TV show to feature The Jalapeno Grille in St. Charles

The Jalapeno Grille, 602 Geneva Road in downtown St. Charles, is scheduled to be featured on the Aug. 11 episode of “Chicago’s Best” on WGN TV, according to Anastacio Calderon, the restaurant’s owner. The show will feature the Grille’s Volcan breakfast as part of its “best breakfasts” episode. The Volcan consists of a homemade corn patty with beans, Chihuahua cheese and chorizo topped with three eggs and homemade ranchero sauce. (Sounds good to me.) The episode is scheduled to air 10 p.m. Aug. 11. The restaurant is open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Sundays. The Jalapeno Grille will celebrate its 10th anniversary in September. For more information about the restaurant, call 630-5871-1918.

Business networking group to meet

The Congregational Church Small Business Networking Group will meet at 8:30 a.m. Aug. 1. The church is located at 21 S. Batavia Ave., Batavia. Ellen Huxtable of Advantage Business Concepts, coordinates the group’s activities. Visitors are always welcome. 

North Aurora Days festival begins Aug. 2

The annual North Aurora Days fest opens Aug 2 and continues through Aug. 4 at various locations throughout the village. The festival will include a parade, a carnival, a beer tent, a car show, entertainment, a community garage sale and a variety of other attractions for all ages. For more information, including an event map, click here.

National Night Out event in Campton Hills

Campton Hills Police Chief Dan Hoffman sends word that the police department will host its 7th annual National Night Out from 6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 6 on School Street, between Route 64 and LaFox Road. The event will include more than 30 organizations and businesses. The program will include children’s activities and free refreshments. For more information, call 630-584-4242.

Ellwood House to host art fair, ice cream social

The Ellwood House Museum in DeKalb will host its annual Art Fair and Ice Cream Social from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 4. The fair will feature the works of 40 artists in a variety of mediums. The event also will include musical entertainment, presentations by the DeKalb Area Garden Club and other attractions. The museum is located at 509 N. First St., DeKalb. For more information, call 815-756-4609.

Sheriff to host National Night Out program

The Kane County Sheriff’s Office will host its annual National Night Out program from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the sheriff’s office, 37W755 Route 38, St. Charles. The program will include the department’s SWAT Team, the K9 Unit, the Bomb Unit and other units. The program also will offer children’s activities. 

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Geneva Arts Fair opens July 27

The Geneva Chamber of Commerce will present the Geneva Arts Fair July 27-28 on South Third Street in downtown Geneva. The fair will feature the works of more than 150 artists. Categories will include sculpture, wood, jewelry, photography, mixed media and other mediums. The fair will offer children's activities and other attractions. The fair will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. For more information, call the Chamber at 630-232-6060.

Sugar Grove Corn Boil July 26-28
The annual Sugar Grove Corn Boil will open July 26 and continue through July 28 at Volunteer Park in Sugar Grove. The event will offer live entertainment, a parade, a fireworks display, a carnival, arts and crafts, vendors, demonstrations and attractions for all ages. The festival will open at 4 p.m. July 26. A community parade will begin at 6 p.m. To view a schedule of festival activities, click here. If you go, be sure to treat yourself to a rib sandwich. 

Shakespeare on Clark to stage two productions
Shakespeare on Clark will present two productions this summer, opening with Shakespeare's "The Comedy of Errors" at 7 p.m. July 26. The show will be presented Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Aug. 11. Shows will be presented at 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and at 6 p.m. Sundays. The group's second production, "Twelfth Night of the Living Dead," a world premiere, will combine text from Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night" with material from "Night of the Living Dead" The show will be presented Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays Aug. 1 through Aug. 11. The show will be staged at 7 p.m. Thursdays and at 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. All performances are presented at Clark Island Park, located along South River Street (Route 25) in downtown Batavia.

