Latest news with #St.CharlesPublicLibrary
Chicago Tribune
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Forest preserve, park districts urging responsible trail use
The forest preserve districts of DuPage, Kane and Will counties, McHenry County Conservation District and the Fox Valley and Naperville park districts are teaming up to promote responsible trail use. The initiative is taking place in May, which is National Bike Month, a news release from the DuPage County Forest Preserve District said. Trail safety, rider etiquette and understanding electric bicycle classifications and regulations are among the topics being addressed in the campaign. Participating agencies will distribute pocket-sized handouts with trail safety guidelines and e-bike regulations, the news release said. The campaign will also include social media posts and trail-side signs. Participating agencies are working to align their ordinances to improve consistency, the release said. Under current forest preserve and park district regulations, only Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are allowed on trails. Class 3 bikes, which have a motor that can travel up to 28 mph, are not permitted. All e-bikes must have a label that indicates the bike's class and top assisted speed, the release said. Kentucky Derby-themed concert planned Singer-songwriter Rick Pickren will perform a free Kentucky Derby-themed concert at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, April 30, at the St. Charles Public Library, 1 S. Sixth Ave. in St. Charles. Pickren has performed his music and history programs at hundreds of museums, libraries, historical societies, colleges and churches, library officials said. To register for the concert, call 630-584-0076 or go to Kane Forest District offers free wood chips The Forest Preserve District of Kane County is offering free wood chips to the public on Sunday, May 4. Wood chips will be available for pick-up from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 4 at Burnidge Forest Preserve in Elgin and Big Rock Forest Preserve in Big Rock. Forest Preserve District staff will be on hand to help load chips with a tractor at both sites, according to a press release from the district. Non-district machinery to load is not permitted. Residents should bring their own shovels and containers, officials said. The public is welcome to take as many wood chips as they can haul away, while supplies last, according to the release. The chips are from hardwood trees removed throughout Kane County because of storm damage or clearing efforts, district officials said. Burnidge Forest Preserve is at 14N035 Coombs Road in Elgin. Big Rock Forest Preserve is at 46W072 Jericho Road in Big Rock. Signs within both preserves will direct people to the wood chip pile location, according to the release. For more information, call the Forest Preserve District of Kane County at 630-232-5980, go to or find the district on social media by searching @forestpreserve. Naper Settlement opens new 'Farm Forward' exhibit Naper Settlement's newest exhibit, 'Farm Forward,' explores the Illinois agriculture industry through the lens of local photographer Jeffrey Ross. Ross serves on the board of the Chicago chapter of the National Agri-Marketing Association and travels all over the country for various farm and agriculture marketing assignments. The exhibit is located inside the Mary and Richard Benck Family Agriculture Center on the settlement's campus, 523 S. Webster St. in Naperville, and is included in the museum's general admission. Illinois had 72,000 farms that span 27 million acres or about three-quarters of the state as of 2019, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Agriculture Statistics Service. About 89% of the state's cropland is considered prime farmland, according to exhibit information on the settlement's website. The exhibit captures some of the industry's innovative practices and includes rarely seen images to the everyday consumer, the website said.
