Briefs: Outstanding volunteer

The Downtown St. Charles Partnership has announced the next winner of its "Outstanding Volunteers of 2008" award. Nicole Guvenoz, owner of Eliza Jane Boutique and Spa of St. Charles, has been named as the next recipient, based on her volunteer work on Sisters Weekend 2008. Guvenoz has been active with the DSCP for about a year and a half. She started by attending meetings for Sisters Weekend 2007 with her business partner, Megan Hernandez. Sisters Weekend is an award-winning retail event that is attended by hundreds of women every April. In 2008, Guvenoz served as Merchant Liaison for Sisters Weekend. Recently, Guvenoz was named as co-chairwoman of Sisters Weekend 2009. She has already begun planning the event, which will take place April 24-26, 2009.

Hotel Baker entertainment

The Hotel Baker in St. Charles will have a number of entertainment acts perform in August:

Aug. 6- The Flat Cats (Swing/Jazz Dance) This is an all ages show. There is a $10 cover for adults; $8 for students with a current school ID.

Aug. 7: Moco Magana (Pop/Rock)

Aug. 8: Greg Boerner (Blues/Rock)

Aug. 9: Grasslands (Acoustic/Retro Rock)

Aug. 14: Paul Willaert (Pop/Rock)

Aug. 15: R-Gang (R&B) $5 cover; Dave Ziffer (Jazz fusion guitar)

Aug. 21: Paul Willaert (Pop/Rock)

Aug. 22: Mary Hunt Duo (Jazz)

Aug. 23: Grasslands (Acoustic/Retro Rock)

Aug. 26: Poker night $15 entry fee; must preregister by calling: (630) 584-2100

Aug. 28- Paul Willaert (Pop/Rock)

Aug. 29: Steven Rohbock (New Orleans Jazz/R&B)

Aug. 30: Greg Boerner (Blues/Rock)

Big Truck Show

The St. Charles Park District's third annual Big Truck Show is scheduled for 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at Langum Park, south of East Main Street between Riverside and Seventh avenues. Geared toward children, the show includes garbage trucks, front-end loaders, tractors, police cars and fire trucks, among others. Admission is free, but attendees are asked to register in advance by calling (630) 513-6200. Potential exhibitors should call (630) 513-4331.

Art fest needs helpers:

Volunteers are needed for the Saturday and Sunday Art In Your Eye Festival at the Batavia Riverwalk. Positions include help with setup, tear-down, the information tent, hospitality for the visiting artists, parking and traffic management, and children's art activity assistance. Call Ashley Hicks at (630) 405-8128. The volunteer form is at www.artinyoureye.com.

ECC small business class:

A "Starting Your Business in Illinois" workshop is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Aug. 12 in Room 103 of the Fox Valley University and Business Center on Elgin Community College's main campus, 1700 Spartan Drive. The workshop will teach participants the importance of creating feasibility studies and business plans, about financing options and where to get additional assistance. Cost is $25 per person. The workshop is being hosted by Elgin Community College, the Small Business Administration and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Call (847) 214-7488.

Local logo contest

The St. Charles 175th Anniversary Committee is accepting entries for a logo design contest to celebrate the city's 175th birthday. The winning design will be used in publications and advertisements for related events. The contest is open to graphic designers, marketing professionals and print professionals from St. Charles. Entries are due Aug. 15. A winner will be named Sept. 5. To get involved, call (630) 299-9656.

Old-time Batavia biz:

Do you remember Batavia's neighborhood grocery stores or the bygone mom-and-pop businesses of downtown? Did you know the merchants whose families still run Batavia businesses today? Then plan to attend "Commerce in Batavia - 175 Years of Progress," at 2 p.m. Aug. 25 at the Batavia Public Library, 10 S. Batavia Ave. (Route 31). Your photographs and memorabilia are welcome. The discussion is co-sponsored by the Batavia Historical Society and the Batavia Chamber of Commerce.

U-46 registration dates set

With one month left until school begins, all 53 of Elgin Area School District U-46's elementary, middle and high schools have posted their registration dates and times. Parents of elementary students can register at their respective schools from 3 to 7 p.m. Aug. 14 and from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 19. Dates and times at middle and high schools vary by location. Visit www.u-46.org.