Author: Fox Valley Magazine

Kevin McDowell knows all about adversity. The Geneva native and Olympic athlete (triathlon) had his world rocked in 2011 when he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. “My whole world was upside down where I was actually, instead of focusing on trying to win the world title, I was fighting for my life to beat cancer,” he recalled in an interview with NBC. His doctor made a deal with him, asking him to “give me six months of your life” to beat the cancer.  He took up the challenge, and won. After his victory over cancer, McDowell went back to the…

Get ready for some…no, we’re not gonna do it. Party band Good Clean Fun is playing at the River Rhapsody Concert in Batavia this Wednesday at the Peg Bond Center in Batavia. Good Clean Fun features a playlist of party hits spanning seven decades. The group has quickly become one of the region’s most requested party bands after playing across the United States as well as Ireland, Trinidad and Thailand. More recently, Good Clean Fun has shared the bill with top oldies acts like Jay and the Americans and Chubby Checker, and it has opened for Bill Medley of the…

On Wednesday, July 28, the Geneva Concert in the Park series will present Mr. Myers. Mr. Myers plays “Caribbean Rock”- a mixture of reggae, soca/calypso, beach music, and their own originals. In the band’s 37 year history they have played thousands of shows ranging from clubs to festivals and park districts to corporate and private events. The magic of Mr. Myers’ tropical sound comes from leader/founder Todd Donnelly’s steel drums and percussion. Their unique musical mix includes rock, jazz, latin and of course caribbean music . The band has an energetic upbeat sound that has thrilled audiences young and old.…

Four eligible St. Charles residents are in the running to serve the remaining two years left in the term for the 1st Ward Alderman seat. The office was vacated when former Alderman Dan Stellato resigned June 21, 2021. The candidates will be interviewed by the full City Council in an executive session July 26, 2021. The selected candidate will be nominated for City Council approval at a future City Council meeting. Candidates Richard Balla is a life-long resident of St. Charles and a resident of the 1st Ward since 1997. He is the Vice President of Accounting at Tour Edge…

The Aurora Police Department has issued an alert about a missing child in Aurora. APD is searching for 14-year-old Nathan Visza. He was last seen in the area of McCarty Elementary School at 3000 Village Green Drive. He was wearing a purple Chuck E Cheese shirt and orange shorts. Nathan also suffers from autism. If you spot him, please call 911.

It’s going to be a nice (hot) day, so here’s a rundown of best bets for an enjoyable Sunday in the Fox Valley. Geneva Farmers Market The beloved French Market will be open today in its customary space in the Metra parking lot at 4th and South Streets. Hours will be from 9AM – 2PM. The market features a variety of vendors offering locally-grown produce, baked goods, jewelry and clothing, and a plethora of other delights. Some of the vendors featured in this year’s market include: Barking Spot Bakery & Boutique, Rustic Road Farm, Mion Artisan Soap, Alice’s Corner, The…

Barlett police are investigating a home invasion early this morning in the 1000 block of Georgian Place. According to a news release, at approximately 4:15am Friday morning police were called to the residence to investigate a home invasion involving multiple offenders.  Police discovered that the victim confronted the offenders outside of the residence, after which the offenders forced their way into the home and took various items. Unconfirmed reports indicate that the crime involved at least 8 armed males and that approximately $14,000 in cash was taken from the home. The police have no suspects at this time. The Bartlett…

Update:  Via a news release, the West Chicago Police Department confirmed the shooting reported below.  The release indicated that shots were fired from a moving vehicle, wounding two at the club.  The victims have been treated and released from “a local hospital,” which previous reports indicate is Central DuPage. Police believe that this is an isolated incident and request that anyone with any information regarding this incident contact the West Chicago Police Department at 630-293-2222. Two people were shot early Friday morning at the WC Social Club in West Chicago. According to reports, at approximately 1:15 am shots were fired…

Welcome to our latest edition of Fox Valley Magazine’s 4 FOR THE WEEKEND where, unlike the competition, our bologna has only one name. So let’s get to it, starting with….. Every Day I Have The Blues (Apologies to Joe Williams, who we still insist does the iconic rendition of that blues standard.) I know we keep harping on The Venue and stuff, but honestly, this place really has it going on. It seems like every weekend they’ve got a killer lineup that covers the musical waterfront. This weekend is no different, and it starts off with blues man Shawn Holt…

(Photo from Windy City Acres Facebook Page) Daryl Srail, owner of Windy Acres Farm in Geneva, passed away today at the age of 70. Her death was announced via a statement on the company’s Facebook account: “It is with great sadness that our family announces the passing of our mother, Daryl Srail, owner of Windy Acres Farm. Daryl will be remembered as a mother, wife, friend and matriarch of her farm. She loved all whom she met with all of her heart and was a ray of sunshine to everyone. Her love will never end. “The farm is open today…