Chicago Tribune
11-04-2025
- Science
- Chicago Tribune
Volunteer Fair to be held at Batavia Public Library
The Batavia Chamber of Commerce will host a Volunteer Fair from 2 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 6, at Batavia Public Library at 10 S. Batavia Ave. in Batavia. The event will bring together more than 30 nonprofit organizations offering an opportunity for individuals to explore diverse avenues of community service, event organizers said in a press release. Admission is free, and no registration is necessary, according to organizers. The Volunteer Fair will also feature the League of Women Voters of Central Kane County, which will be on-site to register voters. 'We believe that by coming together to serve our community, we not only make a tangible impact but also forge lasting bonds that strengthen the fabric of society,' said Margaret Perreault, president and CEO of the Batavia Chamber of Commerce, in the release. 'Whether you're a seasoned volunteer or considering dipping your toes into community service for the first time, we welcome you to join us at the Volunteer Fair and discover the many ways you can make a difference.' For more information about the event, contact Patti Anselme, special events coordinator for the Batavia Chamber of Commerce, at 630-879-7134, Ext. 3, or patt@ Quantum physics topic of program Celebrate World Physics Day at the St. Charles Public Library with quantum physicist and poet G. Jordan Maclay, who will present a program at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 24, called 'Quantum Physics and Human Vibrations.' Maclay received a doctoral degree from Yale University and is chief scientist at Quantum Fields LLC. To register for the program, go to or call 630-584-0076. St. Charles Public Library is located at 1 S. Sixth Ave. in St. Charles. Farm camp to be offered in Montgomery Children will learn about farm life with farm animals, big farm equipment, hayrides and more during the Dickson-Murst Farm Camp, to be held from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday, June 23, through Friday, June 27, at The Conservation Foundation's Dickson-Murst Farm at 2550 Dickson Road in Montgomery. The week-long day camp will introduce children entering third through sixth grade to both the historic and modern methods of farming while experiencing a little bit of farm life at the historic farmstead, camp organizers said. Staff from the Kendall County Outdoor Education Center, Kendall County Ag in the Classroom, The Conservation Foundation and volunteers from the Dickson-Murst Farm Partners will guide campers through a variety of crafts and demonstrations, including how to make butter and candles, and hands-on learning opportunities, according to a press release about the camp. The cost is $195 per camper. To register, go to For more information, call 630-428-4500, Ext. 161. Geneva to hold meeting on street improvements Geneva residents seeking more details on upcoming street improvements are invited to attend an informational meeting from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 29, at the Geneva Public Works Department, 1800 South St. in Geneva, city officials said. City staff will provide an overview of the construction activity and will be available to answer questions, according to a press release about the event. Those attending can enter the building through the east side door, officials said. The city of Geneva's 2025 street improvement program is scheduled to begin in May with 17 resurfacing and ADA projects on the docket, according to the release. In addition to the resurfacing/ADA work, other projects include the Hamilton Street parking lot reconstruction, Third Street pavement patching and James Street parking reconfiguration, city officials said. All project locations and a map are available on the city's website at Residents living on impacted roads or the nearest cross streets will receive a letter from the city inviting them to the upcoming meeting, according to the release. Construction on the projects is expected to be completed by mid-August, weather permitting, city officials said. Sierra Club plans webinar on aquifer The Valley of the Fox Sierra Club group will hold a Zoom meeting called 'Protect the Aquifer' at 7 p.m. on Monday, April 21, group officials said. Pam Richart and Lan Richart, co-directors of the Eco-Justice Collaborative in Champaign, will discuss the Coalition to Stop CO2 Pipelines and ban carbon dioxide sequestration under the Mahomet Aquifer, group officials said. The aquifer is a crucial water source for nearly one million people, group officials said, and is threatened by potential leaks and contamination from carbon dioxide underground storage. To access the webinar, go to Waubonsee to have open house for tech programs Waubonsee Community College invites prospective students and families to its Tech Programs Open House at its Plano campus at 100 Waubonsee Drive from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 16. At this free event, those attending can learn more about in-demand careers and explore hands-on training, according to a press release from Waubonsee. Waubonsee offers tech courses in computer aided design and drafting, cybersecurity, computer information systems, welding and more. Staff will be available to answer questions about admissions, financial aid and other topics during the open house, officials said. A bonus session at 5:15 p.m. will provide insights into the cybersecurity field, officials said. Attendees will also have the chance to enter a prize drawing for a free class (up to a $500 value), according to the release. The class must be taken this summer or fall.
