Civil War gravesites redicated in Batavia and more

Harry Reineke IV, a Batavia resident and member of the Sons of Union Veterans the Civil War, addresses the audience at a grave restoration dedication ceremony Oct. 28 at the West Batavia Cemetery.

     Area residents and public officials gathered Oct. 28 for a ceremony celebrating the restoration of several headstones at the graves of Civil War veterans at the West Batavia Cemetery.
     The brief ceremony was conducted by members of the Gen. Philip H. Sheridan Camp 2 chapter of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. The group cleaned and restored several headstones of Civil War veterans at the cemetery earlier this year.
     The dedication ceremony included comments from local officials and the playing of "Taps."

St. Mark's to host holiday market
St. Mark's Lutheran Church in downtown St. Charles will host "Abundant Blessings," a holiday market featuring crafts, clothing, jewelry and other items, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Nov. 4.

Guitarist Jim Green to perform at STC library
The St. Charles Public Library will host a concert by guitarist Jim Green at 2 p.m. Nov. 12. Green’s acoustic stylings have been called relaxing and engaging. The performance is part of the library’s Sunday Concert series and will be presented in the library’s Carnegie Community Room. Admission is free, but registration is encouraged. The library is located at One S. Sixth Ave. in downtown St. Charles.

Ellwood House to present Holiday Traditions
The Ellwood House Museum in DeKalb will its annual Holiday Traditions event beginning Nov. 15 and continuing through Nov. 30. The event includes guided tours of the museum with each room elegantly decorated for the holidays. The event is one of our favorites during the holiday season. Tickets are $10 for adults.

Batavia library welcomes local author
Batavia writer Marnie Mamminga will be the featured author at the Batavia Public Library's Book Between Bites program at noon Nov. 16. Mamminga will share essay from her most recent book "On a Clear Night". The library is located at 10 S. Batavia Ave., in downtown Batavia.

Library to screen “Seven Brides For Seven Brothers
Our friends at the Messenger Public Library in North Aurora will show the musical "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" at 2 p.m. Nov. 19. The 1954 film stars Howard Keel and Jane Powell and is part of the library’s monthly Classic Cinema Sundays series. The library is located at 113 St., North Aurora. Admission is free but registration is encouraged. For more information, call 630-896-0240.

Farm Bureau features alpaca farms
The Illinois Farm Bureau's Partners magazine offers an interesting article about alpaca farms in Illinois, including the Timberview Alpaca Farm in Clinton. Here's an interesting fact: Alpaca fiber 22 natural shades, which allows farms to craft items with fiber and avoid using dyes that might harm the environment. I hope you find the report as interesting as I did.


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Corron Farm partners with museum for farm film

Submitted photo

Tom Corron over at the Corron Farm Preservation Society recently shared word that the farm will partner with the Elgin History Museum to help tell the history of dairy farming in the Elgin area. 
The society will provide documents and photos to the museum’s "Dairies to Prairies" project, a documentary film by the museum and Grindstone Productions. The Corron Farm was established in 1835 and produced milk for decades.
 The farm is preserved today to give visitors an idea of how farms operated in Kane County over the years, prior to suburban development. The farm is listed on the Kane County Register of Historic Places, according to information Corron shared.

Plenty of gems to be found in Batavia library’s local history collection
Many Batavia and Geneva residents are familiar with the intense athletic rivalry between the Bulldogs of Batavia High School and the Vikings of Geneva High School. But I’d bet many residents in both towns would be surprised to learn Batavia’s Bulldogs were once known as the Batavia Vikings.
It’s true, and the Batavia Public Library’s local history collection offers a concise history about the era when Batavia athletes competed as “Vikings.” George Scheetz, the library’s director, produced the history in 2011, and you don’t need to be a history buff to enjoy reading it.
I enjoy history in all its forms, from ancient to contemporary. I have a deep interest in local history and like to spend time with the Batavia Public Library’s local history collection. I still get a kick whenever I learn something new and interesting in the old records. You never know what kind of gems you might find.

Shell of Batavia welcomes Dunkin Donuts to Batavia Avenue
Shell of Batavia, 108 N. Batavia Ave., Batavia, recently announced the opening of a Dunkin Donuts store inside the station. The store offers walk-in and drive-through service. The Shell station was renovated inside and out to accommodate the Dunkin Donuts operation. Additional improvements are scheduled, and the station plans to host a grand opening celebration in the coming weeks.

Classic car shows return to Geneva
The Geneva Chamber of Commerce hosts the Geneva Classic Car Show every Thursday at 6 p.m. through Aug. 3 at the James Street parking lot, behind the old courthouse, in downtown Geneva. The show includes a DJ and food vendors. Admission is free.

STC library to host talk about female architects
The St. Charles Public Library will host author Anna M. Lewis at 7 p.m. July 18 as she discusses female architects, engineers and landscape designers from the 1800 to today. Admission is free. The library is located at 1 S. Sixth Ave., St. Charles. For more information, call the library at 630-584-0076.
 
