The Batavian - March/April 2022

March April 2022

The

Batavian Easter Activities Holiday events for kids, tweens, families, and pets

Yard waste & brush collection resume soon BPS101 hosting engagement sessions Check out library’s Born to Read program

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COMMUNITY LIAISONS Holly Deitchman Batavia Public Schools 630-937-8824 Patricia Leonard Batavia Public Library 630-879-1393 Allison Niemela Batavia Park District 630-879-5235 Margaret Perreault Batavia Chamber of Commerce 630-879-7134

What’s Inside 4 5 12 13 14 18 20 28 32 33 34

Message from the City

City of Batavia Currents Batavia MainStreet

Batavia Chamber of Commerce Batavia School District 101

Happening in Batavia | Events calendar Batavia Public Library Batavia Park District BATV

City of Batavia 630-454-2000 Andrew Van Meter BATV 630-879-9300 Beth Walker Batavia MainStreet 630-761-3528

PUBLISHER Laura Shaw 630-709-4497 lshaw@shawmedia.com DESIGNER Julie Barichello 815-431-4072 jbarichello@shawmedia.com ADVERTISING Tricia Walter 630-345-0066 twalter@shawmedia.com

Community Above Self

Batavia Resource Guide

ON THE COVER: Batavia Park District and Batavia MainStreet have several Easter activities planned in April. See pages 12 and 28-29 for more information.

Published by Shaw Media ShawMediaMarketing.com

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Message from the City

JEFFERY SCHIELKE Mayor of Batavia

reetings, from all indications it appears that 2022 is starting to show a number of possible new features of growth that are likely to show up in our town.

Out on the far northwest side, along the Randall Road corridor the city has received several inquiries about new businesses locating there. A new Casey’s convenience center, featuring gasoline and a host of food items, is finalizing approvals to begin building a new structure on the site just east of Holy Cross Church. I visited a similar Casey Store in another location last summer and I am of the opinion that the products found at the Casey’s will find a lot of interest from Batavians. At the Randall Road and McKee Street intersection we have a lot of construction going on with a new warehouse at Menards plus small building and interior remodeling work taking place. On the southeast corner of this intersection a new interior side road, south of the popular Raising Cane’s, will eventually allow for travel from the area of Great Escape to Raising Cane’s without having to travel on Randall Road. Along this new passageway will be a Starbucks Coffee along with a Chipotle’s Mexican food restaurant. Several other businesses will be fitted into this location which have yet to be publicly announced. The city is in the process of handling permits and approvals for the opening of a Douglas Floor Covering showroom across McKee Street to the north, and a Culver’s Restaurant to be located in the south parking lot of the former TGI Fridays.

In another exciting piece of news, the former Randall 15 Movie Theater, on the east side of Randall Road, has been purchased by Emagine Entertainment out of Troy, Michigan. This appears to be a very innovative company that has already undertaken a similar project in a former grocery store in Frankfort, Illinois. The Frankfort model shows first run movies along with other innovative entertainment ideas. I enjoy a friendship with the former Mayor of Frankfort who shares with me the local appreciation being expressed with the revitalization of the theater business in this Will

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County community. The Batavia theater location will be undergoing some substantial repair, remodeling and expansion in coming months, with the actual reopening probably around the end of the current year. I will be sharing updated details about the reopening of the Randall 15 Theatre in Batavia in future editions of the Batavian.

Finally, with the announcement by Shodeen that they were terminating their plans to build a mixed use complex at the northwest corner of Wilson Street and Washington Avenue, the city has received several inquiries from other development organizations interested in submitting a proposal for some sort of construction development on the site. Given that we have had multiple inquiries the city staff is suggesting that interested parties be prepared to present to the City Council at some future date what they have in mind for the site.

In discussing the matter with our City Council it was agreed that we would give a time sometime later in the current year for the City Council and staff as a whole to meet in public sessions with each party wanting to make a presentation.

Further actions on the site and any approval of new plans rests entirely with the members of the City Council and will be decided in a public meeting. In another proposed downtown project our staff is reviewing a plan for what is being called the Sturdy Shelter Brewery and Tap Room at 10 South Shumway Avenue.

This building was nicely remodeled a few years back by Kluber Engineering as their office space. Previously, old time Batavians will fondly remember when it was utilized as our downtown single screen movie theater.

Hope you are ready for the start of the Spring weather season which we all are looking forward to. Best wishes.

Jeffery Schielke MAYOR JEFFERY SCHIELKE

STAKEHOLDER MEETING

Mahoney Creek Watershed Plan The City of Batavia is in the process of developing a Watershed Based Plan for the Mahoney Creek Watershed.

Throughout this process, we will be hosting three stakeholder meetings for residents and interested parties to become involved in the planning. The first and second meetings were held on Nov. 16, 2021 and Jan. 25, 2022, and both presentations can be found on the project website. The third meeting will be March 23 from 5:30–7 p.m. in person at City Hall Council Chambers and discuss: • Programmatic Action Plan • Site-Specific Action Plan • Critical Areas & Management Measures • Implementation of the Plan Due to COVID-19 things can change, so please check the project website for up-to-date information: cityofbatavia. net/345/Mahoney-Creek. These meetings have focused on discussing water quality, pollutant loadings, goals for the watershed, action items and projects that can be implemented and finally funding mechanisms. A notice will be sent to those within the limits of the watershed as the date approaches. We are excited to be working through this process and look forward to hearing from you!

Spring is coming and so is a

RIVER CLEAN-UP

Co-sponsored by the City of Batavia and Friends of the Fox River, “Love your River Day” is the new name of the annual River Clean-Up as the Friends of the Fox transition the event to more of a celebration. Check the City’s website, www.cityofbatavia.net, and the May/June issue of The Batavian for more information.

RAIN BARREL SALE is back in Batavia

The City is hosting the 11th Annual Rain Barrel Sale with The Conservation Foundation and is currently taking orders for your Rain Barrels, available now until April 20 for in-town pickup or until the end of the year with an added delivery fee. The orders placed online are for credit card purchases only.

Typically in years past the City hosted The Conservation Foundation to present their Conservation @ Home program and to have discussions about rain barrels and rain gardens. Due to ongoing changes with COVID-19, the city will not host an in-person event this year but highly recommends checking out The Conservation Foundation’s YouTube channel and watching their videos on these topics: www.youtube.com/c/ TheConservationFoundation/ videos.

The Conservation Foundation rain barrels are 55 gallons each and made from recycled food-grade plastic. The rain barrels come equipped with a spigot, garden hose threaded overflow and screw off lid with

a screen to keep out bugs and debris, and a one-year warranty. Prices are $64.50.

The barrels are available in the following colors: black, blue, grey and terra cotta.

The pickup event will be on Saturday, April 30, from 8-10 a.m. at the Skate Park at 411 S. River Street.

To place an order available for pickup, go to www.cityofbatavia. net/rainbarrels and place your order by April 20. If you cannot make that date or order after the April 30 pickup date, your order will be delivered with an $18.50 delivery charge.

The delivery date will be coordinated with the supplier when enough barrels are purchased in the area.

For more information on The Conservation Foundation, visit their website: www.theconservationfoundation.org.

Truck Tales is back!

MAY

Batavia’s Director of Public Works, Gary Holm, will be reading some stories with themes about public works and engineering on Monday, May 16, at 10:30 a.m. for children of Save the date 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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Currents

Prairie Street and Wilson Street Intersection Improvements (Stage 2) Design Underway

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he City of Batavia has been awarded Federal (STP) and Illinois (ICC Grade Crossing Protection) funding for the design and construction phases of the Prairie Street and Wilson Street intersection improvements project (Stage 2). The engineering design of the proposed intersection improvements started in late 2020 and will be completed in 2022.

Construction is anticipated to begin during the spring of 2023.

During the preliminary engineering phase, the project was split into two projects to maximize the funding available. The first project (Stage 1) consisted of the reconstruction of the roadway from Pine Street to the southern limits of the BNSF Railroad ROW and was completed in 2020.

Early on it was determined that the Prairie Street/Wilson Street intersection warrants new traffic signals for existing and future traffic volumes. The Phase 1 design report included an intersection layout with exclusive left and thru lanes for all legs of this intersection. Prairie Street north of the intersection would also be widened and resurfaced.

The proposed design and engineering plans will include the improvements required to interconnect the new traffic signal to the existing traffic signal interconnect system located at Wilson Street and Route 25 and throughout the downtown Wilson Street corridor.

The project will also include improvements to the storm sewer system and complete replacement of the water main within the construction limits.

Part of the challenge to this project will be the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) railway single track, which crosses both Prairie and Wilson Street just east of Prairie Street. Because of the

What construction is going on around town?

Are you curious about what construction is taking place in Batavia? Did you know we have a Capital Improvement Map on the City website? You can enter your address in the location bar and any construction in the proximity will show up. There is a legend that denotes what each line color represents. To find this map, go to www.cityofbatavia.net.

At the bottom of the home page, there is a link to City Maps. Once there, click on the icon shown at right:

proposed traffic signal and BNSF track crossings, railroad protective devices will need to be upgraded.

In conjunction with the new traffic signal pre-signals will be installed south of the crossing on Prairie Street and east of the crossing on Wilson Street. Roadway gates will be installed at all quadrants of the crossings in advance of the crossings in all directions.

