A holiday tradition in Christmas trash

I have fond memories of Christmas trash.

    Growing up in a family of eight children during the 1960s and ‘70s provided plenty of adventure and many fond memories, particularly about seasonal celebrations and traditions.

    Christmas was always an exciting time in my childhood home in Arlington Heights. Mom and dad practiced a variety of traditions leading up to Christmas Day, including selecting a fresh-cut Christmas tree, decorating the house and sharing memories of Christmas traditions from their younger years.

    My brothers and I had our own holiday traditions and one of the oddest was practiced on garbage day, the day when Arlington Heights residents put out their household trash for the weekly pick up by the waste hauler. 

    The first garbage day after Christmas always provided insight about our friends and neighbors and the type of gifts they gave and received for Christmas. On one level it was an exercise in the indirect observation of contemporary culture—any sociologist will tell you that we can learn a great deal about a society from its trash. 

    For boys in a family of eight kids, garbage day also provided cheap entertainment during the winter break from school.

    When garbage day arrived, my brothers and I would pull on coats, gloves, boots, and other winter gear to hike the neighborhood to look at the discarded gift boxes, toy packages, and related holiday debris. Others saw simple piles of trash, but we found clues pointing to friends who had received new slot car sets, athletic equipment, games, maybe even a new TV. 

    We could identify the friends who received the gifts we wanted but didn’t get. This information allowed us to prioritize who we would visit in the coming days and how we would spend our time during those visits. We can say today that garbage day offered valuable lessons in networking and time management. 

    I have wonderful memories of time spent playing with toys and games I never received; ones my parents couldn’t afford because they spent nearly all of their money on food and clothing for their eight children. 

    Two of my brothers have since died, one was killed by a drunk driver and the other by a massive heart attack. I think of them throughout the year, but on the first garbage day after Christmas, when I catch myself eyeing the empty boxes that are stacked high along curbs for disposal, I am reminded of the years when the Botterman boys would dress for cold weather and stroll the streets to learn what others received for Christmas. 

Basketball and a fine memory of dad

Gene Hackman, center, stars in "Hoosiers."

Courtesy photo

Now that only some bowl games remain in the 2012 college football season, I turn my attention to college basketball.

I enjoy professional sports, but I find college contests, particularly in football and basketball, more engaging and entertaining. 

At some point during the basketball season, I will pause from the real action to view my copy of “Hoosiers,” director David Anspaugh’s 1986 movie about a small Indiana high school basketball team in the early1950s that competes for the state title.

I have watched the movie a number of times and still enjoy it, particularly its soundtrack, which was composed by Jerry Goldsmith.

I am not a film critic and will not rate the movie or compare it with others. For me, there is more to “Hoosiers” than just the story it tells or the acting performances. The movie depicts a small town that seems a lot like Arlington Heights, Ill., my hometown. 

The film doesn’t capture the Arlington Heights that I grew up in during the 1970s, but Arlington Heights as it existed in the early 1940s, when my dad, Robert, played basketball for Arlington High School. 

Dad wasn’t one to bring up the past on his own, but he would readily talk about it and other topics if asked. My dad sparked my interest in all kinds of history when I was a young boy, so I frequently questioned him about all sorts of things related to history and some that were not. My questions annoyed him sometimes, but most of the time he indulged me.

I once watched “Hoosiers” with dad and afterward we talked about his high school basketball experiences.

I remember being surprised when dad’s first comment was about how the movie, particularly its brief scenes of the team’s bus rides to games at other high schools, revived memories he hadn’t recalled for years. 

I had expected dad’s first comments to be about his most memorable game, or maybe his favorite coach. Instead, dad talked about how the movie’s images reminded him of the bus rides he shared with teammates as they traveled to other rural towns in an area that now comprises the Northwest suburbs of Chicago.

He went on that night about a particular memory he had of riding the bus along Route 14, Northwest Highway, from Arlington Heights to Palatine High School. World War II was being fought and TV had not yet arrived, so high school games were big entertainment in most communities, dad explained. There was always excitement about each game. Town residents knew each of the players on the local team and the teams enjoyed strong support.

Dad described the farms and businesses that were located along the highway then. He described things in such vivid detail that whenever I watch “Hoosiers” I am reminded of dad’s commentary about his drive to that game at Palatine High School.

I recall my dad becoming animated as he related all of this to me. The whole exchange took probably no more than 10 minutes, but it set a lasting memory in my mind.