Batavia library to look at switchels and oxymels
Cooking instructor Mary Krystinak will discuss non-alcoholic drinks that were developed during America’s prohibition era at 7 p.m. July 19 at the Batavia Public Library. The program will feature shrubs, switchels and oyxmels, drinks that were spiked with vinegar. Attendees can participate in preparing the drinks. The program is free, but registration is required. For more information or to register, call 630-879-1393

Elderday Center sets annual fashion show
The Elderday Center in Batavia will host Caring From the Heart, a fashion show, at 10:30 a.m. Aug. 19 at the Lincoln Inn, 1345 S. Batavia Ave., Batavia. The event benefits the center’s daily programming. Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information about the event, call Lori at 630-761-9750

Two final items
• I enjoy fresh fruit and vegetables. I think some of the best produce around can be found at the many farmer’s markets in the Fox Valley areas. I visit at least two each week and enjoy meeting the various vendors. The Kane County Farm Bureau offers the Bounty of Kane, a listing of the area’s seasonal farm markets. I imagine there’s a market near you, so get out and enjoy some fresh produce.

• I heard my first Back to School sale commercial for the 2017 school year on July 2, and I think that’s just too darn early, in my opinion. I won’t mention the retailer that was doing the advertising. I’m not looking for trouble, and I know some folks like to plan ahead and get these things addressed early. But Batavia schools dismissed for the summer just over a month ago. Life moves too fast on its own without us pushing it along. Try to enjoy the summer while it lasts, and enjoy today. Besides, there will be plenty of time in August to buy those supplies.





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Farming's history and Swedish Days in Geneva

Kevin Botterman photo

Garfield Farm to look at farming and democracy
The Garfield Farm Museum, 3N016 Garfield Road, Campton Hills, will present Early American Farming’s Role in Democracy, featuring Judith Broggi, at 1 p.m. June 17. Broggi will discuss the farming tradition in Massachusetts, its role in the American Revolution, and its influence on Illinois history. Admission is $6. For more information, visit

Walking tour features Sycamore homes, history
The Sycamore History Museum will host guided walking tours of Sycamore’s Main Street beginning at 1 p.m. June 18. The tours will feature the architecture and local history of several private homes and public buildings, including the DeKalb County Court House and the Sycamore Public Library. The tours will start at the courthouse in downtown Sycamore. The fee is $5 per person. For more information, call 815-895-5762.


Geneva celebrates summer with Swedish Days fest
The annual Swedish Days festival will begin June 21 and continue through June 25 at various locations in downtown Geneva. The festival offers activities and entertainment for all ages, including live music, demonstrations, a carnival, crafts, sales, food, and a parade. For details, visit genevachamber.com.

Yorkville to host Midwest Car Show
The Midwest Street Rod Association will present its Gears and Ears Midwest Car Show June 25 at the Kendall County Fairgrounds in Yorkville. The show will be open 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and features more than 600 vehicles.

A closing thought: 
    The International Olympic Committee recently announced it would add 3-on-3 basketball to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, aiming to appeal to a younger audience, according to ESPN.
    The 3-on-3 hoops competition will join recently added events such as surfing, climbing and skateboarding. 
    I am not interested in any of the added sports and can’t imagine the move will produce the results the IOC seeks. I follow news from the marketing industry rather closely, including efforts to successfully market to the millennial (those born between 1982 and 2004, roughly) demographic. 
    There’s a good chance that I am wrong, but I don’t think the Olympics will capture the millennial audience with skateboarding and other niche events. The Olympics face a variety of challenges, perhaps the greatest is convincing audiences the games remain relevant. 
    Audiences in the United States enjoy a range of televised distractions, and World Cup soccer generates stronger ratings with an international audience than the Olympics.
    If the IOC’s gamble pays off and skateboarding and modified-basketball competition attracts a younger audience, perhaps we’ll see similar additions to future Olympic games, say maybe a craft beer brewing event that includes a participation trophy for each brewer.




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Batavia Lions Club to host annual pancake breakfast

The Batavia Lions Club will host its 40th annual pancake breakfast from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. April 8 at the East Side Community Center, 14 N. Van Buren St. in downtown Batavia. The breakfast will include pancakes, sausage, eggs, juice, coffee and milk. Tickets are $7 for adults, $3 for children ages 4 to 12. Children ages 3 and younger are free.

Elburn chamber plans annual craft fair
The Elburn Chamber of Commerce will host its annual craft fair April 1 at the Elburn & Countryside Community Center, 525 N. Main St., Elburn. The fair will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and will include crafters, community organizations, refreshments for purchase and other attractions. For more information, call the chamber at 630-365-2295.

Evensen unveils new website
Christine Evensen at RealStar Realty recently unveiled her new website. Evensen specializes in residential real estate, and her site offers a variety of information about listings, finance tools and market data. You can reach Evensen at 630-399-2696.

