Scout finds unusual path to Eagle rank
Robert Bruce has his sights set on attending the Columbia Film Institute in Hollywood, Calif., next year because of his growing interest in directing films.
But the St. Charles North senior has already shown his skills at directing a concert, particularly one that raised money for a charity and moved him toward his goal of Eagle Scout.
Months of organization resulted in a recent concert featuring various bands, including Bruce's own band, at Faith Lutheran Church in Geneva. The goal of this Eagle Scout project, Bruce said, was to raise money for the Pay It Forward House in Sycamore, a site where family members and friends of patients at the nearby Kindred Hospital can stay at a low cost.
"It's really terrible what these people are going through because they have loved ones who are really sick and they are dealing with the expenses," Bruce said. "They can stay at the house for like only $5.
"I don't think they (Scouting officials) had ever heard of an Eagle Scout project quite like this," said Bruce, whose event raised more than $300. "Not many people know about Pay It Forward."
Bruce learned about the charity through his mother Nanette, who had a friend, Trish Williams of St. Charles, who volunteers regularly at the house.
Gone fishin':
Dick LaVoy of Reel Pro Video in downtown Batavia takes care of a lot of my video needs for work and play, but it turns out he's also a guy to consult about a fishing trip.
I spotted him last weekend at the All-Canada Show at Pheasant Run, manning a booth for Cree Lake Lodge in Canada. Apparently, he does the video work for the owner of the lodge, who asked him to fill in for him at the show because of a previous commitment.
LaVoy spent a few minutes showing me the impressive lake and its inlets in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Then I quit bothering him, so he could talk to men and women who would be serious about such a trip. I was a volunteer worker at the show, raising funds for my service club. I wasn't looking to book a trip.
Anyone who has stopped at Reel Pro at its Wilson Street site (prior to the bridge work) probably noticed its "lodge" ambience that reflects LaVoy's fondness for angling.
He'd be happy to fill you in on Cree Lake Lodge, so give him a call at Reel Pro at (630) 879-1800.
Cold Stone gone:
It's not that I crave ice cream in the middle of January, but it was a disappointment to walk up to the door of a darkened Cold Stone Creamery storefront on the east side of St. Charles last week.
The store, at 3835 E. Main St., had a note for would-be customers that the store was closed, but we could go visit the other Cold Stone sites in the area.
This shop was the closest one to my office, so when the ice cream urge hit, it was nice to know a fix was nearby. But apparently, there weren't enough ice cream-eaters on that side of town?
dheun@sbcglobal.net