I have watched “Hoosiers” about two dozen times since the night I watched it with my father, but that night in 1987 was the only time I watched it with him. Dad died in 1995, just a few months before my daughter was born. 

I have many wonderful memories of dad, but the one related to our “Hoosiers” conversation stands out as one of my favorites, and that’s probably the real reason I watch the movie so frequently.

—Kevin Botterman is an award-winning journalist and media affairs consultant. Send email to kbotterman@gmail.com.

Batavia Fine Arts Centre to host Asner as FDR

Veteran actor Ed Asner will visit Batavia Feb. 2.

Submitted photo

The Batavia Fine Arts Centre will host veteran actor Ed Asner in "FDR" on Feb. 2. The show is a solo performance that features Asner as President Franklin D. Roosevelt as he reflects on his years in office, from his first inauguration through World War 11. The show is based on Dore Schary's Broadway hit "Sunrise at Campobello." Tickets are available online and at the door. The show will begin at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. For more information, call 630-937-8930 or go to www.bataviafineartscentre.org. The center is located at Batavia High School, 1201 W. Main St., Batavia. 

Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns, left, attends a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Submitted photo

Charles Schwab & Co. opens Geneva location
Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns joined members of the Geneva Chamber of Commerce for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Charles Schwab & Co., 500 S. Third St., Geneva.  For more information, call 630-208-4935.

Geneva chamber to host annual Christmas Walk & House Tour
The Geneva Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Christmas Walk & House Tour Friday, Dec. 7 and Saturday, Dec. 8. The Christmas Walk will begin at 6 p.m. Dec. 7, with the arrival of Santa Lucia, the Swedish symbol of the season, and her attendants. They will join Santa for the lighting of the Great Tree on the Courthouse lawn in downtown Geneva. The House Tour will be conducted from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 7 and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 8. The tour will feature five distinctive homes decorated for the holidays. Tickets for the tour are $30 each. For more information, call the chamber at 630-232-6060.

—Share news and photos about your group or business here. Email information and photos to kbotterman@gmail.com. Please include caption information for each submitted photo 

Arcada Theatre to host UFO

UFO will perform two shows at the Arcada Theatre.

Submitted photo

The Arcada Theatre in downtown St. Charles will host UFO, a British rock band that produced several top hits in the '70s, at 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17 and 7 p.m. Sunday,  Nov. 18.  UFO's collection of hits include "Lights Out," "Too Hot to Handle" and 1978's "Only You Can Rock Me" (one of our favorites). The theater is located at 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. Tickets are available at www.oshows.com.


Park Place Interiors to close Geneva store
Kathleen Newhouse, CEO at Park Place Interiors, recently announced the company will close its store at 407 S. Third St. in Geneva and will operate online-only at www.parkplace-interiors.com. Newhouse said the company's lease was due to expire soon and the weak state of the economy convinced her not to renew the lease. The company will conduct a close-out sale now through the end of December. Newhouse said the company will continue to offer staging and room design services. Newhouse, who is certified through the American Society of Interior Designers, also is featured at www.houzz.com. For more information about the store's final sale, call 630-232-7799.

Shoppers can find a variety of merchandise at area craft fairs.

Shaw Media photo

A guide to area craft fairs this weekend
PlanItKane.com, a division of Shaw Media, offers a guide to arts and craft fairs in the area this weekend. The website is a reliable location for information about activities in Kane County.

Maple Park Church to host annual Turkey Drop
Grace United Methodist Church in Maple Park will host its annual Turkey Drop from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 18. The church, working in partnership with St. Mary's Catholic Church in Maple Park, collect donated turkeys, hams and canned goods for families in the area. The event will include refreshments, and there will be live music from noon to 2 p.m. The church is located at 506 Willow St. Admission is at least one ham or turkey to donate. This is a neat little event. My family participates every year, and we plan to be there Sunday. Hope to see you there.

Kane County Chronicle names St. Francis senior Athlete of the Week
Congratulations to St. Francis High School senior McKenna Kelsay on being named the Kane County Chronicle's Athlete of the Week for her play during the semifinal match against Champaign Centennial and the state championship contest against Richmond-Burton on Nov. 10. Kelsay posted 64 combined assists in the two matches.

—Share news and photos about your business or organization here. Email information and photos to kbotterman@gmail.com. Please include caption information for each submitted photo.