Wade's World of Working opens in Batavia
Wade’s World of Wood Working recently set up shop at 951 W. Wilson St., Batavia. Wade specializes in Adirondack furniture and custom-made indoor furniture. Visit Wade’s website and follow him on Facebook. Welcome to the neighborhood, Wade, and best wishes.

Andres' marks 10th anniversary
Our Friends at Andres' Restaurant in Batavia recently marked their 10th anniversary with a ribbon cutting ceremony conducted with Batavia Chamber of Commerce. We frequently visit Andres for breakfast and lunch. The bacado omelette is my favorite. Andres is located at 5 Webster St. in downtown Batavia.

Batavia chamber welcomes Allstate office
The Batavia Chamber of Commerce conducted a ribbon cutting ceremony at March 14 at Jim Towns’ Allstate office,  713 W. Main St., Batavia.

Library to host Dewey Dash 5K
The Town and Country Public Library in Elburn will host its 13th annual Dewey Dash 5K run and Walk at 9 a.m. April 9 at the library, 320 E. North St. For more information, call 630-365-2244.


— Share news about your organization or business here. Email information and photos to kbottswrites@gmail.com. Please include caption information for each submitted photo. Thank you for reading Fox Valley Notes.

Monika uses 'off seasaon' to refine bakery skills

Courtesy photo

Monika’s Organic Bakery is one of our favorite vendors at Batavia’s outdoor Farmers’ Market, and we happily followed Monika’s Facebook updates from Germany, where she recently spent a month at a bakery academy. Monika further developed her skills in bread making and dessert preparation. Monika’s bakery is located in Kingston and Monika regularly offers her baked goods at winter markets in St. Charles and Woodstock. During the summer months, Monika participates in outdoor markets in DeKalb, Kane and McHenry counties. Batavia’s Farmers’ Market is scheduled to open June 3.

Library to host ESPN writer
The Batavia Public Library will host a presentation featuring ESPN senior writer Lester Munson at noon March 16. Munson will discuss two sports books, “The Last Innocents” by Michael Leahy and “All the Way” by Jordin Tootoo. The presentation is part of the Books Between Bites program. Admission is free and attendees may bring a lunch to enjoy during the hour-long program. The library is located at 10 S. Batavia Ave. For more information, call 630-879-1393.

Messenger library to screen 'Some Like It Hot'
The Messenger Public Library in North Aurora will show the classic 1959 comedy “Some Like It Hot” at 2 p.m. March 19. The movie stars Tony Curtis Marilyn Monroe and Jack Lemmon. The screening is part of the library’s monthly Classic Cinema Sundays series. Admission is free, but registration is encouraged. For more information or to register, call 630-896-0240. The library is located at 113 Oak St., North Aurora

Here comes 'Restaurant Madness Week'
Batavia’s 2017 Restaurant Madness Week is set for March 20 24 and will include 30 Batavia eateries. For a list of participating restaurants and a coupon, click here.
The event is presented by Batavia MainStreet, the Batavia Chamber of Commerce and the City of Batavia.

From the farm bureau:
The Kane County Farm Bureau recently shared these interesting facts:
• More than 30 million acres of land in Illinois are used for agricultural purposes.
• Illinois has about 1,500 different soil types.
• The average depth of Illinois top soil is 12.6 inches.
• The average age of an Illinois farmer is 56, and each Illinois farmer feeds 156. (And that average age fact ought to fuel some concern for each of us.)
• Illinois grows more pumpkins than any other state.

Here’s what I think:
• I frequently comment about the sad condition of state government in Illinois, so I want to balance some of my criticism with a bit of praise. I had reason in recent months to visit two different facilities operated by the Illinois Secretary of State’s office, one in Aurora and another in Elgin, and I left impressed with the staff’s efficiency and professionalism. I completed my business at both locations in less than 10 minutes and was tended to by workers who were pleasant and professional. I just wanted to go on the record with that before I return to complaining about the state legislature.

• When it comes to Hollywood depictions of military drill instructors, I can’t imagine any actor topping R. Lee Ermey’s performance as Gunnery Sgt. Hartman in 1987’s “Full Metal Jacket”,  but Vince Vaughn does a fine job as Sgt. Howell in Mel Gibson’s Oscar-winning World War II saga “Hacksaw Ridge”. Lori and I recently watched the film, and I recommend it, but do not let the humor in this scene mislead you. The film’s combat scenes are beyond intense, and Mel really has a thing for flamethrowers.
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Concert, holiday programs highlight upcoming events

Photo by Kevin Botterman

Concert puts spotlight on Broadway tunes
The St. Charles Public Library will host Two for One Broadway, a cabaret performance featuring Matt and Cynthia Gruel, at 2 p.m. Nov. 13. The show will feature music from seven Broadway shows from the 1940s to the present. Admission is free, but registration is encouraged. The show is part of the library’s Sunday Concert program. For more information or to register, call 630-584-0076. The library is located at 1 S. Sixth Ave., St. Charles.

