Neighbors of Batavia Magazine, May 2019 Celebrating 60 Years of Funway

Neighbors of â„¢

Magazine

May/June 2019

The only community magazine for all of Batavia

Bat Qu avi alit a W ins y Re ater ide por t

Funway celebrates 60 years of love, laughs and treasured memories POSTAL CUSTOMER City of Batavia 100 North Island Ave. Batavia, Illinois 60510

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Neighbors of Batavia Magazine

Inside Information

Neighbors Publications 630-995-3482 KaneNeighbors.com Neighbors Staff and Contributors

60 years of Fun!

story begins on page

Tim Sullivan & Kate Sullivan, Publishers Hannah Ott, Community Editor Linnea Carlson, Creative Director Roger Breisch, Columnist

Community Liaisons

8

Beginnings—A moment of grace....................................................................................8 City of Batavia 2018 Water Quality Report........................................................... 16 City of Batavia Currents—The Sky Concert needs your support.................... 22 MainStreet—Farmers’ market returns........................................................................ 27 Library—It’s showtime at your library......................................................................... 28 Schools—Students and staff become Equity Stewards........................................ 36 Park District—Touch a truck........................................................................................... 40 BATV—What to watch in 2019........................................................................................ 44 Chamber news—Sign up for the Chamber Golf Classic....................................... 45

Departments

Holly Deitchman, Batavia Chamber of Commerce 630-879-7134 Patricia Leonard, Batavia Public Library 630-879-1393 Sue Gillerlain, Batavia Public Schools 630-937-8824 Allison Niemela, Batavia Park District 630-879-5235 Christopher Faber, Batavia MainStreet, 630-761-3528 Laura Newman, City of Batavia 630-454-2000 Stephan Perrault, BATV 630-879-9300

For advertising opportunities: Anita Malik, Account Executive 630-995-3482 info@neighborsmagazines.com

Mayor’s Letter............................................................................................................................4

See the online edition at KaneNeighbors.com.

Business Nuggets.................................................................................................................... 46

For calendar listings:

Around the Block.................................................................................................................... 47 Spotlight on the Arts............................................................................................................... 50 May Calendar......................................................................................................................... 53

Please submit your activity dates to newsroom@neighborsmagazines.com or add them to the Calendar at KaneNeighbors.com

June Calendar.......................................................................................................................... 54 Follow us on Twitter!

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This year marks 60 years of Funway’s journey from a small go kart track to Illinois’s largest family entertainment center. The ride is glittered with stories of first dates, lasting love, endless laughs and special memories…some not fit for print.

Pictured here front of Funway’s new, expanded go kart track is owner Bob Hansen, wife Janet, daughter Jackie and son Dominic. The story of the Funway legacy starts on page 8. Cover photo by Tim Sullivan.

Neighbors is a Service Disabled Veteran owned small business. We are proud to offer special advertising discounts to all Veteran owned businesses.

NEIGHBORS™ is published bimonthly. Editorial contributions are welcome. Send your information to newsroom@ neighborsmagazines.com. Advertising deadline is the 10th of the month preceding publication. ©2018 Neighbors is published by Emerald Marketing, Inc. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher.

Neighbors of Batavia Magazine

A message from our city Greetings, It is my sincere hope that when you receive this issue of Neighbor’s Magazine that the spring weather will have finally settled in on our town. Needless to say, the past winter months have been some of the more challenging weather that Batavia has endured in recent memory. The city’s street treatments and labor related costs came in at $515,341 for weather related work during the 2018–2019 winter season.

This is about $90,000 more than was spent during last year’s winter season which illustrates the serious winter events which we were called out to deal with. We have received a number of nice comments from residents about the job performance of our crews in dealing with what seemed to be the never ending arrival of more ice, snow and cold throughout the time period from November thru March. Thanks to each citizen for your positive suggestions and praise that you showered upon the employees of our public works, police and fire departments for what was commonly referred to as “a job very well done when it came to dealing with the elements delivered by Mother Nature.”

On a very positive note, I can report that I was honored to represent our city at the groundbreaking ceremonies held on March 15 for what is described as the PIP-II Particle Accelerator Project at Fermilab.

Taking part in the ceremonies were the governor of Illinois, both US senators from Illinois and the three congressional representatives that surround our region.

Also participating were the counsel generals of six European and Asian nations who are contributing scientific funding to aid in the new accelerator which is projected to cost out in the billions of dollars. It is reported that actual construction will take five plus years to complete with much of it occurring both above and below ground in close proximity to the Fermilab high rise building. Suggestions are that the actual assembly will involve a large number of temporary construction workers and when finished the PIP-II will employ over 2,000 employees and scientists on a regular basis.

In reaction to the massive construction project which has now commenced on Batavia’s far east side, other new developments appear to be taking shape around town. You may have noticed a lot of construction and site work taking place on the far southeast side of town near the intersection of Wind Energy Pass along the east side of Kirk Rd. This will be a 242 unit complex of upscale townhomes along with an approximate area of 4 kaneneighbors.com

18 acres at the Kirk Wind Energy intersection which will include some new business space to be utilized for both retail and office uses.

Over on the northwest side of town, the city council has approved a new mixed use residential subdivision of 103 single family homes and 88 townhomes north of McKee Street and on what has been farm land west of the Kohl’s, Aldi and Hobby Lobby shopping area stretching north to Mill Street. Along with these two larger developments moving into approved status, the city is working with other builders who are exploring building smaller residential home projects which would appear to add to the city’s housing number about 500+ new units in the next few years. Thus, the city’s planning and building department is moving at a rapid pace these days in reviewing, approving and overseeing actual new constructions throughout town.

Beyond the boom in housing, Batavia is also seeing a lot of new interest in downtown and Randall Rd. retail businesses. At the top of the list of new businesses coming to town, we are working at the moment with three new restaurants who are seeking to open for business in downtown in the new few months. Also on tap, and just approved by the city council, is the sixth Raising Cane chicken finger restaurant to be built in Illinois which will soon be popping up on a small portion of the land which formerly was the home of Avenue Chevrolet Motor Sales at McKee St. and Randall Rd. You should be seeing the actual demolition of the former Avenue building very soon if not already occurring when you receive this edition of Neighbor’s Magazine. Along with the new Raising Cane restaurant there will be several other retail lots shaped out in coming days for other retailers to take up presence along Randall Rd. on the Avenue site. It goes without saying that large projects such as all the excitement created by the new Fermilab Accelerator go a long way towards creating the strong interest in opening new businesses like restaurants in our town.

Finally, a lot of added excitement is coming to downtown near the Peg Bond Center just west of the city municipal building where plans are moving at a rapid pace to build a Flag Day monument to honor the story of great local history that Dr. Bernard J. Cigrand, long time Batavia dentist and resident at 1184 S. Batavia Ave., was one of the true movers and promoters in 1916 to encourage then President Woodrow Wilson

to declare June 14 as national “Flag Day,” The design of the new monument will feature a unique time line experience detailing American history as it relates to our national flag. When hopefully built over the next couple of years with a planned dedication to take place on June 14, 2020, this attraction will no doubt bring countless visitors to our downtown.

Several events in support of the Flag Day monument are planned for the coming summer season and will involve both a June 14 Flag Day celebration at the Peg Bond Center and further festivities at our annual

4th of July Fireworks show on the evening of July 4.

Plan now to bring your family out to enjoy what truly will be some very memorable and historical moments in the history of Batavia this year. Watch for further announcements about these plans in the days ahead.

Look forward to seeing you around town and enjoying all that is happening this year. Have a happy Spring and Summer Season.

Mayor Jeffery D. Schielke

kaneneighbors.com 5

Beginnings A moment of grace

by Roger Breisch

W

hen grace enters my life unexpectedly, the moment often becomes a font of knowledge and wisdom.

Operation Snowball is an organization for high school students who want to live healthy lives by keeping an informed and respectable distance between themselves and drugs, alcohol, and tobacco. Twice each year a three-day retreat is convened for a hundred or more participants. I recently had the privilege of participating in my 26th such weekend.

The keynote speaker Friday afternoon was newly elected Kane County Sheriff Ron Hain. I have heard the Sheriff speak and I am inspired by his leading-edge ideas and philosophies related to law enforcement. On that day, however, I had no expectation of inspiration, just thoughts about teens, drugs and alcohol.

However, Sheriff Hain prefaced his remarks by retelling his journey from a young boy of twelve to Sheriff of Kane County. You see, and he admitted it was the first time he told this story in a very public venue, when he was 12, his father walked out on him and his mother. In that moment, as they cried, he realized the imminent choice that would chart the course of his life.

He could, he told us, be destroyed by the abandonment, or use it as a lever to propel him forward toward a life of meaning. Thankfully for all of us, he chose the latter.

From that moment forward, every significant decision he faced became another chance to prove, to himself and the world, he would use his time on this planet to make a difference.

Sheriff Hain did speak of drugs, alcohol, and law enforcement, and, following his remarks, there were many questions from the teens about a life in criminal justice. But the questions that most caused the sheriff to pause, were those about what it meant for his father to abandon him and his mother.

I have long thought about the pain in our lives and who we might become with or without it. With this unique opportunity right in our midst, I raised my hand and asked, “Sheriff, if you could, would you go back to that moment when you were 12 and re-write history?

Would you write a story in which your father remained in your life?” He paused for a long moment, then he looked at the 100 of us in the room and admitted that that moment made him who he became. He then said, “As strange as it may seem, that event was a gift in my 6 kaneneighbors.com

life, and I would not go back and change it.”

I think many in the room were stunned by that revelation, but I was overcome with joy. Not joy over his father’s departure, but joy for the gift the sheriff had just bestowed. Over the past 13 years in Snowball, I have heard hundreds of stories from teens who live through horrendous pain.

There were many in the room that Friday afternoon who had lived through moments as painful as the sheriff’s; some are living lives even more raw and chaotic. I thanked him for helping us understand that those moments, as horrible and as unfair as they are, can become defining moments in our lives. Those moments can overwhelm us…they can also propel us.

It is a story I have heard thousands of times answering calls on the National Lifeline. Often, after witnessing a human being in inordinate pain, I will ask, “While I would take this suffering away in an instant if I could, I cannot. However, are you learning something about what it means to be human that you can use to help others?” Often, the response is “You have no idea.”

Sheriff Hain, your ideas about law enforcement inspire me, but this past weekend I was moved by your strength and humanity. The gift from your life, became one in ours. I am deeply grateful for you giving us that unexpected moment of grace.

Roger E. Breisch is a resident of Batavia and Speaker Provocateur REBreisch.com

His latest book, Questions That Matter, is available at Amazon.com

60

s r a e y

(and Counting‌)

!

N U F of

8  kaneneighbors.com

by Tim Sullivan

The first go karts came to Batavia in 1959.

60 years later, Funway is still the best place in the Midwest for a first date.

This is the 60th anniversary of Illinois’ largest family entertainment center… but it’s as much about a legacy of first love as it is about family fun.

The new, high performance go karts are in and the track is ready.

P hoto by Tim Sullivan

kaneneighbors.com 9

Neighbors of Batavia

60 years of fun!

60

years later, and Funway is still the best place in the Midwest for a first

date.

This interview with Funway owner Bob Hansen, and his heir apparent adult children, Dominic and Jackie, was intended as a feature story celebrating the 60 year anniversary of Illinois’ largest Family Entertainment Center (FEC)…but it turned out to be as much about a legacy of first love as it is about family fun.

Joan Min met her husband at Funway. “We’d go every Friday and Saturday night, all night skates, and eventually Sunday adult skate. He dressed as Freddy Fox Saturday mornings for the kid skate. Such

10 kaneneighbors.com

fond memories.”

“Prom night the couples we were with all went over to Funway. The guys ditched their tuxedo coats and road the go karts,” recalls Batavia resident Brett Larson. The year…1975. “I can’t remember if Funway was still on the east side of Rt. 25 then.”

“I think Advancing Trios was how a lot of guys and girls met,” Janet Hansen remembers with a laugh.

Advancing Trios was a popular roller rink event where partners would switch around and meet new people. Janet started working at Funway in the late 80’s. Today she is Mrs. Hansen with many years of Funway memories. “After work (11pm) once a week all the

employees would stay and talk for hours. There would be 20 or 30 of us. It was a tight group. A lot of really close friendships were formed then. I still see a lot of that today.”

The Funway memories are countless. When people tell their stories, they always have a smile, and you can‘t help but smile with them. It all started in 1959 when the unknown thrill of karting came to Batavia.

A young Batavia couple Richard (23) and Joy (21) Buri must have sensed that “karting” would become an entertainment craze when they opened their indoor go kart track in 1959, just a few years after the first “go kart” was built in Los Angeles. They definitely knew they

P hoto Courtesy Funway, I nc.

were onto something fun. They probably didn’t know they were on to something big. Over the next 31 years, the Buri’s would expand the fun and deliver indelible memories to families in the TriCities and throughout the Midwest, before turning the wheels to Bob Hansen.

Hansen faithfully continued expanding the fun. Today, celebrating 60 years, Funway is Illinois largest family entertainment center (enjoyillinois.com).

“Funway started as just a go kart track in 1959. The Buri’s moved to this location in 1967,” Hansen explains as he follows the years through the historic black and white photos hung along a Funway corridor.

The 1967 move included a purchase of over five acres of land and the start of what would become Illinois’ largest family entertainment center. In 1971 the Buri’s added bumper cars and a miniature arcade followed up the next year with batting cages. As the word spread so did the business. In 1973, the Buri’s expanded the building to make room for a full-sized pinball arcade.

1977 saw the largest expansion in Funway’s growth to a three level facility complete with roller rink, restaurant and more outdoor attractions, including miniature golf a few years later. In 1981, 22 years after starting, the Buri’s sold the go kart part of the business to Bob Hansen…who opened his track in Oakbrook Terrace.

Kart riding at Funway transitioned to the popular sport of B.M.X. bicycle racing, and what started as a

small venture resulted in one of the largest B.M.X. tracks in the country, culminating as host to a national bike league race and Illinois State championships in the mid 1980’s.

A decreasing interest in bike racing along with a resurgence in go

At left, Funway circa 1960–63. Dick Buri (leaning over the first kart) is getting the kids ready for their ride. Alongside Dick is Steve Burnham (late owner of the Paper Merchant, Geneva). “One of my favorite stories Steve told was when the Beatles came to tour in Chicago. His father got him much coveted tickets,” shares Pat Burnham. “Steve declined to go because he was scheduled to work [at Funway], what most people would have given to see the Fab Four in concert in the early days of their career. Steve had a strong work ethic taught to him in part by his father and Dick Buri.”

kart popularity motivated a return of go karts to Funway. A new track was built. In 1990, after 31 years of Funway fun, the Buri’s sold the operation to the most logical successor, Bob Hansen. And the fun continued.

