Tri-Cities briefs

Batavia worker honoredThe Batavia City Council honored Tom Porch, a streets department crew leader, upon his retirement last week after more than 20 years of service. "Many, many a night, I hear Mr. Porch on the (public safety) radio, in driving ice storms and driving snow storms, often ahead of the crews," Mayor Jeff Schielke said. "Many nights he and members of his crew would have to do some of the really dirty jobs that somebody has got to go out there and do." He also praised Porch's "diplomacy" when dealing with upset residents in emergency situations.Volunteers needed for snow showA "Sno Sculpting" competition will be held Jan. 20 to 23 at Geneva Commons shopping center on Randall Road. It is sponsored by the Geneva Cultural Arts Commission. Four adult artist teams and three high school teams will participate. Voting for the People's Choice award will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 23. Volunteers are needed to pack snow into molds on Saturday and to staff the snow house and warming house from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Jan. 20 to 22, and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 23. To sign up, visit genevarts.org or call (630) 938-4530.Parent University in BataviaThe Batavia Parent Academy presents "Parent University" from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 23 at Rotolo Middle School, 1501 S. Raddant Road. To review the breakout sessions and register, visit bps101.net.Geneva history calendarsThe Geneva History Center is selling 2010 calendars featuring historic images of Geneva in celebration of the community's 175th birthday. The calendar features rare archival images of Geneva people, places and events, plus historical information. Cost is $10. The calendars can be purchased at the history center, 113 S. Third St.Drop-off site supports troops Area residents wanting to support troops overseas can drop off letters and donations at Countryside Care Centre, 2230 W. Galena Blvd., Aurora. The short-term rehabilitation and long-term skilled nursing facility is collecting items for Operation Support Our Troops-Illinois. Letters and cards can be addressed to "Dear Military Person." To find out what items are on OSOTIL's wish list, go to osotil.org or call (630) 896-4686. Financial donations also are welcome and are tax deductible. Each care package box costs about $25 to ship. Checks should be made out to Operation Support Our Troops-IL and sent to OSOTIL at 1807 S. Washington St., Suite 110, Unit 359, Naperville, IL 60565 or to Countryside Care Centre.