Live entertainment in downtown St. Charles
The Downtown St. Charles Partnership presents live entertainment Wednesday and Friday nights at First Street Plaza and nearby locations in downtown St. Charles. Entertainment scheduled for July 24 will include juggler Josiah Jones at 5:30 p.m. at Dick Pond Athletics, 303 N. Second St., a magic show featuring Arman Sangalang at 6 p.m. at First Street Plaza and a 7 p.m. performance by the band American BBC at the plaza.

The Art Box to welcome author, illustrator
The Art Box, 407 S. Third St., Geneva will host a book signing July 27 featuring children's book author Sherri Duskey Rinker and illustrator Tom Lichtenheld. The pair will sign copies of "Goodnight Construction Site" and "Steam Train Dream Train" from 1 to 2 p.m. For more information about the event, call 630-232-2870.

Five Guys Named Moe will perform in Batavia July 24.

River Rhapsody to feature Five Guys Named Moe
The Batavia Park District's River Rhapsody Concert Series will present Five Guys Named Moe at 7 p.m. July 24 at the Batavia Riverwalk in downtown Batavia. The band performs classic rock hits. Admission is free. 

Batavia church to host Indoor Garage Sale
Immanuel Lutheran Church and School, 950 Hart Road, Batavia, will conduct its annual Indoor Garage Sale from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 25-26. Admission is free. For the true bargain hunters, (like me) a half-price sale will be conducted from 8 to 11 a.m. July 27, with a bag sale from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. that day. 

Park district to offer baby sitter training
The St. Charles Park District will conduct a baby sitter training program from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 27 at Pottawatomie Community Center, 8 North Ave., St. Charles. Attendees will participate in group activities to learn the skills needed to care for children. The fee for the program is $52 for residents of the district and $78 for nonresidents. Participants are encouraged to bring a doll and lunch. Registration is required.

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Batavia museum presents annual quilt show

The annual Batavia Quilt and Textile Show will be presented July 19-21 at Shannon Hall in the Eastside Community Center, 14 N. Van Buren St., Batavia. The show will be open 1 to 6 p.m. July 19, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 20 and July 21. The show will feature more than 150 contemporary and historic quilts and textile items, demonstrations and a sale. Admission is $6 for adults and $5 for seniors ages 60 an older. Children 10 and younger are admitted free. The show is presented by the Batavia Depot Museum. For more information, call 630-406-5274. 

Arcada to welcome Chris Issak

The Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles, will welcome Chris Isaak July 19 for an 8 p.m. performance. Isaak has recorded nine albums and has received two Grammy Awards. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 630-962-7000. For my money, "Wicked Game" is still a great song and a captivating video.

Party in the Park 5K Run 

The Party in the Park 5K Run and Walk will begin at 5 p.m. July 20 at the Batavia Riverwalk in downtown Batavia. Proceeds from the event will benefit suicide prevention programs and efforts to eliminate the stigma associated with depression and mental illness. For more information, call 630-482-9696.

Kaneland's production of 'Joseph' continues

The Kaneland Community Fine Arts Festival’s production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” continues performances at 7 p.m. July 19 and July 20 at Kaneland High School, 47W326 Keslinger Road, Maple Park. A matinee show will be presented at 2 p.m. July 21.

Church to host rummage sale

Faith Lutheran Church, 1745 Kaneville Road, Geneva, will host a rummage sale from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 19 and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 20. A bag sale will be conducted from noon to 2 p.m. July 20. Proceeds from the sale will benefit the summer service trip for the church's youth.

Fermilab to offer astronomy program

Fermilab will present How to Discover a Planet from Your Sofa at 8 p.m. July 19 in the Ramsey Auditorium at Wilson Hall on the Fermilab campus, Pine Street and Kirk Road, Batavia. The presentation will feature Oxford astronomer Chris Lintott, co-host of “BBC Skies at Night.”  The admission fee is $7. For more information, call 630-840-2787.