One of the key strategies to Funway’s success has been innovation…something new was always on the horizon.

“I worked for the Buri’s at Funway for 16 years,” Brian Robinson reminisces. “What I remember most is that it was just a fun place to work. Every two years Dick (Buri)

kaneneighbors.com 11

Neighbors of Batavia

P hoto by Tim Sullivan

60 years of fun! was adding something new. Dick was always worried about the future of Funway. He was stubborn but passionate about his business. I think the way Hansen has carried on is exactly what Dick wanted for his business.”

Innovation was a strategy that Hansen would continue to employ through the years. In addition to extensive redecorating, Hansen added the very popular Kidstowne in 1992. The innovative Outback Park and an outdoor roller hockey rink followed in 1995. The rink was converted to a kiddie park with a go kart track for younger riders and a bumper boat pool (still popular).

1998 was a highlight year for Hansen and his Funway team. “We added the Outback Express Kiddie Train along with a Big Top Fun Tent featuring several coin operated

kiddie rides. The Outback Park had bumper boats, an Outback Raceway go kart track with Mini Indy race karts and the only Nazkart Race Cars for teen age drivers. We had Water Wars, Bankshot Basketball, five pro-style batting cages and Western Trail miniature golf course were also part of the Outback.”

If 1998 was a highlight, 2004 was a “game” changer, literally. About the only thing the Funway center lacked was bowling. Integrating a state of the art bowling center seamlessly into the Funway entertainment center was an improbable task.

It took vision, imagination and determination. When completed in July, 2004, the impressive 20-lane bowling center melded naturally with expansive arcades, roller rink, party rooms, and outdoor fun for the largest family entertainment

The 20 lane bowling center, added in 2004, was a “game changer” for Funway.

The 2019 changes are just as impressive…8,000 sq.ft. building addition, more property, new go kart track, new miniature gold and an arcade that has grown to over 100 games. 60 years old and still growing.

M ap Courtesy Funway, I nc.

12 kaneneighbors.com

center in Illinois.

Rock and Roll Black Light mini golf was added in 2007 and Laser Tag in 2012. Both were the kind of trendy revolving novelties that help keep Funway fresh, and exciting around the core of timeless arcades, skating, bowling, outdoor fun and go karts.

The go kart industry has had its ups and down. In the early years its popularity declined almost as fast as it rose. Over time it has grown into a staple at selected amusement centers that know how to do it right.

Funway is no exception.

To keep the venue exciting and viable, Hansen brought in the faster Eagle Karts in 2015. It would be a sign of things to come. In 2017 Hansen acquired the adjoining property and plans for Funway’s most spectacular change began to

P hoto by Tim Sullivan

The best way to beat the summer heat is a quick turn in the Water Wars booth.

kaneneighbors.com 13

Neighbors of Batavia

take shape.

2019 is here. The expanded Funway Center is ready. An all new state of the art go kart track with hairpin turns and banks; a challenging new 18 hole miniature golf course with nine holes ADA approved. Funway is ready for everyone….young kids, teens, disabled, adults, seniors.

“There are other family entertainment businesses, but we’re unique (in terms of the size, variety and number of entertainment options at one location). We have a huge following with special needs groups. They come here for bowling and the arcades. Now they can play miniature golf.”

Bob Hansen is a soft spoken, modest businessman. When he’s talking about business you might have to ask him to speak up…until he talks about his customers. Then he sits up, his eyes brighten, his calm voice quickens..

“What’s fun to hear is when someone comes in and says ‘I came here as a kid and now I’m bringing my kids here.’ And we’re hearing that from grandparents now…third generation. That’s really cool to hear.”

P hoto by Tim Sullivan

60 years of fun!

The brand new go kart track has hairpin turns and banks. The track (shown here in September of 2018) has been under construction for over two years.

“There’s probably a couple of bowlers in here right now that could tell a few Funway stories,” Hansen talks louder, laughs, and Jackie and Dominic nod…like they aren’t kidding.

“Every day I hear something. A delivery guy will come in and say ‘I haven’t been here in 20 years, I used to come here when I was a kid.’”

Dominic: “We had a couple working here, Nick and Ally who were dating, and Nick’s parents met here.”

Jackie: “I interviewed a girl the other day who told me her first date

was here…she’s 16.”

Bob: “There are countless numbers of first dates here. Michelle and Steve Rausch met here.”

The interview starts to get away from me. Bob, Jackie, Dominic are all talking at the same time throwing name after name of people who met at Funway…laughing then rolling into memories not fit for print…

What’s next? Jackie and Dominic have that quiet way about them, like their father. Behind that modest demeanor you just know they are thinking…the fun has just begun.

entertainment center

is located at 1335 S. River St. (Rt. 25) 630-879-8717 Open 7 days a week

Bowling 9am–11pm Arcade, Laser Tag, Bumper Cars: 11am–11pm Batting Cages 11am–8pm Roller Skating: 12pm–10pm Hours vary with activities and events.

Call or visit funway.com.

P hoto by Tim Sullivan

The all new 18-hole minature golf course, shown here under construction, includes challenging holes and water features. A full nine holes are ADA accessible.

City of Batavia

2018 Water Quality Report Jan. 1, 2018—Dec. 31, 2018

In 2018, your tap water has met all USEPA and state drinking water health standards. Our system vigilantly safeguards its groundwater supply, and we are happy to report that the water department had no violation of a contaminant level or of any other water quality standard in the previous year. This report summarizes the quality of water that we provide, including details about where your water comes from, drinking water facts, contaminants detected in drinking water, and how your tap water compares to standards set by regulatory agencies. The Batavia Water Department is fully committed to providing you with thorough, accurate information because informed customers are our best allies.

If you would like to learn more, please feel welcome to attend any of our city council meetings. The city council meeting schedule can be found on the city’s website: cityofbatavia.net. If you need help understanding this report or have questions, please contact Jeremy Barkei at 630-454-2452 or jbarkei@cityofbatavia.net. This report is updated each year.

Este informe contiene información muy importante sobre el agua que usted bebe. Tradúzcalo ó hable con alguien que lo entienda bien.

Sources of drinking water

The sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and groundwater wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material, and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity.

Batavia’s drinking water is a combination of shallow well water and deep well water. All water is pumped to the city’s water treatment plant where the shallow well water is filtered for the removal of iron, manganese and hydrogen sulfide and is then chlorinated, fluoridated and treated with a corrosion inhibitor before being blended in the ground storage reservoir.

The deep well water is processed at the treatment plant utilizing an HMO adsorption process for the removal of radium. All water customers receive the same blended water supply.

Other facts about drinking water

Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.

In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, EPA prescribes regulations which limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. FDA regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water which must provide the 16 City of Batavia

Contaminants that may be present in source water include: Microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations and wildlife.

Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, which can be naturally occurring or result from urban storm water runoff, industrial, or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming.

Pesticides and herbicides, which may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban storm water runoff, and residential uses.

Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are by-products of industrial processes and petroleum production, and can also come from gas stations, urban storm water runoff, and septic systems.

Radioactive contaminants, which can be naturallyoccurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities.

same protection for public health. Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immuno-compromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons with organ transplants, persons with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. EPA/CDC guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline 800-426-4791.

630-454-2450 phone 630-454-2401 fax cityofbatavia.net

Contact: Jeremy Barkei 630-454-2452 phone jbarkei@cityofbatavia.net

Source Water Assessment Source water protection (SWP) is a proactive approach to protecting our critical sources of public water supply and assuring that the best source of water is being utilized to serve the public. It involves implementation of pollution prevention practices to protect the water quality in a watershed or wellhead protection area serving a public water supply. Along with treatment, it establishes a multi-barrier approach to assuring clean and safe drinking water to the citizens of Illinois. The Illinois EPA has implemented a source water assessment program (SWAP) to assist with wellhead and watershed protection of public drinking water supplies. Batavia’s Source Water Assessment has been completed by the Illinois EPA. A copy is available at the City of Batavia Public Works Building at 200 N. Raddant Rd., Batavia, IL. To view a summary version of the completed Source Water Assessments, including: Importance of Source Water; Susceptibility to Contamination Determination; and documentation/recommendation of Source Water Protection Efforts, you may access the Illinois EPA website at epa.illinois.gov/topics/drinking-water/.

Based on information obtained in a Well Site Survey published in 1990 by the Illinois EPA, sixteen potential sources or possible problem sites were identified within the survey area of Batavia’s wells.

Furthermore, information provided by the Leaking Underground Storage Tank and Remedial Project Management Sections of the Illinois EPA indicated several additional sites with ongoing remediations which may be of concern. The Illinois EPA has

determined that the Batavia Community Water Supply’s source water is not susceptible to contamination. This determination is based on a number of criteria including: monitoring conducted at the wells; monitoring conducted at the entry point to the distribution system; and the available hydrogeologic data on the wells. Furthermore, in anticipation of the U.S. EPA’s proposed Ground Water Rule, the Illinois EPA has determined that the Batavia Community Water Supply is not vulnerable to viral contamination. This determination is based upon the completed evaluation of the following criteria during the Vulnerability Waiver Process: the community’s wells are properly constructed with sound integrity and proper site conditions; a hydrogeologic barrier exists which prevents pathogen movement; all potential routes and sanitary defects have been mitigated such that the source water is adequately protected; monitoring data did not indicate a history of disease outbreak; and the sanitary survey of the water supply did not indicate a viral contamination threat. Because the community’s wells are constructed in a confined aquifer, which should prevent the movement of pathogens into the wells, well hydraulics were not considered to be a significant factor in the susceptibility determination. Hence, well hydraulics were not evaluated for this groundwater supply.

The following tables summarize contaminants detected in your drinking water supply for the year 2018.

2018 Water Quality Report 17

City of Batavia Due to favorable monitoring history, aquifer characteristics, and inventory of potential sources of contamination, our water supply was issued a vulnerability waiver renewal. No monitoring for VOCs and SOCs is required between Jan. 1, 2017 and Dec. 31, 2019.

Regulated Contaminants Disinfectants & Disinfection By-Products Collection Date

Highest Level Detected

Range of Levels Detected

MCLG

MCL

Units

Violation

12/31/2018

0.5

0.4–0.5

MRDLG = 4

MRDL = 4

ppm

No

Water additive used to control microbes

Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)

2018

34

5.27–33.5

N/A

60

ppb

No

By-product of drinking water disinfection

Total Trihalomethanes (TThm)

2018

32

19.02–31.6

N/A

80

ppb

No

By-product of drinking water disinfection

Chlorine

Likely Source of Contamination

Inorganic Contaminants Barium

2017

0.777

0.049– 0.777

2

2

ppm

No

Discharge of drilling wastes; discharge from metal refineries; erosion of natural deposits

Fluoride

2017

1.13

0.67–1.13

4

4.0

ppm

No

Erosion of natural deposits; water additive which promotes strong teeth; discharge from fertilizer and aluminum factories.

Iron

2017

0.449

0–0.449

N/A

1.0

ppm

No

Erosion from naturally occurring deposits.

Nitrate (measured as Nitrogen)

2018

0.182

0.182– 0.182

10

10

ppm

No

Runoff from fertilizer use; leaching from septic tanks, sewage; erosion of natural deposits.

Sodium

2017

35.2

35.1–35.2

NA

NA

ppm

No

Erosion from naturally occurring deposits: used in water softener regeneration.

Radioactive Contaminants Combined Radium 226/228

2018

3

2.7–2.7

0

5

pCi/L

No

Erosion of natural deposits

Gross Alpha excluding Radon and Uranium

2018

5

4.61–4.61

0

15

pCi/L

No

Erosion of natural deposits

Maximum Containment Level Goal

Total Coliform Maximum Containment Level

Highest Number of Positive

Fecal Coliform or E. coli Maximum Containment Level

Total Number of Positive E. coli or Fecal Coliform Samples

Violation

0

0

0

No

Coliform Bacteria

1/1/2018– 12/31/2018

18 City of Batavia

0

One Positive Monthly Sample

Likely Source of Contamination

Naturally present in the environment

2018 Water Quality Report Lead and Copper Lead and Copper

Date Sampled

MCLG

Action Level (AL)

90th Percentile

#Sites Over AL

Units

Violation

Likely Source of Contamination

Copper

2017

1.3

1.3

0.412

0

ppm

No

Corrosion of household plumbing systems; erosion of natural deposits; leaching from wood preservatives;

Lead

2017

0

15

5.42

2

ppb

No

Corrosion of household plumbing systems; erosion of natural deposits.

AL—Action Level: The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements which a water system must follow.

If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. The City of Batavia is responsible for providing high quality drinking water, but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at epa. gov/your-drinking-water

Definitions MCL—Maximum Contaminant Level: The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCL’s are set as close to the Maximum Contaminant Level Goal as feasible using the best available treatment technology.

MCLG—Maximum Contaminant Level Goal: The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLG’s allow for a margin of safety.

MRDL—Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level: The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water.

MRDLG—Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal: The level of a drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLGs allow for a margin of safety. pCi/L—Picocuries per Liter (a measure radioactivity). ppm or mg/L—Parts per Million or Milligrams per Liter (mg/L) —one ounce in 7,350 gallons of water. ppb or μg/L—Parts per Billion or Micrograms per Liter (μg/L) —one ounce in 7,350,000 gallons of water.

N/A—Not Applicable. N/D—Not Detected.

The City of Batavia Water Department is pleased to announce that no monitoring, reporting, treatment techniques, maximum residual disinfectant level, or maximum contaminant level violations were recorded during 2018.

2018 Water Quality Report 19

City of Batavia Batavia wins Best Water in the State of Illinois!

The City of Batavia received top honors at the 2019 Watercon Conference in Springfield this spring. A panel of judges tasted water from municipalities throughout Illinois and scored the water samples on taste, odor and color. Batavia also shared first place with Geneva at the annual Kane County Water Association Water Taste Test held last December.

Most people turn on the tap and take for granted that they will get a glassful of clean, clear, refreshing water.

The next time you are thirsty for a cold glass of water, need to do a load of laundry, or wash your dishes, be thankful for the dedicated employees of the Batavia Water/Sewer Division whose job it is to make sure you have enough safe water to keep you healthy and happy.

Water Conservation Ordinance Know your day and time for watering: Odd number house addresses can water on odd calendar days.

