St. Charles man heads back overseas
In an odd way, Mike Dixon is a bit like Michael Corleone in "The Godfather" trilogy. Right when he may have thought he was out of his Peace Corps work in parts of the former Soviet Union, he is getting pulled back in.
In this case, Dixon clearly wants to go back. After a three-year stint in Ukraine, and leaving that country last year when hostilities with Russia broke out, the St. Charles architect has accepted a six-month mission in Armenia.
For those not up on their geography or history, Armenia was one of the first countries to break out of the Soviet Union and is in the same general sector of the world's map as Ukraine. It's just well south of it, on the other side of the Black Sea.
But it's tucked right near Iran and next to Turkey, as well as Azerbaijan, so you have to wonder if this area won't face some turmoil as well.
"Armenia is actually 95 percent Christian, with the main church being the Armenian Apostolic Church," Dixon said, indicating there are no Muslim sects fighting for power there.
Dixon said he is especially drawn to the country's 1,700 years of Christian heritage and its "rich collection of ancient churches and monasteries."
Some conflict over disputed regions could spill over from neighboring Azerbaijan, as some Peace Corps volunteers have been evacuated from that country as well. Two months ago, tensions rose when Azerbaijan shot down an Armenian helicopter it said violated its airspace.
Dixon is hoping this volunteer mission won't end the same way his Ukraine mission ended. He said his past experience in Ukraine was a reason he was asked to do this stint as an organizational development specialist with the Child Development Foundation in Yerevan, Armenia. He has his plane ticket in hand, and starts that mission Friday.
Not a food critic
Many readers say they enjoy my comments about various restaurants and what they offer. That's good to hear. When Daily Herald Editor John Lampinen sat down with me some 12 years ago to offer the opportunity to write a column, he wanted me, in part, to inform people about businesses or restaurants opening or closing. If I went to these places, it wouldn't be a bad idea to mention what I thought, Lampinen suggested.
But here's a key thing to remember. I am not a "foodie" or food critic. That's probably a good thing because, basically, I like just about everything, it seems.
What's most important is that I am mentioning area businesses and giving readers an idea of what they offer. If I actually go, I may mention something I had. It's highly likely that I enjoyed the food.
Italian beef sandwiches or pizza are good examples. I know great ones when I have them, but there are not many that I flat-out dislike. With that in mind, check out this next item.
Franky's makes grade
It seems as if it has become my duty to alert lovers of Italian beef sandwiches when I come across one that catches my attention.
One such visit recently unfolded at Franky's Red Hots on the east side of St. Charles.
Realizing I hadn't tried the Italian beef, even though the restaurant has been in the former Wendy's location at 2526 E. Main St. for some time, I gave it a try.
And it was a tasty, juicy sandwich. The accompanying french fries were quite good as well. As Arnold would say, I'll be back.
Coyote banter
While at a Geneva High School basketball game recently, some fans were talking about how many coyotes they have seen around their neighborhood. The Geneva police confirmed there were 131 sightings from May to December of last year.
It's not an easy thing to do late at night in cold weather, but I never let our dog outside alone. Not for one second. Hope other dog owners are doing the same.
Don't forget them
A reader reminds me that Riganato Old World Grille at 700 E. State St. in Geneva also sells a really good pizza. The note came after my information last week about the pizza places serving the east side of the city in the wake of Orlando's and Tivoli's recent closings.
Probably should have mentioned only those true pizza parlors that deliver, but a good pizza is a good pizza. That's how Munchie P's got included. So consider Riganato's mentioned. I would also add that my meals at this place have been quite good.
Almost done?
I set up the files for my columns fairly well in advance, so when I created the working file for this one a couple of weeks ago, a wonderful thought crossed my mind.
"2-1-15" … We will be finished with January, which by most measures is the month we suffer the majority of our winter pain. After that, we can sort of see a light at the end of the tunnel. Maybe.
It's a Grammy
Before it gets too far off my radar, a high-five should go out to the Batavia High School music program for being just one of 10 schools in Illinois to be a semifinalist in the 2015 Grammy Signature School contest.
Plus, it's only the second time in the school's history to earn the Grammy Foundation's recognition as a school "making an outstanding commitment to music education" during the school year.
The finalists will be named in March, so here's to hoping Batavia's great program and band director Chris Owen get one of those slots. Those in the finals will earn a grant from $1,000 to $10,000 to benefit their music program.
dheun@sbcglobal.net