News
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Batavia Chamber of Commerce to Honor Ellen Huxtable as 2026 Winner of the Donna Dallesasse Award
Batavia, Ill. – September 9, 2026 – The Batavia Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that the 2026 Donna Dallesasse Award winner is Ellen Huxtable, former owner of Advantage Business Concepts, current facilitator for the Batavia Chamber of Commerce and representative for the Congregational Church of Batavia. Every year, the Batavia Chamber holds a celebration to gather Chamber members together to recognize one Chamber member who has displayed an outstanding commitment and dedication to the Chamber’s
Vanguard Gifted Academy Redifines Education for Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Learners
Vanguard Gifted Academy, an independent, innovative microschool dedicated to guiding gifted children toward a life of discovery, empowerment, and innovation, has officially opened enrollment for the 2026–2027 academic year. Located at 1078 East Wilson Street in Batavia, the school provides a personalized, collaborative educational model designed specifically to meet the unique cognitive, social, and emotional needs of gifted and twice-exceptional (2e) students, backed by family financial aid options to
LWV of Central Kane County Marks National Voter Registration Day and Constitution Day
BATAVIA, IL (September 8, 2026) – The League of Women Voters of Central Kane County (lwvckcil.com) today announced that there are National Voter Registration Day and Constitution Day events planned with Oswego East High School and Waubonsee Community College. National Voter Registration Day, which falls on September 15th, is an annual nonpartisan civic holiday that brings together private, public, and nonprofit partners to register hundreds of thousands of voters. Since its launch in 2012, the campaign
Little Saplings Offers Fall Nature Programs for Preschoolers
GENEVA, IL — The Forest Preserve District of Kane County’s “Little Saplings” series invites children ages 3 to 5 and their caregivers to discover the wonders of the natural world this fall.Each month, children will explore a new seasonal theme through stories, nature hikes, songs, games and crafts. A parent or caregiver must accompany each child.Join us for one or all of the upcoming fall programs:“Slugs & Bugs”Thursday, Sept. 17; 9:30-10:30 a.m.Creek Bend Nature CenterLeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve37W700 Dean
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Rotary Club of Batavia Launches 38th Annual Charity Raffle
$50,000 Grand Prize and Early Bird Drawings Support Local Charities, Community Needs and Career EducationBATAVIA, Ill. — September 1, 2026 — The Rotary Club of Batavia has officially launched its 38th Annual Charity Raffle, continuing a longtime community tradition that gives participants the opportunity to win significant cash prizes while supporting organizations and programs serving the Tri-cities area and beyond.Raffle tickets are $100 each, with only 1,200 tickets available. Proceeds from the raffle
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New America 250 Mural to Celebrate Batavia's Contributions to Nation
Public invited to mural unveiling Sept. 12 at Batavia City Hall BATAVIA, Ill. – The City of Batavia and Water Street Studios Public Art Initiative will unveil a new mural celebrating Batavia’s role in American history from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 12, at Batavia City Hall, 100 N. Island Ave. Created by artist Marty Gniech, “Batavia’s Industrial Contributions to America” commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The mural illustrates how Batavia’s
Adult Christian Education Classes Offered
Adult Christian Education Classes Offered Beginning in September, the Congregational Church of Batavia is offering an exciting variety of adult Christian Education Classes. These classes are free and open to the community. The presenters are experts and have authored books on these topics. Registration is not required.A Primer on Christian Nationalism: What It Is & Why We Should Be Concerned, with Rev. Dr. John Dorhauer; Wednesdays, September 30, October 7, 21, and 28, at 6:00 p.m.Death, Grief, &
Celebrate the Season at Harvest Fall Festival, Sept. 27
GENEVA, IL — Crisp autumn days, colorful leaves and plenty of family fun are just around the corner! Celebrate the season with the Forest Preserve District of Kane County at the annual Harvest Fall Festival. Join us on Sunday, Sept. 27, from noon to 3 p.m. at Oakhurst Forest Preserve in Aurora for an afternoon of fall-themed activities and entertainment for all ages. Festival-goers can paint pumpkins, play games, create nature-inspired crafts, visit education stations, and enjoy live folk music and
Sturdy Shelter Brewing Hosts Fourth Annual Oktoberfest!