Barbecue to benefit USO

St. Charles Toyota, 2651 E. Main St., will host a barbecue from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 20 to benefit the USO, American troops and their families. All are welcome and free-will donations will be accepted. The dealership hopes to raise $1,000 during the event. Proceeds from the event will go to USO programs support deployed troops, military families, wounded, ill and injured troops, and the families of the fallen. 

House Cafe to host annual Country Music Show

The House Cafe, 263 Lincoln Highway, DeKalb, will present its fifth annual Country Music Show from 1:30 to 5 p.m. July 21. The show will include country, bluegrass and gospel music. Guests are encouraged to bring new school supplies for donation to the local Salvation Army. For more information, call 815-787-9547.

Mystery Diner offers endorses Lupita's Cocina

The Kane County Chronicle's Mystery Diner recently visited Lupita's Cocina, 40W222 La Fox Road, St. Charles and encourages others to do the same to enjoy gourmet Mexican cuisine. Lori and I frequently follow the Mystery Diner's recommendations and find them to be reliable, so I expect to visit Lupita's soon. I'll update you after our visit. For more information, call 630-377-0706.

Delnor Hospital ranked among best in region, state

U.S. News and World Report recently ranked Delnor Hospital in Geneva 25th in the state and ranked the hospital high-performing in four specific areas — geriatrics, nephrology, neurology, neurosurgery and orthopedics, according to a report in the Kane County Chronicle. 

BATV and KC Chronicle partner for new program

Batavia Access Television and the Kane County Chronicle have partnered to present a new show focusing on local issues. The show features a round-table discussion format moderated by Kathy Gresey, editor at the Chronicle. The first show included Batavia Mayor Jeff Schielke, Joi Cuartero of Batavia MainStreet and other guests. For more information about the program, go to www.batv.us. The format for the program sounds interesting, and I hope this show develops an audience.

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Kane County Fair opens July 17

The Neverly Brothers is one of many bands that will provide musical entertainment at the Kane County Fair, which opens July 17 and continues through July 21 at the Kane County Fairgrounds in St. Charles. The fair offers a wide variety of summer activities, including a carnival, free shows, exhibits, livestock displays, a battle of the bands, a demolition derby and championship bull riding. The fair also serves up a variety of food. The fair is a wonderful summer tradition and one you will want to attend. The carnival offers ticket specials and the fair's website offers coupons. 

More summer fun
For those seeking more summer fun, Batavia's Windmill City Fest continues through July 14 in downtown Batavia, and the 35th annual St. Sophia Greek Festival continues through July 14 on the grounds at St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church, 525 Church Road, Elgin. Both festivals offer food, entertainment and attractions for all ages.

Watch the Tour de France at Chez Moi

Chez Moi Cafe & Catering, 415 W. State St. in downtown Geneva is showing the Tour de France during breakfast hours mornings through July 21. Visitors can view the race and enjoy special offerings each week. For more information, call Chez Moi at 331-248-0654. 

Speaker to share the history of golf

The Batavia Public Library will host a presentation by golf historian Peter Longo at 7 p.m. July 16. Longo will present a humorous, fact-filled look at golf’s 600-year history. The library is located at 10 S. Batavia Ave., Batavia. Admission is free, but registration is encouraged and can be completed by calling 630-879-1393, ext. 200.

Movies for $1

Randall 15 IMAX, 550 N. Randall Road, Batavia, is screening children’s movies from 10 a.m. to noon daily during the summer. Admission is $1. “Space Chimps” is the featured movie July 15 through July 19, and “Ice Age: Continental Drift” will be featured July 22 through July 26. For more information, call 630-225-8400.

http://www.gqti.com/theaters.aspx?theaterid=1468

Library to offer felting program

Elburn's Town and Country Public Library will host felting for teens at 10:30 a.m. July 16. The program is for those in grades 6 to 12 and will be presented by Natasha Lehrer of Esther’s Place in Big Rock. The library is located at 320 E. North St., Elburn. Participants are asked to register for the program. For more information, call 630-365-2244.

