The Batavian - March/April 2024

Batavian The

Get ready for Batavia Park District's Easter egg hunts and Egg Dash

Watch for construction at Prairie Street and Wilson Street intersection

Get to know Flyleaf Bakery Cafe at Batavia Public Library

Chip In Batavia offers child care scholarships for families in need

Lori Botterman City of Batavia

630-454-2000

Katie Burgess

Batavia Park District

630-879-5235

Holly Deitchman

Batavia Public Schools

630-937-8824

Margaret Perreault

Batavia Chamber of Commerce

630-879-7134

Andrew Van Meter BATV

630-879-9300

Beth Walker

Batavia MainStreet

630-761-3528

Kristen Zambo

Batavia Public Library

630-879-1393

Photo

Photo by Mark Black

City of Batavia

YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS

Mayor: Jeffery D. Schielke

City Clerk: Kate Garrett

Treasurer: Jennifer Fox

Message from the Mayor

reetings,

Entering 2024 brings noteworthy impacts to our community's life.

ALDERMEN SERVING UNTIL MAY 2025

Ward 1: Jennifer Baerren jbaerren@cityofbatavia.net

Ward 2: Leah Leman lleman@cityofbatavia.net

Ward 3: George Ajazi gajazi@cityofbatavia.net

Ward 4: Tony Malay tmalay@cityofbatavia.net

Ward 5: Mark Uher muher@cityofbatavia.net

Ward 6: Nicholas Cerone ncerone@cityofbatavia.net

Ward 7: Sarah Volgelsinger svogelsi@cityofbatavia.net

ALDERMEN SERVING UNTIL MAY 2027

Ward 1: Christopher Solfa csolfa@cityofbatavia.net

Ward 2: Alan Wolff awolff@cityofbatavia.net

Ward 3: Dan Chanzit dchanzit@cityofbatavia.net

Ward 4: Dustin Pieper dpieper@cityofbatavia.net

Ward 5: Abby Beck abeck@cityofbatavia.net

Ward 6: Tim Lanci Tlanci@cityofbatavia.net

Ward 7: Robin Barraza rbarraza@bataviail.gov

Firstly, there is a notable increase in housing and population, marked by the construction of over 540 new living units, comprising both single-family homes and townhomes. Notably, The Landings complex on Fabyan Parkway, situated behind Walmart, contributes to this growth with new units designed for senior citizens. Upon reviewing utility applications, it is observed that a significant portion of new residents originate from the Chicago area. Additionally, several ongoing single-family home developments are anticipated to bring in more residents in the coming year. In city discussions, there is contemplation of funding an updated special census count by the end of 2025, foreseeing a substantial boost in city budget revenue from the state income tax distribution based on the new population figure. The surge in growth has led to increased demand for city services. The Batavia Fire Department faced a record-breaking year in 2023, responding to over 5,000 emergency calls for fire and ambulance services. On the law enforcement side, the Batavia Police Department handled over 15,000 calls, dealing with a variety of law enforcement issues. A review of service requests from Batavians revealed a significant number of emergencies related to falls and excessive drug use across all age groups, requiring ambulance intervention. Additionally, there is a rising number of law enforcement requests involving technologyrelated crimes. Notably, senior citizens in our area have become targets of con artists seeking sensitive information such as Social Security, bank account, or credit card numbers. A cautionary note is emphasized: Please be careful in sharing your personal info with persons you do not know.

Finally, following tragic traffic mishaps faced by our police force in 2023, there is a commitment to an active stance on ticketing speeders and reckless drivers on all streets and highways within our town. Drivers are advised to adhere to posted speed limits, as the police will be vigilant in enforcing this regulation. In closing, I extend my best wishes to all residents for a joyful and healthy time in 2024!

Jeffery Schielke

JEFFERY SCHIELKE Mayor of Batavia

PRAIRIE STREET AND WILSON STREET INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS

Construction begins in 2024

Construction on the Prairie and Wilson Street intersection is planned to begin in late February 2024. The Illinois Department of Transportation and the City of Batavia have hired Copenhaver Construction of Gilberts, Illinois, to complete the project with an expected completion date of November 2024. Federal, state, and local funds will be used for the project.

The intersection of Prairie Street and Wilson Street has experienced heavy traffic congestion during peak hours, causing considerable delays and raising safety concerns for both drivers and pedestrians.

An initial engineering study showed that a traffic signal is warranted along with capacity improvements, notably additional turn lanes at this intersection.

The scope of this project will include traffic signalization, pavement widening, new left-hand turn lanes, and pedestrian actuators on each leg of the intersection. The pavement will be reconstructed and resurfaced within the project limits with new concrete curb and gutter. Furthermore, sidewalk replacements are planned for within the project limits along south Prairie Street and portions of Wilson Street.

The proposed design includes improvements required to interconnect the new traffic signal to the existing traffic signal interconnect system located at

Wilson Street and Route 25 that runs throughout the downtown Wilson Street corridor. Utility work will include improvements to the storm sewer system and complete replacement of the water main within the construction limits.

One of the challenges of this project will be the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railway single track that crosses both Prairie and Wilson Street. To accommodate the proposed traffic signal and BNSF track crossings, railroad protective devices will need to be upgraded. In conjunction with the new traffic signal, pre-signals will be installed south of the crossing on Prairie Street. Additionally, Roadway gates and flashers will be installed at all quadrants of the crossings in advance of the crossings in all directions. Traffic detour signs will be posted throughout the construction period and motorists are urged to follow the posted detour routes.

The intersection improvement project at Prairie Street and Wilson Street is an essential project for the City of Batavia. Your patience and understanding during the construction process is appreciated. City personnel will do their best to minimize any inconvenience to the community.

Detour routes will be posted ahead of the construction and for further updates on this project please see the project webpage, bataviail.gov/ prairiewilson.

Parkway tree program available

The City of Batavia provides residents with an opportunity to purchase a parkway tree as part of its commitment to reforestation in Batavia.

The available species are locally grown, quality trees that do well in city parkways. A variety of species is offered each year to provide a diversified parkway tree population for the community.

To apply for a tree complete and submit the online request form, available at bataviail.gov/ parkwaytree. Requests will be accepted through March 22 for spring trees, or while supplies last. Quantities are limited. For questions, or if you require a paper form, call the Public Properties & Services Division at 630-454-2400.

Clean Harbors collects household hazardous waste at the front door

The City of Batavia offers a household hazardous waste collection service to its residents. The city’s third-party provider, Clean Harbors, will provide frontdoor collection of many items that should not be placed in the regular weekly refuse collection. To learn about the items that will be accepted, please visit the bataviail.gov/ hazardouswaste or call Clean Harbors at 866-466-5060 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. If calling outside these hours, please leave a voicemail and your call will be returned.

City of Batavia

Citywide Garage Sales to support 4th of July Fireworks

The Batavia Fireworks Committee will host their annual Citywide Garage Sales on May 3-4, 2024. The application form to host a garage sale can be found at bataviafireworks. org, or in Batavian’s March utility bill. Forms are also available at the City Hall reception desk, 100 N. Island Ave. The annual event raises money for Batavia’s 4th of July Fireworks.

Spring Happenings

CONSERVATION@HOME RETURNS TO BATAVIA

The City of Batavia is excited to host the Conservation Foundation’s Conservation@Home program in person again, 6 p.m., Wednesday, April 24 at City Hall, 100 N. Island Ave. The program encourages and recognizes property owners who protect and/or create yards that are environmentally friendly and conserve water.

Whether you are starting from a grass lawn or have existing natural areas, the Conservation@Home program can help you make your yard more attractive to wildlife and retain precious rainwater by planting native vegetation, creating butterfly and rain gardens, using rain barrels, and removing exotic species of plants. The selection and use of native plants will help solve common yard problems such as wet spots, not enough variety of color, or grass won’t grow, etc.