Registration available for annual Snowflake Shuffle

The Snowflake Shuffle 5K run is set for Dec. 1 in Geneva.

Submitted photo

Registration is now available for the TriCity Family Services' 4th annual Snowflake Shuffle 5K Run/Walk on Dec. 1 at the Mill Creek Golf Club in Geneva. The event will include a 5K run, a youth mile run and a walk. More than 500 runners participated in the 2011 event. Early registration ends Nov. 21. The early registration fee for the 5K is $25 for adults (ages 18 and older) and $15 for ages 6 to 17. The fee for the youth mile is $10 and is open to ages 14 and younger. Day of the event registration begins at 7 a.m. The youth mile will begin at 8:30 a.m. and the Snowflake Shuffle will begin at 9 a.m. The event will include refreshments, awards and door prizes. For more information or to register, call 630-232-1070 or go to www.tricityfamilyservices.org.

NIU offers program in developing smartphone apps
The Department of Computer Science at Northern Illinois University now offers a certificate program that teaches students how to develop apps for smart phones. The four-course program offers instruction in writing apps for Android, the iPhone, Windows Phone and other mobile device platforms. The university began offering smartphone courses in 2011.

River Rockhouse to host Kampfire Kowboys performance
The River Rockhouse, 106 S. Riverside Ave., St. Charles, will host a performance by the Kampfire Kowboys on Nov. 16.  The St. Charles band delivers a vigorous country sound behind frontman Tom Colton. The Kane County Chronicle recently published an interview with Colton.  For more information about the concert, call 630-549-0270. 

—Share news and photos about your group or business here. Email information and photos to kbotterman@gmail.com. Please include caption information for each submitted photo.

Pal Joey's pizza attracts a following

Pal Joey's in Batavia puts pizza in the spotlight.

Kane County Chronicle photo

The Kane County Chronicle's Mystery Diner recently reviewed the pizza creations offered at Pal Joey's restaurant in downtown Batavia and truly enjoyed the sampling of pies. The Mystery Diner was particularly impressed with the quality of the pepperoni pizza, but noted the expansive variety of toppings available. The restaurant offers several other menu items, including pasta, ribs and seafood. But I encourage visitors to stick with pizza. Pal Joey's is located at 31 N. River St.  An ongoing street-renovation project on River Street makes it a bit of challenge to reach Pal Joey's, but visitors arriving from the west side of the Fox River are encouraged to park at the municipal lot at Batavia's City Hall and use the pedestrian bridge to cross the river and reach the restaurant. Might sound like a hassle, but as the Mystery Diner noted, the pizza is worth the effort. For more information about Pal Joey's call 630-593-6600 or visit www.paljoeys.com.

The Daily Chronicle names Duchnowski news editor

Congratulations to Jillian Duchnowski on being named news editor at the Daily Chronicle in DeKalb. Duchnowski most recently served as an editor at Yorkville Patch, an online community news site. Prior to joining Patch, she was an award-winning reporter at the Northwest Herald in McHenry County. The Daily Chronicle and the Northwest Herald are products of Shaw Media. The Daily Chronicle is one my favorite small daily newspapers.

Kane County Fairgrounds to host flea market

The Kane County Fairgrounds will host its next flea market show Saturday, Nov. 3 and Sunday, Nov. 4. Admission is $5 per day for adults. Children 12 and younger are free with a paying adult. Parking is free. The market offers a variety of merchandise. The fairgrounds are located at 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles.

The Howard House Hotel was located at 123 S. Third St., St. Charles.

St. Charles Heritage Center photo

Article details St. Charles' spiritualist history

The Kane County Chronicle recently published an article by Abby Sheaffer that details a visit Mary Todd Lincoln made to St. Charles in 1871 to attend a seance at the Howard House Hotel, which was located on south Third Street. Mrs. Caroline Howard, the proprietor's wife, was said to have the gift of clairvoyance, according to the article. Sheaffer's article is fun reading for the Halloween season and engaging local history for any time of year. It's a long report, but worth the time. Sheaffer is a St. Charles resident, and fans of local history are sure to enjoy her article.

—Share news and photos about your group or business here. Email details to kbotterman@gmail.com. Please include caption information for each submitted photo.

Hoban Sisters to perform at benefit show

Carly and Jackie Hoban of St. Charles.

