New footbridge complete in Geneva's Fabyan Forest Preserve

In speaking to Kane County Forest Preserve officials last summer, they had a pretty good handle on the timeline for putting up a new footbridge in the Fabyan Forest Preserve in Geneva.

And also, for removing a causeway that will change the way bike riders, runners and walkers will move through that part of the forest preserve in the future.

That new 200-foot concrete bridge on the west side of the Fox River in the preserve is now complete, replacing one that was narrow, to begin with, but also cracking in spots.

For those not familiar with the preserve, the bridge cuts across what had been a small lagoon just to the east of the Japanese Garden. The causeway and the bike trail looped around to the north of the small bridge, eventually hooking into the larger footbridge that goes across the main body of the Fox River.

Ken Anderson Jr., chief of planning and operations for the Kane County Forest Preserve, told us months ago that the new bridge would be in by late October, and it was. He also said the causeway removal work would be completed by the end of November, and it looked close to meeting that timeline when we looked at it a couple of weeks ago.

Ultimately, this is about improving river flow and stabilizing the shoreline, a project the Illinois Department of Natural Resources felt was worth the nearly $600,000 it pumped into it.

Eliminating the causeway and routing visitors across the new footbridge is safer. The causeway loop had a couple of blind spots at corners for bikers and walkers alike when bushes were in bloom, and it was quite close to the river. So there was no room for error in a couple of ways.

That healthy food

We bought our share of goodies last year at the Christmas Market that benefits the Fox Valley Food for Health program, which provides meals for those facing serious health issues.

And we're likely to do it again at the Christmas Market from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at PB Kitchen Design, 200 S. Third St., Geneva.

The event features holiday food, gifts and demonstrations. It will also mark the presales launch of the Fox Valley Food for Health Cookbook, which is full of healthy recipes and nutrition notes. Visitors can check out a sample of the $20 book and place orders if interested.

Marcie Carlson, who works with Fox Valley Food for Health and operates her Morning Walk Market business, compiled much of the book's content.

The vendors are donating 10% of their proceeds to Fox Valley Food For Health.

Proceeds from an auction for a festive Christmas display donated by Past Basket also go to Fox Valley Food for Health.

Vendors include Crumble, All You Knead, Morning Walk Market, Mary's Wholesome Living, Cosy Co. and J & J Dough.

About those Commons

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about the Geneva Commons, hoping it can stay healthy for years to come, but also pointing out it has plenty of empty storefronts.

A few responses reminded me people are interested in Randall Road and its retail sectors. That's why Daily Herald columnist Amy Williams focuses solely on Randall Road, handling it as an entity to cover, much like any city or village.

A real estate developer named John Green, who grew up in St. Charles, sent along a note describing a project he is working on in Crystal Lake. An empty Walmart store and Cub Foods store were torn down to redevelop a 25-acre parcel into apartments, a hotel, restaurant and senior housing.

His point was pretty simple: If a large retail section of a city ultimately fails, other uses are possible if the city is open to the idea that seniors, empty nesters and young professionals like "being in the middle of things."

It was a message more fitting for the Charlestowne Mall situation on the east side of St. Charles, but also that if any retail areas falter in a future leaning more toward e-commerce, it is possible to have options.

Another reader, Bill Farley, suggested the Geneva Commons could continue to do well by adding two restaurants that are doing well at the Algonquin Commons - Bonefish Grill and Biaggi's.

Other readers have suggested any business along Randall Road in the Tri-Cities area operates at a disadvantage because Randall has not been widened or improved.

They point to improvements the county transportation department has made to Randall in the South Elgin area, which potentially makes it easier for Campton Hills and residents in western St. Charles to head that way for shopping.

One reader also suggests that Peck Road is getting increasingly crowded as drivers try to bypass Randall if possible.

That makes me hear the late county board kingpin Phil Elfstrom's voice in my head: "County planners are someday going to be sorry they didn't make Peck Road wider when they had the chance."

Holiday shows galore

Those who love the holidays, with a particular fondness for local music or stage events celebrating the season, certainly have a lot to choose from every year.

The Daily Herald entertainment and Neighbor sections are full of ideas and notices about how and where to take in events that spread the holiday cheer.

It did catch my eye, however, that the Pheasant Run Mainstage Theater in St. Charles continues to be an important part of the equation.

It's been a sort of on-again-off-again scenario at Pheasant Run since the Fox Valley Repertory group left the theater a few years ago, and the Arcada's Ron Onesti tried some smaller shows there for a year or so.

But things have been back on track the past year or two at this excellent small theater, in case you haven't noticed.

Pheasant Run has five holiday-themed shows on tap, starting with "Holly the Elf Saves Xmas Eve" on Dec. 6-8. Others are "Mrs. Claus! A Holiday Musical" from Dec. 11-22, and a holiday show featuring Dennis O'Brien on Dec. 13-14.

And, in what might be the most nostalgic one, a Christmas show tribute to the legendary Johnny Mathis is set for Sunday, Dec. 15.

Most of us of a certain age were likely to have parents who had a holiday record featuring Mathis playing on the family room console stereo decades ago. It's only fitting that today's artists acknowledge him through tribute events like this.

Times and ticket information are available on the Pheasant Run Resort website at www.pheasantrun.com/entertainment/.

dheun@sbcglobal.net