City Briefs: MainStreet Director Says Hello, Recklaus Says Goodbye

Here's a roundup of information shared at Monday night's Batavia City Council meeting:

New MainStreet Exec Director Introduced

• Joi Cuatero, the new executive director for Batavia MainStreet, received a warm welcome Monday night from the City Council and Mayor Jeff Schielke. Cuatero’s background is in producing music television such as the program Soundstage. brought her closer to Batavia.  Cuartero, a Batavia resident, said working with the downtown leadership inspired her to apply for the MainStreet position.

BATV Creates Video For LivingWell

• Nancy Vance, executive director at LivingWell Cancer Resource Center, shared a four-minute video created by BATV illustrating the support the resource center provides for cancer survivors, their families and friends.  BATV Station Manager Holly Deitchman and her staff created the video. In the video one girl said she enjoyed a teen youth group, which the center created. Cancer survivors interviewed in the video said the center gave them peace, comfort and courage to continue the fight.

Randy Recklaus Honored For Commitment to City

• The council recognized Randy Recklaus' service to Batavia as the assistant city administrator.  Mayor Schielke highlighted Recklaus' accomplishments throughout the 10 years he served the community. Recklaus encouraged economic development, aiding in the creation of the William J. Donovan Bridge and helping build the waste transfer station, Schielke said. Batavia's loss is Clarendon Hills' gain,  Schielke added. Recklaus said he has learned a lot from Mayor Schielke and City Administrator Bill McGrath throughout the years. 

One Book, One Batavia Library Program Presentation

• The One Book, One Batavia Library Program is in its ninth year. This year the library has chosen to showcase the book Poetry 180: A Turning Back to Poetry. The book is a collection of short clear contemporary poetry selected by Billy Collins, former Poet Laureate of the U.S., said Stacey Cisneros, the department head for adult and outreach services. Collins chose 180 poems meant to be represent 180 days of school year,  Cisneros said.  students this year created online, interactive posters about the book. Their work can be viewed in weekly installments here.