friends who have made outstanding accomplishments in their communities and personal lives since they have been associated with the district.

2020 Inductees

2021 Inductees

BPS101 Staff Michael Stiers

BPS101 Staff Lori Carbonell

Friend of BPS101 Steve Heronemus

Friend of BPS101 Lisa Farley

Batavia High School Alumni Robert Becker Dominic Cattero Julie Johnson Gary Ritchason Jamie Saam Byron Von Hoff

Batavia High School Alumni Arnold P. Benson Archie Bentz, Jr Dr. Bryan Bertoglio Peter M. Donat Marjorie Holbrook Anton Inglese

The BPS101 Hall of Honor induction ceremony will take place at the Batavia Fine Arts Centre (BFAC) located at Batavia High School (Wilson St. entrance). Evening events include: 6pm—Doors open 6:30pm—Awards Ceremony on the main stage of Batavia Fine Arts Centre 8pm—Meet and Greet/Receiving Line of Inductees Tickets are available online at hallofhonor.ezregister.com or by calling 630-937-8800. Tickets are $15/adult and $5/student/child (children five and under are free). Additional information about the event and past inductees can be found at bps101.net/hall-of-honor Twelve of the sixteen inductees will be installed as Batavia High School Alumni, two will enter the Hall of Honor as BPS101 Staff Members, and two will be installed as Friends of Batavia for loyal support and dedication to BPS101.

Celebrate the 16 new Hall of Honor inductees on Sept. 23 at the Batavia Fine Arts Centre.

At the Centre…

BataviaFineArtsCentre.org • 630-937-8930

Coming back stronger Being an arts centre that thrives on bringing people together to celebrate the arts, the notion of a mass shutdown to our industry could have proven catastrophic. This shutdown carried with it the potential to impact both the current season as well as future seasons. This impact would have left the centre in need of revitalization with a loss of artists, in need of renters, unengaged audiences, and more. We were not about to let that happen to the BFAC, an entity that has grown into a community treasure over the past decade, touching the hearts, minds, and souls of tens of thousands of people each year. In fact, we used our time and recourses to not only maintain but grow the BFAC. Here is how we have set ourselves up to grow by 5.2% in 2021–2022. In March of 2021 with an expected “brief” three to eight-week closure we calmly began rearranging our events and began engaging with artists and audiences in a virtual format. This format would be the beginning of our new format, BFAC on air. We worked with artists who were scheduled to perform, previous performance groups, and more, to continue bringing the arts to life in your homes. When May of 2020 rolled around we knew what we thought might be a couple of months would indeed be a much longer period of time and we immediately began designing a LIVE stream system with the ability to perpetuate

the arts through the long haul of the pandemic both for our audiences and artists. This system was fully installed by the end of August 2020 and was immediately put to use. Dance companies were able to resume rentals and perform to virtual audiences, actors were able to perform shows to audiences everywhere; ceremonies, meetings, and competitions pushed forward. Not only were local events able to bring their arts to the world, but we were also able to stream a FREE virtual series to our patrons in December of 2020 and January 2021. By working with agents from around the country we brought performances from around the world to the homes of our patrons. This brought a new awareness of the BFAC while fostering strong relationships in the industry while fully launching YOUR local arts streaming platform, BFAC on air, featuring both LIVE and On-Demand events. By embracing where we were and acknowledging what we needed to do in order to fulfill our mission, we have set ourselves up to emerge stronger than ever from that “short” shutdown sixteen months ago. Welcome to 2021-2022- where events at the BFAC are up 5.2%. We can’t wait to welcome you to our seats here at BFAC or your seat at home with BFAC on air! Dominic A. Cattero—BFAC Manager

Coming Up at The Centre September 7—Forever Young 17–18—BHS Productions Presents: Animal Farm 23—Hall of Honor Celebration October 5—BHS Band Concert 6—BHS Orchestra Concerto 7—BHS Choir Concert 15–17—CYT Presents: Honk Jr. 18—RMS Fall Choral Concert 21— But Seriously, Folks… Improv Show 23—Carole’s Kings 24—Future Fashionista/Couture Commando 27—BPS U 31—Fox Valley Orchestra Performance

Call

630-937-8930 for information & tickets

Batavia School District 101 News Award winning Batavia Music

Are you aware that Batavia has been recognized as a “Best Community for Music Education” several years in a row? The Batavia Music Buffs is a booster organization providing funds and initiative to help enhance and continue the extraordinary musical program in District 101, which has a rich tradition of quality music programs including band, orchestra, choral, classroom and special ensembles.