Library program to feature Our Lady of Angels fire
Jim Gibbons will discuss the Our Lady of the Angels School fire during a program at 7 p.m. Nov. 14 at the Geneva Public Library. The 1958 fire at Our Lady of the Angels School in Chicago claimed the lives of 92 children and three nuns.  Admission is free, but registration is encouraged. For more information, call 630-232-0780, ext. 251. On a personal note, my mother is still moved by her memories of the tragedy. Mom was raised in Chicago, but was residing in the suburbs at the time of the fire. I imagine the library's presentation will be a challenging but worthwhile experience for attendees old enough to remember the incident.

Senior center sets annual Holiday Craft Fair
The Oswego Senior Center will present its sixth annual Holiday Craft Fair from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 19. The fair will feature hand-made items by more than 65 artists and crafters. Admission is free. The fair also will include a cookie sale, door prizes and other attractions. The center is located at 156 E. Washington, Oswego.  For more information, call 630-554-5602.

Festival of Lights program welcomes the holidays
Batavia will welcome Santa and the holiday season during its annual Festival of Lights program from 4 to 7 p.m. Nov. 27 at the Batavia Riverwalk, 151 Island Ave., in downtown Batavia. 
    Santa is scheduled to arrive at 5:30 p.m. and will assist in lighting the community Christmas tree before sitting down to visit with children.
    The event will include a holiday craft fair, music, hayrides and other activities. Visitors can tour Christmas Tree Lane, a special attraction featuring 25 tress decorated by local businesses and organizations. Admission is free. Refreshments will be available for purchase.
    For more information, call 630-879-5235. The festival is presented by the Batavia Park District, the City of Batavia, Batavia MainStreet, the Batavia Chamber of Commerce and the Batavia Police Department.

Did you know:
The Kane County Farm Bureau recently shared some interesting facts about cranberries, including these tidbits:
• The first recorded yield of cranberries was grown and harvested in 1816 in Dennis, MA.
• Honeybees are used to pollinate cranberry crops.
• Wisconsin ranks No. 1 in cranberry production.
• Cranberries need sandy soil, abundant fresh water and a growing season from about May to October. Cranberries are grown in the dry bed and then beds are flooded with water.


— Share news about your organization or business here. Email information and photos to kbotterman@gmail.com. Please include caption information for each submitted photo. Thank you for reading. Your comments and suggestions are always welcome.

So long October and welcome November

As we prepare to set our clocks to daylight-saving time and close the book on October 2016, here's a look at some November calendar highlights and a bit of farming news.

Elburn church plans harvest dinner
The Elburn Community Congregational Church will host its annual Harvest Dinner benefit Nov. 6. The dinner will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and will include fried chicken, ham, potatoes, green beans and other items. Tickets are $13 for adults and $8 for children. Children ages 6 dine for free. The church is located at 100 E. Shannon St., Elburn. For more information, call 630-365-6544.

Park District to host Heritage Day
The Geneva Park District will host Heritage Day on Nov. 12 at Peck Farm Park, 4038 Kaneville Road. Visitors can learn about the Peck family and enjoy a variety of activities, including sheep herding. The program will be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will offer attractions for all ages. For more information, call 232-4542.

St. Mark's Lutheran Church sets Christmas market
St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in St. Charles will host a Christmas market from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 12. Visitors will find crafts, artisans and other vendors. The event also will include a cookie walk, a silent auction, hourly drawings, children’s activities and other attractions. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase. For more information, call 630-584-8683. The church is located at 101 S. Sixth Ave., St. Charles.
 
Lundeen's, Blumen Gardens partner for event
Lundeen’s Discount Liquors in St. Charles will partner with Blumen Gardens in Sycamore to offer their annual fall wine event from 1 to 4 p.m. Nov. 12. The event will be on the grounds of Blumen Gardens, 325 Edward St., Sycamore, and will include a variety of wines and an appetizer buffet. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 the day of the event. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 815-899-1231.

Illinois corn, soybean harvest nearly complete
Illinois farmers harvested more than 83 percent of the state’s corn and soybean crops by late October, according to federal agriculture officials. The figure is above the five-year average for October of 77 percent, but below the 91 percent harvested by this time in 2015, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Federal officials also said farmers have planted 68 percent of the winter wheat crop and about 38 percent of the crop has emerged.

Did you know:
The Kane County Farm Bureau recently shared information about pecans. Here are some of the details I found interesting:
• About 78 pecans are used in an average pecan pie. That’s important for those of us who enjoy a well-crafted pecan pie.
• More than 80 percent of the world’s pecan crop comes from the United States. Who knew?
• Pecan trees only produce nuts every two years, but pecan trees can live more than 300 years and produce nuts throughout that time.
• The Pecan is heart healthy and contains antioxidants and 19 vitamins.


— Share news and information about your business or organization here. Email news and photos to kbotterman@gmail.com. Please include caption information for each submitted photo. Thank you for reading. Your comments are always welcome.

Area welcomes fall with a variety of activities

There are plenty of fall activities in the area in the coming days. Here are a few of the events we plan to attend.