Even number house addresses can water on even calendar days 6am–9am and 6pm–9pm If you have a newly sodded or seeded lawn, you must obtain a watering permit. Permits are available at Batavia City Hall, 100 N. Island Ave. No permits for sod or seed will be issued during the months of July or August.

Batavia’s Cross Connection Control Program What is cross connection?

Plumbing cross connections are defined as actual or potential connections between a potable and nonpotable water supply. This may cause a backflow or back-siphon condition (when the water in your pipes, after the meter, goes backward).

Illinois EPA Regulations and Illinois Plumbing Codes require every water supplier to implement a comprehensive cross connection control program.

The program is designated to safeguard public health.

Batavia sends out bi-annual surveys to our customers and tracks properties that require backflow devices.

We ask for your cooperation with our program.

Cross Connection Control devices (backflow preventers) are mandatory for underground lawn sprinkling systems. Each spring when you turn your sprinkler system on you must have the backflow 20 City of Batavia

device tested.

The city’s backflow program administrator, Aqua Backflow, Elgin, IL will sends out reminder notices when testing is due.

2018 Water Quality Report

2018 Water Quality Report  21

Currents The Sky Concert needs your support

The Batavia Fireworks Committee is busy preparing for another memorable 4th of July Sky Concert in Engstrom Park and the south lawn of Batavia High School. For the thousands of participants who come every year to enjoy an evening of great music, delicious food, and breathtaking fireworks, July 4th is one of the best nights of the year!

To make this Sky Concert happen each year, we need the support of the entire Batavia community.

If you’d like to support the planning for this joyful celebration, please check out our website at bataviafireworks.org to make a monetary donation, become a show sponsor, learn more about the annual Citywide Garage Sales May 3–4 (host fees from which go to pay for the fireworks show), or sign up to help sell ice cream on July 4th at the Batavia Fireworks Committee tent.

At this year’s Sky Concert, you can also learn more about Batavia’s Flag Day Monument by stopping by the Fireworks Committee tent. This 22

monument, which is a salute to Dr. Bernard Cigrand, a Batavia dentist who is credited for being the Father of Flag Day in our country, will be built next spring on Batavia’s Riverwalk, and dedicated on June 14, 2020. You’ll also have the opportunity to buy a signature brick during this evening’s festivities which will help build the base of the Flag Day Monument.

It truly takes a village to raise the $40,000 and provide the manpower it takes each year to put on this phenomenal fireworks experience. A small group of people comprise the Batavia Fireworks Committee that coordinates this event each year.

Please consider supporting this annual celebration of America’s birthday with your time, talents and resources. We each can make a difference, and provide another fantastic holiday for all of us in our beloved community!

We’re looking forward to another wonderful Sky Concert with all of our neighbors and friends! See you at Engstrom Park on July 4th (6–10pm)!

630-454-2000 • cityofbatavia.net

Save the date—June 14 Please put Flag Day, June 14, on your calendars! The Batavia Flag Day Committee, in coordination with the Fox Valley Patriotic Organization, will be hosting a Flag Day event from 6–9pm on Batavia’s Riverwalk. Entertainment will include a free concert by the Batavia Community Band, a concert and community sing-along of patriotic favorites by the Misty River Music

Makers, Riverwalk luminarias, food vendors, and a variety of activities and performances for the entire family to enjoy! A presentation on the Flag Day Monument that will be built next spring on the Riverwalk and unveiled on June 14, 2020 will be shared, and signature bricks that will be a part of the monument’s base will be for sale that evening, too.

On this same evening, you will also be able to participate in the Second Friday in downtown Batavia which includes arts and crafts, local business offerings, food and drink specials, etc.

Please save the date of June 14 for a fun-filled summer evening for all in downtown Batavia, and help us celebrate Batavia’s place in the history of America’s Flag Day!

Household hazardous waste front door collection service available The City of Batavia now offers a new Household Hazardous Waste Collection service to its residents. The city’s third-party provider, U.S. Ecology, will provide front door collection of many items that should not be placed in the regular weekly refuse collection. To learn about the items that will be accepted, please visit

Your elected city officials

Mayor– Jeffery D. Schielke

City Clerk– Ellen Posledni

the city’s website at cityofbatavia.net (enter Household Hazardous Waste in search box), call U.S. Ecology at 866-373-8357 between 6am and 3pm Monday through Friday, or email curbside@usecology.com. If calling outside these hours, please leave a voicemail and your call will be returned.

Treasurer– Gerald R. Miller

Aldermen Serving until May 2023 Aldermen Serving until May 2021 Ward 1 Scott Salvati ssalvati@cityofbatavia.net Ward 1 Michael O’Brien mobrien@cityofbatavia.net Ward 2 Alan P. Wolff awolff@cityofbatavia.net Ward 2 Martin J. Callahan mcallahan@cityofbatavia.net Ward 3 Dan Chanzit dchanzit@cityofbatavia.net Ward 3 Elliot Meitzler emeitzler@cityofbatavia.net Ward 4 Joesph Knopp jknopp@cityofbatavia.net Ward 4 Tony Malay tmalay@cityofbatavia.net Ward 5 Abby Beck abeck@cityofbatavia.net Ward 5 Mark Uher muher@cityofbatavia.net Ward 6 Michael Russotto mrussott@cityofbatavia.net Ward 6 Nicholas P. Cerone ncerone@cityofbatavia.net Ward 7 Keenan Alexander Miller kmiller@cityofbatavia.net Ward 7 Drew McFadden dmcfadden@cityofbatavia.net

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Currents Residential brush collection program begins in May Curbside residential brush pickup resumes in May for residents that pay the monthly leaf/brush fee on their utility bill. Brush/limbs are to be at the curb for collection no later than 7am on Monday of your scheduled week, but no sooner than the weekend before that. Crews will make only one pass by each residence. Brush placed out after our crews have passed will not be collected until the next scheduled pickup date.

The amount of brush that has been placed out citywide in any given month dictates how quickly your area will be reached, but each side of town is typically completed by Friday of the scheduled week.

Major storms may affect the schedule, and notice of any special brush collection will be posted on the city’s website. The monthly collections are intended to handle most storm damage limbs that fall during the season, and special collections are done very rarely. If your brush was out at 7am on Monday of your scheduled

collection week and not collected by the end of the workday on Friday, please notify the Street Division at 630-454-2400 no later than the following Monday.

If you have any questions, please call the Street Division at 630-454-2400 weekdays from 7am–4pm or visit the website at cityofbatavia.net/brushcollection.

2019 Brush Collection Schedule East Side Collection May 13 June 10 July 8 Aug. 12 Sept. 9 Oct. 14 Dec. 2—Citywide

West Side Collection May 20 June 17 July 15 Aug. 19 Sept. 16 Oct. 21 Dec. 2—Citywide

The following procedures must be followed to ensure the collection of your brush: • Maximum diameter is 6" (logs cannot be split); maximum length of limbs is 12'.

• Brush should be stacked into one large pile in the front/side parkway with cut ends facing the curb, and placed away from parkway trees, mailboxes, utility poles/boxes, hydrants, and parked vehicles. Brush will not be collected from alleys or vacant lots.

• Brush/limbs must not be tied, bundled, in containers, bagged, or put on the street.

• Brush pile should contain only brush. Foreign objects will not be collected.

• Program is for residentially-generated brush only, not contractor tree removals or trimming.

• Brush left out on the parkway between collection dates is subject to a possible code violation citation.

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For materials that do not meet the specifications at left: • Advanced Disposal will collect yard waste bags/32gallon cans (not to exceed 50 pounds per bag/32gallon can) consisting of twigs, evergreen clippings, roots, stumps, and plants on your regular trash collection day, beginning in April. A refuse sticker should be attached to the yard waste bag or 32-gallon can. If a can is used, it should be clearly marked “Yard Waste” on the side facing the street.

• Residents with limbs/brush exceeding the requirements for the program can contact a private service to have it removed at the resident’s expense.

• Unincorporated residents should contact their township offices regarding brush collection services that may be available to them. .

630-454-2000 • cityofbatavia.net

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Currents Be prepared for severe weather

P hoto : Scott P eake, NOAA Weather in Focus P hoto Contest 2015

Severe weather can happen at any time of the year. To help people better prepare for weather emergencies, local emergency management agencies are promoting Severe Weather Preparedness.

The National Weather Service and local emergency management officials strongly encourage people to have a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) All Hazards Weather Radio with battery backup. These radios can be programmed to receive alerts for specified counties to keep you and your family apprised of impending weather and post-event information for all

types of hazards including natural (earthquakes), environmental (chemical spills) and public safety hazards (AMBER alerts). When an alert is issued for the programmed area, the device will sound a warning alarm tone followed by the essential information.

These devices can alert you while you are sleeping in order to give you the time you need to get your family to safety. With families constantly on the go, it is also critical for people to have multiple ways to receive notifications and updated information about severe weather warnings. FEMA offers a FREE mobile app that provides

Celebrate Public Works Week May 20–26 Batavia’s Director of Public Works, Gary Holm will be reading some stories with themes about Public Works and Engineering on Tues., May 21 at 10am for children of all ages, in the Reading Garden at the Batavia Public Library (weather permitting). After story time Gary will let the children climb aboard one of the snowplows from Batavia Public Works. Registration begins May 1 with Youth Services at the library, 630–879-4775.

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P hoto : Batavia P ublic L ibrary

fast and reliable weather alerts from the National Weather Service (NWS). The app can be tailored to offer alerts for up to five different locations nationwide. The mobile app can also help you locate open shelters and disaster resource centers near you in the event of an emergency.

For more information about what to do before, during and after a storm, please visit Ready.Illinois.gov.

There you will find a Severe Weather Preparedness Guide, developed by IEMA and the NWS, which provides tips on how to prepare for all weather emergencies.

Downtown Batavia #DowntownBatavia The season has arrived!

Spring has sprung in Downtown Batavia, and we want to see you and your family out and about around town.

Stores are open, bike trails are groomed, flowers are blooming, and the sun is shining (most of the time). Downtown Batavia has plenty of great options to fill your time, whether you enjoy wandering around the Riverwalk to see the newly hatched ducklings, visiting downtown shops and restaurants during Second Fridays or checking out some live music

on a Wednesday evening at the Peg Bond Center. There is truly something for everyone because Downtown Batavia is everyone’s neighborhood.

There’s a lot of great stuff happening here this summer, and if you want to stay updated on everything, you should head over to our website, downtownbatavia.com, to sign up for weekly E-News. You can also find us on Facebook at facebook.com/bataviamainstreet for daily happenings and downtown updates and you can catch us on Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat as well!

Second Fridays in Downtown Batavia have started back up.

Second Fridays are an interactive and vibrant experience around downtown Batavia working to compliment the monthly art gallery opening at Water Street Studios.

We kicked things off in April with a popular oak tree giveaway and pop-up craft market in the Newton House. Don’t miss your opportunity to engage with and enjoy downtown

Batavia during Second Fridays—a night full of food, art, music, fun and so much more!

June 1!

The Batavia Farmers’ Market kicks off its 24th outdoor season on Sat., June 1. All of your favorite local vendors will be back, and we’ve got a few new ones that you will be sure to enjoy. In partnership with the opening day of the market, two great events will also take place on June 1. At 8am, Batavia MainStreet will host a 5K run right here in downtown! Race to

Market—Opening Day 5K will begin at the Farmers’ Market, take the 5K loop around Fabyan Park, and end after the pedestrian bridge.

There, participants and the public can enjoy all there is to learn about wellness, fitness, prevention and a healthy world at the WellBatavia

Festival. The fest includes free fitness seminars, prevention screenings and more! Head over to downtownbatavia.com for more information on all of the June 1 happenings!

The Batavia Farmers’ Market will continue through the season on N. River St. every Saturday morning from 8am until 12pm through Oct. 26.

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Batavia Public Library Summer Reading Clubs 2019— IT’S SHOWTIME AT YOUR LIBRARY! Are you ready for your close-up? Starting May 30, it’s your time to shine! Children, teens, and adults will experience glitz and glimmer, comedy, and adventure with show-stopping programs, events, activities, crafts, incentives, and much more!

Pick up your log and start recording your reading beginning May 30. Turn in your log by Aug. 5, 9pm.

Books may be read or listened to (in any format)

Adults

Summer Reading is for adults, too! Once you’ve read four books, take your completed reading log to the Reference Desk and collect a small prize. Your name will be entered in the drawing for bigger prizes at the end of the program. Limit: 10 logs.

Teens

Give books the starring role this summer and earn incentives with the Summer Reading Club for students in grades 9–12. Each time you complete a reading log of three books and take your reading log to the Reference Desk, you will earn a small prize. Your name will be entered in the prize drawing at the end of the program.

Children

Whether you are reading on your own, being read to, or listening to audiobooks, all count towards your daily reading goal. After completing each level of your reading log, take it to the Youth Services Desk to receive a prize.

Summer Reading Club kickoff

Sat., June 1 at 11am You’ll laugh out loud as nationally-known entertainer Chris Fascione brings children’s stories to life with his unique combination of acting, storytelling, comedy, and juggling. After the show, join us in the Reading Garden for ice cream and face-painting by Terri Mate.

The Library will be closed: Sun., May 26 Mon., May 27 Thurs., July 4 Library Hours Monday–Thursday 9 am–9 pm Friday and Saturday 9 am–5 pm Sunday 12–5 pm (Sept.–May) Sunday 1–4pm (June–Aug.) 28

Birth through Two Years

Parents and babies will have fun together this summer while sharing books, rhymes, and lap games. Log an early literacy activity each day to earn rewards. Learn more at the Summer Reading Club preview, followed by Play & Learn, on May 17 at 10am.

Two Years through Eighth Grade

Choose your personal daily reading goal based on your reading habits. Keep track of each day you read and earn rewards throughout the summer. Take your reading log to the Youth Services Desk to collect your reward. Parents of preschoolers can learn more at the Summer Reading Club preview on May 16 at 10am.

Telephone 630-879-1393 Fax: 630-879-9118 TTY: 630-879-8335 Home Delivery: 630-879-1393, ext. 290 Library Director George H. Scheetz

Library Trustees Andrew Deitchman, President Diane Blodgett, Vice President Jo Ann Smith, Secretary Jennifer Culotta, Treasurer Kate Garrett Richard Henders Michael MacKenzie

630-879-1393 • BataviaPublicLibrary.org

Under the Cupola

An appetite for content

Let’s talk technology. In a recent newspaper column, Rich Warren, a longtime reviewer of consumer electronics, observed, “Now, hardware… seems passe.

