Marquee helps foster sense of community in Geneva

It's not exactly "getting your name up in lights," but it sure is a good way to get the word out about a community event and remind people about what is happening in Geneva.

The marquee of the old Geneva Theater displays messages about school, park district, chamber of commerce, cultural arts or charitable organization events and fundraisers.

And it all happens through Fagans, a company owned by downtown developer Joe Stanton.

"It used to be that the chamber of commerce took care of the marquee, but Joe noticed that the women who work for the chamber were always the ones having to get up on the ladder to change the message and he just didn't think that was right," said Debbie Draus, office manager at Fagans.

"We have a maintenance person who works on that theater building anyway, so it was easier for us and we volunteered to take it over and do something for events that bring the community together," Draus added.

The chamber, library, schools and parks get "first dibs" on the marquee when they have events taking place, Draus said of the free billing on the marquee.

"It's not for stores to promote a sale or anything like that, but it is for events that would bring people into town, and the stores benefit from that," Draus added. "We have a lot of requests for use of the marquee, and organizations are finding that it's booked well in advance."

Any planners who feel their event might qualify for marquee placement can check in with Fagans at (630) 208-0319.

Now that's a hike: And who says 67-year-old Dudley Burgess of Geneva only wanted to play golf when he retired?

Most of us will be watching football and wishing we hadn't eaten so much turkey and pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving, but Burgess will be taking part in an annual ritual - guiding a group of people through a hike in the Grand Canyon.

When Burgess retired from the "old AT&T" in 1996, he said a friend invited him on a hike of the Grand Canyon.

"The experience was so powerful that we agreed we would do a hike into the canyon every year until we just can't do it any longer," Burgess said. "Well, 13 years later, I am still hiking in the canyon."

Burgess said the 25-mile treks have become so popular that he has a waiting list for groups of 10 to 14 people of all ages each year who want to experience the weeklong trip to the canyon.

"They come back from the canyon with a profound appreciation for the natural beauty and splendor of one of the most beautiful places on earth," he said.

Well wishes for Paul: After 20 years as an alderman, 80-year-old Paul DesCoteaux decided to not seek re-election to his Fifth Ward seat in Geneva this past spring.

It generally was accepted that Paul had put in plenty of time for his city, and was going to enjoy more leisure time.

City officials, friends and family are now praying for Paul to have a full recovery from a stroke that landed him in Delnor Hospital.

Here's to hoping this tough fellow can get back on his feet soon.

Those who know the DesCoteaux family know it has a long history of passionate public service, dating back to the days when Paul and his wife, Terry, were staunch supporters of Congressman John Grotberg. Terry also worked as a press agent for Grotberg.

Rich on our youth: Congratulations go out to Jerry Rich, owner of Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove, who recently was honored by the local Three Fires Council of Boy Scouts of America with its annual Distinguished Citizen award.

Rich has put significant time and money into his Hook a Kid on Golf organization, allowing hundreds of children who might not otherwise be exposed to the game to have a chance to participate.

On the same day, Midwest Ground Covers of St. Charles was honored as the Distinguished Corporation for its sponsorship and work with the Scouts and other youth programs.

A Hill of gratitude: Congratulations also must go out to Sam and Carolyn Hill on their much-deserved recognition last week with Geneva's annual Wood Award as the city's top citizens.

I first met Sam Hill on the sidelines of a Geneva High School football game in the early 1980s. His son Jeff was a lineman in those days, and I soon connected with Sam on everything that was sports-related. Later, when he and his wife got involved with the park district, city or any other number of individual or group charitable causes, we crossed paths even more.

I'm currently working with Carolyn and her "Dancing with the Geneva Stars" committee to help organize the Feb. 6 event, and I'll soon be passing along more information about Sam's latest cause in dealing with the growing number of feral cats in the region.

Every city needs its Hills, and Geneva is extremely fortunate to have a couple displaying this type of ongoing passion for their hometown.

More gravy: It appears the first free meal offered at the United Methodist Church of Geneva last month was a huge success.

It was mentioned in this column that the church is offering a free community supper on the third Tuesday of each month, and publicist Beth Kucera said a total of 119 meals were served last month.

"We enjoyed rave compliments," Kucera said. "The Fox Valley likes its mashed potatoes and gravy, that's for sure, and this month, we are doubling our food and all who attend will have a good meal and warm hospitality."

Anyone interested in the free supper just needs to "show up" between 5 and 7 p.m. Tuesday at the church, 211 Hamilton St.

Dessert by any name: It doesn't matter to me if a dessert is "casual" or "elegant." I will eat them either way.

It makes a difference to someone who creates the desserts. Alain Roby of Geneva, who is the senior corporate pastry chef for Hyatt Hotels, would fall into that category.

I like this fellow because he declares chocolate as his favorite dessert. But he's got a lot more on his mind than just chocolate in his new cookbook, "American Classics: Casual and Elegant Desserts."

Dessert lovers can meet Roby and check out the book when he appears for a book signing from 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 4 and 5 at Past Basket, 200 S. Third St. in Geneva

dheun@sbcglobal.net