Follow updates on this project on the project website: www.cityofbatavia.net/794/Prairie-Street-Reconstruction

Your Elected Officials

Mayor Jeffery D. Schielke

Aldermen Serving until May 2023 Ward 1 Christopher Solfa • csolfa@cityofbatavia.net Ward 2 Alan P. Wolff • awolff@cityofbatavia.net Ward 3 Dan Chanzit • dchanzit@cityofbatavia.net Ward 4 Tom Connelly • tconnell@cityofbatavia.net Ward 5 Abby Beck • abeck@cityofbatavia.net Ward 6 Michael Russotto • mrussott@cityofbatavia.net Ward 7 Keenan Alexander Miller • kmiller@cityofbatavia.net

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City Clerk Kate Garrett

Treasurer Jennifer Fox

Aldermen Serving until May 2025 Ward 1 Jennifer Baerren • jbaerren@cityofbatavia.net Ward 2 Leah Leman • lleman@cityofbatavia.net Ward 3 George Ajazi • gajazi@cityofbatavia.net Ward 4 Tony Malay • tmalay@cityofbatavia.net Ward 5 Mark Uher • muher@cityofbatavia.net Ward 6 Nicholas P. Cerone • ncerone@cityofbatavia.net Ward 7 Sarah Volgelsinger • svogelsi@cityofbatavia.net

2022 Street Programs Resurfacing Program

Construction of the 2022 Street Resurfacing Program is expected to begin in May 2022 with completion anticipated by the end of September 2022. Bids will be received for this project in March 2022. This year’s program includes asphalt pavement resurfacing, new sidewalk construction, sidewalk repairs, curb repairs, and landscape restoration.

If your property is being directly affected by this work you will receive a door hanger at least 24 hours in advance explaining the work that is to be done in front of your house and instructions as to what you may need to do.

For example, if the sidewalk or curb thru your driveway is being replaced you will be without access for a period of time until the work is completed, and you will need to park on the street. A contact name and phone number will be included with the door hanger if you have any questions. In addition, a construction notice will be mailed to the residents one week prior to the construction starts.

The goal of this project is to resurface the pavement surface and repair the failing concrete infrastructure in the public right-of-way. To accomplish this, deteriorated curb through some driveways and storm structures on your street will be removed and replaced before the street is resurfaced.

For a construction map showing the locations of new sidewalks and streets to be resurfaced please visit the Streets Resurfacing Program webpage at www.cityofbatavia.net/337/ Street-Resurfacing-Program.

Crackfilling Program

The City of Batavia will be starting its annual Street Crackfilling project in May. Each year, the city evaluates its streets and parking lots and selects cost-effective maintenance treatments to enhance and extend the useful life of the pavement. When a pavement is relatively in better condition, crackfill is applied to extend the life of the pavement and reduce spot repairs such as potholes.

This is a very cost effective program and is performed each year on a number of city streets and parking areas to prevent water from entering the pavement and reduce the spread of cracking.

The program includes cleaning and sealing cracks, voids or joints in the street that are two inches (2”) in width or less with a fiberreinforced asphalt cement product.

Crackfilling is a mobile operation that results in minimal disturbance to residences, businesses, and motorists. However, lane closures may be required when the contractor is working along major thoroughfares. The roadways will always remain open to at least one lane of traffic in each direction and any lane closures will occur between 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to minimize the impact during peak travel times.

Parking may be restricted for short periods of time when the contractor is working along local streets.

A map showing the streets and parking lots to be crackfill is also available on the City website at: www.cityofbatavia.net/603/ Street-Crackfilling-Program

CITY OF BATAVIA’S

Cross Connection Control Program

The City of Batavia proudly supplies millions of gallons of safe, clean water every day to our customers. Our water quality exceeds the standards established by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Illinois Regulations.

Illinois EPA Regulations and Illinois Plumbing Codes (IDPH) require every water supplier implement a comprehensive cross connection control program for the elimination of all existing cross connections and the prevention of all future cross connections. The City of Batavia has contracted with Aqua Backflow, from Elgin, to assist with the Water Utility’s Cross Connection Control Program.

REMINDER TO RESIDENTS USING LAWN IRRIGATION SYSTEMS: Cross Connection Control devices (backflow preventers) are mandatory for underground lawn sprinkling systems.

TESTING IS REQUIRED EACH SPRING BEFORE YOUR SYSTEM IS ACTIVATED.

Aqua Backflow will mail a letter to the owner of the backflow device 30 days prior to their test due date.

If Aqua Backflow does not receive an updated test report online, from a certified tester, they will mail a second letter. A final letter will be sent by the City informing the owner that per City ordinance, their water will be shut off until they submit an updated test report.

This program is designed to safeguard public health. We ask for your cooperation with our program and its enforcement.

Let’s keep our drinking water safe!

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Currents

PROGRAMS & SERVICES Available to Batavia residents 2022 Parkway Tree Program

The City of Batavia provides residents with an opportunity to purchase a parkway tree, as part of its commitment to reforestation in Batavia. The available species are locally grown, quality trees that do well in City parkways. A variety of species is offered each year to provide a diversified parkway tree population for our community. Details for the trees available this spring can be found on the City’s website (see link below). Residents pay half of the tree cost, which covers the tree, planting, and mulch. Invoices will be sent to program participants for their share of the tree cost after planting has been completed.

To apply for a tree: Please note that quantities are limited. Complete and submit the online request form (form available at www.cityofbatavia.net/parkwaytree ).

We will accept requests until March 25 for spring trees (or while supplies last). If you need a paper form, call us at the number below and one will be sent to you.

Please call the Public Properties & Services Division at 630-454-2400 with any questions.

2022 Sidewalk Removal and Replacement Each year the City of Batavia performs sidewalk maintenance to repair defects within the city sidewalk system. These repairs ensure pedestrian safety as well as reduce liability for the property owner and the City of Batavia.

The City’s Sidewalk & Curb Replacement Program is comprised of walks that are sunken or risen more than 1” or more between sections, broken or separated into 3 or more pieces or 50% or more of the surface deteriorated. Construction will take place between April and September. Residents whose driveway access will be affected will be notified by door hanger a few days prior to the work beginning. Please see the Program’s webpage for more detailed information at www.cityofbatavia.net/projects

Household Hazardous Waste Front Door Collection

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

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YARD WASTE COLLECTION

BEGINS THE WEEK OF MARCH 14

W

eekly yard waste collection begins the week of March 14.

Yard waste will be collected the weeks March 14 and March 21 without a sticker. For the remainder of the season, March 30 through November 30, yard waste units require a refuse sticker.

Refuse stickers are available for purchase by phone from Waste Management at 630-587-8282, or in person at several local outlets. A complete list is available at cityofbatavia.net/292/Sticker-BagCart-Information.

Residents should place a refuse sticker on each generic yard waste bag or 32-gallon can and put bag/can at the curb on their regular collection date. Yard waste is collected separately from regular refuse and recycling.

Cans must be clearly labeled yard waste on the front, and a refuse sticker should be attached to the handle.

Plastic bags cannot be used. Maximum capacity is 50 pounds per yard waste bag or container. Yard waste carts with a 65-gallon capacity are also available to rent for a fee through Waste Management. Refuse may not be mixed with yard waste.

Yard waste includes grass clippings; leaves; branches and brush; other yard and garden trimmings; vines, garden plants and flowers; weeds; tree droppings (pinecones and crabapples); and other similar organic waste materials. Not included: Sod and greenery from wreaths or garlands is not yard waste and should be disposed of as refuse.

You can mix select food scraps in your yard waste cart, yard waste can, or a brown Kraft yard waste bag. Food scraps should be placed directly within the yard waste cart, can, or Kraft yard waste bag and bags should not be used inside the container, including those labeled compostable.

• Acceptable food scrap items that may be added to your yard waste cart, yard waste can, or brown Kraft yard waste bag include: Fruits & vegetables including unpainted holiday pumpkins; breads, grains, pasta & cereal; dairy & eggs including eggshells, but no liquids; coffee grounds, filters & teabags.

• Unacceptable items: No meat, poultry or seafood; no bones or shells; no fats, grease or oil; no liquids; no pet waste; no packaging; no paper plates or any other service ware (even if marked compostable); no plastics, styrofoam, glass, metal, or diapers.

Please contact the Public Properties and Services Division at 630-454-2400 with any questions.

Brush collection resumes in April

C

urbside residential brush collection resumes in April for residents that pay the monthly leaf/brush fee on their utility bill. Please note that the interval between collection dates has changed, so your collection week doesn’t occur the same week each month; there are still seven collections per season. Brush/limbs are to be at the curb for collection no later than 7:00 a.m. 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. The collections are for homeowner trimming and also meant to handle most minor storm damage

limbs that fall during the season; special collections are done very rarely. Brush/trimmings that are generated by a private service must be removed by that service and may not be put out for brush collection. Major storms may affect the schedule, and a notice of any special brush collection will be posted on the City’s website. If your brush was out at 7 a.m. on Monday of your scheduled collection week and not collected by the end of the workday on Friday, please notify the Public Properties & Services Division at 630-454-2400 no later than the following Monday.

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 residentiallygenerated 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.

2022 BRUSH COLLECTION SCHEDULE East Side Collection April 4 May 9 June 20 Aug. 1 Sept.12 Oct. 17

West Side Collection April 11 May 16 June 27 Aug. 8 Sept. 19 Oct. 24

Nov. 28 – Citywide

For materials that do not meet the above specifications: • Waste Management will collect yard waste bags/32-gallon cans (not to exceed 50 pounds per bag/32-gallon can) consisting of twigs, evergreen clippings, roots, stumps, and plants on your regular trash collection day, beginning the week of March 14.

During the weeks of March 14 and March 21, yard waste will be collected without a sticker. For the remainder of the season, from March 30 through November 30, 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.

If you have any questions, please call the Public Properties & Services Division at 630-454-2400 weekdays from 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. or visit our website at www.cityofbatavia.net/brushcollection.

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Currents

PATRIOTIC EVENTS FOR 2022

July 4th

The Batavia Fireworks Committee is inviting everyone in Batavia to host a garage sale at their home on Friday, May 6 and Saturday, May 7 (8 a.m.-4 p.m. both days) for the annual Citywide Garage Sale. This is the largest fundraiser that the Fireworks Committee has each year to raise monies for the July 4th Fireworks Show/Sky Concert. The Fireworks Committee (ten hard-working citizens of Batavia) has to raise $40,000 each year to put on this amazing show that puts fireworks to music.