Consumers buy hardware once and may not upgrade for…five, or even 10 years.”

With tongue planted firmly in cheek, Warren suggested, “Feel sorrow for tech companies that enrich themselves at your expense. Since they owe their shareholders ever increasing returns, they realized a better way to drain your finances.”

Warren was referring to new over-the-top (OTT) services—that is, over the top of cable—such as Disney+ and Apple TV+ for streaming services and content packages, which guarantee a regular revenue stream. “Apple realized that Netflix, Hulu, Spotify, and Amazon [Prime Video] were making all the money and feared being left behind.” The irony, of course, is that Apple’s own iTunes store started all of this in 2001, as perhaps the first legal way to download music from the Internet.

When Netflix began its streaming service in 2007, nearly every content-provider obligingly sold it content.

Now, Netflix must scramble to obtain rights to thirdparty content once cheaply and easily procured. In this new age, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and others increasingly produce their own content. Warren predicted increasing prices for most streaming services.

Ultimately, depending on your taste and hunger for OTT content, these changes fortell a very expensive

future—in addition to the cost of the Internet, of course. And each of these services is happy to charge a $14.99 monthly premium for HBO Now, just like cable.

Warren’s solution? “If you want to be entertained or educated on a budget, check out the public library, which offers a wealth of content gratis.” I agree wholeheartedly.

Do you love audiobooks? You have options. You could subscribe to Audible ($14.95 per month; one credit) or check out the Library (free; nearly unlimited).

In Batavia, for eBooks and eAudiobooks, check out Hoopla; eMedia Library (either the Libby app or the more robust OverDrive app) or eRead Illinois (Axis 360 app). Hoopla also offers downloadable music, comics, TV, and movies.

Finally, check out actual CDs and DVDs, books and audiobooks, or go online for great electronic resources, such as Gale Courses, which provides sixweek instructor-led courses on a variety of topics for adults; Chilton Library, which provides repair manuals for most popular domestic and import cars, SUVs, and light trucks; or Consumer Reports, which provides ratings, reviews, recommendations, and buying advice for thousands of products and services. I will see you at the Library.

George H. Scheetz Director

The Year of Mark Twain in Batavia Mayor Jeffery D. Schielke has officially proclaimed 2019 as The Year of Mark Twain in Batavia in honor of the 150th anniversary of Samuel L. Clemens’ visit to Batavia in 1869. The Library has initiated a year-long, collaborative, community-wide celebration.

Selfies with Mark Twain

Stop by the bench at the Library’s front door and take a selfie with Mark Twain. Share your photos with us by using the hashtag #MarkTwainInBatavia.

Old Books Roadshow

Sun., May 12, 2–4pm Appraisals by Thomas J. Joyce / Joyce and Company Rare Books & Appraisals. A charitable event in support of (and presented by) the Batavia Public Library Foundation. Appraisals: $5 for one book; $10 for three books.

Mini Mark

Starts Sat., June 1 Pick up your Mini Mark in the Youth Services Department. Bring him with you this summer and take photos of him on all your summer adventures and vacations too! Share your photos with us by using the hashtag #MarkTwainInBatavia.

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Batavia Public Library Programs and activities for youth Registration Information: Stop by or call the Youth Services Desk, 630-879-1393, ext. 500, for more information and to register.

Priority is given to Batavia Public Library cardholders for all programs requiring registration. Unless otherwise noted May program registration begins May 1, June program registration begins May 28, July program registration begins July 1. Patrons of all abilities are welcome at our programs. Please contact the Library regarding accommodations.

Advance registration is required for programs designated 

For Babies, Tots, and Preschoolers Baby & Tot Storytime Fri., May 3, 10am Fri., June 28, 10am Babies and tots through 35 months with a caregiver Drop in for songs, rhymes, and stories. Please make alternate care arrangements for older siblings.

Batavia Public Library card required.

Preschool Drop-In Storytime

Fri., May 3, 1pm Ages 3–6 Children are invited, younger siblings welcome.

An adult must accompany children under the age of 4 years.

Stories in Motion

Sat., May 4, 11am Mon., June 3, 11am Mon., July 1, 11am Ages 3–5 Books are great to listen to, but they really come alive when we add movement to them, too! In this drop-in storytime, we’ll act out stories, practice lively movement rhymes, and allow our imaginations to soar.

Play & Learn + Summer Reading Club Information

Thurs., May 16, 10am Ages 2–5 Fri., May 17, 10am Babies and toddlers through 23 months Find out how your infant, toddler, or preschooler can participate in Sum-

mer Reading Club 2019.

This brief presentation will explain how easy it is for your child to participate. Note days and ages.

Logsheets will be available.

Stay for drop-in playtime following the presentation.

Batavia Public Library card required for participation in Summer Reading Club.

Truck Tales

Tues., May 21, 10am Ages 3–6 Love trucks? Enjoy truck stories with Gary Holm, Batavia’s Public Works director, after which children can climb aboard one of Batavia’s big trucks.

Baby Play & Learn

Fri., June 7, 10am Fri., July 5, 10am Babies and toddlers through 23 months Enjoy a drop-in playtime with your baby and see examples of early literacy activities. Please make alternate care arrangements for older siblings.

No registration necessary, however space is limited.

Signing Fun

Fri., June 21, 10am Ages 0-18 months with a caregiver Fri., June 21, 11am Ages 18-36 months with a caregiver Licensed sign language interpreter, Sheryl Ebersold, will show how to incorporate sign language into daily activities with signs, songs and more. Space is limited.

Story Stars: Show & Tell

Baby Storytime

Mon., June 24, 10am Ages 3–6 Bring one item that is special to you to this storytime. We will read a few stories and you will have a chance to show us what you brought and tell us why it is special to you.

Toddler Time

Thurs., June 27, 10am Ages 2–3 Toddlers will create showstopping art at this drop-in class. Stop by stations with a variety of arts and crafts media.

Tues., June 11, 10am Babies through 23 months with a caregiver Interactive program for babies with stories, rhymes, and music. Batavia Public Library card required.

Thurs., June 13, 10am Ages 2–3 with a caregiver Enjoy stories, rhymes, and more. Class lasts apChris Fascione entertains the whole family, June 1 30

proximately 25 minutes.

No registration required.

Show your Batavia Public Library card at the Youth Services Desk to receive your ticket. Entry tickets will be handed out beginning 20 minutes before the program until gone.

Toddler Art

Junior Volunteers: Please turn in your application for summer volunteer opportunities by May 18.

630-879-1393 • BataviaPublicLibrary.org Dave Herzog presents Puppet Palooza, June 17

Book Buddies

For Students Minecrafternoon

Thurs., May 2, 4:30pm Ages 6–14 Whether you enjoy creative or survival mode, you will love playing with your friends on the Library’s Minecraft server. Build worlds, destroy zombies, and have fun at Minecrafternoon. No registration required. Entry tickets will be handed out 15 minutes before the program until gone. Space is limited.

Chess Club

Tues., May 14, 6:30pm Ages 6–14 Learn more about chess or improve your chess skills as we explore strategy and tactics. Basic knowledge of the game is required but all skill levels are welcome.

Chess Basics

Wed., June 5–26, 10am Ages 6–14 Learn about chess—what the pieces are called, how they move and basic strategy. After completing this 4-week session you are welcome to join our evening Chess Knight program (see For Families) and play with other chess fans.

Fri., June 7, 11am Wed., June 12, 2pm Tues., June 18, 11am Wed., June 26, 2pm Wed., July 3, 11am Grades K–3 Children will be partnered with Junior Volunteers for approximately one hour of book sharing. Please register for each date your child will attend.

Paws for Tales

Sat., June 8 & 29, 10–11:30am Grades 1–4 Children are invited to practice their reading skills by reading aloud to a specially trained therapy dog.

The goal of Paws for Tales is to create a positive, nonthreatening, and fun environment in which reading aloud is enjoyed. Register for a 15-minute time slot.

Due to the limited space, please register for only one date. Presented by the Naperville Area Humane Society.

bring #10 knitting needles or G/H crochet hook.

We’ll provide the yarn.

Books as Movies

Picture Book Edition Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs Fri., June 14, 11am Grades K–2 Chapter Book Edition Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Thurs., June 20, 10am Grades 3-5 Many of your favorite movies were beloved books before they came to the screen. We’ll look at these popular books and movies by playing games, getting to know the characters, and watching scenes from the movie.

American Red Cross Babysitter’s Training Course Thurs., June 13, 9:30am–4:30pm

Tues., June 25, 9:30am–4:30pm Wed., July 10, 9:30–4:30pm Ages 11–15 In this 7.5-hour training course, students will learn basic babysitting skills and how to deal with emergencies. Participants must attend entire session. Due to the popularity of this program, a lottery drawing will be held. Register for all three lottery drawings beginning May 28. Lottery drawings will be held as follows: June 6 drawing for June 14 class; June 15 drawing for June 25 class; June 26 drawing for July 10 class. Priority given to Batavia Public Library cardholders. Classes sponsored by the Batavia Public Library Foundation.

Youth Programs are continued on page 34

Galaxy Watercolor Painting

Mon., June 10, 11am Ages 6–9 Mon., June 10, 1pm Ages 10–14 Reach for the stars as you paint a magnificent galaxy with watercolor paints plus some spattering!

Learn wet-on-wet painting techniques and explore the colors of the universe.

Yarn & Tale

Mon., June 10–July 8, 6:30pm Ages 8–14 Student and parent teams can join us for knitting or crocheting, and a tale. Beginner instruction available.

All levels welcome. Please

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Batavia Public Library Programs for adults and teens Registration Information: Registration Information: Registration is required for some programs; please call the Reference Desk, 630-879-1393, ext. 200, or register online at BataviaPublicLibrary.org.

Advance registration is required for programs designated

Feature Programs New Lyceum Lecture Series

The Batavia Public Library Foundation is the 2018–19 Season Sponsor

Climate Change: What Can We Do About It?

Tues., June 4, 7pm America’s “debate” about Global Warming contains too much political rhetoric and posturing and too little attention to the scientific findings. What exactly do we know—and what can we actually predict—about the Earth’s changing climate? And what, if anything, can we do about it? With Raymond Wiggers, whose past positions include geologist and field inspector for the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, open-space advocate and park-improvement program director, chief horticulturist for a New York City landmark garden, National Park Service ranger, commercial greenhouse manager and orchidist, and professor on the faculties of Barat College of DePaul University and Lake Forest College.

Questions & Ancestors Genealogy Series One Touch Genealogy Research: How to Handle a Record Just Once Thurs., June 20, 7pm Presenter: Thomas MacEntee Do you get so excited when you find a new record for an ancestor that you forget to collect the information you need? Does that record shine and glitter so brightly that you are blinded to other vital clues you might need? Learn the “One Pass” approach to genealogy research and never get distracted again!

Monthly Programs Book Discussion

Tues., May 14, 7:30pm The Distancers: An American Memoir by Lee Sandlin A beautiful story about the author’s German immigrant ancestors who settled on a farm in the Midwest. In the process of researching his genealogy, he shakes his family tree and discovers what his ancestors endured and how they survived.

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Edouard Manet: Painter of Modern Life

Mon., June 10, 7pm Edouard Manet took on the conservative art world in Paris by painting modern life as opposed to “accepted” subjects. By challenging the French academic system Manet inspired Morisot, Renoir, Monet, and other Impressionists. Learn about important works in Manet’s oeuvre including Luncheon on the Grass, The Balcony, and A Bar at the Folies-Bergère. Art historian Jeff Mishur presents this lecture, based on the upcoming Art Institute exhibit.

Marbled Polymer Clay Bowls

Mon., June 17, 7pm Create a beautiful marbled bowl from polymer clay.

Bowls will be baked and finished onsite. Presented by Becka Davis, a Water Street Studios artist.

Tues., June 11, 7:30pm The Leavers by Lisa Ko In this emotionally charged story of cross-cultural adoption and complicated lives, a woman is deported from America to China, leaving behind an adolescent son who never knew what happened to his mother.

Books Between Bites

Thurs., May 16, 12pm D-Day, June 6, 1944 by Stephen Ambrose, presented by Dan Hoefler

630-879-1393 • BataviaPublicLibrary.org

Sundays on Stage The Batavia Public Library Foundation is the 2019 Season Sponsor.

World War II Radio Hour

Sun., May 19, 2pm Featuring favorites such as “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” “Bei Mir Bist Du Schon,” “In the Mood,” and “Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree,” Nostalgia Entertainment reenacts a 1940’s radio show! While answering musical requests from soldiers and loved ones during wartime, Patti, Maxine, and Andrew entertain the “studio audience” with Andrews Sisters-style tunes and choreography, Abbott and Costello comedy sketches, and a touching tribute to Veterans of the United States Armed Forces.

Ron & Sandie sing popular songs from WWII era.

Enjoy a 1940’s-style radio show, May 19.

Tribute to the USA

Sun., June 30, 2pm This Ron & Sandie show includes rousing patriotic songs and popular songs from the 1939 to 1945 era that will have you tapping your feet. Also, unbelievable stories, including the true story of how the Monopoly game helped 12,000 POWs escape German POW camps, and the “Ghost Army”—the story of 1400 engineers whose job it was to create inflatable trucks, tanks, and heavy artillery to fool the enemy.

Teen Programs

Advance registration is required for programs designated

Free Comic Book Day

Sat., May 4 Stop by the Reference Desk and pick up a free comic book on May 4, courtesy of Graham Crackers Comics in St. Charles.

Learn to Play Dungeons and Dragons Sun., May 5, 12:30–4:30pm Want to learn to play D&D? Characters will be provided for you if you haven’t created your own already or come at 12:30pm and create a character on the spot.

Dungeon masters from The Gaming Goat in Geneva will lead you through a basic campaign starting at 1:30pm that will teach you the basics of gameplay.

Inclusion Game Night

Wed., May 8 and June 12, 6:30–8:30pm Teens and young adults of all abilities—and their families and friends— are invited to meet new people and try out a board game or card game in a relaxed setting. High school volunteers are welcome.

Exam Cram

Tues., May 28, 5–9pm Cramming for finals? Stop by the Founders’ Room for coffee, pop, and snacks to fuel your study sessions.

We’ll also have tables available where you can study with your friends. Good luck!

Technology Coaching —Schedule an appointment with a

technology assistant for a one-hour, one-on-one coaching session based on your individual needs. Available Monday–Thursday, 4–8pm.

