Dying tree in Geneva reborn as Little Free Library

Stephen and Heather Davern certainly have a soft spot in their hearts for author Shel Silverstein's story “The Giving Tree,” and they're showing it every day at their home on the east side of Geneva.

“The Giving Tree” served as the spiritual motivation behind the Daverns determining what they would do with a huge, but dying, shagbark hickory tree in front of their house at 307 Woodward Ave.

They learned that the tree had been hit by lightning a couple of times before they moved in three years ago, and one of its large branches recently fell and almost hit their home. They knew it was time.

“We knew we were going to lose the tree and it just broke our hearts,” Heather said. “But we kept putting it off while having family discussions about what to do with it.”

After ideas about a family “totem pole” or a bench never got full support, Stephen suggested maybe it could be cut down, but its stump could become a Little Free Library.

The Little Free Library concept has caught on in many neighborhoods over the past several years, with the small boxes in front yards becoming spots where people can take or donate books in a free exchange of reading material.

After some hard work and help from others in boring out an opening in the six-foot stump, and using the bark to top the “roof” of the library house, as well as Heather completing a paint job, the Daverns' dying tree had become their version of “The Giving Tree.”

“It was tricky to get a flat door in a round space, and then I painted the door (to the area holding the books) the same color as our house door, and painted the lettering from ‘The Giving Tree' on it,” Heather said.

“It is cool, because we both love Shel Silverstein and we needed to name the tree, and we all agreed it should be called The Giving Tree. It makes it a fun, family adventure,” she added.

The Daverns sent in registration to declare their tree an official Little Free Library, and when the plaque is sent back, their location will be listed on the free library website.

“Everything lined up for it to be a fun project,” Stephen said. “There is another free library nearby, but this has been good for the neighborhood.”

As much as anything, Stephen said, it was simply hard to let the tree go, much like the theme of “The Giving Tree.”

“Anything that is alive, I would like to keep it that way,” he said.

Giving cancer a boot:

It's quite a nice gesture by Geneva High School football player Reilly Waldoch to play this coming season as a Kick-It Champion.

That basically means running back Waldoch, who also is the Vikings' kicker, is gathering donations for each field goal and extra point he boots this year.

The money goes to benefit childhood cancer research through Kick-It, associated with the Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation.

Waldoch is doing this to honor Ava Olson, a young cousin of one of Waldoch's friends, who died from a pediatric brain tumor.

Here's the best part. Waldoch is a really good kicker, so hopefully he'll reach his goal of raising $5,000.

Those wanting to donate can do so on the Kick Cancer with Reilly Waldoch page of the alexslemonade.org site.

Hate to see it go:

Earlier this year, Ari Golegos admitted his Corfu restaurant on St. Charles' east side was struggling a bit because of rough winter weather.

Some folks were speculating on social media that the place might have to close. At that time, Golegos denied the rumors and sounded surprised that they even surfaced.

Now, it seems, enough factors have fallen into place to give that notion some meaning. The last day for Corfu is Sunday, July 29, and I hate to see this place close.

I had so many breakfast and lunch business meetings, and so many dinners with my family, at Corfu.

It's just another one of those places you slot into the memory bank and move onto newer things.

Let the work begin:

For those wondering when work would begin on the new Geneva Library along Sixth and Seventh streets, Friday, July 27, would be that day.

Groundbreaking for the 227 S. Seventh St. site is scheduled for 3 p.m., marking a new era for the library district and its patrons.

The $21.8 million project has a mid-2019 target opening date, and the 57,000-square-foot building should take care of current space problems and open the library to more activities and events for residents of all ages.

The current library on James Street has plenty of character and certainly served residents well, but it doesn't take much to envision the new potential after seeing how libraries in St. Charles and Batavia have operated the past several years.

Some are saying they are sorry to see that some of the old trees on that parcel will have to come down to make way for the new building, but other landscaping will take their place.

Works of art:

We enjoy all of the art shows that unfold in the Tri-Cities area, but Geneva's ability to use all of Third Street to showcase any type of event pays off nicely for its annual Geneva Arts Fair on Saturday and Sunday, July 28 and 29.

But here's to hoping we can try something different this time — as in nice, comfortable, summer weather.

It was hotter than blazes over Memorial Day weekend at the St. Charles show this year, and it was extremely steamy during Geneva's event last year.

I'm sure the artists are used to dealing with all sorts of weather conditions, including tightening their canvas tents during strong storms.

This is being written a few days before the weekend, but the forecast is calling for some very comfortable weather this time.

dheun@sbcglobal.net