Nearly 30 tons of electronics were recycled including almost 1,800 television sets of all sizes during the city of Aurora’s electronics recycling drive-thru event on May 4, officials said.
According to officials, 2,000 Aurora residents came to the drop-off site at the Route 59 Metra train station in the city to get rid of undesirable electronics to be recycled.
Aurora hosts two free electronics recycling events each year, one in the spring and the other in the fall.
The next city electronics recycling event will be in September, officials said.
Cicadas focus of program in Geneva
The buzz is in the air as the periodical cicadas are set to emerge in Illinois this summer, and the Kane Count Forest Preserve District is inviting area residents to learn more about them during its upcoming program, “The Cicadas are Coming.”
The event will be held from 4 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, June 18, at Fabyan Forest Preserve West at 1925 Batavia Ave. in Geneva.
The interpretive program is designed to be educational as participants hike along the trail in search of the insects.
“This year’s emergence is a rare opportunity to witness nature’s wonders up close, and we’re excited to share our insights with the community,” said Kane County Forest Preserve District Environmental Education Manager Barb McKittrick.
The all-ages program is free, but registration is required. To register, go to www.kaneforest.com/register.
For more information about “The Cicadas are Coming” and other upcoming Kane County Forest Preserve District nature programs, go to www.kaneforest.com.
Sears kit houses in the spotlight
The Batavia Public Library’s free monthly lunchtime book program Books Between Bites will conclude for the season on Thursday, May 16, with Batavia resident Karl Bruhn sharing a presentation about “Sears Kit Houses in Batavia, Geneva and Beyond.”
Bruhn, who has conducted extensive research into several Sears kit houses in the area, is a retired history teacher who spent 40 years teaching in Wheaton, event organizers said.
The program will run from noon to 1 p.m. at the Batavia Public Library, 10 S. Batavia Ave. in Batavia. The public is invited to attend, and reservations are not required.
The program is conducted in the large Founders Room on the main level of the Batavia Public Library. Parking is available in the lot just south and adjacent to the library, organizers said.
People are invited to bring their lunch and eat as they enjoy the program and discussion. Lunch items, beverages and baked goods may be purchased at Flyleaf Bakery Cafe, located just inside the library and adjacent to the meeting room, officials said.
For more information about Books Between Bites, go to booksbetweenbites.com.
St. Charles recognized as a Bird City
On May 8, the city of St. Charles was formally recognized as a Bird City community by Bird City Illinois, city officials said.
Only 10 cities in the state are designated Bird City Illinois communities, according to officials.
There are nine criteria that must be met to become a Bird City. The St. Charles Natural Resources Commission highlighted St. Charles’ bird-friendly natural areas, community activities and education about World Migratory Bird Day and Dark Skies awareness, among other actions taken, officials said.
“Disseminating seeds, contributing to pollination and controlling insects are just some of the ways birds help the environment and communities,” said St. Charles Natural Resources Commissioner Suzi Myers in a press release about the Bird City honor. “The commission felt it was important for St. Charles to become a Bird City and actively promoted the effort.”
Naper Settlement announces details on new farmers market
Naper Settlement’s new farmers market will feature mission-based, fair-trade or local vendors when it opens June 25, according to settlement officials in Naperville.
The market, which will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. every Tuesday through Sept. 17, will offer such items as fresh produce, honey, hot sauce, bakery goods, coffee, candles, jams and jellies. A variety of handcrafted items, house plants and dried floral arrangements also will be available.
Acoustic musical performances from local bluegrass and country singers will be presented weekly on the Paw Paw Post Office porch. Food trucks from Billy Bricks Pizza and Hello Boba will be on site.
Free talks and demonstrations are to be offered from 5 to 6 p.m. weekly at the Mary and Richard Benck Family Agriculture Center. Among the topics planned are designing a sustainable garden, attracting pollinators, an introduction to backyard chickens, beekeeping and the history of fermentation.
The settlement is at 523 S. Webster St. in Naperville. For a list of vendors and a calendar of events, go to www.napersettlement.org.
