Kane County invites residents to explore the Fox River by kayak
The Forest Preserve District of Kane County’s kayaking series starts with a beginner’s paddling skills class from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, June 23, at the Fox River Shores Forest Preserve, 716 Williams Road, Carpentersville.
Participants will receive dry-land instruction on basic kayaking techniques from an experienced instructor before hitting the water to practice their skills, according to the district’s website.
Kayakers must be at least 16 years old and able to hold breath underwater while wearing a life jacket, turn from a face-down to a face-up position while keeping head above water, effectively communicate with the instructor and other participants, and manage all mobility and personal care independently or with the assistance of a companion.
The cost is $89 per person, which includes use of a kayak, personal floatation device and paddle. For those who provide their own kayaks, the fee is $45 per person.
To register and for information on future sessions, call 630-444-3190, email programs@kaneforest.com or go to kaneforest.activityreg.com/selectactivity_t2.wcs.
Moeller to hold coffee event for constituents Monday at Elgin library
State Rep. Anna Moeller, D-Elgin, will hold a Coffee Stop Monday event June 3 at the Roll-N-Donuts Café inside the Gail Borden Public Library in downtown Elgin.
Residents can join Moeller to discuss the just-finished state legislative session, including the new state budget and other issues, from 11 a.m. to noon, a news release said. She will also be available to answer questions and discuss local issues.
“These coffee and conversation events are a good way to provide local residents and business owners a fresh update on our just-completed legislative session and discuss how the decisions we have made at the Capitol will have an impact on our lives back here in the district,” Moeller said in the release.
The library is at 270 N. Grove Ave. For more information, call 847-841-7130 or email staterepmoeller@gmail.com.
Concerts to be held Tuesday at Wing Park, Thursday at Lords Park
The Elgin Parks and Recreation Department’s free summer concert series gets underway with two shows — a performance by steelpan band Callaloo on Tuesday, June 4, in Wing Park and by salsa act Trabucco on Thursday, June 6, in Lords Park.
Both will be presented from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Each park will host five concerts throughout the summer, according to the city’s website. For a complete schedule, go to elginil.gov/1776/Summer-Concerts-in-the-Park.
Cocktails in the Park to raise funds for Batavia MainStreet group
Tickets go on sale Saturday, June 1, for the Batavia MainStreet group’s annual Cocktails in the Park fundraiser being held from 7 to 10 p.m. July 27 at Appleton Park in Batavia.
Cocktails in the Park is nonprofit Batavia MainStreet’s largest fundraiser, helping pay for work that supports the downtown business community.
Tickets are $40 in advance and can be purchased downtownbatavia.com through noon July 26 or while supplies last. If tickets remain, they can be purchased at the door the night of the event for $50.
The price includes small plates from downtown restaurants, a collectible whiskey glass and live music. Participating restaurants 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.
The life of Alexander Hamilton, the country’s first secretary of the treasury, will be examined during a program June 5 at the St. Charles Public Library. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)
Alexander Hamilton to be focus of St. Charles Public Library program
The life of Alexander Hamilton, the first secretary of the treasury during George Washington’s presidency, will be examined during a program at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 5, at St. Charles Public Library, 1 S. Sixth Ave.
Gary Midkiff, an area college professor who teaches master’s and undergraduate courses, 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.
Rebecca Eller-Molitas named new director for Literacy Volunteers Fox Valley
Literacy Volunteers Fox Valley’s new executive director is Rebecca Eller-Molitas, succeeding longtime executive director Peg Coker, who retired April 26.
Eller-Molitas has more than 15 years of experience in adult education and literacy, according to a news release on her appointement. Most recently, she worked as an adult education consultant for New Readers Press, representing the company at national conferences in addition to handling state and local conferences.
Her previous experience also 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 local adult literacy needs.