Your help is needed

In addition to various fundraisers, the Batavia Music Buffs rely on yearly membership dues to fund the programs. Every music family, as well as local businesses, are encouraged to purchase a membership to help bridge the funding gap that exists between the district funding provided and the actual costs of the many music opportunities offered in BPS101.

New member perks

Red: $25—name in all music programs Gold: $50—name in all music programs and 2021/2022 Music Buffs member magnet Platinum: $100—name in all music programs, member magnet, tote bag Titanium: $250—name in all music programs, member magnet, tote bag retro Batavia music decal

Learn more & joint at bataviamusicbuffs.org

Batavia Bulldog Booster memberships available now Please plan on joining the Batavia Bulldog Booster Club and support your student athlete this year! The Boosters are a nonprofit organization that provides funds for equipment, uniforms, and other items above and beyond what the school district’s athletic budget can cover. With four levels of membership to choose from, find one that will fit you and your family best!

More info at BataviaBulldogBoosters.org 24

Bulldog Nation Alumni & Friends: A place for alumni and supporters to gather We are thrilled to announce our brand new online community, Bulldog Nation Alumni & Friends, which will allow us to establish greater connections with our graduates and the community. We’re very excited to get connected with alumni of all ages! Through this new alumni network, all Batavia Public Schools alumni, supporters, and community members will be able to stay connected and receive regular

updates and news articles, along with a wide variety of information on special events, mentoring, and volunteer opportunities. An Alumni Directory allows you to easily find and connect with other alumni, no matter where they’re located. Graduates of Batavia schools, former employees, supporters, and all local residents may sign up for the alumni network and receive regular news and updates. This includes information on district

news and events, community points of pride, class reunions, and how alumni and residents can get more involved in Batavia schools. There will also be regular profiles of alumni who have gone on to serve their communities in notable ways. We invite you to join us at bulldogalumni.nationbuilder.com and see all that this new online community has to offer. We look forward to connecting with you!

The 2021-2022 STAGE Cash Books are here!

Supporting Theater Arts for A Greater Education Batavia has a long and highly respected reputation of excellence in the performing arts. You’re invited to be a part of that tradition! While this school year is unlike any other, “the show must go on”! STAGE is excited to present a full year of outstanding drama in Batavia! It is a very busy year for the drama production actors and crew, and this year your support is needed more than ever. Your support of STAGE benefits both Rotolo and BHS productions! Many families are experiencing financial hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Any amount you are able to contribute is a huge help and will make a difference in the lives of our students! Visit stagebatavia.org for more information or to become a member.

What are Cash Books? A remarkable collection of valuable “Gift-checks” (same as cash) from great local restaurants and merchants worth over $300! Treat yourself and family, while supporting Batavia High School and Rotolo Middle School STAGE and local merchants for just $25. There are lots of new businesses along with returning favorites. Visit stagebatavia.org to purchase Cash Books!

STAGE was formed in 2005 and supports, encourages, maintains and promotes theatrical productions at Batavia High School and Rotolo Middle School. Participation in theatrical productions is an integral part of the educational system that stimulates confidence, teamwork, a positive work ethic and showmanship - all important characteristics necessary for success in life. Make sure to follow us on Facebook at STAGE Batavia! 25

Batavia Park District News Touch-A-Truck Day

Fri., Sept. 17, 10:30am–12pm Eastside Community Center parking lot, 14 N. Van Buren Free! Touch-A-Truck Day gives children of all ages the opportunity to discover vehicles up close! In the past, a fire truck, tractor, dump truck, bus, limousine, police car, military vehicles and more all have made an appearance. Parent supervision is required. From 10:30–11:15am., this event will be sensory-friendly, so please, no honking.

Mom & Son Wagon Rides

4–5:30pm, Sept. 23 6:30–8pm, Sept. 23 4–5:30pm, Sept. 30 6:30–8pm, Sept. 30 West Main Community Park, 40W101 W. Main St. Enjoy a special night with your son at West Main Community Park. Wagon rides and dinner will be provided. Participate in pumpkin decorating and more! Campfire time will follow with s’mores for dessert. Wagon rides will begin from the parking lot. Please register early for this popular event. Ages: 3–10 w/an adult Fees: $8 per child or $16 for a mother-son duo 26

630-879-5235 bataviaparks.org

Batavia Parks Foundation Community Park Clean-Up Day Sat., Oct. 2 8am–12pm Batavia Riverwalk, Houston St. at Island Ave.

