Even men who can't cook are welcome

When was the last time I actually cooked something?

I was recently asked that question. I stretched the truth a bit in saying it had to be when I was a Cub Scout cooking a hot dog over a campfire. Still, the extent of my cooking skill has pretty much been an occasional hamburger or hot dog on the grill.

So why would anyone ask me to participate in a fundraiser in which I would be called upon to cook?

Because "60 Men Who Cook" was a big hit last year and it is for a good cause - raising money for the Geneva Lions and Rotary clubs, as well as the Geneva History Center and Chamber of Commerce.

When event organizer Terry Emma asked if I would participate, I had to hold off on committing - mainly because I don't cook. But while I am thinking of some way to get around that shortcoming, it shouldn't stop others from considering it.

Terry is looking for any number of local celebrities - bankers, attorneys, business owners, politicians, etc. - to become one of the "60 Men Who Cook" and be willing to make 150 to 200 samples of an appetizer, side dish, main dish or dessert.

The event is 6 p.m. Friday, May 7 at the Kane County Fairgrounds.

"How perfect to have 60 men cooking on Mothers' Day weekend," said Terry, who apparently is willing to drag our mothers and wives into this in an attempt to convince participants.

If interested, she can be reached at temma@ameritech.net.

Help on the farm: There's a natural and historic setting in the Tri-Cities' backyard that can use our help.

The Garfield Farm Museum, which since 1977 has educated thousands of adults and youths with its working 1840s farm and inn, is in need of funds to help restore the property's farm buildings.

Jerome Johnson, the museum property's executive director, has sent a letter to residents seeking assistance in raising $300,000 to start the process that will keep this treasure on Garfield Road off Route 38 in Campton Hills available to the public for years to come.

Johnson's letter points out that 115 years ago, Hannah Mighell Garfield told her daughters that their grandparents' house should be a museum to honor all of the settlers of the Illinois prairie and Fox River region.

"Complete restoration of the farm's buildings is the last step to making Garfield Farm that full-time 1840s working farm where young and old can discover the roots of America's freedom and culture," Johnson wrote.

Anyone interested in learning more or helping the cause can call (630) 584-8485 or contact Johnson via e-mail at info@garfieldfarm.org.

Now that's popular: It didn't take long for ticket sales to soar for the "Dancing with the Geneva Stars" fundraiser on Feb. 6 at Eagle Brook Country Club.

Event Chairman Carolyn Hill told committee members that nearly 250 tickets were sold only a week after they went on sale - and about 350 is the magic number for a sellout.

Tickets or not, you can still vote for the dancers on the genevarts.org Web site until Feb. 5.