Submitted photo

The Hoban Sisters, a St. Charles-based duo, will perform Oct. 20 at a benefit concert at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St. in downtown St. Charles. The concert will feature the Henhouse Prowlers, a popular Chicago-based bluegrass band.  The show is hosted by the St. Charles Noon Rotary Club and the Bob Leonard River Corridor Foundation. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Rotary's youth scholarship and the foundation.  The Hoban Sisters, Carly and Jackie, will open the show. The concert is set to begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors ages 60 and older and $15 for students. For more information about tickets, go to oshows.com. 

Entries sought for Electric Christmas Parade
The Downtown St. Charles Partnership seeks entries for its annual Electric Christmas Parade. This year's parade will begin at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 24 in downtown St. Charles. The parade is part of the Holiday Homecoming celebration, a two-day event that kicks-off the holiday season in St. Charles. The parade attracts thousands of guests to downtown St. Charles and is a wonderful opportunity to showcase a business or community organization. For more information, call the Downtown St. Charles Partnership at 630-443-3967

St. Charles North runner named KC Chronicle's Athlete of the Week
Congratulations to St. Charles North's Spencer Gray on being named the Kane County Chronicle's Athlete of the Week on Oct. 17. Gray won the UEC River Cross Country Meet on Oct. 13 and helped North win the team title. 

Chicago-area athletes aid Harvard's football team
Division 1 football teams — Alabama, Texas, LSU — receive a lot of coverage and TV time. Many other college teams, those in Division I-AA, for example, often don't appear on TV and usually receive little attention outside of their home regions. However, the mid-major schools are providing a lot of excitement for college football fans this season. Harvard University's football team is 5-0 (2-0 in conference play) this season. I am always interested in winning football programs. I am curious about how coaches and schools go about building a successful program. I noted with interest that coach Tim Murphy aggressively recruits throughout the country, and Harvard's football team roster includes several players from the Chicago area, including these athletes:
• Cameron Brate, TE, Naperville (Naperville Central)
• Nick Burrello, WR, Clen Ellyn (Glenbard West)
• Jack Dittmer, DT, Oak Park (Fenwick)
• Ben Falloon, K, Orland Park (Marist)
• Michael Hirsch, TE, Glenview (Glenbrook South)
• Matt Koran, LB, Joliet (Joliet West)
• Connor Loftus, LB Glen Ellyn, (Glenbard West)
• Rick Zajeski, RB Hinsdale (Hinsdale Central)

—Share news and photos about your organization or business here. Email information and photos to kbotterman@gmail.com. Please include caption information for each submitted photo.

Strawflower Shop celebrates 34 years

The Strawflower Shop and Rug Merchant in Geneva.

Submitted photo

Our friends at the Strawflower Shop and Rug Merchant at 210 W. State St. in Geneva are celebrating their 34th year. The store is offering a variety of specials on merchandise. Stop in today. We're sure you'll like what you see. For more information about the store, call 630-232-7141 or go to www.strawflowershop.com. 

The Phillips 66 station on Batavia Avenue in Batavia recently closed.

Batavia Patch.com photo

Shell expected to replace Phillips 66 at Batavia site
Shell gas is expected to open soon at the former Phillips 66 station at 108 N. Batavia Ave., Batavia, co-owner Dan Siddiqui recently told Batavia Patch.com. Siddiqui said he closed the Gas Mart USA Phillips 66 in late September to clean the interior and install new display shelves and other equipment. The store is expected to reopen soon and will later add Shell gas pumps.

Laurie Milbourn, center, owns Going to My Happy Place Yoga.

Submitted photo

Laurie Milbourn opens yoga studio
Congratulations to our friend Laurie Milbourn on the recent grand opening of her yoga studio, Going to My Happy Place Yoga, 316 Anderson Blvd., Geneva. Milbourn shares the site with World Martial Arts USA. Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns and members of the business community attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony. 

Scott High owns Tri County Coins & Collectibles.

Sandy Bressner photo

Newspaper features Elburn store
The Kane County Chronicle reported about Tri County Coins & Collectibles at 111 N. Main St. in downtown Elburn. The store is owned by Scott and Silvia High. The store buys a variety of coins, currency and other collectibles. To learn more about the store, call 630-365-9700 or visit www.tricountycoins.com.

