Since my son was asking, we decided to explore the options, and as you can see here, we found something even better than what we hoped at Geneva's St. Mark's Church.  At the start of service, all gathered outside the as a fire was kindled, from which individual candles were lit from the Paschal Candle. Senior Pastor Mark Tusken spoke about the ashes created here that will be used as sign across our foreheads next year on Ash Wednesday. Pastor Tusken shared the great story of these significant moments leading up to the hour He Has Risen as all were invited to make a procession inside the …

The Geneva Fire Department responded to a call at approximately 2:45 p.m. today at The Gratto on Third Street in Geneva.  What they found was a false alarm, we are glad to report.  Hands-on owner Danielle Sisto happened to be there sprucing up the place and told Geneva Patch the cooks were cleaning the kitchen top to bottom and simply bumped the alarm.  Well, at least we know the food prep area will be spick-and-span!  My apologies to the Geneva Fire Department staff shown in pictures here that just might owe the shift Dairy Queen as a result! 

Lou Pasquale thought so—according to the calendar, this is a great biking weather! We were at the Geneva Public Library when Lou was riding up to park his bike and check out some books for his daughter on his return trip from Geneva Park District's Sunset Fitness Center. Lou was inspired to get his bike out, despite the flurries and cold, bitter air. He said gas prices were also a big motivating factor. I asked him if he knew our fearless editor, and he wasn't sure but will certainly be on the look out for him in the neighborhood after he checks out Patch, which he heard about for the first …

What does it mean to serve in Washington, D.C., as a Senate page when you are a junior in high school?  We didn't have to go far to find out, since we happen to have one living right here in Geneva. Maureen Levy, a junior at Geneva High School, has developed a passion for American policy and is intrigued by our political system, from local politics to the national and international levels. After being an active participant in the mock city council and shadowing city workers in Geneva, she's excited to be able to see firsthand all the action in Washington as she serves alongside 29 other pages…

.. and the winners are (drumroll please)... Jane and Peter Cladis! This dynamic duo performed the Waltz (see video), having no professional training—except for lessons at the Fred Astaire Studio in Chicago prior to their wedding 30 years ago. As you read on, however, you will learn what makes this evening special with friends and family as they celebrate not only a win here, but in the dance of life, as well. Peggy Lefever attended the event for the first time, after living across the street (literally) for several years. Her daughter is a teacher and accepted the invitation to support the …

Every quarter, Mayor Kevin Burns tries to schedule a "Meet the Mayor" event where he invites the public to spend some informal time with him.  Upon arrival at City Hall on a sunny Sunday (Jan. 30) afternoon, it wasn't long before Geneva resident Troy Gower strolled over to the salt bucket and started scooping salt to sprinkle on a slick part of the sidewalk. He and son Derek came here today to shake the mayor's hand and thank him for repairing Anderson Boulevard, the street they they live along.  A hospitable Mayor Burns welcomed his guests and offered cookies and water. I am pretty sure he …

The countdown is on! The much-anticipated Dancing with the Stars competition to raise funds for the Geneva Academic Foundation and the Geneva Cultural Arts Commission takes place at 7 p.m. Saturday Feb. 5. This event is the talk of the town with exactly one day left before the big event—but it's not too late to vote! You can still cast your votes, for $1 each, by clicking here, until 3 p.m. Friday when online voting will close. The night of the event, votes will still be collected up until the wrap-up around 9 p.m. If you have a favorite, you are welcome to even come by in person to the Eagle…

As the room lit up by candlelight and the bright minds of those being honored, the ceremony was moving—mostly by the words spoken here, as a testament to the individual character of each honors student. Geneva High School Principal Tom Rogers spoke to parents, friends and students at the ceremony that began at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the high school. Rogers referred to an address given by Clayton M. Christensen, a professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School, who addressed the graduating class of 2010. For Christensen, it was a tough assignment. What do you say to a class that'…

It was a lovely both inside and out for the first of "1st Friday" event on Jan. 7t in the Dené Gallery, 207 South Third St., between Chianti's and Gratto. With the help of Ross Contemporary to present "Winter on the Fox Exhibit," Dene Gallery featured works from former Geneva resident Danny Dunn, Franko Demonte, Kimberly Goff and M. Dreeland.  Dené Gallery also features metal sculptures, furs and woods. Most unique is the work of gallery owner Michelle Dene Reagan, not only because she is hailed as one of the world's top designers in gemstones and precious metals, but because she has a strict…

Now, Craig Shodeen, the winning bidder, will be able to remember "Santa from the Heart" for a long time to come. Geneva Patch posted a story back in early December, when bidding opened for the framed 3-by-4-foot acrylic-on-canvas painting that was on display at Morrison Galleries. This fundraising effort was not quite as laborious as others for the Paul Ruby Foundation, like the ever-popular annual "Concert for a Cure" each August. The Paul Ruby Foundation's mission it is to increase awareness and raise money for Parkinson's research. To learn more, you can read the story posted on Geneva …

Geneva High School dance team competed in the Batavia Dance Classic over the weekend and will be traveling to Peoria on March 1 to compete in the state competition in the category of Lyrical AA.   Congratulations! 