Cougars to host Bark in the Park

The Kane County Cougars will celebrate man’s best friend when the team hosts Bark in the Park at 6:30 p.m. July 17 at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark in Geneva. The event will include a dog parade, contests and an appearance by the Fly Dogs. Dogs will have free admission to the lawn area. A water station and a doggie restroom will be available. For more information, call 630-232-8811.  The Cougars will play the Great Lakes Loons. 

A Celebration in Chocolate

Interiors for Business, 409 N. River St., Batavia, will host a Celebration in Chocolate from 6 to 9 p.m. July 19. The evening will feature wine, chocolate to celebrate the unveiling of the poster for the 2013 Art in Your Eye Fine Art Show and Festival. Tickets are $10. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 630-220-1425. This year's festival will be conducted Sept. 21 and Sept. 22 in downtown Batavia.

Geneva Jake's to close July 29

Rick Nagel at Geneva Patch recently reported that Geneva Jake's, 407 S. Third St. in downtown Geneva will close its doors later this month after a five-year run. The store is now conducting a final sale. I'm a big fan of the store and have enjoyed Geneva Jake's postings on Facebook. Lori and I like to support independent businesses, and we're disappointed to see this one close. On a related note, Three B (Brothers, Burgers and Beer) at 7 W. State St. in downtown Geneva recently closed its doors, according to a report by the Kane County Chronicle’s Brenda Schory. The business had been open less than year.

A boat-load of fish, but not a world record

One of the more interesting news stories of the past week, in my opinion, concerned Johnny Wilkins' effort on July 5 to set a new world record for the number of fish caught in a 24-hour period. Wilkins, a La Grange resident, caught and released 2,011 fish using a rod and a simple hook at an Oakbrook Terrace pond, according to a report in the Chicago Tribune. As impressive as that number is, Wilkins was 638 fish shy of the record 2,649 fish, which was set in 2011 in Minnesota. Wilkins said he needed to catch 1.8 fish per minute to break the record. Wilkins told the Tribune he had trained for six months to develop his upper body strength. He also said he plans to to make another try for the record next year. I wish you well in your endeavors, Mr. Wilkins.

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

Basilico event to celebrate new book

Brian Basilico of B2B Interactive Marketing in Aurora will host a reception to celebrate the release of his new book “It’s Not About You, It’s About Bacon; Relationship Marketing in a Social media World” from 7 to 9 p.m. July 11 at Gibby’s Wine Den, 1772 S. Randall Road, Geneva. Basilico’s book offers information about building business relationships through social media marketing. The event is open to the public. Copies of the book will be available for purchase at a special price. The book also is available at Amazon.com 

More business insights

Ellen Huxtable of Advantage Business Concepts in Batavia offered some time-tested tips at her blog on July 4. Huxtable put the spotlight on Benjamin Franklin to articulate practices individuals can adopt today to grow their businesses. Huxtable also leads the Congregational Church Small Business Networking Group that meets at 8:30 a.m. the first and third Thursdays of each month at the Congregational Church of Batavia, 21 S. Batavia Ave., Batavia. The group’s next meeting is scheduled for July 18. All are welcome.

Glow-in-the-dark bowling

Our friends at St. Charles Bowl, 2520 W. Main St., St. Charles, offer glow-in-the-dark bowling from 9:30 p.m. to midnight Fridays and from noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays. For more information, call 630-584-9400. 

Prairie Landing to host team golf event

Prairie Landing Golf Club, 2325 Longest Drive, West Chicago, will host its Summer 4-Ball, 4-Person Team event at 10 a.m. July 13. The event will include best-shot scramble on the front nine, lunch at the turn and a two-net better ball of four on the back nine. The registration fee also includes contests and awards. For more information, call 630-208-7600.

