'Hunting Che' a prize for history fans

History fans will enjoy “Hunting Che: How A U.S. Special Forces Team Helped Capture the World’s Most Famous Revolutionary,” a fast-paced read by Mitch Weiss and Kevin Maurer. The book describes the Green Berets’ efforts to train Bolivian soldiers to track down Che Guevara and stop his attempt to ignite a Cuban-style revolution in the mid-1960s in Bolivia. 

The authors do a fine job presenting the backstory leading up to Guevara’s unsuccessful campaign in Bolivia. However, the focus is on the Bolivian soldiers involved in the hunt and the Green Berets who trained them to be rangers, an elite combat team. 

The book details the search for Guevara, his capture, and his subsequent execution by Bolivian rangers. The book is noteworthy for its direct depiction of Guevara as a failed revolutionary. Many on the political left in the U.S. continue to celebrate Guevara’s reputation. Perhaps “Hunting Che” will lead them to finally reevaluate their high regard for Guevara.

Weekend offers variety of holiday activities

Those seeking Christmas-related activities have plenty of options this weekend. Below is a sampling of some of the events scheduled for Dec. 7 and 8 in the Fox Valley.

Annual Snowflake Shuffle set for Dec. 7

TriCity Family Services will conduct the fifth annual Snowflake Shuffle 5K Run Saturday, Dec. 7 in Geneva’s Mill Creek Subdivision. Registration and check-in will begin at 7 a.m. at the Mill Creek Clubhouse, 39W525 Herrington Drive, Geneva. A youth mile will begin at 8:30 a.m. The 5K will start at 9 a.m. The registration fee is $30 for adults. For more information, call TriCity Family Services at 630-232-1070. 

Breakfast with Santa

The Geneva Lions Club will host its annual Pancake Breakfast with Santa from 7 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 at Geneva High School, 416 McKinley Ave., Geneva. Tickets are $5 in advance and $6 at the door. Children ages 5 and younger are admitted free. The menu will include pancakes, sausage, juice, coffee and milk.

Christmas in Kaneville

Our friends at the Kaneville Township Historical Society will host Christmas in Kaneville from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7. The celebration will include activities at Hill’s Country Store, 2S133 Harter Road, and the Kaneville Community Center, 2S101 Harter Road. The Farley House, dating to the 1840s, will be open for viewing. The celebration will include a bake sale and children’s crafts. For more information, call 630-557-2854.

Durant House to offer Candlelight Celebration

The Preservation Partners of the Fox Valley will offer a Candlelight Celebration at the Durant House Museum from 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 and Sunday, Dec. 8. The event offers a glimpse of how Christmas was celebrated in the 19th century. Admission is $3 for adults and $1 Children. The museum is located in the Leroy Oakes Forest Preserve. 37W700 Dean St., St. Charles. For more information, call 630-377-6424. 

Albright Theatre to stage holiday show

The Albright Theatre Company in Batavia will present “Just in the Nick of Time” starting Dec. 6 and continuing through Dec. 15. The play follows Detective Red Mistletoe and the citizens of the North Pole as they search for the missing Santa Claus. Tickets are $12 for adults and $9 for students and seniors. For more information, visit www.albrighttheatre.com.

Santa to visit county animal shelter

The Kane County Animal Control shelter will host a visit with Santa from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 7. Visitors are invited to bring their pets for photos with Santa. The event is free, but visitors are encouraged to donate pet food, toys and blankets to the shelter for the shelter’s animals. For more information about the event, call 630-232-3555.

St. Charles Singers plan Candlelight Carols

The St. Charles Singers will present Candlelight Carols at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8 at Baker Memorial United Methodist Church, 307 Cedar Ave., St. Charles. The program will feature traditional carols and anthems. Tickets can be purchased online at www.stcharlessingers.com.

Just one more thing

The Batavia Public Library will host a book sale from 9:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7. The library is located at 10 S. Batavia Ave. in downtown Batavia. For more information, all 630-879-1393.

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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.

Mothers Club to host 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 $4.00. Proceeds from the event benefit local charities. 

Some observations before Saturday's college games

Here are a few observations from my ruminations before the start of Saturday's college football games:

• Eastern Illinois University football is 6-1(3-0). The Panthers are ranked No. 2 in the national FCS Coaches Poll, behind North Dakota State, 7-0.  The Panthers are coached by Dino Babers and play in the Ohio Valley Conference. Eastern Illinois has posted 617 total points this season. Forty players on the Panthers' 85-man football roster are Illinois residents, and I think that reflects on the school.  Several members of the football team are from communities in the Fox River Valley area, including  Jon Voytilla, DL, (St. Charles), Jimmy Garorppolo, QB, (Arlington Heights), Ben Krol, QB, (Woodstock), Shepard Little, RB, (Schaumburg), Alex Helms, LB, (Naperville), Seth McDonald, LB, (Sandwich), Collin Siebert, OL, (Oswego), Curtis Brummerstedt, OL, (Yorkville), Dan Chism, DL, (Warrenville) and Anthony Taylor, WR, Elven Walker, DB, Joe Hall, C, (all of Wheaton). The Panthers will travel to Nashville Oct. 26 to play Tennessee State, 7-1, (4-0).