Oktoberfest in Batavia
Batavia MainStreet will host an Oktoberfest Oct. 7 and Oct. 8 in downtown Batavia. The fest will feature authentic German food, beer, music, entertainment and family friendly activities. The fest will be open 5 to 10 p.m. Oct. 7 and throughout the day Oct. 8.

Holmstad to host bazaar
The Holmstad in Batavia will host its 39th annual bazaar from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m Oct. 8 at  Holmstad’s Town Center. The bazaar will offer jewelry, woodworking items, crafts, collectibles and more. Food will be available for purchase. The Holmstad is located at 700 W. Fabyan Parkway, Batavia. For more information, call 877-226-7310.

Fall fest down on the farm
Our friends at Bountiful Blessings Farm Produce will host a Fall Festival Oct. 7 to Oct.10. The event will feature a petting zoo, games, and activities for all ages. Refreshments will be available for purchase and a percentage of all vegetable and pumpkin sales will benefit Pulling for a Cure. The festival will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Bountiful Blessings Farm Produce is located at 15565 McGrirr Road, Hinckley. Indoor and outdoor vendor booths are available for crafters and others to sell their wares. For vendor information, email Jeff at jeffwielert@hotmail.com.



Museum plans fall fest
The Sycamore History Museum will host its fall festival starting at 1 p.m. Oct. 15. Visitors can tour the museum, make apple cider and participate in other activities. Admission is free. The museum is located at 1730 N. Main St., Sycamore.

Spooky tales at the library
The Geneva Public Library will offer The Haunted Page, a program featuring William Packs and his scary tales, at 7 p.m. Oct. 20. Admission is free. The library is located at 127 James St., Geneva. For more information, call 630-232-0780.






Now for something completely different
The Forest Preserve District of Kane County will host a senior stroll at 10 a.m. Oct. 6 at the Elburn Forest Preserve, 45W061 IL Route 38, Maple Park. The walk lasts about an hour, and refreshments will be served after the walk. Admission is free, but donations are accepted. For details, call 630-444-3190.

Harvest underway in Illinois
I drove through several central Illinois counties during a recent visit to Eastern Illinois University and saw many farmers harvesting corn from their fields. I have always been impressed with the visual images associated with harvest time and enjoyed viewing farmers at work in their fields, even though I was driving along at 60 mph. I was raised in Arlington Heights, but my dad was raised on a farm near Roselle, and he instilled in us a deep appreciation for farming and all things related agriculture. I try to visit DeKalb County and other areas during harvest time just to watch the work in progress and to take photos. I will post photos of my upcoming tour as soon as they are available. 



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Directory features local farmer's markets

     The Kane County Farm Bureau’s Bounty of Kane directory features information about the many local farmer’s markets and roadside stands offering fresh produce and specialty items. The directory is at bountyofkane.org. The site includes an interactive map to help you locate markets and stands throughout Kane County. The directory also includes dates and hours of operation. 

 

 

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Museum to host annual Quilt and Textile Show

 

The Batavia Depot Museum will host its annual Quilt and Textile Show July 15 to 17 at the Eastside Community Center and Shannon Hall, 14 N. Van Buren St. in downtown Batavia. The event will include an exhibit featuring commemorative quilts, an artisan market and more. The show is open 1 to 6 p.m. on July 15 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 16 and 17. Admission is $6 for adults and $5 for seniors age 60 and older. Children 10 and younger are admitted free. Military personnel are admitted free with military I.D. 

 

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Fishing the Fox River and so much more

Photo courtesy of Eric Schaaf

A big shout out to Sugar Grove resident Eric Schaaf for sharing the photo above. Eric hosts and produces Fish the Fox, a website devoted to fishing activities on the Fox River. The site offers a variety of helpful information about the river and features a personal journal about Eric’s fishing experiences. Those with an interest in fishing and the Fox River will appreciate the site, but you don’t have to fish to enjoy the gallery of photos and images Eric captured along the Fox River. We're sure you'll enjoy visiting Eric’s site. 



It's Chop Around the Block time again
Craig Foltos and the crew at Foltos’ Tonsorial Parlor in downtown Batavia will conduct the 27th annual Chop Around the Clock hair-cutting event Friday, June 3 and Saturday, June 4 to benefit the Ronald McDonald’s Children’s Charities. The event will begin at 4 p.m. June 3 at the parlor, 7 E. Wilson St. The event will include entertainment, free food, music and other attractions. The event will continue around the clock until 4 p.m. June 4. For more information or to volunteer, call Craig at 630-879-5253.

Batavia's Farmers' Market opens June 4
Batavia’s Farmers' Market will open for the season June 4 on River Street, just north of Wilson Street. The market will be open from 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays through Oct. 22 and will include more than 20 vendors. Shoppers will find fresh produce, flowers, meat, cheese, music and more.

Museum and garden set open
The Fabyan Villa Museum and Japanese Garden will open for the season at 1 p.m. Sunday, May 29. Admission is $3 for the villa museum and $1 for the garden. The museum and the garden are located in the Fabyan West Forest Preserve, near Route 31 in Geneva. The museum and garden are open from 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 13. For additional dates, visit the click here.