Supporting the arts

Julane Sullivan of the Batavia Arts Council recently sent word that the council partnered with Studio-Batavia Arts Boosters to present a $500 grant to assist with the purchase of equipment for the ceramic arts programs at Batavia High School and Rotolo Middle School. Studio-Batavia Arts Boosters is a parent-run organization committed to promoting visual arts at the two schools. The council encourages the development of community-based arts programs.

Tastee Freeze opens again in North Aurora

The Tastee-Freez restaurant at 17 S. Lincolnway in North Aurora recently reopened and is managed Sam Ali, who has worked for the chain for seven years. The restaurant offers family-friendly dining and a wide variety of ice cream treats.

Taqueria El Sazon boosts Batavia’s food options

Acting on a positive review from the Kane County Chronicle’s Mystery Diner, we visited the recently opened Taqueria El Sazon at 8 N. Island Ave. in downtown Batavia, and again found ourselves in complete agreement with the Mystery Diner. Lori enjoyed the enchiladas, and I was pleased with the taco combination plate, particularly the steak taco. The restaurant was fairly busy during our visit, but the staff was very pleasant and attentive. The freshly made salsa that is served with chips is a real treat. We plan to dine there again soon. 

Congratulations to the KC Chronicle

I am late in noting this, but I extend congratulations to Editor Kathy Gresey and the staff at the Kane County Chronicle for winning 10 awards in June at the Illinois Press Association’s Excellence in News contest in Springfield. I enjoy reading the Chronicle, particularly its coverage of prep sports. 

— 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. 

Fox Valley set to light up the sky

Here's a look at some of the Independence Day celebrations set for July 4 in the Fox Valley.

Aurora

Aurora’s Independence Day celebration will include a musical salute to Bruce Springsteen, featuring Bruce in the USA, a tribute band, at Aurora’s RiverEdge Park. The music will start at 5:30 p.m. The Fox Valley Orchestra will take the stage at 8:15 p.m. The concert will feature patriotic music and traditional favorites. The fireworks display is scheduled to begin at 9:25 p.m.

Batavia

Batavia’s annual Independence Day Sky Concert Fireworks Display is scheduled to begin at 9:30 p.m. July 4. Viewing areas will be available at Engstrom Park, located at Millview Drive and Main Street, and at Batavia High School. Food vendors will begin serving at 5:30 p.m.

St. Charles

St. Charles will celebrate Independence Day with live music and a fireworks display July  4 at Pottawatomie Park, 8 North Ave. The Fox Valley Concert Band will begin the celebration with a performance at 4 p.m. The Red Woody Band will perform from 6 p.m. to dark, when the fireworks display will begin. Pottawatomie Park offers a picnic area, paddle boat rentals, mini-golf and other amenities. A viewing area also will be available at Ferson Creek Park, along Route 31, north of Route 64.

Cougars to celebrate Independence Day with the River Bandits

The Kane County Cougars will celebrate Independence Day with a 6:30 p.m. game with the Quad City River Bandits at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark in Geneva. The game is the first in a five-game series with the River Bandits that will continue through July 8. The contests slated for July 4 through July 6 will include post-game fireworks. On July 4, fans can collect player autographs before the game and run the bases after the game. The first 1,500 fans through the gates will receive a patriotic foam claw presented by Fifth Third Bank.  Entertainment during the game will include the Russian Bar Trio, a team of acrobats. For more information, call 630-232-8811. 

Cougars to host Military Appreciation Night

The Cougars will honor America’s military veterans and active-duty military personnel during the team’s July 6 game with the Quad City River Bandits. The game will begin at 6:30 p.m. The evening will include a pre-game parade of veterans and military personnel. The Cougars will recognize veterans throughout the game and will ask attendees to observe a moment of silence for those in the military who made the ultimate sacrifice. The night will conclude with a fireworks display.

Some patriotic fanfare

To help you get in the mood to celebrate Independence Day, here's Johnny Cash singing "Ragged Old Flag" and a fine recording of entertainer Red Skelton's explanation of the "Pledge of Allegiance." 

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