Some of the topics to be covered in this program are rain barrels, rain gardens and native plants. Participants will receive a butterfly attraction and identification pamphlet, and native plant guide as well as a few other informational handouts.

Additionally, The Conservation Foundation has staff who will come to your property (for no charge) and advise you about water issues you are having.  Rain barrels and deep-rooted native plants can help solve water problems.  In addition, staff can cover planting for pollinators, birds, dealing with invasive species, and more.  If you are interested in arranging a visit, please contact Jim Kleinwachter at jkleinwachter@ theconservationfoundation.org.

RAIN BARREL SALE RETURNS

The City of Batavia is hosting the 12th Annual Rain Barrel Sale with The Conservation Foundation and is taking orders for rain barrels through April 28 online, or April 26 mail-in for local pick-up May 4.

The 55-gallon rain barrels come with a spigot, garden hose threaded overflow and screw off lid with a

Registration is $35 and must be completed by April 24 for your sale to be included in the printed map. All registered participants will be entered into a drawing for a grill and tools to be held May 1. Packet pickup for participants is Wednesday, May 1 at City Hall.

For more information, contact info@BataviaFireworks.org.

screen to keep out bugs and debris, and a one-year warranty. The rain barrels are made from recycled food-grade plastic and come in black, blue, grey and terra cotta colors. Pricing starts at $69.50 for rain barrels and additional ordering information and accessories can be found at bataviail.gov/rainbarrels.

The rain barrel pickup event is 8-10 a.m., Saturday, May 4, the Batavia Public Works Building, 200 N. Raddant Road.

LOVE YOUR RIVER DAY PLANNED

City of Batavia and Friends of the Fox River are cosponsoring Love Your River Day, May 18. The event is the new name for the annual Fox River Clean Up. Watch for event details at bataviail.gov.

SAVE THE DATE FOR TRUCK TALES

Batavia’s Public Works staff will be reading stories with themes about public works and engineering to children 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, May 21, in the Reading Garden at the Batavia Public Library, 10 S. Batavia Ave., weather permitting. After story time children will be able to climb aboard a Batavia Public Works snowplow. Registration begins May 1 with Youth Services at the library, 630-879-4775.

Brush collection resumes in April

Curbside residential brush collection resumes in April for residents who pay the monthly leaf/brush fee on their utility bill. Brush/limbs are to be at the curb for collection no later than 7 a.m. 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.

The remainder of the brush schedule will be published in the next issue of the Batavian, e-news and on bataviail.gov/brushcollection

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 for homeowner trimming and also meant to handle most minor storm damage limbs that fall during the season; special collections are rare. Brush/trimmings that are generated by a private service must be removed by that service and may not be put out for brush collection. Major storms may affect the schedule, and a notice of any special brush collection will be posted on bataviail.gov/brushcollection.

If your brush was out at 7 a.m. 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.

The following procedures must be followed to ensure the collection of your brush:

• Maximum diameter is 6 inches (logs cannot be split); maximum length of limbs is 12 feet.

• 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.

APRIL BRUSH COLLECTION

8

15

• 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.

• Residents of unincorporated areas should contact their township offices regarding brush collection services that may be available to them.

For materials that do not meet the above specifications:

• Groot Industries will collect yard waste bags/32-gallon cans (not to exceed 50 pounds per bag/32gallon can) consisting of twigs, evergreen clippings, roots, stumps, and plants on your regular trash collection day, beginning the week of April 1. For additional details about yard waste pickup, see the article at right.

• Residents with limbs/brush exceeding the requirements for the program can contact a private service to have it removed at the resident’s expense.

If you have any questions, please call the Public Properties & Services Division at 630-454-2400 weekdays from 7 a.m. -4 p.m. or visit our website at bataviail.gov/brushcollection.

Yard waste collection begins week of April 1

Weekly yard waste collection begins the week of April 1. Yard waste will be collected the weeks April 1 and April 8 without a sticker. For the remainder of the season, April 15 through Nov. 30, yard waste units require a disposal sticker.

Disposal stickers are available for purchase at several local outlets. A complete list is available at bataviail.gov/292/ CartToter-and-StickerInformation.

Residents should place a disposal sticker on each generic yard waste bag or 32-gallon can and put bag/can at the curb on their regular collection date. Yard waste is collected separately from regular refuse and recycling. Cans must be clearly labeled yard waste on the front, and a refuse sticker should be attached to the handle. Plastic bags cannot be used. Maximum capacity is 50 pounds per yard waste bag or container. Yard waste carts are also available to rent for a fee through Groot Industries. Refuse may not be mixed with yard waste.

Yard waste includes grass clippings; leaves; branches and brush; other yard and garden trimmings; vines, garden plants and flowers; weeds; tree droppings (pinecones and crabapples); and other similar organic waste materials. Not included are sod and greenery from wreaths or garlands which should be disposed of as refuse.

Please contact the Public Properties and Services Division at 630-454-2400 with any questions.

EAST SIDE April

WEST SIDE April

Batavia Park District

$2.8M grant will help fund new community center

Batavia Park District recently was awarded a grant from an Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) program that will help fund renovations for the future Patrick J. Callahan Community Center building at 150 Houston St. in downtown Batavia.

The IDNR Park and Recreational Facility Construction Act (PARC) grant program is part of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker's Rebuild Illinois capital improvement program. The park district will receive $2.8 million over the course of the project.

Callahan Community Center is slated to open in 2025. Batavia Park District purchased the 12,420-square-foot, two-story building in 2021. It will be repurposed into a community recreation center to increase the district’s indoor recreation space.

Civic

327 W.

630-879-5235

Eastside

14 N.

630-406-5282

“The district is especially excited about this project because it will use our reserves and capital budget to pay for construction. There was not a tax rate increase,” said Batavia Park District Executive Director Allison Niemela. “The future plans will address the changing needs and trends of the community benefitting residents of all ages.”

In 2022, the Batavia Historical Society signed a donation agreement with the Park District and donated an initial contribution of $430,000 to the district to go toward the acquisition and improvement of the property to create additional collections storage space, a museum lab, curatorial workroom and administrative space for museum staff.

The center's other amenities include a community room, a multi-purpose room to be used as a gathering

space for activities such as trivia and games for active older adults, an enrichment room for children and administrative spaces for staff. The facility will become ADA accessible with an elevator and ramps.

In total, 13 recreation projects across the state were awarded more than $28 million to acquire or develop land for recreation or public access use. Local governments match the value of the grant. The remainder of the Callahan Community Center project will be funded through the district's capital development program.

Renovations include demolishing existing offices, restrooms and closets; installing an elevator; and carpentry, drywall, electrical, mechanicals, and plumbing, along with safety systems, finishes and furniture. The parking lot will be modified to be ADA accessible.

HOURS:

8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Mondays through Fridays, excluding holidays

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Allison Niemela

Check us out 24/7 at bataviaparks.org

Gather the family for egg hunts for everybunny

Grab your basket and get set for springtime surprises with the park district’s egg-citing events for all ages. Tweens and littles will delight in ageappropriate hunts, and the rest of the family can sign up to get a special treat delivered right to their door.

TWEEN FLASHLIGHT EGG HUNT

March 22, 6-7 p.m.

Prairie Path Park Shelter 813 Mark Twain Trail Ages 9-12; $15

This twilight hunt is tailored just for tweens. Armed with glow sticks, tweens will spread out in search of eggs. Find the coveted golden egg and receive a special prize. Bring your own flashlight and bag to collect eggs. Space is limited; preregistration is required.

EASTER EGG HUNT

March 23, 10 a.m.

