Catlin working extra hard for Ruby Foundation
In her various community public relations roles over the years, Kay Catlin has supported or helped publicize many fundraisers that fight disease.
But there's something about the upcoming third annual "Concert for a Cure" for Parkinson's disease research that has a different feel to it for Catlin.
The event raises money on behalf of the Paul Ruby Foundation, which was created by Paul Ruby, the general manager of the Herrington Inn and Spa in Geneva, after he was diagnosed three years ago with the disease.
"I've been thinking about this a lot, and what strikes me most about this whole 'Concert for a Cure' phenomenon is that it proves the existence of good karma," Catlin said.
"Paul is a quiet, reserved, consummate professional," she added. "I don't think I've ever seen him glad-hand or backslap anyone. I have, however, seen him reach out a generous, steady hand to help countless people, causes, friends and colleagues over the years.
"I know because I have been the beneficiary many, many times myself," said Catlin, referring to her own initiative on behalf of breast cancer research.
Catlin said that Ruby's impact on others has been more evident than ever, as the fundraising efforts have not been stifled by a bad economy.
"Now that his reach is no longer quite as steady, all the good he has put out there is coming back to him," Catlin added. "I'm not sure if he even knows, but I've been taken by the number of people who cried when they found out he had Parkinson's.
"Each of them, and many more, are dedicated to his goal - finding a cure for Parkinson's."
Mark your calendar for 2 to 10 p.m. Aug. 29 at Tanna Farms on Hughes Road for plenty of music, food and fun.
A magic number: Because I have visited Riverwoods Christian Center in St. Charles often with my service club, I have a good understanding of what takes place at this wonderful summer camp for less privileged kids in the county.
It was great to get a note from Jane Norris, a Riverwoods board member, telling me the center welcomed its 1,000th camper on Monday for the first time in a single summer.
"This is a big deal for the camp," Norris wrote.
And it's a big deal for the numerous sponsors, volunteers, staff and, of course, the kids who benefit greatly from this center.
Don't look now: Here's something you don't want to see at 5:30 p.m. on a weekday on East Main Street in St. Charles when you are tired and would like to get home: A "wide load" vehicle taking up a lane and a half.
Drivers like to peel off Main Street into the area neighborhoods during rush hour in St. Charles any way. But when we encountered this wide load, drivers were scattering like a pile of ants sensing danger.
The perfect answer: Ask a dumb question, you're likely to get this kind of answer.
At the Batavia Creamery, I asked the young girl behind the counter, "What's the most 'chocolaty' ice cream you have?"
Her answer: "Chocolate."