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. 




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

Geneva High School to stage 'The Princess Bride'

Geneva High School will present “The Princess Bride" beginning Thursday, Nov. 7 and continuing through Sunday, Nov. 10. The show will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and at 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for students and can be purchased at the door. The high school is located at 416 McKinley Ave., Geneva.

Library to host Doctor Who Day

Elburn’s Town and Country Public Library will celebrate Doctor Who Day with a special program from 1 to 3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 8. The event will celebrate the 50th anniversary of “Doctor Who". The event will include a themed project and a screening of an episode from the “Doctor Who” TV show. Participants are encouraged to dress in costume. Admission to the event is free. The library is located at 320 E. North St., Elburn. For more information about the event, go to www.elburn.lib.il.us.

Mothers club to conduct annual crafts show

The Mothers Club of Geneva will conduct its annual arts and crafts show from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9 at Geneva High School, 416 McKinley Ave. The show will feature more than 100 crafters. The show will include a bake sale and other attractions. Admission to the show is $4. 

Church to offer Quilts and Casseroles

Our friends at Faith Baptist Church in Geneva tell us they will host Quilts and Casseroles featuring handcrafted quilts and presentations by local quilters. The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9 at the church, 1S455 S. Mill Creek Drive, Geneva. Admission is free. The event also will include a luncheon of casseroles and a dessert table. For more information, call 630-879-5370.

Fishing team plans annual benefit dinner

The Marmion Academy fishing team will conduct its annual fish fry benefit from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 8. Meal tickets are $10 and include two pieces of fish, hush puppies and French fries. A carry-out service will be available. The academy is located at 1000 Butterfield Road, Aurora.

Chamber seeks nominations for Batavia Citizen of the Year

The Batavia Chamber of Commerce is seeking nomination’s for its annual Batavia Citizen of the Year Award. The award honors significant contributions to the community during the the recipient’s lifetime. The recipient will be the guest of honor at the chamber’s annual recognition dinner in January. For more information, call the chamber at 630-879-7134.

In case you missed these items:

• Spring Bluff Nursery in Sugar Grove donated a new tree for the village’s Holiday in the Grove festivities, which begin with a tree lighting ceremony at 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 9 at the Sugar Grove Community House, 141 Main St., Sugar Grove. The ceremony will include refreshments and a craft project for children. Holiday in the Grove will feature a visit from Santa on Saturday, Dec. 7. The day will offer attractions at locations in Sugar Grove, including a cake walk, a craft show, and a variety of activities for children.

• Willie M. Mayes, a sergeant in the Kane County Sheriff’s Office, recently announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for Kane County Sheriff in 2014. Mayes has served in law enforcement for 27 years. He has worked with the Kane County Sheriff’s Office for 21 years as a correctional officer and a sheriff’s deputy. Republicans Donald Kramer and Kevin Williams also are seeking to replace Kane County Sheriff Pat Perez, who is not seeking reelection. 

—Share news about your business or organization here. Email information and photos to kbotterman@gmail.com. Please include caption information for each submitted photo. Fox Valley Notes is available at Facebook and Twitter.

Batavia businesses support city's fireworks show

Batavia's annual fireworks show is set for July 4th.

Several Batavia businesses are offering consumers a way to satisfy an appetite and help the community celebrate Independence Day. The businesses are partnering with the Batavia 4th of July Fireworks Fund to help raise money for the city’s annual 4th of July Sky Concert on Independence Day. The participating businesses will make donations to the fireworks fund for every purchase made on specific dates through the end of June. Participating businesses include Aliano’s Ristorante, Bulldogs Red Hots, Chick-Fil-A,  East China Inn, Gibby’s Wine Den, Limestone Coffee and Tea and the Open Range American Grill. A promotional certificate must be presented at time of purchase and other restrictions apply.

Lending a helping hand

Our friends at Engineering Enterprises, Inc., 52 Wheeler Road in Sugar Grove, started the Memorial Day with a clean-up along Bliss Road. The “work crew” filled several large bags with trash collected from along the road. 