Spend a beautiful autumn morning with the Batavia Parks Foundation for its Community Park Clean-Up Day! This free fall event is set for 8am to 12pm on Sat., Oct. 2, at the Batavia Riverwalk. The event will focus on cleaning up and making repairs along the Batavia Riverwalk. Gloves and tools, along with water

and a light snack, will be provided. Individuals and members of organizations are encouraged to attend. Please meet promptly at 8am at Peg Bond Center, 151 N. Island Ave., and you will be directed to the site. Registration is not required.

Fall Drive-In Movie in the Park

Sat., Oct. 9 7–9pm West Main Community Park, 40W101 W. Main St. We are proud to announce an autumn evening at the movies! You might need to snuggle so bring your family, friends, blankets, and pillows and enjoy a night under the stars watching a great Halloween-themed movie together outdoors! The fee is $20 per car. Please register for this fun, family friendly fall movie at bataviaparks.org.

Batavia Park District News

A Nightmare at West Main Fri., Oct. 15 and Fri., Oct. 22 7–9pm each night West Main Community Park 40W101 W. Main St. The ghosts are coming out to play in the forest at West Main Community Park! Join us for a haunted hike through our spooky trails. Evil lurks in the forest, so enter if you dare! This event is not suitable for children younger than 10 years old. Advance tickets may be purchased through Oct. 14 for $8 per ticket. Admission is $10 day-of.

Volunteers are Needed!

The Batavia Park District is seeking volunteers to help host this spooky event. For more information, contact Bethanne Guidarelli at 630-406-5282 ext. 2066 or bethanneg@bataviaparks.org. Children ages 12 and older do not need a parent present, but are required to have a signed waiver and volunteer application. This is a great opportunity for fun service hours, team building and community groups! 28

630-879-5235 bataviaparks.org

Halloween House Decorating Contest Registration deadline: Mon., Oct. 18 Judging: 4–9pm Wed., Oct. 20 Bring out your spooky or frightening house decorations in our popular Halloween House Decorating Contest. Prizes will be awarded for overall theme and people’s choice. All displays will be judged between 4pm and 9pm on Wed., Oct. 20. Winners will receive a Batavia Park District prize package. This contest is for Batavia Park District residents only. Addresses of all entries will be published in local media unless specified at the time of registration. Please indicate if you want us to view your decorations at dusk or dark. Registration deadline is Oct. 18.

Kayak & Paddleboat Rentals

Head to the Batavia Riverwalk for an autumn retreat! It won’t be long before kayaking or paddling on the water will be replaced with ice skating, so grab the chance while you can. View the fall foliage from the water as leaves turn crimson, yellow and orange. Kayaks are available for single and tandem rentals, and paddleboat rentals fit a maximum of four people. Participants must be 16 years old or older with a state-issued ID to operate the kayaks and paddleboats. Dates & Hours: Now–Sept. 26 Saturday, Sunday: 1–6pm. *Closed on Monday, Sept. 6, for Labor Day

Rates: One-person kayak: $10 for 30-minute rental Two-person kayak: $20 for 30-minute rental Paddleboat: $15 for 30-minute rental

BATV

MyBatv.com

Sponsorship Bundles still available for 2021 football season Single Sponsor for Instant Replay

Batavia Bulldog Football Season is underway and it’s not too late to purchase BATV sponsorship bundles! 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!

$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

Premier Sponsor

P hoto courtesy BPS101

P hoto courtesy Batavia M ainStreet

$75 per quarter (one business featured per game) Your Logo shown end of the quarter full screen with $350 per game mention. Your logo on screen after intro, two mentions per quarter, halftime logo slide in video, and logo at the end And many more options! of the game on screen. Contact Andrew Van Meter for questions and details at:630-937-5413 or email andrew@mybatv.com

Stay tuned to BATV for coverage of upcoming fall events, including Homecoming, Fall Sports, Bat Fest, and more!

