Model train business traveling from Geneva to Batavia
The model train business operated by Fred Krause in Geneva for the past four years is chugging south to Batavia next month.
Structures and Trains by Fred, currently located at 12 N. Second St. in Geneva, will make its new home at 250 Houston St. in Batavia and will open at that location on Jan. 2.
“The owners of my building in Geneva sold it and are planning on a shoe store coming in there,” said Krause, who mentioned his Batavia location will be slightly larger, but have “much brighter lights and a hardwood floor, so it should be pretty nice.”
Krause has operated the perfect shop for those involved in model railroading, especially for those who are thinking about starting it as a hobby.
“I hold classes at the shop about model railroading, and I will be starting those up again late in January,” Krause said.
Krause can be reached at his shop at (630) 208-9011, but when he opens in Batavia, the number will be changed to (630) 761-6550.
Calling many games
After recently mentioning that Rudy Dubis was starting his 40th year behind the microphone as the public address announcer at Batavia High School basketball games, I learned that West Aurora radio announcer Rick Albright is stepping down after 38 years of calling basketball and football games. Both of these guys have seen some thrilling ball games in the last 40 years.
Albright has teamed up with partner Neal Ormond for much of his long run on three different stations. He's also a West Aurora alumnus and retired teacher and coach in the West Aurora district.
Recovering nicely
It was good to hear that Bill Faulkner, the World War II veteran who lives at Delnor Glen in St. Charles and has been featured in past Daily Herald articles, is recovering well after a recent surgery.
Faulkner, who landed with his Marine Corps unit on the beaches of Iwo Jima during that bloody battle, was able to attend and have a great time at his first Marine Corps Ball in Chicago just before entering the hospital.
Quite a display
Don't forget to pile the kids into the car and go enjoy the holiday lights display on the Mooseheart campus. Just being able to drive around the Mooseheart campus is interesting, but to see these impressive displays illuminate the grounds is a holiday treat. For $10 a car, you cover nearly two miles of holiday bliss. Cars can start entering off Route 31 at 6 p.m. daily.
Cast your vote
Your favorite tree can't win unless you plunk down your $1 vote. You can stop by the Geneva History Center between now and Dec. 28 to vote for one of the trees, which have all been decorated by various community organizations. The winner in this annual fundraiser will be announced on Dec. 28.
Thinking marathon
It seems like they just finished running that 26-mile race, but those who are going to tackle the 2011 Fox Valley Marathon on Sept. 18 have already been alerted about registration opening at 9 a.m. Jan. 24. Details are on the foxvalleymarathon.com website.
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