Chicago Tribune
08-04-2025
- General
- Chicago Tribune
St. Charles Public Library to host genealogy program
The St. Charles Public Library will present a genealogy program called 'Archives Research and How to Use Basic Resources Found There' at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 15, at the library, 1 S. Sixth Ave. in St. Charles. Professional genealogist Laura Street Chaplin will explore the history of archives, including the types of archives and the roles they play, as well as how they're organized and how to find and access their holdings using catalogs, databases, finding aids and digital collections, according to a press release about the event. She will also discuss how to plan your own archives research trip. To register for the event, go to or call 630-584-0076. Yorkville church to hold rummage and bake sale The spring rummage and bake sale will be held from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 11, and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 12, at Yorkville Congregational United Church of Christ, 409 Center Parkway in Yorkville. A wide selection of household goods, kitchen items, linens, toys, games, books, clothing for all ages, shoes, furniture, tools, holiday decor, collectibles, jewelry and more will be available, event organizers said in a press release. A popular tradition of the two-day event is the bake sale, featuring a wide assortment of home-baked items which sell out quickly, according to the release. Saturday is Bag Day when shoppers can fill a provided, brown paper grocery bag for $3. Remaining, larger items that do not fit in a grocery bag may be purchased at half price, organizers said. Only cash or check will be accepted as payment at the event, according to the release. The semi-annual event is a longtime tradition at the church, event organizers said. Women in the church's circle began hosting rummage sales nearly 50 years ago in the building now housing Chapel on the Green. Proceeds from the sale will support church programs, ministries, building needs and multiple charitable organizations that help provide for the needs of people in the Yorkville area and beyond, organizers said. For more information, call the church office at 630-553-7308. Event to benefit Water Street Studios Water Street Studios President Jessica Jecmen will be hosting a shopping event to benefit the art center from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, April 13, at House of 423 at 219 W. State St. in Geneva. Guests will get a chance to see the latest spring fashions, and Water Street Studios, an art center in downtown Batavia, will receive 15% of the pre-tax profits from the event, organizers said in a press release. If there are more than 20 transactions, the art center will receive 20%. All guests will receive a gift card with 10% of their pre-tax purchase amount for future online or in-store purchases, according to the release. The event is free to attend. For more information, go to or Sons of American Legion plan breakfast The Yorkville Sons of The American Legion will hold its final monthly breakfast fundraiser of the season from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. Sunday, April 13, at the Yorkville American Legion, 9054 E. Veterans Parkway in Yorkville. The buffet will consist of biscuits and gravy, pancakes, scrambled eggs, potatoes, bacon, sausage, tomato juice, orange juice, milk and coffee, organizers said. The cost to attend the event, which is open to the public, is $12 for adults 18 to 54 years old, $10 for those 55 years old and older and $8 for those 6 to 17 years old. Those 5 years old and younger eat for free at the event. Autism advocate Temple Grandin to speak at Benedictine Temple Grandin, a renowned autism advocate, will speak about her autism journey at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, April 12, at Benedictine University's Goodwin Auditorium, 5700 College Road, Lisle. The event includes a question-and-answer session and is open to the public. A book signing will follow at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 and available at . Proceeds from the event benefit Lisle-based Giant Steps' students and young adults with autism by supporting specialized programs and services, including individualized education, therapy, job training and family support, a news release said. The event is part of Giant Steps' Denim & Diamonds Gala, where Grandin will be headlining speaker. It will be held from 6 to 10:30 p.m. April 12 at the Embassy Suites by Hilton, 1823 Abriter Court, Naperville.
Chicago Tribune
16-02-2025
- General
- Chicago Tribune
Seed swap in St. Charles offers gardeners a chance to think about spring
Meagan Parks of St. Charles knows that despite the recent plunge in temperatures and accumulation of snow, that spring is still right around the corner and that means gardening. 'I love to garden. This is our second year coming, and we learned you have to get here early,' Meagan said as she and her husband walked among a number of tables inside the St. Charles Public Library's annual Seed Swap and Seed Library Kickoff event on Saturday. 'People line up 45 minutes before the event. Last year, we took home a lot of native plants as we just bought our home a few years ago, but we also got vegetables and herbs.' Visitors to the event were able to pick up 'more than 150 different heirloom seed varieties, free of charge, to grow and enjoy,' organizers said. A press release from the library noted that 'all of the seeds available are heirloom or open-pollinated, meaning that once saved and planted again, they will grow into the same type of plant. The library is one of the first public libraries in Illinois to lend heirloom seeds.' Brandon Buckley, reference librarian, said he has overseen the program since 2014 and that it is offered in conjunction with the Master Gardeners at the University of Illinois Extension, which has a location in St. Charles. 