Tune in to your community information station throughout 2021 Like and follow us on Facebook, FOOTBALL • GRADUATION • CITY COUNCIL

BATV1017 facebook.com/batv1017 630-937-5413 • info@myBATV.com

106 West Wilson St., Batavia 630-879-7134 • bataviachamber.org

October means Fall and the Harvest Celebration Fall brings cooler days, all things pumpkin, and of course, it is the harvest season. At the Batavia Chamber of Commerce, we celebrate autumn every year with our Harvest Celebration. One of the event highlights is to pay tribute to the one chamber member who has displayed an outstanding commitment and dedication to the chamber’s mission, vision, and values. This member is recognized as the annual Donna Dallesasse Award recipient. We will also hand out our Membership Milestone Awards to celebrate a business member’s longevity with our chamber. They will all be feted at our Harvest Celebration on Wed., Oct. 6 beginning at 6pm. The event takes place under the tent at Oscar Swan Country Inn, 1800 W. State St. in Geneva. Tickets cost $40 per person, which includes live music, heavy appetizers, and a drink. A cash bar will be available. Sponsorship opportunities are currently available. Casual and/ or seasonal attire is welcomed. Flannel is definitely

appropriate! Registration is open by calling 630-8797134 or visit bataviachamber.org/events to register online.

Calling out for nominations for 2021 Batavia Citizen of the Year! The Citizen of the Year Award is given to a local resident whose service and dedication have made a significant contribution to the community. Criteria for the award are: • The nominee must reside, or have their business, in Batavia or Batavia Township. • The nominee must have assisted in an improvement or program of significant value to the Batavia community. • The improvement must be made as a result of a personal commitment and not substantially as a result of their primary employment or public responsibilities. • The nominee may not currently be on the Board of Directors of the Batavia Chamber of Commerce. 2020 Bob Hansen 2019 Nanette (Nan) Phillips 2018 Georgene Kauth O’Dwyer 2017 Marcia Boyce

• The nominee does not need to be a member of the Batavia Chamber of Commerce. • The contributions of the nominee to the community should be of an extraordinary nature. Nominations should be made in the form of a letter of recommendation to the Chamber of Commerce, no later than Fri., Nov. 5, stating the reasons why the individual being nominated is worthy of this honor. Citizen of the Year is selected from the nominations by a panel of previous Citizen of the Year honorees in late November and announced in December. The winner will be honored at the Inspire Celebration on Jan. 27, 2022. The past 10 Citizens of the Year:

2016 Ed & Nancy Weiss 2015 Joanne Spitz 2014 J. Thomas “Tom” Von Lunen

2013 James Hanson 2012 Britta & Steven McKenna 2011 Robert & Suzanne Peterson

Upcoming Events

Batavia Chamber Breakfast Club* Wednesdays, Sept. 8 & Oct. 13, 8am Comfort Inn & Suites, Geneva Batavia Women in Business After Hours Networking—Thurs., Sept. 9, 4:30pm WindMill Grille & Pizzeria

Net-Working-It!—Wed., Sept. 15, 4:30pm—Crosstown Pub & Grill Fall Into Business Multi-Chamber Progressive Luncheon* Wed., Sept. 22, 11:30am Villa Olivia, Bartlett

Batavia Women in Business Luncheon* Tues., Oct. 12, 11:30am Details to Come *Registration required, please visit bataviachamber.org. Check the website for updates and other events.

Welcome New Chamber Members • Apex Leadership Company • Barnwood & Beeswax • Chamber Associate John Shoaf • Compass Mortgage

• Craft & Smoke • Kings and Queens Children’s Academy • MRB Esthetics • Strategic Navigators, Inc.

• Suicide Prevention Services • SunCom.TV • The Cosentino Law Firm, LLC

Business Nuggets

™

An eclectic collection of what’s happening in Batavia

The Batavia Chamber of Commerce celebrated several business openings and re-openings in July and August. Chic Events opened their showroom/ consultation space at 713 Main St. on July 9 with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Owner Fatiana Stobaugh provides professional wedding and event planning services, with packages customized to the client’s needs. Find them at facebook.com/chiceventsandweddings or call 630-492-0802. On July 23 chamber members celebrated the grand re-opening of the Salon By The River. Under new management, Salon By The River is a boutique hair and nail salon located in the heart of downtown Batavia, managed by Tiffani Johannsen. To make an appointment or learn more visit salonbytheriver.com or call 630-862-1678. Tuffy Tire and Auto Service celebrated their new location on Aug. 3 with a ribbon cutting, a mini car show, music and food. Owner John Piaskowy and his employees offer a full range of automotive services, including auto repair, brakes, exhaust, transmission, radiator, suspension, electrical, engine, fuel system and more. Customers who fill out their online quote form can expect a response within 24 hours. For a full list of services and money-saving coupons visit tuffybatavia.com or call 630-879-9941. Aug. 12 saw the opening of Kings & Queens Children’s Academy at 929 E. Wilson St. Owners Mary and David Ojo along with director Theresa Leifheit and assistant director Beth Winiger provide all children with quality care in a homey, safe and stimulating environment. Transportation to and from grade school is offered; contact them for more information at 630-425-3164 or visit kqchildrenacademy.com.

