Council Quick Story: Dan Herrera Flies the Flag, Geneva Schools, Students Make a Difference

might be able to run a 4 minute, 49 second mile, but he was in for the long-distance run of his life when he set out to organize a downtown-Geneva race for his Eagle Scout project to buy new American flags.

Putting together a 5K through the downtown is not an easy task.

"It took compromise and it took maturity and a lot of logistics and attention to detail," Economic Development Director Ellen Divita said during a flag presentation Herrera made to the City Council Monday night. "It’s been a pleasure to work with you, Dan."

Herrera's goal was inspired by a run through town. When he saw a flag that had been thrown in a trash container, he picked up the flag and ran home with it so that he could retire it properly. At that moment, Dan decided to put together a fundraiser so that he could help replace American flags in Geneva that were showing signs of wear.

5K run took place in August and exceeded every expectation. Herrera was hoping to raise $1,000; the final total was more than $3,000.

With the $1,000, he purchased flags made in America and set up a fund with the remaining $2,000 so that money would be available for future flag purchases.

Herrera and his fellow Scouts presented an American flag to Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns, Geneva High School Principal Tom Rogers, Police Chief Steve Mexin and a number of other city officials, family and friends who helped the race come together, including two of the many businesses that supported the project, and .

"Throughout the past 13 months that I’ve been working on my Eagle
Project, I’ve found myself in much stress organizing this event," Herrera said to the City Council "To see the end result of all the participants and support was worth it all. The strong sense of support I received from all involved means the world to me. Words cannot express my emotions of gratitude and thanks to my faithful family, friends, neighbors and Boy Scout Troop 37."

Herrera even gave a hug to his mom and dad, Bob and Lisa, right there in front of the Channel 10 cameras.

"They were always there to calm me down … or get me more stressed out," he said.

The council also unanimously approved a resolution proclaiming Oct. 22 Make a Difference Day.

On Oct. 22, members of the non-profit group A Lasting World and students from , , and will all take part in the SANTA Project, which stands for Send A New Toy (to) Appalachia.

Each year, Wen Marcec collects toys here in Geneva and drives them to to underprivileged children in Appalachia, KY, for holiday giving.

"They do not have Christmas without our help," Marcec said.

To participate, bring new, unwrapped toys to from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday,  Oct, 22. Marcec asked that people do not donate electronic or battery-operated toys, since many of the children cannot afford batteries and live in homes without electricity.

Interested persons may contribute toys on Oct. 22, or they may contact Wen Marcec at alastingworld@sbcglobal.net to arrange for a different drop-off time.

The council also recognized owner Frank Dixon for donating the proceeds of Nosh's Swedish Days booth to the Geneva Beautifcation Committee, a group of volunteers who plant flowers throughout Geneva. The were excellent, by the way.

PROCLAMATION MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY 2011

WHEREAS all children are deserving of a happy life, no matter what their environmental or economical situation; and

WHEREAS supporting the children of Geneva, Illinois, in their efforts to reach out to other, less fortunate children, is a top priority; and

WHEREAS it is especially important that the citizens of our City be aware of the needs of all children; and

WHEREAS all the citizens of our city will assist in promoting "The S.A.N.T.A. Project" to be facilitated by Friendship Station Preschool, Fabyan Elementary School, the Geneva High School Key Club and local members of A Lasting World Inc.;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Kevin Burns, Mayor of Geneva, do hereby officially proclaim October 22, 2011, as official MAKE A DIFFRENCE DAY in the City of Geneva, Illinois, and I urge all citizens of the city to come together to participate in supporting "The S.A.N.T.A. Project" and by coming together to participate in giving faith, hope, love and commitment to the students involved in this project.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the City of Geneva, Illinois, to be affixed this 17th day of October, 2011.