West Main Community Park Ages 2-8; Free

Little bunnies get their turn hunting for eggs in a new location this year. Bring a basket to hold all the goodies and be sure to visit the Easter Bunny for a special photo opp.

EGG DASH

March 27, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Addresses throughout Batavia All ages; $35 per house Preregistration is required

Enjoy an egg hunt from the comfort of your home or order the Egg Dash as a surprise for your Batavia friends and family! Batavia Park District’s own Chuck the Duck will visit your house and hide eggs filled with small treats and candy in your front yard. Register only one family member per household.

For more information or to register, visit bataviaparks.org/ special-events.

Batavia Park District

From corner grocers to big box retailers

New exhibit details how Batavians gathered food

Learn about Batavia’s food suppliers from the early days of general stores to the modern supermarket at Batavia Depot Museum’s new exhibit, Markets and Meals, opening March 1.

The exhibit highlights the important role farmers, grocers, butchers and bakers have played throughout Batavia’s history through photos, stories, artifacts and an interactive play space for children.

Markets and Meals

Exhibit opening

March 1, 6-8 p.m.

“Usually, the museum’s exhibits are more about looking, not touching, but for this exhibit, we’re very excited to be able to incorporate a hands-on play experience for our younger visitors,” said Museum Director Kate Garrett.

Young visitors will enjoy a trip to a play grocery store while also learning how to create a nutritious and balanced plate with information from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

In designing this area, Museum Curator Jessica Meis, took inspiration from a 1936 Louise White classroom that featured a play grocery store that taught students where food comes from and how it gets to the table.

“In this space, children and their guardians will be able to play with ideas of growing, shopping, and sharing that bring the historical experiences and compassionate culture of Batavia to life,” Meis said.

The exhibit runs through July 21.

History, pigs and bacon

“Wild Boar to Baconfest: Pigs in History and Popular Culture”

June 20, 7 p.m. | Batavia Depot Museum’s Gustafson Research Center

Batavia Depot Museum will host a talk on the historical significance of pigs by an Illinois Humanities Road Scholar in June. This entertaining and educational program is a perfect companion to the museum’s Markets and Meals exhibit. Pigs and people have a long history together; our relationship goes back more than 12,000 years. Pigs arrived in the Americas with Europeans and have been a source of food for generations of Batavians.

Writer and food historian Cynthia Clampitt will discuss the history of pigs and pork and examine the impact these animals had worldwide. She has been writing and speaking about food history for 30 years.

“Clampitt’s presentations are wonderful!” says Depot Museum Director Kate Garrett. “It’s like listening to a friend tell a fascinating story about something you’d never considered before.”

Courtesy of Batavia Historical Society Students at Louise White School, 1936, learned where food comes from and how it gets to the table.

Courtesy of Batavia Historical Society This photo from the Harrold family album shows Batavia was once a producer of pigs.

Batavia Park District receives the Illinois Distinguished Accreditation Agency Award

Batavia Park District was recently evaluated and approved to receive the Distinguished Accreditation Agency Award from the Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) and the Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA).

“This program recognizes park and recreation agencies that go above and beyond in dedicating themselves to offering quality programs and services designed to fill the community’s needs,” said Batavia Park District Executive Director Allison Niemela.

In late fall, the park district underwent a comprehensive evaluation to determine whether it met the stringent criteria, she added. A Joint Distinguished Park and Recreation Accreditation Committee (JDPRAC) composed of members from IAPD and IPRA visited park district parks and facilities and reviewed park district documentation and information.

The team reviewed general management procedures, recreation statistics, master plan, finance and business operations, facilities and parks, personnel, recreation services, legal documentation, conservation of natural resources and other materials including mission

statements, goals and safety manuals.

Batavia Park District received special commendation for community input on listening tours, an impressive number of environmental policies, QR ticket codes in the seasonal Fun Guide, new board member manual and preventive maintenance schedule.

The district passed accreditation in October 2023. The agency received the Distinguished Accreditation Agency Award at the IAPD/IPRA statewide conference in Chicago in January. Less than 10% of all park districts in Illinois receive state accreditation.

“We strive to offer outstanding customer service, engaging recreation programs and wellmaintained parks and facilities to the community,” Niemela said. “It’s the board and staff's hard work that is being recognized and I’m proud of all of them for this significant accomplishment.”

In compliance with the program, Batavia Park District will be reevaluated in five years to verify that they have continued to demonstrate sound management practices in providing quality park and recreation services to the community.

TIPS & TRICKS Kim's

Kim Hansen, Director of Parks

March is pruning time. Remove any damaged branches on your trees or shrubs, prune late bloomers and those that don't bloom while the ground remains frozen.

Do not start working the soil in the vegetable garden before winter moisture has dried because it will ruin the soil structure. Soil will be ready to be worked when it crumbles when lightly squeezed in your hand.

New park name honors farmer and landowner

Prairie Commons Park has a new name that pays homage to the contributions and work ethic of a past Batavia resident. The park at 1752 Carlsted Dr. in the Prairie Commons subdivision is now Peter Frieders Park.

Frieders was a landowner who immigrated with his parents at age 16 from Luxembourg to Aurora. In 1858, he married Magdalena Molitor, also a Luxembourg immigrant, and they had nine children. The park is situated on land he once owned.

By 1865, Frieders began purchasing multiple properties in Batavia Township, converting exhausted timberland into a family farm. One of the first properties he purchased was Outlot 51, the current site of the park in the 55-acre Prairie Commons subdivision. The land was originally part of Big Woods, a massive stand of mature timber that ran from Batavia in the north to Yorkville in the south, from the Fox River in the west to what is Eola Road in the east.

Over the years, Frieders consolidated several smaller properties and eventually owned 80 acres of land. Frieders and his family farmed the area until 1881 when he sold his landholdings to Peter and Johanna Lorenz. Frieders died in 1919, and he and his wife are buried in St. Nicholas Cemetery in Aurora.

The boundaries of Frieders’ original family farm stayed mostly intact for 100 years until the current construction of the Prairie Commons subdivision at the corner of Kirk Road and Wind Energy Pass.

Batavia Public School District 101

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

Sam Rotolo Middle School

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

334 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

CHIP IN BATAVIA

Families in need can apply for scholarships for child care

Chip In Batavia, a restricted fund within the Batavia Foundation for Educational Excellence, has received several requests for help funding before/after school care so that struggling parents can work.

Needs are often identified through the BPS101 Community Outreach team and families making this request are low income or homeless.

To address this need, Chip In Batavia is offering a scholarship to families who:

• Live in the BPS101 school district

• Are employed and/or going to school (High school, trade school, undergraduate college...)

• Have children younger than 13 that need care while parent(s) are working or going to school

• Have family income below state requirements for free/reduced lunch (to be verified by BPS101 or BPD)

Scholarships are available until before/ after school funds are depleted. This program is made possible by generous community donations and a grant from the Bethlehem Lutheran Church of St. Charles.

Contact Chip In Batavia for additional information or to donate:

n chipinbatavia@gmail.com

The Pete Ellman Big Band is a nonprofit, educationally-focused jazz band made up of professional musicians and music educators. The group invites school jazz bands to perform as their "opening band" for their weekly Tuesday evening residency at The Venue in Aurora to provide a professional, club-style "gig" experience for young musicians.

On Tuesday, Jan. 9, the Rotolo Middle School Jazz Ensemble and the Batavia High School Jazz Ensemble both had the privilege of performing in this fantastic venue with this fantastic band for their first performances of the year. Despite the incredibly inclement weather that evening, the RMS and BHS bands both performed to a full house – an incredibly successful first outing for the season!

BHS Presents

Batavia Public School District 101

Paul Reiser

March 8, 2024 • 7:30 p.m.

Comedian, actor, television writer, author, and musician Paul Reiser is one of Hollywood’s most prolific creatives — and he shows no signs of slowing down.