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On Aug. 13 chamber members celebrated the opening of BarnWood & BeesWax at 14 N. Island Ave. Shop owners Joe and Kristin Goulakos and Ashley and Lori Dunham have filled the home décor store with hand-crafted furniture, repurposed items, hand-poured candles, antiques and…chocolate! They also carry Fusion mineral paints and finishes and offer custom walls, shelving, and furniture fabrication. Visit facebook.com/BarnWoodandBeeswax or call 630-454-4256. Get your tickets now for tickets for the chance to win a 2022 Corvette Coupe 1LT or $50,000 in cash in the 33rd annual Batavia Rotary Corvette raffle! There is an early bird drawing of $500 on Sept. 20. The grand prize drawing is Sat., Nov. 20. Proceeds benefit local charities and Rotary International Programs. bataviarotarycharities.com. Kale Hoyt, CSCS, PES, has joined the staff of Strikers Fox Valley Soccer Club as a strength and conditioning consultant. Hoyt will be actively involved in the training of club players. Hoyt brings 17 years of experience in training youth and professional athletes to the Strikers organization. His extensive experience includes working as the Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Chicago Fire professional soccer club, as well as for the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, a high-A minor league affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. He has a B.S. in Exercise Science from Trinity Christian College. Hoyt currently operates a sports performance training business, Kale Training, LLC, in St. Charles. He also has experience as an athlete, having competed as an NAIA collegiate player in two sports—baseball and basketball. “We’re looking forward to having Kale join our club,” said Pat Feulner, president of Strikers Fox Valley. “He adds depth to our staff, and will help our athletes further develop their skills.”

Neighbors of Batavia

Batavia Business Directory FREE $75 advertising credit

The NEW Neighbors of Batavia Business Directory is available to all Batavia businesses and Neighbors advertisers. For a submission form, FREE online listing, and $75 advertising credit, please email info@neighborsmagazines.com.

kaneneighbors.com

Accucare Physical Therapy and Sports Rehab 1001 E. Wilson St., Batavia | 630-761-0900 accucarerehab.com

K. Hollis Jewelers 147 S. Randall Rd., Batavia | 630-879-8003 khollisjewelers.com

Advance Design Studio 30 Railroad St., Gilberts | 847-836-2600 advancedesignstudio.com

Kane County Forest Preserve District 1996 S. Kirk Rd., Suite 320, Geneva | 630-232-3955 kaneforest.com

Align Dentistry 1001 E. Wilson St., Batavia | 630-406-6140 aligndentistry.com

Keller Williams-Eric Klein 407 S. Third St., Geneva | 630-781-4054 foxvalleyhomes.kw.com

Aurora Downtown 43 W. Galena Blvd., Aurora | 630-256-3363 auroradowntown.org

Marmion Academy 1000 Butterfield Rd., Aurora | 630-966-7674 marmion.org

Batavia Creamery 4 N. Island Ave., Batavia | 630-482-3729 bataviacreamery.com

Masus Financial Group 515 N. River St., #100, Batavia | 630-879-8464 masusfinancial.com

Batavia Plain Dirt Gardeners 2S965 Shagbark, Batavia | 630-404-9471 facebook.com/BataviaPlainDirtGardeners

Miscella Real Estate 150 First St., Suite A, Batavia | 630-232-1570 miscella.com

BEI Batavia Enterprises, Inc. 140 First St., Batavia | 630-879-3680 beiproperties.net

Neighbors Magazines 28 S. Water St., Batavia | 630-995-3482 kaneneighbors.com

Boyce Body Werks 1240 Nagel Blvd., Batavia | 630-879-9575 boycebodywerks.com

Patriot Heating and Cooling Services 8S692 Marie St., Big Rock | 331-229-0212 patriothvacservices.com