Genealogy Research —Whether you’re just starting or would like help overcoming obstacles, a librarian will guide you in your genealogy research during a one-hour, one-on-one session. Available Monday– Friday, 9am–5pm.

Teen Writing Workshop

Thurs., June 13, 7pm Have you got the writing bug? Enjoy some fun writing exercises and share your work (if you want to) in a supportive atmosphere.

Escape the Library!

Thurs., June 27, 7pm Can you outwit the puzzles and escape the library before time is up?

Sign up with a friend and find out!

The Margin Project

Ongoing Pick up a book from the Margin Project display, check it out or read it at the Library, find a colored marker or pen, and add your comments, questions, and reactions to the margins of the book. (No, really!) When you return it, hopefully, someone else will do the same. Then you can check the book later and read their comments, kind of like a book club.

Check it out!

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Batavia Public Library Computer classes for adults Registration Information: One-hour, hands-on computer classes. Basic computer skills, including mouse & keyboard proficiency, are required. Registration is required; please call the Reference Desk, 630-879-1393, ext. 200.

Advance registration is required for programs designated

Internet Classes

*Internet proficiency required:

Genealogy: HeritageQuest & America’s Obituaries*

Genealogy: FamilySearch.org & Other Websites*

Genealogy: Ancestry Library Edition*

Genealogy: Free Websites*

Thurs., May 30, 9am Thurs., June 6, 9am

Thurs., June 13, 9am Thurs., June 27, 9am

Other Computer Classes Microsoft Word 2016, Part 1*

Tues., May 28, 9am Learn how to create, open, name, and save documents; move text; change type font, size, and color; and make text bold, italic, or underlined. **Microsoft Word proficiency required:

Microsoft Word 2016, Part 2**

Tues., June 4, 9am Learn how to use bulleted or numbered text and alphabetize text in lists; insert and format photographs, online art, and other images; insert and format text boxes; and insert lines, arrows, diagrams, and other shapes.

Microsoft Word 2016, Part 3**

Tues., June 11, 9am Learn how to insert headers and footers; insert decorative text using WordArt; insert accented letters and symbols; insert tables and charts; add page borders; use spelling and grammar check; use the thesaurus; and insert footnotes or endnotes.

Introduction to Microsoft Excel 2016, Part 1**

Mon., June 3, 9am Summation; formulas; data entry; autofill; print

Introduction to Microsoft Excel 2016, Part 2**

Mon., July 1, 9am Add and delete rows and columns; find and replace; sort; navigate workbooks; introduction to charts; security

Introduction to Microsoft PowerPoint 2016** Wed., June 26, 9am

Youth Programs continued from page 31

Star Power!

Thurs., June 13, 2pm Grades 3–5 Through activities, experiments, and games, students will explore the power of the brightest star we see during the day as well as those stars that are visible only at night.

Book Gems

Wed., June 19, 1pm Stage Fright on a Summer Night

by Mary Pope Osborne Grades 2–3 Young readers will talk 34

about this title and enjoy activities based on this title.

Reserve a copy of the book when registering.

creative name. Materials will be provided.

Iron Chef

Tues., June 25, 2pm Ages 7–14 Do you have a collection of rocks, shells, cars, action figures, horses, or something else unique? Bring 3 items from your collection to show to other collectors.

Share how and when you started your collection and tell us about your favorite item. If you don’t have a collection, join us and discover how easy and fun collecting can be.

Thurs., June 20, 2–3:30pm Grades 6–8 Awaken your inner Iron Chef during our no-cook version of this classic TV contest. Incorporate the secret ingredient and impress your peers with your creativity. Contestants will be judged on most appealing presentation, most colorful creation, and most

Collectors Showcase

Set Design

Thurs., June 27, 2–4pm Grades 5–8 We are putting on a Reader’s Theatre production this summer and we need your help to set the scene!

Do you like to draw and create signs and props?

Join us for these two hours of set design.

630-879-1393 • BataviaPublicLibrary.org

Book Sale!

Looking to purchase books at bargain prices?

Visit the FriendSpace on the lower level.

Sat., May 11, 9:15am–4pm There is no Saturday book sale in June.

RFID is coming!

We are getting RFID-ready! RFID (radio frequency identification) technology uses radio frequency and microchip technology to identify books and other items electronically. Our new RFID system will accelerate the checkout process, as well as speed up the process of returning books, DVDs, and CDs to the shelves so that they will be available sooner for your next check out.

Library patrons will be able to choose to check out their own materials on one of two new touchscreen-equipped self-checkout kiosks. Patrons will simply scan their library card, place their stack of items on the kiosk pad, print or email their receipt, and they’re done. Fines and fees can be paid for quickly with the kiosks’ credit/debit card readers.

For Families Free Comic Book Day

Sat., May 4 Children may stop by Youth Services Desk for a free comic book on May 4, while supplies last.

Drop-In Craft

Sat., May 4, 10am-4pm Thurs., May 9, 10am–12pm Tues., June 4, 10am–12pm Tues., July 2,10am–12pm All ages Drop-in craft activities.

Children age 6 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. No registration required.

It’s Showtime at Your Library

May 30–August 5 Children from birth through middle school are invited to participate

in Summer Reading Club 2019. Step up and be a summer reading star!

Chris Fascione: Juggling Funny Stories

Sat., June 1, 11am You’ll be laughing out loud as nationally-known entertainer Chris Fascione brings children’s stories to life through his unique combination of acting, storytelling, comedy, and juggling. Following Chris’s performance, join us in the Reading Garden for ice cream and face painting by Terri Mate.

Chess Knight

Tues., June 4–July 2, 7pm Age 8 through adult Participants should have a basic knowledge of the game of chess.

Movie at the Library Wed., June 5, 1pm Mon., July 1, 2pm

Please call the Library for movie title, length, and rating. No registration required. Make your own flavored popcorn before enjoying the movie.

Games Galore

Thurs., June 6, 10:30am–12pm All Ages Drop in to play a variety of games, board games, book character games, and STEM games. There is something for all children.

Showtime Bingo

Tues., June 11, 1pm Ages 3–14 Play regular number bingo and our specially designed picture bingo for one hour. Children age 5 and younger must be accompanied by an adult or older sibling.

Dave Herzog’s Marionettes: Puppet Palooza

Mon., June 17, 10:30am

Join master marionette artist Dave Herzog as he presents Puppet Palooza.

Sir Percy Pearly and his amazingly talented friends from the circus invite you to their musical variety show featuring performances on the tight rope, flying trapeze, skates and more. As always, Dave’s signature character Walter the Basset Hound will be around to greet the audience with a wag of his tail.

Storywalk by the River

Sat., June 22, 11am Join us for Batavia Public Library’s first ever strolling storytime along the river. We will meet in the courtyard in front of Batavia City Hall on North Island Avenue and take a walk along the Riverwalk, following storyboards and doing activities as we go.

Rain location at the Batavia Public Library.

kaneneighbors.com 35 35

Batavia School District 101 News Inspiring BPS101 students and staff to be Youth Equity Stewards “Equity,” “diversity,” and “inclusion” are terms said and read frequently these days, but what do they really mean for BPS101 students and staff members—especially those who may feel left out or less than?

“One of the major priorities of BPS101 is to provide an equitable and supportive learning environment for all students, regardless of race, class, or other personal characteristics,” said BPS101 Superintendent Dr. Lisa Hichens. “This work is complex, but vitally important to help our students feel welcome and psychologically safe at school. BPS101 is building a multi-year plan and using a number of outside resources to make sure the work is research-based and effective.”

As part of this plan, a diverse group of Rotolo

Students created “In My One Beat” poems during the training. The poems gave students a chance to write down what “makes you, you” and then share that with peers in a supportive setting.

Middle School and Batavia High School students and staff members came together for a “Youth Equity Stewardship” (YES) program this school year to help build a culture inclusive for all, and for participating students and staff to become change agents to reinforce this culture.

Key components of the YES program are …

• An experiential, arts-based process focused on engaging youth and adults as advocates for building soulful, inspired and inclusive learning environments.

• An opportunity to gain the youth perspective and a wider diversity lens for recognizing and eliminating educational disparities.

• A mindset centered on growing empathy at the personal and organizational levels.

• A model that builds leadership capacity and multi-generational collaboration to support authentic school improvement efforts.

To bring these components to life, the YES facilitators had students and staff participate in several individual, interactive small- and largegroup, and reflective activities.

“I think the training had a big impact. At first I wasn’t sure if the students were relating to the 36

process, but their responses at the end of the initial two-day training made me realize that they very much understood the significance of building a healthy community across our differences and commonalities,” said Cara Schuster, Rotolo Middle School reading teacher, and YES training participant. “The approach to the training was one that involved a lot of reflection on our individual perspectives, which does take time.

The training also provided a variety of activities to bring those perspectives out into the open for discussion. Reflecting and trying to understand a variety of perspectives as they are presented in the form of music, art, and the written word is the heart of the Youth Equity Stewardship.”

Artavion Taylor, a junior at Batavia High School, was part of the training and said it has helped him connect with peers on a whole different level.

“It’s opened my mind to see things from others’ perspectives and provided an area where everyone could express their ideas and what they were thinking and not have to worry about people judging them,” said Taylor. “I feel like I’m now less stressed and more motivated for school. Less stressed because I have a better understanding of people around me.”

One of the big surprises to the adults who participated in the training was how many students stepped up into leadership roles over the two-day experience—especially students who tend to be quieter in the classroom.

One area of work from the training was to provide staff with the training needed to build a culture that is inclusive for all students. Part of that included having staff members step out of supervisorial roles and blend right in with the students.

“Students were able to see us in a different light. Not up in front of a classroom, but right there with them. They were able to see that teachers do understand them. We’re not just old people,” said BHS Math Teacher Mike Theriault.

“One thing I realized is that the students stress out about the same things I stressed out about at that age. Where am I going to go to college? Will I get accepted into college? What do my parents

think?”

A big takeaway for Justin Allison, Batavia High School social studies teacher, is the use of the word “stewardship” vs. “leadership.”

“I’ve now incorporated this into my language.

The concept of a leader is more top down. A steward is, ‘Hey, we’re all in this together,’” he explained. “This philosophy helps students look at their responsibilities not just in the classroom, but also in the community and gives them ownership.

They have a voice and opinions, can be confident in adult conversations…and make a difference.”

What’s next YES program participants were involved in a follow-up training session in April to transition from learning to applying concepts in their own environments. The April session also focused on having students address real challenges within their school environment and become leaders of social change in school. Participants will also be developing a plan of action that fosters intergenerational collaboration.

“It has been sheer providence that I have had the opportunity to receive equity training.

The training I received on accepting differences and searching for commonalities between us is directly aligned with our upcoming ‘One Book, One RMS’ initiative,” said Schuster. “The one book all students and staff will be reading over the summer is titled, ‘I Will Always Write Back,’ and is the story of two unlikely friends who met by being penpals. One is from the United States and the other is from Zimbabwe. We are hoping to tie in the Youth Equity Stewards from RMS into the different activities surrounding our one book. I think our YES team will be able to keep the conversations going at RMS and have a positive impact on the entire RMS population.”

Connecting through music, art, and written words played a big part in the Youth Equity Stewardship training.

Save the date!

BPS101 Hall of Honor 2019 Ceremony On Thurs., Sept. 19, Batavia Public School District 101 will welcome eight inductees into its fourth-annual BPS101 Hall of Honor at Batavia High School.

The BPS101 Hall of Honor was initiated by the Batavia Foundation for Educational Excellence and BPS101 to promote pride in Batavia Public Schools and to honor alumni, faculty, and friends who have made outstanding accomplishments in their communities and personal lives since they have been associated with District 101.

The BPS101 Hall of Honor induction ceremony will take place at the Batavia Fine Arts Centre located at Batavia High School (Wilson St. entrance). Evening events include: 6pm—Doors open for reception with desserts in the Batavia Fine Arts Centre atrium 7:30pm—Awards Ceremony on main stage of Batavia Fine Arts Centre Tickets are available online at HallofHonor.ezregister.com. Tickets are $15/adult and $5/ students and children.

Because the awards ceremony will be part of Homecoming Week, Hall of Honor inductees will also

be recognized at the Homecoming Parade on Wed., Sept. 18 and the BHS Homecoming football game on Fri., Sept. 20.

2019 Inductees

Batavia High School Alumni Brian DiNicola Craig Foltos Jeff Matter Stan Meyer Lorraine Connolley Ramus Robert Stuttle BPS101 Staff Page McCloud BPS101 Friend Ken Peddy For more information about the BPS Hall of Honor, visit BPS101.net/BPShallofhonor and follow along on Twitter.com/BPSHallofHonor and Facebook.com/BPSHallofHonor.

At the Centre…

Presley, Perkins, Lewis & Cash

June 21, 7:30pm Memphis is alive with a new genre of music—not quite rockabilly and not quite swing—the papers are calling it Rock and Roll.

As the Rock and Roll phenomenon sweeps the nation, four men stand at the center of the swirling musical storm. In Presley, Perkins, Lewis & Cash, you’ll hear them all—plucked from the past and brought to stand before you, just as they did in 1956. You’ll hear Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley!

Coming Up May 2-3—BHS One Acts Performance 2—AGS Musical 7—BHS Band Concert 8—BHS Choir Concert 9—BHS Orchestra Concert 10–12—VIP Dance Competition 13—RMS Spring Choral Concert 14—BHS Incubator Pitch Night 15—LWS Spring Concert 16—BSF... Improv Show 17–19—Leap! National Dance Competition 23–26—CYT Annie Jr. June 2—Batavia Academy of Dance Performance 8—MOVES 9—Elite Feet 13 & 16—Kalapadma Dance Recital 15—DancEncounter 21—Presley, Perkins, Lewis & Cash 25–27—The Power Of Dance Competition Order your tickets today!

630-937-8930

BataviaFineArtsCentre.org 37

Batavia School District 101 News A huge THANK YOU to our sponsors this past school year! Your support through our sponsorship program, Corn Boil, Tee off for Turf and Dinner Dance has allowed us to enrich our BHS and RMS athletic experience!

Support the Music Buffs Batavia music students need your help to support their award-winning music programs. We are the Music Boosters, a non-profit organization that provides critical funding and volunteers for BPS101 music programs.

Over the 2017–2018 school year, BMB supported: Elementary schools—over $15,000 (Glockenspiels, Resonator Bells, Mallets, Choral Festival) Rotolo Middle School—nearly $20,000 (Glassless Mirrors, Instruments, Clinicians) Batavia High School—over $30,000 (Instruments, Showchoir, Marching Band, Winterguard) You can help support music, too, by becoming a member. For more information, visit bataviamusicbuffs.org/membership.