Taxpayer dollars have NEVER been used to pay for these fireworks; therefore, each year new monies have to be raised to make this annual tradition in our town possible. If you are going to host a garage sale on this weekend in May, we strongly encourage you to register with the Fireworks Committee (only $35) so that your sale can be placed on the online and paper maps that will be distributed throughout the Fox Valley and Chicago suburban area. As a registered garage sale, you will also be eligible to win one of four gift cards from various Batavia businesses. What a deal — you can win free food and items just for getting rid of your stuff! Please complete the attached registration form by April 27.

Join the Annual Batavia City-Wide Garage Sale Friday and Saturday May 6 & 7th (No rain date) This annual event raises money for the Batavia 4th of July Fireworks!

How to participate: 





Register online at www.bataviafireworks.org or fill out the attached registration form and return it, along with the fee to City Hall no later than 5 p.m.

April 27th. (Registrations must be submitted by this date to be included in the printed map).

Come to City Hall on Wednesday, May 4th (noon7pm) to pick up maps, signs, balloons, flower, hand sanitizer, package of masks and instruction sheet.

Hold a garage sale at your home on May 6 & 7th.

(8am - 4pm).

Why participate? 





A chance to win a $25 Gift Card. All registered garage participants will be entered in a drawing to be held on May 7th.

Your sale will be identified on a printed map distributed to thousands of potential shoppers, as well as on an electronic map.

The City-Wide sale will be advertised in newspapers, on social media sites and on BATV.

For more info email info@BataviaFireworks.org or call Janet Jungels 630-267-8751 or Mike Kamin at 312-545-4308.

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Flag Day Monument Update

The Fox Valley Patriotic Organization (FVPO) is busy planning two fundraising events this year to get us across the finish line in the building of our Flag Day Monument on the Riverwalk in downtown Batavia.

On Sunday, April 24, a fun afternoon at Topgolf in Naperville will be held from 2-5 p.m. Please reserve your bay early by signing up on our website at flagdaymonument.com. On Wednesday, Sept. 14, a wonderful day outdoors is being planned at the Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation in Dundee Township where clay shooting will be done, and a fabulous auction will be hosted by Ramblin’ Ray Stevens from WLS Radio. Both of these events will be great entertainment for a great cause! If you are interested in being a sponsor or in donating any raffle prizes for either or both of these events, please contact Joanne at joannespitz1@gmail.com.

On June 14, 2022, the groundbreaking for the Flag Day Monument will be held on the Riverwalk. Please put this date on your calendars, and plan to come see what this phenomenal national-caliber salute to Old Glory will look like. We look forward to seeing you there!

All registered sellers will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win one of four $25 Gift Cards from a Batavia business.

City Wide Garage Sale Registration Name: ___________________________________________ Address: __________________________________________ Phone Number: ____________________________________ Email: _______________________________________________ Main categories of items for sale (please circle)

Antiques & Collectibles Children’s Items Clothing Electronics Sporting Goods Household Items

Fee: (Payable to Batavia Fireworks Fund) o $35 Registration Fee Send form and non-refundable registration fee to: Batavia Fireworks Committee Batavia City Hall 100 N. Island Ave Batavia, IL 60510

Deadline for Registration is 5 p.m., Wednesday, April 27th We recommend hosts and shoppers wear face masks, use hand sanitizer and socially distance themselves from others while shopping to insure a safe and healthy environment for all.

Preventing backflow

protects drinking water

F

n Inspecting fire sprinkler system is important n

ire sprinklers are complex systems ingeniously designed to protect life and property from a fire. But the complexity of their mechanisms, as well as the fact that they are connected with the municipal water supply poses some unique challenges.

One of these challenges is the dangers of backflow and the need for a properly functioning backflow prevention assembly system.

Before you can understand the importance of preventing backflow and why backflow prevention systems need to be tested, you must first know what backflow is.

WHAT IS BACKFLOW IN FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEMS? A fire sprinkler system connects into a cross-contamination system, which is where water from various clean sources connects with contaminated or polluted water sources. For example, when a domestic irrigation or fire sprinkler system connects with a public water source, there is a cross-contamination system connecting them.

The water in a fire sprinkler system, as well as most potable water systems, is designed to maintain a constant level of pressure to ensure that it is ready to flow efficiently whether out of fire sprinklers, faucets, hoses, etc.

Backflow occurs when water pressure unexpectedly changes or drops in the municipal water supply.

This allows a reverse flow of water from a contaminated water source into the clean, potable water.

So, for example, if the municipal water supply suddenly lost its water pressure, water from the contaminated fire sprinkler system could backflow into the municipality’s drinking water.

WHAT IS BACKFLOW PREVENTION? Backflow prevention, then, is the use of a backflow prevention valve to prevent backflow in the event of dropped or failed water pressure. The backflow prevention valve can be installed in the fire sprinkler piping where there is risk of contaminated water in the sprinkler system flowing back into the municipal water supply should water pressure drop.

So, essentially, backflow prevention is the prevention of clean water in one system, in this case the municipality’s drinking water supply, from being contaminated by dirty water in the fire sprinkler system.

WHY DOES IT NEED TO BE TESTED? Hopefully, it is readily apparent why a backflow prevention assembly system in your fire sprinkler system is important and why it needs to be tested regularly to ensure that it is functioning properly.

It is vital that the City of Batavia’s drinking water be clean, potable water to ensure there are no health risks to those exposed to the water. If the drinking water supply were to be contaminated by backflow from a fire sprinkler system, it could endanger the health of those drinking from the water supply.

A proper backflow prevention system ensures that clean water is kept clean and health risks are avoided. It is for these very important reasons that the City of Batavia requires the backflow be inspected and tested annually by a qualified professional who is certified in testing backflow devices.

SEWER BACK-UP Helpful tips if it happens at your home

If your residence experiences a sewer back-up, please call the City first at 630-454-2000. The problem might be in the City’s main line. By calling the City first, it could save you the price of hiring a private plumber.

If the problem is in your own service line, the City can provide guidance in hiring a plumber. The City has emergency response personnel 24 hours per day.

Check your insurance policy to determine if you are covered for sanitary sewer back-up and/or sump pump failure. Many homeowners’ policies do not cover sewer backups or water damage unless you have purchased a special provision for this purpose.

If you experience a sewer back-up follow these guidelines for repairs and clean-up. n Always call your insurance company first to report any damage to your property or possessions. n The City of Batavia’s insurance company will make a determination if the City is responsible for damages caused by a sewer backup. n Contact numbers for the City of Batavia: • Water/Sewer Division – 630-454-2450 • Finance Dept., Insurance Claim Questions – 630-454-2000 AS A PRECAUTION – Be safe when working in flooded areas which might be contaminated. Go the City website, www.cityofbatavia.net, “Cleaning Up After Flood and Sewer Overflows” from the Illinois Department of Public Health website for proper precautions. You will also find a copy of the City’s sewer back-up and cleaning policy on the website.

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Downtown Batavia There’s never a better time to support local

Mark your calendar for ...

The long season of bundling up to enjoy Downtown Batavia is ending and before we know it, we will be able to walk downtown with just shorts and a t-shirt! Until then, grab your hat and gloves and make sure to head out and support your downtown businesses. Cold weather and the recent increase in COVID cases has slowed our businesses down but do you know most of them, have an online or pre-order option?

Don’t let the recent times steer you away from supporting local!

A great opportunity to support local is during Batavia Restaurant Madness, taking place March 20 – March 24.

Participating restaurants will be offering a discount, special item, or pre-fixed menu that will be announced through videos on social media in the weeks leading up.

Hopping over to April, Downtown Batavia’s Annual Egg Hop will return on Saturday, April 16. Families can hop around to downtown businesses to gather eggs filled with treats and prizes!

Additional family fun includes free entertainment, games and activities at Peg Bond Center from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

WANT TO STAY UPDATED ON ALL THAT’S HAPPENING IN DOWNTOWN? Hop on our website to sign up for our weekly E-News at downtownbatavia.com.

Find us on Facebook – facebook.com/bataviamainstreet or Instagram – downtownbatavia for everyday happenings and downtown specials. To learn more, please contact the MainStreet office at 630-761-3528.

Batavia MainStreet 2021 highlights

BATAVIA

10 New Shops 6 signed leases sales: $413,595

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Continues to grow 45 vendors weekly

Awards Illinios Main Street's

Economic Vitality Outstanding Volunteerism

19 New businesses

298 Volunteers

1505 Volunteer hours

the return of

38 part time jobs created 6 full time jobs

Downtownbatavia.com 12 n March/April 2022

BataviaChamber.org

CONGRATULATIONS

2021 OLE AWARD WINNERS AND AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR Every year, the Batavia Chamber honors businesses who exemplify confidence and investment in Batavia as Ole Award Winners. This year, six businesses will be honored at the Inspire 2022: A Celebration of Those Who Inspire Us! event, to be held on Thursday, April 28 at Lincoln Inn Banquets. Tickets are on sale at bataviachamber.org/events or call the Chamber at (630) 879-7134.

The Ole honorees for 2021 and the appropriate category for their award are: n New Construction – Industrial: Cabot Properties L.P./Northern Builders, 1252 Pierson Drive n New Construction – Commercial: The Landings, 2450 W. Fabyan Parkway n Remodeling – Commercial: Gia Bella at the Newton House, 11 N. Batavia Ave. n Remodeling – Commercial: Tuffy Tire & Auto Service, 301 S. Randall Road n Remodeling – Commercial: Wilson Street Mercantile, 222 E. Wilson Street n Remodeling – Commercial: WindMill Grille & Pizzeria, 90 N. Island Ave.