Fourth Annual Oktoberfest Celebration is September 10-13, 2026, with live music featuring traditional Bavarian tunes, dancing and a traditional Oktoberfest sing-along, authentic German favorites from our food partners, and delicious warm pretzels! Compete in the state-qualifying stein holding contest, costume contest, and, of course, enjoy our delicious Shelterfest Munich-Style Fest Bier // 5.9%. Purchase a new Sturdy Shelter Brewing Oktoberfest .5 liter stein or BYO any full liter stein! We can’t wait to
Connect, Create, and Craft at Monthly Yarn Art Programs
GENEVA, IL — Grab your yarn and your latest project and join the Forest Preserve District of Kane County for a relaxing afternoon of creativity and conversation at its monthly Yarn Art programs. Join fellow yarn enthusiasts while working on your own knit, crochet, or other yarn art project in a welcoming group setting. Share tips, patterns, exchange ideas and inspiration, and enjoy time with others who share an interest in yarn art. Yarn crafters of all skill levels are welcome, from beginners to
Vanguard Gifted Academy Student Featured in National Art Publication
In alignment with its mission to guide gifted children toward a life of discovery, empowerment, and innovation, Vanguard Gifted Academy is proud to announce that original artwork by one of its primary students has been selected for publication in the inaugural issue of Junior Artists magazine (April 2026, Issue 01). The featured piece was recognized through the national "Beauty and Inspiration" Kids’ Art Competition, celebrating young creative talent across the country. The publication highlights
Aurora Regional Fire Museum Receives Two Statewide Honors from Illinois Association of Museums
Aurora, IL - The Aurora Regional Fire Museum was honored earlier this week with two prestigious statewide awards from the Illinois Association of Museums during its Annual Awards Ceremony. The museum received the 2026 Small Institution of the Year Award and the 2026 Award of Super Achievement (Exhibits), recognizing its overall impact in the region as well as inspiring curiosity in their youngest visitors. The 2026 Small Institution of the Year Award recognizes the museum’s leadership, innovation, and
Reconnect With Nature During Monthly ''Nurtured By Nature'' Wellness Hikes
GENEVA, IL — Studies show that time outdoors can relieve stress, boost your immune system, improve sleep, and contribute to overall good health. Take time to slow down, recharge and experience the restorative benefits of nature with the Forest Preserve District of Kane County. “Nurtured by Nature” is a monthly program series that combines gentle stretching, deep breathing and mindful awareness with leisurely hikes through different forest preserves. Each session is designed to nurture the mind, body and
Sturdy Shelter Brewing Opens Long Awaited Riverside Deck!
Batavia, IL, August 11, 2026. Sturdy Shelter Brewing in Batavia, IL, is hosting a ribbon cutting of their long-awaited riverside deck on Wednesday, August 12, 4:30 pm at 10 S. Shumway in Batavia! The deck features cedar posts and black trim and railings with cable, which duplicates the indoor aesthetic.. Adirondack chairs and table seating for 40 provide a dog-friendly outdoor space with open riverviews. Designed by Oppermann Architects and built by 212 Degree Construction. Sturdy Shelter Brewing which
Master Woodworker Showcases ''Wood Weaving'' Charcuterie Boards at 48th Annual Holmstad Bazaar
Annual Bazaar to Feature Handcrafted Creations Supporting Benevolent Care, Scholarships, and Resident programs Batavia, IL: Covenant Living at the Holmstad resident David Anderson has spent more than a decade shaping the community’s wood shop into a hub of craftsmanship, creativity, and camaraderie. Anderson and his wife, Merrie, moved to The Holmstad upon retirement, and he quickly became an integral part of the resident‑run wood shop by serving as its manager for the past 12 years. This year,
SciTech Announces Adam Sparks as New Director of Programs and Education
[Batavia, Illinois] — [06.01.2026] — SciTech is proud to announce the appointment of AdamSparks as the organization’s new Director of Programs and Education. Bringing nearly two decades of experience in education, nonprofit leadership, and program development, Sparks will lead the continued growth and innovation of SciTech’s STEM education initiatives and community programming. Throughout his career, Sparks has dedicated himself to creating meaningful educational experiences rooted in relationship
Tri-Cities Chambers Launch “Tri-Cities Canstruction”
A Large-Scale Design Competition Using Canned Food to Fight Hunger Open to the public, this event takes place at Waubonsee Community College’s Academic and Professional Center in Sugar Grove February 2027 BATAVIA, IL, GENEVA, IL, and ST. CHARLES, IL — The Batavia, Geneva, and St. Charles Chambers of Commerce are proud to announce the launch of the inaugural Tri-Cities Canstruction, a large-scale community design competition that combines creativity, engineering, architecture, and philanthropy to fight
Vanguard Gifted Academy Students Join Millions Globally for World Maths Day 2026
This week, students at Vanguard Gifted Academy joined an international community of learners to participate in World Maths Day, one of the world’s largest education events. Hosted by 3P Learning, the event challenges students to test their mathematical fluency through live, 60-second "Mathletics" rounds against peers from across the globe. While the event features a global leaderboard, the focus for Vanguard students was centered on personal growth and the mastery of "fact fluency." Rather than
Empower Your LLC with the Right Business Banking Choices
Starting an LLC is a defining step that carries a lot of energy and promise. A crucial decision early on is opening a business bank account tailored to your needs. This decision extends beyond separating personal and business funds—it can unlock several opportunities that drive your LLC forward. Access to modern banking tools and services plays a vital role in navigating the complexities of managing business finances. Thoughtful banking choices provide the foundation for long-term growth and financial
