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.


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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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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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Peaceful Parlour owner has sense for marketing

    Shari Ralish, owner of Peaceful Parlour in Geneva, talks tea with a guest at the Geneva Public Library.                                                                                              Kevin Botterman photo

     Shari Ralish is a retailer with a keen sense for community-oriented marketing.
     Ralish owns Peaceful Parlour, 212 S. Third St. in downtown Geneva, an “eco-chic  boutique” she opened five years ago, during the early days of the Great Recession.
     Ralish partnered with the Geneva Public Library to provide tea service during a Civil War history presentation Nov. 8 at the library.
     During a program intermission, Ralish poured a variety of teas for audience members, explained characteristics of each offering and managed to share information about her business.
     “It’s a nice opportunity to meet people and tell them about my business,” Ralish said during a lull in the tea service.
     The tea proved popular with the audience. Several guests returned to the service table for refills or to sample another tea. Most asked questions about the teas and inquired about the business hours at Ralish’s shop.
     “It’s all very informal, and everyone seems comfortable asking questions,” Ralish said. “They learn about my products, and find a one or two they really enjoy.”
     Ralish said it is important for business owners to identify ways to build relationships with new customers while reinforcing existing ties, particularly during a weak economy.
     During the summer months, Ralish offers a series of musical programs on the grounds outside her shop and frequently hosts special events inside the store.
     The Civil War program was Ralish's second opportunity to share tea and product information at the library. She presented a program last January devoted to tea.
     “Attendance exceeded our expectations. We shared a lot of information and started some good relationships. It was wonderful” Ralish said.
     Kimberly Gotches, a public relations and outreach coordinator at the library, said Ralish’s program last January was so popular it serves as a model for the type of programming the library seeks to present in partnership with local businesses.
     The library encourages local businesses to submit program proposals, said Gotches. A popular program can offer benefits for everyone involved, she said.
     To learn more about Peaceful Parlour, call Ralish at 630-232-6300. For more information about the library's outreach efforts, call 630-232-0780.



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Program to feature Kane County history

 Historical society to present The History of Medicine in Kane County
The Aurora Historical Society will host the History of Medicine in Kane County, featuring Dr. Wayne Polek of the Kane County Medical Society. Polek will discuss developments in medicine since the Civil War. The program will be presented at 2 p.m. Nov. 2 at the Pierce Art and History Center, 20 E. Downer Place, Aurora. Admission is $5. For more information, call 630-906-0650.

Albright to stage 'The Memory of Water'
The Albright Theatre Company in Batavia will present “The Memory of Water” starting Nov. 1 and continuing on select dates through Nov. 15. The production is directed by Veronica Krystal and features Antonia Arellano, Shelly Rolf, Cara Schuster, Michelle Bennett, Michael Yoder and Richard Holloman. The Albright Theater is located at 100 Island Ave. in downtown Batavia. For more information, call 630-406-8838.

Library to host Civil War presentation 
The Geneva Public Library, 127 James St., Geneva, will a host a presentation Nov. 8 about the role Illinois soldiers played in the battles of Fort Henry and Fort Donelson during the Civil War. Local historian Bill Lax will deliver the presentation at noon. Lax is a member of the Northern Illinois Civil War Round Table. The program will include music of the Civil War, and Shari Ralish, owner of Peaceful Parlour in Geneva, will serve tea. Admission is free, but registration is encouraged. For more information, call the library at 630-232-0780. 

Some of the football games we’ll be following this weekend: 
Nov. 1
Illinois State at Northern Iowa
Northwestern at Iowa
Maryland at Penn State
Indiana at Michigan
Oregon at Stanford

Nov. 2
Denver at New England
Arizona at Dallas

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Cougars to host a visit with Santa

The Kane County Cougars will host a visit with Santa from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 14 at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark in Geneva. Attendees will have an opportunity to have their picture taken with Santa and Ozzie, the Cougars mascot. The event also will offer a variety of activities for children, including a coloring station, an ornament decorating station and a cookie decorating station. Admission is free, but there is a $5 fee per child for ornament and cookie decorating activities. Attendees are encouraged to bring a gently-used winter coat for donation to the Cougars’ annual winter coat drive. For more information, call 630-232-8811.