Restaurant Madness The Batavia Chamber of Commerce, the City of Batavia and Batavia MainStreet are excited to host Batavia’s 11th annual Restaurant Madness promotion, Sunday through Thursday, March 20-24.

This much-anticipated annual event is held to encourage business owners, employees, and residents to visit the variety of great restaurants located within Batavia.

This year, the program will feature short marketing videos for participating restaurants, highlighting their unique promotion.

Visit bataviachamber. org to find participating restaurants and view their promotional videos and support our local restaurant community!

A seventh business, Suncast Corporation, 701 N. Kirk Road, will receive a Green Ole Award selected by the Batavia Environmental Commission for their efforts to make Batavia more eco-friendly.

AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR Additionally, a huge congratulations to Batavia Chamber member Jennifer Zack who was named Ambassador of the Year for 2021 for the Batavia Chamber of Commerce! In a year when many of the Chamber’s events were affected by the pandemic, Jenny set herself apart by attending as many events as she could to welcome new members and help them to connect with other members. She is the owner of Welcome Home Batavia & North Aurora, a greeting service for new residents and businesses.

HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS!

Apply for Inspire Scholarships The Batavia Chamber of Commerce is giving four scholarships, worth $750 each to Batavia High School seniors (BPS 101). The financial award shall be paid directly to the institute the recipient will be attending. The scholarships are: n Inspiring Entrepreneurship: A scholarship to reward a student who has interest in starting a business to encourage consideration to locate in Batavia someday. n Inspiring Women in Business: A scholarship to reward a female high school student interested in a business major to encourage more females to pursue these fields.

n Inspiring Career & Technical Achievers: A scholarship to reward a high school student interested in a trade or career in manufacturing. n Inspiring Contributors to a Batavia Chamber Business: A scholarship to reward a high school student for working for a Batavia Chamber business in Batavia during high school.

Applications for these scholarships are currently being accepted, as are donations to grow the fund. The application must be submitted to the Batavia Chamber by 4 p.m.

Friday, April 3. Visit bataviachamber.org for more information and a link to the applications.

Welcome

NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS n FONA International n Keyleaf/Batavia Bio Processing Limited n Kiss the Sky n Little One’s Playhouse LLC n Payton’s Photography n Rookies All-American Pub & Grill n The Executive Geek

UPCOMING

Events

Batavia Chamber Breakfast Club* Wednesdays, March 9 & April 13, 7:30 a.m.

Comfort Inn & Suites, Geneva Batavia Women in Business After Hours Networking Thursday, March 10, 4:30 p.m.

K. Hollis Jewelers, Batavia Net-Working-It! Wednesdays, March 16 & April 20, 4:30 p.m.

Raimondo’s Pizza and Pub, North Aurora in March; Pal Joey’s, Batavia in April Inspire Celebration* Thursday, April 28, 6 p.m.

Lincoln Inn Banquets, Batavia Batavia Women in Business Luncheon* Tuesday, April 12, 11:30 a.m.

Eaglebrook Country Club, Geneva *Registration required, please visit bataviachamber.org.

Check our website for updates and additional events.

For all the latest event updates and other news, follow Batavia Chamber on social media, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. The Batavian n

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Batavia School District 101 School Directory DISTRICT 101 OFFICES

Rosalie Jones Administration Center 335 W. Wilson St. Batavia, IL 60510 630-937-8800 • bps101.net

HIGH SCHOOL

Batavia High School 1201 Main St., Batavia, IL 60510 630-937-8600 • bhs.bps101.net

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Rotolo Middle School of Batavia 1501 South Raddant Rd. Batavia, IL 60510 630-937-8700 • rms.bps101.net

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

Alice Gustafson School 905 Carlisle Rd. Batavia, IL 60510 630-937-8000 • ags.bps101.net Early Childhood Center 905 Carlisle Rd. Batavia, IL 60510 630-937-8000 ags.bps101.net/early-childhood Grace McWayne School 3501 Hapner Way Batavia, IL 60510 630-937-8100 • gms.bps101.net H. C. Storm School 305 North Van Nortwick St. Batavia, IL 60510 630-937-8200 • hcs.bps101.net Hoover-Wood School 1640 Wagner Rd. Batavia, IL 60510 630-937-8300 • hws.bps101.net J. B. Nelson School 334 William Wood Ln. Batavia, IL 60510 630-937-8400 • jbn.bps101.net Louise White School 800 North Prairie St. Batavia, IL 60510 630-937-8500 • lws.bps101.net

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Honor a Teacher The Batavia Foundation for Educational Excellence’s Honor A Teacher Campaign for 2021/2022 will be dedicated to our teachers, staff, and administrators who have been working tirelessly to provide quality learning experiences for our students during this global health crisis. Your gift will provide critical support and bolster the work of the Batavia Foundation for Educational Excellence (BFEE) mission of enhancing and enriching public education during this difficult time.

All exemplary educators may be honored including teachers, paraprofessionals, librarians, art, music, media, physical fitness

and science specialists, coaches, guidance counselors, support staff, custodians, etc throughout our district who have made a positive difference in the life of a Batavia student.

There is no minimum donation amount, and you may honor up to 10 teachers with a single donation (donations are not charged per teacher). Your honoree(s) will receive a certificate that includes your child’s name (but not the amount of your gift). When you give a gift, you are paying tribute to your child’s teacher(s) while simultaneously supporting innovative educational programs.

Head on over to www.bataviafoundation.org to honor your teachers today and find out how you can donate to the BFEE!

Supporting Theater Arts for A Greater Education Batavia has a long and highly respected reputation for excellence in the performing arts. We invite you to be a part of that tradition! This year alone, STAGE funded over $20,000 for productions at both Rotolo Middle School and Batavia High School!

We invite you to be a supporter of STAGE, and we hope we can count on you for your support!

As recognition of your support, your name will be listed in the programs that are distributed at all drama productions throughout the school year, and other membership benefits are in the works and will be announced soon!

Visit stagebatavia.org for more information or to become a member.

STUDIO MEMBERSHIP

The purpose of Studio: Batavia Visual Arts Boosters, is to encourage and promote an enthusiastic interest in and appreciation for the various activities connected with the Batavia High School and Rotolo Middle School Visual Arts Departments. Studio lends all possible support, both educationally and financially, to the art students. Studio is a not-for-profit organization.

To join, please visit: www.studiobatavia.org

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Batavia School District 101

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BataviaFineArtsCentre.org 630-937-8930

HYPROV April 21

From the brilliant minds of improv and comedy legend Colin Mochrie and Master, Hypnotist Asad Mecci comes a brand new, mind-blowing, jawdropping, side-splitting show.

Hypnosis and Improv — two art forms that have mystified and entertained fans, skeptics and everything in between for decades worldwide – come together as two masters of their crafts unite for a totally unique comedy experience — HYPROV: Improv Under Hypnosis.

Twenty random volunteers from the audience will be put under hypnosis (the process of which is a show in its own right), their inhibitions evaporated and their minds no longer their own. The four or five best are left on stage when one of the world’s leading improvisers enters!

Colin Mochrie (co-creator) will initiate and manipulate those under hypnosis himself and turn the show into an improv extravaganza!

Sponge-Bob: The Musical April 14-16

The stakes are higher than ever in this dynamic stage musical, as SpongeBob and all of Bikini Bottom face the total annihilation of their undersea world. Chaos erupts. Lives hang in the balance. And just when all hope seems lost, a most unexpected hero rises up and takes center stage. The power of optimism really can save the world!

The SpongeBob Musical is based on the beloved animated series created

by Stephen Hillenburg and features a book by Kyle Jarrow, with original songs by Yolanda Adams, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Sara Bareilles, Jonathan Coulton, Alexander Ebert of Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, The Flaming Lips, Lady A, Cyndi Lauper, John Legend, Panic! At the Disco, Plain White T’s, They Might Be Giants and T.I., and songs by David Bowie, Tom Kenny and Andy Paley.

For ticket information, visit bataviafineartscentre.org

Coming up at the Centre

March 1 3 4-6 7 8 12 13

Rotolo 7th and 8th Band Concert: But Seriously Folks… March Performance Uproar Dance Competition Rotolo March Choir Concert GMS 1st and 2nd Grade Choir Concert Elementary School Choir Festival Fox Valley Orchestra Presents: Tell A Story 15-16 Showtime Performance 17 2nd and 3rd HC Storm Grade Musical 18-20 Ovation Dance Challenge

April 14-16 19 20 21 22-24 25 26 28-29

May 7 12

Sponge-Bob the Musical NAHS Induction and Senior Cording Hoover Wood 4th and 5th Grade Musical HYPROV Spotlight Dance Cup Alice Gustafson 3rd-5th Musical 5th Grade band and Orchestra Concert BHS One-Acts Fox Valley Orchestra Presents: Remember But Seriously Folks… May Performance The Batavian n

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Happening in Batavia SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

Fire & Police Com. 4 p.m. | City Hall

Awesome Salad Dressings All month | Library Online

7

8

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Community Check-in 6:3 0 p.m. | Library Online Meet the Illustrator 7 p.m. | Library Online Committee of the Whole 7 p.m. | City Hall Batavia Park Board 7 p.m. | Civic Center

Bicycle Com. 7 p.m. | City Hall

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Kids: TakeHome Craft All day | Library

City Council 7:30 p.m. | City Hall

Susan B. Anthony 2 p.m. | Library Online

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Historic Preservation Com. 5:30 p.m. | City Hall

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Community Check-in 6:3 0 p.m. | Library Online

Restaurant Madness | March 20-24

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Inclusion Game Night 6:30 p.m. | Library

6:3 0 p.m. | Library Online

Historic Preservation Com. 5:30 p.m. | City Hall

Committee of the Whole 7 p.m. | City Hall

FRIDAY

3

4

Environmental Com. 7 p.m. | City Hall

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Batavia Senior Citizens Club Noon | Shannon Hall Plan Com. & Zoning Board 7 p.m. | City Hall

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Teen: Make A Graphic Memoir Page 7 p.m. | Library

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Story Stroll 10 a.m.–4 p.m. | Library

SATURDAY

5

Indoor Market 9 a.m.-Noon 160 First St.

