'Peek into Past' a trip down memory lane
I'm old. No question about it. When I went downtown for Batavia's 175th birthday celebration and visited the "Peek into the Past" exhibit, the photographs of my youth looked old - really, really old. Of course, I made my age perfectly clear when I looked at Jim Nass's collection of Challenge implements and I shouted out, "My uncle had one of these."
Parade pioneers: Was that Margie Clark and Shirley Peterson leading the Pioneer Parade? Certainly both come from families that have been an integral part of Batavia's history. And when it comes to the spirit of Batavia, both are what makes Batavia great. They keep us all young with their enthusiasm and support for the community.
Rich history: It was great to see standing room only for the community church service on Sunday. Batavia's Interfaith Council has a rich history in our community of working together. Certainly that was evident when Mazher Ahmed of the Batavia Islamic Center thanked Fr. Michael Rasicci, rector of Calvary Episcopal for 25 years of the offering of worship space for the members of her faith.
Down by the Riverside: Ruthia Massie and Deachtra Nurse of Logan Street Baptist Church caught me after the service to tell me about the church's big event coming to Batavia this weekend. Nurse is head of the youth department which is sponsoring a the Down By the Riverside Carnival and Choir Concert. The carnival runs from 5 until 10 p.m. today and tomorrow night and from 3 p.m. until 10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. There will be a special choir concert at the event from 12:30 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6 from.
We hope that all the area churches will participate," Nurse said. "They can call the church (630-879-7190) and get on the program."
Just having the opportunity to hear the acclaimed Logan Street Baptist choir should be incentive enough to attend the concert.
All the fun takes place in the park along the river at 908 N. River Street, near the boat dock.
Spectacular Midways will be providing the rides and arcade games. They are the group that handles both the Ribfest in Naperville and the DuPage County Fair. Security is highlighted on the Spectacular Midways' Web site and there is an emphasis on family entertainment.
"We are working closely with the Batavia Police Department and we have members of our church who are policemen," said Nurse. "We want to make sure that this is a fun safe family event for the entire community."
Deachtra Nurse was also in charge of last year's black history event at Logan Street Baptist Church, which was a huge success. Her commitment to her church and to children is evident in all that she does.
No barriers: Ruthia Massie and I reminisced about our days in high school, talking about Miss Harper and GAA (Girl's Athletic Association).
"Do they still have GAA?" she asked.
"They don't have to. Now there are girl's sports," said Nurse.
Even though the 1960s saw a great deal of racial unrest in the country, little Batavia was a community that transcended color barriers.
"It was a Utopia," said Massie. "It was a great little town."