'I'm not an expert when it comes to gardening, and I want visitors to have good information and people that can give them the gardening know-how,' Buckley explained. Seeds for the program are purchased by the library from companies, Buckley said, adding that they also 'get some from local gardeners – the master gardeners, especially, because they know what they're doing.' 'We get some also from library patrons, too,' he said. 'I think in every community there's a subset of just passionate gardeners. It's what they like to do and if you have hundreds of tomato seeds, what are you going to do? I like it because in the library world, it's about sharing and I like that aspect of it.' Last year's Seed Swap and Seed Library Kickoff event drew about 150 people, and since the pandemic, Buckley has seen a rise in interest in the program. 'Since COVID, there's been more interest. The first 10 years I don't think we ever ran out of seeds but then during COVID and after it was the first time we ever ran out,' he said. 'I think we had over 10,000 packets of seeds last year which was by far the most we've ever given out. People got into the habit during the pandemic and things like groceries have gotten more expensive.' The seed swap room was packed within minutes of opening Saturday with gardening fans moving among the tables. Meagan Parks' husband Andrew said he 'was excited last year to grow native grasses and doing the landscaping.' 'As we said, we moved in a few years ago and we're still establishing that,' he said. 'We learned a lot since last year about composting which was a game changer and there is so much to learn in terms of the timing and when you can plant things.' Kristina Fann of Campton Hills said while she has not been to the St. Charles event before, 'I have gone to a number of seed swaps.' 'I think the selection is great. I like cottage gardening. I like to do all the flowers and my husband likes to do the peppers – he likes hot peppers,' Fann said. 'My kids do cucumbers and I've been sent with a list.' Kasia Zarow of St. Charles said she came the past two years to the seed giveaway and 'loves the selection.' 'The past two years, we've been planting our entire community garden just based on this seed swap and we also plant the seeds at home,' Zarow explained as her son Jake Jakubowski, 9, filled a bag with seeds. 'We must have taken 30 different seeds home last year as there is a lot of variety.' Jake said he himself is also into gardening and likes raising 'pumpkins and also tomatoes.' 'I like gardening, but it's very hard work,' he said. The ongoing seed library is available any time the library is open. For more information, stop by the Research and Reading Desk, or call 630-584-0076, Ext. 1.
Chicago Tribune
07-02-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
New Aurora fashion boutique celebrates African craftsmanship
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Monday to celebrate the opening of SamandaRose Couture, a new fashion boutique at 481 N. Commons Drive in Aurora. 'There's no better way to kick off Black History Month than by welcoming a new Black-owned business to our city,' said Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin. 'But this isn't just any business. This is a Black-owned business rooted in African heritage, bringing something truly special to Aurora.' SamandaRose Couture's owner is Folashade Familola, a Nigerian native and Aurora resident, according to a press release from the city. 'SamandaRose is a blend of my name and my mother's name,' Familola said in the release. 'She was a talented fashion designer, and I learned the art of dressmaking from her. She passed away recently, and every time I create a piece, I feel her presence. This boutique is my way of keeping her spirit alive.' Sourcing fabrics directly from Nigeria, the boutique offers ready-to-wear and custom-made outfits, accessories and jewelry, with each piece designed to celebrate African craftsmanship and contemporary style, the release said. Seed Swap planned in St. Charles The St. Charles Public Library's annual Seed Swap and Seed Library Kickoff will run from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 15, in the Huntley Community Room at the library, 1 S. Sixth Ave. in St. Charles. Members of the community can stop by the library to 'check out' more than 150 different heirloom seed varieties, free of charge, to grow and enjoy, event organizers said. Master gardeners at the University of Illinois Extension Office will be on hand to answer any gardening-related questions, library officials said. All of the seeds available are heirloom or open-pollinated, meaning that once saved and planted again, they will grow into the same type of plant, according to officials. For more information on the program, call 630-584-0076, Ext. 1. Kane officials named to Emerging Adults Task Force The Illinois Judicial Conference has appointed Kane County State's Attorney Jamie Mosser and Kane County Court Services Executive Director Lisa Aust to its new Emerging Adults Task Force. Task force members will study and recommend best practices for courts working with adults ages 18 to 24, according to a news release. 'This age group has unique needs and opportunities for rehabilitation that require tailored approaches,' Mosser said in the release. Aust said in the release that research shows that young people's brains are 'literally' wired differently than mature adults and 'we're looking at this as an opportunity to re-imagine how the courts can work with this group to take into account their thinking and potential for change. It's an exciting initiative.' Oswego student in spotlight In his fourth and final year with East Theatre, which is part of Oswego East High School, one student recently received the opportunity to showcase his talents at the state level, according to a press release from Oswego-based School District 308. Last month, Cooper Carlisle, a senior at Oswego East High School, performed in the All-State production of 'The Prom' at the 49th annual Illinois High School Theater Festival. 'Doing an All-State show was a bucket list item,' Cooper said in the release.