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Community Check-in Committee of the Whole 7 p.m. | City Hall

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THURSDAY

Plan Com. & Zoning Board 7 p.m. | City Hall

ABC’s of Zazen–Zen 7 p.m. | Library

City Council 7:30 p.m. | City Hall

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Committee of the Whole 7 p.m. | City Hall

“Inspiring Expression” Museum exhibit Opens March 1 at Batavia Depot Museum

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WEDNESDAY

Community Check-in 6:3 0 p.m. | Library Online

“Refraction: Finding Identity” Museum exhibit Opens March 1 at Batavia Depot Museum

MARCH 2022

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10

11

Indoor Market 9 a.m.-Noon 160 First St.

Teen: Stand Up to Bigotry, Racism & Hate 4 p.m. | Library Online

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18

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19 Indoor Market 9 a.m.-Noon 160 First St.

Before You Turn 65: Medicare Made Easy 10 a.m. | Library

Genealogy: More Research Clues 7 p.m. | Library Online

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The Demise of Mary Lincoln: An Artistic Conspiracy

6 p.m. via Zoom/ Batavia Depot Museum

26 Indoor Market 9 a.m.-Noon 160 First St.

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Community Check-in 6:3 0 p.m. | Library Online

Committee of the Whole 7 p.m. | City Hall

Please check organization websites for venue changes or cancellations due to COVID-19.

Painting Classes for All No Experience Required!

Canvas Painting Classes Daily Family Fun Kids Classes every weekend Painting on optional surfaces (bottles, glasses, wood trays, tote bags) Chunky Knit Blanket Classes Project Pet ~ Paint your pet’s portrait on a digitally printed canvas from your photogram and we will donate $15 from each painting you make.

Paint at Home ~ Options with pre-recorded classes on our website or pickup a Paint at Home Kit with printed instructions For Details see www.pintospalette.com/stcharles

3823 E. Main St., St. Charles • 630-338-0278 www.pinotspalette.com/stcharles/events

18 n March/April 2022

Private Party Room available for your Special Event ~Birthdays, Fundraisers, Team Building, Showers, Scouts, Networking...

Bar on premises, no BYOB allowed

15% Off

any Class with coupon, valid thru 5/31/22 with code

Batavia15

Happening in Batavia

APRIL 2022 SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

4 City Council 7:30 p.m. | City Hall

10

11

Songs of the Civil War 2 p.m. | Library Online

Egg Dash | 1-6 p.m.

Plan Com. & Zoning Board 7 p.m. | City Hall

Community Check-in 6:3 0 p.m. | Library Online

Com. of the Whole 7 p.m. | City Hall

12

Community Check-in 6:3 0 p.m. | Library Online

Bicycle Com. 7 p.m. | City Hall

Book Discussion 7:30 p.m. | Library

Com. of the Whole 7 p.m. | City Hall

18

25 Historic Preservation Com. 5:30 p.m. | City Hall

19

Climate Change in Illinois and Chicago 7 p.m. | Library Online

Committee of the Whole 7 p.m. | City Hall Batavia Park Board 7 p.m. | Civic Center

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Community Check-in

6

13

Inclusion Game Night 6:30 p.m. | Library

7

14

Environmental Com. 7 p.m. | City Hall

20

Batavia Senior Citizens Club Noon | Shannon Hall

21

8

Tween Flashlight Egg Hunt 7-8 p.m.

Prairie Path Park

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Cheers Through The Years 7 p.m.

Depot Museum/ local bars

22

2

9

Indoor Market 9 a.m.-Noon 160 First St.

Easter Egg Hunt 10 a.m. | Prairie Path Park Doggie Easter Egg Hunt Noon | Bark Park at West Main Community Park

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(sub)urban Adventure Tour 9 a.m. | Depot Museum/ trolley or walking tour Downtown Batavia Annual Egg Hop 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Artifact Petting Zoo Noon | Depot Museum

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Indoor Market 9 a.m.-Noon

Teen Escape Room 7 p.m. | Library Plan Com. & Zoning Board 7 p.m. | City Hall

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SATURDAY

Indoor Market 9 a.m.-Noon

Reduce Your Phone, Cable, and Internet Bills 7 p.m. | Library

West Side Brush Collection | April 11-15

City Council 7:30 p.m. | City Hall

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5

Historic Preservation Com. 5:30 p.m. | City Hall

Kids: Take-Home Craft All day | Library

1

Community Check-in 6:30 p.m. Every Tuesday at the library

East Side Brush Collection | April 4-8

Artist for an Evening 6 p.m. | Library

17

Fire & Police Com. 4 p.m. | City Hall

FRIDAY

Best Banana Bread Recipes All month | Library Online

Indoor Market Every Saturday November through May at 160 First St.

3

THURSDAY

28

6:3 0 p.m. | Library Online

Committee of the Whole 7 p.m. | City Hall

29

30

Indoor Market 9 a.m.-Noon 160 First St.

Story Stroll 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Library Please check organization websites for venue changes or cancellations due to COVID-19.

climate-controlled playrooms | supervised open play trained canine coaches | live webcams 630-283-1700 | dogtopia.com/geneva

SM-CL1952095

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Batavia Public Library

Program at Batavia Public Library

Born to Read

elcome to our newest Library patrons—the babies in our community!

And congratulations to the new parents. Because your child’s success in life is important to you and to our community, the Born to Read program has a gift for your newborn—a book bag filled with new board books and literature to help you give your child the best start possible!

Born to Read is a program initiated by the Batavia Public Library and developed by community members to encourage reading aloud to

The Library will be closed: Sunday, April 17 Library Hours Monday–Thursday: 9 a.m.–9 p.m.

Friday & Saturday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Sunday: 12–5pm (Sept.–May)

20 n March/April 2022

children. Research suggests that reading to infants even as early as 6 weeks of age has a large impact on them becoming better readers.

Families with a baby, 9 months old and younger, who live in the Batavia Public Library District, Batavia School District 101, or the city of Batavia are eligible to receive one free book bag containing books for baby and early literacy information for parents. The bags are available in English and Spanish. Families may stop by the Youth Services Desk on the lower level of the Batavia Public Library to register for a Born to Read book bag.

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

Grandparents, aunts, uncles: share the gift of literacy. Born to Read book bags, including early literacy information and board books, may be purchased at the Batavia Public Library Check Out Desk for $35.

They make great holiday and new baby gifts!

The Born to Read program is made possible through the generous support of sponsors.

For more information about Born to Read, please contact the Batavia Public Library, (630) 8791393 x500 or see our website at BataviaPublicLibrary.org.

Library Trustees Daniel R. Russo, President Elizabeth P. Larson, Vice President Marianne E. Fasano, Secretary Jennifer M. Culotta, Treasurer Andrew R. Deitchman Christy L. Ford Kathryn L. Hubbard

630-879-1393 | BataviaPublicLibrary.org

Under the Cupola

A Place for the Books, Part 2

As noted in the previous installment, the Library dedicated its “new building” 20 years ago.

In January 1885, the Library was moved to the old Van Nortwick block, a frame building on the Island; rent was $125 per year. [6] This two-story frame building was one of several razed to make way for the former U.S. Post Office (1928–1993), which now houses (among other organizations) the Batavia Chamber of Commerce.

Negotiations began in September 1889 to relocate the Library and Reading Room, which had outgrown its quarters, to the new Van Nortwick block on Wilson Street (on the Island). The Library Board agreed to rent the rooms, “with Two Electric Lights,” for $200 per year, and moved the Library into the upper floor of the new Van Nortwick block in October 1889. [7] This stone building, now the home of Limestone Coffee and other businesses, formerly housed the Batavia Herald, the First National Bank of Batavia, the U.S. Post Office (1893–1928), and District 101 (1968–2002).

In September 1902, the Levi Newton House at 1 North Batavia Avenue was granted to the Board of Trustees of the Batavia Public Library, a “magnificent gift” of Levi Newton’s daughter-in-law, Mary M. Newton née Prindle. [8] The Library was moved from the Island, the first of November, and opened in this location on 13 November 1902. This building was later razed in order to extend Wilson Street west of Batavia Avenue.

In November 1921, the Library opened in the Don Carlos Newton House at 11 North Batavia Avenue.

[9] An addition, the Miriam Havighurst Johnson Children’s Room (at 317 West Wilson Street) was dedicated on 8 April 1960 and is now the home of Bocaditos Café.

The East Batavia Branch Library operated in five different locations from September 1922 through

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT

An Evening with Jenny Lawson R Wednesday, March 30, 7 p.m., Online Join us for an evening with awardwinning humorist Jenny Lawson as she discusses her most recent bestseller, Broken (in the best possible way), and her brilliantly funny body of work.

Jenny is an American journalist, author, and blogger known for her great candor in sharing her struggle with mental illness. She has previously written Let’s Pretend This Never Happened and Furiously Happy, both of which were #1 New York Times bestsellers.

February 1948, when it was discontinued.

In 1981, the Library occupied a new building at 335 West Wilson Street (at the corner of Lincoln Avenue) and ushered in a new era of library service.

[10] At the same time, the City of Batavia began to experience explosive growth to its east and west.

The resulting demand for library service led to the construction of a building addition in 1983.

By the late 1990s, in order to respond to the everincreasing demand for library service, the Library was required once again to seek more space. In 1998, the Board of Library Trustees purchased property from the Board of Education and, in the General Election on 3 November 1998, the community approved construction of a new building.

On 27 January 2002, the Library dedicated its new, larger building—54,000 square foot on two levels—at 10 South Batavia Avenue (at the corner of Wilson Street). [11] This current building is the seventh location of the Batavia Public Library and the eleventh location overall.

