Geneva has alternative for disposing of pesky leaves
Those pesky leaves are still making news in Geneva.
Yes, the city knows there are still leaf piles out there, and yes, it is still working on clearing them.
The work is slow going, as many piles are now sort of frozen stuck to the ground.
"We're not going to be chiseling at it," Dan Dinges, public works superintendent, told the city council Monday night.
In case you are tired of waiting, however, the city has come up with an alternative.
You can haul the leaves to the mulch bin area at the public works garage, 1800 South St., and drop them there. The city will then load them in a truck and take them out to its leaf decomposition field west of town.
You can use the brown kraft paper leaf bags, or just shovel a bunch into your pickup bed.
Dinner for daisies:
Do you like the way the 50-some flower beds in Geneva's downtown look in the spring, summer and fall?
Show your support by attending the "Pasta for Posies" fundraising dinner Feb. 27.
The spaghetti supper is from 5 to 8 p.m. at Riverview Banquets, 1117 N. Washington St. (Route 25) in Batavia.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children. Proceeds go to the Geneva Beautification Committee, which plants and takes care of the beds.
One highlight of the meal: you can have butter on your bread, or you can dip it into olive oil donated by The Olive Mill, a Geneva boutique. And there will be a cash bar.
Take-out will also be available.
There's a 50-50 raffle.
And Geneva horticulturist Mary Stavenhagen will conduct a seminar on the fun side of gardening. She will also answer your questions about planting and flower-arranging.
Tickets may be purchased in Geneva at: Farmers Insurance, 316 W. State St.; Geneva Chamber of Commerce, 8 S. Third St.; the Geneva History Center, 113 S. Third; Graham's 318, 318 S. Third; The Olive Mill, 315 James St.; and Viking Office Supply, 124 W. State.
Or call Jim and Mary Gehring at (630) 208-9453.
If you just want to donate, send a check to Geneva Beautification in care of Geneva City Hall, 22 S. First St., Geneva, IL 60134.
And if you want to put your green thumb to good use? Check their Web site, at www. plantgeneva.org, for details about volunteering.
Kudos for city
The new water treatment plant isn't even open yet, and it's won an award.
The American Public Works Association's Metro Chicago chapter has given it the Project of the Year award.
It will now advance to national competition.
In further water news, water and wastewater superintendent Bob Van Gyseghem says he expects to turn the tap by Feb. 11. The city will then test water at 15 sites throughout the city to see how soft the water is. Presently, Geneva water has 24 grains of hardness. The city hopes to knock that down to 7 grains of hardness.
ssarkauskas@dailyherald.com