Beatles Vs. Stones A Musical Showdown

June 21, 2024 • 7:30 p.m.

The two greatest rock ‘n’ roll bands of all time face off in a once-in-alifetime show. Taking the side of the Fab Four is Abbey Road, one of the country’s top Beatles tribute bands. With brilliant musicianship and authentic costumes and gear, Abbey Road plays beloved songs spanning the Beatles’ career. They engage in a musical “showdown” of the hits against premier Stones tribute band Satisfaction – The International Rolling Stones Show, who offer a faithful rendition of the music and style of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and the bad boys of the British Invasion.

March

1-3 Applause Talent Dance Competition

4 RMS March Choir Concert

5 GMS1st & 2nd Grade Concert

7 RMS 7th & 8th Grade Band Concert

8 Paul Reiser

9 Batavia Elementary Chorus Festival

16 Rock The Runway 2024

18 Showtime Night 1

19 Showtime Night 2

22-24 Leap! National Dance Competition

April

12-13 BHS Spring Play

16 JB Nelson Spring Concert

17 HWS 4th & 5th Concert

18 AGS 3rd, 4th & 5th Concert

19-21 Spotlight Dance Cup

24 HCS 4th & 5th Grade Concert

25-26 Student Directed One-Acts Performance

27-28 Ovation Dance Challenge

30 NAHS Induction & Senior Celebration Ceremony

Happening in Batavia MARCH 2024

Markets &

Batavia

Indoor Market

9 a.m.-noon

Grainology BrewStillery

Drop-In Craft

10 a.m.-while supplies last Library

Indoor Market

9 a.m.-noon

Grainology BrewStillery

Friends of the

Indoor Market

9 a.m.-noon

Grainology BrewStillery Story Stroll

10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Library

Saturday Movie at the Library

Preregistered households

10

Drop-In Craft

supplies last Library

Batavia Public Library

FUN BLOSSOMS

this spring at Batavia Public Library

Springtime reveals fresh experiences, new growth and budding excitement — exactly what you will find at the Batavia Public Library this season.

From the much-anticipated return of community-wide events, to exciting new programs, the Library will be hopping this spring.

PROM DRESS GIVEAWAY

The popular Prom Dress Giveaway returns from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 9, at the Library.

CHIP IN Batavia and the Library are teaming up again this year to help teens enjoy the rite of passage of going to prom, without the typically high price hindering anyone from attending. While CHIP IN’s mission is to assist low income and homeless Batavia families, this event is open to any student from any school district, regardless of need. You read that right. Clean prom dresses, which are in good to excellent condition, as well as shoes, purses, jewelry and accessories may be dropped off at the Library Check Out Desk

through Friday, March 8. Racks will be available on which to hang attire. New makeup, as well as hair accessories and wraps, also may be donated.

TOURNAMENT OF BOOKS

The ninth annual Tournament of Books kicks off on March 18. Sixteen of 2023’s best fiction books, selected by Library staff members, will battle it out in this playoffs-style competition that ends April 11.

Each week, beginning with the Sweet 16, a new round of books will face off and participants will vote for their favorites on our website and in the Library. Stay tuned for an announcement about the Sweet 16 titles and a tournament bracket on our Facebook page, Instagram account and website.

NEW PROGRAMS FOR ACTIVE ADULTS

The Library recently launched two invigorating programs for individuals 50 and older who enjoy crafts, games, socializing, learning new things and being active.

The Sweet Life After 50 is hosted from 1:30-3 p.m. on the second and fourth Monday of each month, and Over What Hill? is hosted from 1:30-3 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. These programs are free and registration is required, but participants don’t need to live in Batavia or have a Batavia Public Library card to sign up.

ONE BOOK, ONE BATAVIA

One Book, One Batavia — the annual community-wide reading program — continues in March with a host of fun and informative programs tied to this year’s reading selection: “Ready Player One” by Ernest Cline.

If you grew up in the ‘80s, or are a fan of that decade, you will love this book. Nostalgia combines artfully with artificial intelligence, old-school video gaming, and a riveting quest in a virtual world with “in real life” dangers. For more information, see p. 20, or visit our website at BataviaPublicLibrary.org.

The Library will be closed: • Sunday, March 31, for the Easter holiday

Library Hours

Monday-Thursday: 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

Friday & Saturday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sunday: 12-5 p.m.

Telephone

630-879-1393

Fax: 630-879-9118

TTY: 630-879-8335

Home Delivery:

630-879-1393, ext. 290

Library Executive Director

Josephine "Jo" Tucci

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

Get to Know...

Get to Know Flyleaf Bakery Café

By Kristen Zambo, promotional services manager

Flyleaf Bakery Café is the locally owned shop that greets visitors when they step inside the doors of Batavia Public Library.

But did you know the story behind those rich, delicious aromas wafting through the Library’s entryway?

Flyleaf opened in November 2021 and is operated by mother and daughter Anne and Colleen Fabing. Colleen Fabing has a degree in photography and graphic design from Bradley University in Peoria. Prior to opening the café, her mom worked in the Library’s Technical Services Department for almost 15 years processing magazines and cataloguing children’s books.

“Many of the recipes are Mom’s recipes,” said Anne Fabing, the café’s baker in chief.

Her mother, who was born in Belgium, worked in her teens as a nanny for a Jewish family in Holland. Born in 1930, her mother was of an age where she remembered World War II from when she was a child growing up in Belgium.

“The stories she would tell me was at night, they would have to cover all the windows so there would be no light (showing outside),” Anne Fabing said, adding that her mother’s family slept in the kitchen together, gathered around the stove for warmth. “At night you could hear the sirens and the flyovers during the invasion.”

After baking for family, friends and neighbors since 1990, and Library staff members while working for the Library, Anne Fabing and her daughter opened their café so they

FRIENDS’ BOOK SALES

Saturday, March 9 from 9:15 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Saturday, April 13 from 9:15 a.m. to 1 p.m.

could serve the entire Batavia community and residents in neighboring towns. They make soups, sliders, wraps, salads and sweets, among other specialty items.

In addition to serving Library visitors before monthly Books Between Bites, storytime and After-School Wind Down programs, the mother-daughter duo includes a catering arm to their small business. They provide catering services to groups hosting meetings at the Library and other locales throughout the community.

Text or call 331-302-3480 with questions, and online orders may be placed at tinyurl.com/56uchbcv.

Like the Library, the café also features local artists each month, highlighting their exhibits in the Artist of the Month Gallery.

MarchDuring and April sales, CDs and DVDs are on special discount: Buyforthree $1.

The Friends of the Batavia Public Library will host its monthly Book Sale from 9:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 9, and on Saturday, April 13, in the FriendSpace. The FriendSpace is located on the Library’s lower level. Credit cards are accepted.

FRIENDS’ EVENING BOOK SALES

Wednesday, March 6 from 6-8 p.m.

Wednesday, April 10 from 6-8 p.m.

The Friends of the Batavia Public Library will host its new, monthly Evening Book Sale from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 6, and Wednesday, April 10, in the FriendSpace. Credit cards are accepted. If Saturdays are too hectic for you to shop the Saturday monthly book sales, these Wednesday evening sales might be the perfect option.

n The Friends of the Batavia Public Library is dedicated to promoting, improving, and assisting the Batavia Public Library. We are a 501(c)(3) organization, with all donations fully tax-deductible. If your employer has set up a Matching Funds Program, we are legally qualified to accept these funds. This is a way to double your donation

Library.

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 R.

FEATURE PROGRAMS

One Book, One Batavia

One Book, One Batavia is sponsored by the Friends of the Batavia Public Library. This year’s selection is “Ready Player One” by Ernest Cline.

Climate Change: Why and How to Cause the Change Required R

Thursday, March 7, 7 p.m.