Thank you for 20 wonderful years at 10 South Batavia Avenue!

GEORGE H. SCHEETZ Director

Tournament of Books

If you’re a fan of new fiction, take part in the Library’s seventh annual Tournament of Books!

Batavia Public Library staff chose sixteen of 2021’s best fiction books. From March 14 to April 7, these titles contend for Batavia’s fiction book of the year in playoff-style brackets. Vote in weekly rounds on the Library’s website. Look for the Sweet Sixteen titles on our Facebook page, Instagram, and website at BataviaPublicLibrary.org/ tournament-of-books.

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Batavia Public Library

PROGRAMS FOR ADULTS AND TEENS

Registration Information: Registration is required for some programs; please call the Reference Desk, 630-879-1393, ext.

200, or register online at BataviaPublicLibrary.org. Please check our online calendar for program additions and changes.

Advance registration is required for programs designated R.

MONTHLY PROGRAMS

Book Discussion R Tuesday, March 8, 7:30 p.m.

Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants

by Robin Wall Kimmerer Called “an intertwining of science, spirit, and story” by the author, this book was named a “Best Essay Collection of the Decade” by Literary Hub and a Book Riot “Favorite Summer Read of 2020.”

Tuesday, April 12, 7:30 p.m.

The Turner House

by Angela Flournoy In this moving, character-driven story about complex family dynamics, the 13 Turner siblings must decide what to do with their family home in Detroit.

May book selection: My Sunshine Away by M.O. Walsh Community Check-in with Misty & Aimee Tuesday, March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, April 5, 12, 19, 26, 6:30 p.m.

Laugh with and learn when you meet the people who make this community great. No registration is required, but you will need a personal Instagram or Facebook account to interact with us. Follow us and turn on notifications so you don’t miss our livestreams! n Instagram: www.instagram.com/ bplbatavia n Facebook: www.facebook.com/ BataviaPublicLibrary

22 n March/April 2022

FEATURE PROGRAMS

New Lyceum Lecture Series R The Batavia Public Library Foundation is the 2021-22 Season Sponsor

ONE BOOK, ONE BATAVIA They Called Us Enemy by George Takei is the 2022 One Book, One Batavia selection.

One Book, One Batavia is an annual community-wide reading program presented by the Batavia Public Library in cooperation with Batavia High School and co-sponsored by the Friends of the Batavia Public Library.

Climate Change in Illinois and Chicago R Tuesday, April 19, 7 p.m.

Online Learn about severe weather, flooding, and extreme heat in the Midwest and how Illinois can cope with the changes. Cynthia Linton, founder and chair of The Climate Reality Project Chicago Metro Chapter, will discuss the steps local and state governments are taking and what you can do as residents.

The ABCs of Zazen–Zen Meditation R Tuesday, March 1, 7 p.m.

Learn the basics of Zen and why meditation is central to its practice. Sensei June Ryushin Tanoue is a fully empowered Zen priest and teacher originally from Hawaii.

Meet the Illustrator: Harmony Becker R Tuesday, March 15, 7 p.m., Online How is a graphic novel designed?

We’ll talk to the illustrator of They Called Us Enemy

by George Takei and learn how she worked with the famous author to put together his heart-wrenching memoir.

Make Your Own Graphic Memoir Page R Wed., March 23, 7 p.m.

(See TEEN events)

630-879-1393 | BataviaPublicLibrary.org

HOW-TO COMMUNITY ICASH Unclaimed Property Search Tuesday, March 22, 3-6 p.m.

Do you have unclaimed property held by the State of Illinois? A representative of the State Treasurer will be here to see if you are in the database. Property is returned at no cost with the proper identification.

The Food Mercenary Presents: Awesome Salad Dressings March 1-31, YouTube channel Chef Michael Niksic gives you a first-hand insight into emulsified salad dressings with zero cholesterol and no eggs. Closeups, recipes, and more are packed into this video. https://tinyurl.com/ bpl-chef Before You Turn 65: Medicare Made Easy R Thursday, March 17, 10 a.m.

Are you ready to apply for Medicare? Hadia Bangash of Carefree Insurance walks you through the process so you don’t miss the critical deadline for people turning 65. Limit: 15.

The Food Mercenary Presents: Best Banana Bread Recipes April 1-30, YouTube channel This baking video covers banana bread, banana muffins stuffed with blackberries, banana bread pudding, and banana battered French toast. https://tinyurl.com/bpl-chef

SUNDAYS ON STAGE

The Batavia Public Library Foundation is the 2022 Season Sponsor

Susan B. Anthony, You Can’t Vote! R Sunday, March 27, 2 p.m.

Lynn Rymarz presents the story of Anthony’s lifelong fight for equality for women— and how she helped change history.

Songs of the Civil War R Sunday, April 24, 2 p.m.

John Boda, The Music Man, presents unforgettable Civil War melodies and lyrics that are a window into this period of history.

Reduce Your Phone, Cable, and Internet Bills R Wednesday, April 6, 7 p.m.

Join Citizens Utility Board (CUB) and the Library to learn about your cable options, streaming services available, call-blocking services, and reducing robocalls!

Artist for an Evening R Monday, April 11, 6 p.m.

Unleash your creativity by painting a seasonal picture in acrylics with Adult Services librarian Aimee in the Library. We provide all supplies.

All you need to bring is your creativity. Limit 12.

Surprise Me Bundles Adults and teens—Do you need something new to read or watch, but you’re not sure what to choose from the Library’s collection right now? Fill out our Surprise Me Bundle form, and librarians will search for up to five items just for you. Fill out the form here: https://tinyurl.com/yyxgy67h (Available for children also. Check our website.)

QUESTIONS & ANCESTORS GENEALOGY SERIES

Do a Double Take for More Research Clues R Thursday, March 24, 7 p.m., Online Speaker Suz Bates propels your research into action by showing you how to do a double take on your relatives’ records that you already hold: vital records, censuses, city directories, and more.

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Batavia Public Library TEEN PROGRAMS

Advance registration is required for programs designated R. For volunteer opportunities, look for the V. Volunteer Opportunities V Ongoing Looking to earn volunteer hours? The Library needs you! Volunteers are welcome to join in the fun Inclusion Game Night (see below). We also have free tug toy craft kits to make and return for volunteer credit; ask the Reference Desk for a kit. For more suggestions, sign up for the Teen Volunteering Challenge on the Beanstack app.

Inclusion Game Night R V Wednesday, March 9 & April 13, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Teens and young adults of all abilities, their families, and friends are welcome to play board games and card games together. We need to limit registration for safety, so please register for this program. Limit: 15. Volunteers, limit: 5.

It’s Time: How to Stand Up to Bigotry, Racism & Hate in 2022 R Thursday, March 10, 4-5:30 p.m.

Online Have you ever seen someone else get bullied? What did you do about it? In this teenonly training, DEI Expert Rina Campbell will provide you with strategies to combat hate and bigotry in our community.

Sponsored by Algonquin Area Public Library District.

Make Your Own Graphic Memoir Page R Wednesday, March 23, 7 p.m.

Teens, learn what graphic artists do to create their graphic novels. Then illustrate your life story with this workshop on making a graphic memoir page. Limit: 15. A One Book, One Batavia event.

24 n March/April 2022

Spring Scavenger Hunt R March 25-April 1 Look around for the best signs of spring and take photos and videos of yourself completing the challenges! Participants will receive a sweet treat from the Library for completing at least five missions. To sign up, download the GooseChase iOS or Android app, create a free account, and search for the Spring Break Scavenger Hunt BPL game or by game code D7X433. Password is EGGHEAD. Limit 10.

Teen Escape Room R Wednesday, April 20, 7 p.m.

Can you solve the mystery of the Dark and Stormy Night? Using a cell phone or computer to look up websites to help figure out the answers is absolutely allowed, but time is limited. Limit: 10.

ACT/SAT prep Tutor.com provides on-demand tutoring, homework help, test preparation, and writing assistance in over 60 subjects seven days a week, noon to midnight. Use their drop-off reviews, practice quizzes, video lessons, and The Princeton Review SAT®/ACT® Essentials. Visit Testing & Education Reference Center to practice taking the ACT, SAT, GED, AP placement exams, and more. This database also provides information about scholarships and colleges.

630-879-1393 | BataviaPublicLibrary.org

PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES FOR YOUTH

Program Registration: For programs requiring telephone registration, including April Storytimes, please call the Youth Services Desk, 630-879-1393 ext. 500. For all other programs, please register using the online events calendar at BataviaPublicLibrary.org. Unless otherwise noted, registration for programs begins on the first of the month in which the program occurs. Please check our online calendar for program additions and changes.

Priority is given to Batavia Public Library cardholders for all programs requiring registration. Patrons of all abilities are welcome at our programs. Please contact the Library regarding accommodations.

Advanced registration is required for programs designated R. Pick up supplies at the Library during Library hours for programs designated P.

FOR STUDENTS

Book Gems R Tuesday, March 8, 6 p.m.

Leprechaun in Late Winter

by Mary Pope Osborne

The Library invites parents and caregivers with a Batavia Public Library card to participate in 1000 Books Before Kindergarten. This free program encourages you to read 1000 books with your child before starting Kindergarten. While this may sound overwhelming, it means that reading one book a night will take you through the program in less than three years. Of course, if you read more, you will finish sooner, so get started!

It’s easy to get started! Register with your Batavia Library card at the Youth Services Desk and read with your child every day! Then check back in at the Library every time you

FOR BABIES, TOTS, AND PRESCHOOLERS

Baby Storytime R Friday, April 8–April 29, 10 a.m.

OR Friday, April 8–April 29, 11 a.m.

Babies through 23 months with a caregiver Toddler Time R Monday, April 4–April 25, 10:30 a.m.