Retail expert offers loss prevention tips 

Nicole Reyhle at Retail Minded recently published loss prevention tips for independent retailers. Retail Minded offers news, eduction and support for boutique businesses. 

Hampshire Chamber set to Cruise into Summer

The Hampshire Area Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Cruising into Summer Fun Fair and Car Show from 4 to 8 p.m. June 1 in downtown Hampshire. The event will include entertainment, food and a variety of activities for children.

Garden center plans workshop 

Wasco Nursery & Garden Center’s Lunch and Learn series will feature drought tolerant perennials June 4. The session will meet from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Marlene Frisbee of Hoffie Perennial Nursery will be the guest speaker. The garden center is located at 41W781Route 64, St. Charles. For more information, call 630-584-4424.

Batavia Chamber to host golf outing

The Batavia Chamber of Commerce will host its annual golf outing from 1 to 8 p.m. June 3 at the Eagle Brook Golf Club 2280 Fargo Blvd., Geneva. For more information about the event, call the Chamber at 630-879-7134.

Kudos for STC business report

Kudos to St. Charles Patch Editor Ted Schnell for his report about changes to the retail landscape in downtown St. Charles and what might be an emerging trend there.

Schnell’s report stated the downtown district recently saw a new sports store open for business, but it noted that three other downtown shops either have closed or will cease operations by the end of May.

Schnell’s article reported that Sportivia opened at 113 E. Main St., St. Charles and plans to offer apparel, equipment and shoes for sports and soccer. That’s good news.

Schnell also reported that The Vertical Drop Ski & Patio Shop, 116 W. Main St., has closed and that Donna’s Jewelry Box, 111 E. Main St. and The $assy Fox, 323 Walnut St. expect to close May 31.

The owners of Donna’s Jewelry Box and The $assy Fox both cited the challenges of conducting business in a weak economy as a key factor in their decisions to close. However they also told Schnell that foot traffic through the downtown district dropped off in recent years as St. Charles saw an increase in the number of bars and restaurants as other businesses left the city.

Marge DeLand, who operates The $assy Fox with Pat Bailey, told Schnell downtown St. Charles has so many bars and restaurants it now is a destination point for drinkers and diners.

Schnell’s report indicates how diversity and balance contribute to the success of a vibrant downtown business district. The right balance is difficult to identify and challenging to achieve. However, it is important for local government officials, consumers and leaders in the business community to work together to establish an attractive mix of businesses that will draw a wide variety of consumers to our downtown districts. 

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

Sugar Grove Park District to host bird watching class

The Sugar Grove Park District will offer a beginning bird watching class from 7 to 9 a.m. May 4 at Bliss Woods Forest Preserve, 5S660 Bliss Road, Sugar Grove. Participants will learn how to identify birds by sound and other clues. Participants are urged to bring binoculars. The fee for the class is $5. for more information, call the park district at 630-466-7436.

Cantigny Park to host open house

Cantigny Park will host an open house featuring its horticulture department from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 5 at the park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. Visitors will have an opportunity to tour the park’s greenhouse, where more than 1,000 varieties of flowers are nurtured annually. Visitors should enter through the main gate on Winfield Road. Trams will be available to take visitors from the main parking lot to the greenhouse.

O' Sole Mio Gelato sets grand opening

The Batavia Chamber of Commerce will conduct a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. May 4 at O’ Sole Mio Gelato, 27 N. River St., Batavia. The ceremony is part of O’ Sole Mio’s grand opening celebration. The business offers authentic Italian gelato and coffee, sandwiches and more. The event is open to the public. To learn more about the event, call O’ Sole Mio at 630-454-4536.