Batavia Family Dental Gerald Nissan Midwest Dental Implantology Vermeer Midwest Advanced Disposal Pal Joeys Kathy Bros Team/Remax Rule 29 Matty & Goose FV Ortho Blue Frost Heating & Cooling Bulldog Plumbing Engineering Resource Assoc. Reams Meat Market Cindy Pierce/ Baird & Warner Golf Channel Academy Berkeley Finer Foods Prairie View Ortho Aesthetic Clinical & Derm Leonardi Appliance ADS Alarm Detection Systems Bob Jass Chevrolet Physicians Immediate Care Bana Football Heritage Woods of Batavia Wazio Orthodontics Morrison & Associates Batavia Creamery Green Light Driving School Lazzara Orthodontics The Weerts Family The Holden Family Rudy-Voice of the Bulldogs Jack Fitch Martinez Landscaping BYB Batavia Baseball Batavia Bandit Baseball Batavia Animal Clinic Construction Development SMG Security Holdings Keay & Costello P.C Josten’s Todd Crandall Hoad Chiropractic Trophies by George Bill & Erin Finucane Elemental Solutions Hensel Photography ILoca Services Inc Quest Food Service Penrose Brewing Accurate Calibration & Repair

Crosstown Pub Jersey Mikes MetroNet V & R Cartage Tim Stark Enterprises Shakou Crabby Boil Dairy Queen Six + Cypress A Accurate Door Verity Group AAA Tree Pros Ace Hardware Kari Edwards/KW MyEyeDr The Oroni Family STC Toyota.net Signature Group Studio GC Trane A Mirror Image BSN Sports Ollies Garage Lighthouse Marketing Field Turf Bulldog Lacrosse

www.BataviaBulldogBoosters.org

Real-world connections in business Students in Dana Saccomonto and Jim Nazos’ Intro to Business classes at Batavia High School just finished up a unit about entrepreneurship. To help students make the connection between what they learned in class and what real people are doing in business, the owners of two successful Batavia businesses came in to talk about their paths to entrepreneurship.

The businesses owners, David and Heidi Files of Energy City Brewing and Nick Neindorf of Edward Jones, are members of the Batavia Chamber of Commerce and came to speak to students as part of a partnership between the chamber and BPS101.

“We are looking to the Batavia Chamber of Commerce to help us provide career awareness, authentic 38

experiences, and real-world connections to students,” said BPS101 Chief Academic Officer Dr. Brad Newkirk.

“Their members can add so much value to our curriculum at all grade levels.”

Heidi and David Files took students through each phase of their startup—from ideation in March 2016, to bottling in 2017, to profitability in 2018, to increased distribution throughout the Chicagoland area (160-plus accounts!) and preparing for a move to a much larger facility in 2019. The couple outlined their business trajectory, sacrifices, financial risks, rewards, and the absolute need for passion, perseverance, grit, and support from others to launch a successful business.

“Success doesn’t happen in a vacuum,” said Heidi Files when explain-

ing to students how networking and leaning on the strengths of others were critical to Energy City Brewing.

“We received so much support from the chamber, Batavia MainStreet, the Fox Valley Entrepreneurship Center, and the Waubonsee Small Business Development Center.”

Nick Ninedorf, a Batavia High School graduate (2005) and financial advisor who runs an Edward Jones branch in Batavia, echoed the need for passion, perseverance, and grit in his presentation. He shared with students how he literally knocked on doors his first two years as a financial advisor. Catherine Fitch, Batavia Chamber of Commerce marketing and special events coordinator, was in the audience and verified that Ninedorf, in fact, knocked on her family’s door 10 years ago and sent

2019 Scholarship winners annouced This past spring, 15 Batavia High School seniors were each honored with scholarships from the Batavia Foundation for Educational Excellence on behalf of Ann Rego, Marilyn Robinson, Matthew J. Nena, Megan Reed, Robert Morley, Rose Johnson, Sam Rotolo, Thomas L. Schmitz, and William Freiburger. Scholarships were awarded based on community service, school-related activities, and academic status.

Ann Rego Scholarship—$1,000

Scholarship Winner: Karleigh Tomasik Awarded to a student pursuing a degree in English, education, or literature.

Marilyn Robinson Scholarship—$1,000

Scholarship Winner: Lindsey Sheehan Awarded to a student pursuing a degree in education.

Matthew J. Nena Memorial Scholarship— $1,000 each

Scholarship Winners: Jenna Breiten, Raquel Cox, Joshua Irvine, Joseph Oroni, and Jessica Mangers The scholarship is designed to honor college bound graduating seniors who have overcome a difficult situation in their life either academically, athletically, or personally.

Megan Reed Scholarship—$1,000

Scholarship Winner: Natalie Bock Awarded to a student pursuing a degree in communication.

Robert Morley Scholarship—$2,400

Scholarship Winner: Emily Acquaviva Awarded to a student pursuing a degree in science. a handwritten follow-up note, which she never forgot.

Ninedorf explained to students how he helps customers plan and save for major goals such as college, a home, or retirement.

“Just like an athletic coach motivates team members to perform, I motivate clients to stay the course and save for the future,” he said. “It’s easy to buy things, but hard to have the discipline to save.”

A self-described “financial therapist,” Ninedorf has a degree in economics from the University of Illinois, but said many financial planners have a degree in psychology and how useful that is in this line of work.

Holly Deitchman, president of the Batavia Chamber of Commerce and facilitator of the guest speakers at BHS, was also in the audience for both presentations.

Rose Johnson Scholarship—$5,400

Scholarship Winner: Brooke Thoman Awarded to a student pursuing a degree in nursing.

Sam Rotolo Scholarship—$1,000

Scholarship Winner: Emily Tratar Awarded to a student pursuing a degree in education at a four-year college or university.

Thomas L. Schmitz Scholarship—$1,000

Scholarship Winner: William Huber, Haley Moulton, Andrew Stasell Awarded to a student who appreciates this community and will make an effort to also give back.

William Freiburger Scholarship—$1,000

Scholarship Winner: Kipp Knecht Awarded to a student on the Batavia High School tennis team who embodied William’s love for others and serving community.

For more information about the Batavia Foundation for Educational Excellence and its student scholarship and teacher grant opportunities, visit bataviafoundation.org.

Energy City Brewing owners and BPS101 parents David and Heidi Files sharing how they started and grew Energy City Brewing from just one account in 2017 to more than 160 today.

“Our chamber members are looking for workforce development in BPS101 schools,” she said.

“They are very interested in hiring Batavia High School graduates for degreed and non-degreed positions like engineering, plumbing, financial planning, government, manufactur-

ing, construction, education, and hospitality. I couldn’t be more happy about the partnership between the chamber and the school district. This is the first of many projects we are working on together.”

39

Batavia Park District News Touch-A-Truck Day

Fri., May 10 | 10am–12pm Eastside Community Center All Ages | Free!

Touch-A-Truck Day gives kids of all ages the opportunity to touch, feel, and climb through, into, and out of each and every vehicle available.

There could be a fire truck, tractor, dump truck, bus, limousine, police car, and more. Parent supervision is required and cameras are highly recommended! Concessions will be available for a small fee courtesy of Bernie’s Bully Dogs. Rain date is Fri., May 17.

Park Clean-Up Day

Sat., June 1 | 8am–12pm Batavia Riverwalk | Free!

The Batavia Park District and the Batavia Parks Foundation invite you to help beautify and maintain our parks this season. Gather your neighbors, scout groups, family members, or team members to volunteer your time to spruce up our local parks. We will provide all the tools, snacks, and water, just bring your own gloves.

Interested? RSVP to katied@bataviaparks.org one week prior to clean up day.

Super Savvy Senior Expo

Wed., June 5 | 9am–12pm | Eastside Community Center | Free!

40

Celebrate with us as the Batavia Senior Citizens Club celebrates its 50th anniversary! This event is geared toward educating, entertaining, and offering resources to active adults and their families.

Enjoy over 40 interactive exhibits in areas such as health, travel, entertainment, and improving daily life. Participate in our coverall bingo game for a chance to win many door prizes! Services provided at the Secretary of State mobile event include: renewal or correction of drivers license or state ID, license plate stickers, voter registration, and more. Sponsored by Northwestern Medicine and All of Us Research Program.

630-879-5235 bataviaparks.org

River Rhapsody Concert Series

Batavia Riverwalk In summer 2019, a cultural arts concert series will emerge at the Batavia Riverwalk. Concerts will be featured on Wednesday evenings in June and July. The concert series will feature a variety of lively, eclectic musical acts showcasing a diverse range of tunes.

June concerts

Wed., June 12, 7pm—Brass from the Past Wed., June 19, 7pm—Johnny Russler & the Beach Bum Band Wed., June 26, 7pm—Ethan Bell Band For the full concert schedule, visit bataviaparks.org

Fishing Derby

Sat., June 15 | 10am–12pm Clark Island Recreation Area 401/411 S. River St. | All Ages | Free!

Grab your gear and reel in the fun with your whole family! Enjoy a fun-filled morning of fishing. Bring your Dad to celebrate Father’s Day! A limited supply of fishing gear is available, and there will be prizes too!

41

Batavia Park District News

Kid tested Family approved!

Hall Quarry Beach occupies a former stone quarry owned by the Batavia Park District. It features a sand bottom swimming area covering 60,000 square feet that includes islands, slides, and a diving area. There’s a playground and plenty of picnic tables as well. Pool passes are available to residents and non-residents or visitors may pay a daily fee. Come visit the beach that Batavia built!

Hall Quarry Beach is an award-winning facility of the Batavia Park District.

2019 Schedule

Season: May 25–Aug. 11 400 S. Water St., Batavia 630-406-5275 (number valid during summer only) For more information, call the Batavia Park District at 630-879-5235

Wacky Water Olmympics

:30– 4p Mon., June 17 | 12 h ac Be Hall Quarry ests races, splash cont Compete in relay e most of the rest and more! Make th oon im times all af tern sw n periods betwee ial ec Sp ry mer Quar as part of our Sum s. rie Events Se tes apply for nonDaily admission ra s. season pass holder

42

Beach Amenities

yy yy y yy yy yy yy Kids Flume Sandy Beach Swimming A & rea Thrilling Drop Slide Inflatables Zero-Depth for easy acce Edge ss Large Picnic A rea Concession St and Sand Volleyb all Courts Water Fitness Programs Public Swim Lap Swimmin g Parent/ Tot Sw im Swimming Le ssons

630-879-5235 bataviaparks.org

Way Back Wednesdays

Discounted Daily Admission every Wednesday Residents $4 Non-residents $7

Daily Fees & Hours

Operating Hours: 12–6pm Daily Season Pass holders may enter at 11:30 am daily Special Family Days: Hours will be extended to 12–7pm, Monday, Wednesday and Fridays with a twilight special from 5–7pm. Admission during these hours will be $3 for residents and $4 for non-residents.

Daily Admission Rates*: Residents, $8* Non-Residents, $11 10 Punch Pass Planning on coming to the Quarry numerous times over the season but not looking for a Season Pass? The 10 Punch Pass offers the flexibility for an individual to come to the Quarry for ten visits or share the visits with their friends.

Residents, $60 Non-Residents, $90 Proof of Residency *Patrons must show one of the following proofs of residency: driver’s license, tax bill, state ID, or a current lease. If proof of residency is not shown, it will result in a non-resident charge.

Guest Privileges A non-resident guest accompanied by an adult resident (18 years or older) with a season pass allows the guest to pay the resident daily fee (limit two 2 guests).

Adult Swim During safety breaks at the Quarry, adults 18 and over may swim laps in the four 25 yard lap lanes between the two islands.

Adult Lap Swim Adult lap swim will be available during the AM weekday swim lessons. Adult lap swim is only for adults ages 18 and up. You will not be able to pay a drop-in rate during the lap times, pre-registration is required. Registration is available throughout the summer, but the fee will NOT be pro-rated at any time.

Lap swim is available during the following dates and times: June 10–21 9–10:45am July 8–19 9–10:45am July 29–Aug. 2 9–10:45am

Quarry Season Pass* Rates: Now – May 24 Residents

Non-Residents

Ages 3–59

$50

Ages 3-59

$78

Ages 60+

$22

Ages 60+

$32

Family of 2

$90

Family of 2

$135

Family of 3

$135

Family of 3

$205

Family of 4

$175

Family of 4

$275

Additional family members: $32 (resident) $48 (nonresident) will be added for each additional member on a family of 5 or more.

Visit bataviaparks.org for more Hall Quarry Beach information

*Buy one admission— Get one FREE

Buy one daily admission to Hall Quarry Beach and get the second one FREE

Copies not accepted.

Coupon is not valid on Wednesdays. The lesser of admission fees is free.

Expires 8-11-2019.

BATV

MyBatv.com

What to watch for in 2019!

BATV is excited to bring hundreds of hours of original programming to our community. BATV is the place to watch your Bulldog football on Friday nights but we cover so much more.

the Fall. BATV also covers girls volleyball, Homecoming events, Batavia Hall of Honor, and Batavia Main Street BatFest.

May coverage includes: Batavia High School’s Senior Recognition Night, Incubator, and boys baseball at the Kane County Cougars Stadium for Senior Night with the Kaneland Knights.

On May 22, we will do a LIVE broadcast from NIU of the Batavia High School Graduation. It can be difficult for family and friends to attend this event so we are happy to bring this event to the world. Your family and friends won’t want to miss you walking across that stage!

During the summer, BATV is still here to bring you community programming. This summer, you can also watch the Batavia Park District’s River Rhapsody concerts, Windmill City Festival, Blues on the Fox, and so much more.

August 2019 kicks off the Batavia Bulldog football season. Football isn’t all that is going on in Batavia in

Ways to watch

Comcast channel 10 Comcast channel 17 AT&T U-Verse channel 99 YouTube.com/BATV1017 (streaming and on-demand) MyBatv.com (streaming, on-demand and podcasts) iTunes podcast (BATV1017)

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The government meetings never stop and you can watch them all on the BATV government channel, on Comcast channel 10, AT&T channel 99, and mybatv.com.

BATV is the only public access station in Kane County that covers the Kane County Forest Preserve and Kane County Board Meetings. BATV also provides Batavia Township, Batavia Public Schools, Batavia Park District, Batavia Public Library, City Council, and Committee of the Whole Meetings. BATV has LIVE City Council and LIVE Committee of the Whole Meetings on our government channel and our website.

