Striking sculpture turns heads at Batavia's Riverwalk

It's not likely you could walk past the "From the Water Comes My Bounty" bronze sculpture on the south side of Batavia's Depot Pond without stopping in your tracks.

One could easily say it now represents one of the more striking poses along Batavia's Riverwalk.

"A lot of people are asking what that is, and they are really curious to check it out," said Katie Drum, director of public relations and marketing for Batavia Park District.

The statue, another in a line of fine work in this area by St. Charles sculptor Ray Kobald, is of a young fisherman with his largest catch of the day mounted atop his head.

But the deeper meanings behind the 7-foot statue are equally as important as Batavia adding a piece of public art that will stop people in their tracks.

The statue stands as a tribute to Linnea Miller, an alderwoman and longtime advocate for the Fox River and Batavia's Riverwalk who died from breast cancer at the age of 61 in 2010.

Her husband Buzz purchased the statue years ago with the intention of getting Batavia Park District's permission to place it along the riverwalk near paver bricks with the Millers' name on it. The statue would serve as a reminder that Linnea was so active in all things related to the river, the city's history and public art.

"Linnea was such a wonderful figure in our community, and it was a nice way to celebrate her life," Drum said. "The park district is a huge supporter of public art and the statue works for us."

It was clear that the statue really spoke to Buzz and the rest of the family about what Linnea had devoted her life to.

Kobald describes the sculptor as portraying the life-giving energy that water brings to all things.

"We can't survive without water, and it's the message that connected between Buzz and Linnea," Drum added.

There wasn't a tremendous amount of hoopla over the unveiling of the statute, which took place a couple of weeks ago in a private ceremony for the family.

They wanted it that way, probably because that's how Linnea conducted her business - always helping behind the scenes.

But now, a statue that is sure to draw your attention serves as a reminder of her life and commitment to Batavia.

Father Dan comes home:

As a neighbor of Bernie and Pat Deutsch in St. Charles many years ago, it was plain to see they had a great deal of pride in their son Daniel - especially when he was ordained as a priest at their home parish of St. Patrick Catholic Church some 20-plus years ago now.

Father Dan has moved along his religious service path since, with stints as pastor at Holy Cross in Batavia and, for the last six years, at St. Bridget in Loves Park.

In what seems like this is what Father Dan was supposed to do all along, he is coming back to St. Patrick Church in St. Charles to serve as its pastor.

He'll take on that role in June and, in a note to his parishioners at St. Bridget, Father Dan made it sound like, though he was sad to leave, he was more than ready for his next chapter:

"I'm excited about this assignment because it's a wonderful parish and also because it's my home parish where my parents and many of my family attend. I'll be going home."

Add to deli list:

The addition of a sandwich shop at 208 W. Main St. in St. Charles makes some sense, considering it creates a row of spots to eat.

But Bezo's Sandwich Shop, positioned between the Main Street Pub and the Swifty Print business, isn't a bar and grill like Alley 64 or Pub 222 on that same street.

The Bezo's menu tells us it is going to compete more with Smitty's on the Corner and DRM European Café and Delicatessen in St. Charles with its array of subs and, of course, the traditional stuff like Reuben, pastrami or roast beef sandwiches.

It appears the shop is in hiring mode, so the opening can't be too far behind.

Coins that help:

This was truly a case of helping your neighbor.

The students at Williamsburg Elementary in Geneva had "Every Cent Counts" coin boxes to collect donations for the LivingWell Cancer Resource Center across the street from the school.

They turned those donations in earlier this week in hopes of helping a bit in assuring LivingWell can continue to provide its more than 120 programs free to those dealing with cancer.

For our pets:

Instead of comfort for our feet, we'll get some treats for our pets in the business spot at 308 W. State St. in Geneva.

For 30 years, owners Mike and Joyce Elvebo operated Tender Footsies Shoes out of that spot. When they retired and closed the business last year, it became a prime spot along a busy street.

Now, Bruce & Willy's Natural Pet Source has the "coming soon" sign up in the window, so it shouldn't be too long before a store selling natural foods, treats and various supplements for pets, in addition to wellness consulting, will be up and running.

If you want to see what this business is all about, check out its website, bruceandwillys.com.

dheun@sbcglobal.net