Library to welcome Santa

The Geneva Public Library will celebrate the holiday season with music and a visit with Santa during a special event from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13. The event will include crafts, refreshments and performances by Geneva High School’s Jazz Choir and the school's chamber orchestra. Admission is free, but visitors are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item for donation to the St. Peter Food Pantry. The library is located at 127 James St. in downtown Geneva. For more information, call 630-232-0780.

St. Mary’s to host Breakfast with Santa, cookie sale

Our friends at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Maple Park sent word about their annual Breakfast with Santa event from 9 a.m. to noon. Saturday, Dec. 14. The event also will include a holiday cookie sale. The church is located at 123 S. County Line Road in Maple Park. For more information call Anne at 815-827-3302.

A last-minute gift idea

If you’re need of a last-minute Christmas gift for someone on your list, you might consider an Operagram from our friends at Operagram.biz. Opera singer Rose Guccione launched the message-delivery service after friends told her how much the enjoy sing “happy birthday to them. Customers can select the delivery method for their operagram — in person, by telephone or online video. The Chicago Tribune and other media operations have featured Operagram in reports. 

In case you missed these items:

• Residents opposed to a proposed increase in the Batavia School District’s tax levy are expected to crowd a Batavia School Board meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17, according to report by Rick Nagel, editor at Batavia Patch. The proposed 2013 tax levy would be a 13 percent increase over 2012, according to Nagel’s article. Opponents of the proposed increase recently launched lowerthelevy.com, a website with information about the levy. The school district also has information about the proposed increase posted here.

• The Kane County Chronicle’s Mystery Diner recently wrote a very positive review of Altiro Latin Fusion, a tapas-style restaurant in Geneva, and I agree with its hearty endorsement. I was pleased with each item ordered and had difficulty selecting the tastiest item. Altiro Latin Fusion is located at 308 Anderson Blvd, Geneva. For more information, call 630-232-7717. For more good eating, be sure to visit Ari’s Kitchen Company, 362 Randall Road, North Aurora and the Golden Egg Pancake House at 459 S. Randall Road, North Aurora, just north of Ari’s Kitchen Company.

• I’m a fan of Barry Schrader, a columnist for the Daily-Chronicle in DeKalb. Schrader frequently writes about local history and last month offered an interesting column about Annie Glidden and the Glidden House at 217 Annie Glidden Road in DeKalb. I think his report is interesting and just as interesting is a subsequent column Schrader wrote about the Glidden House. Take some time to read both items. I think you'll find them informative and thought provoking.

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Celebrate Halloween with area activities

Aliano’s to host Oktoberfest

Our friends at Aliano’s Ristorante in downtown Batavia will host an Oktoberfest celebration starting at 3 p.m Friday, Oct. 25 and continuing Saturday, Oct. 26. The event will include a pig roast, Italian grilled sausage, brats, pulled pork, hotdogs, a variety of sides and more. The celebration also will include live music. Tickets are $25. Aliano’s is located at 90 N. Island Ave., Batavia. For more information, call 630-406-9400.

Geneva library plans Zombie Party

The Geneva Public Library will host a Zombie Party for students in grades 6 to 12 at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25. The event will include pizza, games and a zombie movie. Registration is required and can be completed here. The library is located at 127 James St. in downtown Geneva. For more information, call 630-232-0780.

Park district sets Howl ‘o Ween Dog Parade

The Geneva Park District will conduct its annual Howl ‘o Ween Dog Parade at 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26 at Peck Farm Parade. Participants are encouraged to dress up their dogs. Lineup will begin at 3:45 p.m. The event is free. The park is located at Kaneville Road and Peck Road. The district is celebrating Halloween Saturday with a variety of activities. For more information, go to www.genevaparks.org.