Carlson’s Flooring 728 W. State St., Geneva | 630-232-4964 carlsonsfloors.com

PechaKucha 10 S. Batavia Ave., Batavia | 630-879-1393 pechakucha.com/cities/batavia

Ciaccio Wealth Management, Ltd. 232 S. Batavia Ave., Batavia | 630-454-4599 CiaccioWealth.com Crabby Boil 220 S. Randall Rd., Batavia | 630-454-4392 crabbyboil.com DME Heating and Cooling 1183 Pierson, Unit 107, Batavia | 815-756-6528 dekalbmechanical.com Dollar and Sense Bookkeeping 321 E. Wilson St., Batavia | 630-765-1581 dollarandsensebookkeeping.net Elderday Center, Inc. 328 W. Wilson St., Batavia | 630-761-9750 elderdaycenter.org Funway Entertainment Center 1335 S. River St., Batavia | 630-879-8717 funway.com Harvey’s Tales 216 James St., Geneva | 630-232-2991 harveystales.com Holy Cross Catholic Church 2300 Main St., Batavia | 630-879-4750 holycross-batavia.org Journey to Present 28 S. Fifth St., Geneva | 847-287-0916 journeytopresent.com

Prairie Wellness Counseling Center, P.C. 12 W. Wilson St., Batavia | 630-715-5740 prairiewellness.org Rosati’s Pizza 334 E Wilson St., Batavia | 630-879-2992 rosatispizzabatavia.com Schingoethe Center of Aurora University 1315 Prairie St., Aurora | 630-844-7844 aurora.edu/museum Shannon’s House Cleaning 923 S. Jackson St., Batavia | 630-486-4438 Spring Valley Lodges 1023 S. Batavia Ave., Batavia | 630-879-1739 springvalleylodges.com Tanna Landscape Services 42W855 Main Street Rd., Elburn | 630-844-6984 tannalandscapeservices.com The Davey Tree Expert Company 395 Industrial Dr., West Chicago | 630-293-9336 davey.com The Tea Tree 29 N. River St., Batavia | 630-425-3340 theteatreeshop.com Tower Car Wash 2120 W. Main St., Batavia | 630-406-1099 towercarwashbatavia.com

kaneneighbors.com 33

Community Above Self Rainbows learn teamwork

Facebook page or website bataviaunitedway.org.

Help serve Batavia

Interact is Rotary International’s service club for young people. Batavia Rotary is proud to sponsor a club at Batavia High School. As members of the Batavia Interact Club, students develop leadership skills as they serve our community. Follow their journey in volunteerism on twitter @BataviaInteract. In other news, it’s not too late to enter our 33rd Annual Corvette Raffle. Win your choice of $50,000 or a new Corvette, plus other prizes. The grand prize drawing is Sat., Nov. 20. Purchase tickets at bataviarotarycharities.com. Visit with us at breakfast. To RSVP email us at info@BataviaRotaryClub.org. For more information on Rotary: BataviaRotaryClub.org. Meet your neighbors, make an impact, and Do Something Really Great!

What is Rainbow for Girls? They are a Masonic youth organization whose mission is to help girls become responsible and purposeful adults through character and leadership development; encouraging service to others; and promoting teamwork and effective interpersonal communications. Members have donated their time and raised funds for charities such as Shriner’s Hospital, American Lung Association, JDRF, Feed My Starving Children, and many more including local food banks and shelters. Majority members have taken what they learned and become scientists, astronauts, teachers, doctors, and more. For more information, please contact: Carrie Becker, Mother Advisor, Harmony Assembly #118 at 815-245-4861 or cbecker821@gmail.com. The Batavia Lions are working to build their membership. Have you ever considered joining the Lion’s Club? Our motto is “We Serve.” We serve the Batavia Community. How do we do that? The Lions support our community in many ways: providing vision services through our school program, the annual high school scholarship program, supporting other notfor-profit organizations ventures such as the Annual Underwear Party for United Way’s Adopt a Child program, Food Pantry Drives, flipping pancakes, and supporting park district events. Do you want to serve your community? Join the Lions. Help us serve Batavia! Join Us/Donate: batavialionsclub.org