Program recalls airborne operations on D-Day
The St. Charles Public Library will observe the anniversary of the Allied invasion of Normandy with The Airborne on D-Day, a special program at 7 p.m. June 6 at the library. The program will look at the critical role U.S. airborne forces played during the early hours of the invasion on June 6, 1944. The program is free, but registration is encouraged. The library is located a 1 S. 6th Ave., St. Charles. For more information or to register, call 630-584-0076.



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Valley Sheltered Workshop to mark 50th anniversary

The Valley Sheltered Workshop in downtown Batavia.

 

Valley Sheltered Workshop and the Batavia Chamber of Commerce will celebrate the workshop’s 50th anniversary at 10 a.m. May 9 at 325 Main St., Batavia. Mayor Jeffery Schielke will lead an anniversary ribbon-cutting ceremony. The workshop opened in 1966 and provides job opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Visitors will have an opportunity to learn about the organization’s interesting history and its operations. The City of Batavia marked the workshop’s anniversary with a ceremony April 18, during a Batavia City Council meeting.

And pancakes too
The Valley Sheltered Workshop and the Batavia Lions Club will partner to host the workshop’s 50th annual pancake breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to noon May 1 at 325 Main St. The meal will include pancakes, sausage, fresh strawberries, orange juice and coffee. Take-out service will be available. The event also will include a cash drawing, a silent auction, and basket raffles. Tickets are $7 for adults, $5 for seniors age 65 and older, and $3 for children age 12 and younger.

Farm Bureau to offer mature driving program
The Kane County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee will host a 55 Alive Mature Driving Program April 26 and 27. The eight-hour course discusses defensive driving techniques and related safety information. The program will meet from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day at the Kane County Farm Bureau, 2N710 Randall Road, St. Charles. Registration is required. The fee is $15 for AARP members and $20 for all others. Participants must attend both days to successfully complete the course. Some insurance companies offer discount auto insurance for drivers age 55 and older who complete the course. For more information or to register, call the Farm Bureau at 630-584-8660.

Concerto concert on April 24
Our friends at the The Fox Valley Philharmonic Orchestra will present a free concert featuring two soloists at 3 p.m. April 24 at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 420 W. Downer Place, Aurora. The concert will feature Kristine Mertens, the orchestra’s senior oboist and Lily Johnson, 12, the youth winner of the Fox Valley Academy Concerto Competition. For more information, call 630-476-9092, or click here.

Library program highlights 'British Invasion' music
The Batavia Public Library will present The British Invasion, featuring musician Dave Rudolf and the music of the Beatles, Donovan, The Who and others, at 2 p.m. April 24. The show is part of the library’s Sundays on Stage program. Admission is free, but registration is encouraged and can be completed by calling 630-879-1393, ext. 200.

Save the date
The Pottawatomie Garden Club of St. Charles will host its annual Garden Walk July 9. The theme for this year’s event is A Day in the Country and will feature six gardens. The walk will be conducted from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance, or $20 the day of the event. The event benefits the club’s scholarship program. For more information, click here. 

A special reminder 
More than 100 volunteers from local churches and organizations will lend a hand with The Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry’s annual Food Sharing Days collection effort April 30 and May 1 at the Berkeley Food Store in downtown Batavia and the Jewel-Osco store on Randall Road. Volunteers will offer shoppers lists of suggested items needed to restock the pantry’s shelves. The collection effort will be conducted 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. 




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Still plenty to do in a busy January

I like to think I manage time well, but I am always surprised (and a little intimidated) by how fast time passes. I looked at my calendar this afternoon and realized the first month of new year is more than half gone and running down quickly. I've jotted down a few items on scraps of paper and wanted to share them with you.

Library program to feature Wright Brothers Jan. 21
The Books Between Bites program at the Batavia Public Library will host a presentation about “The Wright Brothers,” David McCullough’s account of the Wright Brothers journey to Kitty Hawk. Barbara Kalina, a former history and literature teacher with the Batavia school district will lead the presentation and discussion from noon to 1 p.m. Jan. 21 at the library, 10 S. Batavia Ave. For more information, call the library at 630-879-1393. 



Music boosters to host pancake breakfast
The Marmion-Rosary Music Boosters will host their annual pancake breakfast from 8:30 to
1 p.m. July 24 at Marmion Academy’s Lux Dining Hall. The event will include musical entertainment. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for children ages 3 to 12. The breakfast will include unlimited pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, hash browns and beverages. For more information, call 630-897-6936.


Geneva school district unveils new website
Geneva School District 304 officials recently unveiled the district's new website, featuring a crisp and bright look. I still enjoy visiting websites just to see the type of design and presentation techniques organizations employ to tell their stories. I think the school district did a fine job with their redesign effort, but visit the site and decide for yourself.

