Traveling exhibit looks to impart some 'truth'
Do you think the current governor of our great state should be invited to this event?
With the type of political year we just endured, promoters of "Americans Who Tell the Truth" at the Geneva History Center are figuring the traveling exhibit should trigger plenty of interest. With so many recent examples of those who avoid that noble trait at any cost, it should lift our spirits to learn more about those who made it a standard to live - or die - by.
"We're really excited about being able to bring this exhibit here," said Margaret Selakovich, an educator at the history center who worked to bring the exhibit to Geneva. "With all that has been going on this year in the country, with the election and other political news, the timing is great for this."
The exhibit features 26 portraits with quotes and biographies of men and women who have been viewed by historians as those who have had the courage to tell the truth, sometimes at the risk of losing their lives. The exhibit will be at the history center on Third Street in Geneva Jan. 16 to Feb. 22.
The history center will have a series of speakers and special programs tied in with the exhibition, which is the work of Maine artist Robert Shetterly, who wrote the book "Americans Who Tell the Truth."
Dave Oberg, executive director at the center, feels that those who visit the exhibit may not agree with the 26 individuals chosen for the display, but that's part of the process.
"As with any good exhibition, 'Americans Who Tell the Truth' is provocative," Oberg said. "I sincerely believe that this exhibition will spark earnest discussion of what it means to be a good citizen of the United States."
Loves his Bulldogs: Byron Nelson spends a lot of time in high school gymnasiums, and the Batavia basketball program recognized him for that.
Nelson, a 1938 Batavia High School graduate, was recently tabbed the Bulldog Fan of the Year for his devotion to Batavia basketball.
"It was really nice of them," Nelson said of his honor. "I have been to just about every game, especially the past few years."
I've watched a couple of Batavia games with Nelson, and it adds to the enjoyment when you talk to someone who understands the game and is passionate about supporting young athletes who represent their community.
Miss the Square: Another of my thoughts related to food: I still have a hard time driving by the empty Bakers Square site on the east side of St. Charles, knowing that the building once had what I consider the perfect trifecta - delicious apple, blueberry and pecan pies - available whenever I happened to stop in, which apparently wasn't often enough.
In a new suite: A recent stop at Pepper Valley Pantry on Kaneville Road in Geneva turned into a visit at the store's new location - three suites down from its previous spot.
Now called D. Geneva Mini-Store, this convenient mart has the look and feel of the "corner store" in my Chicago childhood.