Double your donation this fall

Batavia United Way is funding grants totaling over $120,000 to 18 local agencies in an effort to support Batavians in need in the areas of education, health, and financial stability. These grants support citizens of Batavia through various agencies and fund things like education and prevention for domestic abuse, prevention of homelessness, and counseling for youths to name a few. We could not do this and more without community support. Please consider supporting our Double Your Donation fall campaign or the Bat Race 5K/10K Oct. 30. More information can be found on our

Batavia Rotary and the Interact Club

Make a charitable gift

If you’re looking to make a charitable gift to the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley (CFFRV) or one of the funds it administers, this is your reminder to do so before the end of the year! Fortunately, you still have plenty of time to decide the details of your gift. Not sure where to give? Visit cffrv.gives/funds to learn more about our funds and which causes they support. Not sure how to give? Visit cffrv.gives/ways-to-give to learn about different types of gifts Interested in starting a fund of your own? CFFRV would love to help you discuss your options. Please contact the President & CEO, Julie Christman, at jchristman@cffrv.org or call 331-208-9428, to begin a conversation.

P hoto : K atie O’Brien

Support many Batavia charitable organizations at once by participating in the Batavia United Way 8th Annual 5K/10K Bat Race on Oct. 30

34 kaneneighbors.com

Around the Block™ Women’s club hosts craft show The Geneva Women’s Club is pleased to host the 46th Annual Arts and Craft Show Sat., Oct. 16 at the Kane County Fairgrounds. All proceeds benefit Fox Valley area charities. The event includes beautiful home decor and gifts from over 100 crafters, food trucks, a 50/50 cash raffle and a bake sale. Show hours are 10am–4pm. Admission is $5; no charge for children under 12.

Bat Race registration open Reserve your place in the 8th annual Halloweenthemed Batavia United Way Bat Race 5K/10K Oct. 30, on the lovely Fox River Trail bike path. This chip-timed event is designed for runners of all ages and abilities. The races begin at 8:30am with the 10K starting first and the 5K beginning shortly after. The children’s fun run begins at 9:30am. This fun-filled morning includes an optional costume contest with prizes, apple cider donuts, Bloody Mary bar, and more on N. River St. For guaranteed race shirt and goody bag, sign up by Oct 11! For more information or to register, visit bataviaunitedway.org/bat-race. All proceeds support the mission of Batavia United Way, bataviaunitedway.org.

Robotics for kids—join the programs Fox Valley Robotics starts their season programs in September. There is a program for every age group: LegoWolves 1st–3rd grades, LegoDogs 4th–8th grades, and Coyotes 8th–12th grades. To register and for more information, visit foxvalleyrobotics.com or send an email to info@foxvalleyrobotics.com.

Rake leaves for your neighbors The Batavia United Way is again running their Day of Caring annual leaf raking event for senior citizens and those with disabilities on Nov. 7. Teams

for more, visit KaneNeighbors.com of high school volunteers, Batavia Youth Baseball families, and other community members fan out across Batavia to rake leaves to the curb before the City of Batavia leaf pick up. To register as a volunteer or to register for assistance, please visit the website: bataviaunitedway.org/day-of-caring.

Celebrate the flavors of fall at Festival of the Vine Savor the flavor of Geneva during Festival of the Vine. The main event is Sept. 10–12, Friday, Saturday and Sunday on Fourth and State streets. Additional events can be found around Geneva. Times vary for individual events and food and wine purchase. Enjoy local and Chicago-land musical and dance entertainers on the stage and on the lawn throughout the weekend. Other festival events include an arts and crafts show, merchant wine events, business booths, activities for kids, complimentary trolley and horse drawn carriage rides plus great shopping in Geneva’s historic downtown. Avoid the lines and purchase your tickets online. Details at genevachamber.com.

Golf for good and Lazarus House Lazarus House is hosting a golf fundraising event on Fri., Sept. 17, at Prairie Landing Golf Club in West Chicago. Enjoy a day of fun golf at the “Golf for Goodness” followed by a buffet dinner, awards and raffle winner announcements. Cost is $185 per golfer. Sponsorship opportunities include prize, hole and Eagle ranging from $500 to $1000. Donations are being accepted for sports tickets, entertainment tickets, restaurant gift certificates, and golf foursomes. All proceeds benefit Lazarus House operating funds. Make reservations by calling Barb at 630-587-2144 or purchase online at lazarushouse.ejoinme.org/GolfForGoodness.

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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

S E P T E M B E R 2021

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

Send us your event information!

Please note: Some programs listed may require registration and/or fees. Please check with individual organizations.