In person

Amy McMorrow Hunter, president and CEO of The Climate Economy Education Inc., shows how we can reverse course and prevent the dystopian future we are heading toward, so we don't have a world like Wade's. Event co-produced with the Illinois Humanities Road Scholars Speakers Bureau.

The History of Video Games R

Thursday, March 14, 7 p.m.

In person

David Gerding, associate professor of Interactive Arts and Media at Columbia College Chicago, talks about the history of video games.

Saturday Movie: A 1983 classic film featuring a high school video gamer who discovers a back door into a central military computer.

Saturday, March 16, 2 p.m.

In person, drop in Young electronics wizard David Lightman unwittingly hooks into America's supersecret wargames computer and the world suddenly is threatened with nuclear annihilation. This film stars Matthew Broderick, Ally Sheedy, Dabney Coleman, John Wood, and William H. Macy.

Time After Time:

Songs of the 1980s R

Thursday, March 21, 7 p.m.

In person

The History Singers, John and Kathryn Atwood, present an hour of ‘80s music from “Ready Player One” and award-winning songs of the decade.

MONTHLY PROGRAMS

Book Discussion R

Book discussions are in-person programs hosted by librarians.

Tuesday, March 12, 7:30 p.m.

“The Personal Librarian”

by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray Set in New York City in 1905, a young woman in her 20s is hired to be the personal librarian of J.P. Morgan and create a collection of rare manuscripts, books and artwork. While becoming well-known for her curating skills, she also is hiding a secret that could ruin her career.

Tuesday, April 9, 7:30 p.m.

“The Winter Soldier”

by Daniel Mason

This “contribution to war literature involves almost no depiction of fighting but rather its aftermath, the tragically scarred soldiers, and the almost equally traumatized caregivers who sacrifice their health in providing medical help to the wounded.” — Kirkus Reviews

Books Between Bites

Thursday, March 21, Noon

In person

"The Tao of the Backup Catcher” by Tim Brown and Erik Kratz, presented by Lester Munson.

Thursday, April 18, Noon

In person

“The Woodpecker’s Song,” presented by author Marnie Mamminga and illustrator Mary Parks.

NEW PROGRAMS FOR ACTIVE ADULTS

The Sweet Life After 50 R

Mondays, March 11 & 25, April 8 & 22, 1:30-3 p.m.

In person

Visit the Library for social time and a relaxed craft or activity. This program is designed for individuals 50 and older who enjoy working fun and easy crafts, games, and puzzles while socializing with other active adults. Crafts and activities change routinely so there's always something fresh and exciting to try.

Over What Hill? R

Tuesdays, March 12 & 26, April 9 & 23, 1:30-3 p.m.

In person

This program is designed for individuals 50 and older who enjoy learning something new that keeps them moving and active.

Surprise Me Bundles

Ongoing

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? We can help. Fill out our Surprise Me Bundle form, and librarians will search for up to five items just for you and set them aside for you to pick up. Fill out the form here: tinyurl.com/yyxgy67h.

2024 Tournament of Books

If you’re a fan of new fiction, join us March 18-April 11 for the Library’s ninth annual Tournament of Books. Sixteen of 2023’s best fiction books — chosen by Batavia Library staff — will contend for Batavia’s favorite fiction book of the year in playoff-style brackets. Vote in each week’s round on our website and in the Library. Look for the announcement of the Sweet 16 titles and a tournament bracket on our Facebook page, Instagram account and website.

630-879-1393

HOW-TO COMMUNITY

Pollinator Gardens:

Invite Nature to Your Home R

Thursday, March 28, 7 p.m.

In person

ICASH

Monday, April 22, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

SUNDAYS ON STAGE

The Batavia Public Library Foundation is the 2024 season sponsor.

Beautifying your yard while conserving water and creating a habitat for birds and butterflies can be easy and rewarding. Jim Kleinwachter, Conservation@ Home program director for The Conservation Foundation, will suggest impactful choices for home landscapes. This is a great way to fight climate change at home. The Basics of Crochet R

Thursday, April 11, 6:30 p.m.

In person

Join instructor Candace Rakow to learn the basics of crochet in this 90-minute class. For individuals 18 and older. Crochet hook and yarn will be provided.

In person, drop in Drop in to find out if you have unclaimed property held by the State of Illinois. The State Treasurer is holding more than $3.5 billion in unclaimed funds for Illinoisans. A representative of the State Treasurer will be at the Library to look you up in the database. Property is returned at no cost with the proper identification.

Watercolor and Ink Workshop R

Tuesday, April 23, 6 p.m.

In person

Join this two-hour watercolor and ink workshop and explore creating with beautiful watercolor paints. Students will create watercolor paintings, then enhance their artwork with ink details.

QUESTIONS & ANCESTORS GENEALOGY SERIES

Reconstructing the Lives of Our Farming Ancestors R

Thursday, March 28, 7 p.m.

(Co-hosting with Kane County Genealogical Society)

Online via Zoom

It’s a rare family tree that doesn’t contain at least some farm families, since until the latter part of the 19th century, farmers made up most workers in America. It may be difficult to envision what daily life was like for our farming ancestors as we try to recover their stories. Join speaker Annette Burke Lyttle of Heritage Detective as she shows how genealogical records and social history resources can help us reconstruct the life stories of our farming ancestors Register at tinyurl.com/2trv36md.

What Records are Created

Upon Someone's Death? R

Monday, April 15, 7 p.m.

In person

Genealogy and history speaker Jenny Warner teaches about the different records created after someone has died and where to locate those documents.

Digging In and Opening Up: Gathering and Preserving Family Stories R

Tuesday, April 30, 7 p.m.

In person

Are you interested in interviewing your family, but don’t know where to start? During Preservation Week, author and historian Tina Beaird will show how to set up an oral history interview, what equipment to use, and the types of questions to ask. She will walk through how to begin identifying boxes of photos you’ve inherited throughout the years using genealogical tools and observational techniques. (Co-hosting with the Kane County Genealogical Society.)

Daisy’s Girls: Camping With Juliet Gordon Low R

Sunday, March 24, 2 p.m.

In person

Actor Betsey Means of WomanLore portrays Juliette Gordon Low (18601927), the founder of the Girl Scouts. A wealthy socialite, Low spent most of her life enjoying the recreations of the privileged classes. After meeting the founder of the Boy Scouts, Sir Robert Baden-Powell, she discovered a social cause to which she would devote the rest of her life.

Rock ‘n’ Roll Roadshow R

Sunday, April 28, 2 p.m.

In person

Join us for a fast-paced show by musician and entertainer Randy Walker that combines 1950s, Sun Records, 1960s Surf, Motown and a variety of hits from the ‘50s through the ‘70s.

Check out the Library on social media

Check in with staff members from Batavia Public Library. Catch us on our social media pages chatting with local and famous authors and showing you cool things you can do and check out at your Library. You will need a personal Instagram, Facebook or TikTok account to interact with us. Follow our accounts and turn on notifications so you don't miss our posts.

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/ bataviapubliclibrary

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/ BataviaPublicLibrary

• TikTok: www.tiktok.com/ @bataviapubliclibrary

Batavia Public Library

ILLINOIS LIBRARIES PRESENT

Ruth E Carter: Interweaving Tradition & Imagination Through Costume Design R

Wednesday, March 20, 7 p.m.

Online via Zoom

Join us for a special event with Ruth E. Carter, two-time Academy Award-winning costume designer. Carter made history as the first Black designer to win the Costume Design category, winning an Academy Award for “Black Panther.” Register for this Zoom program at bit.ly/ILP_RuthCarter.

Temple Grandin: The Hidden Gifts of Visual Thinkers R

Wednesday, April 3, 7 p.m.