The Geneva Park District started to take steps to offer families a fun option for kids to have safe, summer fun.  The summer camp program hiring is under way, and begin with a job fair Friday at the Stephen Persinger Recreation Center.  Stacey Fedyski, recreation supervisor, said the Park District has 60 to 70 summer positions to fill and quite a few return from the previous year. Mickey Boyle, the recreation coordinator said there is always a need for lifeguards and other help for the aquatics center. "We need to hire about 30 people just for the pool," Boyle said. That's a nice thought when…

State Street Dance Studio director and founder Linda Cunningham says holiday entertainment in the suburbs is growing in popularity. "We have been putting on the Nutcracker for four years, and each year it gets better," she said. I don't know how it could get any better than what I saw. I know many people see the Nutcraker performance as a holiday tradition every year; something I think I might start with my daughter, as well.  You don't have to go into the big city to see a wonderful version of the holiday classic Nutcracker Ballet. We enjoyed it right here at the Norris Center in St. Charles…

I'm sure no one will disagree, this has been a "different" kind of year. New Year's resolutions are different this year, too, as many of us have gone from resolving to "find world peace" to "finding personal peace" in the midst of the economic chaos, or instead of "landing a better job" to simply "find a job." I know for me, being unemployed for the first time EVER and with health insurance benefits running out, the ride has been particularly bumpy. And from what I've been hearing from the talking heads on TV, we need to hang on tight in 2011, too! My personal circumstances allow me to look …

When Polly Ludena joined the Geneva Underground Playhouse board as vice president a year ago, she had every intention of focusing on a children's theater education program for kids from kindergarten to age 18. She also knew she wanted quality instructors who are skilled in their field and experienced. Now, a year later, all the elements have come together and a new endeavor is born: Geneva Underground Playhouse Performing Youth, otherwise affectionately known as GUPPY. I have to interject right here because like so many, you may be asking yourself "Geneva has a theater? Underground? Where…

The Geneva History Center is a Geneva gem, but now it also hosts another Geneva gem—our very own Steve Persinger, who has taken over as executive director. "Only during the interim, until they find someone who is much better equipped to permenantly fill the position," he said. "This just keeps me busy and out of trouble." Persinger is, of course, the former Geneva Park District executive director. Remember the song with the line, "Don't know much about history"? That song came to mind as I heard Steve talk about his previous involvement with the History Center. "I was a member of the Geneva …

"Christmas just isn't Christmas without the children's program," said First Baptist Church Children's Ministry Leader Chris Sarros. "The tradition has been going on for at least since I've been on staff here, for the past 17 years." Sarros speaks fondly as she remembers a time, as a child, she was in the Christmas program herself at this very church. Though this program looks a bit different than one put on years ago, with an added twist to the adaption of the original. This year, the program was titled "The Plane Truth About Christmas" and is based on a group that gets stranded in an …

I was "Out & Around" this past weekend, and judging by the temperament of drivers and full parking lots in front of retailers up and down Randall, I'm guessing the main focus for most folks is getting that last perfect gift. I was in search of something more, so I decided to add a little "coffee talk" theme to this week's Inside Geneva. I asked my fellow caffeine guzzlers at Starbucks a couple somewhat-serious questions: What do you think Christmas is all about? And, what are some of your favorite holiday traditions?   Ollie Martins of Geneva started us off with exciting news. "For Christmas…

The gift Geneva financial advisor Scott Lebin is giving his clients this year is a book,  1: How Many People Does It Take to Make a Difference?, by Dan Sandra and Yobi Yarmada. The the president of Lebin Financial Planning and the Geneva Chamber of Commerce board chairman believes in the book's message and practices what it preaches. "Many people don't like the way the world is and think they can't change it, but it's our obligation to (change the world)—just one step at a time," he said. And while "1" is a wonderful holiday gift, it's not The Ultimate Gift—that distinction might go the …

I had a meeting with my editor today at Graham's 318, and while the scenery on the enclosed front porch was most delightful with an ice sculpture in plain view, I decided to opt for the cozy spot near the fire when the meeting was over. It was an almost perfect holiday scene. Other patrons were gathered by the fire—reading, visiting, working on laptops. Two ladies in particular caught my eye. They were crocheting Christmas presents with the warmth of red-and-orange flames dancing in the backdrop.  To my surprise, I learned that one of the crocheters, Chris Berry, a lifelong Geneva resident (…