Dr. Rachna Arora

Submitted photo

Dreyer welcomes gastroenterologist
Dreyer Medical Clinic recently announced that Dr. Rachna Arora joined the clinic's Department of Gastroenterology. Arora see patients at the clinic's Highland and Rush-Coley Campus locations. Arora received her medical degree from Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit. For more information about Dreyer Medical Clinic, call 630-879-7500.

—Share news and photos about your organization or business here. Email information and photos to kbotterman@gmail.com. Please include caption information for each submitted photo.

K. Hollis Jewelers plans expansion celebration

Karen Hollis will host a three-day expansion celebration starting Oct. 4.

Kevin Botterman photo

   The K. Hollis Jewelers store in Batavia will host a three-day event starting Thursday, Oct. 4 to celebrate the store’s expansion.

   The recently completed project more than doubled the size of the store, which is located at 147 S. Randall Road, near the Jewel-Osco store. Owner Karen Hollis will host the celebration. The event is open to the public. Hollis opened the store in 2005 and now employs 10 workers. 

   The expansion celebration will begin at 5 p.m. Thursday. The party will include raffle prizes and Karen Hollis design giveaways. Batavia Mayor Jeff Schielke will conduct a ribbon cutting at 6 p.m.

   The event will continue on Friday with special trunk shows starting at 10 a.m. and continuing until 5 p.m. The showings will feature merchandise from Gottlie, Pandora, Skagen, and Stacie and Libby.

   The event will conclude on Saturday, with trunk shows starting at 10 a.m. and continuing until 5 p.m. Saturday’s showings will include Dizeo Silver and Miralee.

   For more information about the event, call the store at 630-879-8003. To learn more about K. Hollis Jewelers, go to www.khollisjewelers.com.

—Share news and photos about your organization or business here. Email information and photos to kbotterman@gmail.com. Please include caption information for each submitted photo.

Mooseheart runs over Hawks, 35-0

Mooseheart's Sahr Mahoney dashes past a defender.

Kevin Botterman photo

   The Mooseheart Red Ramblers football team dominated the Kirkland-Hiawatha Hawks Sept. 29, recording a 35-0 homecoming victory.

   The Ramblers defensive line shut down the Hawks’ running game, but Kirkland QB Mike Mercado, a junior, effectively picked apart the Ramblers’ secondary in the fourth quarter. Turnovers and key penalties kept the Hawks from getting on the board late in the game.

   Mooseheart’s offense relied on running backs Joe Feemorlu, a sophomore, and seniors Sahr Mahoney and Oumaru Abdulahi in the victory.

   Mooseheart, 5-1 on the season, will play its next two games on the road. The Ramblers will travel to Chicago International Charter-Longwood Academy Oct. 4, and then will play at Hope Academy Oct. 12.

   Mooseheart will end its regular season at home Oct. 19, when the Ramblers host North Shore Country Day.

   To learn more about the Ramblers’ football season, click here.

   To view more photos from the game, click here.

—Share news and photos about your organization or business here. Email information and photos to kbotterman@gmail.com. Please include caption information for each submitted photo.

Batavia House Walk set for Sept. 30

This traditional home is included in the Batavia House Walk.

Sherry Simonetti photo

Batavia MainStreet will host its sixth annual House Walk, an award-winning event, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept. 30. The theme for this year's event is based on home-decor magazines and features homes that represent particular designs and lifestyles, such as "Cottage Living," "Traditional Homes," and Colorado Homes and Lifestyles." This year's event will include a shuttle bus for participants. The fee for the bus is $15. House Walk tickets are $18 in advance and $20 the day of the event. For more information about the event, call 630-761-3528.

Geneva store to host annual holistic health fair
Soup to Nuts Alternative Grocery in Geneva will host its fourth annual Fox Valley Holistic Health Celebration from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 30. Admission is free. The store is located at 716 W. State St., Geneva. The fair will offer information for living healthy, organic food vendors, presentations, children's activities and other attractions. For more information about the fair, call 630-232-6646.

Elburn Lions Club seeks crafters for car show
The Elburn Lions Club seeks crafters for its All Wheels Car Show on Oct. 7. The event will take place at Elburn Lions Park, 500 Filmore St., Elburn. For more information call 630-365-6315.

