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Geneva 'Out & Around'

Dantinos Among 6 Couples Dancing with Geneva Stars

The competition is fierce, but the all-star lineup of Geneva couples are getting their game faces on for competition. Fifth Alderman Ralph Dantino and his lovely wife Nancy are two of them.

 

The local-celebrity lineup of Geneva Dancin' with the Stars was formally announced Sunday at State Street Dance Studio, 9 N. Fourth St.

One of the couples is Fifth Ward Alderman Ralph Dantino and his wife, Nancy. What made them take the first two-step toward the podium?

"Mrs. Sam Hill asked me and my wife to do that, and we thought about it and thought about it, and figured it would be something to do," the alderman said Monday night. "We're kind of excited—but also nervous."

There are six couples competing in the fundraiser, which takes place Feb. 5 at Eagle Brook Country Club. Proceeds from the event go to the Geneva Cultural Arts Commission and Geneva Academic Foundation.

On Sunday, dance teams were assigned instructors and dance routines, and had measurements taken for costumes. 

The event was sold out well in advance its first two years and was a great success for both the GAF and the Arts Commission. Are the Dantinos "shoe-ins" for victory in 2011?

"We're not dancers, no," Dantino said. "We certainly need the eight lessons that they're providing us.

"But we'll definitely have fun," he added. "I hope to see you there ... and vote for Ralph and Nancy!"

Here is the lineup of dancers for this year: 

ANNE & MATT CESARONE

Matt is an account manager for Allegient Systems. Anne is a project manager for Advanced Telecommunications. Anne is the current president of Geneva Academic Foundation. Anne and Matt are Geneva High School graduates from the class of 1986.

JANE & PETER CLADIS

Peter is a physician with Fox Valley Family Physicians and Jane is a financial analyst. Peter is involved in various church committees, Delnor Hospital Governance for Medical Staff, Illinois State Medical Society, Kane County Medical Society and a volunteer for Tri Cities Health Partnership. Jane is a current member of the Geneva Park District Foundation Board and involved with the Delnor Hospital Auxiliary and Living Well.

JEANNE & DONALD CUMMINGS

Don is the owner of Blue Haven Capital (an investment management firm).  Jeanne is an American Airlines International flight attendant. Don is a member of Rotary Club of Geneva and a current member of the Geneva Library Board.  He is a past board member of the Geneva Park District Foundation and past board member of Day One Network Founder.

NANCY & RALPH DANTINO

Ralph is a partner of a manufacturing rep agency and Nancy is a daycare provider. Ralph is currently city of Geneva Fifth Ward alderman and a member of the Geneva Mental Health Board. He is a past School Board member. Nancy was involved with GAF & PTO.  They previously ran the St. Peter Church Barn Sale.

THERESE AND STEVE DAVISON

Steve and Therese are the owners of three 7-11 Stores. Therese is also a kindergarten aid at Williamsburg Elementary School. They are active members of Franchise Board of 7-11.

Steve and Therese are active in the Geneva Sports Boosters, and Steve is a baseball coach. They love their involvement with their five children and the community and The First Baptist Church of Geneva.  They were high school sweethearts who were prom king and queen.

AMANDA & ADAM LAW

Adam is the principal of Heartland Elementary School in Geneva. Amanda is a nurse practitioner. During college, they attended semesters abroad in Latin America and learned to salsa and meringue. They look forward to having some "couple time" once a week while they prepare for Dancing with Geneva Stars in February. 

About this column: This column is a small tribute to Allen Mead, who for decades wrote a weekly article in The Geneva Republican called Out & Around. It's tidbits—notes and gossip and conversations—the stuff I see, hear or notice as I'm "out and around" Geneva. Related Topics: #Edchoice

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