Downtown Block Party 4-9pm River St.

Labor Day

City offices closed

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Chocolate Overdose All day Library Online

newsroom@neighborsmagazines.com Deadline for the October/November 2021 issue is September 1, 2021

THURSDAY

Fire & Police Commission 4pm Police Dept. City Council 7:30pm, City Hall Community Check-in 6:30 pm, Library online

Plan Com. & Zoning Board 7pm City Hall

Environmental Commission 7pm City Hall

13 Historic Preservation Commission 5:30pm City Hall Bicycle Commission 7pm City Hall

14 Community Check-in 6:30 pm Library online

11 Farmers’ Market 8am-12pm River St. Take-Home Craft Kit All day,Library Kids Free Poster Day All day, Library

East Side Brush Collection Sept. 7–Sept. 10

4 Farmers’ Market 8am-12pm River St.

Plan Com. & Zoning Board 7pm City Hall

17 Touch-A-Truck Day 10:30am-12pm Eastside Com. Center

Committee of the Whole 7pm City Hall

18 Farmers’ Market 8am-12pm River St. Fox River Clean-up 8am Blackard Skate Park

West Side Brush Collection Sept. 13–Sept. 17

20 City Council 7:30pm City Hall

Community Check-in 6:30 pm Library online Committee of the Whole 7pm City Hall

27 Historic Preservation Commission 5:30pm City Hall

28 Community Check-in 6:30 pm Library online Committee of the Whole 7pm City Hall

23 Mom & Son Wagon Rides 4 & 6:30pm West Main Com. Park Hall of Honor Ceremony 6pm Batavia High School

30 Mom & Son Wagon Rides 4 & 6:30pm West Main Com. Park

25 Farmers’ Market 8am-12pm River St. Story Stroll 10am Library

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

O C T O B E R 2021

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Send us your event information!

Ciel Bleu Tomato Bisque All day Library online

newsroom@neighborsmagazines.com Deadline for the October/November 2021 issue is September 1, 2021 Please note: Some programs listed may require registration and/or fees. Please check with individual organizations.

4 City Council 7:30pm City Hall

11 Historic Preservation Commission 5:30pm City Hall Bicycle Commission 7pm, City Hall

5 Fire & Police Commission 4pm, Police Dept. Community Check-in 6:30 pm Library online Committee of the Whole 7pm, City Hall

12 Community Check-in 6:30 pm Library online

6 STEAM Lab-ina-Bag All day Library Plan Com. & Zoning Board 7pm City Hall

14 Take-Home Craft Kit All day Library

Committee of the Whole 7pm City Hall

Park Clean-Up Day 8am-12pm Riverwalk

The Essential Great Chicago Fire 7 pm Library online

13 Environmental Commission 7pm City Hall

2 Farmers’ Market 8am-12pm River St.

9 Farmers’ Market 8am-12pm River St.

15 Nightmare at West Main 7-9pm West Main Community Park

16 Farmers’ Market 8am-12pm River St.

East Side Brush Collection Oct. 11–Oct. 15

Deadline for Halloween House Decorating Contest

Community Check-in 6:30 pm Library online

City Council 7:30pm City Hall

Committee of the Whole 7pm, City Hall

Plan Com. & Zoning Board 7pm City Hall

22 Nightmare at West Main 7-9pm West Main Community Park

23 Farmers’ Market 8am-12pm River St. Story Stroll 10am Library

East Side Leaf Collection Oct. 18–Oct. 22 West Side Brush Collection Oct. 18–Oct. 22

31 Happy Halloween!

25 Historic Preservation Commission 5:30pm City Hall

26 Community Check-in 6:30 pm Library online

27 Author Chris Bohjalian 6:30pm Library online

Committee of the Whole 7pm City Hall

West Side Leaf Collection Oct. 25–Oct. 29

30 Farmers’ Market 8am-12pm River St. Batavia United Way Bat Race 8:30am, Riverwalk Batfest 10am-2pm Downtown

September/October Neighbors of Batavia

Articles inside

City of Batavia Currents—Batavia is for book lovers

Library—Your Library card can do incredible things

Batavia Public Schools—You’re invited to the Hall of Honor ceremony

MainStreet—Come to the Block Party for a Taste of Batavia

Beginnings—A gift delivered with courage

BATV—Sponsorships still available

Park District—There’s a Nightmare on West Main