Tickets will go on sale June 1 for the Batavia MainStreet group’s annual Cocktails in the Park fundraiser set for 7 to 10 p.m. July 27 at Appleton Park in Batavia.
Cocktails in the Park is Batavia MainStreet’s largest single fundraiser for the non-profit organization, which works to advocate for the downtown business community in Batavia.
Tickets are $40 in advance and can be purchased starting June 1 at downtownbatavia.com through noon on July 26 or while supplies last. If tickets remain, they can be purchased at the door the night of the event for $50.
Tickets include small plates from downtown restaurants, a collectible whiskey glass (first come, first serve), live music and entry to the event, officials said.
Restaurants participating in the event include Fancy Nancy Boards, The GOAT Burger and Cocktail Bar, New Moon Vegan, Haylie B’s Bakery, Thai Village, Pal Joey’s, Windmill Grille, Thorabella’s, Subway and Sidecar Supper Club.
Drink tickets are also available online or can be purchased at the event. Prices are $7 for one drink ticket or $60 for 10. Attendees can also purchase a Picnic Table Package which includes a reserved picnic table, six admission tickets, six drink tickets and a dedicated cocktail server for $350.
Senior Services in Aurora hosting programs
Senior Services of Aurora will host a variety of programs in June at its center at 2111 Plum St. in Aurora.
At 1 p.m. Monday, June 3, any senior interested in playing bunco is invited to join a group of established players. They meet on the first Monday of every month at the center. Those wanting to attend should register by calling 630-897-4035.
Every Monday an arts and crafts class is held at 11 a.m. and line dancing at 1 p.m. at the center.
Those interested in Wii bowling can participate every Tuesday at 10 a.m. at the center.
Every Wednesday and Friday, there will be bingo at the senior center from 1 to 3 p.m.
Other events coming up in June at Senior Services of Aurora include a Father’s Day ice cream social on Friday, June 14, and a baseball-themed party featuring hot dogs and live entertainment on Friday, June 21.
For more information on programs at the center, call activity coordinators Amanda Creighton or Paul Heinkel at 630-897-4035.
Geneva police drone to take to the sky
The Geneva Police Department’s new drone will take its inaugural flight during the American Legion Fox River – Geneva Post 75 Memorial Day Parade.
The Skydio X10 drone will be launched before the parade which steps off at 10 a.m. Monday in downtown Geneva, police department officials said.
Two Geneva police officers received pilot certifications for the drone from the Federal Aviation Administration following training at the College of DuPage Homeland Security Training Center.
The addition of drone surveillance helps strengthen the Geneva Police Department’s security measures already in place for large-scale community events like the parade, officials said.
Alexander Hamilton focus of St. Charles program
The life of Alexander Hamilton, the first secretary of the treasury during George Washington’s presidency who was also a writer, financier and more, will be examined during a program at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 5, at St. Charles Public Library, 1 S. Sixth Ave. in St. Charles.
At the event, Gary Midkiff, a college professor who teaches MBA and undergraduate courses in the area, will draw insights from Hamilton’s dramatic life, event organizers said.
To register for the program, go to scpld.org or call 630-584-0076.
New leader for Literacy Volunteers Fox Valley
Literacy Volunteers Fox Valley welcomed its new executive director, Rebecca Eller-Molitas, on May 1, officials with the group said.
She succeeds longtime executive director Peg Coker, who retired on April 26.
Eller-Molitas has over 15 years of experience in adult education and literacy, according to a press release from Literacy Volunteers Fox Valley. Most recently, she worked as an adult education consultant with New Readers Press, representing the company at national conferences in addition to handling state and local conferences.
Her previous experience includes being director of Adult Learning and Literacy at the People’s Resource Center in Wheaton; executive director for Literacy Forsyth in Cummings, Georgia; and site director and lead teacher for Literacy Action Inc. in Atlanta, Georgia.
Literacy Volunteers Fox Valley is a nonprofit organization that focuses on adult literacy needs in the Fox Valley, officials said.
Creek Exploration Series offered
The Kane County Forest Preserve District will offer its Creek Exploration Series beginning in June.
The series kicks off with “Fascinating Lives of Freshwater Mussels,” scheduled for 2 to 3 p.m. Wednesday, June 19, at Tyler Creek Forest Preserve at 401 Davis Road iin Elgin. Participants at the event will delve into the life cycle of freshwater mussels while wading into Tyler Creek in search of the organisms.
Next up is “Crazy 4 Crayfish,” which will offer a closer look at the different types of crayfish native to Illinois during two sessions in July at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve at 37W700 Dean St. in St. Charles.
Participants should register for one session only. The first session will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. Tuesday, July 16, with the second session from 1 to 2 p.m. Thursday, July 18.
To register for these free programs, go to www.kaneforest.com/register.
For more information on the Kane County Forest Preserve District, go to www.kaneforest.com.
CASA Kane executive director to be co-chair of National CASA council
CASA Kane County Executive Director Jim Di Ciaula has been named co-chair of the National CASA/GAL Suburban Leadership Council.
The council advises the national Court Appointed Special Advocate/Guardian Ad Litem organization on policies, resources and strategies, according to a CASA Kane County news release.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside my fellow executive directors from across the country to help strengthen the CASA network and create an aspirational vision for the future of what we can do together,” Di Ciaula said in the release.
CASA Kane County is a nonprofit organization that trains and supervises volunteers who advocate for the best interests of children who have experienced abuse and neglect. For more information, go to www.casakanecounty.org or call 630-232-4484.
