Batavia fireworks committee deserves double the thanks

The Batavia fireworks show has always been one of the best in the western suburbs and brings people from many surrounding communities here for the viewing. Canceling it was a hard call, but the safest decision.

It was a disappointment not just to those viewing it but to the many workers and volunteers who put in many hours to make it happen. At the top of the list is the fireworks committee, whose members work year-round to raise money through sponsorships and fundraisers. Not only do they organize the citywide garage sale and Flag Day celebration, they give up their Fourth of July to put all the pieces together that make the show happen. This year, they had to do it twice, when the show was rescheduled to July 5. A big thank you for all that they do to make the show the success that it is every year.

A nod to the band:

Thank you also to the Batavia Community Band. Unfortunately, they didn't get to play their entire show, but will be including some of the patriotic music in their show this fall. Under the direction of John Heath and the leadership of Linda Schielke, the band now has 45 members and always welcomes more.

Goodbye, Kraft Plumbing:

We purchased our 1849 home 30 years ago. At the time, most of the heat was coal burning. The first call was made to K.W. Kraft & Sons Plumbing, who worked tirelessly to get all the piping and radiators installed. I still recall Karl, John, Bob and Pete sitting in the only room in the house that was livable, waiting for the heat to come on. It was a very big job for them and we trusted them to do it. Kraft Plumbing served three generations of my family. Sadly, one of Batavia's oldest businesses has closed its doors. A big thank you to them for serving the community of Batavia for 56 years.

Volunteer organization marks 30 years:

John Dillion called to let me know that RSVP is celebrating 30 years in Batavia. In November 1988, the organization started with one volunteer, one service and one client. Our first service was the delivery of one hot midday meal to a homebound senior through the Salvation Army Golden Diner program. That first delivery took place Nov. 17, 1988.

Today, the all-volunteer organization over 120 active volunteers and about 200 clients, who reside in the city of Batavia, Batavia Township or the Batavia Park District, which includes some parts of Aurora, North Aurora and Geneva. Volunteers provide rides to seniors who need transportation to the doctor, dentist, dialysis or hospital. They also drive clients to the grocery store or food pantry. Working with the Batavia Fire Department, the group offers smoke detectors and carbon dioxide detectors. Some clients, on a fixed income, have to choose between food or medicine. RSVP offers a Medical Assistance program that helps lower the cost of prescription drugs for those in need. The application is available on line at baataviarsvp.org. The organization works with the fire department and the Home Assistance Volunteer Effort to install lockboxes on seniors homes for immediate entry in an emergency.

RSVP is always in need of drivers. I have driven for them in the past and it was a great way to connect with seniors in our community. Since RSVP is also a 501(c) 3 organization, you can make tax deductible donations to help offset the costs of the many services they provide. Visit them online at www.bataviarsvp.org or call (630) 406-9993.

Correction:

In a recent column, I attributed the ownership of the Aurora Coat Factory to the wrong family. The correct owner was Arbetman Brothers and Blair.