Orchestra to offer two concerts in October
The Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra will celebrate the start of its 36th season with two concerts in October. The KSO will present "French Impressions Redux," its fall concert, at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 6 in Boutell Memorial Concert Hall in the Music Building of Northern Illinois University, DeKalb. The concert will feature the music of Maurice Ravel and Claude DeBussy. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors ages 62 and older, and $5 for children 12 and younger. Tickets go on sale 30 minutes before the concert. All seats are general admission. The symphony also will present its annual Halloween Concert at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Oct. 29 in Boutell Memorial Concert Hall. Admission is free and there will be trick-or-treating before the 5:30 p.m. concert. I am a longtime fan of the KSO and urge readers to make time to attend at lease one of its concerts this season. For more information about the KSO, call 815-756-3728.

—Share news and photos about your organization or business. Email information and photos to kbotterman@gmail.com. Please include caption information for each submitted photo.

Rock River Fest to benefit autism awareness

7th Heaven is scheduled to perform at the River Rock Fest.

Submitted photo

The River Rockhouse, 106 S. Riverside Ave.,  St. Charles will host River Rock Fest from Sept. 28 through 30 to benefit autism awareness. The River Rockhouse was formerly Chord on Blues. The three-day festival will include live music, bags, a beer garden and other attractions. The event's live music will begin at 5 p.m. each day and continue to 10:15 p.m. Admission is $5 before 9 p.m. and $10 after 9 p.m. Proceeds from the event will benefit Talk About Curing Autism (TACA), a national organization committed to increasing awareness of autism. For more information about the event, go to www.river-rockhouse.com.

Steel Beam Theatre sets final performance for 'Mermaid'
The Steel Beam Theatre in St. Charles will present its final performances of its production of "The Little Mermaid" at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Sept. 29. The theatre is located at 111 W. Main St., St. Charles. 

Huntley to host Fall Festival
Huntley's annual Fall Festival will begin at 4 p.m. Sept. 28 and continue through Sept. 30 at Deicke Park, 12015 Mill St. The festival will offer music, children's activities, a fireworks display, food, a beer garden and many other attractions. Admission is free during the day, but  $5 after 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

St. Mark's plans blessing of the pets
St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Geneva will conduct its sixth annual Blessing of the Animals at 1:30 p.m. Oct. 7 at the old Courthouse, 100 S. Third St. in downtown Geneva. The event is open to the public and all kinds of pets are welcome. The blessings will be conducted by the Rev. Mark Tusken and the Rev. Claudia Nalven.

Waubonsee to host College Night
Waubonsee Community College will host representatives from more than 100 colleges and universities during its annual College Night from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 1 at the school's Sugar Grove Campus, Route 47 and Waubonsee Drive. The event is open to the public and admission is free. Visitors can gather information about the college selection process, attend presentations and learn about financial aid. For more information, call 630-466-7900, ext. 5756.

NIU running back Leighton Settle in action against Kansas.

Shawmedia.com photo

NIU football set to begin MAC schedule
The Northern Illinois University football team will open Mid-American Conference play at 2:30 p.m. Sept. 29 when the Huskies host Central Michigan University. The Huskies enter conference play 3-1 under head coach Dave Doeren. NIU enters conference play as the defending conference champion — a title the Huskies last held in 1984. NIU won the MAC West Division two years in a row. NIU defeated Kansas, 30-23, at Huskie Stadium Sept. 22 and the Chippewas of Central Michigan topped Iowa, 33-31 on the same day. For more information about the game or to buy tickets, go to www.niuhuskies.com. I am an NIU grad, and you can bet I back the Red and Black Attack. 

A preview of the Big Ten's games for Week 5
I am a big fan of Big Ten Conference football and enjoy reading a variety of previews of each week's round of games. Bleacher Report provides a preview of Week 5 in the Big Ten Conference. Enjoy the games. 

—Share news and photos of your business or organization here. Email information and photos to kbotterman@gmail.com. Please include caption information for each submitted photo. 

K. Hollis Jewelers starts next phase in expansion project

Batavia Mayor Jeff Schielke, Karen Hollis and Roger Breisch.

Batavia Mayor Jeff Schielke recently helped Karen Hollis start the next phase in the expansion of the K. Hollis Jewelers store on Randall Road in Batavia.

Schielke and Roger Breisch, executive director of the Batavia Chamber of Commerce, joined Hollis and others Sept. 6 in starting the demolition of a wall separating Hollis’ existing location and a neighboring unit. The renovation project will expand the store to more than 4,000 square feet, more than doubling Hollis‘ space. K. Hollis Jewelers is located at 147 S. Randall Road, near the Jewel-Osco store.