Online via Zoom

Prominent speaker and professor Temple Grandin, who earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and doctorate in animal science, shares on the gifts of neurodiversity. Register for this Zoom program at bit.ly/ILP_TempleGrandin.

These events are made possible by Illinois Libraries Present, a statewide collaboration among public libraries offering premier events. ILP is funded in part by a grant awarded by the Illinois State Library, a department of the Office of Secretary of State, using funds provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA). ILP is committed to inclusion and accessibility. To request accommodations, please email illinoislibrariespresent@gmail.com.

COMPUTER CLASSES FOR ADULTS

One-hour, hands-on computer classes. Basic computer skills, including mouse and keyboard proficiency, are required.

• Introduction to Microsoft Word, Part 1 R

Tuesday, April 9, 9-10 a.m.

• Introduction to Microsoft Word, Part 2 R

Tuesday, April 16, 9-10 a.m.

• Introduction to Microsoft Word, Part 3 R

Tuesday, April 23, 9-10 a.m.

• Introduction to Microsoft Excel, Part 1 R

Wednesday, May 1, 9-10 a.m.

• Introduction to Microsoft Excel, Part 2 R

Wednesday, May 8, 9-10 a.m.

NEW LYCEUM LECTURE SERIES

The Batavia Public Library Foundation is the 2023-24 season sponsor.

Weather and Storm Chasing R

Thursday, April 4, 7 p.m.

In person

Join Illinois Storm Chasers on a dive into the basics of severe weather. Topics include storm chasing, local climatology, past tornadic events, severe weather safety and preparedness, and a Q&A session.

100 Things to Do in Illinois Before You Die R

Thursday, April 25, 7 p.m.

In person

Melanie Holmes, author of “100 Things to See in Illinois Before You Die,” tells Illinois' story through a collection of experiences. Going back to Indigenous peoples, then moving forward through Illinois as a free state surrounded by slave states and walking through other "hot spots" of culture, people, arts, and geology around the state.

INDIVIDUAL COACHING SESSIONS

Batavia Public Library card required. Call the Reference Desk, 630-8791393, ext. 200, to schedule a session.

Technology Coaching

Schedule an appointment with a technology assistant for a onehour, one-on-one coaching session based on your individual needs. Available Monday-Thursday by appointment.

The MakerZone Presents:

“Make It” Cricut Vinyl Decor R

Wednesday, March 13, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Thursday, March 14, 4-5 p.m.

Monday, March 18, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Wednesday, March 20, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Monday, April 1, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Wednesday, April 3, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Monday, April 15, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Wednesday, April 17, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Thursday, April 25, 4-5 p.m.

In person

This class will take you step by step on how to make your

Genealogy Research

Whether you’re just starting or would like help overcoming obstacles, a librarian will guide you in your genealogy research during a onehour, one-on-one session. Available Monday-Friday by appointment.

own personalized monogram permanent vinyl sticker. Bring your own water bottle, travel mug or similar product to decorate in class. Materials will be provided during the lesson. No prior experience is necessary, but Cricut Certification class is a recommended prerequisite. Batavia Public Library card required. Limit: 2 per class.

Cricut Certification R

Monday, March 4, 3, 3:30, or 4 p.m.

Thursday, April 18, 3:30, 4, or 4:30 p.m.

In person

During this 30-minute class, you will learn the basics of using a Cricut and become certified to use the Cricut in the Library. Please note: Supplies for this program are free; however, future usage will have a small materials fee. Please register for only one class. Batavia Public Library card required. Limit: 4 per class.

Advance registration is required for programs designated R. For volunteer opportunities, look for the V.

TEEN PROGRAMS Volunteer Opportunities V

Ongoing

Looking to earn volunteer hours? The Library needs you!

• Inclusion Game Night is going strong, and volunteers are welcome to join in the fun (see below).

• We also have free tug toy craft kits you can make and return to the Library for volunteer credit. Visit the Reference Desk for a kit or ask for a kit to be held for curbside pickup.

• For more ideas and monthly volunteering suggestions, sign up for the Teen Volunteering Challenge on the Beanstack app.

ACT/SAT Testing Event R

Saturday, March 2, 9:30-11:30 a.m.

In person

Back by popular demand (from your parents), take an ACT or SAT practice test in the Library meeting room. Bring your own laptop. Sponsored by C2 Education. Registration required. Limit: 12.

Inclusion Game Night R V

Tuesday, March 5 & April 2, 6:30-8:15 p.m.

In person

Teens and young adults of all abilities, their families and friends are welcome to play board games and card games together. We need to limit registration for safety, so please register for this program.

After-School Wind Down

Thursday, March 7, 3:30-5 p.m.

Dungeons & Dragons Edition

Grades 6-12

Middle school and high school students are invited to hang out at the Library. Drop in for snacks and laughs as we continue our campaign while playing Dungeons & Dragons with Todd Warren from Grognard Games.

Thursday, April 11, 4 p.m.

Party Time!

Grades 6-12

Middle school and high school students are invited to hang out at the Library. Drop in for a party that includes snacks, crafts and the Nintendo Switch.

Teen Homeschool Hangout R

Tuesday, March 12 & April 23, 1:30-2:30 p.m.

In person

Whether you’re new to homeschooling or a seasoned expert, you’re welcome at this monthly get-together for teens in grades 6-12. Families with children in grades K-5 are invited to attend Homeschool Hangout for kids, happening at the same time with our Youth Services librarians.

Teen Nintendo Switch Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Tournament R

Thursday, March 21, 3-4:30 p.m.

In person

Grab your friends and unwind after school playing Super Smash Bros. Ultimate on the Nintendo Switch. Four people can play at one time. Registration is required. Limit: 16

Teen Job & Volunteer Fair

Saturday, April 6, 1-3 p.m.

In person at Geneva Public Library

This event is presented in partnership by Geneva, St. Charles, Batavia, and Messenger public libraries. Most job opportunities will be available to individuals 16 and older, with a few

accepting 15-year-old applicants, and a few requiring applicants to be 17 or older.

Teen Take ‘N’ Make Kits

March & April

Teen Space

Grab a take-home craft of the month to assemble at home. Bags will be available at the Reference Desk while supplies last. A new craft will be available at the beginning of each month. One per person.

Express Teen Book BagWinter Edition R April

All the benefits of our Teen Subscription Book Bags with none of the pressure! Choose a mood and we'll select a YA book for your winter reading. We will let you know when your bag is ready to be picked up at the Circulation Desk or via curbside service. For assistance, call the Library at 630-879-1393, ext. 200. Registration for the April bag closes March 14. Register at: tinyurl.com/teenwin24.

ACT/SAT Prep

Tutor.com provides on-demand tutoring, homework help, test preparation and writing assistance in more than 60 subjects every day, from noon to midnight. You also may use its drop-off reviews, practice quizzes, video lessons, and The Princeton Review SAT®/ACT® Essentials. For practice tests, visit Testing & Education Reference Center to practice taking the ACT, SAT, GED, AP placement exams and more. This database also provides info about scholarships and colleges.

Batavia Public Library

PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES FOR YOUTH

Program Registration: For programs requiring telephone registration, please call the Youth Services Desk, 630-879-1393, ext. 500. For all other programs, please register using the online events calendar at BataviaPublicLibrary.org. Unless otherwise noted, March program registration begins March 1. April program registration begins April 1.

Priority is given to Batavia Public Library cardholders for all programs requiring registration. Patrons of all abilities are welcome at our programs. Please contact the Library regarding accommodations.

Advanced registration is required for programs designated R

FOR BABIES, TOTS, AND PRESCHOOLERS

Registration for April Storytimes begins March 25.

Building Blocks — An Early Literacy Playtime

Saturday, March 2, April 6 & May 4, 10:30 a.m.

