Sugar Grove couple hits big screen in 'Public Enemies'
Those who enjoy old-fashioned gangster movies have anxiously awaited today's opening of Johnny Depp's "Public Enemies" about the life and death of John Dillinger.
Two of Aurora University's own are more anxious than others. They're actually in the movie, having parts as extras in this Depression-era drama filmed in the Chicago area.
Andrew and Amy Manion of Sugar Grove will watch for themselves in any of about six scenes, including one in which they are swing dancing at a crowded Aragon Ballroom. Amy, a librarian at the university, also figures to be in the background of a restaurant scene that took two days to film. Andrew, provost and chief academic officer at Aurora, has a handful of different roles in the movie.
Denise Blank, an assistant theater professor, will be able to share her experience with theater students at the college, as she also worked as an extra over 10 days of filming.
Blast away: It's a press release we weren't sure we'd see this year. There was concern about whether or not Batavia would have a fireworks show this year because of construction at the high school and whether private donations could match previous years.
But here it is, promising another round of pyrotechnics fun for area residents when the annual Batavia Fourth of July "Sky Concert" takes place at 9:30 p.m. Saturday at Engstrom Park.
The show is simulcast on the WBIG (1280-AM) radio, and onlookers will again fill the areas around the west end of Batavia High School and other areas close to Engstrom.
We're glad Batavia and St. Charles won't be among those communities that scratched fireworks shows because of money concerns.
Stop and notice: A friend recently mentioned that he realizes there are several nice sculptures and pieces of public art in various parts of the Tri-Cities, but confessed to being so used to seeing them, that he doesn't really take a close and appreciative look.
Geneva's History Center wants to fix that by offering a walking tour and explanation of those pieces that dot the city's historic district.
Anyone interested in attending at 7 p.m. Thursday should meet at the history center, 113 S. Third St. Cost is $5 for history center members and students, $10 for nonmembers. You'll want some decent walking shoes, as the tour lasts more than an hour.
For information, contact the center at (630) 232-4951.
Who's counting?: A marketing promotion for the Taste of Chicago proclaimed that this was not the time to count calories. In other words, just have fun and keep eating.
Apparently, I took that cue during last week's Swedish Days. In just one day, I had an Italian beef sandwich from Gratto's, a chocolate peanut butter ice cream cone from Graham's, a pulled pork sandwich from the Rotary Club booth, and two sodas. You do the math.
Get some cooperation: Summer fun takes our minds off the rotten economy, so we need the weather to cooperate at our community festivals. It hurt Geneva's Swedish Days because of some blistering heat and a Saturday night storm.
Here's to hoping upcoming festivals in Batavia and Elburn, plus the fall favorites of Festival of the Vine in Geneva and Scarecrow Fest in St. Charles don't encounter problems.
dheun@sbcglobal.net