Slow down and enjoy better health
One of the best ways to improve overall health and peace of mind is to slow down, according to a recent report from our friends at AARP. The report offers some simple steps to follow in the new year. One of my favorites is the suggestion to slow life’s busy pace with writing. It seems making time to sit down and write (either with pen or keyboard) offers many benefits, including an easing in our need for speed. I added “write more” to my new year’s resolution list, and I hope the health benefits alone will be motivation enough to make writing more a resolution I can keep throughout the year.


Extension offers valuable tips
I always enjoy reading the University of Illinois Extension's blog posts and reports. The extension's staff covers everything from agriculture and gardening to nutrition and consumer tips. I particularly enjoy the gardening advice and enjoy thinking about gardening activities during January's bitter-cold days. Planning for springtime tasks helps to keep me going when daytime high temperatures are in the single digits.
 
Movin’ On
Sending out some tardy congratulations to Ryan Klassy, who recently ended a good run as information director at the Kane County Farm Bureau to take on a new job at a local community college. I met Ryan about eight years ago while I was working for the Chicago Tribune and always enjoyed coordinating the Tribune’s coverage of the farm bureau’s activities. I also enjoyed reading Ryan’s columns in the farm bureau’s monthly publication. Best wishes in the new gig, Ryan.


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Tis the season for ugly sweater parties

The Lodge on 64, 41W379 Route 64 in Campton Hills, will host an ugly sweater party at 9 p.m. Dec. 23. Admission is free and prizes will be awarded. For more information, call 630-443-8000.

The Geneva Park District will host a Christmas caroling event from 11:15 a.m. to
12:30 p.m. Dec. 22 in downtown Geneva. Participants will meet at 11:15 a.m. in the Geneva BRIA Center lobby, 1101 E. State St. Those younger than 16 must be accompanied by an adult. The program is free but registration is encouraged and can be completed by calling 630-232-4542.

The Geneva Public Library will feature photographer Anthony Nevins’ black-and-white photos during December. The exhibit features 21 photos and is displayed in the library's lower level gallery. The library is located at 127 James St., Geneva. 

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Flag Day event to benefit Batavia's fireworks show

Batavia will observe Flag Day with a special celebration from 4 to 7 p.m. June 14 at the Peg Bond Center on the Batavia Riverwalk in downtown Batavia. The event will include an ice cream social, entertainment and the Batavia Community Band. Admission is free, but donations will be collected to support the annual Independence Day fireworks display. The event is presented by the Batavia Fireworks Committee and the Batavia Access Committee.

Kaneland Foundation sets annual Knight Run
The Kaneland Foundation will host its annual 5K Knight Run at 8 p.m. June 19 at Kaneland High School, 47W326 Keslinger Road, Maple Park. The event also will include a quarter-mile run for children and a one-mile fun run and walk. The children’s run will start at 7 p.m., and fun run will start at 7:30 p.m. The fee is $25 for the 5K, $10 for the fun run and $5 for the children’s run. For more information, call 630-365-8295.


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Batavia Farmers' Market opens for season June 6

The Batavia Farmers’ Market opens for the season June 6 on north River Street in downtown Batavia. The market will be open 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays through Oct. 17. The June edition of the Kane County Farm Bureau’s Kane Farmer publication includes a listing of farmer’s markets in the area.

More from the Farm Bureau
Be sure to visit the Farm Bureau’s updated Bounty of Kane website for information about 38 local farms that sell direct to consumers. The website is part of the bureau’s popular Discover the Bounty of Kane program. 
 
Trolley museum plans ‘Rails to Victory’
The Fox River Trolley Museum will host its “Rails to Victory” World War II reenactment program May 30 and May 31 at the museum, 365 S. LaFox St., South Elgin. The program will include battle reenactments, trolley rides into occupied France and a baseball game featuring the Rockford Peaches. Trolley excursions will begin at 10:30 a.m. May 30. For more information, call 847-697-4676.
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K. Hollis Jewelers marks 10th anniversary

Karen and Rob Hollis and the staff at K. Hollis Jewelers in Batavia will celebrate the store’s 10 anniversary from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 11. The store is located at 147 S. Randall Road, Batavia, near the Jewel store. The event will include hourly raffles, refreshments and a few special surprises. Lori and I plan to attend. Join us as we celebrate Karen and Rob’s success.  For more information, call the store at 630-879-8003.

Dinner to benefit Loyalty Day Parade
The Batavia VFW Ladies Auxiliary will host a spaghetti dinner from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, April 11 at VFW Post 1197, 645 S. River St., Batavia. Proceeds from the event will benefit Batavia’s Loyalty Day Parade on May 3. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door. The event will include music, a 50/50 drawing and raffles. Each dinner ticket includes one ticket for a raffle drawing for a laptop computer. For more information or to purchase advance, tickets call 630-879-9630.

Kane County Flea Market opens April 11-12
The Kane County Flea Market will be open noon to 5 p.m. April 11 and 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 12 at the Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road in St. Charles. The market offers a variety of merchandise, including antiques, furniture and crafts. Admission $5 for adults. Children ages 12 and younger are admitted free. Parking is free.