Batavia celebrates Halloween with BatFest

Batavia’s annual BatFest Halloween celebration will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26 at the Batavia River Walk in downtown Batavia. The free event includes a parade, games, a pumpkin roll, downtown trick-or-treating and other attractions. 

Fox Valley Concert Band to perform Halloween concert

The Kaneland Art Initiative will present a Halloween concert featuring the Fox Valley Concert Band at 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26 at the Kaneland Auditorium at Kaneland High School, 47W326 Keslinger Road, Maple Park. The family-themed event will include a costume contest. For more information, call 630-365-5100. 

Sycamore hosts annual Pumpkin Festival

The 52nd annual Pumpkin Festival continues through Sunday, Oct. 27 at various locations in Sycamore. The event includes a pumpkin display on the lawn of the DeKalb County Courthouse, a parade on Sunday, a craft show, food, entertainment and many other attractions for all ages. This festival is one of my favorites. If you’ve never attended, plan to visit on Sunday, enjoy the parade, and bring an appetite. 

Run, Rock and Roll in Markund 5K

Marklund will host its Run, Rock and Roll 5K (or walk) at 8 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 27 at Marklund’s Geneva campus, 1 S. Wyatt Drive, near the Mill Creek subdivision. Registration and fee information is available online at www.marklund.org. Marklund is nonprofit organization serving individuals with profound disabilities.

Batavia library to present The Haunting

The Batavia Public Library’s Sundays on State program will present The Haunting at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27. Storyteller William Pack will share Halloween frights. Registration is encouraged and be completed online. For more information, call 630-879-1393. The library is located at 10 S. Batavia Ave. in downtown Batavia.

In case you missed these items:

• Owners Vicki and Mike Morkert recently opened Java Plus, a coffee shop, in the Sugar Grove Public Library at 125 S. Municipal Drive. The shop offers coffee, teas, soups and sandwiches. We wish them well on their new venture.

• The Kane County Chronicle’s Kara Silva reported a fine article about the scenic view to be found along the Kane County portion of the Lincoln Highway. Longtime fans of the highway and those not familiar with the roadway will find Silva’s article interesting and informative, I think.

• State Sen. Jim Oberweis, R-Sugar Grove, is collecting signatures to be a candidate for the U.S. Senate in 2014, according to report in the State Journal Register. Oberweis represents the 25th Senate District, which includes parts of Batavia, Geneva and St. Charles.

• Former Yorkville mayor Valerie Burd recently announced her candidacy for state representative in the 50th District. Burd is seeking to replace State Rep. Kay Hatcher, who recently announced she will retire at the end of her current term. Burd, a registered Republican, told the Kane County Chronicle she will run as a Democrat. Four Republicans are seeking the GOP nomination in the March primary election for the 50th District seat.

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NIU's Mikhail Titov is the MAC's Men's Tennis Player of the Week

Mikhail Titov

Submitted photo

• Congratulations to NIU junior Mikhail Titov on being named the Mid-American Conference's Men's Tennis Player of the Week on March 8. Titov, a native of Russia, is 4-3 in singles for the Huskies and 4-6 in doubles play. He recently went 3-1 for NIU. 

• The Messenger Public Library in North Aurora, will offer Beyond the Dots, an art program, on March 12. The program will present the different paths artists pursued between 1890 and 1920 following Impressionism and Pointillism. For more information or to register, call 630-896-0240, ext. 3. The library is located at 113 Oak St.

•The Geneva Public Library will offer Gateway to Gardening, a youth program, at 4 p.m., March 13. The library is located at 127 James St. For more information or to register, call the library at 630-232-0780.

• The Town and Country Public Library in Elburn will host quilting lessons from 9:30 a.m. to noon, March 17, National Quilting Day. The library is located at 320 E. South St. For more information or to register, call 630-365-2244.

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