Golf outing to benefit Riverwoods campus

Fox Valley Christian Action will host its annual golf challenge to benefit Riverwoods on May 20 at the Royal Fox Country Club in St. Charles. Check-in will begin at 10:30 a.m. Golf will begin with a shotgun start. The event will include a banquet and awards. Registration is available online at www.fvchristianaction.org. The Riverwoods campus is located at 35W624 Riverwoods Lane, St. Charles. 

Batavia Chamber plans golf outing

The Batavia Chamber of Commerce will host its annual golf outing from 1 to 8 p.m. June 3 at the Eagle Brook Country Club, 2288 Fargo Blvd., Geneva. The registration fee is $145. For more information, call the Chamber at 630-879-7134.

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

Batavia celebrates Restaurant Madness

The Batavia Chamber of Commerce is hosting Restaurant Madness through Saturday,  March 9.  More than 20 restaurants are participating in the special event. Diners can enjoy good food and save money all week long.

Dick Tracy cartoonist to visit Geneva
Dick Locher, a Dick Tracy cartoonist and a Pulitzer Prize winner, will speak at the Geneva History Center at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 9. Locher will discuss his experience as an artist and his work as a syndicated editorial cartoonist. The center is located at 113 S. Third St., Geneva. Admission to the program is $10 for adults and $5 for students and members of the Geneva History Center. For more information about the event, call 630-232-4951. 

Books vs Badges benefit game
The fourth annual Books vs Badges Benefit Basketball Game will be played Sunday, March  10 at Batavia High School. The event features teachers from Batavia schools playing against members of the Batavia Police Department and the Batavia Fire Department. The doors will open at 4 p.m.  Tickets are $5 for adults, $2 for seniors, students and children. Proceeds from the game will benefit the Batavia 4^th of July Fireworks Fund.

Fox Valley Orchestra plans concert
The Fox Valley Orchestra will present “All Things English,” a concert featuring classical favorites by English composer Edward Elgar, at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 9 at the Norris Cultural Arts Center, 1040 Dunham Road, St. Charles. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. For tickets, call 630-584-7200 or go to www.norrisculturalarts.com.

Chamber sets candidates forum

The Batavia Chamber of Commerce will host a forum featuring the candidates for Batavia’s City Council at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 13 at the Batavia Government Center, 100 N. Island Ave. The event is open to the public. Candidates for alderman will have the opportunity to comment on five questions. For more information about the event, click here. 

Geneva Underground Playhouse closes
I was disappointed to learn that the operators of the Geneva Underground Playhouse in downtown Geneva recently closed its doors and ceased operations. The playhouse was located in the basement of the Urban Grille restaurant, 524 W. State St. A spokeswoman for the playhouse said supporters could not raise the funds to maintain operations. The Tri-Cities is home to an active arts community, but the GUP will be missed.

—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.

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.

NIU names Scholar-Athletes of the Week

NIU's Troy White

Submitted photo

• Northern Illinois University named Troy White of Chicago and Haley Dekkinga of Allegan, Mich., as the school's Scholar-Athletes of the Week for March 26-April 1. White, a senior, is an infielder for the Huskies' baseball team. In 2011, White started in 57 games, recorded 12 stolen bases, posted 45 RBIs and batted .304. Dekkinga, a sophomore, plays tennis for NIU and finished with the most wins for the team as a freshman. She was one of two Huskies to win back-to-back matches on the season.

• The Batavia Chamber of Commerce will host a Meet and Greet event from 5 to 7 p.m., April 10 at the Gammon Coach House, 3 S. Batavia Ave., Batavia. The event is open to the public, but registration is encouraged. For more information, call the chamber at 630-879-7134.

• Chicago artists Wilco and Andrew Bird will perform July 8 at Fifth Third Bank Park in Geneva. The event also will include a performance by the Congregation. Tickets will go on sale April 7, according to information posted at Wilco's website.

• The Geneva Chamber of Commerce will host its city-wide garage sale April 27 and April 28. The event will be conducted from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. Maps of registered sales will be available at the chamber's office, 8 S. Third St., prior to the sale. 

—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.