Watch Geneva council on your television
Eager to see what the Geneva City Council is doing, but don't want to leave the comfort of your home?
Those of you with Comcast cable television service can now watch city council meetings live on Channel 10.
The first one was Monday night, with city information technologies manager Peter Collins at the helm operating two remote cameras.
The cameras are mounted in the ceiling. One focuses on the podium from which presenters speak. The other, mounted in the rear of the chamber, takes in the whole room. That one is movable, so the operator can pan to an alderman or audience member.
If a presenter has a Power Point presentation, that will be broadcast, too.
If you don't have cable, you can watch it via the Geneva Cam on the city's Web site at www.geneva.il.us/BulletinBoard/webcam.htm.
Bistro Thai resurrected
A popular restaurant has come back to life, in a new location.
Bistro Thai, which used to be at Third and Cedar streets in St. Charles, opened last weekend in the old Geneva Family Restaurant at 305 W. State St.
Owner Jon With was at the city council committee of the whole meeting Monday night, seeking liquor licenses.
"My wife, after about six months, said 'Why did we ever close? You need to find me another location,'" he said. Chantana With managed the front of the house at the old Bistro Thai. It closed in April 2006 so the Withs could concentrate on Wildwood, a steakhouse they own on South Third Street in Geneva.
Gingerbread contest
Nearly 50 entries have already been received for the second annual Gingerbread House contest, to be held in conjunction with the Geneva Christmas Walk and House Tour Dec. 7 and 8.
Monday is the deadline to send in your form. You can download it from www.fvvh.org. The entry fee is $10.
The contest is a fundraiser for Fox Valley Volunteer Hospice.
It's the brainchild of Alain and Esther Roby of Geneva. Alain is the executive pastry chef for Hyatt Corp. hotels.
If you just want to marvel at what people can do with spiced dough, candy and frosting, you can see the creations from 2 to 9 p.m. Dec. 7 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 8. Admission is $5 per person, or $10 per family.
First prize is a dinner party for eight in the Monarch Suite at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, prepared by the Hyatt Chef of the Year and Alain Roby. It also includes breakfast the next day.
This and that
Some of you may remember my mug from the "Bumper to Bumper" column that ran on Mondays. Road construction has slowed down for the winter, so that feature is taking a break. Still, if you have questions or topics you would like me to pursue, feel free to contact me via e-mail, by calling (630) 587-8624, or by writing to the Daily Herald, 3805 E. Main St., Suite A, St. Charles, IL 60174.