MetroNet will soon be carrying BATV, and we are so excited to have MetroNet subscribers as our new viewers.

106 West Wilson St., Batavia

630-879-7134 • bataviachamber.org

Upcoming Events Ribbon Cuttings Thurs., May 2, 5pm Mill Creek Early Childhood Program 510 S. Batavia Ave., Batavia Thurs., May 9, 5pm Hanson Family Chiropractic 1928 W. Wilson, Batavia Wed., June 5, 4pm Funway Entertainment Center 1335 S. River St., Batavia Chamber Programs 2019 Human Resources Programming* *Through the chamber’s partnership with Valley Industrial Association all classes conducted at 2000 S. Batavia Ave. Geneva: Classes are from 8–9:30am.

Wed., May 22: Career Development for all Employees Wed., June 26: Leadership Development for Key Employees Tues., June 11, 11:30am–1pm Batavia Women in Business Luncheon* Oscar Swan Country Inn Interactive networking games. Featuring our partner charity, Valley Sheltered Workshop.

Fri., June 21, 11:30am Chamber Golf Classic

Orchard Valley Golf Course

Please plan to join us on Fri., June 21, for a wonderful day of socializing, networking and golfing at Orchard Valley Golf Course. Doors open at 11:30am and we will have great prizes, raffles and some really fun games!

Along with golfing there are plenty of sponsorships available. The cost is $150/person for lunch, golf and dinner. Can’t make it all day? Plan to join us for dinner for $40. Please visit the chamber website at bataviachamber.org or call us directly at 630-879-7134.

*Registration required, please visit bataviachamber.org

Drive to 500!

The Batavia Chamber of Commerce has seen significant growth over the past five years where we have gone from 280 members to 470 today. Because of this growth we have set a goal of 500 members by the end of August 2019. Who is eligible? Any new members that sign up with the chamber or existing members

who refer a new member sign up! Our raffle package is valued at over $500 and includes two tickets to a show at Paramount Theatre, $100 gift certificate to Acquaviva Winery and two bottles of wine, an overnight stay at My Place Hotel and to top it off, a basket of chocolate goodies from Fannie May Candy.

Welcome New Chamber Members

• 25N • Controlled F.O.R.C.E. • Hanrahan’s

The Batavia Chamber of Commerce would like to welcome our newest members!

• HealthMarkets • T-Mobile • River Hills Memorial Park • Veronica’s Realty, The Senior Team • Shelter Insurance— C.J. Diehl/Katie Zimmerman

Business Nuggets

™

See it on

An eclectic collection of what’s happening in Batavia

The Batavia Chamber of Commerce will host its 45th Annual Golf Classic on June 21 at the Orchard Valley Golf Course. Check in is 11:30am. Shot Gun start is 1pm. The main event sponsor is Business to Business Logistics LLC, and the chamber is looking for applicants for other sponsorship areas: beverage or golf cart, raffle, drink ticket, dinner or lunch and the giveaway. Your company logo will be shown as part of the sponsorship.

Contact Catherine Fitch catherine@bataviachamber.org.

You can also showcase your business through a raffle donation, donated through June 15. 630-879-7134 bataviachamber.org.

or one-to-one sessions to help clients intensify their personal and professional development. Owner Tracy Minnec spent nearly 20 years in corporate human resources management and coaching. She promises Light Bulb Effects will “give you the solutions to management challenges and the tools to creating a high performance organization.” 630-4003685 lightbulbeffectscoaching.com.

Mike Stephans, owner of 3-D Home Inspection, is now a Certified Residential Thermographer (CRT).

CRT certification means Stephans has acquired special training in the science of thermal imaging, methods of heat transfer, thermal capacities, the limitations of thermal imaging and how to avoid false readings. By becoming a CRT, Stephans provides an even more thorough home inspection. He can detect electrical, moisture and energy issues, as well as evidence of pests like termites and bees, which the naked eye cannot see.

630-392-4278 3dhomeinspect.com.

Local Author Willie Etta Wright announced the release of her children’s book Grandma Mable, Are You Able? The book captures an adventure of a grandmother who is embracing the challenges of raising her grandson. “2010 statistics show that over 100,000 grandparents are raising grandchildren in Illinois,” shared Wright, reaffirming the need for a book that speaks to those families. It is available at Anderson’s Bookshop, 111 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville and Amazon.com.

Local Author Willie Etta Wright wrote Grandma Mable, Are You Able? about a grandmother who is embracing the challenges of raising her grandson.

New business, Light Bulb Effects Coaching LLC, helps companies thrive by providing a highly effective, solutions-focused, substantial coaching experience.

Coaches conduct workshops, group coaching programs 46 kaneneighbors.com

Batavia Mayor Jeffery Schielke stands with Light Bulb Effects Owner Tracy Minnec and her mother Mary Ann Minnec at the company’s ribbon cutting ceremony.

Geneva’s GreenFields Senior Living, 0N801 Friendship Way, has filled two management positions from within its own workforce. Tony Madl is the new executive director of GreenFields and Tony Rizzato is the new administrator of Briarwood Healthcare of GreenFields. “It is particularly gratifying that such highly-qualified candidates from within our organization have grown to assume these positions.

Building and maintaining a workplace of tomorrow by attracting, developing, recognizing and rewarding talented professionals is integral to our Strategic Plan,” commented CEO/President Stephen Yenchek. 630-5786500 greenfieldsgeneva.org.

The next Batavia Women in Business luncheon is scheduled for June 11, 11:30am-1pm. It will be centered around interactive networking games, so visitors can get to know each other in a fun, creative way. The luncheon will be at Oscar Swan, 1800 W State St. in Geneva, and proceeds go to the featured charity, Valley Sheltered Workshop. Cost is $35 for Prospective members and Guests, $30 for Chamber members. Register no later than June 7. 630-879-7134 bataviawib.com.

Around the Block™ Think beyond the box and have fun Fox Valley Robotics will be offering fun, summer challenges for kids with exciting new programs, at Gustafson Elementary, Batavia. Lego® eXplorer Camp will test the design and building talents of the young innovators in the 1st–3rd grades. 4th–8th graders, take Legos to the next level with sensors, motors, electronics and a robot with programs that you write to solve a series of missions. For 8th–12th graders, the metal workshops will be focused on operator-controlled steel/aluminum robots and programming. Register at foxvalleyrobotics.com.

Moving Wall Tribute is at Batavia VFW The Batavia Veterans of Foreign Wars and Auxiliary invites the public to visit the moving wall tribute to those lost in combat action in Vietnam. May 1–5, all are welcome to visit VFW Post 1197, 645 S. River St., to celebrate the lives and sacrifice of those lost in the Vietnam War. The display will be open and staffed by Veterans 24 hours a day. Opening ceremony is May 1, 5pm; Tribute to Nurses in Vietnam is May 4, 11am; and closing ceremony is May 5, 3pm.

Touch-A-Truck Day free event for kids Touch-A-Truck Day, May 10, gives kids of all ages the opportunity to touch, feel and climb through the vehicles they love. From 10am–12pm, kids can touch a fire truck, tractor, dump truck, bus, limousine and police car. The free event takes place at Eastside Community Center, 14 N. Van Buren St. Rain date is May 17.

630-879-5235 kellyh@bataviaparks.org.

Batavia Plain Dirt Gardeners hold plant sale On May 11, 9am–12pm, Batavia Plain Dirt Gardeners will host a plant sale at the Bethany Lutheran Church gym, 8 S. Lincoln St. Get something fun for your garden or buy a gift for Mother’s Day. They will be sharing native plants, perennials, ephemerals, ferns, small bushes and trees, bulbs and often veggies raised by members and other fun things for the garden.

Join the Interactive Mother’s Day Scavenger Hunt The First Annual Mother’s Day Scavenger Hunt will be May 11, 2–4pm. Meet at Peg Bond Center, 151 N. Island Ave., to enjoy a fun search around downtown Batavia collecting clues with the family. All family members of all ages can create a team of 4. Prizes awarded to top three teams. Purchase tickets via

Eventbrite.com at $87 per team (includes ‘Swag Bag’).

Proceeds support Kiwanis Club of Batavia and its Youth Leadership Programs in Batavia schools.

Join the Batavia Bicycle Commission for Bike Week and Ride-To-Work Day The Batavia Bicycle Commission encourages the public to participate in Bike Week, May 13–19. May 17 is a special Ride-To-Work Day. Enjoy Batavia outside with its scenic trail system. Get a spring tune-up at a Batavia bike shop or visit a bicycle-friendly business for a trail map. Watch for new bike route signage downtown this riding season.

Elderday rocks Batavia’s Elderday Center serves seniors with mild to moderate cognitive/physical dysfunction and their caregivers. Its spring fundraiser is May 19, 4–7pm, at Global Brew Tap House, 2100 Prairie St., St. Charles.

Enjoy the family-friendly event which features live rock & roll music, custom rocking chair raffles, a Jail House Rock game, heavy appetizers and soft drinks and a cash bar. Tickets $30 per person, $50 per couple. Kids 12 and under are free. RSVP at 630-761-9750.

WellBatavia Festival On June 1, 8am–1pm, the WellBatavia Festival will have its second annual gathering for local wellness resources. The event is for anyone wanting to improve their personal health and the health of their family, homes or community. The Downtown Batavia event will be on N. River St., near the Farmers’ Market. The annual 5K Race to the Market begins at 8am and free fitness classes are ongoing all day.

Artisan Collective Batavia vendors to visit Batavia Farmers’ Market starting June 15 Starting on June 15, shop from over twenty artisan vendors each month at the Batavia Farmers’ Market.

The Artisan Collective Batavia is open to vendors in the Chicagoland area and Batavia businesses. The collective will pop-up every third Saturday of the month. The weekly market, open every Saturday from 8am–12pm, opens June 1 through October 27 at N. River St. between Wilson and State St. artisancollectivebatavia@gmail.com.

Enjoy a Cougars game with veterans The Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 693 of Kane and DuPage County, will host veterans from Hines Hospital on May 7. The event will take place

kaneneighbors.com 47

Around the Block™ at the Kane County Cougars Stadium, 34W2 Cherry Ln., Geneva, in two of the stadium’s sky boxes.

Game starts at 12pm. All tickets are accounted for.

630-232-1423 vva693@hotmail.com.

Set some butterflies free On May 17, there will be four Butterfly Release Parties for kids and families. In 30-minute time-slots, from 4–6pm, visit Peck Farm Park, 4038 Kaneville Rd., Geneva, to see the first butterflies arrive. Participants will be able to release a butterfly into the house and take a self-guided butterfly hike. Butterfly snacks/ crafting included. Cost is $10 per person. Preregistration is recommended. Participants under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. 630-232-4542 genevaparks.org.

The ancient game of Kubb comes to the TriCities Kubb (rhymes with tube) is a game with Scandinavian origins that may date back to the time of the Vikings.

Recently, the game has enjoyed renewed popularity in the Midwest, and a Batavia group has launched the first Kubb league in Kane County, Energy City Kubb.

The game involves tossing batons to knock down field pieces before taking the “king kubb.” Energy City Kubb started last summer after Batavia resident George Sloan read a newspaper article about the U.S. National Kubb Championship, held annually in Eau Claire, WI. Starting May 7, the group will begin playing at the Batavia Moose Lodge. They are also planning a live demo at the Swedish Days Festival. Join the Energy City Kubb group on Facebook for more information.

See it on

Healing Gardens Open to the public on Mother’s Day and June 9 Healing Gardens at Stone Hill Farm, 37W249 Dean St., St. Charles, opens on Mother’s Day, Sun., May 12 as well as June 9 for the public to enjoy the gardens.

They are mosquito free, perennial gardens in a natural wooded setting. Admission cost is $5 per person, $10 per family and free for cancer fighters. The day includes Tai Chi in the garden from 11:30am–12:30pm and Outdoor Yoga from 1–2pm for anyone interested.

Looking for a Mother’s Day gift? The gardens are selling perennial plants on May 11, 9am–3pm, at $4 a clump.

630-740-2597 healinggardensatstonehillfarm.com.

St. Charles Annual Memorial Day Parade Honor veterans of past and present this Memorial Day, May 27. At 10am, the annual Memorial Day Parade in St. Charles will begin at Sixth St. continuing to Riverside Ave. It ends with a Memorial Service at the Freedom Shrine, located along the river, north of the police department. The VFW and American Legion will also have an open house at 311 N. Second St., Unit 109, for all service veterans and their families including active and inactive club members.

Registration opens June 1 for Over the Edge 4 Girl Scouts event Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois will raise funds through Over the Edge 4 Girl Scouts, presented by Jewel-Osco. In the unique event, funds go up while participants rappel down Pheasant Run’s 140-foot, 16-story tower. Each participant will raise $1,000 in funds, an amount which helps 40 girls in need join the Girl Scouts program. Space is limited to 92 participants.

Anyone, ages 11 and up, can register through girlscoutsni.org/ote.

Freedom 4: Independence Day 4K supports Lazarus House Last year about 320 patriotic participants started their holiday running, walking or dashing to help their neighbors in need. This year, the Freedom 4 tradition continues at St. Charles’ LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, to support Lazarus House. Sign up for the 4-mile race at signmeup.com by May 30 for $28. June 1–30 cost is $30. Check in starts at 6:30am, the race is at 8am and Kids Dash is at 9am. First 150 registrants receive a performance shirt, next 150 receive a T-shirt.

630-587-2144 lazarushouse.net.

Learn to play Kubb with the Energy City Kubb club.

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for more, visit KaneNeighbors.com Spring Salad Luncheon at Living Hope Church On Monday, May 6, Living Hope Church, 405 W. State St., North Aurora, hosts a Spring Salad Luncheon.

For $8, visitors will get a spring salad plate, beverage and dessert. Proceeds go to support the church and its programs. Tickets are available at the door, 11am–1pm.

630-897-0013 office@livinghope.ch.

Water Lantern Festival returns The Water Lantern Festival of Aurora is coming back on May 18 at RiverEdge Park, 360 N. Broadway St. Experience the magical festival where thousands of floating lanterns glow on the Fox River with loving messages on them. Enjoy the view as well as music and food trucks. Tickets are $35, $40 the day of the event.

Kids, youth and date-night specials available. ticket. ticketspice.com/aurora.

Bohemian Rhapsody sing-along comes to the Paramount June 8 If you’re a Queen fanatic, you probably found it hard to keep yourself from belting out your favorite tunes in Bohemian Rhapsody at the theaters. Aurora’s Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., has the perfect showing for you: a Bohemian Rhapsody sing-along. On June 8 at 8pm, sing with Rami Malek and the gang, let out some ‘Ay-oh’s and enjoy the Academy award-winning film.