Kiwanis to host spaghetti dinner
The Batavia Kiwanis Club will host an all-you-can-eat spaghetti dinner from 4:30 to 7 p.m. April 16 at Riverview Banquets, 1117 N. Washington Ave., Batavia. For details, including ticket information, click here.

Friday flashback features Dave Edmunds
My Friday flashback for April 10 is “Slipping Away”, Dave Edmunds' 1983 hit about a fading romance. The song was Edmunds’ second Top 40 hit and was written and produced by Jeff Lynne of Electric Light Orchestra. Edmunds was a favorite of mine during his days with Rockpile and during his solo years. Enjoy.

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Cougars ticket sales, the Albright Theatre and more

Single-game tickets for the Kane County Cougars' 2015 season go on sale Feb. 21. The Cougars will host their home opener April 9.

Albright Theatre’s ‘Mousetrap’ continues
The Albright Theatre Company will continue its production of Agatha Christie’s “The Mousetrap” with weekend shows Feb. 20 to Feb. 28. The play involves a murder and a group of strangers stranded in a London snowstorm. Michael Yoder and Mitch Jacobs direct the show. The cast includes Richard Holloman, Katy Steel, Chris Contreras and Bobby Dunn Jr. The show is presented at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and at 2 p.m Sunday. The Albright Theatre is located inside the Batavia Government Center, 100 N. Island Ave., Batavia. For more information or to buy tickets, call 630-406-8838.


Kane County Flea Market to open 2015 season
The Kane County Flea Market will be open  noon to 5 p.m. Feb. 28 and 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 1 at the Kane County Fairgrounds, located near Randall Road and Route 64 in St. Charles. The fair features antiques, collectibles and a wide variety of other merchandise. Admission is $5 for adults. Children ages 12 and younger are admitted free.

Cougars share theme night dates
The Kane County Cougars’ theme night schedule for the 2015 season includes two Star Wars nights, a Military Appreciation Night, two Bark in the Park nights and a two-day celebration marking the Halfway to Halloween. The theme nights offer fun and activities for all ages. All event take place at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark in Geneva. The team will announce additional theme nights in the coming weeks.

Boomers hot for area ranch-style homes
Baby boomers are on the move in Chicago’s suburbs, downsizing from two-story colonials and buying one-floor, single-family units, according to an article by Jean Murphy in the Daily Herald’s Feb. 14 edition. Ranch-style home built in the 1950s and 1960s are in high demand with baby boomers and empty-nesters between the ages of 45 and 64, according to the report. The baby boomers are seeking the convenience of a one-floor structure and the privacy of a single-family home. While the baby boomers seemed focused on existing housing stock, the good news is they typically conduct large-scale renovation of the homes they purchase, seeking open kitchens, larger master bedrooms and family rooms. Many also add exercise areas or hobby spaces, according to the article.



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State partners with group for butterfly habitat effort

The Illinois Tollway Authority and the Natural Resources Defense Council recently partnered to create a habitat for monarch butterflies along 286 miles of the state’s roads, according to a recent report from the Associated Press. The effort includes plans to plant milkweed along roads. Monarchs lay their eggs on milkweed, the source of food for the caterpillars that subsequently develop into the monarch butterflies, which is the state insect of Illinois. Experts say the monarch population is declining, primarily due to habitat destruction, according to the AP report. I hope the effort produces the desired results. The monarch butterfly is a pretty thing to watch fly on a summer day.

Military History Fest continues in St. Charles
The annual Military History Festival continues Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 at the Pheasant Run Mega Center, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles. The festival includes displays of military vehicles, heavy weapons, encampments and reenactors. The event also includes live music and children’s activities. Admission is $20 for adults. Children ages 12 and younger admitted free. For more information, call 630-336-2614.

Cougars plan job fair
The Kane County Cougars will host a job fair for seasonal employees from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 7 at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark in Geneva. The Cougars are looking to fill full and part-time seasonal positions, including concession stand staff, picnic servers, cooks and bartenders. Applications are available here and at the Cougars’ administrative offices at the ballpark. For more information, call 630-232-8811.
 
Batavia Brotherhood Banquet set for Feb. 16
The 46th annual Batavia Brotherhood Banquet is set for 6:30 p.m. Feb. 19 at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 2300 W. Main St., Batavia. The event will feature guest speaker Al Ritter, president of the Ritter Consulting Group. I enjoy attending the banquet. The featured presentations are always engaging, and the evening offers an opportunity for Christian fellowship.

Here's something I learned this week
Kelsey Wolf of nearby Winfield, IL is a member of the Baylor University’s Equestrian team. As of this writing, the team is 3-0 in conference competition and 8-0 overall. I always find it interesting to see where life takes people. I came across the roster for the Baylor team while working on an unrelated project and was surprised to see the name of a Winfield resident on a list that consisted mostly of students from Texas and California. You never what you might find once start looking around.



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