OR Tuesday, April 5–April 26, 10:30 a.m.

Ages 2–3 with a caregiver

Tuesday, April 12, 6 p.m.

Bowling Alley Bandit

by Laurie Keller Grades 2–3 Book discussion club for young readers. Reserve a copy of the book when registering.

Registration begins 4 weeks before the discussion.

complete two tracker bookmarks (100 books). You will receive a sticker for every 100 books read, which you can put on your sticker sheet. Other rewards are given out at various levels.

Preschool Storytime R Wednesday, April 6–April 27, 10:30 a.m.

OR Thursday, April 7–April 28, 1 p.m.

Ages 3-6 with a caregiver Saturday Storytime R Saturday, March 19, 1 p.m.

Saturday, March 26, 10 a.m.

Saturday, April 2, 1 p.m.

Saturday, April 23, 10 a.m.

Ages 2–6 with a caregiver Please register for each date you will attend.

Homeschool Hangout R Tuesday, March 15, 1 p.m.

Tuesday, April 12, 1 p.m.

Families with children in grades K–8 Whether you are new to homeschooling or have always homeschooled, bring your homeschool learners for connection and fun during our monthly get-together.

STEAM Lab P March 16, 17, All-day April 20, 21, All-day Grades K–5 Experiment, create, and discover with various STEAM stations designed for students in grades K–5. Drop in during regular Library hours.

Continued on page 26.

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Batavia Public Library

Programs and activities for youth, continued from page 25.

Art with Aimee R Monday, March 28, 2 p.m.

Grades 5-8 Unleash your creativity by painting a seasonal picture in acrylics with Adult Services librarian Aimee in the Library. Bring a painting apron/ shirt, or make sure to wear clothing you wouldn’t mind getting paint on. We will provide all supplies, including paint, brushes, canvas, water, and easel. All you need to bring is your creativity.

Get Certified: Button Maker R Tuesday, March 29, 11 or 11:30 a.m., 1 or 1:30 p.m.

Grades 5–8 Create buttons using the Library’s miniature button maker.

During this 30-minute class, you will learn how to use the button maker and get certified so that you can use the button maker any time the Library is open.

Supplies for this program are free; however, there is a small supply fee for future, personal, button-making sessions. Please register for only one class.

Chess Knight R Tuesday, March 29, 7 p.m.

Ages 6-14 Participants must have a basic knowledge of the game of chess.

Hand Lettering R Tuesday, April 26, 6:30 p.m.

Grades 5–8 Learn the basics of hand lettering using markers and pens with Rachel, Youth Services staff member and calligraphy enthusiast. Then practice your skills by creating a few cards/envelopes to take home. No prior experience is needed!

FAMILIES

Make It Monthly March: Shamrock Rainbow April: Rainstick Take-Home Craft Kit P Tuesday, March 22 Beaded Jellyfish Monday, April 18 Spring Bird Nest All ages Pick up materials during Library hours while supplies last. One kit per child.

Board Games March 26–April 3 Are you visiting the Library during spring break? Stop by the Youth Services Desk and borrow one of our board games to play in the Library.

26 n March/April 2022

Story Stroll Tuesday, March 29, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Saturday, April 30, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

All Ages When you combine exercise, fresh air, and a great story, what do you get? A Story Stroll in the Library’s Reading Garden, of course! Bring the family to this fun activity!

Bingo R Wednesday, March 30, 11 a.m.

Ages 3–14 Join Youth Services staff for Bingo!

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

FrogLady Herpetology Exhibit R Thursday, March 31, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.

Are you a fan of reptiles and amphibians?

Learn the similarities and differences between reptiles and amphibians and have your questions answered by an expert.

The FrogLady will have more than 20 live animals that patrons can touch and meet up close. In-person

630-879-1393 | BataviaPublicLibrary.org registration begins Thursday, March 24, and ends Wednesday, March 30, or when tickets are gone.

You will receive a timed entry ticket when you register. Patrons must have a ticket to enter.

LEGOTM Building Challenge R Friday, April 1, 10–11:30 a.m. & 1–3 p.m.

Families Register for a 30-minute time slot to work together to build with LEGOTM bricks.

Families will be given a bag of Library LEGOTM bricks to use, a space in the Youth Services Department to work, and 30 minutes to create.

Creations will remain on display in the Library for two weeks. Please call the Youth Services Desk to register, beginning March 1.

Free Comic Book Day Saturday, May 7 Children may stop by the Youth Services Desk for a free comic book, while supplies last.

NEWS FROM THE FRIENDS What is The Friends of Batavia Public Library?

The Friends of Batavia Public Library is a 501(C)(3) organization that helps the Library by raising funds to support special programs for patrons of all ages and to purchase equipment that is beyond the Library’s regular budget.

What do the Friends do?

The monthly book sales are one of the Friend’s largest volunteer efforts. Visitors are always welcome to observe and participate in the sorting process.

To help with the book sale or for more information, email Friends@BataviaPublicLibrary.org or call (630) 879-8220.

Why should I join the Friends of the Library?

• Meet your Batavia neighbors. Meet new people and make lasting friendships.

• Learn valuable skills. Add work experience to your resume or gain a sense of personal enrichment.

• Put your existing skills to good work. Your unique skills can help our organization run smoothly.

• Help raise awareness in the community. You can help make sure your neighbors and colleagues are familiar with the services that the Library offers and taking full advantage of their tax dollars.

• Members make a difference. By volunteering with us, you are giving back to your community in a tangible way. The feeling of fulfillment is second to none.

What is a Friends membership?

Your membership is a yearly, monetary gift from you which helps us to fund things that are outside the Library’s budget. Annual dues are $5 for seniors, age 65 and older, $10 for other individuals, and $15 for families. Additional donations are welcome. Download a membership form: BataviaPublicLibrary.org/friends

Upcoming 2022 Book Sale Dates

Saturday book sales in the FriendSpace on the Library’s lower level are held on the second Saturday of every month except June. Book sale dates in 2022 are March 12, April 9, May 14, July 11, Aug. 13, Sept. 10, Oct. 8, Nov. 12, and Dec. 10. Please check our online events calendar for possible cancellations due to COVID-19.

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Batavia Park District

Create EASTER MEMORIES with us!

W

e all love Hall Quarry Beach’s mascot, Chuck the Duck, but you don’t have to wait until warm weather arrives to see him. For a fun and safe Easter surprise, Chuck the Duck will hide eggs, which are filled with candy and small treats, in your own front yard.

Chuck has been working out to prepare for lifting all those baskets of eggs he will need for Egg Dash. Chuck will come to your home between 1-6 p.m. on April 6 and create your very own Easter egg hunt. If you spot him, Chuck just might take a picture with you! The fee is $20 per house and registration is required.

Egg Dash is open to Batavia Park District residents only.

Register today at bataviaparks.org/ special-events.

OFFICES Civic Center 327 W. Wilson St. 630-879-5235

Eastside Community Center 14 N. Van Buren St. 630-406-5282

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W

hat could be cooler than racing through the park at twilight, glow sticks illuminating tweens and their friends, as they scramble for caches of hidden eggs? Get ready to grab your flashlights and head to Prairie Path Park for a Tween Flashlight Egg Hunt. Tweens will receive a glow stick and a small goodie bag in which to hold their loot. If they’re lucky, they just might find a coveted Golden Egg and win a special prize.

Tween Flashlight Egg Hunt is set for 7-8 p.m. on April 8 at the park, 813 Mark Twain Trails. The fee is $12 per tween ages 9 through 12.

Preregistration is required as space is limited. Registering is easy at bataviaparks.org/special-events.

Please remember to bring your own flashlight.

It’s going to be glowtastic!

Just for tweens

Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Mondays through Fridays, excluding holidays Holidays: Friday, April 15

Executive Director: Allison Niemela Commissioners: Patrick Callahan, President John Tilmon, Vice President Kevin Riley, Treasurer Tara Gray, Secretary Molly Connolly, Commissioner

HOP INTO SPRING with the

E

Easter Bunny!

aster egg hunts aren’t just for tweens. Your adorable little bunnies have an Easter Egg Hunt all for themselves on April 9 at Prairie Path Park.

Brightly colored eggs will be scattered throughout the field, and the Easter Bunny will be waiting so families may take sweet springtime photos.

This Easter Egg Hunt is free and for children ages 3 through 8, but please make sure to bring a basket to hold all the eggs and goodies you find! Participants also are asked to bring a nonperishable food item, which will be donated to the Batavia Food Pantry after the hunt. The event is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. and will take place at Prairie Path Park’s lower field, behind Rotolo Middle School.

DOGGIE EGG HUNT

I

t’s time to let the dogs out to show off their abilities to sniff out the best treats concealed inside Easter eggs.

Your pooches can hunt for treat-filled eggs during the much-anticipated Doggie Easter Egg Hunt.

This event is set to begin at noon on April 9 at West Main Community Park. Preregistration is requested, and can be completed at bataviaparks.org/special-events, but we will accept registration at the gate to the Bark Park, beginning at 11 a.m. The fee is $14 per dog, with a portion of the proceeds benefitting Anderson Animal Shelter. The Bark Park is situated in the southwest corner of the park, which is located at 40W101 W. Main St.

SPRING TIPS & TRICKS

Do you have early season weeds popping up in your vegetable or flower garden? Then spread newspapers or cardboard (not shiny or glossy paper, though) over your bed now and weigh those papers down with rocks. Remove this material when the soil has warmed enough to begin planting and you will have eliminated weeding those beds from your spring chores.

Not every day is good for outdoor gardening, so now is a great time to do some work indoors. Transplant your houseplants in March to prepare them for a spring growth spurt. Always use a clean pot, though. Scrub any salt and dirt from your old pots, and rinse out any new pots before using them. Remember to never put a plant into a pot that is more than one size larger than its current pot. Otherwise, it will disappoint you by spending more energy growing underground than it does up top.

