We have various points and positions to develop in this space, some consequential and some inconsequential. We say:
Labor Day brings mixed thoughts and reviews with values in accordances with a person’s view. The end of Summer may be a mixed bag. September may to the introduction to ideas and traditions of Autumn, often a favorite time of the year. We are here. Let’s do our best to enjoy, prosper, and offer hope.
Main Baptist Church in Aurora last weekend celebrated the unveiling of a sign at its new location under development on East New York Street in Aurora, former site of several car dealerships. Main Baptist, founded in 1867, is the second-oldest church for black persons, although in these days de facto segregated churches should be one for history books. In next week’s edition of The Voice we will include a photo of Main Baptist senior pastor, Dr. Julian Spencer and Aurora mayor, Richard C. Irvin, next to sign of the new Main Baptist Church, 2170 E. New York Street. When developed, the land and building will be several miles east of its present location somewhat west of the new site. The present location has been the site of the Church for more than 60 years. The new site will be 32,000 square feet and a multi-level building on seven acres. The site is now known as The Unity Center. The site is on a main gateway into Aurora just west of DuPage County.
The Batavia Chamber of Commerce Tuesday this week announced that Kathy Barkei, for 28 years a real estate broker and member of Fox Valley Real Estate, has been named the 2023 Donna Dallesasse Award winner, Each year the Batavia Chamber hold a Fall gathering to celebrate one Chamber member. Kathy Berkei has been a Batavia member for 28 years. She is a realtor with Realty Executives. More next week in the news section. A quick tip of the cap in this space this week.
Tuesday this week, the DuPage County Human Services Committee approved $659,517 in grants to assist small DuPage County nonprofit organizations. The Small Agency Grant Program provides grants up to $25,000 for 38 County agencies which provide programs and services for economic development, education, and mentoring, housing, and shelter, behavioral health services, substance use disorder treatment, or food assistance. A true salute to those who work to make a difference in all communities.
Late note, made later because of the Labor Day holiday and important for us to report in this space prior to our early morning press time Wednesdays: The Oswego History Tour, Back to School will hold a noon Saturday, Sept. 9 fascinating, early Oswego school history experience. Oswego’s first school was in an existing log building on what is now Illinois Route 25, just north of Waubonsie Creek. The first purpose-built one-room school was along South Madison Street in downtown Oswego. It was followed by the multi-stories Old Stone School.
History can be teacher, not a boring, droll, topic some anti-history opponents may want to permeate.
Labor Day is an important day of history, more than for picnics, late-Summer trips or days off.
We are constructing history, and labor history, every day of the week. We are living testaments and with understanding family histories, we understand life and how we evolved. Be in tune.