• Harvard University's football team is, 5-0, (2-0) Ivy Conference and its roster includes several players from Illinois, including two from Glen Ellyn (Nick Burrello, WR, and Connor Loftus, DB, both of Glenbard West), and Naperville (Cameron Brate, WR, of Naperville Central). The Harvard Crimson are coached by Tim Murphy. Harvard will host Princeton Oct. 26.

I hope you will enjoy the games as much as I will. Go NIU!

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.

—Share news of 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.

Ghoulish tours, busy political candidates and more

Park district to host ‘Ghoulish Homes Tour’

The St. Charles Park District will host its Gallery of Ghoulish Homes Tour nightly from Oct. 18 through Oct. 31. The tour includes homes at various locations in St. Charles. The yard displays are best viewed from dusk to 10 p.m. The tour is free and is one of several activities the park district is offering to celebrate Halloween. For more information about the tour and other events, visit www.stcparks.org.

Bull & Bear prepares for 18th birthday celebration

Our friends a the Bull & Bear Tobacco Shop, 1 W. Illinois St., St. Charles, will celebrate the store’s 18th birthday Friday, Oct. 18 and Saturday, Oct. 19. The store will offer sales prices on all cigars, pipes, tobaccos and smoking accessories during the celebration. The shop will be open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more information, call 630-513-9345.

Foreclosures jump in the Tri-Cities region

Foreclosure activity in the Tri-Cities area increased 124 percent in September from August, according to a report published Oct. 12 in the Kane County Chronicle. The report stated RealtyTrac, a home foreclosure tracking company, released data indicating the sharp increase in foreclosure activity followed eight consecutive months of decline. The Chronicle’s report stated year-to-year data indicated local foreclosure activity was unchanged. 

STC library to conduct book sale

The Friends of the St. Charles Public Library will host a book sale from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19 and Sunday, Oct. 20 at the library. The library is located at 1 S. Sixth Ave., St. Charles. For more information, call 630-584-0076, ext. 231.

Candidates gearing up for 2014 primary elections

Candidates in the March primary elections are stepping up their campaign activities. Here’s a bit of what we’ve seen in recent days:

• Geneva resident Steve Andersson announced his Republican candidacy for state representative in the 65th District. Andersson, board treasurer for the Geneva Public Library, hopes to replace State Rep. Tim Schmitz, R-Batavia, who recently announced he will not seek re-election in 2014. Andersson is a partner in an Aurora law firm.
• Bill Keck, retired Kane County auditor, announced his candidacy for state representative in the 50th District, hoping to replace State Rep. Kay Hatcher, R-Yorkville, who is not seeking re-election in 2014. Keck, a Republican, served 20 years as county auditor and retired in 2012. Others seeking the GOP nomination are Keith Wheeler and Julie Cosimo, both of Oswego, and Beth Goncher of Aurora.
• Evelyn Sanguinetti, a Wheaton City Council member who is a Republican candidate for lieutenant governor, greeted visitors to Scarecrow Fest in St. Charles Oct. 12. Sanguinetti is the running mate of governor candidate Bruce Rauner. Sanguinetti is an attorney and an adjunct professor at John Marshall Law School.
• Marmarie Kostelny, an associate judge in Kane County, announced her candidacy for Kane County Court Circuit judge, seeking to replace Judge Karen Simpson, who recently announced her retirement. Kostenly will be candidate in the Republican primary. She was appointed an associate judge in 2006.

Three home games remain in NIU football schedule

Lori and I enjoyed a visit to NIU for the school’s homecoming football game Oct. 12. We visited with fellow alumni and watched the Huskies top the Akron, 21-20. The NIU Huskies are ranked No. 23 in the country and have three home games remaining on their 2013 schedule. The Huskies are riding a 23-game home winning streak at Huskie Stadium. NIU travels to Central Michigan University Oct. 19, but will return to Huskie Stadium Oct. 26 to play Easter Michigan. NIU is on track to win its third consecutive Mid-American Conference title. Game tickets are available at affordable prices, and DeKalb is a short drive from the Fox Valley. Treat yourself to some live college football and take in one of NIU’s home games.

—Share news and photos of your local 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.