Batavia Illinois Rotary Club

05/27/2026

“What does Rotary actually do?”

At the Batavia Chamber of Commerce's Volunteer Fair, Tony — a past president and long-time member of our club — answered that question beautifully.

He shared how the Rotary Club of Batavia is made up of people committed to “Service Above Self” — supporting local organizations, funding scholarships, leading service projects, and doing whatever we can to help make the Fox Valley a better place to live.

What makes Tony’s message especially meaningful is that it comes from years of lived experience, leadership, and service to our community.

Thank you, Tony, for sharing your heart and helping others better understand the impact Rotary can have — not just on a community, but on the people who serve within it. 💙💛

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05/26/2026

Last week, our club had the pleasure of hearing from Beth and Kristen of Batavia MainStreet, and we were reminded just how much intentional community leadership matters.

Their presentation highlighted the incredible impact being made in downtown Batavia — supporting local businesses, creating memorable community events, attracting visitors, strengthening economic development, and building connection through volunteerism.

Some of the impact shared included:
• 12 new downtown businesses
• 29 business retention visits
• Over 1,000 volunteer hours
• Continued growth in regional marketing and social engagement
• Innovative programs like the Boardwalk Shops and Indoor Market

Behind every statistic is something bigger: people investing in the vitality, energy, and future of our community.

Thank you, Beth and Kristen, for your leadership and for helping Batavia continue to thrive.

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

Their sacrifice reminds us that freedom is never free. As we gather with family and friends this weekend, may we also hold space for gratitude, reflection, and remembrance.

At Rotary, “Service Above Self” calls us to live with purpose, compassion, and commitment to something greater than ourselves — values exemplified by those we honor today.

From all of us at the Rotary Club of Batavia, thank you to the fallen heroes and the families who carry their legacy forward.

Wishing everyone a meaningful and reflective Memorial Day.

05/14/2026

Leadership development, meaningful fellowship, and investing in the next generation were all on display during this week’s Tri-Cities Rotary meeting.

Our club joined the Rotary Club of St. Charles-Geneva for a shared meeting focused on one of Rotary’s most impactful youth programs: RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards).

Hearing directly from students who attended this year’s RYLA experience was both insightful and encouraging. Students reflected on how the experience challenged them to step outside their comfort zones, collaborate with diverse peers, strengthen communication skills, and gain confidence as emerging leaders.

Students also described how the experience changed the way they engage at school — speaking up more in group settings, building new relationships, and becoming more intentional about leadership and personal growth.

Experiences like these are a powerful reminder that leadership is not simply taught — it is cultivated through opportunity, challenge, mentorship, and community.

05/13/2026

A heartfelt thank you to Rotarian Teri Dykhuis for organizing and creating a beautiful Mother’s Day raffle basket for the mothers at Batavia Apartments.

The basket was filled with self-care items, gift cards, and thoughtful gifts designed to help one special mom feel appreciated, celebrated, and cared for.

Acts of kindness like this remind us that even small gestures can make a meaningful impact. Thank you, Teri, for helping our club spread a little extra joy this Mother’s Day season.

05/08/2026

What an honor to celebrate alongside the Association for Individual Development (AID) as they marked 65 years of impact, service, and care in our community.

Our Batavia Rotary Club was deeply grateful to be recognized with an Outstanding Benevolence Award for our support of AID’s Holiday Hopes donor program. This meaningful initiative helps bring joy, dignity, and hope to individuals and families during the holiday season, and we’re proud to play a small part in that mission.

Congratulations to all of the award recipients and heartfelt thanks to the incredible AID team, volunteers, supporters, and advocates who continue changing lives every day. For 65 years, AID has reminded us what community looks like when compassion turns into action — and we’re honored to stand beside them in that work.

05/06/2026

This week, our club celebrated something bigger than Bingo.

Over the past month, members of the Rotary Club of Batavia participated in a Rotary Participation Bingo Challenge — a fun and engaging way to encourage connection, service, leadership, learning, and involvement throughout the club.

Some members completed a single Bingo. Others completed multiple rows, diagonals, and even four or more Bingos. But what mattered most wasn’t the number of squares completed… it was the spirit behind them.

Members brought guests, volunteered, attended events, connected with fellow Rotarians, promoted Rotary in the community, stepped into new roles, and leaned into the life of the club in meaningful ways.

This week during our club meeting, we recognized and celebrated that participation. Because strong clubs aren’t built by a few people doing everything. They’re built when many people show up, engage, and contribute in ways both big and small.

Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make our club stronger, more connected, and more impactful. And yes… every participant received their very own “Round Tuit.”

05/01/2026

We had the privilege of hearing from one of our 2026 Rotary Scholarship recipients, Nya, at this week’s meeting—and she truly inspired us.

Nya shared her gratitude and gave us a glimpse into the impact this scholarship will have as she begins her journey studying neuroscience and public policy, with a goal of working in public health and focusing on mental health.

Beyond her academic excellence, what stood out most is who Nya is:
• Vice President of Interact
• A dedicated musician and leader in her school’s orchestra
• Over 150 hours of community service
• A young leader committed to making a difference

Her story is a powerful reminder of why we invest in our youth—because they are already investing in others. Nya, we are proud to support you and can’t wait to see the impact you make in the world.

04/29/2026

We had a great time at this week’s meeting learning more about all that our local Park District brings to the community!

A big thank you to Allison Niemela, Batavia Park District's Executive Director, for joining us, sharing exciting updates, and giving us a look ahead at what’s coming. From programs and spaces to community events, it’s clear how much care and intention goes into creating opportunities for people of all ages to connect, play, and thrive.

And… we didn’t just sit and listen—we were put to the test! Members jumped into a fun and competitive trivia game that challenged how much we really know about our Park District. We are grateful for the partnership and the impact the Park District continues to make in our community.

04/29/2026

Rotarians served this evening at the Northern Illinois Food Bank sorting, cleaning, and labeling cans of green beans.