Leaders seek to exert positive influence

Retired businessman Bob Troendly of the Mill Creek area near Geneva believes that local leaders should exert a positive spiritual influence, and he is giving them a platform.

Troendly has launched what he calls a Christian initiative for the Tri-Cities.

He is inviting leaders in government, education and business, (he calls them marketplace leaders) as well as pastors and representatives of prayer groups to meet from noon to 1 p.m. the first and third Tuesday of the month at Park National Bank, 808 W. State St. in Geneva. The next meeting is Tuesday.

"We want to be aware of the problems in our communities and address them," Troendly said. "We pray for positive change in our schools, in government."

The group began meeting Jan. 15 with about eight in attendance. On alternate weeks, they drive to different locations in the Tri-Cities to pray.

Troendly said the group has prayed for the Batavia Police Department, which has lost two officers to suicide in the last year and a half, and for an end to the drug problem in the schools.

Troendly believes that leaders have an obligation to be an influence for positive spiritual change.

"I have said to others, 'You are blessed with these businesses, you will be held accountable.'"

Troendly owned a business called Shaped Wire Inc., which had locations in Batavia, Geneva and St. Charles. He sold the business in 2000. It is operating under another name in Ohio.

Troendly has attended spiritual conventions in Atlanta and in Argentina to learn about establishing Christian networks.

"I realized that church is not just in a building, it's where God put you."

Troendly is a founding parishioner of St. John Neumann Catholic Church. He now attends Holy Cross Catholic Church in Batavia and St. Peter Catholic Church in Geneva.

For information, call Troendly at (630) 845-8586.

Lots of chocolate

Giving up chocolate for Lent?

Enjoy a last indulgence, or just a real big treat, after services at 8, 9:15 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 1145 N. Fifth Ave. in St. Charles.

According to coordinator Laura Anderson, the congregation will celebrate "Fat Sunday" (it is the last Sunday in Lent) with music and lots of chocolate. The day before Lent is often called "Fat Tuesday," or Mardi Gras in French.

"Members of our congregation are bringing chocolate fountains and chocolate desserts," Anderson said. "We're also celebrating with Mardi Gras-like music. I know we'll have some jazz, probably after the 9:15 a.m. service. We don't have to hire a band, we're blessed with many wonderful musicians."

Did you go to St. Peter?

St. Peter Catholic School in Geneva is planning a 50th anniversary celebration and would like to invite all alumni to participate.

If you are an alumni, the school would like to hear from you. Send contact information via e-mail to spsgen@voyager.net, by fax to (630) 208-5681, or by regular mail to St. Peter, 1881 Kaneville Road, Geneva, 60134.

The school is also looking for photos and mementos. Call Principal Ross Bubolz at (630) 232-0476.