Ages 0-23 months with a caregiver

Talk, sing, read, write and play! Young children and caregivers are invited to enjoy a story, songs and playtime while we practice these essential early literacy skills that will help your child become a great reader.

Saturday Storytime R

Saturday, March 23, 10:30 a.m.

Saturday, April 27, 10:30 a.m.

Ages 2-6 with a caregiver

Please register for each date you will attend.

Toddler Time R

Monday, April 8-April 29, 10:30 a.m.

OR Thursday, April 11-May 2, 10:30 a.m.

Ages 2-3 with a caregiver

Baby Storytime R

Tuesday, April 9-April 30, 9:30 a.m.

Prewalkers with a caregiver

OR Tuesday, April 9-April 30, 10:30 a.m.

Walkers through 23 months with a caregiver

Preschool Storytime R

Wednesday, April 10-May 1, 10:30 a.m.

OR Thursday, April 11-May 2, 1 p.m.

Ages 3-6 with a caregiver

Save a Superhero R

Thursday, March 21, 10:30 a.m.

Ages 4-6

Children will work together to engineer a vessel to ferry their superhero across a body of water safely. Presented by SciTech.

FOR STUDENTS

Adventures With . . . R

Tuesday, March 12, 4:30 p.m.

The Leprechaun

Grades K-1

Get in the St. Patrick’s Day spirit and join us for some leprechaun shenanigans. We’ll feature stories and a craft.

Tuesday, April 16, 4:30 p.m.

Tomie dePaola

Grades K-1

Join us as we read stories by the beloved author Tomie dePaola. Laugh along with Strega Nona, Big Anthony and more!

Explore More – with Paper Airplanes R

Monday, March 11, 6:30 p.m.

Grades 3-6

We’re off to the races constructing the best airplanes possible. We’ll learn about aerodynamics and have a contest to see whose plane will fly the farthest, craziest, and smoothest. This class will meet in the Founders Room.

Homeschool Hangout R

Tuesday, March 12, 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday, April 23, 1:30 p.m.  Families with children in grades K-12 Whether you’re new to homeschooling or a seasoned expert, you’re welcome at this monthly get-together. Youth Services librarians will host elementary school students, and our Young Adult librarian will host our middle and high school students.

Something about Pie R

Thursday, March 14, 6 pm

Grades 6-8

Celebrate Pi Day by doing a blind pie taste test and making your own nobake pies.

Book Buzz R

Wednesday, March 20, 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday, April 24, 4:30 p.m.

Grades 1-3

Meet new friends and discover new books at this program for newly independent readers. In March, we’ll laugh along with some fractured fairy tales. In April, we’ll get acquainted with beginner chapter book series that will keep you reading throughout the summer.

Middle School Take ‘N’ Make Kits

March & April

Grades 6-8

Head down to the Junior Fiction bookshelves for a take-home craft kit especially for middle schoolers. Kits are available on a first-come, firstserved basis, while supplies last.

Chess Knight R

Tuesday, March 26 & April 30, 7 p.m.

Ages 6-14

Capture an evening of fun, not just your opponent’s chess pieces, when you join us for an hour of chess. Participants must have a basic knowledge of the game of chess.

Read with Rover R

Saturday, April 13, 10 a.m.

Grades 1-4

Children may practice their reading skills by reading aloud to a trained therapy dog. The goal of Read with Rover is to create a positive, nonthreatening, and fun environment in which reading aloud is enjoyed. Register for a 15-minute time slot by calling the Youth Services Desk. Presented by Fox Valley Therapy Dogs.

Pizza & Pages R

Monday, April 22, 6 p.m.

Your Favorite Book Club

Grades 5-8

Pizza & Pages is an exclusive club where we eat pizza and explore the many ways we use pages. Bring your favorite book to talk about and learn how you can find similar books.

FOR FAMILIES

DISCOVER and UNCOVER

March: Rainbows and Leprechauns

April: Pet Scavenger Hunt Drop by the Youth Services Department during March and April to participate in children’s activities based on these themes.

Drop-In Craft

Saturday, March 2, 10 a.m.

Wednesday, March 27, 10 a.m.

Friday, April 26, 10 a.m.

All ages

Drop-in craft activities available beginning at 10 a.m., while supplies last. Children ages 8 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

After-School Wind Down

Thursday, March 7, 3:30-5 p.m.

Dungeons & Dragons Edition

Grades 6-12

Thursday, April 11, 4 p.m.

Party Time!

Grades 6-12

Register or drop in. Please see the full description for After-School Wind Down on p. 23.

Student Volunteers Needed

The Youth Services Department is looking for summer volunteers. Batavia students who are entering grades 6-9 in the fall are invited to apply. Pick up an application at the Youth Services Desk, or print a copy from the Library website at bataviapubliclibrary.org/volunteering. Application deadline is May 18.

Story Stroll

Saturdays, March 16 & April 20, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

All ages

Enjoy a Story Stroll in the Library Reading Garden. Bring the family for this fun activity.

Improv Playhouse Presents: STEPS!

Monday, March 25, 10:30 a.m.

Families

STEPS! is part improv show, part play, and part dance party extravaganza! Young audience members will join the fictional ABCD Dance Team as they confront their greatest challenge: choreographing an all-inclusive dance!

Bingo R

Friday, March 29, 11 a.m.

Ages 3-14

Join Youth Services staff for Bingo! Children 8 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

Stuffies and Stories

Tuesday, April 9, 6:30 p.m.

Families

Bring a favorite stuffed animal for stories and songs that children and their stuffies can enjoy together! Children may wear their pajamas.

Solar Eclipse R

April 1-7

Ages 3-14

We’ve gathered materials and prepackaged them so you may learn about and watch the April 8 eclipse at home or school. Online registration begins March 1, then pick up your bag between April 1-7. A pair of solar eclipse glasses will be included in each bag. One bag per child.

Free Comic Book Day

Saturday, May 4

Children may stop by the Youth Services Desk for a free comic book today, while supplies last.

Downtown Batavia

NEED INSPIRATION?

Join us at Inspire 2024: A Celebration of Those Who Inspire Us!

Our most inspirational event of the year is coming up on Thursday, April 25 beginning at 6 p.m. at Revelry 675 in Batavia! During our annual awards dinner, we will honor the 2023 Citizens of the Year, Dave and Marge Brown. We will also celebrate the Spirit of Batavia winner, Batavia RSVP, thanking this philanthropic organization for 35 years of helping Batavia senior citizens. A Batavia Community Impact Award will be given to the Fox Valley Patriotic Association and Batavia Flag Day Committee for the Flag Day Monument in downtown Batavia. Tickets are on sale at bataviachamber.org/events or call the Chamber at 630-879-7134.

At Inspire 2024, our Ole awards are given

out as well. The Batavia Chamber honors businesses who exemplify confidence and investment in Batavia as Ole Award Winners. The following commercial businesses will receive awards for 2023: Acquaviva, Batavia Animal Clinic, Emagine Theatre, Grainology, JT’s Tavern & Tap and New Moon Vegan. Another commercial business, MOKA Coffee, will receive an Ole for their new construction. In the industrial category, Larsen Packaging is awarded an Ole for the remodel of a building on South River Street, allowing them to expand and move their corporate headquarters to Batavia. We are excited to showcase all these inspirational people, organizations and businesses and hope that you’ll join us at Inspire 2024!

HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS!

Apply for Inspire Scholarships

The Batavia Chamber of Commerce is giving four scholarships, worth $1,000 each to Batavia High School seniors (BPS 101). The financial award shall be paid directly to the institute the recipient will be attending. The scholarships are:

• Inspiring Entrepreneurship: A scholarship to reward a student who has interest in starting a business to encourage consideration to locate in Batavia someday.

