Batavia United Methodist set for Happy 175th

An old-fashioned “camp meeting service” is probably right up Dan Van Haften’s alley.

After all, the Batavia resident recently wrote a book titled, “Abraham Lincoln and the Structure of Reason,” so he knows something about our history.

Van Haften was spreading word the past few weeks that Batavia United Methodist Church will celebrate its 175th anniversary Sunday. And it’s going to happen with a 10 a.m. camp meeting service under a big tent near the Peg Bond Center along the Fox River.

Some members of the congregation are likely to dress up in period clothing, so anyone wandering by the Riverwalk on Sunday may step back in time.

Van Haften has another visit with the past planned, as he is writing a book about the church’s history.

For those who have never taken a close look at Batavia United Methodist, at 8 N. Batavia Ave., the stone building is the most eye-catching in the Tri-Cities.

This bar empty: Should St. Charles have another new tavern downtown? Let’s not forget one has been sitting empty for three months.The city economic development department continues to pitch The Yard, or the former Scotland Yard, if you will, at 301 W. Main St., to potential buyers, but there#146;s a significant problem holding it up #8212; the building doesn#146;t have a kitchen. So a restaurant is out of the question but, quite frankly, not really needed because the Copper Fox is right next to it.This bar open: When the debate raged over whether owner Rich Simpson should be allowed to open Alibi Bar and Grill at 12 N. Third St., in the former Third Street Shops building, I was confused for a moment, thinking it meant Dawn#146;s Beach Hut had closed. That#146;s the not the case. Dawn#146;s, with a unique setup compared to other downtown bars, is still alive and well. As for Simpson, he has some more convincing to do, considering a city council committee wouldn#146;t grant him a liquor license.Finally, it is here: On more than one occasion, I have noted Batavia High School students in music and drama deserved a place to showcase those talents. Last Saturday night, it finally became reality as the high school showed off its impressive new auditorium with an open house. Congratulations to the community for supporting a venue it will enjoy for many decades.That Rickles voice: He was funny, no doubt. But it was surprising to hear Don Rickles sing last Saturday night at the Arcada Theatre. He wasn#146;t Sinatra reincarnated, but it was amazing how this old comedic icon could belt out a tune with his orchestra during the show. He even did some soft shoe during a rendition of #147;Yankee Doodle Dandy,#148; and not many 85-year-olds can do that.Pass the audition: Believe it or not, my wife and I made the audition cut as dancers in the opening party scene for State Street Dance Studio#146;s performance of #147;The Nutcracker#148; a few years ago, but couldn#146;t commit to the practices that year. This year#146;s auditions are Sunday at the Geneva studio, and I am sure a great cast will unfold.dheun@sbcglobal.net