Tickets $11. 630-896-6666 paramountaurora.com

Fox Valley Food for Health hosts Golf Outing Head to Hughes Creek Golf Club, 1749 Spring Valley Dr., Elburn, on May 31 for Fox Valley Food for Health’s Annual Golf Outing. The day includes a greens fee, cart and lunch voucher. The fun continues into the evening with a succulent pig roast dinner, live music, raffles and silent auctions. All proceeds benefit Fox Valley Food for Health and their mission to promote a nutritionally focused community. Registration begins 12pm, Shotgun start 1pm. Tickets $150 full day, $75 dinner only.

Foxvalleyfoodforhealth.org/golf-fundraiser.

Color Burst 5K “Fun Run & Roll” On Friday, June 7, the Association for Individual Development (AID) will host a 5K Color Burst “Fun Run & Roll.” Runners, walkers and wheelchair riders will be blasted with color in this fun, family event that includes food, refreshments and a live DJ. All proceeds benefit individuals with physical, developmental, intellectual and/or mental health challenges who receive AID services. Race time is 7pm at 1135 Bowes Rd., Elgin. Sign up at AIDcares.org/color

Spotlight on Arts

theatre, dance, music, fine arts, photography, galleries, events— See it on begrudgingly spends time with her conniving sister, until she finds comfort in Hal, one of her dad’s former students. Together, they discover an old notebook that holds a buried family secret. Can Catherine and her sister handle the news? Showtimes are May 3 through 11, 7:30pm; May 5, 3pm. Tickets $15 in advance, $20 at the door. 630-232-4501 genevaparks.org.

Live Music Fridays at Geneva’s Cafe & Barr

Cafe & Barr is a cozy spot to enjoy live acoustic music over a coffee, wine or beer. They have shows most Sundays and Fridays. This May, the cafe’s Live Music Fridays, at 7pm, will feature guitarists Jim Green, on the May 10; and Anthony Padilla, May 17. cafebarr.com.

Rock and roll legend, David Crosby, visits Arcada Theatre

“Experience the Unconventional” during Eye of the Beholder Garment Exhibition Opening reception for Water Street Studios’ Eye of the Beholder Garment Exhibition is May 10, 6–9pm.

See garment designs created by Batavia and Illinois artists of all ages that fit this year’s theme, Transparency, in their own unique ways. “The results are both serious and whimsical—an amazing cross section of personal interpretation,” noted Danielle Hollis, Executive Director. The exhibit will be shown until June 8. Tickets for opening reception are $20 Adult, $10 Student and free for kids under 13. 630-761-9977 waterstreetstudios.org.

Playhouse 38 presents emotional drama, Proof Proof is an emotional drama about a woman named Catherine, while she overcomes the loss of her father, a brilliant mathematician known for his proofs. She

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On May 13, David Crosby, a two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Famer of Crosby, Stills & Nash and The Byrds, is coming to the Arcada! Starting at 7:30pm, he will play songs from his remarkable career span of over 50 years, along with his musical friends, the Sky Trails Band.

Tickets range $59-99. A Meet & Greet ticket upgrade is available. 630-962-7000 arcadalive.com.

Next Fall at The Albright Theatre

The Dramatists Play Service, Inc., will present Next Fall at The Albright Theatre, May 17 through June 1.

The play takes a witty and provocative look at faith, commitment and unconditional love through a fiveyear relationship between Adam and Luke. It will have audiences contemplating what it means to “believe” and what it might cost us not to. Tickets are $20 Adults, $15 Students/Seniors. Shows are Friday and Saturday, 7:30pm; and the 2nd Sunday, 2:30pm. 630-406-8838 albrighttheatre.com.

Laugh along with The Savannah Sipping Society May 24 through June 26, indulge in a fun-filled comedy at the Steel Beam Theatre. Four Southern ladies decide it’s time to escape their daily routines and live a little bit more. They start to connect through an impromptu happy hour, filling their need for excitement—and filling plenty of glasses. Tickets range $22–28. 630-587-8521 steelbeamtheatre.com

The 23rd Annual Blues on the Fox Festival

On June 14 & 15, Blues on the Fox will be back at RiverEdge Park, Aurora. Taj Mahal and Robert Randolph and the Family Band are the headliners.

Ronnie Baker Brooks and Coco Montoya are just a few other fantastic artists who will be there. Gates open at 6pm, Friday; and 2pm, Saturday. Tickets are $10 if purchased on/before May 31, $20 if not. 630-896-6666 riveredgeaurora.com.

Presley, Perkins, Lewis & Cash at Batavia Fine Arts Centre

It’s 1956 and Memphis is alive with a new genre of music the papers are calling Rock and Roll. Four men stand at the center: Elvis Presley (The King), Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis and Johnny Cash. On June 21, enjoy their music in an intimate musical session where the true spirit of rock lives again. Tickets range $28–40.

630-937-8930 bataviafineartscentre.org.

“Concert for the Common Man” features Copeland and Mahler

Elgin Symphony’s final concert of the season is May 4 & 5. “Concert for the Common Man” features Aaron Copeland’s Symphony No. 3, which includes the theme from Fanfare for the Common Man in the fourth movement. The orchestra also performs the first ( and only complete) movement of Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 10, Adagio. Performances are Sat., May 4, 7:30pm and Sun., May 5, 2:30pm at Hemmens Cultural Arts Center. For tickets, call 847-888-4000. ElginSymphony.Org

Orion Ensemble features Brahms in season finale

The award winning Orion Ensemble closes their 26th season with a “Brahms Finale.” The performance features Brahms’ “Piano Quintet in f minor,” Sergei Prokofiev’s “Overtature on Hebrew Themes” and Alfred Uhl’s “Kleines Konzert.” Joining the ensemble is guest violinist Mathias Tacke and guest violist Stephen Boe. Hear the concert at the Chapelstreet Church in Geneva on Sun., May 5 at 7pm. orionensmble.org

Neighbors of Batavia

Batavia Resources

If you would like your club or organization listed, forward contact information to: info@neighborsmagazines.com

Community organizations Alcoholics Anonymous. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 630-377-6610, aadistrict61.org Batavia American Legion Post 504. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bataviapost504.org Batavia Arts Council. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BataviaArtsCouncil.org BATV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . mybatv.com Batavia Boosters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bataviabulldogboosters.org Batavia Chamber of Commerce. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bataviachamber.org Batavia Foundation for Educational Excellence. . . . . . bataviafoundation.org Batavia Historical Society. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bataviahistoricalsociety.org Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bataviafoodpantry.org Batavia Lions Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . batavialionsclub.org Batavia MainStreet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . downtownbatavia.com Batavia Masonic Lodge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . batavialodge404.blogspot.com Batavia Mothers’ Club. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bataviamothersclub.org Batavia Music Buffs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bataviamusicbuffs.org Batavia Park District. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bataviaparks.org Batavia Public Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bataviapubliclibrary.org Batavia Public Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bps101.net Batavia RSVP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bataviarsvp.org Batavia Triathlon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bataviatriathlon.org Batavia Township . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bataviatownship.com Batavia United Way . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bataviaunitedway.org Batavia VFW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bataviavfw.org Batavia Woman’s Club. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bataviawomansclub.org Batavia Women in Business. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bataviawib.com

Quick phone guide: Emergency Batavia. . . . . . . . 911

City Hall. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 630-454-2000 Police (Non-Emergency). . 630-454-2500 Fire (Non-Emergency) . . . . . 630-454-2100 Chamber of Commerce. . . . 630-879-7134 Batavia Park District. . . . . . . . 630-879-5235 School District 101. . . . . . . . . 630-937-8800 Batavia Public Library. . . . . . 630-879-1393 Batavia Township. . . . . . . . . . 630-879-1392 MainStreet.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 630-761-3528

Utilities

Boy Scouts of America, Three Fires Council. . . . . . . . . . . . threefirescouncil.org CASA Kane County. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . casakanecounty.org CHIP IN Batavia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . chipinbatavia.org Elderday Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . elderdaycenter.org Fermilab (Public Affairs). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . fnal.gov Fox Valley Hands of Hope. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . fvhh.net Fox Valley Special Rec Assoc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . fvsra.org Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .girlscoutsni.org Kane County Health Department. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . kanehealth.com Kane County Veteran’s Assistance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 630-232-3550 Kiwanis Club. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 630-879-2281 League of Women Voters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . lwvckc.org LivingWell Cancer Resource Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . livingwellcrc.org Lutheran Social Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . lssi.org Mutual Ground.Domestic Violence Hotline 630-897-0080, mutualground.org Rotary Club of Batavia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bataviarotaryclub.org St. Vincent de Paul Society. . . . . . . . . holycross-batavia.org/st-vincent-de-paul Tri City Family Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . tricityfamilyservices.org Tri City Health Partnership. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . tchpfreeclinic.org Valley Sheltered Workshop. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . valleyshelteredworkshop.org Water Street Studios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . waterstreetstudios.org Waubonsee Community College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . waubonsee.edu Zonta Club. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . zontawest-sgb.org

J.U.L.I.E. . . . . . . . . . . . . .811 or 800-892-0123 (call 48 hours before you dig) Water Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . 630-454-2450 Electric Utility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 630-454-2350 NICOR GAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 888-642-6748 Advanced Disposal . . . . . . . . 630-587-8282 (garbage pick up)

Kane County

County Clerk. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 630-232-5950 Sheriff (Non-Emergency). . 630-232-6840 Voter Registration . . . . . . . . . 630-232-5990 Kane County Forest Preserve. . . . . . . . . . . .

630-232-5980

Other

Aurora Secretary of State Facility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312-793-1010 U.S. Post Office (Batavia) . . . 630-879-1483

B A T A V I A SUNDAY

M A Y 2019 MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

1

Send us your event information!

Please note: Some programs listed may require registration and/or fees. Please check with individual organizations.

6 City Council 7:30pm City Hall

7 Committee of the Whole 7pm City Hall

Mot hers Day

13 Historic Pres.

Com. 5:30pm City Hall Bicycle Com. 7pm City Hall

14 Kiwanis 12pm, Andre’s Committee of the Whole 7pm, City Hall Book Discussion 7:30pm, Library

9

8 Inclusion Game Night 6:30pm Library

Drop-In Craft 10am-12pm Write Standout College Essays 7pm Library

15

BSCC Lunch 12pm Eastside Com. Center Kiwanis 6:30pm, Pal Joey’s Plan Com. & Zoning Bd. 7pm, City Hall

SATURDAY

2

Batavia VFW 7pm VFW Hall

Batavia Environmental Com. 7pm City Hall

12

FRIDAY

Plan Com. & Zoning Bd. 7pm City Hall

newsroom@neighborsmagazines.com Deadline for the July/August 2019 issue is June 1

5

THURSDAY

16 Play & Learn 10am

3

4

Citywide Garage Sale

Citywide Garage Sale

Baby & Tot Storytime 10am Library

Drop-In Craft 10am-4pm Free Comic Book Day Library

10

11

Touch-A-Truck Day 10-12pm Eastside Com. Center Tween Night 6pm Eastside Com. Center

17

18

Bike to Work Day

Fire & Police Com. 12pm Rotolo Middle School

Books Between Bites 12pm, Library Admin. Adj. Hearing 7pm, City Hall

East Side Brush Collection May 14–May18

19 World War II Radio Hour 2pm Library

20 City Council 7:30pm City Hall

21

22

23

24

Truck Tales 10am, Library

25 Quarry Opens 12pm Hall Quarry Beach

American Legion Post 504 7pm, VFW Canteen Committee of the Whole 7pm, City Hall

West Side Brush Collection May 21–May 25

26

27 Memorial Day

28 Exam Cram 5-9pm Library Committee of the Whole 7pm City Hall

29

30

31 Please note: Some programs listed may require registration and/ or fees. Please check with individual organizations.

B A T A V I A SUNDAY

J U N E 2019 MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

1

Farmers Mkt., 8am-12pm MainStreet 5k 8am Well Batavia 8am-1pm N. River St. Park Clean-Up Day, 8-12pm Riverwalk Juggling Funny Stories 11am, Library

Watch Batavia City Council meetings on

Send us your event information! newsroom@neighborsmagazines.com Deadline for the July/August 201 issue is June 1

Please note: Some programs listed may require registration and/or fees.

Please check with individual organizations.

2

3 City Council 7:30pm City Hall

4 Fire & Police Com. 5pm, Police Dept.

Climate Change 7pm Chess Knight 7pm, Library Committee of the Whole 7pm,City Hall

9

10 Historic Pres.

Com. 5:30pm City Hall Bicycle Com. 7pm City Hall

16 Father’s Day

23

30 Tribute to the USA 2pm Library

11 Kiwanis 12pm, Andre’s Committee of the Whole 7pm, City Hall Book Discussion 7:30pm, Library

5 Super Savvy Senior Expo 9am-12pm Eastside Com. Center Batavia VFW 7pm, VFW Hall Plan Com. & Zoning Board 7pm, City Hall

6 Games Galore 10:30am Library

12

Inclusion Game Night 6:30pm, Library River Rhapsody Concert 7pm, Riverwalk Batavia Environme. Com. 7pm, City Hall

13 Children’s Bingo 1pm

14 Flag Day

Teen Writing Workshop 7pm Library

Flag Day Celebration 6-9pm Riverwalk

East Side Brush Collection June 11–June 15

17

Puppet Palooza 10:30am, Library Wacky Water Olympics 12:30-4pm Hall Quarry Beach Edouard Manet 7pm, Library City Council 7:30pm, City Hall

18

American Legion Post 504 7pm VFW Canteen Committee of the Whole 7pm City Hall

19

BSCC Lunch 12pm Big Woods Park Kiwanis 6:30pm Pal Joey’s River Rhapsody Concert 7pm, Riverwalk Plan Com. & Zoning Board 7pm,City Hall

25

26

Committee of the Whole 7pm City Hall

River Rhapsody Concert 7pm Batavia Riverwalk

20

21

Jump Start Your Genealogy 7pm Library

8 Farmers Market 8am-12pm N. River St.

15 Farmers Market 8am-12pm N. River St. Fishing Derby 10am-12pm Clark Island Recreation Area

22 Farmers Market 8am-12pm N. River St.

Admin. Adj. Hearing 7pm City Hall

West Side Brush Collection June 18–June 22

24

7 Baby & Tot Storytime 10am Library

27

28

29 Farmers Market 8am-12pm N. River St.