• Inspiring Women in Business: A scholarship to reward a female high school student interested in a business major to encourage more females to pursue these fields.

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• Inspiring Career & Technical Achievers: A scholarship to reward a high school student interested in a trade or career in manufacturing.

• Inspiring Contributors to a Batavia Chamber Business: A scholarship to reward a high school student for working for a Batavia Chamber business in Batavia during high school.

Scholarship applications are currently being accepted, as are donations to grow the fund. The application must be fully completed and submitted to the Batavia Chamber by 5 p.m. Sunday, March 31. Visit bataviachamber.org for more information and a link to the applications.

Events

UPCOMING

Chamber Membership 101*

Thursday, March 7 at 8 a.m. at East Side Fire Station Training Room, Batavia Coffee & Commerce*

Second Wednesday of the month at 8 a.m.; March 13 at Grognard Games, Batavia and April 10 at Comfort Inn & Suites, Geneva

Batavia Women in Business After Hours Networking

Thursday, March 14, 4:30 p.m. at K. Hollis Jewelers Boutique & Wine Bar, Batavia with featured non-profit Anderson Humane

Net-Working-It!

Third Wednesday of the month at 4:30 p.m.; March 20 at Bar Evolution, Batavia with spotlighted non-profit Association for Individual Development and April 17 at Sturdy Shelter Brewing, Batavia with spotlighted non-profit Fox Valley Food for Health Lunch & Learn Series: Unlocking the Power of Ethical Persuasion*

Thursday, April 4, 11:30 a.m. at Pal Joey’s Restaurant, Batavia Batavia Women in Business Luncheon*

Tuesday, April 9, 11:30 a.m. at Prairie Landing Golf Club, West Chicago with featured non-profit Fox Valley Hands of Hope

Inspire Celebration*

Thursday, April 25, 6 p.m. –Revelry 675, Batavia

*Registration required, please visit bataviachamber.org. Check our website for updates and additional events. For all the latest event updates and other news, follow Batavia Chamber on social media, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

You can also text (478) CHAMBER.

SPONSORSHIPS FOR 2024 SEASON!

BATV's football sponsorships were in high demand in 2023! With the team's success and a sizable local fandom both in Batavia and beyond, more eyes than ever have been on our coverage of Bulldog football. Many organizations and businesses utilize our sponsorship packages and have seen increased engagement because of it. From replay and quarterly

reads all the way to premier sponsorships, we have plenty of options available that fit every budget.

With the Tri-Cities teams looking better than ever, now is a great time to secure your sponsorship. Receive a 10% discount if you reserve your spot before June 1. Email andrew@mybatv.com for more information!

BATV TOTE BAGS

BATV Tote bags still are available. We always are looking for unique ways to thank our viewers and donors for their support. Donate $25 or more to BATV, and you will receive a BATV tote bag — perfect for on the go, the Farmers' Market, the grocery store or shopping at all the great shops in downtown Batavia! Go to mybatv.com and click the "Donate Today" button at the top right of the page.

Community Above Self

Batavia United Way will host a soup event and a blood drive

Batavia United Way is happy to announce the seventh annual Soup Tasting Event on March 14. The event will spotlight local restaurants. Visit www.bataviaunitedway.org/soupevent for more information or to buy tickets. Due to limited ticket availability and the likelihood of a sold-out event, online

purchases are encouraged. Proceeds from this event support the many programs Batavia United Way funds. We hope to see you there!

Batavia United Way also will host a spring blood drive in conjunction with Versiti Blood Center of Illinois on April

29 at the Batavia Public Library from 2 to 6:30 p.m. Reserve your spot to donate and help save a life at www. bataviaunitedway.org

All are welcome to participate in the Rotary Club of Batavia

If you’re looking for a way to give back and have a positive impact, consider Rotary. We are a group ofcommunity members who are committed to making our world a better place in which to live. All arewelcome regardless of age, race, ethnicity, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political views, or individual preferences. In fact, the more diverse,

Get involved with FVSRA: Volunteer or pick up a summer job

Interested in volunteering with FVSRA? We warmly welcome individuals, groups, or businesses to join our volunteer team. From assisting with grand events and sports tournaments to aiding in special projects, opportunities are endless. Looking to have FVSRA participants volunteer for your organization? We're here to help! FVSRA participants dedicate countless hours throughout the community, engaging in diverse tasks such as

stuffing envelopes, preparing event goodies, beautifying communal spaces and much more. Through connection and awareness, volunteers with disabilities can help create stronger communities and strengthen local economies while doing so. Seeking a rewarding summer job? You're in luck! At FVSRA, we prioritize a supportive team dynamic and work-life balance for all employees. Explore more about these opportunities and how you can be part of our mission at fvsra.org.

CASA Kane County needs volunteers to advocate for children

CASA Kane County needs volunteers to support children through the foster care system. CASA is a nonprofit volunteer organization advocating for the best interest of children in abuse and neglect situations throughout Northern Illinois. CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates/Guardian ad Litem) volunteers are trained to become the objective voice of a child for a judge. Interested in Volunteering? The need

for volunteers has never been greater! If you would like to know more about the process, commitment and how you can help, please join one of our general information meetings. To Change a Child’s Story, visit www.casakanecounty. org or call 630-232-4484.

the greater our impact! We raise funds for local,regional and international causes. We organize impactful projects and will typically deliver over 600 hours of community service every year. Learn more about Rotary at www.BataviaRotaryClub.org or send an inquiry to info@BataviaRotaryClub.org. Join us and Do Something Really Great!

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley builds a better community together

For 75 years, the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley has been working with local citizens to have a positive impact in the community. We connect people who care with causes that matter.

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, our programs include scholarships for students, grants for nonprofits and a group for local high school students called Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) that fosters the next generation of philanthropists. Everyone, at any age, can make their community better. As the premier community foundation in the Fox River Valley, we bring people together, so the impact is even greater. What are you waiting for? There are many ways to get involved. Join us and start making an impact today! Visit cffrv.org/volunteer.

Batavia Resource Guide

COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS

n Batavia American Legion Post 504 bataviapost504.org

n Batavia Arts Council BataviaArtsCouncil.org

n BATV mybatv.com

n Batavia Boosters bataviabulldogboosters.org

n Batavia Chamber of Commerce bataviachamber.org

n Batavia Foundation for Educational Excellence bataviafoundation.org

n Batavia Historical Society bataviahistoricalsociety.org

n Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry bataviafoodpantry.org

n Batavia Lions Club batavialionsclub.org

n Batavia MainStreet downtownbatavia.com

n Batavia Park District bataviaparks.org

n Batavia Public Library bataviapubliclibrary.org

n Batavia Public Schools bps101.net

n Batavia Retired Senior Volunteer Program Bataviarsvp.org

n Batavia Township bataviatownship.com

n Batavia United Way bataviaunitedway.org

n Batavia VFW bataviavfw.org

n Batavia Woman’s Club bataviawomansclub.org

n CASA Kane County casakanecounty.org

n Fox Valley Hands of Hope fvhh.net

n Fox Valley Special Rec Association fvsra.org

n Kane County Health Department kanehealth.com

n Kane County Veterans Assistance 630-232-3550

n Kiwanis Club 630-879-2281

n Rotary Club of Batavia bataviarotaryclub.org

n Tri City Family Services tricityfamilyservices.org

n Tri City Health Partnership tchpfreeclinic.org

n Water Street Studios waterstreetstudios.org

PHONE GUIDE

Emergency – Dial 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/SERVICES

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

Groot

630-892-9294

(garbage pick up)

Utility Billing

630-454-2020

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

The Batavia Chamber of Commerce will host Inspire 2024 at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 25 at Revelry 675 in Batavia. Read more about the annual awards dinner on p. 27. Photo by Dominic Di Palermo