The expansion effort is in its final stages and Hollis plans to mark the completed project with a special celebration that will start Thursday, Oct. 4 and continue through Saturday, Oct. 6.

Hollis opened the store in 2005 and now employs 10 workers. The store offers hundreds of items, ranging in price from $20 to $20,000. The store also features a variety of popular brands, including Pandora, Patricia Locke, John Medieros, Lori Bonn and Galatea. 

To learn more about K. Hollis Jewelers, call 630-879-8003 or go to www.khollisjewelers.com.

Geneva to host Festival of the Vine

Geneva's Festival of the Vine begins Friday, Sept. 7.

Kane County Chronicle photo

Geneva will host its annual three-day Festival of the Vine event beginning Sept. 7 in downtown Geneva. The event celebrates autumn and offers food, attractions and a variety of wines for purchase. Local restaurants set up beneath a large tent and offer three of their most popular items. Visitors buy tickets to sample the various offerings. The festival also features a crafts show, music, demonstrations and children's activities. For more information about the event, call the Geneva Chamber of Commerce at 630-232-6060.

Staff and guests at Wild Monk Gastropub conduct a ribbon-cutting.

Submitted photo

Wild Monk Gastropub conducts ribbon-cutting

St. Charles Mayor Don DeWitte assisted owner Stratos Dimitrakakos at a ribbon cutting ceremony Aug. 30 at the restaurant, 51 S. First St., St. Charles. The eatery offers an extensive beer list and quality food. Sounds like a winning combination.

The Mystery Diner suggests a visit to Fio's Pizzeria in Campton Hills.

Kane County Chronicle photo

Mystery Diner endorses Fio's Pizzeria

While we're on the topic of fine food, the Kane County Chronicle's Mystery Diner recently endorsed a visit to Fio's Pizzeria in Campton Hills. Fio's offers a variety of pizzas, including more than a dozen versions of its signature thin-crust pizza. I consider the Mystery Diner a reliable source for dining suggestions, so I will try Fio's Pizzeria soon. 

Teen center to host skateboard contest
The Batavia Teen Center will host is third annual skateboard competition Sept. 9 at the Blackard Skate and Bike Park, 411 S. River St. Registration will begin at 10 a.m. at the park, and the contest will begin at noon.  For more information, call the Batavia Park District at 630-879-5235.

—Share news and photos about your organization or business here. Email information and photos to kbotterman@gmail.com. Please include caption information for each submitted photo.

Maple Park Fun Fest to feature Toilet Bowl Races

Beth Miller, seated, displays her A Load Ha racing toilet.

Sandy Bressner photo

Maple Park will celebrate Labor Day weekend with its annual Maple Park Fun Fest, a three-day event featuring a variety of attractions for all ages. The fest will open at 7 a.m. Sept. 1 and continue through Labor Day, Sept. 3. The fest takes place in downtown Maple Park and at the nearby Civic Center. The fest will include a 5K run, food, an arts and crafts show, musical entertainment, a car show, a parade and a fireworks show. The popular Toilet Bowl Races also will be featured. The fest also offers a beer garden. The fest opens at 7 a.m. daily. 

Kuipers Family Farm will host battle re-enactments.

Submitted photo

Kuipers to host World War II tribute, re-enactments

Kuipers Family Farm in Maple Park will host a tribute to World War II Sept. 1 and Sept 2. The event will include battle re-enactments at noon and 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free, but donations are accepted. Kuipers is located at 1N318 Watson Road, Maple Park. For more information, call 815-827-5200. 

Eric Wilson offers dog training at Woofbeach in Batavia.

Submitted photo

Woofbeach offers dog grooming 
Woofbeach in Batavia offers dog grooming, training and supplies. Owners Christina and Eric Wilson have more than 10 years experience in grooming and training dogs. Christina supervises the grooming and Eric handles the training. Woofbeach is located at 1840 S. Mill St., Batavia. For more information, call 630-326-9277.

Batavia Mothers' Club to host raffle
The Batavia Mothers' Club Foundation will conduct a 50/50 raffle during its 27th annual Autumn Arts and Craft Show at Batavia High School. The drawing will take place Oct. 20. The raffle will include only 150 tickets. Tickets are $20 each. The 10th ticket pulled will win a mystery prize. The last ticket drawn will win half of the money raised in the raffle. For more information, call 630-748-1501.

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