— Kim Hansen, Director of Parks The Batavian n

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Batavia Park District History comes alive this spring!

Preservation Week Activities

I

f you’re a history buff or just looking for a cool way to learn about our little ‘burb, check out the fun activities on tap for Preservation Week. Kicking off on April 11, the week allows folks to grab their friends and join a sort of history-flavored bar crawl, explore some unseen portions of Batavia’s century-old buildings, and actually touch some incredible artifacts in the Depot Museum’s archives.

Cheers Through the Years is reserved for those 21 and older.

Check in at the Depot Museum between 7-8 p.m. on April 15 to pick up a wristband and map, and then head off to meet local barkeeps who tend bar at some of Batavia’s best old properties still in use. And even better, you may sample some specials designed just for this occasion.

Spend April 16 investigating places usually not seen by the public during our (sub)urban Adventure Tour.

A $20 all-day trolley pass means you and your family or friends may navigate between locations without having to walk through the tour, or if

30 n March/April 2022

you prefer meandering at your own pace, you may pick up a map at the Depot Museum and chart your own course.

Two Hands-On Your History events, both from noon to 4 p.m. on April 16, are amazing opportunities for a more personal approach to exploring history. In Hands-On Your History: House Hunting, research experts will be able to guide you through researching your historic house at Batavia Public Library. In Hands-On Your History: Artifact Petting Zoo at Depot Museum, it’s OK to play with these pieces. Learn why some Museum items are touchable – or not – and how to care for your own special treasures.

Learn more and register at bataviaparks.org. Make sure you’re following Batavia Depot Museum on social media as well as all of our Preservation Week partners (Batavia Historical Society, Batavia Public Library, Batavia MainStreet and the Preservation Partners of the Fox Valley) for a special social media blitz.

New to Batavia and want to learn more about this beautiful Fox River Valley community? Or maybe you would like to research your family’s history or the history of your home?

Batavia Depot Museum and Gustafson Research Center should be the first stop on your list. The Research Center contains an extensive archive of documents and more than 10,000 photographs.

The Museum’s hours will change in March. Beginning March 2, Depot Museum will be open from 2-4 p.m. daily, except for Tuesdays and Thursdays when the Museum will be closed. The Research Center will be open from 2-4 p.m. on Mondays and Fridays, or by appointment.

To schedule an appointment, call 630-406-5274. Diving into local history is fun and fascinating!

‘wow’

Add a factor to your events!

M

any couples become engaged between the holidays and Valentine’s Day. If the love of your life just popped the question, now it’s time to say “yes” to Shannon Hall as you plan your wedding. Couples may say “I do” beneath a breathtaking, vaulted ceiling that’s exquisite.

This historic building features gorgeous, stained-glass windows throughout the banquet space, which seats up to 200 guests comfortably. Shannon Hall was crafted out of limestone in the late 1890s and formerly was the home of Holy Cross Church. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1999. Rental rates are $125 an hour for residents and $150 an hour for nonresidents.

Peg Bond Center, located in downtown Batavia along the picturesque Riverwalk, is a popular venue for bridal showers. With large windows overlooking Depot Pond, it’s beautiful and intimate, with a striking fireplace.

Not to jump the gun, but Peg Bond Center also is a charming location for baby showers and children’s birthday parties. It seats 30 to 45 people and features an outdoor stage, as well.

Rental rates are $100 an hour for residents and $125 an hour for nonresidents.

To schedule tours and check date and time availability, contact Recreation Supervisor Michele Williams at 630-406-5282 or michelew@bataviaparks.org. For a 360-degree tour from the comfort of your home, go to bataviaparks.org/indoor-rental-facilities and click on your selections.

Prepare your food in our culinary kitchen Connected to Shannon Hall is the Eastside Community Center commercial kitchen, featuring a convection oven, refrigerator, freezer, an oven/stove, microwave and dishwasher, and generous counter space. This spacious and modern kitchen makes serving a breeze.

The commercial kitchen is a great location for preparing food for

anniversary and birthday parties, family reunions, or bridal showers.

The kitchen also may be rented by small business owners who are launching their own bakeries and catering companies, or by food truck operators who need the prep and cooking space. Rental rates are $25 an hour for residents, $50 an hour for nonresidents and $15 an hour for nonprofits.

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BATV Spring is here,

Batavia!

A

s winter rolls into spring, you can catch some of your favorite upcoming Batavia events right here on BATV! While you are enjoying the seasonal change, you can still catch up on last year’s popular events with the re-airing of Government Meetings, Concerts, Sports, and more!

Stay tuned to BATV’s Facebook page, @batv1017, to keep up-to-date on exciting new changes coming to us this year!

If you enjoy our coverage of special events, meetings and community activities and would like to see more, you can donate to BATV through our website at mybatv.com! Just click the “Donate Today” button!

For more information, please contact BATV at: 630-937-5413 or email info@mybatv.com

TUNE IN TO YOUR COMMUNITY INFORMATION STATION

PUBLIC ACCESS CHANNEL 17 | GOVERNMENT ACCESS CHANNEL 10 630-937-5413 | Like and follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/batv1017 Like and subscribe on YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/BATV1017

32 n March/April 2022

Community Above Self Fox Valley Special Recreation Association Empowers People with Disabilities

At Fox Valley Special Recreation Association (FVSRA), we engage people of all abilities to live active, healthy, fulfilling lives. Our talented, credentialed, and welcoming team is trained to support people of all ages and abilities.

• Explore the new Winter/Spring catalog and register today.

• Try Your First Class for Free!

We offer programs to meet your interests, schedule, and skills.

www.fvsra.org • info@fvsra.org

Through year-round leisure and recreation activities, FVSRA participants make friends, experience new activities, and become part of a supportive community.

• Apply for a Summer Job with Purpose! Facilitate recreation programs for people with disabilities. Work one-on-one or lead a class, get resume-building experience, and join a vibrant team.

Apply here: fvsra.fun/jobs

Sign up for grantmaking or philanthropy programs through Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

Since 1948, we’ve had the pleasure of supporting individuals, businesses, and nonprofits in establishing permanent endowment and temporary funds within one large Community Foundation. Many funds we administer have their roots in Batavia, creating a positive impact in your neighborhood.

If you’re a Batavia-based nonprofit, consider applying to our grantmaking program which

is accepting letters of intent beginning February 1, 2022 – March 31, 2022.

Are you a high school student?

Consider applying to our Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program which allows you to develop fundraising, philanthropy, and volunteerism skills.

Whatever your story, we’d love to help you leave your legacy in the Fox River Valley. Learn more at cffrv.org.

Batavia Rotarians committed to protecting the environment Rotarians are committed to creating a better world for all. We believe in Service Above Self now more than ever and continue to positively impact the community in spite of the pandemic.

We’ve returned almost $1 million and thousands of service hours to the community since our charter in 1948.

In support of our 7th Area of Focus, “Protecting the Environment”, we have a shredding event planned for Saturday, April 30. So box up that old paperwork and watch Facebook for updates. In Rotary, you can Meet Your

Neighbors, Make an Impact and Do Something Really Great! Email us at info@BataviaRotaryClub.org for more information or visit our website, www.BataviaRotaryClub.org.

Batavia United Way gives $120K to nonprofits in 2021

For over 90 years, Batavia United Way (BUW) has brought people and resources together to improve lives within our community. In 2021, BUW provided over $120,000 in grants to 19 area nonprofits providing critical programs and services to residents.

We host many events throughout the year to support the funding of these grants as well as our in-house programs such as the Success-by-6 preschool scholarship program and our annual Adopt-A-Family holiday program. BUW also raises funds through employee giving programs. To get more information on our events, employee giving, or donations, please visit us at www.BataviaUnitedWay.org To get more information on agency application for grants, please email info@bataviaunitedway.org

CASA Kane County advocates for children

CASA Kane County is a non-profit volunteer organization that trains volunteers from all backgrounds to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children who have been removed from their homes and placed into foster care. CASA’s mission is to ensure that each foster child is placed in a safe, permanent home. In order to continue to serve all children who come into Juvenile court due to abuse and/or neglect, CASA is in need of additional volunteers. If you are interested in finding out more information on becoming a volunteer, please email sandiec@casakanecounty. org or call 630-232-4484.

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Batavia Resource Guide

Photo provided by Batavia Park District

COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS n Batavia American Legion Post 504 bataviapost504.org n Batavia Arts Council BataviaArtsCouncil.org n BATV mybatv.com n Batavia Boosters bataviabulldogboosters.org n Batavia Chamber of Commerce bataviachamber.org n Batavia Foundation for Educational Excellence bataviafoundation.org n Batavia Historical Society bataviahistoricalsociety.org n Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry bataviafoodpantry.org n Batavia Lions Club batavialionsclub.org n Batavia MainStreet downtownbatavia.com n Batavia Park District bataviaparks.org n Batavia Public Library bataviapubliclibrary.org n Batavia Public Schools bps101.net n Batavia Retired Senior Volunteer Program Bataviarsvp.org

24 Hour Service an

n Batavia Township bataviatownship.com n Batavia United Way bataviaunitedway.org n Batavia VFW bataviavfw.org n Batavia Woman’s Club bataviawomansclub.org n CASA Kane County casakanecounty.org n Fox Valley Hands of Hope fvhh.net n Fox Valley Special Rec Association fvsra.org n Kane County Health Department kanehealth.com n Kane County Veterans Assistance 630-232-3550 n Kiwanis Club 630-879-2281 n Rotary Club of Batavia bataviarotaryclub.org n Tri City Family Services tricityfamilyservices.org n Tri City Health Partnership tchpfreeclinic.org n Water Street Studios waterstreetstudios.org

PHONE GUIDE

Emergency – Dial 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/SERVICES 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 Waste Management 630-587-8282 (garbage pick up) Utility Billing 630-454-2020 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

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